'Tis the (Wave) Season: 2024 Cruise Specials to Book Now

Image courtesy of Andrew Peacock for Lindblad Expeditions

We’re all for Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals, but here’s a travel industry secret: the best travel deals for cruises are released during Wave Season, which generally runs from January to March each year. Now is when we’re all dreaming of tropical getaways in sunny locales — where we can escape the cold and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. 

Below, we’ve rounded up some special offers from a few of our favorite cruise partners. And now is the time to book; many of these offers have a deadline (you’ll thank us later). This list is just a taste, and there are many additional exclusive promos to take advantage of. If you don't see anything that piques your interest here, our Fora Advisors can still help. They'll customize the planning process to fit your unique interests and vibe.

Ready to set sail? Connect with Fora to plan and book your seabound vacation today. We'll matchmake you to the right cruise line, ship and itinerary, whether you're a seasoned cruiser or cruise-curious.

Virgin Voyages: 65% off second sailors & $100+ drink credit

Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is known to convert even the most cruise-averse among us. And this Wave Season, the adults-only, yacht-inspired cruise line is throwing in a few extra goodies to make saying “yes” to a cruise all the easier. Book by February 29th to lock in 65% off for your travel companion, plus hundreds of dollars of free drinks, ranging from $100 to $500 depending on the length of your voyage.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: VIP complimentary amenities

Image courtesy of Jack Hardy for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

2024 is the year of yachting, and we have our eyes on The Ritz-Carlton’s fleet. For travel now through the end of 2025, when you book a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection voyage through Fora, you’ll receive an exclusive cooking class and chef’s tasting. Plus, on certain sailings, you’ll be able to choose from select benefits like a complimentary shore excursion, onboard credit and more.

AmaWaterways: exclusive savings, upgrades & onboard credit

Image courtesy of AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways has redefined what cruising can be. Their intimate river ships hold on average less than 200 people, and the family-owned brand operates with a focus on active travel (as evidenced by their onboard wellness program and heart-pumping shore excursions). Book a July or August cruise of seven or more nights by March 31st, and you’ll receive thousands of dollars in savings, a complimentary upgrade and onboard credit ranging from $50 to $100.

Lindblad Expeditions: save 20% on solo bookings

Image courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

We love the carbon-neutral Lindblad Expeditions for their sustainability, intimacy and dedication to protecting and respecting the areas to which they travel (they employ locals, for instance, and source all of the onboard food locally). The cruise line has also partnered with National Geographic to really lean into the “expedition” aspect of the company, with scientific exploration a common theme. Book a solo cabin by March 13th to snag a 20%-off rate on select departures. Even better, you’ll save an additional 10% when you pay in full at the time of booking.

PONANT: no supplemental charges for singles

Image courtesy of Nicolas Matheus for PONANT and Abercrombie & Kent

PONANT’s luxe fleet consists of yachts, icebreakers, expedition ships and explorer ships, all of which are far smaller than your traditional cruise ships, and all of which have a sophisticated French flair. On over 100 sailings (Antarctica, Australia, Japan, Madagascar…) from now through December 24th, solo travelers won’t have to pay any single occupancy upcharges.

HX: up to $4,000 off for select Norwegian cruises

Image courtesy of HX

Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX), and their Norwegian line, Hurtigruten, take sustainability and environmental consciousness very seriously (they invest in numerous Green Tech initiatives, have zero single-use plastics onboard and live the leave-no-trace philosophy). Book a Hurtigruten Norwegian expedition by March 31st to get up to thousands of dollars in savings. (Pro tip: their cruises are an excellent way to catch the Aurora Borealis, if lucky.)

Abercrombie & Kent: $1,500 air credit per person

Image courtesy of PONANT and Abercrombie & Kent

The luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent is an expert in curating end-to-end five-star experiences. And now they’ve added cruises to their vast portfolio of offerings. For select A&K luxury expedition cruises — Cruising the Greek Isles, North Pole Expedition Cruise: The Ultimate Frontier and Arctic Cruise Adventure: In Search of the Polar Bear — before October 21st, cruisers will receive $1,500 in air credit per person (!), making the voyage a no-brainer.

Ready to set sail? Connect with Fora to plan and book your seabound vacation today.