Do cruises ever do free upgrades?

The Elusive Cruise Upgrade: Are Freebies Still Floating Around?

The dream of boarding your cruise, only to be greeted with the news of a complimentary upgrade, transforming your inside cabin into a luxurious suite, is a persistent one. But in today’s cruise landscape, are these free upgrades still a reality, or just a nostalgic memory of cruising’s past?

The truth lies somewhere in between. While the days of readily handing out upgrades are largely gone, due to near-capacity voyages and sophisticated yield management systems, a stroke of luck, or strategic planning, can still improve your onboard accommodations without reaching for your wallet.

The Rise of Upgrade Bidding Systems:

One of the biggest shifts in the cruise industry has been the introduction of upgrade bidding systems. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, among others, now often invite passengers to bid on higher cabin categories closer to the sailing date. This allows the cruise line to maximize revenue from unsold higher-tier cabins, while giving passengers the chance to potentially score a great deal. This system effectively replaces the spontaneous free upgrade with a more structured, revenue-generating alternative.

The Power of Loyalty (and Patience):

However, loyalty still holds some sway. If you’re a frequent cruiser, particularly with lines like Princess Cruises, you might still have a shot at a complimentary upgrade. These lines often recognize and reward loyal customers, and a surprise cabin upgrade can be a delightful perk.

Factors Influencing Upgrade Potential:

Several factors can influence your chances of receiving a complimentary upgrade, though none guarantee it:

• Loyalty Program Status: As mentioned, loyalty programs are key. Higher tiers often come with preferential treatment, and upgrades are sometimes part of that package.
• Cruise Line and Itinerary: Certain cruise lines are known for being more generous with upgrades than others. Furthermore, less popular itineraries, like Pacific coastal cruises or shoulder season sailings, might offer a higher chance due to lower occupancy.
• Cabin Category Booked: Booking a guaranteed cabin, where the cruise line chooses your exact location, might increase your chances. This allows them to easily move you to a better location, potentially an upgraded category.
• Availability: Simply put, if higher cabin categories are largely empty closer to sailing, the likelihood of an upgrade increases.
• Special Occasions: Celebrating a milestone anniversary or birthday? Discreetly informing the cruise line during booking might (emphasis on might) nudge your file in the right direction.

The Bottom Line:

While the era of frequent, readily available cruise upgrades is largely behind us, they aren’t entirely extinct. Loyalty, flexibility, and a little bit of luck can still play a role. However, relying solely on the hope of a free upgrade is a risky strategy. If a specific cabin category is crucial to your cruise experience, it’s best to book and pay for it upfront. Think of any upgrade you receive as a delightful bonus, not an expectation. In the current cruise climate, managing expectations and considering bidding options might be the most realistic path to improving your onboard experience.