Does Carnival Cruise Line Have Black Friday Deals Find Out Now

Yes, Carnival Cruise Line offers Black Friday deals, featuring steep discounts on select sailings, reduced deposits, and onboard credit promotions. These limited-time offers typically launch in late November, making it the perfect chance to book a budget-friendly cruise—just act fast, as availability is limited and deals sell out quickly.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival offers Black Friday deals: Look for discounts on cruises, upgrades, and onboard credit.
• Book early for best rates: Deals often have limited availability and sell out fast.
• Check official website first: Carnival’s site has exclusive offers not shared elsewhere.
• Sign up for alerts: Get early access to promotions and bonus perks via email.
• Compare packages carefully: Some deals include extras like free dining or Wi-Fi.
• Act quickly: Black Friday deals typically last 48–72 hours only.

Does Carnival Cruise Line Have Black Friday Deals? Here’s What You Need to Know

Ah, Black Friday. The one day a year when your inbox floods with “limited-time offers,” your browser tabs multiply like rabbits, and your wallet trembles in anticipation. You’ve probably scored killer deals on gadgets, clothes, and even that fancy air fryer you’ve been eyeing. But what about your dream vacation? Specifically, does Carnival Cruise Line have Black Friday deals? If you’re picturing yourself sipping a piña colada on a sun-drenched deck, let’s dive into the details. Spoiler: The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it’s more like a “yes, but with a twist.”

As someone who’s been on three Carnival cruises (and stalked their deals like a hawk), I get the excitement—and the frustration. You want to know if you can snag a balcony stateroom for the price of an interior one, or if that 7-day Caribbean getaway will finally be within reach. The good news? Carnival does join the Black Friday frenzy, but their approach is a bit different from your typical retail blowout. Think of it as a “cruise-specific” sale with unique perks, timing quirks, and a few surprises. Let’s unpack this so you can plan your next adventure without the guesswork.

When Does Carnival’s Black Friday Sale Actually Start?

The Official Black Friday Timing

Here’s the first thing to know: Carnival’s Black Friday deals don’t always kick off on the actual Black Friday. In recent years, their sale has launched anywhere from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday. For example, in 2022, Carnival’s “Black Friday Blowout” started on November 22nd (three days before Black Friday). In 2023, they began promotions on November 27th (Cyber Monday). This means you need to start watching their website and email newsletters by mid-November. Pro tip: Sign up for Carnival’s email list in October—they often send early-bird alerts to subscribers.

Why the Timing Matters

Timing isn’t just about convenience; it’s about strategy. Carnival’s deals often include limited-time price locks, where you can hold a discounted rate for 48–72 hours while you finalize travel dates. If you wait until Black Friday itself, you might miss these. For instance, in 2023, Carnival offered a “$1 Deposit” deal for 48 hours—after that, deposits jumped to $149. So, set a calendar reminder for early November to check their “Deals” page daily. I learned this the hard way: I snoozed on a 2021 deal and ended up paying $300 more per person for the same itinerary.

What to Watch For

• Early access for past guests: If you’ve cruised with Carnival before, you might get a 12–24 hour head start on deals. (They call this “VIFP Club” perks.)
• Flash sales: These pop up randomly during the week, often with 24-hour countdowns. Example: “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” on select sailings.
• Cyber Monday extensions: Sometimes, deals linger through the weekend. In 2022, Carnival kept their “Free Room Upgrade” offer active until December 2nd.

What Types of Black Friday Deals Does Carnival Offer?

1. Percentage Discounts on Cruise Fares

The most common deal? A straight percentage off your base fare. Carnival often advertises “20–30% Off” or “Up to 40% Off” on select sailings. But here’s the catch: The “up to” is key. The deepest discounts usually apply to:

• Off-peak sailings: Think January–March (post-holiday) or September–October (hurricane season in the Caribbean).
• Shorter cruises: 3- to 5-day itineraries often get bigger markdowns than 7-day trips.
• Interior or ocean-view staterooms: Balcony and suite discounts are rarer.

Example: In 2023, a 4-day Bahamas cruise in February dropped from $699 to $419 (40% off) for an interior room. But the same cruise in July was only 15% off.

2. Free or Reduced Deposits

This is a big one. Carnival frequently offers $1 deposits or “Pay Later” options during Black Friday. Why does this matter? It lets you lock in a deal without a huge upfront cost. For a family of four, that’s the difference between a $600 deposit and just $4. But—and this is crucial—you’ll pay the rest in monthly installments, so budget accordingly. I once booked a $1 deposit for a 2024 cruise, but forgot about the $2,800 final payment due six months later. Oops.

3. Onboard Credit (OBC)

Onboard credit is like “cruise cash” you can use for drinks, excursions, spa treatments, or souvenirs. During Black Friday, Carnival might throw in $50–$200 OBC per stateroom. In 2022, a 7-day Alaska cruise included $150 OBC for balcony rooms. Just remember: OBC is non-refundable if unused, so plan your spending wisely.

4. Room Upgrades

Ever dreamed of a balcony room but balked at the price? Black Friday can make it happen. Carnival sometimes offers “Free Upgrades” (e.g., interior to ocean-view) or “Buy One, Get One Free” balcony upgrades. But these deals are usually for specific sailings—like repositioning cruises or less popular routes. Pro tip: If you’re flexible, you can score a balcony for just $50–$100 more per person.

5. Bundled Packages

Some Black Friday deals bundle extras like:

• Drink packages: 20% off the Cheers! package (normally $59.95/day).
• Internet plans: Free basic Wi-Fi for one device (usually $17.99/day).
• Shore excursions: 25% off select tours.

Example: In 2023, a “Black Friday Bundle” on a 5-day Mexico cruise included a free drink package and $100 OBC for balcony rooms.

How to Maximize Your Savings (Without the Stress)

Step 1: Know Your Priorities

Before diving into deals, ask yourself:

• When can you travel? If you’re locked into school breaks or work schedules, you’ll have fewer options. Flexibility = bigger discounts.
• What’s your budget? Include extras like airfare, tips ($14.50/day per person), and shore excursions.
• What do you value? A balcony? A specific itinerary? Onboard credit? Focus on deals that match your must-haves.

I once chased a “50% Off” deal on a cruise I couldn’t actually attend—don’t be me.

Step 2: Use Carnival’s Price Drop Guarantee

Here’s a hidden gem: Carnival’s “Price Drop Guarantee”. If the price of your booked cruise drops within 48 hours of your initial booking (or before final payment), they’ll refund the difference. So, if you book a Black Friday deal and see a better one later, you can rebook at the lower rate. Just keep an eye on the “Special Offers” page and email alerts.

Step 3: Leverage Travel Agents

Many people don’t realize that using a travel agent is free (Carnival pays their commission). Agents often have access to exclusive Black Friday deals, like:

• “Secret” OBC: Extra $50–$100 not advertised online.
• Group discounts: If you’re booking for 8+ people, ask about group rates.
• Last-minute price drops: Agents get alerts before the public.

I booked a 2023 cruise through an agent who added $200 OBC and a free spa treatment—no extra cost to me.

Step 4: Stack Discounts (Carefully)

Carnival’s website lets you combine some deals, but not all. For example:

• You can usually stack a percentage discount with OBC or free upgrades.
• But you can’t combine two percentage discounts (e.g., “30% Off” + “BOGO”).

Always read the fine print. If a deal says “not combinable,” it means what it says.

Real Examples: Carnival’s Black Friday Deals (2022–2023)

2022 Black Friday Highlights

In 2022, Carnival’s Black Friday sale ran from November 22–28 and included:

• “20–40% Off” on 2,000+ sailings, including 7-day Eastern Caribbean trips from $599 (interior) and 5-day Baja Mexico cruises from $399.
• “$1 Deposit” for bookings made November 22–24.
• “Free Room Upgrade” on select sailings (interior to ocean-view).
• “BOGO 50% Off” on balcony rooms for repositioning cruises (e.g., Seattle to Alaska).

My take: The “Free Upgrade” deal was a steal—I booked an ocean-view room for $200 less than a balcony would’ve cost.

2023 Black Friday Highlights

The 2023 sale (November 27–December 2) focused on:

• “30% Off” + $100 OBC on 1,500+ sailings.
• “$1 Deposit” extended to 72 hours.
• “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” on drink packages.
• “Free Basic Wi-Fi” for all bookings.

My take: The drink package deal was great for my friend who drinks 3–4 cocktails daily. But the “30% Off” was less generous than 2022’s “40% Off” for off-peak sailings.

Data Table: Carnival Black Friday Deals (2022 vs. 2023)

Deal Type	2022	2023
Discount Range	20–40% Off	30% Off (select sailings)
Deposit	$1 (48 hours)	$1 (72 hours)
Onboard Credit	$50–$150	$100 (standard)
Room Upgrades	Free (interior → ocean-view)	BOGO 50% Off (balcony)
Extras	Free drink packages (select)	Free basic Wi-Fi

Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)

Pitfall 1: “Too Good to Be True” Deals

Watch for “$99 cruises” or “90% Off” ads. These are usually:

• Taxes and fees not included: That “$99 cruise” might cost $300+ after port charges, taxes, and gratuities.
• Very short sailings: 2-day cruises to nowhere (not ideal for a relaxing vacation).
• Last-minute bookings: You’ll pay full price for airfare and hotels.

Tip: Always click “See Full Pricing” to view the total cost.

Pitfall 2: Non-Refundable Deals

Some Black Friday deals are non-refundable or have strict cancellation policies. If you book a “$1 Deposit” cruise and cancel later, you might lose your entire payment. Read the terms carefully—or ask a travel agent to explain them.

Pitfall 3: Overlooking the Fine Print

Example: A “Free Upgrade” deal might exclude holidays or require booking a specific stateroom category. I once booked a “free balcony upgrade” only to learn it didn’t apply to my chosen sailing (a New Year’s cruise). Ouch.

Pitfall 4: Forgetting About Extras

Even with a great deal, don’t forget:

• Airfare: Flights to departure ports can cost $300–$800 per person.
• Travel insurance: Highly recommended (costs $100–$200 per person).
• Gratuities: $14.50–$16.50/day per person, automatically added.

My rule: Budget 20% extra for extras when comparing deals.

The Bottom Line: Should You Wait for Black Friday?

So, does Carnival Cruise Line have Black Friday deals? Absolutely. But here’s the honest truth: Black Friday isn’t the only time to find great deals. Carnival runs sales year-round, including:

• “Fun Select” sales: Monthly promotions (e.g., “$200 Off”).
• Last-minute deals: Discounts 60–90 days before sailing.
• Military and senior discounts: 5–10% off (stackable with some Black Friday deals).

But if you’re flexible and plan ahead, Black Friday can be your best bet. In 2022, I saved $1,200 on a family cruise by booking during the sale. In 2023, my friend scored a balcony room for the price of an interior one. The key is to:

1. Start researching by October.
2. Sign up for Carnival’s emails and follow them on social media.
3. Compare deals across travel agents and Carnival’s website.
4. Book early—the best discounts sell out fast.

At the end of the day, a cruise is about creating memories, not just saving money. If you find a deal that fits your budget and schedule, grab it. As I always say: “The best deal is the one you actually get to enjoy.” Now, go forth and plan that dream vacation—you’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Carnival Cruise Line offer Black Friday deals?

Yes, Carnival Cruise Line typically releases special Black Friday deals with significant discounts on select sailings. These promotions often include reduced deposits, onboard credits, and cabin upgrades.

When do Carnival’s Black Friday deals start?

Carnival usually launches its Black Friday cruise deals the week of Thanksgiving, with offers active through Cyber Monday. Sign up for their newsletter to get early access to promotions.

What types of discounts can I expect from Carnival’s Black Friday sales?

Expect deals like 50% off second guests, free room upgrades, onboard spending credits, and reduced deposits. Some sailings may also include free beverage packages or Wi-Fi.

Are Carnival’s Black Friday deals available for all destinations?

Most deals apply to select Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska sailings, but availability varies by date and itinerary. Check their official website for specific destinations included in the promotion.

Can I combine Carnival Black Friday deals with other discounts?

Generally, Carnival’s Black Friday offers cannot be combined with other promotions or past-purchase discounts. However, loyalty program perks may still apply—review terms carefully.

How do I find the best Carnival Black Friday cruise deals?

Visit Carnival.com during the Black Friday week, set deal alerts, and compare offers across dates. Travel agents may also provide exclusive add-ons to enhance your savings.