The Ultimate Showdown: Black Friday or Cyber Monday for Cruise Deals?
Every November, cruise fans face a familiar question: Should I book my next cruise on Black Friday or wait until Cyber Monday?
It’s a tricky call. Both shopping events are known for huge travel promotions, countdown timers, and promises of once-a-year savings. But when it comes to cruise bookings, the answer isn’t as simple as it looks.
The truth is, both days can offer excellent deals—but for very different reasons. Understanding how cruise lines release promotions during these back-to-back events can help you decide when to book your next cruise vacation to score the best value possible.
Why Cruise Lines Love the Thanksgiving Weekend
Before diving into which day is better, it helps to understand why cruise lines flood the market with deals during this time of year.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday sit right before the major “Wave Season” (January–March), when most travelers book their cruises for the coming year. Cruise lines use these sales to:
- Boost end-of-year bookings.
- Get ahead of competitors by locking in early deposits.
- Create excitement for future itineraries.
For travelers, that means real opportunities—especially if you know how to time your purchase.
What to Expect from Black Friday Cruise Deals
Black Friday, traditionally the bigger of the two events, usually focuses on attention-grabbing offers. Cruise lines want to stand out while shoppers are already in “buy mode.”
You’ll typically see deals such as:
- Big fare reductions: “Up to 50% off” cruise fares (though only select sailings reach that number).
- Free guests or reduced deposits: Families often benefit from “Kids Sail Free” or $1 deposits.
- Added-value bundles: Free drinks, Wi-Fi, or gratuities included for a limited time.
- Onboard credit promotions: Spendable cash for your cruise ship bar tab or shore excursions.
Black Friday deals often begin as early as the Monday before Thanksgiving and can last through the weekend.
The best part? You’ll usually find the widest selection of itineraries and cabins, since inventory hasn’t yet been picked over.
What to Expect from Cyber Monday Cruise Deals
Cyber Monday, on the other hand, tends to be more digital, more targeted, and sometimes more generous.
Once the initial Black Friday frenzy fades, cruise lines and travel agencies often roll out fresh offers or add extra incentives to keep momentum going. You might find:
- Extra onboard credit for online bookings.
- Exclusive promo codes valid only through the cruise line’s website.
- Flash sales on specific itineraries (especially for early 2026 sailings).
- Perks stacking—like adding free specialty dining or shore excursion credits on top of a Black Friday fare.
In many cases, Cyber Monday deals aren’t dramatically cheaper than Black Friday, but they can include better extras for the same price.
The Real Difference Between the Two
To make the smartest choice, consider the goals of each sale:
| Black Friday | Cyber Monday | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Mass appeal, broad discounts | Online exclusives and digital incentives |
| Best For | Travelers who want the widest cabin choice | Shoppers looking for value-added perks |
| Typical Deals | Lower fares, free guests | Added onboard credit, extra inclusions |
| Availability | Starts earlier, lasts longer | Shorter window, more flash sales |
| Risk | Limited transparency on “up to” discounts | Inventory may be reduced after Black Friday |
So which is better? If you’re eyeing a specific cruise port or sailing date, Black Friday gives you a better shot at getting your preferred cabin and itinerary. But if you’re flexible and comfortable booking online, Cyber Monday can yield extra perks that stretch your dollar further.
When Each Day Offers the Best Value
It really depends on what kind of cruiser you are. Here’s a quick guide:
1. First-Time Cruisers:
Book on Black Friday. You’ll find beginner-friendly promotions, flexible cancellation terms, and the widest itinerary options for your first cruise vacation.
2. Frequent Cruisers:
Wait for Cyber Monday. Veterans know that lines often improve deals or add upgrades after the first wave of Black Friday shoppers.
3. Families:
Go for Black Friday. Offers like “Free 3rd and 4th Guest” or discounted balcony cabins for families sell out quickly.
4. Luxury Travelers:
Hold off until Cyber Monday. Premium lines like Oceania, Viking, or Celebrity often launch subtler online promotions—like free airfare or beverage packages—once the initial rush settles.
5. Spontaneous Travelers:
Either works—but Cyber Monday often includes last-minute cruises at rock-bottom rates, perfect if you can travel within the next few months.
How to Get the Best Cruise Deal This Black Friday and Cyber Monday
You don’t need to chase every flashing banner to score real savings. Here’s how to book smartly during this hectic sales window:
1. Research Before the Sales Begin
Start watching fares a few weeks in advance. Use a cruise price tracker or set alerts for your desired sailings. That way, you’ll know if the “discount” is genuine or just marketing fluff.
2. Compare Across Multiple Platforms
Don’t just look at the cruise line’s official site. Travel agencies often layer on extra benefits like additional onboard credit or lower deposits during Cyber Monday.
3. Focus on Total Value, Not Just Price
A lower fare doesn’t always mean a better deal. Calculate what’s included—drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, or shore excursion credits can easily outweigh a small discount.
4. Check Cabin Availability
If you’re eyeing a popular sailing or suite category, Black Friday is safer. Cyber Monday deals may not apply once inventory tightens.
5. Use a Travel Advisor
Experienced cruise agents often have access to unpublished rates or “group space” offers not shown online. They can also reprice your cruise booking if a better deal appears later.
A Word About Timing: Don’t Wait Too Long
Here’s an insider tip—many of the best Black Friday cruise deals drop before Thanksgiving Day. Cruise lines have learned that eager shoppers start early, and the “preview” offers often match or even beat the official Black Friday discounts.
By the time Cyber Monday rolls around, some itineraries (especially holiday or Alaska cruises) may already be sold out in the best cabin categories.
However, if you’re not locked into specific dates or destinations, Cyber Monday’s flash promotions can be gold. Just be ready to book immediately—some last only a few hours.
The Psychology Behind the Deals
There’s a reason these promotions feel so tempting. Cruise lines are masters at creating urgency with countdown timers and “limited availability” banners.
But seasoned travelers know that patience pays. The best approach is to decide your ideal sailing window and cabin type before the chaos begins. That way, you can quickly recognize when a deal is truly exceptional.
Think of it like choosing a shore excursion—you wouldn’t sign up for the first one you see without comparing reviews, right? The same principle applies here.
Are There Ever “Fake” Cruise Deals?
Sometimes, yes. A few common red flags include:
- “Was” prices that seem inflated or inconsistent.
- Generic “Up to 75% Off” claims without specific sailings listed.
- Deals that exclude taxes, port fees, or mandatory gratuities in the advertised price.
- Countdown timers that reset when they expire—classic marketing tactic.
That doesn’t mean the industry is deceptive—it just means savvy travelers should look beyond the headline numbers and calculate the true per-person cost.
Which Day Wins Overall?
If you value selection, flexibility, and early access, Black Friday is your best bet.
If you prioritize bonuses, onboard credit, and exclusive online offers, Cyber Monday might deliver a better payoff.
In many cases, the best strategy is to monitor both—book early if you spot a deal that fits your goals, or hold off if you suspect a sweeter Cyber Monday incentive is coming.
Some cruise fans even place a fully refundable deposit on Black Friday, then recheck prices Monday morning. If Cyber Monday’s deal is better, they simply rebook or adjust the fare.
Final Thoughts: Timing Is Everything
Whether you sail from Miami, Seattle, or Barcelona, the key to scoring a real cruise vacation deal isn’t just about the date—it’s about timing, research, and flexibility.
Black Friday tends to favor planners who know what they want and are ready to commit. Cyber Monday rewards those who can navigate the digital fine print and spot hidden value.
So instead of asking which day is better, ask yourself: What kind of cruiser am I? Once you know that, you’ll know exactly when to click “Book Now”—and confidently sail toward the best deal of the year.