There’s a certain comfort in knowing that, even as the world gallops toward ever flashier sales and digital countdown clocks, Ian McIntosh still approaches travel bargains with old-fashioned curiosity and a raised eyebrow. This week’s lineup proves once again that Black Friday isn’t so much a shopping event as it is a full-contact sport for cruise lines, hoteliers and airlines eager to outdo one another.
From Antarctica expeditions with eye-widening savings to pocket-friendly Japan flights and indulgent island escapes, Ian has sifted through the noise to bring readers the most rewarding offers served with his trademark humour and a steady hand on the compass.
Cruise lines in particular love events like Black Friday to push their products – but don’t be overwhelmed. They have more sales than a lottery winner has new friends.
HELLOWORLD has a series of new deals featuring the ultra-luxury yacht Scenic Eclipse. Book before December 7 and receive exclusive savings of up to $22,600 per suite. Itineraries start at 12 nights Antarctica In Depth priced from $27.689 pp twin share.
ATURA HOTELS has a deal for its EVT members – enjoy up to 30% off stays until 30 April 2026.
WEBJET has a special for ski lovers heading to Japan with flights to Tokyo priced from $819 return. You have until November 26 to book.
ACCOR is the choice if you are heading to NZ – Stay two+ nights and enjoy up to 20% off across more than 30 hotels.
AIR TAHITI says the islands are on sale – and has released a long list of holiday ideas, including Niu Beach Moorea from $3699pp twin share, featuring two nights in Tahiti and five in Moorea.
SILVERSEA, the luxury cruise operator, has a Black Friday savings of up to $15,000 on expedition and $10,000 on classic voyages, available on more than 950 sailings. The deals end on December 2.
NORWEGIAN is also in the black, offering up to 50% off cruises, complimentary premium beverages and up to $1,000 airfare credit.
CELEBRITY’S Black deal is 75% off the second guest and bonus savings on selected dates.
OCEANIA – not to be outdone- is offering up to 50% off on a long list of selected sailings.
NESUTO HOTELS’ Black Friday deal is up to 30% off across Australia and New Zealand. Choose from 11 properties, including the Nesuto Docklands in Melbourne, from $169.
FIREFLY – sister airline to Malaysia Airlines – invites you to discover more of Southeast Asia. From $599 return, connect seamlessly to destinations including Krabi, Cebu and Siem Reap via Kuala Lumpur.
CATHAY PACIFIC’s Flyaway sale means savings when you take off to destinations including Japan, Korea, the Chinese Mainland, India and the subcontinent, and the Middle East.
NIB TRAVEL INSURANCE will be offering 20% off all domestic and international policies until December 9, 2025.
ANA has an interesting business class deal if you are heading to Paris from Sydney and don’t mind travelling via Tokyo. Cost is from $7378 return.
CHEVAL is offering up to 30% off at any Cheval Collection property in London and Dubai. As well, enjoy an extra 10% off when you sign up as a CHEVAL DISCOVERY member.
FROM LAST WEEK:
WENDY WU TOURS Big Deal Sale means savings of up to $4,000 per couple on over 900 departures in 2025 and 2026, plus savings on Japan’s cherry blossoms in 2027. Choose from tours to Japan, China, Southeast Asia, India, Central Asia, Africa, Latin America and more.
PRINCESS CRUISES says forget about Black Friday – the Blue Friday Sale is full steam ahead. Until December 9 2025, you can book your next Princess cruise with 50% reduced deposits.
HELLOWORLD invites you to visit the Northern Territory with some great fares from Virgin and packages to Alice Springs and the Top End. A four-day Discover Alice special costs from $679pp twin share – or spend seven days discovering the NT from $1669.
CATHAY PACIFIC advises the ultimate rugby weekend is back. “Experience the thrill of the Hong Kong Sevens in 2026 with our online exclusive early-bird packages starting from $1,488. Book now with the discount code EARLYR7AU to lock in exclusive early-bird deals on Flight + Event Ticket packages.”
TRADE ONLY:
US-based Vacations to Go has gathered the best cruise deals and organised them according to cruise length. Along with oceangoing cruises, VTG also offers the world’s largest selection of river cruises in Europe, the US and other destinations.
The Travel Industry Club also has hundreds of cruise industry offers on its website, with many 2026 Northern Hemisphere sailings now available. The Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic seasons are underway, and there is a steady flow of bookings for Asia, Africa and repositioning cruises.
AAT Kings has announced an A-LISTER rewards incentive designed to recognise and reward its most engaged travel advisors, with gift cards up for grabs on every qualifying booking made throughout November (up to $100 in eGift cards).
Interline Travel has a very long list of Seabourn specials – the most challenging part will be to pick just one from the list.
Remember, conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent, and travel insurance is essential. Finally, I make mistakes like everyone else. Check websites to confirm details. Got a travel problem? Please send us details to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller.
By Ian McIntosh – (c) 2025
Read Time: 5 minutes
About the Writer
Veteran journalist and publisher Ian McIntosh has spent a lifetime exploring the world and sharing its wonders. As the founder of Travelnews Australia, his nationally distributed, full-colour travel trade publication earned the esteemed Telstra Business Award.
Though now retired, Ian remains a passionate globetrotter with a soft spot for small-ship cruising and for discovering good-value hotels across Europe. His most recent adventure involved a rather enthusiastic Thai elephant named Bo, who promptly deposited him into a pond. A true storyteller at heart, Ian continues to travel with humour, curiosity, and an unwavering love for the road less travelled.
