Do Carnival Cruise Lines Offer Black Friday Deals Find Out Now

Yes, Carnival Cruise Lines often offers Black Friday deals with significant discounts on select sailings, including reduced deposits, onboard credits, and fare savings. These limited-time promotions typically launch in late November and can deliver excellent value for budget-savvy travelers planning future cruises. Don’t miss out—check their official site early for the best availability and offers.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival offers Black Friday deals: Look for discounts on select sailings and packages.
• Book early: Best promotions sell out quickly—act fast for top savings.
• Check official site first: Carnival’s website lists exclusive Black Friday offers.
• Combine deals: Stack promotions like onboard credit with reduced fares.
• Sign up for alerts: Get early access to deals via Carnival’s newsletter.
• Compare prices: Verify if Black Friday rates beat past promotions.

Do Carnival Cruise Lines Offer Black Friday Deals? Find Out Now

As the holiday season approaches, savvy travelers start scouring the internet for the best deals on flights, hotels, and vacations. Among the most sought-after bargains are cruise packages, and Carnival Cruise Lines—one of the most popular cruise brands in the world—often comes up in conversations about Black Friday savings. With its vibrant ships, family-friendly activities, and destinations ranging from the Caribbean to Alaska, a Carnival cruise is a dream vacation for many. But does Carnival actually participate in Black Friday sales, and if so, what kind of deals can you expect?

Black Friday has evolved from a single-day retail frenzy into a weeks-long shopping event, especially in the travel industry. Cruise lines, including Carnival, have adapted by offering early-bird promotions, limited-time discounts, and exclusive perks during the holiday shopping period. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family reunion, or a solo adventure, understanding Carnival’s Black Friday strategy can help you save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars on your next vacation. This comprehensive guide dives deep into whether Carnival Cruise Lines offers Black Friday deals, what those deals typically include, how to maximize your savings, and what to watch out for to avoid common pitfalls.

Understanding Carnival’s Black Friday Strategy

Historical Participation in Black Friday Sales

Carnival Cruise Lines has a well-documented history of participating in Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions. Unlike some luxury cruise brands that avoid discounting their premium offerings, Carnival embraces the holiday shopping season as a strategic opportunity to fill cabins and generate early bookings for the upcoming year. Over the past decade, Carnival has consistently launched Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that typically begin the week of Thanksgiving and extend through early December.

For example, in 2022, Carnival offered a “Black Friday Blowout” with savings of up to 30% on select sailings, free cabin upgrades, and reduced deposits as low as $50 per person. In 2023, they expanded the event to a 10-day sale, including bonus onboard credit (OBC) and BOGO (Buy One, Get One) drink packages. These promotions are not one-off gimmicks—they are part of a broader marketing strategy to capitalize on consumer spending trends during the holiday season.

How Carnival’s Black Friday Deals Differ from Regular Promotions

While Carnival runs frequent promotions throughout the year—such as “Early Saver” rates or “Fun Select” packages—Black Friday deals are often more aggressive and time-limited. Key differentiators include:

• Higher discount percentages: Up to 30–35% off base fares, compared to the usual 10–20% during off-peak promotions.
• Exclusive perks: Free balcony upgrades, onboard credit (often $50–$200 per stateroom), and waived gratuities in some cases.
• Limited-time availability: Deals may last only 48–72 hours or be tied to specific sail dates, encouraging quick decisions.
• Reduced deposits: As low as $50 per person, making it easier to lock in a booking without a large upfront cost.

Unlike standard sales, Black Friday offers are often marketed as “doorbuster” deals, meaning they’re available only to the first few hundred bookings or for a short window. This creates urgency and drives higher conversion rates.

When to Expect Carnival’s Black Friday Offers

Carnival typically begins teasing its Black Friday promotions in mid-November, with the official launch occurring on Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday of November) or the following Friday. However, in recent years, the cruise line has adopted a “Black Friday Week” model, with new deals dropping daily from Monday through Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving).

For example, in 2023, Carnival’s Black Friday Week included:

• Monday: 30% off select Caribbean cruises
• Wednesday: Free balcony upgrades on 4–7 night sailings
• Black Friday: $100 onboard credit + reduced deposits
• Cyber Monday: BOGO drink packages + free Wi-Fi for suite guests

Staying alert during this period—and setting up price alerts or email notifications—can help you catch the best offers before they disappear.

Types of Black Friday Deals Offered by Carnival

Discounted Fares and Percentage-Off Promotions

The most common Black Friday offering from Carnival is a percentage discount on the base cruise fare. These discounts usually range from 20% to 35%, depending on the sailing, destination, and time of year. For example, a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that normally costs $1,200 per person might be reduced to $780 with a 35% discount—a savings of $420 per person or $840 for a couple.

Important note: These discounts typically apply to the base fare, which excludes port fees, taxes, gratuities, and optional add-ons like excursions or specialty dining. However, the savings are still substantial, especially when combined with other perks.

Onboard Credit (OBC) and Free Upgrades

Onboard credit (OBC) is one of the most valuable perks during Black Friday sales. Carnival often offers $50 to $200 in OBC per stateroom, which can be used for drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions, or even future cruise deposits. For families, this can cover the cost of a specialty dinner or a day at the spa.

Free upgrades are another popular incentive. Carnival may offer:

• Interior to oceanview stateroom
• Oceanview to balcony
• Guaranteed balcony (no specific location, but guaranteed category)

For example, upgrading from an interior to a balcony stateroom on a 7-night cruise could save you $400–$600 per person. When combined with a percentage discount, the total savings can exceed $1,000 for a family of four.

Reduced Deposits and Flexible Booking Options

One of the biggest barriers to booking a cruise is the deposit—typically 20–25% of the total fare, or $250–$500 per person. During Black Friday, Carnival often slashes deposits to $50–$100 per person, making it easier to reserve your spot without a large upfront investment.

Additionally, many Black Friday deals come with flexible booking terms, such as:

• Free changes or cancellations up to 90 days before departure
• No change fees for rebooking within 12 months
• Price protection guarantees (if the price drops after booking, you get the difference back)

These flexible policies are especially appealing in uncertain economic times, giving travelers peace of mind when planning ahead.

BOGO and Package Deals

“Buy One, Get One” (BOGO) deals are a staple of Carnival’s Black Friday strategy. These typically apply to:

• Drink packages (e.g., BOGO on the Cheers! beverage package)
• Wi-Fi packages (e.g., BOGO on internet access)
• Future cruise credits (e.g., book now, get 50% off a second cruise)

For example, the Cheers! package normally costs $59.95 per person, per day. With a BOGO offer, two guests can get it for $59.95 total per day—saving nearly $600 on a 7-night cruise. Similarly, a BOGO Wi-Fi deal can save $20–$30 per day, which adds up quickly for families.

How to Maximize Your Savings During Carnival’s Black Friday Sales

Start Early: Monitor Pre-Sale Announcements

Don’t wait until Black Friday morning to start looking for deals. Carnival often sends early access emails to past guests, loyalty members (via the VIFP Club), and subscribers to their newsletter. These pre-sale offers can give you a 12–24 hour head start before the general public.

Pro tip: Sign up for Carnival’s email list at least 2–3 weeks before Thanksgiving. Also, follow them on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X) for real-time updates and flash sales.

Use Comparison Tools and Price Alerts

Several travel websites and apps offer price tracking for cruise deals. Tools like:

• CruiseSheet
• VacationsToGo
• Kayak Cruises

allow you to set price alerts for specific itineraries, departure dates, or destinations. When Carnival’s Black Friday deals go live, you’ll receive an instant notification—helping you act fast before cabins sell out.

Additionally, use Carnival’s own “Price Watch” feature on their website. Enter your preferred cruise details, and you’ll get email updates if the price drops or a new promotion is added.

Book with a Travel Advisor for Added Perks

While booking directly through Carnival.com is convenient, working with a certified travel advisor can unlock extra savings and benefits. Many advisors have access to:

• Exclusive group rates
• Unadvertised onboard credit bonuses
• Complimentary excursions or spa credits
• Assistance with cabin selection and upgrades

Travel advisors often receive commission from Carnival, so their services are free to you. They can also help you stack multiple promotions (e.g., Black Friday discount + loyalty discount + group rate) for maximum savings.

Consider Off-Peak and Shoulder Season Sailings

The biggest discounts are usually available on sailings during the shoulder seasons (late winter, early spring, late fall) or on less popular routes. For example, a 5-night cruise to the Bahamas in January may be heavily discounted compared to a July sailing, even with the same itinerary.

Use Carnival’s “Cruise Finder” tool to filter by:

• Price (low to high)
• Departure date
• Duration
• Ship

Sorting by price can reveal hidden gems—like a 7-night cruise to the Western Caribbean for under $600 per person, including OBC and a balcony upgrade.

What to Watch Out For: Common Pitfalls and Fine Print

Non-Refundable Deposits and Cancellation Policies

While reduced deposits are a major draw, read the fine print. Some Black Friday deals require non-refundable deposits, or charge hefty cancellation fees if you change your mind. For example, a $50 deposit might be non-refundable, or you may lose it if you cancel within 120 days of departure.

Tip: Look for deals with “free cancellation” or “no penalty up to 90 days before sailing.” If a deal doesn’t offer flexibility, make sure you’re 100% certain about your travel dates.

Restricted Itineraries and Cabin Categories

Not all sailings or cabin types are eligible for Black Friday discounts. Carnival may exclude:

• Holiday sailings (Christmas, New Year’s, Spring Break)
• Premium ships (e.g., Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras)
• Suite staterooms or spa cabins
• Long-duration cruises (10+ nights)

Always check the “Terms and Conditions” section of the promotion. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it might only apply to a handful of interior cabins on a 4-night cruise.

Onboard Credit Usage Rules

OBC is a fantastic perk—but it comes with rules. Common restrictions include:

• Cannot be used for casino gambling
• May expire at the end of the cruise
• Cannot be combined with certain promotions
• May not cover gratuities or taxes

To maximize OBC, use it for high-cost items like shore excursions, spa treatments, or specialty dining. Avoid using it for bottled water or soda, which are often included in beverage packages.

Real-World Examples and Data: What You Can Actually Save

Case Study: 2023 Black Friday Savings Breakdown

To illustrate the potential savings, let’s examine a real-world example from Carnival’s 2023 Black Friday Week. A family of four booked a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami on the Carnival Horizon, departing January 15, 2024.

Item	Standard Price	Black Friday Price	Savings
Base Fare (4 people)	$4,800	$3,120 (35% off)	$1,680
Deposit	$1,000	$200 ($50 per person)	$800
Onboard Credit	$0	$150 per stateroom	$150
Free Upgrade	$1,200 (interior to balcony)	$0 (included)	$1,200
BOGO Drink Package	$840 (2 people)	$420 (2 people for price of 1)	$420
Total Savings			$4,250

This family saved over $4,200—enough to cover airfare, excursions, and a post-cruise hotel stay. Even after accounting for port fees ($350) and gratuities ($300), their net savings exceeded $3,500.

Year-over-Year Comparison: 2022 vs. 2023

Comparing Carnival’s Black Friday deals across years shows a trend toward more aggressive discounts and bundled perks:

• 2022: 30% off, $100 OBC, $99 deposits
• 2023: 35% off, $150 OBC, $50 deposits, BOGO packages

The 2023 deals were more generous, reflecting increased competition among cruise lines and higher demand for affordable vacations post-pandemic.

Conclusion: Yes, Carnival Offers Black Friday Deals—And They’re Worth It

So, do Carnival Cruise Lines offer Black Friday deals? Absolutely—and they’re some of the best in the industry. From deep discounts on fares to free upgrades, onboard credit, and BOGO packages, Carnival’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions are designed to deliver real value to savvy travelers. Whether you’re booking a short getaway to the Bahamas or a week-long adventure to the Western Caribbean, the savings can be substantial—often exceeding $1,000 for a family of four.

However, success requires planning. Start monitoring deals early, use price alerts and comparison tools, and consider booking with a travel advisor to unlock hidden perks. Always read the fine print to avoid non-refundable deposits or restricted itineraries. And remember: the best deals are often on off-peak sailings, so be flexible with your travel dates.

With Carnival’s Black Friday strategy showing no signs of slowing down, now is the perfect time to turn your vacation dreams into reality. Set your calendar reminders, sign up for alerts, and get ready to sail away—without sailing away from your budget. Your dream cruise might be just a Black Friday deal away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Carnival Cruise Lines offer Black Friday deals?

Yes, Carnival Cruise Lines typically offers Black Friday deals with discounts on select sailings, onboard credits, and reduced deposits. These promotions are often time-sensitive, so checking early is key.

What kind of Black Friday deals can I expect from Carnival Cruise Lines?

Expect savings like up to 30% off cruise fares, free room upgrades, onboard spending credits, and kids-sail-free offers. Some deals may also include discounted beverage packages or shore excursions.

When do Carnival Cruise Lines release their Black Friday deals?

Carnival usually announces its Black Friday deals in late November, often starting the week before Thanksgiving. Sign up for their email alerts to get notified as soon as promotions go live.

Are Carnival Cruise Lines’ Black Friday deals available for all destinations?

Most deals apply to select sailings and dates, often excluding holiday periods or premium itineraries. Check the terms carefully to confirm if your desired destination and travel dates qualify.

Can I combine Carnival Cruise Lines’ Black Friday deals with other promotions?

Some deals can be stacked with loyalty program perks or past-guest discounts, but most Black Friday offers cannot be combined with other promotions. Always review the fine print or call customer service to clarify.

Do Carnival Cruise Lines offer Cyber Monday deals after Black Friday?

Yes, Carnival often extends the savings through Cyber Monday with similar or new promotions. Keep an eye on their website and social media for last-minute deals on last-minute bookings.