Top 15 Cruise Deals for 2026: Expert Picks for Wave Season Savings
Passengers seeking a maritime adventure can still secure exceptional bargains as the cruise industry navigates the final weeks of the annual wave season. This traditional sale period, typically running from January through March, often yields substantial discounts, though savvy travellers can find compelling offers throughout the year.
The market is brimming with choice, thanks to several new vessels now gracing the waves. Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas and Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady launched in August 2025, while Princess Cruises’ Star Princess debuted last October and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel set sail in November 2025. Enthusiasts can even book inaugural voyages on upcoming ships like Legend of the Seas, Norwegian Luna, and MSC World Asia.
It is crucial to monitor your preferred cruise line’s website regularly, as promotions can fluctuate rapidly during this peak sales window. Always compare options to guarantee value, scrutinising total costs inclusive of flights and gratuities.
Here is a curated selection of the finest cruise deals available for wave season and beyond, ideal for securing a premium cabin in 2026 or planning ahead as far as 2028.
Ambassador Cruise Line
Guests can enjoy up to 20 per cent savings on balcony cabins and suites. This "Treat Yourself" promotion applies to all bookings made between 17 February and 1 April 2026, covering no-fly cruises aboard the Ambience and Ambition ships departing from London Tilbury.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises has launched its most significant sale ever, offering up to 60 per cent off for a second guest, plus up to £500 in additional savings or $600 (£450) in onboard credit. These deals apply to sailings until 30 April 2028. Highlights include an 11-night "Best of Greece" voyage on Celebrity Infinity from £529 per person, departing 9 March 2026.
Celestyal
Celestyal provides up to 50 per cent off select Greek, Mediterranean, and Arabian Gulf itineraries, with third and fourth guests sailing free in shared cabins. Passengers also receive a €200 (£175) onboard credit via CelestyalPay. Its seven-night "Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia" cruise starts at £719 per person.
Havila Voyages
Save up to £500 per cabin on all Norwegian routes for 2026 and 2027 when booking between 5 January and 15 March 2026. The 11-day Round Voyage (Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen) now starts from £931 per person for December 2026 departures in an inside cabin.
Holland America Line
Benefits include cabin upgrades, reduced kids’ fares, and up to $500 (£375) onboard credit based on cruise duration. Bookings can be secured with a £99 deposit until 19 March. A seven-day "Alaska Inside Passage" sailing departs 9 May 2026 from £1,119 per person.
HX Expeditions
HX Expeditions offers up to 30 per cent off all-inclusive voyages plus £200 onboard credit for new passengers on select departures from 23 December 2025 to 31 March 2028. An Alaska Inside Passage cruise in May 2026 is reduced from £4,266 to £3,413. 2026 voyages will feature a 130th-anniversary celebration with exclusive perks.
Marella Cruises
Passengers can save up to £300 per booking on selected sailings departing between 1 April 2026 and 30 April 2027. A repositioning cruise from Gran Canaria to the Caribbean on 26 April 2027 starts from £1,978 per person.
MSC Cruises
Drinks packages are slashed from £250 to £196, with deposits from £100 and flights from £99 on select summer 2026 fly-cruise packages. Valid for bookings until 7 April 2026, covering destinations like the UK, Mediterranean, and Caribbean.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Fares are cut by 50 per cent on select sailings, including on the new Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. Upgrade to the "More at Sea" package for wifi, drinks, and dining from £249 per person, with up to $500 (£375) onboard credit.
Oceania
This luxury brand offers up to 30 per cent off over 140 sailings across 2026 and 2027. A 12-day "Adriatics to the Balearics" voyage on Oceania Allura departs 13 June 2026 from £4,469 per person. Book by 4 March 2026.
P&O Cruises
For the first time, all-inclusive packages covering drinks, wifi, and dining credit will be available from March 2026 on sailings of five nights or more. Options include a Classic Package at £49 per person per day and a Deluxe Package at £59. Additional perks include up to £400 onboard spending money.
Princess Cruises
Secure a voyage with a £99 deposit and save up to £800 per stateroom. The Value is Princess (VIP) Sale features over 1,800 itineraries worldwide, including on the new Star Princess. Savings scale with cruise length, up to £200 per person for 17+ night sailings.
Royal Caribbean
Regular flash sales offer up to £675 off, with third and fourth guests sailing from £99 each in shared cabins on select routes. Sign up for newsletters to stay informed.
Virgin Voyages
Enjoy 80 per cent off a second sailor plus a bar tab worth up to $300 (£223), depending on voyage length. A 12-night "Total Eclipse of the Med" sailing on Scarlet Lady departs 10 August from £2,574 per person.
Windstar
This luxury small-ship line offers up to a third off fares plus a complimentary all-inclusive upgrade covering selected beverages, wifi, and tips. Onboard credit ranges from $500 (£370) to $1,000 (£740). Valid until 31 March 2026 on select voyages up to 31 March 2027. A seven-day "Treasures of the Greek Isles" cruise departs 2 May 2026 from £4,307 per person.
