Luxury Escapes
As the hustle and bustle of life’s many adventures tends to keep up constantly in rush, that is when the luxury of time seems to creep up on us. And what best to embrace slowness than a luxury cruise. There are many ways you can travel, but nothing says unhurried luxury quite like sailing the continent’s many seas for a week or two, or three.
Just in time for the year-end rush, a variety of cruise deals, including some of the best Black Friday cruise deals, are becoming available, making it the perfect moment to plan a getaway.
Over the last few years, there has been a rise in new cruise trends, including interest in smaller ships, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and a surge in younger travellers embracing life at sea.
“Cruise has moved far beyond the clichés of the past and is now embraced by a much broader and younger audience,” says Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer, Celestyal. “A big driver of this trend has been the popularity of shorter itineraries packed with ports, a dynamic and unique offering that allows travellers the chance to explore six or seven destinations in just three or four days. This vibrant, fast-paced approach to cruising has attracted a different demographic from younger travellers to first-time cruisers keen to dip their toe in without committing to a longer stay at sea.
GT Black Friday 2025 guides:
Read on for Gourmet Traveller‘s guide to Black Friday cruise sales for 2025.
What smart travellers should know about the Black Friday cruise deals
- For Australians, Black Friday is a good time to keep an eye out for cruise deals, especially for cruises launching in in early 2026 or on big global brands
- Do your research, but be ready to book fast as many cruise lines start releasing sale offers from early November
- Check the historical cruise prices through a cruise price tracking website before you book
- Look out for the fine print: blackout dates, non‑refundable deposits, limited cabin categories, or required booking windows may apply
Black Friday cruise deals 2025
- Celebrity Cruises: Up to 75 off off a second guest, plus up to $900 off select sailings including on Celebrity Xcel till November 12
- Flight Centre: Save up to $4000 on Europe cruises for a limited time
- Luxury Escapes: Big savings on international and domestic cruises
- Princess Cruises: Secure your next cruise with a 50 per cent reduced deposit till December 9
- Celestyal: Enjoy up to 50 per cent off on 2025, 2026 and 2027 sailings
Booking tip: Keep your dates and destinations flexible in order let yourself find the best value
FAQ on Black Friday cruise deals
You’ll be able to reap the rewards of Black Friday sales in 2025 from November 28, and those of Cyber Monday on December 2. Though, many cruise lines, travel companies and retailers begin their sales earlier during the month of November.
Cruise deals often tend to sell out fast, so waiting for a Black Friday cruise deal may not be right for you if you’re looking to travel during peak season to a popular destination. Many cruise lines can price match, so if you’re concerned about missing out, you should book as soon as you can and then monitor the cruise price for drops. Make sure you check the fine print to see if your cruise line offers this. Black Friday can still deliver excellent value, although flexibility and vigilance is essential for those looking to maximise their savings.
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