How to Actually Compare Wave Season Deals
Seeing Wave Season deals everywhere but don't know how to compare them?
Let me teach you how to ACTUALLY evaluate cruise deals:
THE COMPARISON FRAMEWORK:
Don't just look at the price! Here's what REALLY matters:
BASE FARE (Starting point)
What you see advertised:
"$499 per person!"
"40% off!"
"Starting at $699!"
What to check:
Is this per person or total?
Is this inside cabin only?
What dates have this price?
What's the actual cruise length?
Calculate: Price per night $1,000 for 7 nights = $143/night;
$800 for 5 nights = $160/night
The 7-night is actually better value!
INCLUDED PERKS (The real value)
Wave Season isn't just about base price - it's about STACKED PERKS!
Common perks & their value:
Drink Package:
Value: $60-80/person/day
7-day cruise = $420-560/person value
For 2 people = $840-1,120 saved!
Specialty Dining:
Value: $30-50/person/meal
2-3 included meals = $180-300 saved
For 2 people = $360-600 saved!
Onboard Credit (OBC):
Typical: $50-300 per cabin
Use for: Excursions, spa, drinks, specialty dining
Spend it or lose it (doesn't carry over)
WiFi Package:
Value: $15-30/person/day
7-day cruise = $105-210/person
For 2 people = $210-420 saved!
Airfare Credit:
Value: $100-200/person
Basically free flights (or reduced)
For 2 people = $200-400 saved!
Cabin Upgrades:
Inside → Oceanview = $200-400 value
Oceanview → Balcony = $400-800 value
Free upgrades = HUGE value!
Add it ALL up!
Example Wave Season offer:
Base fare: $899/person ($1,798 for 2)
Free drink package: $1,000 value
$200 onboard credit
Free WiFi: $300 value
TOTAL VALUE: $1,798 + $1,500 in perks!
vs. Same cruise in July:
Base fare: $1,100/person ($2,200 for 2)
No perks
TOTAL: $2,200 with nothing extra
Wave Season = $402 cheaper + $1,500 in perks! Real savings: $1,902! 🤯
THE FINE PRINT (Critical!)
READ THESE:
Deposit:
Standard: $100-250/person
Reduced deposit: $50/person
Fully refundable? Non-refundable?
When is final payment due?
Cancellation policy:
What's the penalty?
When does it kick in?
Travel insurance available?
Can you move the booking?
Perk restrictions:
Must both take drink package?
Specialty dining - which restaurants?
OBC - what can you spend it on?
WiFi - how many devices?
Eligibility:
New bookings only?
Certain cabin categories only?
Blackout dates?
Can be combined with other offers?
Expiration:
When must you book by?
What sailings are included?
Are 2026 cruises included?
COMPARING ACROSS CRUISE LINES:
Don't just compare price - compare EXPERIENCE:
Carnival:
Younger crowd, party vibe
Budget-friendly
Good for families
Casual atmosphere
Lots of activities
Royal Caribbean:
Mid-range pricing
Amazing ships with activities
Great for families
Modern, active vibe
Best kids programs
Norwegian:
Freestyle cruising (flexible dining)
No formal nights
More independence
Good for active adults
More upcharges
Princess:
Slightly older crowd
More relaxed pace
Better food quality
Refined atmosphere
Great itineraries
Celebrity:
Premium experience
Modern luxury
Better food/service
Adult-focused
Higher price point
Don't book based on price alone!
$800 on Carnival ≠ $800 on Celebrity (Different experiences entirely!)
HIDDEN COSTS TO ADD:
Don't forget to budget for:
Mandatory:
Gratuities: $15-20/person/day ($210-280 for 2 on 7-day)
Port fees/taxes: $100-300/person
Specialty dining (if not included): $30-50/meal
Drinks (if no package): $10-15/drink
Optional but common:
Excursions: $50-200/person/port
Spa: $100-300
Photos: $20-30/photo or $200-400 package
Casino (if you gamble)
Shopping
Before/after cruise:
Hotel night before: $100-200
Airport parking or transport: $50-150
Flights (if not included): $200-600/person
REAL COST of a "cheap" cruise:
Base fare: $499/person
Port fees: $150
Gratuities: $105
Drinks (no package): $150
3 excursions: $300
Photos: $200
Hotel night: $150 = $1,554/person actual spend
vs. Wave Season with perks: Base fare: $699/person
Port fees: $150
Gratuities: $105
Drinks (INCLUDED): $0
OBC for excursions: $0
Specialty dining (INCLUDED): $0 = $954/person actual spend
The "expensive" Wave Season deal is actually $600 CHEAPER! 💰
How do YOU compare cruise deals? What's your system? Share your tips! 👇
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