Travel agents call this "wave season"

the time of year when the cruise industry gets its biggest wave of bookings. And with cruise-booking patterns trending earlier and earlier, travelers considering a sea voyage later this year may want to reserve their cabins now.

Nearly half -- 47 percent -- of all cruise bookings are now made six months or more in advance of the departure date, according to a recent survey of 850 travel agents by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Fewer than 10 percent of cruises were booked less than three months in advance of the sailing date, according to the CLIA survey. Because so many vacationers shop for cruises between January - March, cruise lines compete for customers this time of year by offering discounts and promotions such as stateroom upgrades, two-for-one fares, and onboard credits.

This is a great time for people looking to earn extra money to become a travel agent. To become a travel agent go to www.homebased-travelagents.com