Have you ever bid for an upgrade and won it or got rejected? Let me know.
@lauragwillim10555 жыл бұрын
Cruise Radio I was booked in a spa mini suite on the Breakaway. I was given several Haven choices to bid on. The spa Haven suite was the lowest starting bid at $500 pp. I bid that and waited. About a week away from the cruise I still hadn’t heard so I went back to NCL and bumped my bid to $750 pp. I was notified of my rejection the Friday afternoon before the cruise. I was already in Florida! In my cruise group on FB we had some people learn of their winning bid 3 weeks out and everything in between. There is a 3rd party that sorts this all out. I led a discussion about this on NCL latitudes members FB page. I learned there is NO STINKIN’ STRATEGY! It’s all luck. I do think it’s smart to check pricing before you bid. If there is a price drop you may be able to just upgrade and pay the difference which could be lower than the starting bids. One question: Are there starting bids on all cabin categories? You said at the start of the video people bid what they want but on Haven suites the started at a minimum $500 pp and went up from there! I posted this video to the NCL latitudes members FB page. Lots of people don’t understand the bidding or even know you could do that.
@redsnapper94205 жыл бұрын
Was booked on a Baltic cruise in the Haven. Fairy emailed me and asked if we wanted a 2 bedroom/2 bath suite. Bid and refused to remember the price- in the Haven is expensive enough. Won the bid and and all I can say is it was WONDERFUL! We don't cruise NCL much (3 times)-and this was the only way to cruise them. Food, service- we had a butler- was beyond belief!
@CruisingTipsDotCom5 жыл бұрын
@@lauragwillim1055 You "bid what you want" but yes, it's within a designated range. So there's definitely a minimum bid. On the plus side, there's also a maximum bid. As far as strategy, it basically works like this: The bids go out in rounds. Let's say you're in an inside room and you bid on a balcony. And let's say I'm in a balcony and I bid on a Spa Balcony. If my bid gets accepted, I move up into the spa balcony. That means MY previous balcony room is now empty, and they can move someone (maybe you, from your inside) into it. Usually, you'll hear about some people getting results from their bids while others are still waiting. That's because there will then be a second round, once all the shuffling happens. So even though people on your sailing have already found out their bids were accepted, it could still be days or even weeks before you have a definitie answer as to whether or not YOUR individual bid was accepted. Hope that helps!
@lauragwillim10555 жыл бұрын
Richard Simms yes, I know that’s how they shuffle around. Plus cancellations at the last minute and I thought I read the cruise line sometimes will hold back a few rooms so even if it says sold out on a certain cabin category it may not be. But still it’s a crap shoot. Lots of people are discovering the bidding thing now so your odds of winning will go down as more people bid. It’s fun to bid and if you get your dream cabin it’s even more fun! I’ve had a lot of people respond to this video on the NCL latitudes FB page. It’s very helpful and explains it a lot more clearly than the NCL video🤗
@nancy-jofunaro96605 жыл бұрын
Always have been rejected...
@vodka7304 жыл бұрын
I was upgraded this way on the Sun from interior to a balcony. Best part is my lady had no idea I put in for the upgrade and really didnt pay attention much to the person who checked us in and gave us the key cards. We were a little frustrated because we decided to be good on time sailors and arrived and boarded early so the rooms weren't ready for atleast a hour or so. But the face and excitement she had when we went into our room and she noticed the balcony was priceless. Made the whole trip great for me.
@CruiseRadio4 жыл бұрын
Nice. Thank you for watching.
@rgruenhaus3 жыл бұрын
But what was your bid?
@TheRockacer222 жыл бұрын
@@rgruenhaus just bid 100. They usually put it through if there are empty rooms
@sheliaharmon5282 Жыл бұрын
@@rgruenhaus.. what type of cruise destination??
@FelixJacomino2 жыл бұрын
Bid the minimum ($50 pp) to upgrade from balcony to club balcony "suite" and got that instead of the $350 pp I bid on the Haven balcony. I did as was suggested in this video, started a booking for the same cruise and sure enough, Haven was all sold out so it makes sense. The only difference between what I had and what I've got seems to be a few more sq feet by the entrance to the stateroom and a tub rather than the "telephone booth" shower.
@johnmonaghan8157 Жыл бұрын
We won a bid for a nominal amount for an upgrade for our cruise around New Zealand to Sydney Australia from an outside cabin to a very large Sapphire Suite for 4 people with great extra amenities including s butler and special restaurant and observation seating. We enjoyed it very much and have just pkzced a similar bid for a suite for our cruise to ANtARTICA .
@annefolger58665 жыл бұрын
We were on the Getaway in April. Had a mini-suite and bid $200.00 per person for upgrade to Spa Mini-suite which was cheaper than purchasing spa pass. Nice to have option.
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
Nice So you got it? Thank you for watching.
@jeffreysadventuresyoutube5 жыл бұрын
Hi , Cruise Radio master!! I'm a regular of Carnival, Princess & RCCL Cruises for many years (1986 Jubilee) Island Princess (1987) & Viking serenade (1992). Thank you for being so honest about how much you love to taking a cruise, and what it's worth doing so. I will always follow you and your adventures... Jeffrey's Cruises VLOGGER! Keep Vlogging!! You Rock!!
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, Jeffrey Pooler! I greatly appreciate your compliments! It means a lot to me. Thank you for watching.
@vodka7304 жыл бұрын
It's worth noting that yes u can put in multiple bids but the system will always give u the highest room category if accepted. In other words u put in bid for balcony and for mini suite u dont have to worry about screwing your self out of mini suite with the balcony bid. They will see if mini suite is available first and then move on to lower category of the balcony
@CruiseRadio4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching.
@mymentorjane67052 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I’ve been looking for that answer and customer service at NCL couldnt answer that.
@8brewing5 жыл бұрын
We bid on an upgrade from an inside cabin to a balcony and got it almost immediately. Happened on a Mediterranean cruise out of Barcelona April 2018 with Norwegian Spirit. We did not respond to the first upgrade notification, but got a second two weeks later, and felt in a better position to give a minimum bid. Thanks for your video explaining the upgrade process. Currently waiting on an upgrade offer to a Haven suite from a minisuite. Minimum bid about a month ago.
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad it helped. Thank you for watching.
@charleschambers43632 жыл бұрын
Great beginner's introduction to NCL "Upgrades!" Thanks!
@heathercruises5 жыл бұрын
If anyone is curious... We just got upgraded to a balcony!! 🙌🏻 2 weeks out
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
Amazing! What's the itinerary for your trip? Thank you for watching.
@sarahpalazzo15044 жыл бұрын
I will be taking my fourth cruise with NCL in May. I just recieved an upgrade email for the first time. I am a single mother of 3 so we always do the inside. My oldest 2 are getting big and it is quite the squeeze. So I am super excited at the prospect of a family oceanview or balcony at a decent price.
@CruiseRadio4 жыл бұрын
I'm excited for you. What's the itinerary for your trip? Thank you for watching.
@733DMPILOT2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for clarifying it is double occupancy. I am traveling alone. They do not tell you that in the website. I had to contact them and they sent me the link to their policy. Very sneaky.
@lordvader14282 жыл бұрын
Last cruise I put in a bid for $200 on The Gem and won. I was surprised that such a low bid was accepted. I ended up paying only $400.00 for a balcony on an 11 day cruise. So worth it. That steal of a deal. Roll the dice and take the chance.
@CruiseRadio2 жыл бұрын
Nice work. Thanks for sharing your story.
@bigd98484 жыл бұрын
I have been on a few sailings that I bid on a balcony from an inside and got it for $55 so $110 for myself. I travel solo and enjoy it. I had the mini suite as well from an inside I only bid $50 so $100 was well worth it. I have an ocean view for this Saturday on the Escape out of Miami and bid for a spa mini suite and a spa balcony as well as the balcony.No word yet but it really is a gamble so it’s worth it either way.
@CruiseRadio4 жыл бұрын
Nice. Maybe you'll get lucky. Thank you for watching.
@2speed45Ай бұрын
I was on the first sailing for pride of america since the pandemic. I bid the min and they upgraded me to an aft view balcony. That been the only time i done it
@alwaysbebookedcruisepodcas12475 жыл бұрын
Thanks, gives some real clarity to a confusing topic. If only the cruise line itself would break it down this well.
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words and watching.
@dennismacfit765 жыл бұрын
I booked an inside stateroom on the Getaway back in 2017. I placed a bid in the fair range for a balcony room and it was accepted.
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
Very nice. What was the itinerary for your trip? Thank you for watching.
@dennismacfit765 жыл бұрын
Western Caribbean - Coxen Hole Roatan, Harvest Caye, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.
@rgruenhaus3 жыл бұрын
How much was your bid?
@ghjcmo3 жыл бұрын
I'm booked to sail on the Encore in 3 weeks, first time ever on NCL. To my surprise I received the "Upgrade Advantage" e-mail today. Perhaps it's changed since you made this video over 2 years ago. But I actually am allowed to go back in and modify and cancel bids. Even though I did get the "All bids are final" warning when submitting them. Kind of surprised me. I wanted to make a ridiculous offer on "The Haven" but they wouldn't even let me start for anything less than $1200 ($600 X 2) so I just bid on a couple of suites. Don't expect to win but who knows. Things are kind of crazy right now with capacities and pandemic demand. Thanks for this info Doug.
@darrellq6954 Жыл бұрын
Did you win?
@ghjcmo Жыл бұрын
@@darrellq6954 I did but in the end I wish I hadn't. Because it led directly to a conflict between me and NCL over the wording that "suite guests don't pay room service fees" and the definition of a suite. (The room I won was a "Club Balcony Suite", their words not mine). Never say never, but I will most likely never sail on NCL again because I feel they are deceptive. Had I not won the bid, I would have stayed in my booked balcony cabin and there would have been no conflict. Moral of the story, be careful what you wish for.
@ghjcmo Жыл бұрын
@@socialmediagonewild4943 Well it wasn't much, it was the $9.95 room service fee. Had i not ordered room service, I wouldn't have known. And it wasn't the amount of the fee that disturbed me, it was what I felt was deceptive marketing practices. And honestly I'm not sure exactly how they define a suite for those charges. My room was called a "Club Balcony Suite" but it didn't qualify for "no room service fees." So I'm not sure what "suites" did and didn't qualify. They didn't specify, they just said "suite guests." (So what was I supposed to think?) I've since learned everything is relative and while I'm still not happy about this event, it pales in comparison to a stunt Holland America pulled on my recent Panama Canal cruise. I don't know what the deal is with cruise lines right now, but it's pretty much "buyer beware" time out there.
@deborahperkins17645 жыл бұрын
I bided for a haven forward facing balcony from an aft facing balcony. I am waiting to see if bid gets accepted. I hope it does.
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
Fingers crossed. Thank you for watching.
@ledueplays46285 жыл бұрын
This proved SUPER helpful
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
I'm glad it helped you. Thank you for watching.
@ericdrews50505 жыл бұрын
I booked a guaranteed inside cabin. Then I bid on a balcony at $100 per person, really $200 for the cabin upgrade. I won!! For $200 more than a guaranteed inside I scored a balcony!!! It couldn’t be better as I’m going on a 12 day Panama Canal cruise.
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
That's amazing! Congratulations. Will this be your first cruise? Thank you for watching.
@ericdrews50505 жыл бұрын
Cruise Radio 4th cruise first long one at 12 nights and my first balcony.
@johnnys45755 жыл бұрын
When did you get notified that you where upgraded? How far away from the cruise date?
@ericdrews50505 жыл бұрын
Johnny Sibaja Oct 21 for a Nov 22 cruise
@kimip.37894 жыл бұрын
Thank you very helpful we just received an email for bidding from inside cabin to ocean view or balcony. Will give it a try.
@CruiseRadio4 жыл бұрын
You're welcome. Thank you for watching.
@leeannkleine6120 Жыл бұрын
I'm booked on the Bliss for November in a solo studio. It's my understanding that we will not be offered an opportunity to bid for an upgrade. For this cruise, I'm actually okay with no upgrade, as I am interested in the studio lounge to try it out. A friend of mine booked a balcony on the same sailing, and has offered the use of his balcony when I want to check it out. Sometimes, friends who travel has perks that don't cost extra! We are 3 decks away from each other, so not too far.
@CruiseRadio Жыл бұрын
Not bad. The lounges are tiny at 100 sq feet but do the job.
@kellyhullander53322 жыл бұрын
Loved "NCL killed the upgrade fairy" comment 😆
@CruiseRadio2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching.
@shelbyjones20325 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info Doug, I wasn't aware this was a possible option before I watched this
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help. Thank you for watching.
@keishalashon38635 жыл бұрын
This video came right on time. My husband and I were just talking about this because we're booked on the Escape (inside cabin) for Dec. We would love to upgrade without breaking the bank. Thanks for the info!!!
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
How cool. Let me know if you get the upgrade. Thank you for watching.
@dorothygee9155 жыл бұрын
Keisha Mariner when in December we are also on escape in December for a couples trip?
@keishalashon38635 жыл бұрын
@@dorothygee915 December 7-14
@dorothygee9155 жыл бұрын
Keisha Mariner when we are getting off you are getting on we are the 30th to the 7th
@keishalashon38635 жыл бұрын
@@dorothygee915 It sure would've been nice to be on the same sailing. Don't be surprised if you find in your inbox the morning of the 7th asking questions.😁😁
@bsmith68614 жыл бұрын
I won a minimum bid to upgrade from interior to ocean view recently. I had bought the cruise insurance originally and while my upgrade only cost $50 there was an additional $30 for the cruise insurance. Thought that was kind of steep when just going to ocean view from interior.
@CruiseRadio4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching.
@kimip.37894 жыл бұрын
Good to know.
@rgruenhaus3 жыл бұрын
The insurance is on the full value of the new room
@JustLiz-yc5kd5 жыл бұрын
Norwegian looks like the most fun!
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
It really does. Thank you for watching.
@kathyjeffrey1786 Жыл бұрын
Oh wow fire that would be scary .3 years no way thats way too much .oh nice enjoy your cruise Ty for your updates enjoy your sleep get ready for more news updates lol 😊
@CruiseRadio Жыл бұрын
Haha. Nailed it. Thank you.
@stephenedwards93412 жыл бұрын
Can you ask once onboard and name your own price if rooms remain? Like, Heyyyyyy, does NCL want an instant $100? 😎😉😉
@MandalorianFanboy2 жыл бұрын
So I am currently booked in the second best cabin on the Norwegian Sky (SD - Aft facing Penthouse with large balcony) on August 12th, and they sent me an offer to upgrade to the best cabin (SA Owners Suite) …yet at the moment when I look at doing a new booking, all suites on the ship are currently sold out. Why would they offer me the ability to bid on something that isn’t even available?
@robertknapp38705 жыл бұрын
I have bid on 2 previous cruises and was rejected on both...We'll try again if asked
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
Oh wow. Was it an instant denial? Thanks for watching.
@jolandakieda38674 жыл бұрын
Got the upgrade message, started researching and found your video. Thank you! Is there a video that efficiently shows what upgrades aren't worth the money? We currently have room 9120, category B6.
@NLMusique5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Doug. My question is, what if you originally booked in an handicapped accessible stateroom. If say your bid is accepted for an oceanview room, is that new room also handicapped accessible too?
@sarahpalazzo15044 жыл бұрын
No, that's not guaranteed. It is based on what is available.
@NLMusique4 жыл бұрын
@@sarahpalazzo1504 thank you
@robinhill71487 ай бұрын
I made a bid for a Haven 2 bedroom suite for the highest amount, I was expecting to get approved almost immediately but it’s been 12 days and nothing. A little confused, what could be the problem, if the suite wasn’t available then there should not be an option to upgrade to it. I guess it’s possible several people bidded the max as well.
@keisha4620 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing
@tomritchie95377 ай бұрын
Stupid question but if they don’t take your bid they don’t take your money correct correct?
@CruiseRadio7 ай бұрын
Nailed it. Only if you get will they charge. So keep that credit limit open.
@cruisecrazy70662 жыл бұрын
How do they deal with a wheelchair cabin?
@Bgen94722 жыл бұрын
Would you be notified via email if your offer is rejected? Or does no news mean no upgrade?
@CruiseRadio2 жыл бұрын
When we did it we weren’t notified when rejected, only if you get it. Things could have changed though. That was back in 2019.
@robertgrills3167 Жыл бұрын
Good to know
@CASmerk7 ай бұрын
So what's the point of bidding into Haven if you don't get the perks??
@lesliemiranda64682 жыл бұрын
I just got the email, and I'm wondering if if it's per person/per day or just whatever you bid times 2😅
@CruiseRadio2 жыл бұрын
When placing a bid, the dollar amount is per person, double occupancy. Translation: Whether there are one or four people staying in the stateroom, your bid is for two people. Here is the article we did on the upgrade program: cruiseradio.net/how-to-bid-for-an-upgrade-on-norwegian-cruise-line/
@lesliemiranda64682 жыл бұрын
@@CruiseRadio thank you!!!
@dennisdalessio82385 жыл бұрын
Doug, Thanks for this information. Never cruised with NCL but planning to in the future. Thanks
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
You bet, Dennis. Thank you.
@michellerankine910 Жыл бұрын
I've put a bid in for 2 different rooms, if I get 1 does the other bid cancel automatically?
@CruiseRadio Жыл бұрын
Whichever accepts first.
@chrishollins17895 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I got an email from Norwegian sending about the upgrade program. I’m a little skeptical about the whole bid thing. I never bid anything my whole like lol! This is new to me. I’m still don’t how this work after I bid and “IF” I win, are they going to charge the same amount if I bid for $200?? I’m kind of embarrass to ask. 🙈😬😂😂😂
@rgruenhaus3 жыл бұрын
They will charge you 2 times the bid for the first 2 in your room, so $400
@mckenziesherlock7755 Жыл бұрын
If I have a balcony room would upgrading to the Haven be an option for me?
@timbarry27432 жыл бұрын
Is there a minimum bid for the Haven?
@shonasmith6794 жыл бұрын
I am travelling on my own next month with NCL Jewel. I was offered an upgrade. I liked the look of the Penthouse balcony but the minimum bid started at $600 which means for me it's $1200. I thought bids started from zero and not an amount??
@sarahpalazzo15044 жыл бұрын
Zero is no bid. And then they set a minimum. They aren't giving away Haven suites for $20!
@41plus15 жыл бұрын
If you bid for more than one room will only one bid get accepted or will there possibly be a choice?
@melissagrabill99114 жыл бұрын
Only one will be accepted. The bids are final.
@1716alex4 жыл бұрын
Is there a way to raise the chances that you will receive a bidding email?
@melissagrabill99114 жыл бұрын
Well...I have heard the more you cruise , the more likely it is you will get one. I get one almost every time I cruise and I bid every time
@brigittaperez99105 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Doug! We are booked on NCl Star out of Venice. We booked a balcony stateroom and bid for Suite. Just got our assignment, but don't know if we got the upgrade approved? We did not get an email. Just or documents. Any tips? Thanks
@et81384 жыл бұрын
question = what if we place our bids and are not receiving any response, can we go back in and change our bid to something higher? or are we only allowed one shot/one chance at placing our bids?
@et81384 жыл бұрын
@Judy Serra thanks... thank you for your reply. since I posted my question, I've since been bidding multiple times on Norwegian - they do allow you to go higher or lower as many times as you want up until embarkation, which I think is a quite nice feature.
@theresechambers51685 жыл бұрын
Do studio cabins have a chance to bid as well?
@CruiseRadio5 жыл бұрын
Studios aren't included in the program. Thank you for watching.
@patl.5504 Жыл бұрын
Yes they are now on the encore my Dad had 3 Choices, interior, oceanview and regular balcony
@elizabethcoleman76734 ай бұрын
I am sailing on the Getaway in September and am currently in a studio. They gave me the option of an ocean view or balcony.
@glynisj.71704 жыл бұрын
Great voice and professional video. I'm waiting to see if my "Celebrity" bid is accepted.........guess they stole this concept from NCL. It's a moneymaker.
@CruiseRadio4 жыл бұрын
I appreciate the compliment. Thank you for watching.