What’s known as Wave Season, the biggest reservation period of the year for the cruise industry, is well underway.

During this time, which takes place now through March, cruise lines roll out their biggest deals and most enticing perks to draw in travelers who are ready to book.

“Many people, especially first-time cruisers, are not aware of the breadth of cruise experiences that are available to accommodate their travel desires,” said Roger E. Block, CTC, president of Travel Leaders Network, which is one of the largest sellers of cruises in North America. “River cruises and ocean cruises can offer a variety of different itineraries and onboard atmospheres, but there is always something for everyone and our travel advisors help their clients sort through the available options.”

The options are broad and, one of the things that the cruise industry has done over the last decade is broaden its depth of product to appeal to a more diverse range of clientele. These days, there is a cruise for just about every type of traveler and guests can experience everything from intimate small ships to mega resorts afloat.

In order to assist travelers with the task of pairing down options and selecting the right cruise, Travel Leaders has put together tips to help make the right selection.

What Type of Ship is Best

Travel Leaders notes that large, oceangoing vessels that travel to destinations such as the Caribbean and Alaska are like floating cities, with lots of choices for dining, activities and entertainment. These ships are ideal for families and groups.

The network also notes that there are smaller, more intimate options such as river cruises.

“River cruises, like the ones that ply Europe’s waterways, are smaller ships and provide a more intimate experience. They can travel close to the center of cities and towns. Onboard activities emphasize the cuisine, history and culture of the destinations,” Travel Leaders says.

Culinary Adventures

These days, cruise ships have evolved past the standard buffet and branched out to include unique dining experiences and gourmet restaurants.

These experiences also often extend to shore excursions.

“With innovative partnerships with well-known chefs and culinary experts, the cruise lines offer a way to immerse oneself and deepen one’s understanding of a region by taking a journey that feeds the senses with the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of local and authentic flavors. Expanded onboard cuisine options to shore excursions will often focus on flavorful, regional ingredients, cooking styles, demonstrations and tastings," Travel Leaders points out.

Journeys That Quench Thirst

Whether it’s wine, beer or the trendiest new cocktails, travelers want to experience local flavors—and cruise lines are answering their demands.

“Certain cruises offer an opportunity for tastings and to learn from mixologists, sommeliers or famous brewers either onboard, during shore excursions or both. These cruises provide opportunities to try different selections that bring the rich history and culture of the people alive,” notes Travel Leaders. “Travelers may tap their own beer, blend their own wine, or explore a region rich in the history of the local vineyards.”

Expedition Cruises for the Explorer

One of the most popular trends is the explosion of options in the expedition cruising market. Those who love adventure can find a home onboard one of these intimate ships that sail to some of the most remote places in the world.

“These ships, equipped with sturdy, inflatable boats called Zodiacs, take vacationers to the shore for land-based excursions or to spots in the water for activities such as deep-sea snorkeling or diving. Smaller ships also allow passengers to disembark more frequently, often with two or three landings or shore excursions per day for unique sightings and adventures,” Travel Leaders says.

Multi-Family Ocean Adventures

Families are spoiled for choice when it comes to cruise options. As previously mentioned, some ships are like floating cities with water slides and kids clubs and other family-friendly features.

However, some cruise lines set themselves up for families in different ways with educational options onboard and onshore.

Groups and Intimate Gatherings

The Travel Leaders Group offers added perks for those traveling in larger groups.

“Through the Distinctive Voyages program, available on nine cruise lines and only available by booking with a Travel Leaders Group travel advisor, clients will also receive a private welcome reception, a complimentary shore excursion and the service of a dedicated Distinctive Voyages host.

The added amenities, available at no extra cost, are a nice way to upgrade a vacation experience without spending more. These amenities are combinable with other national promotions offered by the participating cruise lines,” Travel Leaders notes.

Additional Price Savings and Travel Tips

Travel Leaders also points out that flexibility could mean bigger savings.

Additional savings can also be found on airfare. While it’s not always feasible depending on the destination, one can save even more by leaving from a port close to home. For those traveling long distance, it is always advisable to arrive at the port city at least a day before the ship sails. This gives vacationers a chance to explore the port before departing, and also relieves the stress and worry should they experience flight delays or even misplaced luggage—all of which can add to the expense of the trip.

There are more than 4,000 cruise specialists at Travel Leaders Network ready to help travelers book their next cruise.