Wave Season (roughly January through March) is when the cruise industry goes to market with its most aggressive mix of incentives—because this is the window when cruise lines want to lock in forward demand for 2026–2028 sailings. For travelers, that typically translates into better economics, more inclusions, and lower-friction booking terms (think reduced deposits, meaningful onboard credit, and upgrade mechanics that are rarely this strong later in the year).

On January 7, 2026, Oceania Cruises formally announced a transition that many seasoned travelers—and advisors—recognized as a natural brand progression: all new reservations will move to an adults-only (18+) onboard experience. This wasn’t a surprise pivot. It was a confirmation.

For more than two decades, I worked in the fine-wine business with Southern Glazer's Beverage Company, an environment where precision, relationships, and execution matter. During that time, I was frequently asked to curate trips to wine country—California, the Pacific Northwest, and destinations abroad. These weren’t casual getaways. They were high-expectation experiences designed for clients, executives, and trade partners who valued access, authenticity, and flawless delivery.

Every spring, there’s a short, high-impact window when travel stops feeling like a transaction and starts feeling like a moment you can actually live inside. The light changes. Cities come back online. Sidewalk cafés reclaim their real estate. And in a few places, the season itself becomes the headline—brief, specific, and impossible to replicate if you miss the timing.