Should I book a cruise on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

Hi everyone, my wife and I are planning to celebrate our anniversary soon, and I want to surprise her with a cruise. I’ve been wondering if Black Friday is the best time to book or if Cyber Monday might have better deals. I’ve heard mixed opinions about discounts during these events. Does anyone have tips for getting a great price? I’m also hoping for something romantic with perks like a private dinner or spa treatments. Any advice or experiences would really help!

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u/BulkyScene4204

Hi everyone, my wife and I are planning to celebrate our anniversary soon, and I want to surprise her with a cruise. I’ve been wondering if Black Friday is the best time to book or if Cyber Monday might have better deals. I’ve heard mixed opinions about discounts during these events. Does anyone have tips for getting a great price? I’m also hoping for something romantic with perks like a private dinner or spa treatments. Any advice or experiences would really help!

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I keep an eye on cruise prices all the time, and I rarely see big changes in the base price. The deals tend to come from extras, like drink packages or discounts on excursions. Cruise lines often use tricks like saying kids sail free or offering onboard credit, but the actual price per cabin doesn’t shift much.

@Dariel
I call this the ‘fake discount’ trick. They raise prices and then pretend to offer a big discount. I’ve been tracking prices for a while and noticed it’s all about timing. You might get some smaller perks, like cheaper excursions or Wi-Fi, but the cabin cost stays about the same.

@Dariel
Prices can also go up depending on how many cabins are left. I’ve seen cruises where the price went up by a few hundred dollars after I booked because more people had reserved their spots. It really depends on the timing and demand.

@Dariel
I’m planning to book a Princess cruise for early 2025. Any advice on where or when to get the best deal?

If you’re set on going, book now. Some cruise lines let you rebook if prices drop, which has saved me a lot of money before. For example, I saved over $1,000 by rebooking when prices fell after I first reserved. Black Friday sales can sometimes add extra perks.

For things like private dinners, most cruise lines don’t include that, but some higher-end suites let you order special meals to your room. As for spa treatments, they’re almost always an extra cost, and prices onboard are usually higher than on land. Keep an eye out for discounts if you book in advance or during port days.

What kind of experience are you looking for? What’s your budget? How many days? What time of year?

Some lines, like Silversea, have good Black Friday offers, and they include extras like drinks and excursions, but they’re usually on the pricey side. If you narrow down your preferences, you can probably find something that works well for you.

Many cruise lines have already posted their Black Friday deals. You might also see some fresh offers on Travel Tuesday. Start by figuring out what kind of cruise you’re interested in (departure port, destination, length, and budget). If you share those details with a travel agent, they can help you get extras like onboard credit.

Honestly, most of these so-called ‘deals’ are just marketing tricks. If you want real help, work with a travel agent. They can track prices and make sure you get the best value. I’ve been on over 80 cruises, and I’ve learned the best deals pop up throughout the year, not just during these sales. Cruiseplum is a good tool to track historical prices, and it might help you pick a cruise that matches your idea of a romantic getaway. Think about your priorities, like age group, onboard activities, and destination, before you choose.

Don’t wait until Friday to start looking. Get quotes now from travel agents or comparison sites like cruisecompete.com. You can also check mainstream agencies like vacationstogo.com or cruise.com. Make a simple list of quotes and perks, then pick the best one. Sometimes, you can save money or get onboard credit this way.