Published on
January 10, 2026
Cunard Line, one of the world’s oldest and most iconic British luxury cruise lines, has unveiled its “Treat Yourself, On Us” Wave Season offer to boost bookings for 2026 and 2027 sailings. With up to $600 in onboard credit per stateroom available, the promotion encourages travellers to plan ahead for voyages to destinations including Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Mediterranean and more as part of the cruise industry’s peak booking period known as Wave Season.
Wave Season — typically January through March — is a traditional peak time in the cruise travel industry when major lines release their most attractive offers to stimulate bookings for the coming seasons. Cunard’s offer gives travellers added value and incentives for planning ahead.
What the “Treat Yourself, On Us” Offer Includes
The offer provides up to $600 in Onboard Credit (OBC) per stateroom on select voyages booked before the February 25, 2026 deadline. Onboard Credit can typically be used during the cruise for:
- Five‑star dining and specialty restaurants on board Cunard’s iconic ships.
- Spa treatments, including wellness and relaxation services in the Mareel Spa.
- Shore Experiences at ports of call, covering excursions and cultural activities.
- Specialty shopping and onboard services at retail and entertainment venues.
Different OBC amounts depend on voyage length and stateroom category. Grill Suites bookings may also include a drinks package and hotel & dining service charges as part of the promotion.
Eligible voyages span the iconic Cunard Queens — Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and Queen Anne — on itineraries across Alaska, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, South America and Transatlantic crossings.
Why This Matters for Travellers
For travellers, the “Treat Yourself, On Us” offer is significant because:
- Cruise travel pricing can be high, especially for large ships and premium suites. The onboard credit provides flexible spending aboard ship without immediately increasing upfront cost.
- Planning cruises well in advance can secure better staterooms and departure dates — particularly for popular seasons in summer and holiday peak periods.
- Added credits provide opportunities to personalise the voyage experience — from shore excursions to spa days — enhancing the overall value of the cruise vacation.
Wave Season and Travel Planning
In the travel industry, Wave Season is a key booking period when cruise lines launch promotions and perks for early‑bird travellers planning their 2026 and 2027 vacations. During this period, travellers are encouraged to lock in fares, shore excursions, and onboard packages with added benefits — like free credits, drink packages, or bonus amenities.
Cunard’s Wave Season offer intersects with official cruise travel trends, where early bookings have become essential for securing popular itineraries and suite categories — especially for world voyages and special theme sailings.
Advantages for Travellers
1. Extra Spending Power Onboard
Up to $600 in credit allows passengers to enjoy:
- Upscale meals not included in standard dining.
- Shore excursions and cultural experiences at ports of call.
- Spa treatments and wellness packages without additional out‑of‑pocket expense.
This flexibility can increase the enjoyment of the voyage as travellers tailor their experiences.
2. Planning Confidence
Early booking under Wave Season provides travellers with:
- Preferred cabins and suite categories.
- Better pricing compared to last‑minute bookings.
- More time to arrange flights, visas and pre‑/post‑cruise stays.
Disadvantages and Considerations
1. Limited Time Offer
The promotion must be booked before February 25, 2026, meaning travellers have a limited window to decide and plan.
2. Availability Constraints
Popular voyages — especially in peak seasons and premium suites — can sell out quickly, even with attractive onboard credits.
3. Travel Costs Beyond Onboard Credit
While onboard credits offset onboard spending, they do not reduce the base cruise fare, port taxes, airline flights, or travel insurance costs — all of which remain traveller responsibilities.
4. Debt Against Credit Balances
Travel planners should understand that unused onboard credit typically expires at the end of the voyage and is not refundable.
