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If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll book later,” Wave Season is exactly when cruise lines try to change your mind — and Holland America Line is coming out strong.
The cruise line has officially kicked off Wave Season with what it’s calling its largest promotion of the year, giving travelers multiple ways to save on more than 500 cruises to Alaska, Europe, and a wide range of other destinations.
The deal is called “Start Your Journey,” and it’s designed for guests planning ahead for summer 2026 through spring 2027 sailings.
What Makes the “Start Your Journey” Deal Stand Out
Wave Season offers come and go, but this one stacks savings in a way that’s hard to ignore.
Instead of just a fare discount, Holland America is combining lower prices, upgrades, family perks, and onboard credits — all in one promotion.
Beth Bodensteiner, President of Holland America Line, explained the idea behind the offer:
“Whether discovering glaciers and wildlife in Alaska or the culture and history of Europe, Holland America believes the best journeys are those where the destination comes to life on and off the ship.”
In short, the cruise line wants guests to lock in future trips now — with fewer upfront costs and more value baked in.
Major Fare Discounts and Reduced Deposits
Book Now, Pay Less Up Front
One of the biggest barriers to booking far-in-advance cruises is the deposit — and Holland America is tackling that head-on.
With this promotion:
- Deposits are reduced by 50% for the first and second guests in a stateroom
- Applies to future cruises and Alaska Cruisetours
On top of that, cruise fares are discounted by up to 30%, with prices starting as low as $162 per person, per day on select sailings.
For travelers planning well ahead, this makes it much easier to secure a cabin without tying up a lot of money upfront.
Free Balcony Upgrades (One of the Most Popular Perks)
Cabin upgrades are often what get cruisers really excited — and this deal delivers.
Eligible guests can:
- Book a verandah (balcony) stateroom for the price of an ocean-view stateroom
- Or book an ocean-view for the price of an interior
Balconies are especially popular on Alaska and Europe itineraries, where scenic cruising days are a big part of the experience. Getting one without paying full price is a major win.
Kids Sail Free on Select Cruises
A Big Win for Families
For families eyeing a future cruise, this offer helps ease the budget pressure.
Children 18 and under sailing as the third or fourth guest in a cabin can cruise for free on select 2026 and 2027 sailings. (Taxes, fees, and port expenses still apply.)
With cruise fares climbing industry-wide, this perk can make a noticeable difference — especially for families traveling during school breaks or summer months.
Onboard Credit That Scales With Cruise Length
Holland America is also offering onboard credit based on the length and type of cruise — but there’s a catch: you must book by January 31.
Here’s how the onboard credit breaks down:
- $100 per person on cruises lasting 6–9 days
- $150 per person on Alaska Cruisetours and cruises lasting 10–20 days
- $200 per person on cruises 21 days or longer
- $250 per person on Legendary Voyages
This onboard credit can be used for:
- Specialty dining
- Spa services
- Shore excursions
- Gift shop purchases
- And other onboard experiences
For longer sailings, the credit can add up fast.
Extra Bonus for Alaska Cruisers
Shore Excursion Credit for 2026 Alaska Trips
Guests booking 2026 Alaska cruises or Cruisetours by January 31 get an additional incentive.
By using promo code #1ALASKA26 at checkout, travelers can receive up to $200 in shore excursion credits per stateroom.
Considering how popular (and sometimes pricey) Alaska excursions can be — from glacier landings to wildlife tours — this bonus is especially valuable.
What’s Included With the “Have It All” Premium Fare
Many of these Wave Season perks are layered on top of Holland America’s “Have It All” premium fare, which already includes several high-value amenities.
With “Have It All,” guests receive:
- Shore excursions (based on cruise length)
- A Signature Beverage Package
- Specialty dining (based on cruise duration)
- A Wi-Fi Surf Package
During the “Start Your Journey” promotion, these inclusions are combined with:
- Reduced deposits
- Fare discounts
- Cabin upgrades
- Free kids’ fares
- Onboard credit
That stacking effect is what makes this Wave Season deal particularly strong.
Who This Deal Is Best For
This promotion is especially appealing if you:
- Are you planning Alaska or Europe for 2026 or 2027
- Want a balcony upgrade without paying full price
- Are you traveling with kids
- Prefer locking in trips early with smaller deposits
- Like bundled perks instead of add-on costs
For cruisers who enjoy planning ahead, this is one of those rare Wave Season offers that actually feels comprehensive — not just a headline discount.
Final Take: A Smart Time to Book Ahead
Holland America Line’s “Start Your Journey” promotion checks a lot of boxes: lower fares, better cabins, family-friendly savings, and meaningful onboard credits.
Add in the value of the “Have It All” fare, and it becomes clear why the cruise line is calling this its biggest deal of the year.
If a 2026 or 2027 cruise is already on your radar, Wave Season might be the smartest time to lock it in — before prices and availability tighten later on.
