You need to move fast to snag these Black Friday cruise deals. Take a look

Thanksgiving is still days away, but Black Friday cruise deals have already docked.

Most don’t include straight-out discounts, but instead focus on “value-added” extras like upgrades, shipboard credits and gratuities.

Whether they’re the best deals of the year is anyone’s guess. Cruise lines start rolling out sales for the coming year in late summer, and launch new deals at Black Friday and additional sales in January and February.

And because cruisers have been booking “last minute” due to economic uncertainty, several lines — including Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Princess — have launched “preview” flash sales that must be booked within the next few days. (Don’t be surprised if they post new deals next week.)

One bit of advice: If you aren’t using a cruise specialist travel advisor, you might think again. Cruising is one segment of travel where a knowledgeable advisor can help you find the best experience for your money. They can also advise you if the price shifts on a sailing you’ve already booked, and how you can make the most of that change.

MORE: Want to take a cruise? See the ships based in South Florida for the season

All that said, here are a few of this year’s Black Friday specials. While we’ve focused on ocean-going voyages, you’ll find values on river cruises as well.

Cruise deals

NCL’s most popular deal of the year is back, with 50% off all cruises plus additional “free at sea” amenities including shipboard credits, excursions, Wi-Fi, beverages and specialty dining. ncl.com.

Oceania Cruises is a premium brand offering upscale sailings on ships with fewer than 1,500 passengers. Its Black Friday promotion includes up to 50% off more than 170 itineraries around the globe in 2026 and 2027 through Dec. 2. A few examples: Sail from Miami through the Panama on a 10-day voyage beginning April 24, with fares beginning at $1,650 per person. Fares on its 10-day sailing from Istanbul to Trieste on May 17 start at $4,400 per guest for a veranda suite.

Forget the slides and roller coasters. Holland America is known for its maritime heritage and relaxed ambience on mid-sized ships ranging from about 1,400 to 2,600 passengers. Through Dec. 4, it is offering 30% off cruise fares, free gratuities and reduced deposits on most sailings; some fares include WiFi, shore excursions and beverages.

Owned by a Swiss / Italian family, MSC Cruises brings European touches to voyages designed for the U.S. market. Its ships are big — up to 6,700 passengers on some vessels — which gives cruisers plenty to do without even going ashore. You’ll need to book quickly to snag this year’s deals, which are offered only during a tight window. Through Nov. 28, Caribbean and Bahamas cruises on its seven U.S.-based ships start at $199 per person and include a $1,000 onboard credit; kids sail free.

Cruise small

f you think the best things come in small packages, you’ll want to check out savings from lines including Seabourn, Windstar, Silversea, Ponant, Ritz-Carlton Yachts, Explora Journeys and Emerald Cruises, all luxury lines sailing in small — under 600 passenger yachts. Their fares aren’t cheap, but when you consider the gourmet restaurants and rates at luxury hotels — $1,000 to $2,000 per night — luxury cruises are definitely a value.

Windstar offers an unusual blend of ships — three with tall sails, three others yacht-style. In the next few months the line is launching two new-built yachts. Regardless of the ship, the line delivers an upscale experience with a breezy style that appeals to less-formal travelers and many seven-day itineraries. Bookings made through Dec. 16 receive a free all-inclusive upgrade covering drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and reduced deposits.

Seabourn’s yacht-style ships offer both classic cruises and all-inclusive expedition sailings. Through Dec. 2, travelers can claim up to $2,000 USD in ship credits and two-category suite upgrades on select sailings. Far-flung itineraries are designed for those with two-weeks or more of leisure (and those who can work remotely. The Starlink Wi-Fi actually works from remote locales.) All sailings include caviar on request.

Also through Dec. 2, Silversea is offering values on select classic and expedition sailings. One example: An 11-night roundtrip sailing from Barcelona on April 27 to Ibiza, Mallorca and Valencia starts at $5,200 per person all- inclusive. That means butler service, too.

Explore beyond

Expedition cruises to the polar regions, Galapagos and oceanic islands combine comfort with expert guiding in remote places on ships generally carrying fewer than 200 guests. While many companies now offer variations on such explorations, it all began in 1979 with Lindblad, which offered the first “vacation” expedition to Antarctica.

Since then, Lindblad has expanded to Alaska, Baja California, the Arctic and the Galapagos in partnership with National Geographic. Through Feb. 9, select journeys are priced 20% off.

Other expedition companies offering Black Friday deals to locations far and wide include global operators Atlas Ocean Voyages, HX Expeditions and Scenic, and regional specialists Aqua Expeditions (to Asia and the Amazon), Maple Leaf Adventures (Alaska and Canada) and Quasar Expeditions (Patagonia and the Galapagos).