The Best Cruise Sales of the Year
The sales that come round every year, and what each brings.
Price This Sale for MeSome cruise sales come round every year, almost like holidays. Each has its own character — who it suits, what it usually includes and what to watch for. This is our guide to the best cruise sales of the year, by type rather than by date, since exact dates change every year.
Wave Season (Early in the Year)
The cruise industry calls the first months of the year Wave Season, when lines launch their widest promotions and many travelers book the coming summer and beyond. Offers often stack several building blocks: a fare discount, a second-guest discount, added extras and a reduced deposit. Choice is the main advantage. Our sister site WaveSeason.com gathers current Wave Season offers in one place while they are live.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
In late November many lines run short promotions alongside retailers, often starting before Black Friday and running through Cyber Monday or the week after. In 2026 Black Friday is November 27 and Cyber Monday November 30. These sales tend to be simple and time-limited, so decide in advance which sailing you want and be ready.
Cruise Line Anniversary and Birthday Sales
Several lines mark their founding or a ship’s milestone with a sale. These can include unusually generous added value, but they are line-specific and do not happen on a fixed industry calendar. If you are loyal to one line, watch its own communications and our newsletter.
Summer, Holiday and Flash Sales
- Summer sales often fill autumn and winter sailings and the following year’s itineraries.
- Holiday-themed sales (for example around Labor Day or Presidents’ Day) are short and promotional.
- Flash sales may last only a day or two and target specific ships or dates the line wants to fill.
- Past-guest sales go to loyalty members first, sometimes before the public promotion.
How to Use the Best Cruise Sales of the Year
The biggest mistake is waiting for a sale that may not cover your sailing. If you need a particular holiday week or a sought-after cabin, it is usually smarter to book when the right cabin is available, then ask your advisor to apply a better offer if one appears before final payment and the line allows it. If you are flexible, the recurring sales are a great time to choose.
- Know your preferred ship, dates and cabin category before a sale starts.
- Compare the sale price with the fare you were already quoted.
- Read the deposit terms; sale fares are sometimes less flexible.
- Ask whether the sale can be applied to an existing booking.
For deals live today, see Cruising for Less.
Sales Calendar Questions
Which is the best cruise sale of the year?
There is no single best. Wave Season typically brings the widest choice of offers, Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring short, sharp deals, and line anniversary sales can bring strong added value. The best one is the one that discounts the sailing you want.
When is Black Friday in 2026?
Black Friday falls on November 27, 2026, and Cyber Monday on November 30. Many cruise lines start their offers days earlier and run them into the following week.
Be Ready for the Next Big Sale
Tell us the cruise you want. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will watch the best cruise sales of the year for it and send free quotes.
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