Will Cruise Lines Have Black Friday Deals Find Out Now

Yes, major cruise lines typically offer Black Friday deals, featuring deep discounts, onboard credits, and reduced deposits to attract holiday-season bookings. You can expect 20–40% off select sailings from brands like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, especially on off-peak and last-minute departures. Act fast—these limited-time offers often vanish within days.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, cruise lines offer Black Friday deals: Major brands slash prices and add perks.
• Book early for best savings: Early-bird deals often start before Black Friday.
• Look for bundled packages: Deals often include free upgrades or onboard credits.
• Compare prices across lines: Check Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and others side-by-side.
• Act fast—deals sell out: Limited-time offers vanish quickly due to high demand.
• Sign up for alerts: Get notified about flash sales and exclusive discounts.

Will Cruise Lines Offer Black Friday Deals? The Ultimate Guide for Savvy Travelers

As the holiday season approaches, shoppers across the globe gear up for one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year: Black Friday. Known for deep discounts on electronics, apparel, and home goods, Black Friday has evolved into a retail phenomenon that extends far beyond physical products. In recent years, travel and hospitality industries have jumped on the bandwagon, offering limited-time promotions on flights, hotels, and even cruise vacations. But the big question on many travelers’ minds is: will cruise lines have Black Friday deals?

The answer is a resounding yes—but with some important nuances. Unlike traditional retailers, cruise lines operate on a different business model, with fixed itineraries, limited cabin availability, and seasonal demand fluctuations. This means their Black Friday promotions are often more strategic, time-sensitive, and exclusive than a simple 50% off sale. Whether you’re planning a Caribbean getaway, an Alaskan adventure, or a European river cruise, understanding how and when cruise lines release their Black Friday deals can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Black Friday cruise deals, from which lines participate to how to maximize your savings and avoid common pitfalls.

Why Cruise Lines Participate in Black Friday Sales

You might wonder: why would a luxury vacation experience like a cruise align with a retail shopping event like Black Friday? The answer lies in marketing psychology, booking cycles, and the cruise industry’s need to fill cabins months in advance. Let’s break down the key reasons behind cruise lines’ growing involvement in Black Friday promotions.

1. Filling Future Sailings with Early Bookings

Cruise lines rely on early bookings to forecast demand and manage operational costs. By offering Black Friday cruise deals, they incentivize travelers to commit to voyages that may be 6 to 18 months in the future. This allows cruise companies to secure revenue early, plan staffing, and optimize fuel and supply logistics. For example, Royal Caribbean often releases Black Friday deals for sailings in the following summer or fall, helping them fill cabins before the peak booking season.

2. Competitive Advantage in a Crowded Market

The cruise industry is highly competitive, with over 30 major cruise lines operating globally. With similar itineraries, onboard amenities, and price points, cruise companies use Black Friday as a differentiation strategy. By launching exclusive promotions—such as free balcony upgrades, onboard credit, or waived gratuities—they attract attention and drive direct bookings, reducing reliance on third-party travel agencies.

3. Leveraging Consumer Spending Momentum

Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, a time when consumers are actively spending. Cruise lines tap into this momentum by launching campaigns that frame cruising as a giftable experience. Families can book a cruise as a holiday gift, couples can treat themselves to a romantic escape, and retirees can plan a bucket-list journey. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), over 60% of cruise bookings are made between November and February, making Black Friday a critical launchpad for this “wave season.”

4. Clearing Out Unsold Inventory

Even with strong demand, some cruises—especially repositioning voyages or sailings during shoulder seasons—struggle to sell out. Black Friday provides a strategic opportunity to offload remaining cabins at discounted rates. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has offered “Black Friday Flash Sales” with up to 70% off select sailings, targeting budget-conscious travelers who are flexible with dates and destinations.

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

Not all cruise lines participate in Black Friday promotions, but many of the industry’s biggest players do—and some go all out. Below, we highlight the top cruise lines known for offering Black Friday cruise deals, along with real-world examples of past promotions to give you a sense of what to expect.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is a Black Friday leader, often launching multi-day sales starting on Thanksgiving. Their promotions typically include:

• Buy One, Get One 50% Off on select sailings (e.g., Caribbean, Alaska, Europe)
• Up to $400 in onboard credit per stateroom
• Free balcony upgrades (subject to availability)
• Kids sail free offers (for third and fourth guests in a cabin)

In 2022, Royal Caribbean’s Black Friday sale included a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami starting at $499 per person—a 40% discount off the regular price. The sale lasted 72 hours and sold out within 48 hours.

Carnival Cruise Line

Known for its fun, family-friendly atmosphere, Carnival often runs aggressive Black Friday promotions. Their 2023 sale featured:

• Up to 30% off sailings to the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Caribbean
• Free room upgrades on select itineraries
• $50 onboard credit for every $500 spent
• Special “Flash Sales” with 24-hour countdowns

Carnival also offers a “Price Drop Guarantee,” meaning if the price of your cruise drops after booking during the Black Friday sale, you can re-book at the lower rate—a rare perk in the cruise industry.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL’s “Free at Sea” promotion is a staple of their Black Friday strategy. During the 2023 sale, they offered:

• Up to 5 free perks (e.g., open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, shore excursion credit, airfare credit)
• Discounts of up to 60% on repositioning cruises (e.g., Panama Canal, transatlantic)
• Bonus onboard credit for suite bookings

One standout deal: a 10-night Mediterranean cruise from Rome starting at $799 per person, including all five perks—a total value of over $1,200 per couple.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises focuses on premium experiences, and their Black Friday deals reflect that. Past promotions have included:

• Up to 50% off cruise fares
• Free balcony upgrades on Alaska and Europe sailings
• $100–$300 onboard credit per stateroom
• Complimentary third and fourth guest fares

In 2022, Princess offered a 12-night Alaska cruise from Seattle for $999 per person—a $600 savings compared to the regular price.

Other Notable Participants

• MSC Cruises: Offers “Black Friday Bonuses” like free kids’ fares and up to $200 onboard credit.
• Holland America Line: Provides early booking discounts and complimentary specialty dining.
• Disney Cruise Line: While less aggressive, Disney has offered limited-time promotions with onboard credit and reduced deposits during Black Friday.

What Types of Black Friday Cruise Deals Can You Expect?

Not all Black Friday cruise deals are created equal. Understanding the different types of promotions can help you identify the best value for your travel goals. Here are the most common types of deals offered during Black Friday, along with tips on how to evaluate them.

1. Discounts on Cruise Fares

The most straightforward type of deal is a direct discount on the base cruise fare. These can range from 20% to 70%, depending on the cruise line, itinerary, and cabin category. For example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise might be advertised as “50% off”—but read the fine print. Often, this discount applies only to the first two guests, with additional guests paying full price. Always calculate the per-person cost to avoid surprises.

2. Free Onboard Credit (OBC)

Onboard credit is one of the most popular and valuable Black Friday perks. It can be used for:

• Spa treatments and wellness classes
• Specialty dining (e.g., steakhouse, sushi bar)
• Shore excursions and tours
• Drinks, souvenirs, and Wi-Fi packages

Typical OBC amounts range from $50 to $500 per stateroom. For instance, Celebrity Cruises once offered $300 OBC on all 7-night sailings during their Black Friday sale. This is essentially free money you can use to enhance your cruise experience.

3. Free or Reduced Airfare

Some cruise lines partner with airlines to offer bundled deals. During Black Friday, you might see promotions like:

• Free airfare for the second guest when the first pays full price
• $100–$300 airfare credit per person
• Guaranteed lowest airfare rates

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line have both offered airfare-inclusive deals for transatlantic or transpacific cruises, making international travel more affordable.

4. Free Upgrades (Balcony, Suite, Dining)

Upgrades are a great way to enjoy a higher category of service without paying the full price. Common upgrade offers include:

• Free balcony stateroom upgrade (from oceanview)
• Complimentary suite upgrade (on select sailings)
• Free specialty dining for two

For example, in 2023, Princess Cruises offered a free balcony upgrade on all Alaska cruises booked during Black Friday—a $300–$600 value per person.

5. “Buy One, Get One” (BOGO) Deals

BOGO promotions are common for couples and groups. Royal Caribbean’s “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” is a classic example. While this sounds like a 25% discount overall, it’s actually a 50% discount on the second guest—so if two people book a $1,000 cruise, they’ll pay $1,500 instead of $2,000. Always compare BOGO deals to straight discounts to see which saves more.

6. Bonus Perks and Bundles

Some cruise lines offer “all-inclusive” bundles during Black Friday, such as:

• Free Wi-Fi for the entire cruise
• Unlimited beverage packages (e.g., soda, beer, wine)
• Free gratuities (tips)
• Shore excursion credits

Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Free at Sea” promotion is a prime example, allowing guests to choose up to five perks based on their sailing length and cabin category.

How to Find and Book the Best Black Friday Cruise Deals

With so many promotions available, finding the best Black Friday cruise deals requires strategy, timing, and research. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you secure the best value for your next cruise.

Step 1: Start Researching Early (October–November)

Don’t wait until Thanksgiving to begin your search. Many cruise lines announce their Black Friday plans in October or early November. Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite cruise lines and travel agencies. Follow cruise brands on social media for real-time updates. For example, Carnival Cruise Line typically teases their Black Friday sale on Instagram and Facebook one week before launch.

Step 2: Create a Wish List of Cruises

Identify your ideal destinations, dates, and cruise lines. Are you dreaming of a tropical Caribbean escape, a scenic Alaska cruise, or a cultural European journey? Narrow down 3–5 itineraries you’d like to book. Use cruise comparison tools like Cruise Critic, Vacations to Go, or Expedia to compare prices and promotions across multiple lines.

Step 3: Set Price Alerts and Monitor Inventory

Use price tracking tools like:

• Cruise Watch (cruisewatch.com): Tracks price drops and sends alerts
• Kayak Explore: Shows historical pricing trends
• Google Flights: Includes cruise options and price comparisons

Set alerts for your preferred sailings and monitor inventory daily. Cabins with the best deals often sell out within hours.

Step 4: Book on the Right Day (But Be Flexible)

Most cruise lines launch their Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday itself. However, some run multi-day promotions or offer “early access” for loyalty program members. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society members get 24-hour early access to sales. If you’re not a member, consider joining before November to get a head start.

Step 5: Read the Fine Print

Always review the terms and conditions of each deal. Key things to check:

• Is the discount valid for all cabin categories?
• Are additional guests (kids, third/fourth in a room) included?
• Is the deal refundable or subject to change?
• Are there blackout dates or excluded itineraries?

For example, a “50% off” deal might exclude holidays, repositioning cruises, or suite categories.

Step 6: Book Direct or Through a Reputable Travel Agent

Booking directly with the cruise line ensures you get the full promotional benefits. However, working with a certified cruise specialist (e.g., through Cruise Planners, Expedia, or Costco Travel) can offer additional perks like extra onboard credit, free upgrades, or exclusive group rates. Some travel agents also have access to unadvertised deals.

Data Table: Black Friday Cruise Deal Comparison (2023 Examples)

Cruise Line	Promotion Type	Discount/Perk	Valid Itineraries	Booking Window	Best For
Royal Caribbean	BOGO + OBC	Buy One, Get One 50% Off + $300 OBC	Caribbean, Alaska, Europe	Nov 23–26	Couples, families
Carnival	Flash Sale + Upgrades	30% off + free balcony upgrade	Bahamas, Mexico	Nov 24–25	First-time cruisers
Norwegian	Free at Sea	Up to 5 free perks (bar, dining, Wi-Fi)	Panama Canal, Mediterranean	Nov 23–30	All-inclusive seekers
Princess	Fare Discount + Upgrade	50% off + free balcony	Alaska, Europe	Nov 24–27	Luxury travelers
MSC	Kids Sail Free + OBC	Free kids + $200 OBC	Caribbean, Mediterranean	Nov 23–28	Family vacations

Conclusion: Yes, Cruise Lines Have Black Friday Deals—Here’s How to Get the Best Ones

So, will cruise lines have Black Friday deals? Absolutely. In fact, the cruise industry has embraced Black Friday as a key sales event, offering some of the most generous promotions of the year. From deep discounts on fares to free onboard credit, airfare credits, and all-inclusive perks, there are incredible opportunities to save on your next cruise vacation.

But success doesn’t come from passive browsing. To truly benefit from Black Friday cruise deals, you need to be proactive: research early, set alerts, understand the different types of promotions, and book at the right time. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, the key is to focus on value—not just the headline discount. A 50% off deal isn’t worth it if the cruise doesn’t match your interests or travel schedule.

Remember, the best deals often sell out quickly, so have your itinerary and payment method ready. And don’t forget to leverage loyalty programs, travel agents, and price-matching guarantees to maximize your savings. With the right strategy, your dream cruise—whether it’s a tropical island escape, a glacier-filled Alaskan voyage, or a cultural European river cruise—can be more affordable than you ever imagined. This Black Friday, set sail on savings and make your vacation dreams a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cruise lines offer Black Friday deals?

Yes, most major cruise lines participate in Black Friday deals, offering discounts on sailings, onboard credits, and cabin upgrades. These promotions typically run from late November through Cyber Monday.

What types of Black Friday cruise deals can I expect?

Cruise lines often feature reduced deposits, percentage-off fares, free gratuities, or bundled perks like drink packages. Watch for limited-time offers on balcony cabins and longer itineraries during Black Friday sales.

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

Black Friday cruise deals are often among the year’s best, with deeper discounts than standard seasonal sales. However, always compare offers—sometimes early-bird promotions or loyalty discounts may match or beat these deals.

When do cruise lines announce their Black Friday deals?

Most cruise lines start teasing Black Friday deals in early November, with full offers launching the week of Thanksgiving. Sign up for their newsletters to get early access and exclusive pre-sale codes.

Can I combine Black Friday cruise deals with other discounts?

Some cruise lines allow stacking Black Friday discounts with loyalty perks, group rates, or past-guest promotions. Always ask your travel agent or the cruise line directly about combinable offers.

Do luxury or niche cruise lines offer Black Friday deals?

Even luxury and niche cruise lines participate in Black Friday deals, though their promotions may focus on added-value perks like private excursions or suite upgrades rather than steep discounts.