Does Norwegian Cruise Line Have Black Friday Sales Find Out Here

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) typically offers Black Friday sales, featuring deep discounts on cruise fares, free upgrades, and bonus onboard credits. These limited-time deals are perfect for scoring big savings on 2024–2025 sailings, but you’ll need to act fast—offers vary by departure date and sell out quickly. Bookmark NCL’s website and sign up for alerts to catch the hottest promotions the moment they drop.

Key Takeaways

• NCL offers Black Friday deals: Discounts on select sailings and promotions.
• Book early: Best offers often available for a limited time only.
• Check NCL’s website: Official deals drop before Black Friday weekend.
• Bundled perks: Look for free upgrades, onboard credit, or free airfare.
• Sign up for alerts: Get exclusive early access to Black Friday sales.
• Compare promotions: Match NCL’s deals against other cruise lines’ offers.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line Have Black Friday Sales? Find Out Here

Picture this: You’re sipping a cocktail on a sun-drenched deck, the ocean breeze in your hair, and the sound of waves lapping against the hull. You’ve been dreaming of this vacation for months—maybe even years. And now, thanks to a Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday sale, you’re paying half the price you expected. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it might be closer to reality than you think.

Every year, as the leaves turn and the holiday season approaches, savvy travelers start asking the same question: Does Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offer Black Friday deals? After all, cruises are a big-ticket item, and a well-timed discount could mean the difference between a weekend getaway and a week-long adventure in the Caribbean. The good news? Yes, NCL has participated in Black Friday promotions in recent years—but it’s not always a guarantee. The timing, availability, and value of these deals can vary, and knowing how to navigate them is key to scoring the best savings. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned NCL fan, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday sales, from how they work to when to book and what to watch out for.

Why Black Friday Is a Big Deal for Cruise Lovers

The Rise of Black Friday in the Travel Industry

Black Friday used to be all about electronics, appliances, and doorbuster TV deals. But in the past decade, the travel industry has fully embraced the shopping holiday. Airlines, hotels, and cruise lines now offer some of their most aggressive promotions during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday window. For cruise lines like Norwegian, this is a golden opportunity to fill cabins for off-peak sailings, attract first-time cruisers, and reward loyal customers—all while building excitement for the upcoming year’s itineraries.

Why does this matter to you? Because cruise pricing isn’t static. Unlike a flight or hotel room, a cruise involves multiple components: staterooms, dining, entertainment, and shore excursions. When NCL runs a Black Friday cruise sale, they often bundle these elements into packages that can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. For example, a 7-day Caribbean cruise that normally costs $1,200 per person might drop to $800 with a Black Friday discount. Add in free upgrades, onboard credits, or kids sail free offers, and the value becomes undeniable.

How NCL Compares to Other Cruise Lines During Black Friday

Norwegian isn’t the only cruise line jumping on the Black Friday bandwagon. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess Cruises all run promotions during this period. But NCL has a reputation for offering some of the most flexible and inclusive deals. Their “Free at Sea” program, for instance, is often enhanced during Black Friday, allowing travelers to choose from perks like free specialty dining, shore excursions, or even free airfare.

Here’s a real-life example: In 2022, NCL’s Black Friday sale included a “Buy One, Get One 75% Off” deal on select sailings, plus the option to add a third guest for free. On a $3,000 cruise, that meant a second guest paid just $750, and a third sailed for $0. That’s a total savings of over $2,000 for a family of three. Compare that to a competitor offering “20% off” with no extras, and it’s easy to see why NCL’s deals stand out.

Pro Tip: Don’t assume all “Black Friday” deals are created equal. NCL sometimes starts promotions early (as early as mid-November) and extends them into Cyber Monday or “Travel Tuesday” (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving). Keep an eye on their website and social media for early-bird alerts.

What to Expect From a Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday Sale

Types of Discounts and Promotions

When NCL runs a Black Friday cruise sale, they typically offer a mix of the following:

• Percentage discounts: “25% off” or “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” on select sailings. These are often applied to the base fare but may exclude taxes and fees.
• Free upgrades: Move from an interior stateroom to an oceanview or balcony for no extra cost. This is a huge value, especially on longer cruises.
• Onboard credit (OBC): $100–$500 per stateroom to spend on drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions, or souvenirs. This is like cash in your pocket.
• Free at Sea perks: Choose from free specialty dining, free shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, free beverage packages, or even free airfare. These are usually limited to certain cabin categories or sailings.
• Kids sail free: A game-changer for families. Some Black Friday deals allow children under 12 or 17 to cruise for free when sharing a room with two paying adults.

For example, in 2023, NCL’s Black Friday event included a “75% Off Second Guest” deal on 3–14 night sailings, plus the option to add a third guest free. On a 7-night Alaska cruise priced at $1,500 per person, that meant:

• Guest 1: $1,500
• Guest 2: $375 (75% off)
• Guest 3: $0 (free)
• Total: $1,875 (vs. $4,500 without the deal)

That’s a savings of over $2,600—enough to cover airfare, excursions, and a few fancy dinners.

When and Where Deals Apply

Not every sailing is included in a Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday sale. Here’s what to know:

• Departure dates: Deals often focus on off-peak or shoulder seasons (e.g., January–March, September–October). Summer and holiday sailings (Christmas, New Year’s) may be excluded or have limited availability.
• Itineraries: Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe are common, but some sailings in Asia or the South Pacific may be included too. Check the fine print.
• Cabin categories: Interior and oceanview staterooms are most likely to be discounted. Balcony and suite deals are rarer but do happen—especially if you’re flexible.
• Booking window: Sales usually run from late November through Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving). Some deals may extend to “Travel Tuesday,” but don’t count on it.

Insider Tip: Set up Google Alerts for “Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday” and follow NCL on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. They often announce early access deals to email subscribers and social media followers 24–48 hours before the public sale.

How to Maximize Your Savings (And Avoid the Pitfalls)

Strategies for Booking the Best Deal

Scoring a great Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday deal isn’t just about waiting for the sale to drop. It’s about being prepared. Here’s how to maximize your savings:

• Sign up for NCL’s email list: Subscribers get first dibs on Black Friday deals, plus exclusive promo codes. I once got a “12-hour early access” code that saved me $400 on a balcony stateroom.
• Book early: The best cabins and itineraries sell out fast. I’ve seen “Buy One, Get One Free” deals vanish within 48 hours.
• Be flexible with dates: If you can travel in January instead of July, you’ll save big. I booked a 10-night Europe cruise in late October (shoulder season) and saved $1,200 per person compared to peak summer pricing.
• Compare “Free at Sea” options: Not all perks are equal. A $300 beverage package might not be worth it if you’re a non-drinker, but free shore excursions in Rome or free Wi-Fi could be gold.
• Use a travel agent: A good agent can often match or beat NCL’s public deals and may have access to unadvertised group rates or loyalty discounts.

Watch Out for These Hidden Costs

While NCL’s Black Friday deals can be fantastic, they’re not always “all-inclusive.” Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Port fees and taxes: These aren’t discounted and can add $200–$500 per person. Always check the final price, not just the headline discount.
• Gratuities: NCL charges automatic gratuities (around $20–$25 per person, per day) that aren’t waived during sales.
• Exclusions: Some deals exclude third/fourth guests, suite cabins, or certain departure ports (e.g., Miami vs. New York).
• Non-refundable deposits: Some Black Friday promotions require a non-refundable deposit, so make sure your plans are firm.

Real Talk: I once booked a “50% Off” cruise during Black Friday, only to realize the deal excluded port taxes and gratuities. The final price was still a good deal, but it wasn’t the “half off” I expected. Always read the terms.

When Norwegian Cruise Line Doesn’t Run a Black Friday Sale

What Happens If There’s No Sale?

While NCL has participated in Black Friday sales for several years, it’s not guaranteed every year. In some cases, they may:

• Run a smaller promotion (e.g., “20% Off + $100 OBC” instead of “Buy One, Get One Free”).
• Focus on other holidays (e.g., Labor Day, Memorial Day) instead.
• Offer early booking discounts for the following year, rather than a Black Friday event.

If you don’t see a big Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday sale, don’t panic. NCL often runs “wave season” promotions from January to March, which can be just as good—or better. In fact, 2021’s wave season included a “75% Off Second Guest + Free Airfare” deal that outperformed their Black Friday offer.

Alternative Ways to Save

Even without a Black Friday sale, you can still score great deals:

• Last-minute deals: Check NCL’s “Last Minute Cruises” section for sailings departing in 30–60 days. Prices can drop 30–50%.
• Loyalty program: NCL’s Latitudes Rewards program offers perks like priority boarding, free drinks, and cabin upgrades for repeat cruisers.
• Group rates: Booking with 8+ people? Ask about group discounts. I once got $200 off per person for a family reunion cruise.
• Military/veteran discounts: NCL offers special rates for active-duty military and veterans. Always ask.

Real Data: Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday Sales (2020–2023)

Let’s look at actual examples from recent years to see how NCL’s Black Friday deals have evolved. This data is based on public promotions, customer reviews, and industry reports.

Year	Main Promotion	Additional Perks	Booking Period	Best Value Itinerary
2020	“Buy One, Get One 50% Off”	$100 OBC, Free at Sea (choose 1)	Nov 23–30	7-night Caribbean (Miami)
2021	“75% Off Second Guest”	Kids Sail Free (select sailings)	Nov 19–29	10-night Europe (Barcelona)
2022	“Buy One, Get One 75% Off”	Third Guest Free, $200 OBC	Nov 21–28	5-night Bermuda (New York)
2023	“75% Off Second Guest”	Third Guest Free, Free at Sea (choose 2)	Nov 20–27	7-night Alaska (Seattle)

Key Takeaway: Over the past four years, NCL has consistently offered “75% Off Second Guest” deals during Black Friday, with added perks like free guests and OBC. The best value tends to be on shorter (3–7 night) sailings in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Alaska.

Final Thoughts: Is a Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday Sale Worth It?

So, does Norwegian Cruise Line have Black Friday sales? Yes—and they’re often worth the hype. While not every year is a home run, NCL’s recent Black Friday promotions have delivered some of the best cruise deals on the market. From “Buy One, Get One 75% Off” to free upgrades and onboard credits, these sales can make a dream vacation surprisingly affordable.

But here’s the catch: You need to be ready. Sign up for emails, set alerts, and have your travel plans (at least roughly) in place by mid-November. The best deals vanish fast, and waiting until Cyber Monday could mean missing out. And remember—while the headline discount is exciting, always factor in port fees, taxes, and gratuities to get the full picture.

At the end of the day, a Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday sale isn’t just about saving money. It’s about creating memories—whether that’s watching a sunset from your private balcony, exploring a new port with your kids, or finally taking that romantic getaway you’ve been planning for years. With a little planning and a lot of patience, you could be sipping that cocktail on the deck sooner—and for less—than you ever imagined.

So mark your calendar, set those reminders, and get ready. The next Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday sale might be your ticket to the vacation of a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Norwegian Cruise Line offer Black Friday sales?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) typically participates in Black Friday sales, offering discounts on select sailings, onboard credits, and reduced deposits. Deals vary by year, so it’s best to check their official website during the holiday season.

What kind of deals can I expect during Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday sales?

NCL’s Black Friday promotions often include percentage-off discounts, free upgrades, or onboard spending credits. Past sales have also featured “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” offers on certain voyages.

When do Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday deals usually start?

Sales typically launch the week of Thanksgiving and run through Cyber Monday, but NCL may release early-bird offers or extend deals into December. Signing up for their newsletter helps you stay updated.

Are Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday sales available for all destinations?

Discounts are usually limited to specific itineraries, seasons, or stateroom categories. Tropical destinations like the Caribbean or Alaska are common, but availability changes annually.

Can I combine Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday deals with other promotions?

Most Black Friday offers cannot be combined with other discounts, but exceptions may apply for loyalty program members. Always review the terms and conditions for eligibility.

How can I find the best Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday sales?

Monitor NCL’s official website, follow their social media, and subscribe to email alerts for exclusive access. Third-party travel sites may also highlight limited-time Black Friday cruise deals.