Do Cruise Lines Have Black Friday Sales Find Out Now

Yes, many cruise lines offer Black Friday sales, featuring deep discounts on sailings, onboard credits, and free upgrades. Major brands like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line typically launch limited-time deals during the holiday shopping season, making it one of the best times to book a cruise at a reduced rate.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, major lines offer deals: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and others run Black Friday sales.
• Book early for best prices: Limited-time offers often sell out within days.
• Compare past deals: Check historical pricing to spot genuine discounts.
• Watch for perks: Free upgrades, onboard credit, or waived fees are common.
• Sign up early: Subscribe to cruise line emails for exclusive pre-sale access.
• Consider last-minute: Some lines extend sales through Cyber Monday or later.

Do Cruise Lines Have Black Friday Sales? Find Out Now

Every year, as the holiday season approaches, shoppers around the world gear up for Black Friday, one of the biggest retail events of the year. From electronics to fashion, nearly every industry offers massive discounts, but what about travel? Specifically, do cruise lines participate in Black Friday sales? If you’re dreaming of sailing the Caribbean, exploring the Mediterranean, or embarking on an Alaskan adventure, you’re not alone in wondering whether you can snag a great deal during this annual shopping frenzy.

The short answer is: yes, cruise lines do offer Black Friday sales. However, the way they structure these deals is often different from traditional retail discounts. Instead of slashing prices on physical products, cruise lines focus on value-added incentives, reduced deposits, onboard credits, and special promotions that make your dream cruise more affordable and appealing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore exactly how, when, and where cruise lines participate in Black Friday, what kind of deals you can expect, and how to maximize your savings so you can sail away without sailing away from your budget.

Why Cruise Lines Participate in Black Friday Sales

Cruise lines aren’t just jumping on the Black Friday bandwagon for fun. There are strategic, business-driven reasons why they offer promotions during this time of year. Understanding these motivations can help you anticipate the types of deals you’ll see and when to act.

Boosting Off-Peak Booking Periods

Black Friday typically falls in late November, just after the peak summer and early fall cruise seasons have ended. This is a traditionally slow period for bookings, especially for winter and spring sailings. By launching Black Friday promotions, cruise lines aim to stimulate demand during a lull in reservations. For example, Royal Caribbean often uses this time to promote cruises departing in January through April—months that would otherwise see lower booking volumes.

These promotions help cruise lines fill cabins early, which allows them to better manage staffing, provisioning, and itinerary planning. It’s a win-win: travelers get better deals, and cruise lines secure revenue ahead of time.

Competing with Other Travel Providers

The travel industry is highly competitive. Airlines, hotels, and vacation package providers all offer Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, so cruise lines must participate to remain visible and attractive to consumers. A 2023 study by Travel Weekly found that 68% of travelers actively look for travel deals during the Black Friday weekend, making it a critical window for customer acquisition.

Cruise lines use this opportunity to not only attract first-time cruisers but also to re-engage past customers with loyalty perks, such as double loyalty points or exclusive member-only pricing. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Latitudes Rewards” members often receive early access to Black Friday deals, giving them a head start on booking.

Capitalizing on Holiday Shopping Momentum

Consumers are already in “spend mode” during the holiday season. Black Friday taps into this psychological shift, where people are more open to spending on experiences, not just material goods. A 2022 survey by Deloitte revealed that 42% of consumers planned to spend more on travel during the 2022 holiday season than in previous years—especially on experiences like cruises.

Cruise lines leverage this mindset by positioning their Black Friday offers as “gift-worthy” experiences. Many promotions include options to gift a cruise or receive a travel voucher, making them ideal for holiday presents.

What Types of Black Friday Cruise Deals Can You Expect?

Unlike retail, where you might see a flat 50% off, cruise lines use a variety of creative and strategic incentives during Black Friday. These aren’t always “discounts” in the traditional sense but can still save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. Here are the most common types of deals you’ll find:

Reduced or Waived Deposits

One of the most popular Black Friday promotions is the “reduced or waived deposit” offer. Normally, cruise deposits range from $200 to $500 per person. During Black Friday, many lines drop this to $1 per person or even $0. For example, Carnival Cruise Line frequently runs a “$1 Deposit” sale, allowing you to lock in a sailing with minimal upfront cost.

This is especially beneficial for families or groups planning far in advance, as it allows you to secure your preferred cabin and itinerary without tying up a large amount of money early on.

Onboard Credit (OBC)

Onboard credit is essentially free money you can use during your cruise for things like spa treatments, specialty dining, shore excursions, or souvenirs. During Black Friday, cruise lines often offer generous OBC packages—anywhere from $50 to $500 per stateroom, depending on the length and price of the cruise.

For instance, Princess Cruises has previously offered $200 OBC per stateroom on select sailings booked during their Black Friday event. If you plan to enjoy a few extra experiences onboard, this can be a major perk.

Free Upgrades and Suite Deals

Many cruise lines use Black Friday to promote room upgrades at no extra cost. You might book an oceanview room and get upgraded to a balcony, or a balcony to a suite. These upgrades can save you hundreds of dollars and significantly enhance your cruise experience.

MSC Cruises, for example, has run “Free Balcony Upgrade” promotions during Black Friday, making balcony cabins available at the price of oceanview rooms. Similarly, Celebrity Cruises has offered “Suite Life” deals, where suite guests receive complimentary amenities like priority boarding, premium dining, and concierge service.

Bundled Packages and All-Inclusive Offers

Some cruise lines use Black Friday to launch all-inclusive packages, combining drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and shore excursions into one upfront price. These bundles can save you 30–50% compared to paying for each item individually during the cruise.

Virgin Voyages, known for its adult-only, modern approach, often includes “All-Inclusive” pricing during Black Friday, covering premium drinks, fitness classes, and select dining experiences—no extra fees.

Specialty Promotions for Specific Destinations

Black Friday deals are often tailored to specific regions or itineraries. For example:

• Caribbean sailings might include free kids’ fares or “third guest free” offers.
• Alaska cruises could feature onboard credits specifically for shore excursions like glacier tours or wildlife viewing.
• European river cruises (offered by lines like Viking and AmaWaterways) may include airfare discounts or free hotel stays pre- or post-cruise.

These targeted promotions help cruise lines fill less-popular itineraries or off-season sailings, giving travelers unique opportunities to explore destinations at a lower cost.

Top Cruise Lines That Offer Black Friday Sales (With Real Examples)

Not all cruise lines participate equally in Black Friday, but most major brands do. Below are the top lines that consistently offer compelling deals during the Black Friday weekend, along with real-world examples from recent years.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is one of the most aggressive players in Black Friday promotions. In 2022, they launched a “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” sale across thousands of sailings, including 7-night Caribbean and 10-night Mediterranean cruises. They also offered $200–$500 in onboard credit and reduced deposits to $1 per person.

Their website typically goes live with deals the week before Thanksgiving, with early access for Crown & Anchor Society members. Tip: Book early, as the most popular itineraries (like Alaska and Europe) sell out fast.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL’s Black Friday event, often called “Free at Sea,” bundles multiple perks. In 2023, they offered:

• Free open bar (a $1,000+ value)
• Free specialty dining (2–4 meals)
• Free Wi-Fi package
• Free or reduced airfare on select sailings

Plus, Latitudes Rewards members received double points and early booking access. Their promotions are especially strong for longer cruises (7+ nights).

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival’s “$1 Deposit” promotion is legendary. During Black Friday 2022, they allowed bookings with just $1 per person and offered $50–$150 in onboard credit. They also ran “Kids Sail Free” deals on Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, saving families hundreds of dollars.

Carnival’s deals are best for budget-conscious travelers and families looking for short, fun getaways.

Princess Cruises

Princess focuses on destination-specific deals. In 2023, their Black Friday event included:

• Up to $200 OBC per stateroom
• Free balcony upgrades
• “Cruise with Me” referral bonuses (earn $100 for referring a friend)

They also offered reduced airfare on select Alaska and European sailings when booked through their air program.

Viking Cruises (Ocean & River)

Viking, known for its luxury and cultural focus, offers a different kind of Black Friday deal. Instead of flashy discounts, they emphasize value and exclusivity. In 2022, they provided:

• Free international airfare on select ocean cruises
• $100–$200 OBC
• Complimentary hotel stays pre- or post-cruise

Their promotions are ideal for travelers seeking a high-end, all-inclusive experience without the retail-style frenzy.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney doesn’t run traditional “sales,” but they do offer limited-time promotions during Black Friday. In 2023, they included:

• $200–$300 OBC on select sailings
• Reduced deposits
• Special character meet-and-greets for kids

While prices don’t drop dramatically, the added perks make Disney cruises more appealing for families.

When Do Cruise Black Friday Sales Start and End?

Timing is everything when it comes to scoring the best cruise deals. Unlike retail, where Black Friday is a single day, cruise promotions often span an entire week or more. Here’s what you need to know about timing.

Early Access for Loyalty Members

Most major cruise lines offer 48–72 hours of early access to their loyalty program members. For example:

• Royal Caribbean: Crown & Anchor members get early access starting the Monday before Thanksgiving.
• NCL: Latitudes Rewards members can book 48 hours before the public sale.
• Carnival: VIFP Club members receive early booking links via email.

Tip: Join the loyalty program now (it’s free) and make sure your email is updated so you don’t miss out.

Public Sale Dates

The official public sales typically begin on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving and run through Cyber Monday (the Monday after). However, some lines extend deals through the first week of December. For example:

• Royal Caribbean: 7-day sale from Tuesday to Monday.
• Viking: 10-day “Holiday Sale” starting the week of Black Friday.
• MSC Cruises: “Black Friday Week” with rotating daily deals.

Important: Deals are often limited by cabin availability, so the best itineraries (e.g., Alaska in July, Mediterranean in August) may sell out within hours.

Last-Minute Extensions and Cyber Monday

Some cruise lines extend promotions through Cyber Monday, offering “Cyber Monday Bonus” deals like extra OBC or free upgrades. Others release a second wave of deals for less popular sailings. For example, in 2022, Carnival added new Caribbean sailings with “Kids Sail Free” on Cyber Monday after their initial Black Friday inventory sold out.

Keep checking the cruise line’s website and sign up for their email alerts—sometimes the best deals come in the final 24 hours.

How to Maximize Your Savings During Cruise Black Friday Sales

Getting the best deal isn’t just about clicking “book” when a sale starts. It requires strategy, research, and timing. Here are expert tips to help you save the most during Black Friday cruise sales.

Book Early, But Be Flexible

The best deals go fast, especially for popular destinations and peak seasons. Book as early as possible during the early access or public sale window. However, if your schedule allows, consider flexible dates. A cruise departing on a Tuesday instead of a Saturday might be $200 cheaper per person.

Compare Total Value, Not Just Price

A cruise priced at $899 with $300 OBC, free Wi-Fi, and a balcony upgrade may be a better deal than one advertised at $799 with no extras. Use a deal calculator to compare:

• Base price
• Onboard credit
• Upgrades
• Included packages (drinks, Wi-Fi, etc.)
• Airfare savings

Example: A $1,200 cruise with $400 in OBC and free drinks is effectively $800—a better value than a $900 cruise with no extras.

Use a Reputable Travel Agent

Many travelers don’t realize that travel agents can access the same deals as the cruise line’s website—and sometimes even better ones. Agents often have access to:

• Exclusive group rates
• Extra OBC or upgrades
• Insider knowledge on cabin locations (e.g., quiet decks, near elevators)

Plus, they’re free to use—cruise lines pay them a commission. Look for agents certified by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).

Watch for “Flash Sales” and Email Alerts

Set up alerts with cruise lines and travel deal websites like Cruise Critic, ShermansTravel, and The Vacation Gals. Many lines send exclusive flash sales via email or text during Black Friday week. For example, in 2023, Celebrity Cruises sent a “24-Hour Flash Sale” with $500 OBC—only to subscribers.

Consider Group Bookings

If you’re traveling with 8+ people, book as a group. Cruise lines often offer:

• Free stateroom for the 9th or 10th guest
• Group OBC (e.g., $100 per person)
• Private dining or events

Group bookings can save thousands, especially on luxury lines.

Cruise Line	Typical Black Friday Deal	Best For	Early Access?
Royal Caribbean	Buy One, Get One 50% Off + OBC	Families, Caribbean, Alaska	Yes (Crown & Anchor)
NCL	Free at Sea (drinks, dining, Wi-Fi)	Adults, long cruises	Yes (Latitudes)
Carnival	$1 Deposit + Kids Sail Free	Budget travelers, short trips	Yes (VIFP Club)
Princess	OBC + Free Upgrades	Alaska, Europe	Yes (Captain’s Circle)
Viking	Free Air + Hotel Stays	Luxury, cultural travelers	Yes (Viking Explorer)
Disney	OBC + Reduced Deposits	Families with kids	Yes (Castaway Club)

Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for Black Friday to Book Your Cruise?

So, do cruise lines have Black Friday sales? Absolutely—and they’re worth your attention. While the deals may not always be “50% off,” the combination of reduced deposits, onboard credits, free upgrades, and bundled perks can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your next vacation.

However, Black Friday isn’t the only time to find great cruise deals. Lines often run similar promotions during “Wave Season” (January–March), but Black Friday offers a unique opportunity to lock in 2024 or even 2025 sailings at today’s prices, often with flexible cancellation policies.

The key is to be prepared: join loyalty programs, set up alerts, compare total value, and act fast when deals drop. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, Black Friday can be the perfect time to turn your dream cruise into a reality—without breaking the bank.

So mark your calendar, sign up for emails, and get ready. The sea is calling, and this Black Friday, it might just be on sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cruise lines have Black Friday sales?

Yes, many major cruise lines offer Black Friday sales with deep discounts on fares, onboard credits, and cabin upgrades. These deals typically start the week before Thanksgiving and run through Cyber Monday.

When do cruise lines announce their Black Friday deals?

Most cruise lines announce their Black Friday sales in early November, with early-bird offers sometimes appearing in October. Signing up for cruise line newsletters ensures you get deal alerts first.

What types of discounts can I expect during cruise line Black Friday sales?

Expect reduced deposits, 50%+ off base fares, free gratuities, or complimentary drink packages. Some lines even offer “kids sail free” deals or bonus onboard spending during their Black Friday events.

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

No, while some deals focus on near-term departures, many Black Friday sales include discounts on cruises 6–18 months out. Always check the fine print for eligible sail dates and itineraries.

Do luxury cruise lines participate in Black Friday sales?

Yes, even luxury brands like Regent or Seabourn offer Black Friday sales with perks like free upgrades or airfare credits. Their deals may be more limited but still valuable for high-end travelers.

Is it better to book a cruise on Black Friday or wait for last-minute deals?

Black Friday often beats last-minute pricing, especially for popular itineraries. If you have flexible dates and destinations, waiting could work—but early deals guarantee cabin choice and availability.