Scoring a cruise ship upgrade can transform an ordinary vacation into a genuinely life-changing experience. Unlike flights which are cramped, chaotic, and force you to arrive at the airport early, cruises are meant to be luxurious, relaxing experiences. Getting an upgrade on your upcoming cruise ship can make the experience even more brilliant, but complimentary upgrades aren’t guaranteed. In fact, they’re pretty darn difficult. However, it is not impossible, as savvy travelers can significantly improve their odds through strategic planning and smart communication.
Timing Can Play A Big Part In Cruise Ship Upgrades
Timing and flexibility are the most important things to consider when pursuing a cabin upgrade. If you decide to book during “wave season” — typically January through March — when cruise lines offer their most competitive promotions, you might be able to score complimentary or discounted upgrades. Cruise lines offer these sorts of perks to boost early bookings, especially during the quieter months.
Unfortunately, cruise lines can also try to fool you into thinking you’re getting an “upgrade” by artificially raising prices during these seasons. Do your research and compare the previous year’s prices for your room to see if you’re actually getting an upgrade. Don’t feel discouraged by this, however. A lot of cruise ships do offer great, unbeatable deals during January through March.
Loyal Customers Always Get Cruise Ship Upgrades
In an industry as competitive and crowded as cruises, loyalty matters significantly. Seriously, cruise line loyalty programs can be your secret weapon to scoring extra deals, better rooms, and free booze, among other perks. If you’re just getting into cruising, this won’t apply to you as much, but in the future, you will definitely thank yourself for the free upgrades.
It genuinely pays to be loyal to a cruise line, as you’ll often get random, out-of-the-blue deals and upgrades that can make your experience all the better. You don’t even have to be a platinum-level member to take advantage of their offerings. And even if you don’t receive any offers, crewmembers are more likely to take care of loyal customers as opposed to a random family. If you have loyalty, feel free to ask crewmembers to sweeten up your experience with a big smile— they might just say yes.
Key Strategies To Get A Cruise Upgrade
No loyalty? No problem. There are a number of ways to still score an upgrade, especially if you implement key strategies. You already know that January through March tends to offer discounts. What if you’re not cruising then? Think about other shoulder seasons that are relevant to your destination. Cruising right after school opens can probably lead to some pretty great deals. Another thing to consider is traveling midweek as opposed to the weekend. Those premium cabins or lounges might be empty, potentially with your name on them.
As scary as this might sound, you honestly have a decent chance of getting an upgrade if you just ask for it. Consider this: most people are probably anxious to ask for an upgrade, which means staff rarely dish this out. Go up to staff with a polite, personable, and friendly attitude and politely ask them if there’s an opportunity to get an upgrade. Don’t be pushy, demanding, or rude — no one likes that person. It helps to walk in with a game plan. Sometimes crew members can be flexible and they’ll want to know exactly what you’re interested in.
And if friendliness doesn’t get you anywhere, money does talk! During check-in or prior to sailing, ask about “upsell” opportunities. Just like airlines, cruises occasionally offer last-minute upgrades at reduced rates to maximize cabin occupancy. You’d be surprised just how cheap some upgrades can be.
