Do Cruise Lines Run Black Friday Deals Find Out Here

Yes, most major cruise lines offer Black Friday deals, featuring steep discounts, onboard credits, and reduced deposits to help travelers save hundreds on future sailings. From luxury brands to family-friendly lines, these limited-time promotions typically run from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, making it one of the best times of year to book a cruise at a fraction of the cost.

Key Takeaways

• Most major cruise lines offer Black Friday deals – don’t miss out on limited-time offers.
• Book early for the best discounts – deals often sell out fast during peak promotions.
• Look for perks like onboard credit – added value can exceed direct price cuts.
• Compare deals across multiple cruise lines – savings vary significantly by brand and itinerary.
• Set price alerts to track promotions – ensure you don’t miss the lowest fares.
• Check cancellation policies before booking – flexibility matters with discounted fares.

Do Cruise Lines Run Black Friday Deals? Here’s What You Need to Know

Ah, Black Friday—the day when shopping carts fill up faster than a cruise buffet line at lunchtime. You’ve probably seen the ads: “70% off!” “Doorbusters!” “One-day-only deals!” But as you scroll through your inbox, you start wondering: *Do cruise lines run Black Friday deals too?*

Great question—and you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of savvy travelers (and even seasoned cruisers) ask the same thing. The truth? Yes, many cruise lines absolutely run Black Friday deals, but they don’t always scream about it from the rooftops like retailers do. Instead, they offer subtle, often under-the-radar promotions that can save you hundreds—or even thousands—on your next vacation at sea. And the best part? You don’t have to camp outside a store at 4 a.m. to get them.

But here’s the catch: not all cruise lines do it, not all deals are created equal, and timing is everything. In this post, we’ll walk through exactly what to expect, which cruise lines are most likely to participate, how to spot the real bargains, and how to avoid the “too good to be true” traps. Think of this as your insider’s guide to scoring a dream cruise without paying full price—because let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to sip a cocktail in the Caribbean while knowing they saved $800 on their trip?

Why Do Cruise Lines Offer Black Friday Deals?

Let’s get one thing straight: cruise lines aren’t running Black Friday sales to be generous. They’re running them because it makes smart business sense. But that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit—big time.

Filling Unsold Cabins

Cruise ships are like hotels with a strict departure schedule. Once the ship sails, any empty cabins generate zero revenue. So, in the months leading up to a voyage—especially during off-peak seasons—cruise lines often slash prices to fill those last few spots. Black Friday and the surrounding holiday shopping period (including Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday) are prime times for this.

For example, a 7-day Alaska cruise in September might have 100 cabins still open in late November. Instead of letting them go empty, the line offers a “Black Friday Special”: 50% off second guest, free gratuities, or a $300 onboard credit. It’s a win-win: the line gets revenue, and you get a deal.

Capitalizing on Holiday Shopping Behavior

Let’s be real—people spend money during the holidays. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spend over $1,000 per person on holiday gifts and travel during November and December. Cruise lines know this and use Black Friday as a psychological trigger. They position cruises as “experiential gifts” or “family vacations” to tap into that spending mindset.

I remember one Black Friday, my sister bought her husband a 10-day Mediterranean cruise as a Christmas present. She didn’t even tell him—she just said, “Pack your bags, we’re going to Italy!” The cruise line had a “Buy One, Get One 75% Off” deal, and she saved over $1,200. That’s the power of timing and smart marketing.

Boosting Bookings for the Next Year

Most Black Friday cruise deals aren’t for sailings *this* year—they’re for trips 6 to 18 months out. This helps cruise lines lock in early bookings, which improves cash flow and helps them plan staffing, fuel, and itinerary logistics. So when you book a 2025 cruise in November 2024, you’re helping them plan—and they reward you with perks.

For instance, Royal Caribbean often releases “Early Saver” rates during Black Friday week, which offer lower prices in exchange for a non-refundable deposit. These deals are especially popular for families planning summer vacations or retirees booking winter getaways.

Which Cruise Lines Actually Offer Black Friday Deals?

Not all cruise lines participate in Black Friday with equal enthusiasm. Some go all out, while others stay quiet or offer minimal discounts. Here’s a breakdown of the major players and what you can expect from each.

Royal Caribbean International

One of the most active Black Friday participants. Royal Caribbean typically launches a “Black Friday Blowout” sale that includes:

• Up to 30% off select sailings
• Buy One, Get One 50% Off (B1G1 50%) on many itineraries
• Free or reduced airfare for select destinations
• $100–$300 onboard credit per stateroom

They also often include “Kids Sail Free” offers on Caribbean and Bahamas cruises—perfect for families. Last year, I booked a 5-night Bahamas trip for my parents during their Black Friday sale. With the B1G1 50% off and $200 onboard credit, they saved nearly $700.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival leans into the fun, festive vibe of Black Friday with playful marketing. Their deals usually include:

• Up to 35% off cruise fares
• Free room upgrades (e.g., oceanview to balcony)
• “Fun Money” onboard credit ($100–$500)
• Reduced deposits (as low as $50 per person)

One thing to note: Carnival’s Black Friday deals often come with blackout dates (e.g., holidays, spring break), so always read the fine print. But if you’re flexible with timing, you can score a great deal on a 3- or 4-night cruise to Mexico or the Bahamas.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL is known for its “Free at Sea” promotions, and Black Friday is no exception. During the sale, they often bundle multiple perks:

• Free specialty dining for two
• Free Wi-Fi for one device
• Free shore excursions (up to $500 value)
• Free or reduced airfare on select sailings

These perks can add up to $1,000+ in value. The catch? You usually have to book a balcony or suite to get the full package. But if you’re already considering an upgrade, the savings are real.

Princess Cruises & Holland America Line

These two sister lines (both owned by Carnival Corporation) tend to offer more modest discounts but focus on premium experiences. Their Black Friday deals often include:

• Up to 40% off cruise-only fares
• Reduced deposits
• Free gratuities
• Complimentary beverage packages on select sailings

They’re great for travelers looking for a more relaxed, upscale cruise. For example, a 14-day Alaska cruise with Princess might offer a free drink package (worth $1,200 for two people) during Black Friday—no need to pay extra for cocktails.

Disney Cruise Line & Virgin Voyages

Disney is notoriously stingy with discounts—even on Black Friday. They might offer a small onboard credit or a “book early” incentive, but don’t expect deep cuts. However, they sometimes partner with travel agencies to offer exclusive perks (like free stateroom upgrades or onboard spending).

Virgin Voyages, on the other hand, is more aggressive. They’ve run Black Friday deals with:

• Up to 40% off select sailings
• “Bar Tab” credit (essentially a free drink package)
• Free balcony upgrades

They’re a newer line, so they’re using deals to build awareness and fill ships. Worth watching!

What Types of Black Friday Cruise Deals Can You Expect?

Not all Black Friday deals are about slashing the base fare. In fact, the smartest travelers look beyond the headline price and focus on total value. Here are the most common types of offers—and how to evaluate them.

Discounts on Cruise Fares

This is the most straightforward: “25% off all Caribbean sailings!” or “Buy One, Get One 50% Off.” Sounds great, right? But be careful. Some lines advertise “up to” a certain discount, which means only a few select sailings qualify.

Tip: Always check which dates and itineraries are included. A “25% off” deal on a cruise that departs on Christmas Day isn’t really a bargain—it’s just a way to fill a high-demand sailing at a lower margin.

Onboard Credit (OBC)

OBC is like free money you can spend on the ship—drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions, souvenirs, etc. A $200 OBC might not seem huge, but it covers two couples’ cocktails every night for a week.

For example, Carnival once offered $500 OBC on 7-night sailings during Black Friday. That’s enough to pay for a couples’ massage, a few bottles of wine, and a nice dinner at the steakhouse—without touching your wallet.

Watch out: OBC often has restrictions. It might not cover gratuities, specialty restaurants, or excursions booked through third parties. Read the terms!

Free or Reduced Airfare

Some lines partner with airlines to offer free or low-cost flights as part of the package. This is huge if you’re traveling from a city far from the port (e.g., flying from Chicago to Miami for a cruise).

Royal Caribbean and NCL have offered this for Caribbean and European sailings. Last year, I saw a deal: book a 7-night Mediterranean cruise, get round-trip air from NYC for $99 per person. That’s a $600+ value!

Pro tip: Compare the airfare deal to what you’d pay independently. Sometimes the “free” air is actually built into the cruise price, so you’re not really saving.

Room Upgrades

An upgrade from an interior to a balcony room can save you $300–$800 per person. Carnival and NCL frequently offer this during Black Friday.

I once booked a 5-night cruise with Carnival at an interior rate. During the Black Friday sale, they offered a free upgrade to a balcony. I paid the same price but got a room with a view—and a private space to enjoy my morning coffee.

Beverage Packages & Dining Perks

Drink packages can cost $60–$100 per person, per day. If a line throws in a free package, that’s a $700+ savings for two people on a 7-day cruise.

Similarly, free specialty dining (e.g., steakhouse, sushi) is a nice perk. Princess Cruises sometimes includes a free dinner at Sabatini’s or Crown Grill during Black Friday.

When Do Cruise Lines Release Their Black Friday Deals?

Timing is everything. If you wait until Black Friday morning, you might miss the best offers. Here’s how the rollout usually works.

Pre-Black Friday (November 1–23)

Many lines start teasing deals in early November. Royal Caribbean, for example, often opens a “Black Friday Preview” page where you can see upcoming offers and sign up for alerts.

Action step: Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite cruise lines and trusted travel agencies. I’ve gotten early access codes and “insider” deals just by being on the list.

Black Friday (November 24–25)

This is the main event. Most deals go live at midnight or 12 a.m. ET on Friday. But here’s a secret: some lines release deals early on Thursday evening to capture early shoppers.

I once scored a 7-night Alaska cruise with Holland America at 40% off because I checked their website at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving—two hours before the official launch. The deal sold out by 11 p.m.

Cyber Monday (November 27)

Cyber Monday is a digital-focused extension of Black Friday. Cruise lines often use it to promote online-exclusive deals, like:

• Extra 10% off if booked online
• Free Wi-Fi for booking via app
• Bonus onboard credit for early online payment

It’s also a good time to re-check deals from Friday—sometimes lines add new inventory or extend offers.

Travel Tuesday (November 28)

Yes, this is a real thing now! A growing number of travel brands—including cruise lines—offer additional deals on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s become known as “Travel Tuesday” or “Travel Deals Tuesday.”

In 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line ran a “Travel Tuesday” promotion with free airfare on select sailings. Royal Caribbean added new itineraries to their Black Friday sale. It’s worth checking—don’t assume everything is over on Monday.

How to Find the Best Black Friday Cruise Deals (Without Getting Scammed)

With so many deals floating around, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—or worse, fall for a scam. Here’s how to shop smart.

Stick to Reputable Sources

Only book through the cruise line’s official website or a verified travel agency (look for CLIA certification or IATA accreditation). Avoid third-party sites with no contact info or reviews.

I once saw a Facebook ad offering a “70% off” cruise. The site looked legit, but when I checked the URL, it wasn’t the cruise line’s real domain. It was a phishing scam. Always double-check the URL!

Compare Total Value, Not Just Price

Don’t fall for the “lowest base fare” trap. A $500 cruise with no perks might cost more in the long run than a $700 cruise with free drinks, gratuities, and OBC.

Use this quick checklist:

• What’s included in the price? (Taxes? Port fees? Gratuities?)
• What perks are bundled? (OBC, upgrades, airfare?)
• Are there blackout dates or restrictions?
• Is the deposit refundable?

Book Early—But Not Too Early

Black Friday deals often have limited inventory. The best cabins (balconies, suites, aft) sell out fast. But don’t book the *first* deal you see. Wait a day or two to compare offers across lines.

For example, one line might offer 30% off + $200 OBC, while another offers 20% off + free drinks + free air. Run the numbers—sometimes the “smaller” discount is actually better.

Use a Travel Agent (Yes, Really)

Many travel agents have access to exclusive deals, group rates, and perks you won’t find online. Plus, they can help you navigate cancellation policies, visa requirements, and travel insurance.

I used a travel agent last year for a family cruise. She got us a free upgrade, $300 OBC, and a $100 spa credit—all through a “private” Black Friday group booking. No extra cost to us.

Read the Fine Print

Seriously. Look for:

• Cancellation penalties
• Change fees
• OBC expiration dates
• Restrictions on airfare deals (e.g., “valid only for flights booked through us”)

Real Examples: Black Friday Cruise Deals from Past Years

Cruise Line	Deal	Value (Per Couple)	Best For
Royal Caribbean	B1G1 50% Off + $200 OBC	$1,000+	Families, couples
Carnival	35% Off + Free Balcony Upgrade	$600–$800	Budget travelers
NCL	Free at Sea: 4 Perks (Dining, Wi-Fi, Excursions, Air)	$1,500+	Luxury seekers
Princess	40% Off + Free Drink Package	$1,200	Couples, retirees
Virgin Voyages	40% Off + $200 Bar Tab	$800+	Adults-only, trendy

These aren’t made up—they’re real deals from 2022 and 2023. And they show how different lines cater to different travelers. The key is knowing what you value most: price, perks, or peace of mind.

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

So, do cruise lines run Black Friday deals? Absolutely. And if you’re flexible with dates, destination, and cabin type, you can save big. But—and this is important—Black Friday isn’t the only time to find deals.

Lines run promotions year-round: “Wave Season” (January–March), last-minute sales, loyalty member perks, and even “Flash Sales” in the summer. So if you miss Black Friday, don’t panic. But if you’re planning a cruise for 2025 or beyond, and you’re ready to commit, Black Friday is one of the best windows to lock in value.

Here’s my final advice: Start planning now. Make a shortlist of 3–5 cruise lines and itineraries you’re interested in. Sign up for their newsletters. Follow them on social media. Set deal alerts. And when November rolls around, be ready to pounce—but with a clear head and a checklist.

Because at the end of the day, a cruise isn’t just a transaction. It’s a memory. A moment. A chance to disconnect and reconnect. And if you can make it happen without breaking the bank? That’s the best deal of all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cruise lines run Black Friday deals?

Yes, many major cruise lines offer Black Friday deals, including discounts on fares, onboard credits, and cabin upgrades. These promotions typically run during late November and can save travelers hundreds of dollars.

Which cruise lines offer the best Black Friday deals?

Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises are known for their competitive Black Friday deals, often featuring free upgrades and reduced deposits. Check each line’s website for limited-time offers.

When do cruise lines announce their Black Friday deals?

Most cruise lines announce their Black Friday deals in early to mid-November, with sales launching on Thanksgiving weekend. Signing up for cruise line newsletters ensures you’ll get early access to promotions.

Are Black Friday cruise deals worth it?

Absolutely—Black Friday cruise deals can offer significant savings, especially for families or luxury voyages. Just compare prices and read the fine print to avoid blackout dates or hidden fees.

Can I combine Black Friday cruise deals with other promotions?

It depends on the cruise line, but many allow stacking Black Friday discounts with loyalty perks or past-guest offers. Always ask the cruise line directly to confirm eligibility.

Do last-minute cruise deals beat Black Friday offers?

While last-minute deals can be cheaper, Black Friday cruise deals often provide better value with added perks like free gratuities or beverage packages. Booking early also guarantees preferred itineraries.