7 Black Friday cruise deals because the best present can be a getaway
If you’re in the market for a cruise, this holiday season might be the time to book.
Many major cruise lines are offering Black Friday deals on a range of sailings, from Antarctica and Galápagos Islands expeditions to Caribbean and Alaska itineraries. This year’s offers feature fare discounts, included gratuities, onboard credit for drinks and more.
Travelers can find bargains for various kinds of trips, from family-friendly vacations on activity-packed megaships or a more laid-back getaway on a smaller-scale vessel.
(For more on choosing a line, check out USA TODAY’s cruise line guide here).
Here are seven of the best Black Friday cruise deals for 2023:
Up to 40% off and credit at Cunard Line
Cunard is offering up to 40% off launch fares on select sailings departing from January 2024 through May 2025. Guests can also get up to $1,000 in onboard credit per stateroom.
The deal runs through Dec. 4 and applies to the first two guests on a reservation, according to a news release.
Holland America Line Black Friday sale
Holland America guests can get up to 30% off cruise-only fares on select cruises through 2025. Travelers can also get prepaid gratuities for the first and second guests in a stateroom, according to a news release.
The offer applies to over 800 departures visiting destinations including Alaska, the Caribbean and Antarctica.
The sale runs until Dec. 1. Itineraries shorter than five days and Grand Voyages are not eligible.
As much as half-off expeditions from HX
HX, which recently announced its rebrand from Hurtigruten Expeditions, is giving passengers up to 50% off select expeditions sailing through March 31. The deal includes itineraries in the Galápagos Islands, West Africa and more.
Travelers must book by Nov. 30.
Drinks, Wi-Fi and more from MSC Cruises
MSC guests can get drinks and Wi-Fi included and as much as $500 in onboard credit as part of the line’s Black Friday offer on most sailings. The deal also includes free fares for kids 17 and under sailing as the third and fourth guests.
The sale runs through Nov. 24. Adult passengers who book as part of the offer will get the line’s Easy Plus drink package that includes cocktails, wine and beer, bottled water and more. The Minors Drink package must be purchased separately for kids sailing as part of the promotion.
Staterooms in the line’s Yacht Club – its luxe ship-within-a-ship concept – are not eligible for the free kids’ fares.
Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday deal
Norwegian is offering 50% off cruises for passengers who book by Nov. 26. Travelers can also combine the deal with the line’s Free At Sea offer for perks such as free specialty dining, Wi-Fi and more.
Save more than $5,000 with Oceania Cruises
Passengers can save up to $5,400 per stateroom as part of Oceania’s offer. The upscale line’s deal is good for more than 100 cruises in 2024, ranging from one week long to more than a month.
Eligible sailings include itineraries in Asia, the Mediterranean and South America, according to a news release. Guests must book by Dec. 5.
Looking for cheap cruises?: Here's what to know know about finding deals.
Virgin Voyages Black Friday offer
Virgin is offering 30% off select cruises departing through December 2024, and a Bar Tab to use on premium drinks on board. The adults-only line will give guests $600 per cabin on sailings of seven nights or more, $300 for cruises between four and six nights and $125 for itineraries three nights or shorter.
The deal runs until Nov. 30.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 7 Black Friday cruise deals to book this year