While most people are busy firing up the grill or heading to the beach, smart travelers are making plans of a different kind—they’re booking cruises.
Memorial Day Weekend has become one of the best times of year to find exceptional cruise deals. It’s a rare window when cruise lines go all-in with limited-time offers designed to drive bookings: steep discounts, free upgrades, onboard credit, and other valuable perks that don’t last long. For travelers looking ahead to summer vacations, fall escapes, or even holiday sailings, this is the moment to lock in big savings before prices climb.
The timing works in your favor. Ships aren’t full yet, promotions are at their peak, and most people finally have a long weekend to sit down and book. Cruise lines know this—and they respond accordingly. Sales drop across every category, from family-friendly Caribbean itineraries to luxury European voyages.
And the range of promotions isn’t just wide—it’s competitive. Even lines like Cunard and Oceania are offering hundreds of dollars in shipboard credit, free beverage packages, and reduced deposits. If you’ve been thinking about cruising, this weekend is your opportunity to get the best value for your money—whether you plan to sail in a few weeks or a few seasons from now.
Memorial Day Means Massive Cruise Deals
Cruise lines save their boldest promotions for big holiday weekends, and Memorial Day is no exception. For a few days only, the industry’s biggest names are offering rates and perks that are rarely seen together—steep discounts, onboard credit, drinks packages, and exclusive upgrades designed to get you booking fast.
Here’s a breakdown of the best offers available right now:
Carnival Cruise Line
Known for casual fun and value-driven vacations, Carnival’s Memorial Day deal includes:
- Up to 40% off standard fares
- Available on select 2025 and 2026 sailings
- Ideal for families and first-timers looking to cruise affordably
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL’s “Free at Sea” gets even better over Memorial Day:
- Up to 70% off second guest
- Kids Sail Free on select sailings
- Free prepaid gratuities—a rare inclusion
Also includes Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and beverage packages depending on stateroom booked.
Royal Caribbean
A heavy-hitter this season, Royal is stacking several high value promotions:
- BOGO 60%: Second guest sails at 60% off
- Kids Sail Free on select dates
- Flash Sale Bonuses: Up to $800 instant savings or onboard credit
Great for: families, groups, or anyone eyeing new ships like Icon of the Seas.
Celebrity Cruises
If you’re after a more upscale experience, Celebrity is bringing serious value:
- 75% off 2nd guest
- Up to $300 onboard credit
- Discounted fares for 3rd and 4th guests
This offer is ideal for couples and small groups looking to upgrade to a balcony or suite.
Virgin Voyages
Adults-only sailing with a sleek, all-inclusive twist:
- Up to 75% off a second Sailor
- Additional $500 in savings
- All dining, Wi-Fi, fitness classes, and tips included
Ideal for couples or friends booking together, especially on Caribbean or Mediterranean routes.
MSC Cruises
Family-friendly pricing and European flair:
- Up to 30% off
- Kids Sail Free
- CruiseDirect Exclusive: Up to $250 onboard credit
Value-packed for budget-conscious travelers—especially through CruiseDirect.
Cunard
A rare luxury value play, Cunard is offering:
- Up to $800 onboard credit per stateroom
- Drinks package, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining for $80 per person/day
Perfect for travelers seeking refined service, transatlantic crossings, or Queen Mary 2 nostalgia.
- Pro Tip: These promos are limited-time and stackable in some cases — the earlier you book, the more you can bundle.
Booking Now Secures Prime Sailings Later
One of the smartest reasons to book during Memorial Day Weekend is simple: availability. The best cabins—midship balconies, connecting rooms for families, and high-demand suites—are the first to go. Locking in now means more choice, better pricing, and less stress later.
This weekend’s promotions give early planners the upper hand, especially for sailings during peak periods. Think summer vacations, fall foliage cruises in New England and Canada, or holiday itineraries over Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
Cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean continue to fill quickly, with limited inventory on popular routes. The same goes for more scenic and seasonal destinations like the Norwegian fjords, where stateroom views can make or break the experience.
Booking early also gives travelers more flexibility with airfare, excursions, and pre- or post-cruise plans—all at better prices. Memorial Day deals make it easier to plan ahead without paying more later.
Memorial Day Deals Aren’t Just for Last-Minute Sailings
There’s a misconception that holiday weekend deals only apply to last-minute getaways. That’s not the case. Many Memorial Day cruise promotions are available across a wide booking window, including 2025 and even early 2026 itineraries.
Cruise lines want to fill their ships early—and they reward guests who plan ahead. Promotions like Holland America’s Anniversary Sale, which includes up to 30% off, $300 in onboard credit, and a 50% reduced deposit, are designed for travelers ready to commit early while the selection is still wide open.
Planning now for a future cruise doesn’t just mean better pricing. It also means securing hard-to-find sailings like world cruises, bucket-list expeditions, or holiday voyages that typically sell out a year in advance.
And with low deposits, there’s less risk. You can hold your spot, lock in a promotional rate, and finalize details later—without worrying that your ideal itinerary will vanish in the meantime.
Extra Perks That Make Booking Now Even Smarter
Beyond the headline discounts, Memorial Day cruise promotions come loaded with extras—many of which deliver hundreds of dollars in added value. These aren’t fluff perks; they’re upgrades that can meaningfully enhance the onboard experience.
Several lines are offering generous onboard credit—up to $800 per stateroom on select Cunard, Oceania, and Royal Caribbean sailings. This can be used for excursions, spa treatments, specialty dining, or onboard shopping.
Free beverage packages are another standout inclusion this weekend. Costa, Cunard, and Oceania all include alcohol and soft drinks on select sailings, saving guests substantially over the course of a cruise.
Travelers looking to secure a future sailing without paying in full will also benefit from discounted deposits. Princess and Holland America are among the lines offering reduced upfront costs—ideal for early planners locking in 2025 or 2026 vacations.
Meanwhile, Norwegian is adding prepaid gratuities, a cost that often surprises first-time cruisers. That bonus alone can save couples several hundred dollars on longer itineraries.
And for those eyeing elevated experiences, suite upgrades and added amenities are in play with Virgin Voyages, Celebrity, and Cunard—making this weekend an ideal time to splurge smartly.
Ideal Timing for Families and Groups
Memorial Day Weekend offers more than just sales—it offers time. For families and groups who usually struggle to coordinate schedules, the long weekend gives everyone a chance to sit down, compare options, and book together.
That extra planning window is crucial when booking multiple cabins, whether it’s for a multigenerational vacation, a group celebration, or a friends’ getaway. Inventory tends to move quickly during major promotions, especially on ships with connecting rooms or suites that accommodate larger parties.
Cruise lines are also rewarding group bookings with meaningful discounts. Celebrity is offering discounted fares for third and fourth guests, while Holland America includes free and reduced fares for additional travelers under its Anniversary Sale. MSC Cruises adds to the appeal with Kids Sail Free, making it one of the most cost-effective lines for families booking more than one stateroom.
By locking in now, groups can secure their preferred cabins and dining times—and take advantage of the full slate of Memorial Day perks before availability tightens.
Tips for Booking Over Memorial Day Weekend
With so many promotions launching at once, Memorial Day Weekend can be a great time to book—but only if you move quickly and book smart. Here’s how to make the most of the limited-time offers available right now.
1. Act Fast—The Best Deals Don’t Linger
Cruise pricing is dynamic, and Memorial Day is one of the most competitive weekends of the year. Fares and perks can shift overnight, especially on popular itineraries or cabin categories. If you’ve been eyeing a sailing—or even just a destination—now is the time to secure it. Waiting even a day or two could mean missing out on hundreds of dollars in savings or losing access to limited-quantity perks like onboard credit or suite upgrades.
2. Stay Flexible on the Details
You’ll find more value if you’re open to adjusting your preferences slightly. Shifting your departure port, choosing a different sail date within the same month, or opting for an oceanview instead of a balcony could unlock better pricing or added bonuses. Being flexible doesn’t mean settling—it means letting the best deal guide you to the right itinerary.
Travelers with open travel windows or those willing to explore multiple destinations—Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean—often get the most out of Memorial Day cruise sales.
3. Book Through a Trusted Partner
Not all deals are created equal—and not all are available everywhere. Some of the strongest promotions this weekend are tied to preferred partners like CruiseDirect. For example, MSC’s onboard credit offer of up to $250 is exclusive to CruiseDirect and isn’t available through general booking engines.
Beyond the promotions themselves, using a trusted agency ensures transparency on pricing, assistance with fine print, and support if your plans shift later. CruiseDirect’s expert-backed platform also helps travelers compare offers across lines quickly and clearly—a major advantage during high-volume booking periods like Memorial Day.
Make Your Next Cruise the Best Deal of the Year
Memorial Day Weekend isn’t just a good time to book a cruise—it’s one of the best opportunities all year to maximize value. Between limited-time flash sales, early access to high-demand sailings, and promotional perks that rarely overlap, this weekend gives travelers a clear edge.
The bottom line: don’t wait. The longer you hesitate, the more limited your options become. Memorial Day Weekend only comes once a year, and the best deals are often gone before the weekend ends.
If you've been waiting for the right moment to book, this is it.
