By Cynthia J. Drake | Published: October 27, 2022 | Updated: March 11, 2026
The morning after Thanksgiving, many Americans will partake in the time-honored tradition of waking up early to stand in long lines for Black Friday retail sales. If you're looking to snag a break on your next trip, the best Black Friday vacation deals don't require a pre-dawn wake-up or much hassle at all. Scooping up excellent vacation sales online or with your travel advisor is a breeze when you choose to cruise.
Ready to snag the best Black Friday cruise deals to make your next vacation extra sweet? Take a look at these top five options to inspire you. Plus, get tips on planning for the big shopping day.
Typically, yes! Several types of vacations, including Royal Caribbean cruises, offer special deals during Black Friday, making it an ideal time to make purchases. Cruises in particular can offer more value compared to other vacation types becausethey bundle accommodations, dining, entertainment and travel between destinations into one price. That means travelers often spend less overall than they would on a land-based trip with separate hotel, food, and activity costs.
If you’ve ever wondered, “When does Royal Caribbean have sales?” you’re in luck. Find top Black Friday cruise deals that will take you to dream destinations for a fraction of the original cost. Plus, you can enjoy special offers like a Royal Caribbean Black Friday drink package. Here are five options you won’t want to miss:
Spend three nights of adventure during your cruise on Utopia of the Seas, beginning in Orlando at Port Canaveral and taking you to the award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Guests can enjoy everything from relaxing on white-sand beaches and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to soaring down waterslides at Thrill Waterpark® on this short cruise. On board, you’ll find world-class dining, Broadway-style shows and activities for all ages, making every moment as exciting as the destinations themselves.
Start your adventure in Orlando. Max out memories at Perfect Day at CocoCay, swimming in turquoise water, riding thrilling water slides and spending intentional time with your family. Plus, enjoy mouthwatering dining and unforgettable entertainment while at sea.
Take your family on an adventure from Orlando at Port Canaveral. Along the way, you can explore vibrant ports filled with local culture, from colorful markets and historic landmarks to stunning beaches perfect for snorkeling or relaxing. Back on the ship, enjoy immersive dining experiences, live entertainment and endless onboard activities that keep the whole family entertained from morning to night.
Dive headfirst into adventure on a European cruise, where you and your group will get to explore the Greek Isles with all the comforts of a five-star getaway. Discover ancient ruins in Athens, stroll through the charming whitewashed streets of Santorini and soak in the stunning coastline views of Mykonos. Between ports, indulge in world-class dining, relax by the pool, or enjoy dazzling entertainment that makes the journey just as memorable as the destinations.
Sail to Alaska on Anthem of the Seas®, a trip of a lifetime that your family will adore. Marvel at breathtaking glaciers, spot incredible wildlife like whales and bald eagles and explore charming coastal towns rich with history and culture. On board, you can enjoy panoramic views from the ship’s observation decks, unique activities like the North Star® viewing capsule, and entertainment designed to make every evening unforgettable.
These are just a few of the best cruise deals for Black Friday. Find the perfect setup and destination for your specific family at some of the best prices of the year.
Wondering where to find Black Friday cruise deals? Sign up for the Royal Caribbean newsletter to receive an alert as soon as the biggest savings of the year are available. You can even preview Cyber Monday and Black Friday offers now to be ready when deals go live. If you're a loyal Royal Caribbean cruise goer, don't forget to add your Crown & Anchor member number to your reservation at booking for even more savings. You can stack Royal Caribbean loyalty discounts on top of the Black Friday vacation packages you're already enjoying — win-win!
To nab the best Black Friday vacation deals, make a game plan while staying flexible around when, where and how you'll travel. This way, you'll have more savings options to choose from. Keep in mind that some Black Friday offers may come with stipulations, like specific travel windows, a minimum number of travelers or nonrefundable bookings. Be sure to read the fine print or discuss it with your travel advisor before you book.
Black Friday travel deals are typically offered on all-inclusive travel options, including cruise getaways. While all-inclusive vacations such as resorts may seem appealing at first glance, be sure to evaluate the real savings. Cruises often provide more value by covering travel, lodging, entertainment and dining — plus the chance to visit multiple destinations on one trip without the hassle of planning every detail.
After booking your destination, check out some other Black Friday sales on airfare, car rentals, hotels near your departure port, onshore excursions, onboard offerings and even travel gear. Though you may not want to wait in line for Black Friday retail sales, this could be the perfect opportunity to find that new suitcase or a pair of snow boots for your Alaska trip. Tip: If you're surprising people with the trip, wrapping some trip-related items could make great gifts to support your big reveal.
Black Friday always offers some great vacation deals, but if you happen to miss out (or you want to find even more deals), there are more opportunities to come. Many deals trickle into the following week for Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday. Vacations tend to be even more enjoyable when you know how much you saved to make it happen.
Black Friday vacation deals make for great holiday gifts. If you're planning a week-long family getaway or a romantic sojourn, you may wish to keep your plans under wraps for your intended recipients. There are so many fun ways to reveal an upcoming trip on Christmas morning. Have the kids partake in a scavenger hunt, collecting things like seashells, sunglasses and a map along the way. They'll get a kick out of putting the pieces together and trying to guess where you're going on your family vacation. Or, treat a loved one to some tropical vacation attire and watch their eyes light up when you reveal that you're whisking them away on a romantic trip to the Caribbean islands.
Or, forego the secrecy and involve the whole family in planning your getaway. Whatever your approach, spend some time thinking this through before the Cyber Monday and Black Friday shopping rush, and you'll be better prepared to find the best vacation deals.
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