As the holiday shopping season approaches, savvy travelers know that one of the best deals isn’t on a TV or designer bag — it’s on the open sea. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become prime time for locking in your dream cruise vacation at a fraction of the price. Whether you’re planning your first voyage or adding to a lifetime of sea adventures, 2025 promises some of the most exciting offers yet across all major cruise lines.
From reduced deposits and onboard credits to free drink packages and cabin upgrades, here’s your comprehensive guide to the best 2025 Black Friday cruise deals by cruise line — plus how to decide which offer best fits your travel style.
Why Black Friday Cruise Deals Matter
Booking your cruise early during Black Friday week gives you two major advantages: lower fares and better cabin selection. The top cruise ship sailings for 2026 are already being booked now, and these limited-time promotions make it easier than ever to secure your ideal itinerary.
Cruise lines use this period to bundle extras you might normally pay for — like WiFi, drinks, or gratuities — into one value-packed offer. That means your cruise booking could include hundreds of dollars in perks without spending a cent more.
Common perks to watch for include:
- Discounted fares or instant savings
- Free onboard credit
- Up to 40% off second guest fares
- Reduced or $1 deposits
- Upgraded cabins or free excursions
These deals apply to itineraries ranging from short Caribbean hops to bucket-list Asia, Europe, or Alaska voyages.
Comparison Table: 2025 Black Friday Cruise Deals by Cruise Line
| Cruise Line | Black Friday 2025 Offer Highlights | Perks / Savings | Booking Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | “Up to $1,000 Instant Savings + Free 3rd & 4th Guests + Up to $100 Onboard Credit” | Instant savings, free additional guests, bonus onboard credit | Nov 25–Dec 7, 2025 | Families and group travelers |
| Carnival Cruise Line | “Up to 40% Off + Free Cabin Upgrades + Reduced Deposit” | Cabin upgrades, low deposits, discounted fares | Nov 22–Dec 3, 2025 | First-time cruisers on a budget |
| Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) | “Take All Free: Drinks, WiFi, Excursions & Specialty Dining + Free Airfare on Select Cruises” | 5 Free at Sea offers, airfare deals, free excursions | Nov 24–Dec 5, 2025 | Couples or long-haul cruisers |
| Celebrity Cruises | “Up to 75% Off Second Guest + Free Drinks + Onboard Credit” | Premium drink package, discounts, onboard spending | Nov 25–Dec 2, 2025 | Luxury and couples’ getaways |
| Princess Cruises | “Up to 40% Off + $200 Bonus Onboard Credit” | Fare discounts, onboard spending | Nov 23–Dec 8, 2025 | Travelers who value amenities |
| MSC Cruises | “Up to 35% Off + Free WiFi + Drink Package” | Beverage and WiFi included, flexible booking | Nov 22–Dec 6, 2025 | International cruise travelers |
| Holland America Line | “Save Up to 40% + Free Specialty Dining + Reduced Deposit” | Dining credit, flexible fare, free upgrades | Nov 25–Dec 7, 2025 | Culture and food-focused cruisers |
| Virgin Voyages (Adults Only) | “Up to 30% Off Voyages + $600 Bar Tab Credit” | Beverage credit, flexible dates, no kids onboard | Nov 25–Dec 5, 2025 | Adults and couples |
| Disney Cruise Line | “Save up to 20% on Select 2025 Sailings” | Limited deals but family-oriented itineraries | Nov 24–Dec 1, 2025 | Families and Disney fans |
| Azamara | “Save 20% + $500 Onboard Credit” | Smaller luxury ships, cultural shore experiences | Nov 23–Dec 9, 2025 | Boutique and destination cruisers |
Note: Deals vary by sailing date and region. Always confirm details on the cruise line’s official website or through your preferred travel advisor before booking.
Types of Black Friday Cruise Deals Explained
Before you dive into the offers, it’s important to understand the categories they fall into. Not every discount works the same way.
1. Instant Savings
This is a flat discount applied directly to your fare — simple and easy to compare.
2. Onboard Credit (OBC)
A traveler favorite. Spend it on shore excursions, spa treatments, souvenirs, or specialty dining once onboard your cruise ship.
3. Free or Included Packages
Many promotions now include drink packages, unlimited WiFi, or prepaid gratuities that could save you hundreds of dollars.
4. Reduced Deposits
Lowering the upfront cost makes committing to your cruise booking easier, especially if you’re still finalizing vacation dates.
5. Cabin Upgrades
Move from an interior to an oceanview or balcony cabin for free — a great value for first-time cruisers who want a little luxury.
Tips for Scoring the Best Deal
Even with so many offers available, there are a few strategies to ensure you’re truly getting the most for your money.
Compare Added Value, Not Just Price
A slightly higher fare that includes WiFi and drinks may actually cost less overall than a bare-bones low fare.
Book Directly or Use a Certified Agent
Some travel agents add exclusive onboard credits or reduced deposits alongside official cruise line offers.
Watch the Dates Closely
Most promotions run between November 22 and December 8, though early access sometimes begins for loyalty members.
Combine Loyalty Programs
If you’re already a frequent cruiser, stack your existing loyalty perks with Black Friday deals for maximum value.
Be Flexible on Departure Dates
Adjusting your sail date by a week can make a major difference in fare availability and perks.
Why It Pays to Book Early
Booking during Black Friday doesn’t just save money—it locks in your preferred cruise port, stateroom, and sailing date before prices rise again. Many 2026 voyages will increase fares as early as spring 2025.
In addition, most cruise lines now offer flexible cancellation policies, meaning you can secure a deal with little risk. A refundable deposit lets you change plans later while keeping your discounted fare.
When to Expect Cyber Monday Cruise Deals
If you miss Black Friday, don’t worry — Cyber Monday often brings even better digital-only offers. Some lines extend their promotions through the full week, while others launch exclusive online bonuses such as:
- Extra onboard credit
- Double loyalty points
- Additional savings for suite categories
- Limited flash sales for select shore excursions
Keep an eye on your favorite cruise line’s newsletter or set up alerts on travel deal sites.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are no longer just shopping events—they’re travel opportunity days. For anyone dreaming of sailing away on a cruise vacation, 2025’s lineup of deals promises something for every traveler: families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.
Use this time to plan smart, compare added value, and secure your cruise booking while the best cabins and perks are still available. Whether you’re sailing the Caribbean, Alaska, or the Mediterranean, these 2025 Black Friday deals prove that the best souvenirs often start with a great booking.