3 PROVEN & EASY Ways to Get Cruise Cabin Upgrades!

[@B-ch6uk]

I would love to bid on an upgrade but they won't tell you what stateroom they will assign you to. I'm always afraid it will be under the pool deck or somewhere noisy.

[@primerc1112]

Thank you so much for making this video. I just called the cruise line to see if there were any upgrades available and they did have one available for the same price that the upgrade bids were going for. I’m so excited about my next cruise. Thank you so much.🎉

[@timothywitte729]

I have used Royal UP and saved thousands on a grand suite. Plus the last two carnival cruise I took I received upgrade emails for just the cost of taxes based on the cost of the new cabin verse my booked Cabin.

[@HMJBurkeTravel]

On our Disney Wish sailing last September, we simply asked while at guest services taking care of something else. We went from an inside to verandah for $163 flat, not per night. On our Norwegian Epic cruise last month, we were in a balcony cabin. But, with them only servicing the cabin once a day, the drop down berth was not being put up and it was in the way due to the stupid S design of the balconies. On Day 2 I walked down to guest services and asked if they had any empty cabins. They had some insides so we snagged a second cabin for $150 flat and moved our kids out.

[@jenkuhar8178]

I got upgraded from a solo veranda to aqua class on Celebrity Beyond for next week! I bid and won.

[@FraserAtSea]

Wow!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

How awesome - and a great upgrade. Take full advantage of Blu and have a great cruise!

[@rgruenhaus]

I chose my next two cruises on the Breakaway in a Studio cabin for 14 days in the same room mainly to get 3pts/day and I have never sailed Solo in other than a Studio cabin and wouldn't want the added expense of a room which usually has 2 occupants or more. I will like that after the first 7 days that 21 points on NCL will bring me to Platinum level and my 2nd 7 days will have added perks!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Still hoping to try NCL sometime soon!

[@butalina]

I am very particular in the cabin I chose. Cabins have to be above and below unless the Library is involved. Also I cruise in Aqua Class IF I am not on an Edge Class. There is a bidding process for upgrades on Celebrity BUT I refuse because I have no control over the location of the Cabin, and yes even for suite cabins you can be under the pool. So Aqua Class is fine for me, 80% of the time I am not even in the cabin Specially on Cruises in Europe...the tours (excursions)are 8 hours or longer

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

You can actually call and have them move you to a different room within the same category once your MoveUp bid has been accepted. I’ve done this a time or two.

[@butalina]

@@ZachtheTravelingMan True, but only if a cabin you like os available..I am not sure I want to take that chance.

[@30AndAWakeUp]

Im here for this! Thanks for the tips!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Thanks for watching!

[@PudPop1980]

Awesome tips!! Thank you!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Thanks for watching!

[@travelwithdebandnick]

Awesome ideas :) thanks for sharing :)

[@loveyashua237]

You also have favorable upgrade options if you are a crown and anchor society member , from emerald and up I believe, on royal Caribbean.

[@bigbadbuyer]

My daughter has already thanked you for your advice, but I want to also add my thanks. We just got off Celebrity Edge after 12 days in the Mediterranean. She had a solo cabin (the smallest). So she went to the desk upon arrival, made the request for a bigger cabin, and got it. No charge. We were in a Sky Suite and there were no upgrades available. No problem. Traveling in any suite on the Edge is incredible. So thanks again Zach. Keep up the great work! Now I have to figure out a cruise for next year.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

I’m so glad to hear this. And glad you had a great cruise! Thank you for sharing and for watching. :)

[@FraserAtSea]

Ah, this is interesting - will need to ask about upgrade options when I get on my next ship in 2 weeks. Watch this space!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Definitely let me know. Fingers crossed for you!

[@shannonsambitiousadventure8530]

Curious to hear what your experience is!

[@jamesfrommanitoba.1992]

Nice Zachary, great tour. I’m sold 75%I just need more information on wheelchair accessible cabins and how it is getting around with a disability. Keep up the great work.

[@elizanh123]

Thank you. I have never gotten an upgrade. I have inside stateroom experience only. I have made bids but they are low. I did ask once at the desk, but mwill try that, who knows. Have only cuised with NCL and Carnival. :) Going 7/5 Boston to Bermuda. My 7th cruise.

[@edwardh8853]

Hi Zach, these are all great tips. I’ve been upgraded twice on Celebrity. Once from Concierge Class on Millennium to a Royal Suite. This was a paid offer sent via my TA at an obscene discount 😂 too good to pass up for a 7 day cruise. The second time was a same day free upgrade on Equinox from a Sky Suite to a Royal Suite. The port staff couldn’t find our sea pass cards for the Sky Suite so they sent us directly to Guest Services to get our situation sorted. Talk about getting a wonderful surprise! I’ve never taken advantage of the Move Up offers as I’m rather picky about my cabin choice. And I don’t like that for the extra money you don’t get any more loyalty points. Happy Holidays 🥂🚢

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

How awesome! I’ve not gotten that lucky yet. Thanks for watching and sharing. Happy Holidays to you as well!

[@andreas4268]

Love this info Zach! Thanks 😊

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ronw1864]

Love the video! I bid on a Move Up upgrade on my recent Celebrity Equinox cruise. I selected an amount just over the minimum that was presented on the 'slider' just for grins. As expected, it was not accepted but ya can't get it if ya don't at least try! Next cruise in May on Royal I'll try going to Guest Services upon embarkation. Thanks for the tips!

[@chadandmatthewcruise]

Good tips, Zach! On our last cruise, Holland America emailed us the week before and offered us an upgrade from a verandah cabin to a vista suite for $150/person. At booking, the difference was $500/person, so we jumped at it and had a great time in the suite! We’d do it again in a heartbeat.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

How awesome! I would have done the same. Thanks for watching!

[@sharonsybrandt4455]

Same thing happened to our friends on a different cruise line - $300 to upgrade to a suite!

[@BrandeeLewis-qg7yj]

I’ve been on 19 cruises and never asked or been offered an upgrade :( maybe I’ll get lucky on the getaway in March

[@michaelirvin2079]

Hello Zach , I use the bidding method and went from an Oceanview cabin to a balcony cabin and it was very reasonable and got a really nice cabin.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Congrats! That’s my favorite. Nothing like a balcony cabin.

[@katrinaassoumou6400]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this video with me. Have a blessed day. Amen

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Thanks for watching!

[@katrinaassoumou6400]

@@ZachtheTravelingMan You are welcome Zach. I will be on every time you post. Thank you and have a Blessed Christmas for yourself and family. Amen

[@mikewilde3300]

I have bid on 2 upgrades, mini suite and Reserve mini suite, for upcoming Princess Panama Canal cruise in May. Waiting to hear back of course, but hopeful. I will update our experience when I have more info. Thanks for you video, very informative.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Fingers crossed for you!!

[@grannyoffive1313]

Thank you....awesome tips!!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Thanks for watching!

[@cruisecrazy]

Thank you for the great information. I’m going to try the upgrade bidding on my next cruise scheduled for October 2023. Not sure of the exact process for Princess but it sounds like a fun way to build even more excitement for a cruise. I’ll let you know how it turns out for us.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Good luck! Hope it works out. 🤞🏻

[@bethpoet1873]

Hi, just booked for Alaska on Crown Princess 2 days ago...sailing in Aug. 2023. Today I got an email to upgrade, three different choices. So I'm guessing you may get an email upgrade letter mid August?

[@christinemarino5732]

Trying the Royal up program on our Sep 23 cruise. We are two weeks out, and so far, there is no word from RC.

[@michaelkaye198]

The only time we spend in a cabin is to sleep at night when there is nothing to view. So we always get interior cabins. There are plenty of chances to view sights from decks, dining rooms, or on excursions when there is daylight and we are not in the cabin. Besides upgrades might be in a worse location like under a loud venue, next to a laundry, or in a more rocky area of the ship.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Great points. Thanks for watching!

[@ducheau100]

I don't like the cruiseline upgrade programs because as a solo sailer they charge you double. Whatever you bid is X2. As a solo, I think the best option is to ask when you get on the ship. Otherwise not worth it. And they would prob let you check out the cabin before you pay to see if you like it. If you utilize the cruiseline upgrade program beforehand, no telling where'd they put you and you might not like the cabin. One caveat is the cruise could be sold out so there would be no upgrades when you get on.

[@kathryncashner3294]

One note--if you require an accessible room/suite, except under specific circumstances you will not be able to participate in the bidding for upgrades, "we select your cabin for you" or other deals. The problem is that with those, you are agreeing to accept any cabin you are assigned to, which is usually not accessible. We've had 2 situations where we were able to get a "deal" on an accessible, but these both involved the ship needing the cabin we were in and they were willing to deal with us to get us to move....and I was speaking to an individual at the cruise line, not a third party on line. You CAN do upgrades at the terminal as with those, you can see exactly what cabin you will be upgrading to. In contrast to what Zach said, sometimes these are offered at the terminal, sometimes at Guest Services on board. You have to know how it works for each line you sail.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

This is good to know. Thanks for sharing.

[@deidresmith9698]

Great Tips

[@kimberleymiller]

Hey there. I haven't done the upgrades yet on the cabins. But I was able to get deals in other areas on the ship. I will absolutely use these tips. For myself and my clients. Thanks again Zach! Hope to see you on board one day...

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Thanks for watching! So glad you enjoyed 😊

[@lauracollins2823]

Good video Thanks

[@Keep-on-ok]

Yes, we bid on a couple cabins. We don’t always win though.

[@TheRedComyn]

Love your videos! I'm not a risk taker, so I just book a suite to begin with. I want nothing to do with the stress of upgrades. To those who do, more power to them.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Thank you for watching! I’m glad you enjoy.

[@hfthoroughbreds2693]

So you commented just to say how you're not interested in upgrades? what was the point?

[@bigguy1403]

​@@hfthoroughbreds2693😅😅😅😅

[@kayodeacohen3304]

On my recent cruise with Celebrity whike on board I rebooked a cruise and got better perks and a balcony..did pay and am excited to sail into Norway and its fiords!! Thanks for all your info! Appreciate all you do!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

That is awesome! Norwegian Fjords on Celebrity sounds like an amazing cruise.

[@JC-sf2qm]

You are right about that Kay ... on my recent cruise... I should have checked the price on my up coming Alaskan cruies! Thanks for the tip!!!

[@leisureleenyc]

Thanks for the tip!❤

[@valerieburns6138]

I have a cruise on royal that I booked for my boyfriends bday/our anniversary. Its in two weeks & I just broke my foot 2 nights ago. Really hoping I can get an upgrade from my interior because now I think I will be in our room much more than I intended. Any tips for me are much appreciated!

[@lisaa8853]

Just placed some bids on our upcoming Alaskan cruise! We bid pretty low on almost all suites but it does look like the ship has 10 suites left and about 44 aqua class verandas and at least 70 regular verandas that are a lower class than ours. The cruise is about 30 days away I’m hoping our changes are good. 🙏🏼

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Good luck!

[@jimgilhooly5817]

I bid on an upgraded room too but the upgrade site uses that dial that shows if your bid is strong or weak. Since they supposedly can tell you the result of the bid as close as 2 days prior to sailing I felt better bidding a higher amount. It is a surprise upgrade for my wife and I do want it to be accepted. Maybe I will call them instead to improve my chances. Thanks to all for the tips and comments.

[@dwightlooi]

You are WRONG. It is the interiors that always sell out first because they are not only the cheapest cabins, there are also very few of them on the newer ships. I am not sure about the most expensive suites but the standard balconies are usually the most available because 70% of the cabins are non-suite balconies. You also missed one of the BIGGEST INDICATORS of upgrade availability -- the PRICE OF THE CRUISE. If the cruise is heavily discounted -- eg. a $599 14-day on the newest class of ship -- it means that that itinerary is a terrible seller. It it wasn't they won't have super low fares! They are not stupid! It almost ALWAYS mean that there are plenty of upgrades available whether you bid the minimum amount or ask for them on embarkation day.

[@andrewbrown4753]

I am going on the Ascent on Dec 10 which will be his third sailing, and the prices are way cheaper than many other dates. Do you think I should bid on the MoveUp program or wait until I am on the ship and ask them directly? Thanks

[@dwightlooi]

@@andrewbrown4753 You should pay close attention to the Celebrity Website's booking page for that cruise about 1~2 weeks prior to embarkation. If there are plenty of unsold cabins, they will lower the price for the Verandas dramatically. You can re-book (re-price) your booking to the new price. On the Edge's Oct 31st Suez Canal Itinerary the Verandas (Balconies) went from $1049 to $729. Interesting enough the interiors went from $599 to $629. This was two weeks from the sailing. The move up Minimum Bid for interior to Veranda was $150. So as you can see, you are better of re-pricing. I honestly doubt the gay at the customer service line on embarkation day can or will do better than $129.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

@andrewbrown4753 Definitely bid on MoveUp and see what happens there. Then, if that doesn’t work out, check once you board in case something has opened up.

[@andrewbrown4753]

​@@ZachtheTravelingManThanks for the help

[@deidresmith9698]

Hi Zach!!! How've u been. I hope ths is the info i need to upgrade my cabins

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Hey there - I’m well and hope you are too. Good luck in getting upgraded! 🤞🏻

[@Rantsfromacar]

The "upgrade fairy" is a dead term. If was a term that was used before the cruiselines started charging for upgrades. Back in the day the email would come in and say you have an interior would you like an outside cabin instead. And the more often you sail the better the upgrade. I would book a 1a because I knew I would get an outside. But there is no fairy anymore. All upgrades cost money.

[@beverlybranch2319]

How can I check for prices drops when different agencies have a block of rooms for people who use their agency? Every site I can find shows the Haven aft penthouse with balcony on Norwegian sold out. If it’s sold out, how did I get an email given the option to bid? I’m confused.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

I think they allow you to bid for any of the rooms on the ship, even if they are sold out. This way if they happen to open up, they still have someone paying for that room and they don't miss out on any money.

[@CruiseNewbs]

We were getting a Celebrity Retreat package with the Magic Carpet Sky Suite. Probably not good candidate for upgrade you think?

[@Steven-er2bt]

Hi Zach! Another great video. We usually start in Aquaclass or Concierge so our Move-up attempts are usually not successful. I'm not sure we have the intestinal fortitude to bid for an interior or oceanview and hope for an upgrade...

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Thanks for watching!

[@burningblue1254]

I wouldn't. Stick with the cabin type that you will be happy with. Many cruise lines like my own used the pandemic to take less efficient ships out of the fleet and reduce the fleet capacity for awhile awhile. Ships are sailing at high capacity now

[@jonitouschner6040]

Can you do a video comparing bargain ships?

[@helz13]

I booked and paid for a balcony room on Carnival Splendor. First time cruising with my daughter. How do I get an upgrade to a suite?? Cruising next year Jan 2025 😊

[@AussieInUS]

Awesome 👍

[@Cwright94]

Think I’ll take a chance on boarding day, with my luck I’ll lose the bid plus I’ll bid the lowest possible. Lol

[@deidresmith9698]

Yes... I've gotten the upgrade email offers from CARNIVAL

[@JaimeLoyaMinistries]

Can you bid on multiple upgrades at same time? Do minimum bids go down as the sailing date gets closer?

[@quadsplus1]

Do you think if interior is sold out, I have a better chance of an upgrade bid? Looks like there are several verandah’s still available (4 months out)

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

I would definitely try! Many folks in verandah will likely be upgraded to suites, opening up even more.

[@johnl56]

I never thought I wouldn't get upgraded to msc YC doing a max bid but 3 days out my offer is still pending and the ship is sold out so I'm sol

[@peterkapusi5882]

Hi Zach! Boarding Celebrity Apex on Saturday. Booked a guranteed infinity veranda. A little worried it will be obstructed view. The problem that I booked last minute and our boarding time is 2pm. Can I show up at 10:30 (boarding starts at 11:00) and hope the best?

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

You’re going to have a great time! Definitely show up as early as you’d like. They’ll most likely make you join a line for early arrivals but will accommodate you as soon as they have space! Most times they don’t even check the time on the SeaPass.

[@AZOrchid]

Are you less likely to get your Royal Up bid accepted if you are a first time cruiser with no point status?

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

I’ve heard that loyalty status is sometimes considered in the event of a tie, but not sure how true or not that is across all the lines.

[@pterrypower5140]

I normally have always participated in Royal Up or Celebrity upgrade programs. I think it is a great opportunity to try ahead of time to “ roll the dice.” I have won several times. I always bid on the lower suite cabins. The most important thing for me, I book the cabin I want so if nothing comes through, I am fine with what I have. The other important caveat- know your limit. If an additional $ 500 per person is the max you can go, don’t go nuts and bid $1500 per person. Bid once and leave it alone. Let the magic happen 😂😂 I have had no luck at the port nor at guest services the last 3 times I have sailed due to ship capacity was at 100%.

[@k-9ramm0delilah86]

So not sure if you have done a video on this and I hope I'm not being nosey but how are you able to go on all these wonderful cruises?

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

I budget my time and money very well. And KZbin gives me a good excuse to cruise as often as I can. Thanks for watching!

[@cbbanz8412]

So when you see the price per person is that minus what you have already paid for your original room?

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

No, it's in addition to anything you've already paid.

[@shoshanachavab]

So they give upgrades for say 30rh anniversary or 80 th birthday .? Do they give bulk bookings ? 🌺

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Not that I know of, but it never hurts to ask!

[@queenslanddiva]

I just got one of the bid emails from Princess, so they obviously do it too

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Thanks for watching and for the info!

[@mimichang4333]

The cons about getting upgraded by bidding is: we don't get to choose the staterooms location. Any other cons?

[@jigsterify]

The problem of the bud up as a solo traveller is that it’s based on a per person on a twin room so does that mean I would pay double the bid price??

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Unfortunately yes.

[@rickbird8144]

❤what do you do if you bought from Costco and this doesn't apply because its Cost o

[@icedteamama176]

The upgrade you got for $150 is per person or per cabin? Thanks!

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Per cabin. Thanks for watching!

[@chandlee3968]

Question, if you get the upgrade does your OBC (on board credit) carry over to the new room. I booked a less desirable room because it came with OBC so changing and losing the credit matters to me.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Yes! You should keep your OBC and any other perks you received with your booking.

[@liddy1171]

Anyone have experience with upgrades on CUNARD? Have a front of ship balcony right now (wd love a more mid ship balcony). AND I am being offered a “complimentary upgrade”. Even the phone agents can’t explain what that actually means!

[@jessd5092]

With Celebrity Move Up, you don’t get to pick the location but can you at least designate port or starboard side when you make your bid?

[@pterrypower5140]

The cruise line has 100% control on picking the cabin you are going to upgrade to. If you have any preference, it is best to choose your own cabin ! Or try to upgrade at the time of check- in.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Unfortunately not. It’s all up to the cruise line.

[@sammylove7211]

I'm confused because when I was on the carnival cruise website and they had a free room upgrade deal but like how would that work for example if I get an interior room would I get upgraded to a balcony or Ocean View

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

That would most likely be applied at time of booking. You’d just book a balcony for the same price as Oceanview. You should give them a call so they can explain it better for you.

[@liddy1171]

Anyone have experience with upgrades on CUNARD? Have a front of ship balcony right now (wd love a more mid ship balcony). And I am being offered a “complimentary upgrade”. Even the phone agents can’t explain what that actually means!

[@burningblue1254]

The question is would you accept a complimentary upgrade? Some guests want to stay in the cabin they booked. If you say yes. They will let you know if you are offered one and the cabin number. You usually have 48 hours to accept or reject it.

[@burningblue1254]

Usually it's within the cabin type. E.g. book an IE and get a 2 category upgrade. I worked 2 contracts as passenger services director for Cunard on loan from Princess. It's not typical to move up cabin types I.e. inside to ov or to balcony. It depends on how the ship is selling. On slow selling ships I have seen complimentary upgrades to balconies because that is our most numerous cabin type now.

[@deidresmith9698]

READY 📝 👓

[@imaseeker4577]

I saw a video of someone who used the upgrade program on Celebrity move up only and it worked- she got into an aqua class but its for ROOM only not for the Blu restaurant or any access to the Retreat or pool area. Is that the case in your experience?

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

That’s not been the case in my experiences. And I’ve upgraded to Aqua Class using MoveUp multiple times. You certainly do get access to Blu Restaurant and the Spa Thermal Suites. You do not ever get access to the Retreat with Aqua Class no matter how you book it as those rooms are reserved only for suite guests.

[@gordongt1272]

You are the only person I've ever heard say that they got an upgrade on boarding day. These must haven been nowhere near full capacitySailings? In spite of what the cruise lines say publicly, very very few 2022 cruises have sailed full.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

It’s happened plenty of times before. You just have to ask. And I’ve been on a couple of full sailings this year. It’s becoming more common than you think. Cruise lines are having record breaking bookings as of late. Thanks for watching.

[@HMJBurkeTravel]

I got one on boarding day on the Disney Wish. I got a second cabin on day 2 on my Norwegian Epic sailing.

[@SrJackquito]

If the ships are completely full how has this worked 100% of the time on embarkation day? 🤔

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

The ones I cruised on weren’t completely full. If it’s completely full then that’s not an option.

[@davie2983]

Nothing but common sence.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Sense*

[@osarmejia]

👁👁👍

[@patricec.2957]

if you have to pay for it, its not a upgrade anymore.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Well there are hardly any free upgrades to be had so I guess with that logic there’s no such thing as an upgrade? You typically have to pay for upgrades even on airlines.

[@patricec.2957]

@@ZachtheTravelingMan At Costa Cruise, if you are a CostaClub gold or platinum and you do one more cruise than last year, you are automatically upgraded to a Suite without any extra charge.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

That’s awesome! Wish more lines did that to honor loyalty.

[@timesuck1320]

Click Bait!!!!!! Please change the title of this video to "paid for upgrades!!!" It is completely misleading. An "upgrade" infers that it is for free. What you are doing is simply purchasing a better level of cabin. Please cease and desist.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Ok. If an upgrade is only free then how can it also be paid for? An upgrade is simply moving from one category of stateroom to a higher one. Many different ways to do that, as I’ve expressed here. Also, truly free upgrades are likely to never happen for MOST people.