I've just bid on NCL's upgrade programme, so fingers crossed. I had booked our cabin / suite a year ago. Now just before final payment is due, the price has dropped significantly. Enough that even if I cancelled, lost my not insignificant deposit and rebooked the same room, I'd still have made several hundred GBP worth of savings. I spent an hour on the phone to Miami, mostly on hold, and they price-matched! So that made me happy. Then a couple of days ago I received an invitation to bid on an upgrade. I decided it was worth bidding the difference in price ie what I was originally charged, and what my current price is. Because hey ho, I'd have paid the higher price if I hadn't checked before final payment. I am telling myself I'll be happy with my original room, but if I am fortunate to get an upgrade, I will be very happy, because I will have saved £thousands on their current pricing. And there aren't that many suites, so I know where they are, and am happy to be in any of them. Wish me luck! It's a special cruise for my 60th birthday and our 30th wedding anniversary.
Took an "upgrade" on Holland America that moved us into an obstructed view balcony. Same situation that you seemed to have. I appreciate your suggestions.
Doesn't hurt that you are a very respected. large audience cruise blogger too HAHA! Been a supporter of you for awhile now and have got all kinds of tips for my travels so I'm super grateful for you and your partner
This happened to us when arriving late in Disney World. They offered to move us from an “outer building” to an 8th floor room at the Contemporary Hotel as this was a treat for us and they did fill the lesser value room.
We had incredibly noisy neighbours on one of our cruises on a line we were using twice a year, so we'd demonstrated loyalty. The neighbours had their tv on ALL night long, every night, very loudly! They were spoken to and reduced the volume for a couple of nights until about 2.30am, when they turned it back up again. We got very little sleep. But the line refused to move us. I have to say we were disappointed, and very frazzled by the time we disembarked.
I have gone from an interior cabin to a balcony on NCL by bidding. Have a bid in now for my next cruise with the same scenario. We will see how it goes!
Gary, I was just wondering, will we ever get to meet your partner? I hope so. You speak of him highly and I am sure he is a great guy. If he does not want to, though, I fully understand. Thank you again for sharing such helpful info with us. I still can't get my partner to cruise with me, but I am not giving up trying. Please keep up your great work
Thanks! Not sure as he doesn't not come with me often own trips as he works full time. he does appear occasionally in video though `I guess people would not know! Maybe I will get him too join me on one of my Livestreams and answer questions too :-)
Good advice about going on Day 2 - this is when I recently upgraded on MSC Virtuosa. However, the added annoyance with this is that you either don’t unpack on day 1 with the possibility of a move, or be prepared to re-pack again. That said, I went from an inside cabin to a balcony, so lucked out big time!
Can you also post the link to the referenced video in your summary section? My ad blocker blocks those (sometimes annoying) overlays so I can't easily find the video to which you are referring.
I'm going on my Honeymoon November 18th - November 25th on the NCL ESCAPE to the Western Carribeans and I have already booked and paid in full, so for me to upgrade all I have to do is call them and tell them I'll be on a Honeymoon during the cruise?
Booked a Mexican Riviera on Princess about 5 weeks out. We go in two weeks. Last night, I got an email from Princess telling me we've been upgraded from a balcony to a mini suite. We didn't ask and we didn't bid. I did look at the bidding and it was starting at what would have cost roughly $500 for the cabin. And the location isn't bad. Nothing noisy across from us and nothing below or above us. This is our first time on Princess and if they keep this up, they'll have a lifelong customer
I got moved on my last cruise because of construction and they did not give me an upgrade at all. In fact, it was a huge hassle after having already unpacked my suitcase. They gave me a new card, but it did not work when I ordered a drink so I had to get another card...then it happened AGAIN! I was very frustrated and after several complaints they FINALLY offered me $100 on board credit. I know for a fact the cruise was maybe half full at most so I don't understand why they didn't give me a better room.
I am quite noise-sensitive, so the tip about auto upgrades will be useful for me if I ever go on a cruise. Without your input, I would have joyfully accepted the dud 'better' cabin with no awareness until the issues became apparent. Thank you for the video!
I just book the cabin I want and so need for a upgrade. I do check the price every couple of days and renegotiate if there is a price change. My wife and I sail HAL and in a Neptune suite. We have a favorite cabin for each of their ships.
Agree with complaining. Twice we’ve got upgrades because of mechanical noises. I think they try it on as on both occasions we were moved promptly with hardly any questions asked
I've had some personal (and negative) experience with NCL's "bid to upgrade" program. First ever NCL cruise last year and I decided to bid on a "Club Balcony SUITE" (emphasis added). At least PART of my reasoning for bidding was info from NCL that "suite guests do not pay the $9.95 room service charge." So I win my bid and problem #1, I was in a worse location on the ship from my original balcony. OK that's on me but I can live with it. Problem #2, (and I'm sure regular NCL cruisers already know where I'm going with this) I go to order room service and I get charged for room service. It turns out even though NCL called my room a "suite" and even though they said suite guests don't pay room service charge, no, my room really wasn't a suite. Moral of the story, had I not "upgraded" I would have had a MUCH more favorable location on the ship, and I would not have walked away from my first ever NCL cruise with a very unfavorable view of NCL. Never say never, but it is unlikely I will ever sail with them again because I despise false advertising, deceitfulness, and petty word games.
That’s just how cruising is on the mass market lines unfortunately. I had an issue on MSC with false advertising where my cruise ticket (sent to me by MSC directly) said the drinks package was included but their computer had no record. It took until day 4 for them to tell me I was right and give me the drinks package. Truth is they don’t care about you after they have your money. They’ll promise you the moon to get you to pay and then make up some silly excuse later. They’re all the same.
@@dand5829 Well I know in my case I need to let it go, it was a minor issue. But it just didn't set well with me, I don't like misrepresentations, when there simply was no reason for it. I get that "stuff happens" but this was deliberate, either through laziness, incompetence, or intended deceit. To make matters worse, when I reached out to NCL corporate customer service, they would NEVER respond to me.
Our Big Event 30th Wedding Anniversary mentioned at booking unfortunately no upgrade . I used to work in Customer Service when I worked in Telesales for a Car and Home Insurance company and very rude customers were put at the end of the pile but complain with politeness and a reasonable attitude and your complaint will be dealt with quicker
Your advice worked. The cruise I’m going on in October (which will be my first ever) is cheaper now than when I booked it in April of 2021. I called and they upgraded my cabin for free.
Great tips! I've used the tactic you mentioned to watch for promotions, then call my agent back. On my most recent cruise, which I booked way back in 2020, I watched for promotions, and ended up getting upgraded around 5 times, from a Brittania interior stateroom (QM2), to an obscured balcony, to a less obscured balcony, then an even less obscured balcony, and finally to a Brittania Club balcony room on deck 11. I also opted out of the auto upgrade because of not being able to decline the upgrade. I'll definitely try the fare tracker sites though, so thank you.
We got an upgrade on our NCL cruise we just returned from. Upgraded from regular balcony to suite with the larger bathroom. I put in very low bids (NCL has a bid program) but I believe the lower capacity ships due to vax/testing requirements helped our cause.
I've done the "submit a bid" upgrade. They gave a minimum bid amount which was nearly what I had already paid. I bid the minimum, they sent back an e-mail (probalby computer generated) suggesting I didn't bid enough so if I really wanted the better cabin, I should bid more. I did NOT bid more - I left it at the very minimum and got the better cabin anyway. Sure glad I didn't pay more. Another time we had a front cabin during bad weather and were getting sea sick. On day two I requested any cabin in the middle of the ship and got upgraded to a beautiful balcony suite. They even moved my luggage for me.
Every class of cabin has good and bad locations, that's why they give the bad ones away as the "upgrade" ... plus what Gary said about freeing up the cheaper cabin for another sale. The upgrade cabin will not likely sell anyway and you think it's a good deal (at first anyway) so you bite. Airlines do this too, if Biz class is empty and coach oversold, but usually to the top FF's (or you're very cute) 😎
I'd like to thank you for your many pieces of sage advice. I went on my first cruise two weeks ago. I'd booked an enclosed balcony on the Norwegian Jade near the bow (I don't get seasick). Near sailing I asked for an upgrade and was told it wasn't possible. lmagine my delight when I opened my cabin door to find I was mid ship with an open balcony! I laughed at myself, hearing your words, as it was quite a hike to the fore and aft lifts. You were right, it pays to be nice to the crew and ask about their lives. I was thoroughly spoilt and cosseted by them because of it. I had an awful time because I didn't follow all of the advice and chose the wrong cruise lines and the ship's tours. This solo traveller ate every meal alone and was able to engage in only three short conversations in a week. The ship's onshore tours were immensely unsatisfying for someone who normally travels independently. I'll try again because I loved being on the sea. Now I know how right you are !
Unfortunately, none of this was working with Cunard on the most recent Queen Mary 2 cruise. :( Cunard were extremely non-accommodating and we also had to cancel (within the cancellation period where you "only" lose deposit) and despite that lost deposit, and making a new booking, we still saved some money. Upon arrival we had issues in our room with a broken air con and safe not working and even then when I asked for a change of room, they refused. (bear in mind this was an Indoor stateroom, so it was literally the cheapest room category, so any upgrade would have been an upgrade). On top of that we had a double special event on board (round birthday and engagement) and yet again Cunard were not supportive at all, despite us having called them up 15 times. The trip was still great and very special, however Cunard´s service standard was way below compared to how they advertise themselves.
I don't think so as the people doing the upgrades I have no connections with and are in the ship and reservations team. I also tend not to tell liens I am going on a trip. I have had some as the PR follow me and know I am going and have reached out but that is very rare
I’m sorry Gary I have Cruise 38 times on mostly carnival cruise line brands …. Holland and Princess etc .and I have never ever been upgraded and I have always opt out of being upgraded automatically. Because I heard things about them upgrading you to areas they were not convenient as to the cabin that you picked if you choose yourself. I do believe that you have gotten upgraded so many times is because you are a RU-vidr and they watch you and follow you and want you to show the upgrade availability for other passengers. I wished I would get upgraded at least once so that I could have something to brag about but unfortunately none of that has happened. We have four cruises in the works in the next year I’m hoping that that will be an upgrade on one of those because that will probably be our last four crews we take as we are in our senior years in our middle 70s. But hip hip hooray for all the times you have gotten upgraded.
Yep, can't imagine that everyone who goes on a honeymoon cruise would get upgraded if they mentioned it. I don't even much like the idea of trying something like that on - if you are not willing to spend the money and organise your own treats for your special event, why would you expect the cruise line to do it for you because you just blatantly asked? If you organised a cake or something and they threw in a bottle of bubbly for good measure accept it graciously but don't go hawking for freebies because your reason for sailing is "special".
Yeah I've cruised several times going back to 2000, and I think I've gotten upgraded exactly twice. And one of those was the NCL "bid to upgrade" program (which turned out badly.) Guess I'm just not lucky. LOL
I don't think it's because he is a RU-vidr. On my first cruise in February, my TA called and asked if my mom and I would like to be upgraded from a Penthouse Suite to an Explorer Suite (two suites up) on Regent (for free.) We would have taken it but we learned the queen bed didn't separate and my mom and I don't share well. It's really about timing, being courteous and having a seriously good TA.
@@KateandBree You just went from one suite to another suite that doesn’t consist of an upgrade …if you ask me …to go from an inside cabin to a balcony cabin or veranda now that’s what I would consider an upgrade! also upgrades they usually offer just means another deck… That is definitely not a big deal to go from one Dick to another the escalators move just as fast and you can get there the same time
I have tried negotiation with Princess and MSC when the prices have dropped with limited success. I am told there are different policies regarding this, depending on whether you book in the USA or Europe.
Gary, when you mentioned Black Friday sales on most cruise lines, did that mean “American” lines or European (and others), too? I know BF sales of everything has gone global to an extent, but I thought I’d ask in case.
YES about promotions!!! Mom and I booked our next Caribbean cruise (in 2024) with Regent and we milked it until promotions. Got $350 in ship credits for each of us and thousands of dollars each off for our cruise. Our TA has a great relationship with Regent and was able to procure ship credit as I don't drink alcohol. Wait for the promotions!
How soon does one usually find out about an upgrade? Is it something the cruises won’t announce until the day of embarkation or do they usually give advanced notification? Thank you!
My wife and I booked a balcony on NCL Joy for our first time on this cruise line. We mostly cruise HAL, Princes, Azamara and some others. I received an offer to bid for Haven upgrade, which looks very desirable. I decided to bid a little over the required minimum and wonder if there is any chance of winning. I would appreciate any advice.
Gary, I used your upgrade tip for my next MSC cruise from regular deluxe cabin to a Yacht Club Deluxe. I placed a bid for an interior Yacht Club cabin. MSC accepted by bid, but upgraded me to a Yacht Club Deluxe. Thanks for the hack! 😊
Any tips/tricks to get add-on "upgrades"? Like getting free / greatly reduced WiFi, beverage or dining packages etc. I wouldn't mind having an internet connection at sea, but for as little as I'd use it (I'm on a cruise, I'm not gonna be sitting in front of a screen 24/7 like I do at home), $20/day/device is a bit excessive. If I could get it for free or even say $5/day... $35 for a weeks worth of 2Mbps internet could work rather than $140.
Thank so much for the information. We sail on the 30th with Princess 10 day partial transit. I didn't plan any excursions for Panama so I haven't really been paying attention but I have heard they are canceling excursions already. We have a balcony so I'm planning breakfast and watching from our balcony I also booked a balcony dinner for that evening and just chose to use that day as a nice relaxing day.
I found u very good, however, you are making going on a cruise sound like a nightmare . Magnets, changing cabins, your tips are great, however for most peeps, we just want to sit back and enjoy
Just got back from my first cruise on Norwegian and our cabin began to smell like sewage 4-5 days in. Definitely should have complained, rather than being modest
I'm so glad to hear what you said about the auto upgrade - my husband thought I was mad for declining the offer on our recent crusie booking but I didn't like the fat that you can't keep your original cabin (which as you said we choose very carefully) plus tbh I think the 'grill' section on Cunard looks very boring! We do go Club Balcony on Cunard and can highly recommend - I love the more private dining room and the better menu options. Funnily enough I've yet to see anyone mention the Club Balcony option on Cunard on you tube!
Why would a cruise ship ever have a suite that is in a problematic location. Imagine if you paid full price for it and then there was a nightclub next door that played loud music all night. The cruise line would get complaints _every single cruise._ They would never design a ship like that.
I'll be a first time cruiser in March on the Norwegian Escape. I Booked a singles studio and I've been given the opportunity to bid on a upgrade $50 for a ocean view or $75 for a balcony is it worth it? I kinda liked the idea of the singles lounge which I'll lose if I upgrade.
Have never been offered an upgrade on the 29 cruises taken (I know just a few compared to the number many have sailed on). Same goes for upgrades on flights. Guess it's just us. Promotions are not really upgrades, you're paying the rate they ask. I suspect if I was a creator on YT with a few hundred thousand subs, I'd have more chance of an upgrade. Not throwing shade just saying it helps. Happy travel.
I always bid low and I usually get it but I try to stick with balcony. Cruises r expensive right now. I book last minute, and I get the ULTRA deals but you got to be ready to leave on a drop of a dime
How amazing to get the upgrade on that ship for your honeymoon ❤ our last cruise had a room opposite that sounded like a trolley went over a strip multiple times late at night. Drive me mad because I find it hard to get to sleep, hubby slept through it!
I was gonna say Cunard are the worse. I suppose if you are in Grills and or Gary you can fare check and get an upgrade. When my cruise was reduced by £2000, Cunard refused anything for compensation. I had to cancel my cruise, losing my deposit and rebook paying another deposit from my own pocket and still saved £1000. Better in my pocket than theirs!!!
I don’t think this video applies to the basic passenger going on a cruise of course they are going to give you upgrades and special privileges as the know that you are an influencer and promote cruising so therefore you will get special treatment and would be looked after with all your needs as they don’t want any negative reporting.
We had really poor success with trying to get a discount, money back, or upgraded on Royal Caribbean Lines. Even though their own site offered a certain discount, the different people that we talked to kept saying that it didn't show up on THEIR screens. We talked to several different people, including some manager for booking. Nope, didn't get any discount. Now we avoid RC & go on Holland America.
I wonder if there's any chance at all for upgrades if one books an ADA room, since I understand they tend to be in high demand. I've never cruised, though my husband has before we met. We're looking to book an Alaska cruise in the next couple of years.
We bid and got a balcony on RCL med cruise. We were right above the Schooner Lounge. Oh well…the music stopped at midnight. It was fine. Loved the cruise anyway.
I had a studio cabin on an NCL cruise that had a toilet leak. It was from the plumbing, not the bowl. It finally got fixed, but there was no hot water. I was dealing with this for more than one day. I was upgraded to a balcony. 👍
Do you have a video on how to find a good cruise agent? Would like to find a good agent who has many relationships and not just google and hope to find one
Hi Gary, our B2B wedding cruise onboard Sky Princess this August is now £2180 cheaper than what we paid, we are past the final payment date, but do you have any tips for how’s best to secure getting the refund or OBC/upgrade? Thank you
For my Jan 23 Princess cruise, I opted out of being auto upgraded. This will be my 1st Princess cruise. I noticed a few days ago they moved all the guests in the area I had selected (Fwd aloha deck) I was moved to mid ship under the pool deck. While it seems like an upgrade for me it wasn't. I went from having cabins all around me to having the pool deck above me and near the elevators. I had to call them and request to be moved back to my original cabin or one with cabins all around me and prefer end of hall.
I'm someone who can sleep with noises or is willing to use ear plugs and noise cancelling headphones so getting on that upgrade list would be a good idea for me.
Can you please guide me in how to get inside the process tobe the employees of these sectors since I've been trying to figure out how to get inside for the interview since I'm qualified for these sectors
My husband and I booked a seaview cabin on an NCL ship and were upgraded to a balcony cabin at check-in because we were 2 people in a 3 person cabin and they needed the extra bed.
When you book with Celebrity or Royal I don’t see a button to accept auto upgrades like with Princess. Should I call the line directly as I want to keep the cabin I selected. I want a sunset veranda and don’t want aqua class with infinite (fake) balcony.
Hello Gary, firstly thank you for taking the time to produce these videos, they have been invaluable to us. We booked a Premium Mediterranean cruise on Sky Princess for next April with ROL and have noticed they are now advertising the same cruise £120 cheaper. What are the chances of success if we were to ask for a reduction?
I don’t think it would hurt to ask! If they say no, you’re at the same price you agreed to. If they say yes, you’ve gotten the equivolent of an excursion refunded :)
@@tipsfortravellers hope you like Navigator, the oldest ship in the fleet but I love her small size. Spent over 200 nights on her. Best to book the E suites. Deck 6 is my favorite! Explorer is beautiful. Hope you enjoy Regent!
I just booked on QM2 for September. It's to celebrate our 50th Anniversary but we had to book an inside cabin. Is it too late to let the ship know the importance of this trip for us? If there's a chance they might upgrade us who should I tell? The travel agent or the cruise line?
You have nothing to lose but time spent on the phone. Go for it, and good luck! My cruise is for my 60th and our 30th wedding anniversary; I made sure to let them know! Congratulations! I guess if you've booked through a travel agent, you should go through them.
I got a 7 day cruise To Alaska booked in April Due in September In the beginning the interior cabin was more money and the window cabin was less and now it’s reversed.
