Black Friday is not just for electronics and clothing anymore. Over the past several years, cruise lines have turned the week around Thanksgiving into one of the best booking windows of the year. If you have been thinking about a cruise, this is the time to pay attention.
As a Fora Pro travel advisor, I spend this time of year reviewing every promotion across the major cruise lines. Here is my breakdown of the 2025 Black Friday cruise deals, along with advice on how to tell if a deal is actually worth booking.
Royal Caribbean is going big this year. Their Black Friday promotion includes up to 30% off cruise fares, and kids sail free on select sailings. They are also offering onboard credit on many itineraries. This is one of the strongest Royal Caribbean promotions I have seen outside of Wave Season. The kids-sail-free offer is especially valuable for families planning summer or holiday sailings on newer ships like Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.
Celebrity is offering 75% off the second guest on select sailings, plus onboard credit on most bookings. Their promotion covers a wide range of itineraries including Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska. Celebrity consistently delivers one of the best value propositions during Black Friday, especially for couples and adult travelers who want a more refined cruise experience.
NCL’s Free at Sea promotion is back with Black Friday enhancements, including 50% off cruise fares on select sailings. The Free at Sea package bundles popular add-ons like the beverage package, specialty dining, shore excursion credit, and Wi-Fi. When you factor in the included perks, the total value can be significant compared to booking these items separately.
Princess is running 50% off cruise fares with a complimentary room category upgrade on select sailings. Their Mediterranean and Alaska itineraries are particularly well-represented in this promotion. Princess is a great option for travelers who want a classic cruise experience with strong dining and enrichment programs.
Disney is offering up to 30% off select sailings during the Black Friday window. Disney cruise deals are rare compared to other lines, so when they discount, it is worth paying attention. These promotions tend to focus on repositioning cruises and select Caribbean sailings. If you have been eyeing a Disney cruise, this may be your best window to book.
Not every Black Friday cruise promotion is a genuine bargain. Here is how I evaluate whether a deal is worth acting on.
The simplest test is to check what the same sailing was priced at four to six weeks ago. If the Black Friday fare is meaningfully lower, you are looking at a real deal. If it is roughly the same with a different label, that is marketing, not savings.
Some promotions offer a modest fare discount but bundle valuable perks like onboard credit, beverage packages, or included gratuities. Calculate the total trip cost with and without the promotion. Sometimes the perks add more value than a straight fare reduction.
A great rate on a sold-out cabin category does you no good. Suites, balcony cabins on newer ships, and popular sailing dates sell out fast during Black Friday. If you see a deal you like, do not wait until Cyber Monday to pull the trigger.
The advertised fare is just the starting point. Factor in taxes, port fees, gratuities, drink packages, excursions, and any other add-ons you will want. A lower base fare with expensive add-ons can end up costing more than a slightly higher fare that includes those extras.
The best Black Friday cruise deals typically run from November 20 through December 2, with the strongest offers concentrated around Thanksgiving weekend through Cyber Monday. That said, the most popular cabin categories sell out quickly, especially suites and balconies on new ships and holiday sailings.
My advice: if you see a deal that fits your travel plans, book it. Most cruise lines offer flexible cancellation policies or the ability to move your booking if a better rate appears later. Waiting to see if something better comes along often means losing the cabin you wanted.
There are a lot of promotions flying around during Black Friday week, and it can be overwhelming to compare across cruise lines. As a Fora Pro advisor, I have access to exclusive group rates and additional perks on top of the published promotions. If you want help finding the best deal for your next cruise, reach out and let’s find the right sailing for you.
Many of them are legitimate savings, but not all. The best way to evaluate a deal is to compare the advertised fare to what the same sailing was priced at a month earlier. Also look at the full package, including onboard credit, included perks, and cabin category. Some promotions bundle extras that add real value even if the base fare discount is modest.
Black Friday tends to offer stronger discounts on specific sailings and cabin categories, while Wave Season (January through March) has broader promotions across more itineraries. If you see a Black Friday deal on the exact sailing you want, book it. Cabin categories, especially suites and balconies on newer ships, sell out and rarely come back at the same rate.
You do not need one, but working with an advisor can save you time and money. Advisors often have access to exclusive group rates, additional onboard credit, and perks that are not available when booking directly. We also monitor pricing after you book and can request adjustments if fares drop before final payment.
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