Black Friday consistently delivers some of the most competitive cruise pricing of the year, but buyer beware: assessing the true value of these time-pressured deals requires more than scanning the headline rate.
That’s because cruise fares bundle multiple components, and itineraries vary widely, plus seasonal conditions can affect both availability and value.
Follow our quick guide to evaluate whether a Black Friday cruise deal is genuinely worthwhile…
A cruise fare can appear inexpensive until you examine what’s built into the price. Some lines include meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and port fees, while others separate these items out to keep the advertised rate low.
The difference is not trivial: gratuities alone can add a significant percentage to the total bill, while beverage or Wi-Fi packages can shift the cost equation substantially. It’s therefore crucial to carefully consider all inclusions and exclusions, not simply by the lowest price advertised, and then compare deals on an equal footing.
Top Tip: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Black Friday sale includes Free at Sea benefits, which include: Free Premium Beverages; Free Speciality Dining; Free Shore Excursion Credits; Free WIFI; and Free 3rd and 4th Guests on selected sailings (Ts and Cs apply). More details on our Black Friday deals page.
Cruise ships operate with fixed capacity, so once Black Friday pricing goes live, high-demand cabin categories tend to disappear first. Balconies, midship cabins and rooms in quieter areas of the vessel have limited inventory, and popular sailings can sell through them within hours.
Remember: waiting for prices to drop further often means compromising on cabin choice. So if location, noise levels or room size matter to you, grab that deal quick!
Two cruises on similar routes, marketed at similar prices can offer very different experiences. The number of ports, the type of destinations, the time spent ashore and the ratio of sea days to port days all influence the overall experience. For example, shorter days in port reduce flexibility for excursions, while repeated port calls may limit variety.
The mad rush of Black Friday may trick you into focussing on price alone, but take a pause to remember that the itinerary structure will ultimately determine your real-life experience.
Fact: most travellers spend more onboard than they expect! Speciality dining, spa treatments, premium coffees, fitness classes, bottled water and similar extras can materially increase the cost of a cruise if not included in the package, with industry data showing that onboard spending often amounts to 30–40% of the base fare.
So, while a low Black Friday rate may be extremely attractive at face value, remember to look at the full package offered and budget realistically for any extras not included in the package.
Black Friday deals frequently apply to specific date ranges. Some fall in peak periods with stable weather and high demand, while others fall into shoulder or off-peak seasons, including storm-prone windows that can affect both pricing and overall experience.
Reviewing historical weather patterns and regional tourism cycles can help ensure the deal aligns with your expectations.
Cruise lines differ significantly in their onboard experience, because ship size, vessel age, dining formats, entertainment, service levels and passenger demographics vary widely.
Bottom line: a lower price doesn’t always translate to better value if the product doesn’t match your preferences. This is why reviews of the specific ship — not just the brand — are especially important during the Black Friday cruise deal rush, when multiple vessels are discounted simultaneously.
Top Tip: NCL’s Black Friday sale includes up to US$1,000 Onboard Credit. More details on our Black Friday deals page.
Many cruise lines release Black Friday promotions first to their email subscribers and/or loyalty members, or via travel agency partners. Early access means less competition for the best cabins and more time to compare itineraries before the general public enters the booking window.
For travellers targeting specific sailings, these pre-sale periods often deliver the strongest outcomes. You can get Black Friday cruise deals first by signing up for a free Sure Travel account here.
Entry rules vary by itinerary, therefore passport validity, visa requirements and any regional health regulations should be reviewed before booking and Black Friday cruise deals.
Remember: if you overlook any of these elements in the heady rush to score the best Black Friday cruise deal, it can add cost, affect your timeline and even limit your ability to travel.
Cruise pricing structures and terms can be complex. A trusted travel agent can help you interpret inclusions, compare similar-looking offers, understand cancellation rules and identify any hidden value — such as agency-exclusive upgrades or added-value packages.
For higher-value cruises, in particular, this expertise can significantly improve decision-making.
Black Friday cruise deals can offer exceptional value, but only when assessed against the full context: what’s included, what’s excluded, how the itinerary is structured, seasonal conditions and what the total trip will cost once onboard spending is factored in.
A careful and considered review of these elements ensures you’re choosing a deal that delivers both savings and a high-quality experience.
Sure Travel, along with trusted partner Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), is offering up to 50% off all cruises, plus you can get up to US$1,000 Onboard Credit and NCL’s Free at Sea benefits, which include: Free Premium Beverages; Free Speciality Dining; Free Shore Excursion Credits; Free WIFI; and Free 3rd and 4th Guests on selected sailings (Ts and Cs apply).
While this Black Friday cruise deal is applicable to all NCL sailings for a limited time, there are a few cruises we know will grab your attention, such as:
7 Night Portugal, Gibraltar & Ibiza Cruise onboard NCL Dawn, NOW priced from R20,402 pps. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
7 Night Nice, Florence & Marseille Cruise onboard NCL Epic, NOW priced from R21,260 pps. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
7 Night Greece & Croatia Cruise onboard NCL Pearl, NOW priced from R24,866 pps. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
Hurry! NCL's sale ends 8 December 2025. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent to book.
