Last updated November 2025

Black Friday is here and I am fully in “Whoo Hoo” mode! I love all of the great Black Friday cruise deals, but not every sale banner is as good as it looks. Cruise lines are experts at colorful graphics, countdown timers, and “limited time offers,” but the truth is that some deals are fantastic and others are just the same price dressed up for the holidays.

To help you shop like a pro, I’m sharing the three tips I always use myself when booking a Black Friday cruise, plus a bonus tip that can save you time and stress.

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Key Takeaways

• Price your cruise before Black Friday so you know if the sale is real
• Look closely at what perks are included, not just the fare
• Set a full trip budget so surprises do not derail your plans
• Travel insurance, airfare, and extras matter when calculating value
• A travel agent can help compare deals and spot genuine savings

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1. Price your cruise before Black Friday even starts

This is my number one strategy and the most important step that most shoppers skip. Cruise lines often change fares quietly in the weeks leading up to Black Friday, so the “big sale price” may actually be identical to the early November price.

Before Black Friday hits
• choose the cruises you are considering
• write down the current prices
• screenshot or note the cabin category and fare details

When the sale goes live, you will instantly see whether the deal is genuine or cleverly repackaged.

If you want to compare what major cruise lines are offering this year, here’s the Black Friday deals hub on Cruise Critic.

If you are still deciding where to sail next, this guide can help you compare destinations:
Ultimate Guide to Top Caribbean and Bahamas Cruise Ports

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2. Look closely at the extras included in each Black Friday deal

Sometimes the cruise fare will not drop at all but the real savings come from the perks. Cruise lines often include bonuses such as:
• free WiFi
• free gratuities
• cabin upgrades
• drinks or dining packages
• specialty dining credits
• onboard credit
• excursion discounts

These add-ons can save you far more than a small fare reduction. A waived gratuity package or a cabin upgrade often represents hundreds of dollars in value.

If you want to get an idea of some things to think about before you shop for your next cruise, check out Questions to Ask Before Cruise Shopping.

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3. Set your total trip budget before you shop

A cruise fare is only one small part of the full cruise cost. Before you decide whether a Black Friday sale is truly a deal, consider all the travel elements that go with it. You may also need
• airfare
• a pre cruise or post cruise hotel
• drink packages
• specialty dining
• excursions
• transportation
• tips
• travel insurance

Just like Thanksgiving dinner, the little things add up quickly. Setting your total trip budget early helps you stay focused and prevents accidental overspending during the excitement of Black Friday.

If you’re building out your full trip budget, this vacation budgeting guide from NerdWallet explains how to break down total travel costs.

If you want to browse excursion options early, or get a feel for what is available in ports around the world, you can explore options here:
Browse Shore Excursions

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Bonus Tip

Let a travel agent help you compare the deals!

Black Friday cruise shopping can feel overwhelming, especially when every cruise line is sending daily emails about flash sales. A travel agent can help you
• compare multiple cruise lines
• understand what each offer includes
• spot whether a deal is actually new
• break down the real value of perks
• book without stress

If you want someone else to do the “deal detective” work, this option can save a lot of time.

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Black Friday Cruise Deal Checklist

○ I checked the price before Black Friday
○ I confirmed the sale price is actually lower
○ I compared cabin categories
○ I looked at what perks are included
○ I calculated my full trip budget
○ I checked airfare prices for my cruise dates
○ I reviewed cancellation and refund terms
○ I compared drink and WiFi packages
○ I checked excursion options in my ports
○ I reviewed travel insurance information
○ I decided whether I prefer onboard credit or a lower fare
○ I checked loyalty program perks for my cruise line

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Frequently Asked Questions About Black Friday Cruise Deals

Do cruise lines offer real deals on Black Friday?

Yes many cruise lines offer genuine discounts, but not all promotions are equally valuable. Some companies lower the fare while others keep the fare the same and bundle perks like WiFi, gratuities, or cabin upgrades. The real savings depends on your travel style and what you would have purchased anyway.

When do Black Friday cruise sales usually start?

Most cruise lines begin their Black Friday promotions early, often the week before Thanksgiving. Some start as early as mid November. Cyber Monday also brings additional flash deals and occasionally better perks.

What is the best day to book a cruise during Black Friday week?

Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday tends to offer the most competitive promotions. Some cruise lines release their biggest deals on Thanksgiving morning while others save their strongest offers for Cyber Monday.

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Let’s Chat About Your Deals

I hope these tips help you navigate the Black Friday cruise chaos with confidence. If you find a deal you are excited about
I would love to hear what you booked
where you are headed
and which perks helped you make the decision.

Sharing those wins helps other cruisers too.

We are with you from Shore to Cruise!