Carnival Cruise Deals 2025
How to Save on Your NJ Cruise
Get the best Carnival cruise deals departing from Port Liberty, NJ. As local Essex County travel agents, we know exactly when and how to find the best Carnival deals for New Jersey residents.
We have access to exclusive promotions, group rates, and last-minute deals not always advertised online.
Current Carnival Promotions (November 2025)
Early Saver Sale ⭐ Best Value
Valid: November 1 - December 31, 2025
Booking Window: 6-12 months in advance
Eligible Sailings: Select 2026 Caribbean and Bahamas cruises
Example Savings:
- • 7-Day Caribbean: Was $1,200 → Now $720 (save $480)
- • 5-Day Bahamas: Was $600 → Now $360 (save $240)
Call 833-874-1019 for best available cabins
Kids Sail Free
Deal: 3rd & 4th guests (kids 17 & under) sail free (taxes/fees apply)
Eligible Cruises: 5-day and 7-day Caribbean from Port Liberty
Example: Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids)
• 7-Day Caribbean
• Adult fare: $850/person × 2 = $1,700
• Kids: $0 cruise fare (only pay $150 taxes/fees each)
Total: $2,000 (vs. $3,700 regular price) - Savings: $1,700
Deposit Discount
Low $50 deposits per person (standard is $250)
Best for securing deals early without committing full payment
Free Room Upgrades
Last-minute bookings (30-60 days before sailing)
Example: Book oceanview, get balcony free (subject to availability)
Onboard Credits
$50-$300 per cabin (varies by sailing)
Use for specialty dining, drinks, shore excursions, spa
How Much Should You Expect to Pay? (Port Liberty Departures)
5-Day Bahamas Cruise
| Cabin Type | Regular Price | With Deals | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside | $600-$800 | $360-$480 | $240-$320 |
| Oceanview | $750-$950 | $450-$570 | $300-$380 |
| Balcony | $900-$1,200 | $540-$720 | $360-$480 |
7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise
| Cabin Type | Regular Price | With Deals | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside | $950-$1,200 | $570-$720 | $380-$480 |
| Oceanview | $1,100-$1,400 | $660-$840 | $440-$560 |
| Balcony | $1,300-$1,700 | $780-$1,020 | $520-$680 |
*Prices per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes/fees additional (~$150-$250/person).
Best Times to Book Carnival Cruises
Wave Season (January - March) ⭐ BEST DEALS
What is it? Annual cruise industry sale season
Discounts: 25-40% off, free upgrades, onboard credits
Best sailings: Spring, summer, fall departures
Pro Tip: Even if you're not cruising until December, book during Wave Season for best prices.
Black Friday / Cyber Monday (Late November)
Discounts: 30-50% off select cruises
Perks: Reduced deposits, kids sail free, onboard credits
2025 Dates: November 28-30 (watch for deals!)
Last-Minute Deals (30-60 Days Before Sailing)
When: Check 4-6 weeks before departure
Savings: Up to 50% off unsold cabins
Risk: Very limited cabin selection
6 Ways to Save Even MORE Money
Sail Off-Peak Season
20-40% savings
September, October, early November, early December (before Dec 15)
Choose Inside Cabins
30-40% savings
You'll spend most time exploring ship—cabins are just for sleeping
Skip the Drink Package
$420-$490 per person
Only buy if you drink 6+ drinks per day (breakeven point)
Book Excursions Independently
30-50% cheaper
Viator.com, ShoreExcursionsGroup.com offer same tours for less
Bring Your Own Wine
$70-$100 saved
1 bottle (750ml) per person allowed, 21+ years old
Join VIFP Club (Free)
Exclusive deals
Early booking access, exclusive email deals, points toward discounts
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to book a Carnival cruise for the lowest price?
Wave Season (January-March) offers the deepest discounts (25-40% off). For last-minute travelers, booking 30-60 days before sailing can yield 40-50% off, but cabin selection is very limited.
Does Carnival offer military or senior discounts?
Military: Varies by sailing (typically $50-$100 onboard credit). Must verify with ID. Senior (55+): No automatic discount, but often eligible for AARP rates (similar to regular sales).
Can I stack multiple Carnival promotions?
Usually no. You get the best single promotion available. However, some perks (like VIFP loyalty benefits) can combine with sale prices.
What's included vs. what costs extra on Carnival?
Included: Meals (dining room, buffet, Guy's, BlueIguana), entertainment, pools, fitness, kids' programs. Extra Cost: Alcohol, specialty dining ($15-$50), shore excursions ($50-$200), spa, photos, casino.
Should I buy travel insurance for my cruise?
Yes! Especially if booking early. Insurance covers trip cancellation (illness, job loss, family emergency), medical emergencies onboard, trip interruption (missed ship), and baggage loss. Cost: 5-10% of trip cost (e.g., $150-$300 for $3,000 cruise).
Ready to Find Your Perfect Deal?
Let us do the work. We monitor Carnival deals daily and can alert you when the best price drops for your desired sailing from Port Liberty.
Free quote, no obligation