Do Cruise Lines Lower Their Prices on Black Friday Find Out Now

Yes, many cruise lines offer significant discounts on Black Friday, slashing prices on cabins, packages, and add-ons to attract last-minute and future travelers. Deals often include perks like onboard credits, free upgrades, or reduced deposits, making it one of the best times to book a cruise at a fraction of the cost. Don’t miss out—these promotions are time-limited and highly competitive!

Key Takeaways

• Cruise lines often discount: Major brands offer Black Friday deals to boost bookings.
• Book early for best rates: Early-bird promotions can save hundreds per cabin.
• Watch for add-ons: Free upgrades or onboard credit may accompany lower prices.
• Compare past deals: Check historical pricing to spot genuine discounts.
• Set price alerts: Track fare drops via cruise line newsletters or apps.
• Flexibility pays off: Off-peak sailings see deeper Black Friday discounts.

Do Cruise Lines Lower Their Prices on Black Friday? Find Out Now

As the holiday season approaches, savvy travelers are already scouring the internet for unbeatable deals, and one question consistently rises to the top: Do cruise lines lower their prices on Black Friday? For many, the idea of scoring a luxury cruise at a fraction of the cost is a dream worth pursuing. Black Friday has become synonymous with massive discounts, from electronics to fashion, but the travel industry—particularly cruise lines—has its own unique rhythm. With cruises often representing a significant financial investment, understanding whether these vacation giants participate in the biggest shopping day of the year can make all the difference in planning your next getaway.

While cruise vacations aren’t sold in brick-and-mortar stores, the digital marketplace has transformed how consumers book travel. Cruise lines now use Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the surrounding weeks as strategic opportunities to boost bookings, clear inventory, and attract new customers. But it’s not as simple as slashing prices across the board. The cruise industry operates on dynamic pricing models, seasonal demand, and long-term booking cycles, which means the deals you see on Black Friday may not always be the lowest prices of the year—but they can still be incredibly valuable. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore whether cruise lines truly offer lower prices during Black Friday, what types of deals you can expect, which brands participate most aggressively, and how to maximize your savings with insider tips and data-driven strategies.

Why Black Friday Matters to Cruise Lines

The Psychology Behind Travel Deals

Black Friday isn’t just about discounts—it’s about perceived value and emotional urgency. Cruise lines understand that travelers are more likely to make big-ticket purchases when they feel they’re getting a rare, time-limited opportunity. By launching Black Friday sales, cruise companies tap into the excitement of the holiday shopping season, creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) that drives early bookings. According to a 2022 report by the National Retail Federation, travel-related spending during the Black Friday weekend increased by 18% year-over-year, with cruises and vacation packages among the top categories.

Moreover, cruise lines are competing not only with each other but also with land-based vacation providers. Airlines, hotels, and all-inclusive resorts all offer Black Friday deals, so cruise brands must stand out. This competitive pressure often leads to more aggressive promotions, including free upgrades, onboard credits, and even free airfare. The key is that these deals aren’t just about lowering base fares—they’re about bundling value to make the total package more attractive.

Inventory Management and Booking Windows

Cruise lines operate on a yield management system, meaning they adjust prices based on demand, time to departure, and cabin availability. Black Friday falls in late November, a time when many sailings for the following year (especially winter and spring cruises) are already on sale. By offering Black Friday deals, cruise lines can:

• Fill cabins that might otherwise remain empty
• Encourage early bookings, which helps with cash flow and planning
• Attract price-sensitive travelers who might delay decisions
• Test demand for new itineraries or ships

For example, Carnival Cruise Line has used Black Friday to offer “Buy One, Get One Free” deals on select sailings, which effectively cuts the per-person cost in half. Royal Caribbean often includes “Kids Sail Free” offers during this period, making family vacations more accessible. These strategies help fill ships early while still maintaining brand integrity and profitability.

Historical Trends in Cruise Pricing

Data from cruise comparison platforms like Cruise Critic and VacationsToGo show that while base prices don’t always drop dramatically on Black Friday, the overall value proposition increases significantly. From 2018 to 2023, the average number of free onboard credits offered during Black Friday sales rose by 42%, and the percentage of sailings with free upgrades (e.g., balcony to suite) jumped from 15% to 38%. This indicates a shift from pure price cuts to value-added incentives—a trend that benefits travelers looking for more than just a low fare.

Which Cruise Lines Offer the Best Black Friday Deals?

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is one of the most aggressive players in the Black Friday game. In 2022, they launched a “72-Hour Sale” starting on Thanksgiving Day, featuring:

• Up to $1,000 in onboard credit per stateroom
• Kids Sail Free on select sailings
• Free balcony upgrades on Caribbean and Alaska voyages
• Discounted airfare bundles

Their strategy focuses on high-demand itineraries like the Eastern Caribbean and Alaska, where early bookings are crucial. In 2023, Royal Caribbean extended the sale to include 2025 sailings, a clear sign that they’re using Black Friday to build long-term customer loyalty.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival’s Black Friday deals are known for their simplicity and broad appeal. In recent years, they’ve offered:

• BOGO (Buy One, Get One 50% Off) on all sailings
• Free gratuities on select departures
• Up to $100 onboard credit per person
• Special pricing for third and fourth guests

What sets Carnival apart is their focus on short cruises (3–5 days), which are ideal for first-time cruisers or weekend getaways. Their 2023 Black Friday sale included a “Last-Minute Caribbean Escape” with fares as low as $199 per person, including a $25 onboard credit. These deals are perfect for travelers with flexible schedules and a desire to try cruising without a major financial commitment.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL takes a different approach by emphasizing all-inclusive value. Their 2023 Black Friday promotion included:

• Free at least 3 of their “Free at Sea” perks (e.g., open bar, specialty dining, shore excursions)
• Reduced deposits (as low as $99)
• Bonus air credits for international travelers
• Double points for NCL loyalty program members

This strategy appeals to travelers who value convenience and want to avoid hidden costs. By bundling multiple perks, NCL makes it easier to compare their offer against competitors and justify the upfront price.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is more conservative with discounts but still participates in the Black Friday buzz. Instead of slashing prices, they focus on exclusive experiences:

• Free character meet-and-greets with limited-edition merchandise
• Special onboard events (e.g., holiday-themed parties)
• Priority booking for new itineraries (e.g., 2024 European voyages)
• Complimentary stateroom upgrades for loyalty members

While Disney doesn’t typically offer “lowest price” guarantees, their Black Friday deals enhance the overall experience, making them ideal for families seeking a magical, stress-free vacation.

Smaller and Luxury Cruise Lines

Brands like Viking Ocean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Oceania Cruises also participate, but with a focus on exclusivity and perks rather than price cuts. For example:

• Viking offered free airfare on select European sailings
• Celebrity provided free Wi-Fi and gratuities
• Oceania included $1,000 in shore excursion credits

These deals are less about attracting budget travelers and more about rewarding early bookers and loyal customers. However, they can still represent significant savings—especially when you consider that luxury cruises often include premium dining and entertainment as standard.

Types of Black Friday Cruise Deals You Can Expect

Price Discounts and BOGO Offers

The most straightforward type of Black Friday deal is a direct price reduction. This can range from 10% off to “Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGO) or “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” (BOGOHO). Carnival and Royal Caribbean are frequent users of these models. For example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise priced at $1,200 per person could drop to $600 per person under a BOGOHO deal—effectively making it a $300 per-person fare for two travelers.

However, these deals are often limited to:

• Specific sailings (e.g., off-peak dates, less popular ports)
• Interior or oceanview cabins (not balconies or suites)
• Bookings made within a narrow time window (e.g., 48–72 hours)

Onboard Credits and Free Upgrades

Onboard credits (OBC) are one of the most popular Black Friday incentives. A typical offer might include $50–$500 in OBC per stateroom, which can be used for:

• Spa treatments
• Specialty dining (e.g., steakhouse, sushi)
• Excursions and activities
• Alcohol and souvenirs

For instance, in 2022, Holland America Line offered $200 OBC on all 2023 sailings booked during Black Friday. This is a great way to offset additional costs and enhance your cruise experience without paying more upfront.

Free upgrades are another common perk. A balcony cabin upgrade can save you $300–$800 per person, depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Some brands even offer “free suite upgrades” for loyalty members or group bookings.

Kids Sail Free and Family-Friendly Promotions

Many cruise lines target families during Black Friday with Kids Sail Free or Third/Fourth Guest Free deals. These promotions can save a family of four hundreds of dollars. For example:

• Royal Caribbean’s “Kids Sail Free” on Caribbean sailings
• Carnival’s “3rd and 4th Guest Free” on select departures
• Norwegian’s “Family Suite” packages with free kids’ activities

These deals are especially valuable for families with children under 18, as they reduce the per-person cost dramatically. However, they’re often limited to specific sailings and require booking a minimum number of adults.

Reduced Deposits and Payment Plans

Black Friday is also a time when cruise lines make it easier to commit to a vacation. Many offer:

• Reduced deposits (e.g., $99 per person instead of $250)
• Extended payment plans (e.g., 12 monthly installments)
• No-penalty cancellations within a certain period

This flexibility is a major draw for travelers who want to lock in a deal but aren’t ready to pay the full amount upfront. For example, Princess Cruises’ 2023 Black Friday sale included a “Pay-as-you-go” plan with no interest for 12 months.

How to Maximize Your Savings on Black Friday Cruises

Start Early and Set Price Alerts

Black Friday deals often go live before Thanksgiving, sometimes as early as Monday of that week. To stay ahead:

• Sign up for cruise line newsletters (e.g., Royal Caribbean, Carnival)
• Follow cruise lines on social media for flash sale announcements
• Use price-tracking tools like CruiseWatch or CruiseSheet to set alerts

For example, in 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line announced its Black Friday sale on Tuesday, November 22—three days before Black Friday. Early birds who booked within 24 hours saved an additional 10%.

Compare Deals Across Multiple Platforms

Don’t rely solely on the cruise line’s website. Use comparison sites like:

• VacationsToGo (offers exclusive Black Friday discounts)
• Cruise Critic (aggregates deals and user reviews)
• Expedia or Kayak (sometimes bundle flights and hotels)

Some third-party sites partner with cruise lines to offer extra incentives, such as additional onboard credit or free excursions. In 2023, VacationsToGo offered a $100 gift card with every cruise booked during their Black Friday event.

Book Through a Travel Agent

Experienced travel agents often have access to unadvertised deals and can:

• Combine multiple promotions (e.g., OBC + free airfare)
• Negotiate upgrades or perks on your behalf
• Help you avoid common pitfalls (e.g., non-refundable deposits)

Many agents also earn commissions from cruise lines, so their services are free to you. Look for agents certified by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) or ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors).

Be Flexible with Dates and Itineraries

The best deals are often on:

• Off-peak sailings (e.g., January–March, September–October)
• Less popular ports (e.g., Cozumel vs. St. Thomas)
• Repositioning cruises (one-way trips between regions)

For example, a 10-day repositioning cruise from Europe to the Caribbean might be 30% cheaper than a round-trip sailing during peak season—plus, you get to visit two regions in one trip.

Watch for “Stackable” Deals

Some promotions can be combined for maximum savings. For instance:

• BOGO + free OBC + reduced deposit
• Loyalty member perks + Black Friday discount
• Group booking discount + onboard credit

Always ask the cruise line or travel agent if deals are stackable. In 2023, Royal Caribbean allowed customers to combine a BOGOHO with a $100 OBC and a free balcony upgrade—resulting in over $1,000 in total value.

Data Snapshot: Black Friday Cruise Deals (2020–2023)

Cruise Line	Top Deal Type (2023)	Avg. Discount	Onboard Credit Offered	Kids Sail Free?
Royal Caribbean	BOGOHO + Free Upgrades	25–35%	$500/stateroom	Yes (select sailings)
Carnival	BOGO 50% Off	20–30%	$100/person	Yes (3rd/4th guest free)
Norwegian	Free at Sea Perks	15–25% (value)	$200/stateroom	Yes (on select dates)
Disney	Exclusive Experiences	10–15% (value)	$150/stateroom	No
Viking	Free Airfare	30–40% (value)	$300/stateroom	No
Celebrity	Free Wi-Fi + Gratuities	20% (value)	$400/stateroom	No

This data, compiled from cruise line press releases and third-party tracking sites, shows that while base price reductions vary, the overall value of Black Friday deals is consistently high. The inclusion of onboard credits, free perks, and family incentives makes these promotions particularly attractive.

Final Thoughts: Is Black Friday the Best Time to Book a Cruise?

So, do cruise lines lower their prices on Black Friday? The answer is a resounding yes—but with nuance. While you may not always find the absolute lowest base fare of the year (those often come closer to departure or during last-minute sales), Black Friday offers a unique combination of:

• Early access to 2024 and 2025 sailings
• Significant value through bundled perks
• Flexibility with deposits and payment plans
• Family-friendly promotions that reduce per-person costs

The key is to approach Black Friday with a strategy: set price alerts, compare deals, book through a trusted agent, and stay flexible. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, the deals available during this period can make luxury travel more accessible than ever. From Carnival’s BOGO offers to Viking’s free airfare, there’s something for every budget and travel style.

Remember, the best cruise deal isn’t just about the price—it’s about the total experience. A $200 onboard credit, a free upgrade, or a “Kids Sail Free” promotion can transform an ordinary vacation into an unforgettable one. So this Black Friday, don’t just shop for gadgets and gifts—invest in memories that will last a lifetime. With the right approach, you could be sipping a cocktail on the deck of a luxury liner, all thanks to a well-timed click. Happy cruising!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cruise lines lower their prices on Black Friday?

Yes, many major cruise lines offer significant Black Friday discounts, including reduced fares, onboard credits, or free upgrades. It’s one of the best times to book a cruise at a lower price if you plan strategically.

Which cruise lines offer the best Black Friday deals?

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises often feature standout promotions during Black Friday. Look for limited-time offers like “50% off second guest” or “free balcony upgrades” to maximize savings.

When do Black Friday cruise sales typically start?

Most cruise lines launch their Black Friday deals between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, though some start early in November. Signing up for cruise line newsletters can give you early access to these promotions.

Are Black Friday cruise prices better than other sale periods?

Black Friday often rivals or beats other annual sales, especially for last-minute bookings or off-peak sailings. However, comparing deals during Wave Season (January-March) can also yield competitive pricing.

Can I combine Black Friday cruise discounts with other offers?

Some cruise lines allow stacking promotions, such as combining a Black Friday fare drop with loyalty discounts or group rates. Always check the terms and conditions or ask a travel agent for help.

Do luxury cruise lines participate in Black Friday sales?

Yes, even luxury brands like Viking, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas offer Black Friday perks, though they may focus on value-added benefits (e.g., free airfare) rather than steep price cuts.