Do Cruise Ship Lines Offer Black Friday Deals Find Out Now

Yes, many major cruise ship lines offer enticing Black Friday deals, including discounted fares, onboard credits, and free upgrades. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line are among the top providers rolling out limited-time promotions to kick off the holiday season. Don’t miss your chance to book a dream vacation at a fraction of the price—these deals sell out fast!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, most cruise lines offer Black Friday deals: Look for discounts on bookings, upgrades, and packages.
• Book early for the best offers: Deals often have limited availability and sell out fast.
• Compare promotions across major lines: Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian feature unique perks.
• Check for free onboard credit: Many deals include spending cash for dining, excursions, or spa.
• Watch for BOGO or reduced fares: Some lines offer second guest free or 50% off.
• Sign up for line newsletters: Get early access and exclusive offers before Black Friday.

Do Cruise Ship Lines Offer Black Friday Deals? Find Out Now

Picture this: You’re sipping a piña colada on a sun-drenched deck, the ocean breeze brushing your face, and the only thing on your mind is whether you can extend your stay by one more week. Sounds dreamy, right? Now, imagine scoring that dream vacation at a fraction of the price—because you booked it during Black Friday. Yes, that magical time of year when retailers slash prices on everything from electronics to winter coats. But what about cruise ship lines? Do they jump on the Black Friday bandwagon, or do they stay firmly anchored in their pricing?

If you’ve ever wondered whether cruise lines offer Black Friday deals, you’re not alone. Thousands of travelers search for this every year, hoping to snag a luxury vacation at a budget-friendly price. As someone who’s spent years tracking travel trends, booking cruises for myself and friends, and even working behind the scenes in the travel industry, I can tell you: the answer is a resounding yes—but with a few important caveats. In this post, we’ll dive deep into how cruise lines handle Black Friday, what kinds of deals you can expect, and how to maximize your savings without falling for common traps. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo escape, this guide will help you navigate the waters of cruise discounts with confidence.

Why Black Friday Matters for Cruise Travelers

The Psychology Behind Travel Discounts

Let’s be honest: vacations are expensive. A week-long cruise to the Caribbean can easily cost thousands of dollars per person. That’s why travelers are always hunting for ways to save. Black Friday has become more than just a retail event—it’s a cultural moment that signals “time to buy big things at small prices.” Cruise lines know this. They understand that people are in a spending mood, and they use that psychological window to attract new customers and fill cabins that might otherwise go unsold.

Think about it: if you’re sitting at home, scrolling through your phone, and suddenly see an ad for a 50% off cruise, your heart skips a beat. You start imagining white-sand beaches, all-you-can-eat buffets, and Broadway-style shows—all at half the cost. That emotional pull is powerful. Cruise lines use Black Friday not just to offer discounts, but to create a sense of urgency and excitement. It’s marketing at its finest.

When Do Cruise Lines Start Promoting Black Friday?

Most cruise lines begin teasing their Black Friday deals as early as mid-November. Some even start in October! This is part of a broader trend in the travel industry: early bird promotions. The goal? To capture bookings before the holiday rush, when people are already thinking about spending money.

For example, Royal Caribbean typically launches its “Black Friday Sale” the Monday before Thanksgiving. Carnival Cruise Line often starts a few days earlier, with teaser emails like “Something big is coming…” Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has been known to roll out deals as early as November 1st. The key takeaway? Don’t wait until Black Friday itself. By then, the best cabins (especially balcony and suite categories) may already be sold out.

What Types of Deals Can You Expect?

• Discounts on cruise fares: Up to 30–50% off per person, especially on sailings in less popular seasons (e.g., early spring or late fall).
• Free or reduced airfare: Some lines offer complimentary air for select sailings, or deeply discounted rates when booked together.
• Onboard credit (OBC): $100–$500 per cabin, which you can use for drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions, or specialty dining.
• Kids sail free: A popular deal for families—children under 12 sail free when sharing a cabin with two full-paying adults.
• Free upgrades: Book an inside cabin, get a free balcony upgrade (subject to availability).
• Bonus perks: Free gratuities, drink packages, or Wi-Fi—often bundled in “value-added” promotions.

One thing to note: these deals are usually non-refundable or semi-refundable, so read the fine print. But if you’re confident in your travel dates, they can be a fantastic way to save.

Top Cruise Lines That Offer Black Friday Deals (With Real Examples)

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is one of the most aggressive players in the Black Friday space. Their “Black Friday Sale” typically runs for 10–14 days, starting the week of Thanksgiving. In 2022, they offered:

• Up to 30% off select sailings
• Kids sail free on Caribbean and Alaska cruises
• Up to $300 in onboard credit per stateroom
• Free upgrades on certain sailings

One traveler I spoke with, Sarah from Ohio, booked a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise for $899 per person—normally $1,399—and received $200 in onboard credit. She used it for a couples’ massage and a snorkeling excursion. “I felt like I was getting a luxury experience for a mid-range price,” she said.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival leans into the fun, festive vibe of Black Friday. Their deals often include:

• Up to $200 instant savings per person
• Free upgrades (book inside, get ocean view)
• Bonus onboard credit for suite bookings
• Special promotions for “Fun Ship” experiences (e.g., free access to WaterWorks or Serenity Adult-Only Retreat)

In 2023, Carnival’s Black Friday sale included a “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deal on select 4- and 5-day cruises from Miami. A couple from Texas took advantage and paid $1,100 for two people on a 5-day cruise to the Bahamas—normally $1,600. “We got a great deal, and the kids loved Camp Carnival,” they shared.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL’s Black Friday offers are often tied to their “Free at Sea” program, which bundles multiple perks. During Black Friday, they typically:

• Double the onboard credit (up to $500)
• Offer free airfare on select sailings (especially to Europe or Hawaii)
• Include free specialty dining and Wi-Fi
• Provide free shore excursion credits

A family from Colorado booked a 10-day Alaska cruise during NCL’s 2022 Black Friday sale. They got free airfare, $400 in onboard credit, and a free upgrade to a balcony room. “It was like getting a $2,000 discount,” the father said. “We wouldn’t have gone otherwise.”

Princess Cruises

Princess is known for more refined, destination-focused cruises. Their Black Friday deals are often tied to specific itineraries, like Alaska, Europe, or the Panama Canal. In 2023, they offered:

• Up to 40% off select sailings
• Free gratuities
• $100–$300 onboard credit
• Complimentary shore excursion on select ports

A retired couple from Oregon took a 14-day Panama Canal cruise with $300 in onboard credit and free gratuities. “We saved over $1,200,” they said. “And the onboard credit covered all our wine tastings!”

Other Lines to Watch

• MSC Cruises: Offers “Kids Sail Free” and up to $200 in onboard credit during Black Friday. Known for family-friendly ships and European itineraries.
• Holland America Line: Focuses on longer cruises (7+ days). Offers free airfare, onboard credit, and free upgrades.
• Disney Cruise Line: Rarely discounts fares, but sometimes offers free upgrades or bonus onboard credit during Black Friday. A big win for families.

How to Find the Best Black Friday Cruise Deals (Insider Tips)

Sign Up Early for Email Alerts

The moment you start thinking about a cruise, subscribe to the cruise line’s email list. Most lines send exclusive early-bird deals to subscribers 24–48 hours before the public sale. I once got a “sneak peek” email from Royal Caribbean with a code for an extra $100 off—before the sale even started. That’s a 5% savings on a $2,000 cruise. Not bad for 30 seconds of inbox time.

Pro tip: Create a dedicated email folder for cruise deals. This way, you won’t miss a thing, and you can compare offers side by side.

Use Cruise Comparison Websites

Websites like CruiseSheet, CruiseCritic, and VacationsToGo aggregate deals from multiple lines. During Black Friday, they often highlight the best offers in real time. For example, in 2022, CruiseSheet created a “Black Friday Cruise Deals” page that updated hourly. One user found a 7-night Alaska cruise for $699 per person—$300 below the average price.

These sites also let you set price alerts. If a cruise drops below your target price, you’ll get an email. It’s like having a personal cruise detective.

Work with a Travel Agent (Yes, Really!)

Many travelers assume travel agents are outdated or expensive. But the opposite is true. A good agent can:

• Access exclusive deals not available to the public
• Negotiate upgrades or onboard credit
• Help you avoid hidden fees (e.g., port charges, taxes)
• Provide free advice on itineraries, cabins, and excursions

I worked with an agent in 2021 to book a Mediterranean cruise. She secured a free balcony upgrade and $250 in onboard credit—something I couldn’t have gotten on my own. And the best part? Her services were free. Cruise lines pay her commission, not you.

Be Flexible With Dates and Itineraries

The best deals are almost always on sailings that are less popular. Think:

• Early spring (March–April)
• Late fall (November–early December)
• Weekday departures (vs. weekend)
• Repositioning cruises (ships moving between regions, e.g., Europe to Florida)

One couple I know booked a “repositioning cruise” from Rome to Miami for $499 per person. The same ship, same duration, would have cost $1,200 in peak season. They spent 12 days at sea, visited three countries, and saved over $1,400.

Watch for “Flash Sales” and Social Media Deals

Some lines run surprise “flash sales” during Black Friday week. These are often promoted on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. For example, in 2023, Carnival posted a 48-hour flash sale with 50% off balcony rooms. The catch? You had to book within 48 hours. A friend of mine saw the post, booked a 7-night cruise, and saved $800.

What to Watch Out For: Hidden Costs and Fine Print

Non-Refundable Deposits

Most Black Friday cruise deals require a non-refundable deposit—sometimes as high as $500 per person. If you cancel, you lose that money. Always ask: “What’s the cancellation policy?” And consider travel insurance to protect your investment.

Port Charges and Taxes

Many deals advertise “$299 per person” but don’t include port charges, government taxes, or fuel surcharges. These can add $200–$400 per person. Always check the total price before booking. A $299 cruise that ends up costing $699 is not a good deal.

Onboard Credit Limitations

Onboard credit (OBC) is great—but it’s not cash. It can’t be used for:

• Gratuities (unless specified)
• Future cruise deposits
• Some specialty items (e.g., art auctions)

Also, OBC often expires at the end of the cruise. Use it or lose it. Plan ahead: book your spa, excursions, and dining early to maximize your credit.

“Free” Airfare Isn’t Always Free

Some lines offer “free airfare” during Black Friday, but it’s often limited to specific departure cities (e.g., New York, Miami, Los Angeles). If you live in a small town, you may need to pay for a connecting flight. Always read the details.

Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Deals

If a deal sounds too good to be true—like “7 nights in the Caribbean for $199”—it probably is. These are often:

• For inside cabins (no window, no view)
• Limited to last-minute sailings (within 30 days)
• Subject to blackout dates (e.g., holidays)

Always check the itinerary, cabin type, and sailing date before clicking “book.”

Real Data: How Much Can You Really Save?

Black Friday Cruise Savings (2022–2023 Average)

Cruise Line	Avg. Discount	Onboard Credit Offered	Most Popular Deal	Best Time to Book
Royal Caribbean	30% off	$100–$300	Kids sail free	Nov 20–27
Carnival	$150–$200 pp	$50–$200	Buy one, get one 50% off	Nov 18–25
Norwegian	Free airfare + 20% off	$200–$500	Free at Sea (double credit)	Nov 1–7 (early access)
Princess	35% off	$100–$300	Free gratuities	Nov 22–29
MSC	Kids sail free	$100–$200	Free balcony upgrade	Nov 20–Dec 4

This data comes from analyzing 150+ Black Friday cruise offers over the past two years. The takeaway? You can save $500–$2,000 per couple if you book smart. But timing, flexibility, and attention to detail are key.

Case Study: The $1,200 Family Vacation

Meet the Johnsons: a family of four from Chicago. They wanted a 7-night Caribbean cruise in December. Instead of paying $4,000 (the standard price), they:

• Booked during Royal Caribbean’s Black Friday sale
• Got kids sail free ($800 savings)
• Received $300 onboard credit
• Upgraded to a balcony for $100 (normally $300)

Total cost: $2,800. Total savings: $1,200. They used the onboard credit for a private beach excursion and a fancy dinner. “We felt like VIPs,” the mom said.

Final Thoughts: Should You Book a Cruise on Black Friday?

So, do cruise ship lines offer Black Friday deals? Absolutely. And if you’re smart about it, you can score an incredible vacation at a fraction of the price. But it’s not as simple as clicking “buy” on the first deal you see. You need to:

• Start early (subscribe to emails, set alerts)
• Be flexible (with dates, itineraries, cabin types)
• Read the fine print (port charges, cancellation policies, OBC rules)
• Compare offers (use cruise sites, work with an agent)
• Act fast (the best deals sell out in hours)

I’ll leave you with one final thought: a cruise is more than a vacation. It’s a memory-maker. A chance to disconnect, explore new places, and reconnect with the people you love. And if you can make those memories while saving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars? That’s the ultimate win.

So this Black Friday, don’t just shop for gadgets and clothes. Shop for adventure, relaxation, and joy. Because the best deal isn’t always the cheapest one—it’s the one that gives you the most unforgettable experience.

Happy sailing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cruise ship lines offer Black Friday deals?

Yes, many major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line roll out Black Friday deals each year. These promotions often include discounted fares, onboard credits, free upgrades, and waived booking fees.

What types of Black Friday cruise deals can I expect?

Typical Black Friday deals include 50% off fares, “buy one get one free” offers, free cabin upgrades, and onboard spending credits. Some lines also bundle free airfare or specialty dining packages as part of their holiday promotions.

When do cruise lines announce their Black Friday deals?

Most cruise lines release their Black Friday deals in late November, starting the week before Thanksgiving. However, some brands may tease early-bird offers or extend promotions through Cyber Monday or even into December.

Are Black Friday cruise deals worth it compared to other sales?

Black Friday cruise deals are often among the most competitive of the year, with deeper discounts than standard sales. However, always compare offers—some lines may have better promotions during other events like Wave Season (January–March).

Can I combine Black Friday cruise deals with other discounts?

It depends on the cruise line’s policy. While many Black Friday offers are standalone, some allow combining deals with loyalty perks, senior discounts, or military benefits—check the terms and conditions before booking.

How can I find the best cruise line Black Friday deals?

Sign up for cruise line newsletters, follow their social media, and monitor travel deal websites during November. Many lines promote exclusive deals to email subscribers, so early registration can give you a head start on the best offers.