Do Cruise Lines Have Memorial Day Sales Find Out Now

Yes, many cruise lines offer Memorial Day sales with significant discounts, free upgrades, and onboard credits to kick off the summer season. Major brands like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line typically launch limited-time promotions around the holiday, making it a prime time to book. Act fast—these deals often sell out quickly due to high demand and short booking windows.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, many cruise lines offer Memorial Day sales with discounts on select sailings and promotions.
• Book early for best deals as popular itineraries and cabins sell out fast.
• Check major lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian for limited-time offers.
• Look for perks like free upgrades or onboard credits during holiday sales.
• Compare prices with non-holiday weeks to ensure real savings before booking.

Do Cruise Lines Have Memorial Day Sales? Find Out Now

Memorial Day weekend is one of the most anticipated times of the year for travelers. Not only does it mark the unofficial start of summer, but it’s also a holiday weekend that brings a wave of promotions across industries—hotels, airlines, retail stores, and yes, even cruise lines. If you’ve been dreaming of setting sail on a luxury ocean liner, exploring tropical islands, or embarking on a transatlantic adventure, you may be wondering: do cruise lines have Memorial Day sales? The short answer is a resounding yes—but with nuances, timing, and strategic opportunities that every savvy traveler should know.

While cruise lines don’t always shout “Memorial Day Sale” from the rooftops like big-box retailers, they absolutely leverage this holiday weekend to attract new customers, fill remaining cabins, and boost booking momentum for the summer and beyond. From discounted cruise fares and onboard credits to free upgrades and waived gratuities, the Memorial Day period often brings some of the most competitive deals of the year. However, these promotions aren’t always labeled as “Memorial Day” sales. Instead, they’re often disguised as “early bird” offers, “wave season” extensions, or “last-minute summer deals.” In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how and when cruise lines roll out Memorial Day promotions, which brands participate, how to spot the best deals, and how to maximize your savings. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned veteran, this guide will help you navigate the waters of cruise line sales and make the most of your travel budget.

Why Memorial Day Matters for Cruise Line Promotions

Memorial Day weekend, observed on the last Monday of May, is a pivotal moment in the travel calendar. It signals the beginning of peak vacation season, and cruise lines are keenly aware that travelers are actively planning summer getaways. As a result, this holiday weekend becomes a strategic window for marketing and sales initiatives. But why exactly do cruise lines focus on Memorial Day, and how does it differ from other major holidays?

The Psychology Behind Holiday Travel Marketing

Holiday weekends like Memorial Day create a psychological trigger for consumers. People are off work, in a vacation mindset, and more likely to browse travel deals. Cruise lines capitalize on this by launching time-sensitive promotions that create urgency. For example, a “48-Hour Flash Sale” over Memorial Day weekend encourages quick decision-making, reducing the likelihood that potential cruisers will delay booking. This urgency is further amplified by limited cabin availability and rising summer demand.

Timing: The Sweet Spot Between Wave Season and Summer Rush

Cruise lines traditionally run their most aggressive promotions during “wave season” (January–March), but many extend or refresh deals through May to capture late planners. Memorial Day falls right at the tail end of this window, making it a natural extension of wave season marketing. Additionally, cruise lines often use Memorial Day to promote last-minute summer departures or early bookings for fall and holiday sailings. For instance, a Memorial Day promotion might offer a 20% discount on a July Caribbean cruise or a free balcony upgrade on a December cruise to the Mediterranean.

Data-Driven Sales Strategies

According to industry reports from Cruise Market Watch, bookings typically spike by 35–40% during the Memorial Day weekend compared to an average May weekend. This surge is driven not only by leisure travelers but also by families, couples, and retirees looking to lock in summer vacations. Cruise lines use this data to time their promotions precisely, ensuring maximum visibility and conversion. In 2023, Carnival Cruise Line reported a 42% increase in website traffic and a 38% rise in bookings during the Memorial Day weekend, highlighting the holiday’s importance in the sales calendar.

Which Cruise Lines Offer Memorial Day Sales?

Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to Memorial Day promotions. Some brands consistently roll out holiday-specific deals, while others may offer more general summer promotions that coincide with the weekend. Below is a breakdown of the major cruise lines and their typical Memorial Day strategies.

Mainstream & Family-Friendly Cruise Lines

• Carnival Cruise Line: Known for its “Fun Ships,” Carnival often runs “Memorial Day Weekend Savings” with perks like free upgrades, $100 onboard credit, and reduced deposits. In 2023, they offered a “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deal on select Caribbean and Alaska sailings departing June–August.
• Royal Caribbean International: Royal Caribbean frequently features “Memorial Day Flash Sales” with deep discounts (up to 40% off), free balcony upgrades, and kids sail free offers. Their website often highlights “Limited-Time Offers” during the holiday weekend.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): NCL’s “Free at Sea” promotion is often extended or enhanced during Memorial Day, offering perks like free specialty dining, shore excursion credits, and free airfare on select sailings.

Luxury & Premium Cruise Lines

• Princess Cruises: Princess often runs “Memorial Day Savings Events” with reduced fares, free gratuities, and onboard credit (up to $200 per stateroom). Their “More Ashore” itineraries are frequently highlighted during this period.
• Holland America Line: Known for longer voyages and premium service, Holland America may offer Memorial Day discounts on transatlantic, Alaska, and European cruises, along with free stateroom upgrades.
• Oceania Cruises: While less aggressive with holiday-specific sales, Oceania sometimes offers “Summer Savings” during Memorial Day, including free airfare, reduced deposits, and complimentary shore excursions on select sailings.

Budget-Friendly & Last-Minute Options

• MSC Cruises: MSC often runs “Memorial Day Weekend Blowouts” with up to 60% off cruise fares, free drinks packages, and kids sail free deals. Their promotions are especially strong for last-minute summer departures.
• Disney Cruise Line: Disney is less likely to offer deep discounts due to high demand, but they may run “Bonus Offers” during Memorial Day, such as reduced deposits or onboard credit for early bookings on 2025 sailings.

Pro Tip: Even if a cruise line doesn’t advertise a “Memorial Day Sale,” check their website or sign up for email alerts starting two weeks before the holiday. Many promotions are announced just days before the weekend to create buzz.

Types of Memorial Day Cruise Deals You Can Expect

Memorial Day cruise promotions come in many forms, and understanding the different types of deals can help you determine which offers provide the best value for your travel style and budget. Below are the most common types of promotions you’ll encounter during this holiday weekend.

Discounted Cruise Fares

The most straightforward Memorial Day deal is a direct discount on the base cruise fare. These can range from 10% to 50% off, depending on the cruise line, itinerary, and cabin category. For example:

• A 7-night Caribbean cruise on Carnival may drop from $1,200 to $720 per person (40% off).
• A 10-night Alaska cruise on Princess might go from $2,500 to $1,875 per person (25% off).

Note: Discounts are often tiered—higher savings for interior cabins, lower for suites. Always compare the final price, including taxes and fees.

Onboard Credit (OBC)

Onboard credit is a favorite among cruisers because it can be used for spa treatments, specialty dining, shore excursions, and souvenirs. During Memorial Day, cruise lines may offer:

• $50–$200 OBC per stateroom on mainstream lines (e.g., Royal Caribbean, NCL).
• Up to $300 OBC on premium lines (e.g., Holland America, Celebrity Cruises).

Example: A $150 OBC on a 7-night cruise effectively reduces your per-day cost by $21, making it a valuable perk.

Free Upgrades

Free stateroom upgrades are a popular Memorial Day perk. You might book an oceanview cabin and be upgraded to a balcony, or a balcony to a suite. These upgrades can save hundreds of dollars. For instance:

• A balcony cabin upgrade on a Royal Caribbean ship can be worth $800+ per person.
• NCL’s “Free at Sea” often includes a “Free Upgrade” option during holiday weekends.

Tip: Upgrades are usually subject to availability and assigned at check-in or boarding, so don’t count on them until confirmed.

Kids Sail Free or Reduced Deposits

Family-oriented cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC frequently run “Kids Sail Free” promotions over Memorial Day. This can save a family of four $1,000+ on a week-long cruise. Additionally, reduced deposits (e.g., $50 per person instead of $250) make it easier to lock in a deal without a large upfront payment.

Free Airfare or Air Credits

Luxury lines like Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, and Viking Ocean Cruises sometimes offer free airfare or air credits (e.g., $500–$1,000 per person) during Memorial Day sales. This is especially valuable for international cruises or repositioning sailings.

Combo Deals: The Best of All Worlds

The most valuable Memorial Day promotions bundle multiple perks. For example:

• “Book a 7-night Caribbean cruise and get: 30% off, $100 OBC, free balcony upgrade, and kids sail free.”
• “Book a 14-night Europe cruise and receive free airfare, $200 OBC, and a complimentary shore excursion.”

These combo deals can save thousands of dollars and are worth prioritizing.

How to Find and Book the Best Memorial Day Cruise Deals

Knowing that cruise lines offer Memorial Day deals is one thing—finding and booking the best ones is another. With so many promotions, websites, and third-party travel agencies, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to securing the best possible deal.

1. Start Early and Monitor Promotions

Begin your search at least 4–6 weeks before Memorial Day weekend. Sign up for email alerts from major cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, etc.) and trusted travel sites (Cruise Critic, Expedia, Travelocity). Many cruise lines announce Memorial Day sales 1–2 weeks in advance, but early subscribers often get exclusive “early access” to deals.

2. Use Cruise Comparison Websites

Websites like CruiseSheet, CruiseCompete, and VacationsToGo aggregate deals from multiple cruise lines and travel agents. You can filter by:

• Departure date (June–August for summer sailings)
• Itinerary (Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, etc.)
• Promotion type (discount, OBC, upgrade)
• Price per night

Example: A search on CruiseSheet might reveal that MSC’s Memorial Day deal offers a lower price per night than Carnival, even with fewer amenities.

3. Work with a Travel Agent (Yes, Really)

While it may seem counterintuitive, using a travel agent can save you money. Reputable cruise specialists (e.g., Vacations To Go, Cruise Brothers) often have access to exclusive promotions, group rates, and “unadvertised” deals. They can also:

• Negotiate added perks (e.g., extra OBC, free drinks)
• Hold a cabin at a low deposit while you compare options
• Provide expert advice on itineraries and cabin locations

Tip: Look for agents certified by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) or ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors).

4. Book During the “Golden Window”

The best time to book a Memorial Day cruise deal is typically:

• 10–7 days before Memorial Day weekend: Cruise lines announce most promotions.
• Memorial Day weekend itself (Friday–Monday): Flash sales and last-minute deals are common.
• Tuesday after the weekend: Some lines extend deals or release new ones to fill unsold cabins.

Avoid booking too early (before promotions are announced) or too late (after cabins sell out).

5. Read the Fine Print

Always review the terms and conditions of any deal. Watch for:

• Exclusions (e.g., certain cabin categories, itineraries, or departure dates)
• Non-refundable deposits or change fees
• OBC expiration dates (usually within 12 months)
• Airfare restrictions (e.g., “free air” may only apply to certain gateways)

Example: A “kids sail free” deal might exclude holidays or require a minimum cabin category.

Real Examples: Memorial Day Cruise Deals from 2023 & 2024

To illustrate how Memorial Day cruise sales work in practice, let’s look at real-world examples from recent years. These examples highlight the types of deals offered, the savings achieved, and the booking strategies used.

2023: Carnival’s “Memorial Day Weekend Blowout”

• Deal: 40% off cruise fares, $100 OBC, free balcony upgrade on 7-night Caribbean sailings.
• Itinerary: Miami to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica (departing June 10).
• Original Price: $1,200 per person (interior).
• Discounted Price: $720 per person + $100 OBC + balcony upgrade (worth $300).
• Total Savings: $880 per person.
• Booking Strategy: A travel agent secured the deal 9 days before Memorial Day and held the cabin for 72 hours.

2023: Royal Caribbean’s “Flash Sale”

• Deal: 35% off, kids sail free, $150 OBC on 5-night Bahamas cruises.
• Itinerary: Port Canaveral to Nassau, CocoCay (departing July 1).
• Original Price: $1,000 per adult, $600 per child.
• Discounted Price: $650 per adult, $0 per child + $150 OBC.
• Total Savings for Family of 4: $1,100.
• Booking Strategy: Booked via Royal Caribbean’s website during a 48-hour flash sale.

2024: MSC’s “Summer Savings Event” (Memorial Day Weekend)

• Deal: 60% off cruise fares, free drinks package, kids sail free.
• Itinerary: Miami to St. Maarten, San Juan, Nassau (7 nights, June 15).
• Original Price: $1,100 per person.
• Discounted Price: $440 per person + free drinks (worth $350).
• Total Savings: $1,010 per person.
• Booking Strategy: Secured through a CLIA-certified agent with a $50 deposit.

Cruise Line	Promotion	Itinerary	Savings Per Person	Booking Window
Carnival	40% off + $100 OBC + upgrade	7-night Caribbean	$880	9 days pre-weekend
Royal Caribbean	35% off + kids sail free + $150 OBC	5-night Bahamas	$550 (adult), $600 (child)	48-hour flash sale
MSC	60% off + free drinks + kids sail free	7-night Eastern Caribbean	$1,010	Memorial Day weekend
Princess	25% off + free gratuities + $200 OBC	10-night Alaska	$625	2 weeks pre-weekend

Maximize Your Savings: Advanced Tips and Strategies

To truly master Memorial Day cruise deals, go beyond the basics. Here are advanced strategies to stretch your budget, enhance your experience, and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Combine Promotions with Loyalty Programs

If you’re a repeat cruiser, leverage your loyalty status. Many cruise lines offer:

• Extra OBC (e.g., $25–$100) for elite members
• Priority booking for Memorial Day deals
• Complimentary upgrades or spa credits

Example: A Royal Caribbean Diamond member might receive an additional $50 OBC on top of a Memorial Day promotion.

2. Book a Repositioning Cruise

Repositioning cruises (ships moving from one region to another) often have lower fares and fewer passengers. Memorial Day deals on these sailings can include free airfare or extended stays. For example, a May cruise from the Caribbean to Europe might be 30% cheaper than a summer Mediterranean sailing.

3. Use Price Protection

Many cruise lines and travel agencies offer price protection. If the price drops after you book, you can request a refund or onboard credit. Always ask about this policy before booking.

4. Consider Shoulder Seasons

While Memorial Day promotions often target summer sailings, look for deals on late spring or early fall cruises. These “shoulder season” sailings have lower prices, fewer crowds, and milder weather. For instance, a June Alaska cruise might be cheaper than a July one.

5. Don’t Overlook Non-Holiday Deals

Sometimes, cruise lines offer better promotions in early June or July. If Memorial Day deals are limited, wait a few weeks. However, this strategy carries the risk of higher prices and sold-out cabins.

Memorial Day is more than a day off work—it’s a golden opportunity to secure incredible cruise deals. From deep discounts and free upgrades to onboard credits and kids sail free offers, cruise lines go all out to attract travelers during this holiday weekend. By understanding which lines participate, what types of deals to expect, and how to book strategically, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your next cruise. Start your search early, use comparison tools, work with a trusted agent, and always read the fine print. Whether you’re dreaming of a Caribbean escape, an Alaskan adventure, or a European river cruise, Memorial Day might just be the perfect time to set sail. Don’t miss out—your dream vacation is waiting, and the deals are out there. Happy sailing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cruise lines have Memorial Day sales?

Yes, many major cruise lines offer Memorial Day sales with discounts, onboard credits, or free upgrades. These promotions typically run from late May through early June, making it a great time to book a summer or fall cruise.

What kind of Memorial Day deals can I expect from cruise lines?

Cruise lines often feature Memorial Day sales with perks like reduced deposits, BOGO (buy one, get one) deals, or up to $500 in onboard credit. Some lines may also include free cabin upgrades or kids-sail-free offers during this holiday weekend.

Which cruise lines usually offer Memorial Day discounts?

Popular brands like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises frequently run Memorial Day promotions. Smaller luxury lines may offer exclusive packages or added amenities instead of direct discounts.

When do Memorial Day cruise sales start?

Most Memorial Day sales begin a few days before the holiday (late May) and last through the following week. Some lines extend deals into early June, but the best offers are usually available for a limited time.

Are Memorial Day cruise deals better than other holiday promotions?

Memorial Day sales often rival Black Friday or Fourth of July deals, with competitive pricing and unique perks. However, the best strategy is to compare offers and book early, as inventory can sell out quickly.

Can I combine Memorial Day cruise sales with other discounts?

Some cruise lines allow stacking Memorial Day promotions with loyalty program perks or past-guest discounts, but others exclude combined deals. Always check the terms or ask a travel agent to maximize your savings.