Looking for a Cheap Cruise? Check the Week After Thanksgiving

I recently booked a seven-night Royal Caribbean cruise to Mexico for just US$259 per person in an interior cabin. The departure date? November 27, 2026 — the day after Thanksgiving.

I was surprised by how affordable it was. Was I just lucky, or is there something special about cruising right after Thanksgiving?

Curious, I checked fares from Norwegian and Carnival too. And it turns out that the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be a great time to find cheaper cruises.

Here's what I found.

Why Are Cruises Cheaper After Thanksgiving?

The answer is surprisingly simple: school holidays.

Thanksgiving is a major travel holiday in the United States. Many schools close for several days, making it easier for families to take a vacation together.

But once Thanksgiving is over, everyone heads back to school and work.

And with Christmas only a few weeks away, taking another week off in early December isn't always practical.

That creates a quieter period between two busy holidays. Cruise lines still need to fill their cabins, and lower demand can lead to lower fares.

But how much of a difference can one week really make?

Norwegian Encore provides a good example.

The ship operates seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from Los Angeles, visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.

Here are the advertised starting prices for interior cabins around Thanksgiving 2026.

Notice what happens on November 22.

The Thanksgiving sailing costs CA$940 per person. Just one week later, the November 29 departure drops to CA$663.

That's CA$277 less per person, or CA$554 for two people.

And early December stays relatively affordable. It's a pretty good reminder that sometimes the departure date matters just as much as the cruise ship itself.

Do Other Cruise Lines Follow the Same Pattern?

Not at all. Carnival's prices also show how much the holiday calendar can affect cruise fares.

For example, Carnival Panorama had a six-night Mexico cruise departing November 29, 2026, advertised at CA$426 per person.

The December 27 sailing? CA$1,239 per person.

That's almost three times as much!

Of course, this compares late November with New Year's week, rather than Thanksgiving week itself. But it highlights how quickly prices can rise around major holidays.

The quieter weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be worth checking across different cruise lines.

Is There a Catch With Cheaper Cruises?

Sometimes, yes.

One thing I noticed when comparing Voyager of the Seas sailings was that the itineraries weren't identical.

November 20, 2026: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.
November 27, 2026: Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán.

Both cruises last seven nights, but the ports are different. If you've always wanted to visit Puerto Vallarta, the Thanksgiving-week sailing might be more appealing.

On the other hand, if you're mainly interested in enjoying the ship and exploring a few Mexican ports, the cheaper itinerary could be perfectly fine.

There's one more thing worth checking: the total vacation cost. If you're flying from Vancouver or another city, airfare and a pre-cruise hotel can easily change how much you actually save. A cheap cruise is great, but a cheap cruise vacation is even better.

Is Late November a Good Time to Cruise Mexico?

For many travelers, yes.

The Mexican Riviera generally has comfortable sightseeing weather in late November and early December, without the intense summer heat.

Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta can be pleasant for walking around, exploring local markets or joining shore excursions.

Cabo San Lucas can be a little cooler, especially in the evenings. And if you're planning to swim or snorkel, keep in mind that ocean temperatures vary depending on the port.

The official Eastern Pacific hurricane season also ends on November 30, although storms and itinerary changes are still possible.

If you enjoy exploring ports as much as relaxing by the pool, this can be a lovely time to go.

Are There Other Cheap Times to Cruise?

Yes! The weeks after Thanksgiving aren't the only dates worth checking.

Other periods that can offer lower fares include:

• Mid-January to early February: After the Christmas and New Year's travel rush.
• Early May: Between spring break and summer vacation.
• September: After schools reopen, although hurricane risks matter on some routes.
• Early December: Between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

These aren't guaranteed bargain periods. Prices depend on the ship, itinerary and demand.

And remember, finding a cheap departure date isn't the same as knowing the best time to book. Waiting until the last minute doesn't always mean getting a better deal.

One Week Can Make a Big Difference

If your vacation dates are flexible, try checking cruises departing right after Thanksgiving. You might find a surprisingly good fare without changing ships or shortening your vacation. Just compare the itineraries, flights and total trip costs before deciding.

For me, finding that US$259 Royal Caribbean cruise was a nice surprise. And after comparing other sailings, the week after Thanksgiving is definitely one I'll check again.

Sometimes, a little flexibility is all it takes to find a better deal.