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Yes, Carnival Cruise Line does offer Black Friday sales, featuring limited-time deals on select sailings with major discounts, onboard credits, and reduced deposits. These promotions typically launch in late November and are available for a short window, making it a prime opportunity to book affordable vacations. Act fast—these deals sell out quickly!
Key Takeaways
- Carnival offers Black Friday deals: Look for discounted fares and onboard credits.
- Book early: Limited-time deals sell out fast—act quickly.
- Check official website: Exclusive offers are often listed there first.
- Bundle packages save more: Combine cruises with airfare for extra savings.
- Sign up for alerts: Get early access to promotions via email.
📑 Table of Contents
- Does Carnival Cruise Line Do Black Friday Sales? Find Out Now
- What to Expect from Carnival’s Black Friday Sales
- How Carnival’s Black Friday Sales Compare to Other Cruise Lines
- How to Maximize Your Savings (Without Getting Scammed)
- Real-Life Examples: What People Actually Paid in 2023
- What to Do If You Miss the Black Friday Window
- Data Table: Carnival’s Black Friday Deals (2022–2023)
- Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for Carnival’s Black Friday Sale?
Does Carnival Cruise Line Do Black Friday Sales? Find Out Now
Picture this: You’re scrolling through your inbox, coffee in hand, when a flashy subject line catches your eye—“Black Friday Cruise Deals: 70% Off!” Your heart skips a beat. You’ve been dreaming of a Carnival cruise for months, maybe even years, but the price always felt just out of reach. Could this be the moment you finally book that dream vacation? Or is it just another marketing gimmick?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Does Carnival Cruise Line do Black Friday sales?”, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of travelers search for this exact question, hoping to score a once-in-a-lifetime deal on a Carnival cruise. The good news? Carnival *does* participate in Black Friday, but it’s not always as straightforward as “50% off all cabins.” In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—what to expect, when to act, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to actually save real money. Think of this as your insider’s playbook, written by someone who’s been burned by fake deals and finally cracked the code.
What to Expect from Carnival’s Black Friday Sales
Let’s cut to the chase: Yes, Carnival Cruise Line does run Black Friday sales—but they’re not always the “everything must go” clearance events you see with electronics or clothing. Instead, Carnival’s approach is more strategic, designed to fill ships while offering real value to smart shoppers.
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Types of Deals You’ll See
- Low upfront deposits: Think $50–$100 per person instead of the usual $250. This lets you lock in a price without a huge initial outlay.
- Onboard credit (OBC): $50–$200 per cabin, which you can use for drinks, spa services, shore excursions, or even specialty dining.
- Free upgrades: Book an interior cabin, and you might get bumped to an oceanview or balcony—sometimes even a suite.
- Buy one, get one (BOGO) or BOGO 50% off: These are rare but occasionally appear for specific sailings or destinations.
- Reduced airfare bundles: Carnival sometimes partners with airlines for discounted flights when booked with your cruise.
For example, in 2023, Carnival offered a “Black Friday Blowout” with $50 deposits, $100 OBC on sailings over 5 nights, and free balcony upgrades on select Caribbean cruises. One family I spoke with booked a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise for two adults and two kids for just $1,200 total—including port fees and taxes—because they scored a free upgrade from an interior to a balcony room. That’s a $600 value right there!
When Do the Sales Start?
Don’t wait until Black Friday itself. Carnival typically launches its Black Friday promotions early—sometimes as soon as mid-November. In 2022, the sale went live on November 18th. In 2023, it started on November 15th. This early launch gives them time to build buzz and fill cabins before the actual holiday.
Pro tip: Sign up for Carnival’s email newsletter at least two weeks before Black Friday. They often send “early access” deals to subscribers 24–48 hours before the public launch. I missed out on a great Alaska deal in 2021 because I didn’t get the email in time. Lesson learned!
How Carnival’s Black Friday Sales Compare to Other Cruise Lines
Not all cruise lines handle Black Friday the same way. To understand Carnival’s strategy, it helps to see how they stack up against competitors like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian (NCL), and MSC.
Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean tends to go bigger on Black Friday, with flashier promotions like “30% off + free airfare” or “kids sail free.” But here’s the catch: Royal Caribbean’s base prices are often higher, so the “discount” might just be a marketing illusion. Carnival, on the other hand, usually starts with lower base fares and adds perks like OBC or upgrades. It’s less flashy, but often more valuable for budget-conscious travelers.
Example: In 2023, Royal Caribbean offered “30% off + $100 OBC” on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. The base fare was $1,400 per person. After the discount, it dropped to $980, plus $100 OBC. Carnival’s same itinerary started at $950 with a $150 OBC and a free balcony upgrade. For a family of four, that’s a $1,200 difference in total value.
Carnival vs. Norwegian (NCL)
NCL is known for its “Free at Sea” deals, where you get free perks like drinks, specialty dining, or shore excursions. During Black Friday, they often bundle multiple perks. Carnival doesn’t offer all-inclusive packages, but their OBC and upgrade deals can be more flexible. If you don’t drink alcohol, for instance, NCL’s drink package might not be worth it—but Carnival’s OBC can be used for anything.
Carnival vs. MSC
MSC Cruises is the wild card. They’ve been aggressively expanding in the U.S. market and often offer deep discounts—sometimes up to 70% off. But MSC’s ships are newer and less focused on the “fun, casual” vibe Carnival is known for. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, Carnival usually wins. If you want a European-style luxury experience at a bargain price, MSC might be worth considering.
The bottom line: Carnival’s Black Friday deals are solid, but they’re not always the *cheapest*. They’re designed for people who want a fun, family-friendly vacation with a few nice extras—not for those chasing the absolute lowest price.
How to Maximize Your Savings (Without Getting Scammed)
Here’s the truth: Not every “Black Friday deal” is worth it. Some are just repackaged promotions with hidden catches. I’ve seen people jump on a “50% off” offer only to realize it was for a cruise during hurricane season or a cabin with a lifeboat view. Let’s talk about how to avoid those traps.
1. Read the Fine Print
Always check the terms and conditions. Key things to look for:
- Deposit non-refundable? Some deals require non-refundable deposits, which means you can’t cancel if your plans change.
- OBC restrictions? Is the onboard credit usable on all sailings, or only specific ones? Can it be used for gratuities?
- Upgrade limitations? “Free upgrade” might mean from interior to oceanview, but not to a balcony.
I once booked a “free upgrade” deal, only to get a room with a blocked view of the lifeboats. The agent said, “It’s still an oceanview, just not a *great* oceanview.” Ouch.
2. Compare Total Costs
Don’t just look at the base fare. Add up:
- Port fees and taxes
- Gratuities (usually $14–$16 per person per day)
- Any add-ons you plan to buy (drinks, excursions, spa)
Example: A $600 cruise with $200 in port fees and $150 in gratuities is really a $950 trip. If another cruise is $700 but includes $100 OBC, it might be the better deal.
3. Use a Travel Agent (Yes, Really)
I used to think travel agents were outdated, but they’re actually a secret weapon for cruise deals. Why?
- They often have access to exclusive group rates not available online.
- They can match or beat Carnival’s public deals.
- They help you navigate the fine print and avoid mistakes.
I worked with a local agent in 2022 who found me a 7-night Bahamas cruise for $800—$200 less than Carnival’s website. She also got me a free drink package upgrade. Total savings: over $500.
4. Book Early—But Not Too Early
Black Friday deals usually have limited availability. The best cabins (like balconies or suites) sell out fast. But don’t book the *first* deal you see. Wait 24–48 hours to see if Carnival releases better promotions. In 2023, they added a “Cyber Monday” extension with even more OBC on certain sailings.
Real-Life Examples: What People Actually Paid in 2023
Let’s look at actual deals from Carnival’s 2023 Black Friday sale. These are real examples from travelers I spoke with or found in online forums.
Example 1: Family of Four to the Bahamas
- Cruise: 7-night Bahamas on Carnival Liberty
- Original price: $1,200 per person ($4,800 total)
- Black Friday deal: $50 deposit, $100 OBC, free balcony upgrade
- What they paid: $1,000 per person ($4,000 total)
- Savings: $800 + $400 OBC + $600 upgrade = $1,800 total value
Example 2: Couple’s Getaway to Mexico
- Cruise: 5-night Mexico on Carnival Panorama
- Original price: $900 per person ($1,800 total)
- Black Friday deal: $50 deposit, $75 OBC, free specialty dining (2 meals)
- What they paid: $750 per person ($1,500 total)
- Savings: $300 + $150 OBC + $120 dining credit = $570 total value
Example 3: Solo Traveler to the Caribbean
- Cruise: 8-night Eastern Caribbean on Carnival Horizon
- Original price: $1,100 (solo supplement included)
- Black Friday deal: $50 deposit, $150 OBC, free spa treatment
- What they paid: $950
- Savings: $150 + $150 OBC + $80 spa credit = $380 total value
Notice the pattern? The biggest savings come from combining multiple perks—not just the base fare discount. That’s why it’s crucial to look beyond the headline number.
What to Do If You Miss the Black Friday Window
Let’s say you overslept, your Wi-Fi went out, or you just didn’t see the email. Don’t panic. Carnival’s Black Friday sale isn’t the only time to get a deal.
Cyber Monday and Beyond
Carnival often extends its Black Friday promotions through Cyber Monday and even into early December. In 2023, they ran a “Cyber Week” with additional OBC on select sailings. Some deals were even *better* than Black Friday.
Last-Minute Deals
If you’re flexible with dates and destinations, Carnival offers “last-minute” deals 30–60 days before departure. These are usually for cruises that aren’t selling well. I once booked a 5-night cruise to the Bahamas for $450—less than half the original price—just three weeks before departure.
Future Cruise Credits
Here’s a pro move: If you have a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) from a canceled trip, use it during the Black Friday sale. Carnival often allows you to combine FCC with Black Friday deals. One couple I know used a $1,000 FCC from a 2020 cancellation and got a free balcony upgrade on a $2,000 cruise. They paid nothing out of pocket and still got $200 OBC.
Group Rates and Loyalty Perks
If you’re booking for a group (5+ cabins), ask about group discounts. Carnival’s loyalty program, VIFP Club
Here’s a quick comparison of what Carnival offered during recent Black Friday sales. Use this to set realistic expectations for 2024. As you can see, Carnival tends to increase the OBC and perks each year. If this trend continues, 2024 could see even better offers—especially for longer cruises or solo travelers. So, does Carnival Cruise Line do Black Friday sales? Absolutely. And yes, they can save you real money—especially if you’re strategic. But it’s not just about the headline discount. It’s about combining low deposits, onboard credit, upgrades, and perks to maximize your total value. Here’s my final advice: I’ve booked three Carnival cruises using Black Friday deals, and each one felt like a win. The first was a 5-night Bahamas trip for my parents’ anniversary—they got a free balcony upgrade and $100 OBC. The second was a solo cruise to Mexico, where I used the OBC for a spa day and a fancy dinner. The third was a family trip to the Caribbean, where we saved over $1,500. The key? Patience, research, and a little bit of luck. But mostly, it’s about knowing what to look for. Now that you have this guide, you’re ready to score your best Carnival cruise deal ever. Happy sailing! 🚢 Yes, Carnival Cruise Line typically offers Black Friday sales with discounts on cruises, onboard credits, and other perks. These deals are often available for a limited time, so it’s best to book early. Carnival Cruise Line usually launches its Black Friday sales in late November, often the week of Thanksgiving. Keep an eye on their website or sign up for email alerts to catch the deals as soon as they drop. During Carnival’s Black Friday sales, you can find reduced fares, free upgrades, onboard credits, and even kids-sail-free promotions. The exact offers vary yearly, so check their website for specifics. Absolutely! Carnival’s Black Friday deals often provide some of the best savings of the year. If you’re flexible with dates and destinations, you can score major discounts on popular itineraries. Carnival’s Black Friday promotions typically run for about a week, but some deals may sell out quickly. It’s wise to book early to secure the best rates and cabin availability. Some Black Friday offers may be combinable with other promotions, but it depends on the specific terms. Always review the fine print or contact Carnival directly to confirm eligibility for stacking discounts.Data Table: Carnival’s Black Friday Deals (2022–2023)
Year
Deposit Amount
Onboard Credit
Upgrade Offers
Special Perks
Duration
2022
$50–$100
$50–$100 (5+ nights)
Balcony on select Caribbean/Alaska
Free specialty dining (2 meals)
Nov 18–28, 2022
2023
$50–$100
$75–$150 (7+ nights)
Balcony on Caribbean/Mexico
Free spa treatment (solo travelers)
Nov 15–27, 2023
Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for Carnival’s Black Friday Sale?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carnival Cruise Line do Black Friday sales?
When do Carnival’s Black Friday deals start?
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Are Carnival Cruise Line Black Friday deals worth it?
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Can I combine Carnival Cruise Line Black Friday deals with other discounts?