With summer just a few months away, it’s time to start thinking about your travels for 2025.
This is especially true since the cruise vacation is firmly in its high-demand era. Travelers might find it challenging to secure a deal — and, in some cases, even a sailing. While researching this story, I came across quite a few sold-out cabins across lines in 2025.
Many cruise lines have extended their wave season cruise deals into the second quarter of the year for passengers looking to get a jump on their vacation planning.
Wave season is the industry name for the first quarter of each new year when cold winter weather in many parts of the U.S. has potential cruisers dreaming of warmer climates. Cruise lines have taken note, luring travelers with discounted fares and inclusions like free Wi-Fi and drinks.
Although we’ve been seeing wave season extending well past March for the last few years, you don’t want to take a chance and miss out on some great cruise deals.
Here’s a roundup of cruise lines’ latest offers. We’ll update this list as more lines release wave season promotions, so make sure to bookmark this page and check back often.
AmaWaterways
Take advantage of deep discounts on river cruises in 2025 and 2026 with this wave season offer from AmaWaterways. Enjoy an extended cruise with complimentary two-, three- or four-night precruise and postcruise land packages available on select European itineraries. If you cannot extend your cruise, AmaWaterways is offering up to $2,000 off per cabin instead. This offer is valid on select sailings in 2025 and 2026; book by March 31.
Aurora Expeditions
Through March 31, travelers can save on an ultimate adventure to Antarctica or the Arctic with Aurora Expeditions’ wave season offers. Save up to 20% on select 2025 and 2026 expeditions to Antarctica, plus receive an airfare credit of $2,000 per person. Enjoy up to 20% off an Arctic expedition in 2025, plus receive a free cabin upgrade on select Arctic voyages.
Solo travelers aren’t left out in the cold. The line is waiving single supplements on select 2025 and 2026 Antarctica expeditions and on select Arctic expeditions in 2025.
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Celebrity Cruises
The Magic Carpet on a Celebrity Cruises ship. CELEBRITY CRUISES
Fans of Celebrity Cruises will rake in savings of 75% on cruise fares for a second passenger during the line’s Semi-Annual Sale. Just pay the first full fare and enjoy the discount on a second one. You can also receive up to $500 in additional savings on your cruise. The offer is good through April 7 and is valid on sailings through May 10, 2027.
Celestyal Cruises
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, two-ship Greek cruise operator Celestyal is offering two-for-one fares on select sailings departing between April 2025 and March 2027. You can combine the line’s current Kids Go Free of Fare offer on select seven-night sailings (applies to passengers ages 2 to 11 in a quad occupancy cabin). Cruisers can also snag a free shore excursion with the purchase of two (excursions must be booked and prepaid before the promotion ends). Take advantage of these offers by May 31.
Costa Cruises
Through April 23, travelers can snag reduced fares on a Costa Cruises sailing. The line is celebrating its 77th anniversary with a Birthday Sale promotion. This offer applies to select Mediterranean sailings departing from June through November 2025.
Cunard
This year, fans of the luxury cruise line Cunard can receive free spending money with the line’s “Treat yourself, on us” promotion.
Book now through March 26 and get up to $800 of onboard credit (per cabin) on select sailings of up to 20 nights. (Book the line’s longest cruises and get even more credit to spend on the ship.) Book a premium Grills Suite, and you’ll receive a free drinks package and prepaid service charges. This offer applies to select voyages between June 2025 and March 2027 on all ships in Cunard’s fleet.
Emerald Cruises
Take advantage of two-for-one fares on select 2025 luxury river sailings with Emerald Cruises’ Spring into Savings promotion, which runs through March 31. Free airfare is also on the table for passengers who pay in full within 30 days of booking or 90 days prior to departure (whichever is sooner). You can also save up to $1,250 per suite on select river cruises.
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is offering up to $4,000 off select all-inclusive sailings through 2027 with its See the World promotion. The offer applies to itineraries featuring destinations such as Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Greenland and the Arctic. This offer expires March 31.
Margaritaville at Sea
Whether you’re a Jimmy Buffett fan or you just want a short, inexpensive getaway, Margaritaville at Sea provides a cheap and cheerful cruise experience from the Port of Palm Beach on Paradise or from Tampa on Islander.
The Sip and Surf Flash Sale applies to sailings on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander through December 31, 2027, and Margaritaville at Sea Paradise through December 31, 2026. You must book by March 17 to take advantage of the offer. However, “kids sail free” and 50% off all cruise fare deals are available through March 31.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
With National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ Built for Awe promotion, cruisers can save up to 20% on a 2025 sailing. The offer is valid on select voyages and expires April 15.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Families can save on a bucket-list sailing in the South Pacific with Paul Gauguin Cruises. The line is offering kids ages 15 and under to cruise and fly for free with its Kids Sail and Fly Free promotion. The offer applies to select 2025 summer and holiday sailings. Book by April 25, and use the code “PGFAMILY” at the time of booking.
Princess Cruises
Want to save up to 50% on your next Princess Cruises sailing? Jump on the line’s Sail and Save promotion, which is available through April 1. In addition to the savings, you can score cabin upgrades and up to $500 onboard credit.
Families take note: This deal also includes free fares for third and fourth passengers (in the same cabin as first and second passengers). This deal applies to select voyages from July through December 2025.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
STEPHEN BEAUDET/REGENT SEVEN SEAS
Through April 30, Regent is offering suite upgrades or onboard credit with its Enhance Your Escape promotion. Passengers can enjoy a two-category suite upgrade or receive up to $2,000 (per suite) credit. The offer is available to residents of the U.S. and Canada, and applies to select voyages to Alaska, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic’s Spring into Savings sales promo includes two-for-one fares on select 2025 river voyages. You can also save up to $1,750 per suite and receive free airfare when you pay in full based on suite category and destination. Solo travelers can also enjoy a waived single supplement fee on select itineraries (when you pay in full). This offer ends March 31.
Seabourn
Luxury line Seabourn’s A Sail Beyond Event includes complimentary two-category suite upgrades and up to $2,000 in onboard credit per suite when you book by April 30. The sale applies to select ocean voyages and expeditions.
Sea Cloud
Small sailing ship line Sea Cloud is offering savings of up to 65% on select sailings with its Catch the Early Wave promotion. The offer applies to all ships and itineraries departing from April to December 2025. Book by March 31.
Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises, known for its high-end luxury offerings, is discounting select all-inclusive “door-to-door” and “port-to-port” prepaid, nonrefundable sailings by 15% for passengers who book by March 31. Additionally, guests can take advantage of savings of up to $4,500 per suite, plus a $1,000 shipboard credit.
The line’s door-to-door and port-to-port fares include extras, such as butler service, free shore excursions and other perks.
Star Clippers
Star Clippers’ Royal Clipper sailing ship. STAR CLIPPERS
Sailing ship line Star Clippers is offering up to $250 in airfare credit (per person) and up to $250 in beverage credits (per cabin) when you book a sailing on any of the line’s three sailing vessels by March 31. The wave season promotion applies to select cabin categories and is only valid for residents of North America, Central America and South America.
Windstar
Known for its high-end sailings in French Polynesia, Windstar Cruises is giving cruisers a choice of either one free hotel night (precruise or postcruise) or up to $1,000 in onboard credit during its Pick Your Perk promotion. You can apply the onboard credit to shore excursions, spa services or alcoholic beverage packages.
Planning to splurge on a premium suite? You have a third option — a free all-inclusive fare upgrade (valued at $99 per day) that covers unlimited select alcohol, Wi-Fi and all gratuities. Book by March 31 to take advantage of this offer.
Shore Excursions Group
Wave season deals aren’t limited to cruise lines, as is the case with Shore Excursions Group, which specializes in smaller group shore excursions. Through March 31, travelers will get up to a 10% discount (on top of the up to 40% off the company already offers cruisers) on select shore excursions.
The special applies to single excursion bookings, as well as multiport packages (a bundle of excursions at two or more ports). Excursions are available at a variety of destinations throughout Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and Australia, among others. Tours included in the deal are marked with a red ribbon that reads “special.”
Offers include cruise fare discounts, prepaid gratuities and onboard credit. Travelers can also earn 10 CruisesOnly Rewards points per dollar spent on their cruise booking. You can redeem the points for onboard credit, spa treatments, shore excursions and other perks.
Additionally, CruiseOnly promotions are combinable with current cruise line promotions.
Social media has a way of airbrushing reality, especially when it comes to travel.
Many people plan their entire vacations based on viral TikToks and Instagram photo ops, often without realizing what those places are actually like behind the lens.
I’ve been lucky enough to explore over 20 countries, and have been everywhere from the Arctic Circle and the European countryside to the Caribbean.
I love snapping photos and curating videos of my adventures along the way, but I’ll also admit that social media can make every trip look like a dreamy highlight reel with perfect sunsets, pristine hotel rooms, or bucket-list adventures.
Although I’ll always be grateful for the chance to see the world, the truth is, not every moment is as glamorous as it looks online.
Visiting Hollywood Boulevard isn’t as glitzy as it seems.
As a kid, I always glamorized the idea of visiting Hollywood.
Chloe Caldwell
As someone who grew up in the Los Angeles area, I’m incredibly familiar with every tourist hot spot in the city. As a product of the suburbs, I glamorized the idea of visiting Hollywood and immersing myself among those famous sidewalk stars.
The truth, though, is that Hollywood Boulevard is packed with crowds, speckled with trash, and has lots of overpriced attractions and gift shops.
If you want a good view of the Hollywood sign, I recommend going to Griffith Park Observatory instead. There, you’ll get an up-close look at the landmark and sweeping views of LA.
Taking a gondola ride in Venice can be expensive.
Taking a gondola ride in Venice is an incredible — but pricey — experience.
Chloe Caldwell
Venice has become one of my favorite cities for its dreamy waterways, cobblestone alleys, and vibrant atmosphere.
I’ve visited over the past two years and have plans to return this summer. Although a gondola ride might seem like a Venice rite of passage, I have a hard time justifying a nearly $100 price tag for a 30-minute ride.
It may be worth the splurge if a ride is a must on your itinerary. However, it’s also worth looking into the public gondola transfers (aka the traghetto) across the larger waterways that only cost 2 euros (about $2.35).
You’ll be with a group of people for a short, 3-minute ride, but you can still get a quick snapshot of yourself on the gondola.
Mānoa Falls in Honolulu can get crowded.
Mānoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall near Honolulu.
Chloe Caldwell
The Mānoa Falls Trail is a lush, 1.6-mile round-trip hike near Honolulu that leads to a 150-foot-tall waterfall. It’s a gorgeous trail that I think is worth doing during your visit to Oahu.
However, in my experience, it’s not as serene as it seems online, and there will likely be crowds gathered at the waterfall’s base and the viewpoints throughout.
You’ll likely have difficulty getting photos without people in the background, especially if they’re swimming in the fall’s natural pool. I only got a decent picture of myself in front of the waterfall because it started raining and everyone else left.
I’d recommend going early in the morning to beat some of the rush, or going on a gloomy day when there might be fewer people on the trail. Also, keep an eye out for outlets along the way to find small and secluded streams.
The northern lights are much more vibrant in photos.
Photos of the northern lights often appear more vivid than the in-person display.
Chloe Caldwell
Don’t get me wrong: seeing the northern lights in Iceland was one of the best travel experiences of my life.
However, the photos you see online often make them look like a much more saturated version of what they actually look like to the naked eye. More often, the lights are a faint haze of subtle hues.
Although photos typically appear more vivid and colorful than the in-person display, watching the colors dance in the sky is awe-inspiring nonetheless.
Travel is booming in Mexico. According to the nation’s Ministry of Tourism, 39.4 million international visitors arrived in Mexico between January and May, a 14.2% jump from the same period last year.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is aiming for even greater growth, with a goal of making Mexico the world’s fifth most-visited country by 2030 — as part of a wide-ranging plan, dubbed Mexico 2030, that focuses on economic development in various sectors.
Leading the government’s charge in the tourism sector is Josefina Rodriguez Zamora, who was appointed Mexico’s secretary of tourism in October 2024 after serving as secretary of tourism for the state of Tlaxcala from 2021 to 2024.
In this interview, Rodriguez discusses various challenges, as well as the ministry’s new take on tourism — which includes a stronger focus on local communities and sustainability, a new tourism campaign and greater collaboration with travel advisors.
President Sheinbaum has been in office since October 2024. How would you describe the new administration’s approach to tourism?
With the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum, tourism is recognized as a pillar of sustainable development. We’ve strengthened interagency coordination, prioritized sustainable investment and ramped up international promotion with new campaigns. The shared prosperity vision remains, but with an even stronger focus on innovation, inclusion and sustainability.
The arrival of President Claudia Sheinbaum represents continuity of a national plan with a social vision that’s inclusive and deeply committed to the wellbeing of all Mexicans. Today … we’re establishing a new stage for national tourism, with a focus that’s fairer, more modern and transformative.
One of this administration’s pillars is the strengthening of community tourism — not just as a development tool, but as a way to share the cultural, historical and natural richness of our communities with the world. We want tourism in Mexico to generate shared prosperity, to empower communities and preserve our traditions, languages, knowledge and ecosystems.
How are you moving toward that goal?
Technological innovation and the use of digital tools are fundamental for this new phase. We’re promoting online training platforms, intelligent promotion strategies and connectivity systems that allow more people to discover, experience and visit Mexico more easily.
Tourism is now a national wellbeing strategy in Mexico. Credit: 2025 Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board
The key difference is that now, tourism is no longer just an economic sector. It’s a national wellbeing strategy that honors our roots, promotes equity and advances the country toward a future that’s more sustainable, better connected and profoundly human.
Hospitality knows no political borders. Tourism builds bridges.
Does political rhetoric in the United States affect Americans traveling to Mexico?
Mexico maintains a respectful and collaborative stance. What’s most important is that the American people continue to travel to Mexico enthusiastically and frequently. Hospitality knows no political borders. Tourism builds bridges. We focus on delivering experiences so positive that they overcome any prejudice or external rhetoric.
In Mexico City, the government has introduced new restrictions on short-term rentals to combat gentrification. How do you view these challenges?
In Mexico, we firmly believe in tourism as a tool for coming together, for understanding and social development. We’re a supportive people, warm by nature and profoundly proud of our history, our communities and our landscapes. We like to welcome the people who visit as if they were coming home, because we’re great hosts by nature.
Josefina Rodriguez Zamora (third from right) at the Guelaguetza festival in Oaxaca Credit: 2025 SECTUR
But we also know that tourism must be responsible. That’s why the government emphasizes the importance of a tourist model that’s sustainable, environmentally respectful and aligned with the needs of local communities. Decrees protect natural areas, and policies support cultural and ecological preservation.
It’s not just a matter of tourists enjoying our beaches, mountains, jungles and Magical Towns. It’s also about how we Mexicans can continue to enjoy and share these spaces for generations to come. We want tourism to coexist with its surroundings, not displace it; to strengthen local identity, not erase it.
We want tourism to coexist with its surroundings, not displace it; to strengthen local identity, not erase it.
That’s why we work hand in hand with communities, emphasizing territorial fairness, so that tourism adds rather than subtracts — and so that tourism development benefits everyone. Our commitment is clear: to preserve what we are and what we have, and to continue proudly sharing it with the world.
How can travelers have a positive impact when visiting Mexico?
We encourage travelers to shop locally, respect customs, avoid exploitative tourism and choose sustainable experiences. Traveling consciously transforms both the communities and the traveler who visits them.
How can travelers minimize the negative effects of overtourism?
Mexico isn’t just a nation of sun and beaches — although our coasts are spectacular. We’re also a nation of mountains, jungles, deserts, volcanoes, living communities and towns with history and soul. That’s why we strongly promote community-based tourism: a more conscientious, responsible and respectful way to travel, both for the environment and for each destination’s cultural identity.
These new tourism experiences allow visitors to connect with people, their traditions and their way of life, while at the same time supporting local wellbeing and inclusive development. It’s tourism with a purpose.
There are 177 Magical Towns, each with its own unique charm. From the Huichol art in Nayarit to the living Maya traditions in Yucatan and the Otomi rituals in Hidalgo, Mexico offers routes that break away from the crowds and embrace authenticity.
We invite travelers to explore these lesser-known destinations, to experience Mexico in the heart of its communities, to become part of a new form of tourism — one that transforms and leaves a mark, as much for those who experience it as for those who offer it.
What should travel advisors and their clients know about safety and security in Mexico today?
Mexico is currently experiencing one of its safest periods in years, with steadily declining crime rates that have boosted traveler confidence. This is reflected in the fact that more than half of the international tourists who visit are women, who choose Mexico as a safe and welcoming destination.
Mexico is currently experiencing one of its safest periods in years, with steadily declining crime rates that have boosted traveler confidence.
Thanks to the national security strategy and coordinated work among the three levels of government, this progress is also reflected in the consistent growth in international visitors, especially from the United States and Canada. Travelers come back not just for our beaches and culture; they also come back because they feel welcome and safe.
Being aware that negative narratives still exist in some international media, we launched the Latidos del Mundo [Heartbeats of the World] campaign, a communication strategy targeting international travelers that conveys a message focused on peace, personal connection and Mexican authenticity. This campaign highlights our strengths: hospitality, natural and cultural richness and the safety that the nation offers as a tourism destination.
You’re looking to work closely with travel advisors. What are the goals of this year’s roadshow?
The Meet Mexico Roadshow 2025 is a very special tour. We’ll be in Chicago, Toronto, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Montreal and New York to strengthen business ties, train travel advisors and showcase Mexico’s diversity beyond just sun and beach. Unlike previous editions, this tour focuses on cultural, culinary and health and wellness experiences, as well as newly emerging destinations. We’re sharing a unified message: Mexico as a country of authentic, safe hospitality, aligned with global trends of conscious travel.
How has the way you collaborate with U.S.-based travel advisors evolved?
We’ve significantly strengthened our work with travel advisors in the U.S., building a strategic relationship that provides ongoing support and up-to-date information.
The Secretary of Tourism offers various training courses and modules through official digital platforms, specifically designed for travel advisors, tour operators and industry professionals. These courses cover key topics such as emerging destinations, wellness tourism, cultural experiences and sustainability, aligned with our diversification strategy. Through these platforms, advisors can access multimedia resources, specialized itineraries and interactive tools to sell Mexico more effectively and distinctively.
Dates for the Meet Mexico Roadshow
Chicago and Toronto: Aug. 25–29 Dallas and Houston: Sept. 9–13 San Francisco and Los Angeles: Oct. 7–11 Montreal and New York: Nov. 10–14
The Great Tapestry of Scotland been named in top 10 per cent of visitor attractions in the world for the second year in a row in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025.
Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, centre director, said: “This is testament to the passion, creativity, and hard work that our small team puts into creating a consistently five-star visitor experience.
“We are honoured to be celebrated both nationally, internationally and locally, and remain committed to providing an inspiring and inclusive experience for every visitor who walks through our doors.
“We would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has taken the time to visit us, leave a review and share their experiences and of course the community which plays a key part in making the centre a success.
“Your kind words, support and enthusiasm have helped make this achievement possible and is important now more than ever as we continue to operate through a cost of living crisis.”
The awards are based on reviews through the Tripadvisor website from over the last 12 months.
Mags Fenner, project manager BID for Galashiels, the town’s business improvement district, said: “This world-class attraction puts Galashiels on the map as a cultural destination and draws visitors from near and far.
“Local shops, cafés and restaurants have felt the benefit of increased footfall, with many visitors choosing to explore and support our high street after experiencing the tapestry.
“It’s also been inspiring to see school children from across the region engage with the tapestry as a rich and accessible way to learn about Scottish and Borders history and culture.
“We’re proud to have such a globally recognised centre at the heart of Galashiels.”
