If you’d like to experience a cruise but don’t want to blow most of your budget on the fare, you might wonder when does Royal Caribbean have sales?
The good news is that Royal Caribbean runs sales all year.
However, some promotional periods are better than others.
They can give you higher discounts or better deals.
If you book during the right sale, you won’t just save money on your trip.
You may even get extra perks like onboard credits, free upgrades, or huge discounts on drink and dining packages.
It’s also worth noting that some cruise deals happen every year while others are one-time offers.
Some Royal Caribbean sales can also run quite long while others can only be redeemed within a limited period.
Here’s a look into the best times to book a Royal Caribbean cruise at the lowest price.
When Does Royal Caribbean Have Sales During Wave Season?
Wave Season runs from January to March.
This is typically the best time of year to book a cruise on any cruise line.
But Royal Caribbean in particular offers big discounts, reduced deposits, and free perks during this period.
Some passengers have even reportedly saved up to 50% on cruise fares because of wave season.
So if you book during this period, you could get:
- Lower cruise fares
- Onboard credits (money to spend on the ship)
- Kids Sale Free promotions
- Discounted drink or dining packages
Wave Season is great for families, couples, and groups looking for the best price.
The only downside to Wave Season is that popular cruises and good deals sell out fast.
Competition is high during this time so it’s best to act quickly and book deals immediately before they’re gone.
When Does Royal Caribbean Have Sales During Thanksgiving?
During Thanksgiving, you might want to check Royal Caribbean’s website.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are huge sale days for the cruise line.
These sales happen in late November but the deals can start a week early.
Some past Black Friday sales on Royal Caribbean have included:
- Up to $300 in onboard credit
- 60% off the second guest’s fare
- Discounts on suites and premium cabins
- Lower deposits
As you can see, the perks are quite attractive.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are great if you want to book a cruise at the end of the year or early in the next year.
Since these deals go fast, it helps to know what cruise you want before the sale starts.
When Does Royal Caribbean Have Sales on Holidays?
Royal Caribbean also runs sales during major holidays, including:
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- New Year’s
During these sales, you might see discounts on fares, deposits, or onboard perks.
Do note that while holiday sales can help you save money, the discounts are usually not as big compared to Wave Season or Black Friday deals.
Still, if you’re looking to save money on a cruise, the holiday discounts will do in a pinch.
When Does Royal Caribbean Have Flash Sales?
Royal Caribbean sometimes offers flash sales, which are basically short-term discounts on their regular cruise fares.
These sales can happen at any time of the year and typically last only a few days.
Deals and discounts on flash sales might include:
- Lower prices on select cruises
- Extra onboard credit
- Discounts on drink and dining packages
Since these sales don’t last long, it helps to check prices regularly or sign up for Royal Caribbean email alerts.
How to Track When Royal Caribbean Runs Sales
Finding the best cruise deals means staying updated on price drops.
Here’s how to track Royal Caribbean sales.
1. Sign Up for Email Alerts
Royal Caribbean sends out emails about upcoming sales.
If you’re subscribed to their newsletter, you’ll get notified about new deals first.
2. Use a Cruise Price Tracker
Websites like Cruisewatch.com or Royal Price Tracker track cruise prices and send alerts when fares drop.
3. Check Prices Often
Royal Caribbean cruise prices change daily.
A fare that costs $1,500 today might drop to $1,200 next week.
Checking prices often can help you spot deals and price drops.
4. Work With a Travel Agent
When does Royal Caribbean have sales?
Travel agents would know (it’s sort of their job).
Thanks to their industry connections, they often know about sales and price drops well before they actually happen.
They can sometimes even score exclusive deals for their clients.
Plus, they’ll help you rebook your cruise if prices drop after your initial booking.
Ergo, working with a travel agent or travel advisor is a great way to score big savings or one-of-a-kind cruise experiences.
5. Follow Cruise Forums and Social Media
Cruise fans share sales in online forums like Cruise Critic and Reddit.
Some travelers can even spot price drops before Royal Caribbean announces them.
When Does Royal Caribbean Have Sales on Drink and Dining Packages?
Royal Caribbean discounts drink and dining packages specifically during certain sales.
When to Buy Drink Packages
Royal Caribbean drink packages typically go on sale during:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday
- Wave Season
- Random flash sales throughout the year
If you buy your drink package before your trip – and especially during a sale – you could save well over 30% compared to buying the package onboard.
When to Buy Dining Packages
Royal Caribbean will usually offer discounts on dining packages during pre-cruise sales.
You might see:
- BOGO dining nights
- 20% off specialty dining packages
- Discounted three-night dining packages
Buying these before you board the ship saves money and guarantees your spot at popular restaurants.
When Does Royal Caribbean Have Sales for Families?
Families love Royal Caribbean’s Kids Sail Free sale.
This sale runs a few times a year and lets kids sail for free when booked with two paying adults.
Families can save hundreds of dollars on cabins during this deal.
Group discounts also help if you’re traveling with a large family or friends.
Booking multiple cabins together can unlock extra savings.
When Does Royal Caribbean Have Suite Sales?
If you want a suite room, booking during Wave Season or Black Friday is the best time.
These sales sometimes include discounted suite rates or free upgrades.
Yes, suites are more expensive than regular cabins.
But the discounts you get during a sale can make them a little more affordable.
Tips for Booking During Royal Caribbean Sales
Now that you know when Royal Caribbean runs its sales, here are some tips to save more.
1. Book Early
The best staterooms on Royal Caribbean sell out fast during promo periods.
If you know where and when you want to cruise, book early to lock in a lower price.
2. Be Flexible
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can wait for a sale or choose a sailing with lower demand.
3. Compare Deals
Some promotions offer more value than others.
A higher fare with free onboard credit might be better than a lower fare with no perks.
4. Watch for Price Drops
If your cruise price drops after booking, you might be able to cancel and rebook at the lower price.
5. Work With a Travel Agent
Travel agents often get exclusive discounts and can find the best deal for your trip.
Book Your Royal Caribbean Cruise at the Best Price
So when does Royal Caribbean have sales?
Throughout the year, and definitely during major holidays.
If you’re ready to book a cruise at a discounted price, give us a call!
At Team Thompson Travel, we can help you find the best cruise deals so you don’t overpay.
Whether you’re looking for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a group trip, we’ll make sure you book at the right time.
Best of all, our services are free—we earn our commission directly from the cruise line.
So contact us today to get great discounts and exclusive deals on your next Royal Caribbean adventure!