Do Cruise Lines Do Black Friday Sales Find Out Here

Yes, many cruise lines offer Black Friday sales, featuring deep discounts on fares, free upgrades, onboard credits, and reduced deposits. Major lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line participate annually, making it one of the best times to book a cruise at a fraction of the cost. Don’t miss limited-time deals that often extend through Cyber Monday.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, major lines offer deals: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and others run Black Friday promotions.
• Book early for best rates: Limited-time offers often sell out within days.
• Beware of fine print: Check cancellation policies and blackout dates before booking.
• Compare cruise types: Luxury and river cruises may have fewer but higher-value deals.
• Stack savings: Combine sales with onboard credit or free upgrades for maximum value.
• Set price alerts: Use cruise search tools to track pre-sale and post-sale pricing.

Do Cruise Lines Do Black Friday Sales? Find Out Here

Black Friday is synonymous with deep discounts, doorbuster deals, and frantic shoppers racing to snag the best prices of the year. From electronics to clothing, the annual shopping event has grown into a global phenomenon, with retailers offering record-low prices to kick off the holiday season. But what about the travel industry? Specifically, do cruise lines do Black Friday sales? The short answer is: yes, many do. However, the way cruise lines handle Black Friday promotions is unique and often misunderstood. Unlike traditional retail, cruise deals aren’t about slashing prices on last season’s inventory. Instead, cruise lines use Black Friday as a strategic opportunity to boost bookings, fill unsold cabins, and entice travelers with value-added perks.

For travelers, this means Black Friday can be one of the best times of the year to book a cruise—if you know where to look and what to expect. While you might not find a $99 Caribbean cruise (though those deals do exist occasionally), you can score significant savings, free upgrades, onboard credits, and even all-inclusive packages. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how cruise lines approach Black Friday, which lines offer the best deals, what types of promotions to expect, and how to maximize your savings. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned seafarer, understanding the nuances of Black Friday cruise sales can help you plan your next dream vacation at a fraction of the cost.

How Cruise Lines Approach Black Friday Sales

Unlike brick-and-mortar retailers that rely on inventory turnover, cruise lines operate on a different business model. Their “inventory” is limited by ship capacity, departure dates, and itineraries. As a result, their Black Friday strategies focus less on deep discounts and more on value-added incentives that make booking more attractive without devaluing the brand. Cruise lines aim to fill cabins that might otherwise go unsold, especially for sailings in the off-season or less popular routes. Black Friday provides a high-visibility platform to reach a broad audience of potential travelers.

Why Timing Matters for Cruise Deals

Cruise lines typically launch their Black Friday sales in late November, often starting the week before the actual Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). This extended window—sometimes called “Black Friday Week” or “Cyber Week”—allows them to capture early shoppers and build momentum. Sales usually run through Cyber Monday and sometimes extend into early December. The timing is strategic: it aligns with the start of the “wave season,” the peak booking period for cruises, which runs from January through March. By offering deals in November and December, cruise lines can jumpstart bookings and secure revenue early in the year.

Types of Promotions: Beyond Price Cuts

Rather than slashing base fares, cruise lines use a mix of incentives to entice travelers. Common Black Friday promotions include:

• Onboard credit (OBC): Often $100–$300 per cabin, which can be used for dining, spa treatments, excursions, or gratuities.
• Free or discounted upgrades: From inside to oceanview, or balcony to suite—sometimes even free suite upgrades.
• Reduced deposits: As low as $50 per person instead of the standard $250–$500.
• Free gratuities: Eliminates the need to pay daily service charges (typically $15–$20 per person per day).
• Buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) or BOGO 50% off: Popular with family-friendly lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
• All-inclusive packages: Bundling drinks, Wi-Fi, and excursions into the base fare.

These perks not only increase the perceived value but also encourage travelers to spend more onboard, benefiting the cruise line in the long run.

Targeted vs. Broad Campaigns

Some cruise lines run company-wide Black Friday campaigns, while others target specific regions or demographics. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) might offer a BOGO 50% off deal across all sailings, while Princess Cruises could focus on Alaska or European itineraries. Additionally, cruise lines often partner with travel agencies, credit card companies, and loyalty programs to offer exclusive deals. For instance, a Chase Sapphire cardholder might receive an additional $200 OBC when booking through a specific portal. Understanding these nuances can help you find the best possible deal.

Which Cruise Lines Offer the Best Black Friday Deals?

Not all cruise lines treat Black Friday the same way. Some go all-in with massive promotions, while others offer modest discounts. Based on historical data and recent trends, here are the top cruise lines known for their generous Black Friday sales, along with what you can typically expect from each.

Carnival Cruise Line: Family-Friendly BOGO and Perks

Carnival is one of the most aggressive when it comes to Black Friday sales. In 2023, they offered a “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deal across most of their fleet, including popular ships like the Carnival Celebration and Carnival Horizon. Additional perks included:

• Up to $50 in onboard credit per person
• Free upgrades on select sailings
• Reduced deposits (as low as $50 per person)
• Special pricing for third and fourth guests

Carnival’s deals are particularly appealing for families and budget-conscious travelers. Their Black Friday promotions often include sailings to the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas, with departures from major ports like Miami, Port Canaveral, and Galveston.

Royal Caribbean: Value-Added Incentives and Suite Upgrades

Royal Caribbean takes a more premium approach. While they may not always offer BOGO deals, their Black Friday sales are packed with high-value perks. In recent years, they’ve featured:

• Free suite upgrades: Book a balcony, get a suite (subject to availability)
• Up to $300 in onboard credit per cabin
• Free gratuities for all guests
• Buy One, Get One 50% Off on select sailings

Royal Caribbean’s promotions often target their newer, larger ships like Symphony of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas. They also offer special deals for Alaska, Europe, and Asia itineraries. Their “Cruise with Confidence” policy (allowing flexible cancellations) is often extended during Black Friday, adding peace of mind for uncertain travelers.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): The “Free at Sea” Model

NCL’s Black Friday sales are built around their popular “Free at Sea” program, which bundles multiple perks into one booking. During Black Friday, they typically offer:

• Free open bar (premium beverage package)
• Free specialty dining (3–5 meals)
• Free Wi-Fi (up to 250 minutes)
• Free shore excursions (up to $500 value)
• Free or discounted third and fourth guests

The catch? These perks are often tiered based on cabin category and sailing length. For example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise in a balcony room might include all five perks, while a shorter or inside cabin gets fewer. NCL also offers reduced deposits and BOGO 50% off on select sailings, making it a top choice for value seekers.

Princess Cruises: Focus on Longer and Premium Itineraries

Princess Cruises tends to focus on longer voyages (10+ nights) and premium destinations like Alaska, Europe, and the Panama Canal. Their Black Friday deals are less about deep discounts and more about luxury inclusions. Typical promotions include:

• Free gratuities
• Up to $300 OBC
• Free balcony upgrades
• Special pricing on Alaska land-and-sea packages
• Reduced deposits for suite bookings

Princess also runs targeted campaigns for past guests and loyalty program members, offering early access or exclusive perks. Their “MedallionClass” experience (wearable tech for keyless entry, mobile ordering, etc.) is often highlighted during sales, adding a tech-forward appeal.

Other Notable Mentions

While the above lines lead the pack, other cruise companies also participate:

• MSC Cruises: Offers “Kids Sail Free” and BOGO 50% off, plus free balcony upgrades on select sailings.
• Disney Cruise Line: Less aggressive, but often includes OBC, reduced deposits, and special offers for repeat cruisers.
• Holland America Line: Focuses on premium inclusions like free drinks, Wi-Fi, and excursions on Alaska and European sailings.
• Virgin Voyages: Offers “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” and free balcony upgrades, with a focus on adult-only, modern experiences.

Types of Black Friday Cruise Deals You Can Expect

To maximize your savings during Black Friday, it’s essential to understand the different types of deals cruise lines offer. Not all promotions are created equal, and some provide better value than others. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types, along with tips on how to evaluate them.

Onboard Credit (OBC): The Flexible Perk

Onboard credit is one of the most common Black Friday perks. It’s essentially a gift card loaded onto your cruise account, which you can use for:

• Dining at specialty restaurants
• Spa treatments and fitness classes
• Shore excursions
• Alcoholic beverages (if not included in your package)
• Gratuities

Tip: OBC is most valuable if you plan to spend money onboard. If you’re a budget cruiser who sticks to included options, OBC might not be as beneficial. Compare the OBC amount to the total cost of potential onboard expenses. For example, $200 OBC might cover two specialty dinners and a spa treatment—great value if you were planning to do those anyway.

Free Upgrades: From Inside to Suite

Free upgrades are a favorite among travelers. Cruise lines often offer:

• Inside to oceanview
• Oceanview to balcony
• Balcony to suite (rare but possible)

Tip: Upgrades are subject to availability, so book early. Also, check if the upgrade applies to all guests in the cabin. Some deals only upgrade the primary guest, while others upgrade the entire room. If you’re booking a suite upgrade, be aware that suite guests often get additional perks like priority boarding, concierge service, and exclusive lounges.

Reduced or Waived Deposits: Lower Upfront Cost

Instead of paying $250–$500 per person upfront, some Black Friday deals reduce deposits to $50–$100. This makes it easier to secure your booking without a large initial payment.

Tip: While reduced deposits are convenient, remember that the final payment deadline still applies (usually 90–120 days before sailing). Use the lower deposit to your advantage by booking early and locking in the deal, but don’t delay your final payment.

Buy One, Get One (BOGO) Deals: Great for Couples and Families

BOGO deals are especially popular with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC. You pay full price for one guest and get the second (or third/fourth) at 50% off or free.

Tip: These deals are ideal for couples, families, or groups. However, they often apply only to the base fare, not taxes, fees, or port charges. Always calculate the total cost, including mandatory fees, to compare deals accurately. Also, check if the discount applies to all cabin categories—some BOGO deals exclude suites or premium rooms.

All-Inclusive Packages: The Ultimate Value

Some cruise lines, like NCL and Virgin Voyages, bundle drinks, Wi-Fi, dining, and excursions into their Black Friday deals. For example, NCL’s “Free at Sea” might include a premium drink package worth $60 per person per day.

Tip: All-inclusive deals are best for travelers who plan to drink, dine out, and take excursions. If you’re a minimalist cruiser, you might not use all the perks, making a lower base fare with OBC a better choice. Use a cost-benefit analysis: calculate the total value of the inclusions versus what you’d actually spend.

Special Pricing for Third and Fourth Guests

Many family-friendly lines offer free or heavily discounted third and fourth guests. This is a game-changer for families or groups traveling together.

Tip: These deals are often limited to specific cabin categories (e.g., inside or oceanview). Also, some lines require the third/fourth guest to be a child or senior. Read the terms carefully to ensure eligibility.

How to Find and Book the Best Black Friday Cruise Deals

Finding the best Black Friday cruise deals requires strategy, research, and timing. With so many promotions, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Follow these steps to ensure you get the most value for your money.

1. Start Researching Early (October–Early November)

Don’t wait until Black Friday week. Begin researching in October by:

• Checking cruise line websites for past Black Friday deals (look at 2022 and 2023 promotions)
• Subscribing to cruise line newsletters (they often send early access or exclusive codes)
• Following cruise lines on social media for real-time updates
• Using deal-tracking websites like Cruise Critic, The Points Guy, or Scott’s Cheap Flights

2. Compare Deals Across Multiple Platforms

Deals vary by booking channel. Check:

• Direct on cruise line websites: Often the most comprehensive, with all perks clearly listed.
• Travel agencies (online and local): Some agencies offer additional OBC or exclusive promotions.
• Third-party sites (Expedia, Costco Travel): May bundle cruise deals with airfare or hotel discounts.
• Credit card portals: Chase, Amex, and Capital One sometimes offer extra rewards or OBC for booking through their travel partners.

Tip: Use a spreadsheet to compare total costs, inclusions, and restrictions across platforms.

3. Book Early and Lock In the Deal

Black Friday deals often have limited availability, especially for popular itineraries and cabin categories. Book as soon as the sale launches to secure your preferred sailing.

Tip: Many cruise lines allow free name changes or cancellations within a certain period (e.g., 24–48 hours). Use this to your advantage if you spot a better deal later.

4. Use a Travel Agent (They Can Save You Money)

Experienced travel agents often have access to:

• Exclusive promotions not available to the public
• Group rates or consortia pricing
• Additional OBC or upgrades

They can also help with itinerary planning, visa requirements, and onboard reservations.

5. Read the Fine Print

Always check the terms and conditions for:

• Eligible sailings (some deals exclude holidays or peak season)
• Blackout dates
• Cancellation and change policies
• Upgrade availability (first-come, first-served)

Data Table: Black Friday Cruise Deals by Line (2023 Examples)

Cruise Line	Promotion Type	Key Perks	Best For
Carnival	BOGO 50% Off	OBC, reduced deposits, free upgrades	Families, Caribbean cruises
Royal Caribbean	Value-Added Incentives	Suite upgrades, free gratuities, OBC	Premium travelers, large ships
NCL	Free at Sea	Open bar, dining, Wi-Fi, excursions	All-inclusive seekers
Princess	Luxury Inclusions	Free balcony upgrades, OBC, gratuities	Alaska, Europe, longer cruises
MSC	Kids Sail Free	BOGO 50% off, balcony upgrades	Families, Mediterranean
Virgin Voyages	BOGO 50% Off	Free balcony upgrades, OBC	Adults-only, modern design

Conclusion: Black Friday Is the Perfect Time to Book a Cruise

So, do cruise lines do Black Friday sales? Absolutely—and they can be one of the best opportunities to book a dream vacation at a significant savings. While the deals may not look like traditional retail discounts, the value lies in the bundled perks, free upgrades, and flexible booking options that cruise lines offer. From Carnival’s BOGO deals to NCL’s all-inclusive “Free at Sea” packages, there’s something for every type of traveler.

The key to success is preparation. Start researching early, compare deals across platforms, and book as soon as the sales launch. Use travel agents, loyalty programs, and credit card portals to uncover hidden savings. And always read the fine print to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal. Whether you’re planning a Caribbean getaway, an Alaskan adventure, or a European river cruise, Black Friday can help you set sail without breaking the bank. So mark your calendar, sign up for newsletters, and get ready to cruise into savings this holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cruise lines offer Black Friday sales?

Yes, most major cruise lines run Black Friday sales with discounts on fares, upgrades, and onboard credits. These deals often launch the week of Thanksgiving and can save you hundreds.

What types of Black Friday cruise deals can I expect?

Cruise lines typically offer reduced fares, free cabin upgrades, onboard credit (OBC), or included gratuities during Black Friday sales. Some even bundle drink packages or specialty dining at no extra cost.

Are Black Friday cruise deals only available for last-minute sailings?

No, while some deals focus on near-departure dates, many Black Friday sales apply to cruises departing 6–12 months later. You can often find promotions for both short and long itineraries.

Is it worth waiting for Black Friday to book a cruise?

Absolutely—cruise lines heavily discount unsold inventory during Black Friday, making it one of the best times to book. Just be ready to book quickly, as deals sell out fast.

Do luxury or premium cruise lines participate in Black Friday sales?

Yes, even luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas or Oceania offer Black Friday promotions, though they may emphasize perks (e.g., free airfare) over deep discounts. Check their websites early for limited-time offers.

Can I combine a Black Friday cruise sale with other discounts?

Some cruise lines allow stacking Black Friday deals with loyalty perks, group rates, or past-guest discounts. Always ask your travel agent or the cruise line’s terms to maximize savings.