Guarantee Cabin – what does it actually mean?

Nowadays when the cruise lines bring out their special fares such as the early saver/saver fares or have just generally reduced the prices as they need to fill cabins, you are more likely to be offered a guarantee cabin.

So what actually is a guarantee cabin? Firstly you do not have to worry that you will put below sea level with everyone else who booked on a guarantee basis, or that you cabin is a basic, unfinished sub standard cabin that doesn’t appear on the deck plan as its not a cabin that is readily available to book.  When you book on the guarantee it just means your cabin number will be allocated closer to sailing by the cruise line, you will receive a minimum grade of the cabin level you booked ie a X category cabin with Celebrity is a balcony cabin – so you will receive a balcony, on P&O you might book on the LA grade so you will receive a minimum of an obstructed ocean view etc. All the cabins can be found on the deck plan.

As we are unable to advise you at time of booking the cabin number you are allocated, and also you might be lucky and receive a higher grade then the grade you have booked –  we are unable to advise which decks you will be, if will be near a lift,  if the view might be unobstructed (if ship has obstructed balconies etc) or if travelling with other passengers if the cabin will be allocated next door, near to each other or even on the same deck. Once you do receive your cabin number and then decide you don’t like the cabin there is nothing that can be done as the cruise lines cover themselves in their terms and conditions.

I have booked myself a few cruises where I have been booked on a guarantee and have always been happy with the cabin I have been allocated – plus i only use my cabin to sleep and get changed in so never in the cabin. However I have heard of a customer who had booked a minimum of a certain grade on Royal Caribbean and when the cabin was allocated although he had received an upgrade to the next grade up his cabin had a slight obstruction. Obviously he wasn’t happy with this as the cabin grade he booked as a minimum – none of those cabins supposedly were obstructed so thought that’s what he would get, but once the cabin has been allocated there is nothing can be done and despite numerous calls to the cruise line – it does state that  you will receive a minimum of that category as booking on a guarantee means they will allocate you anywhere.

If you are happy for the cruise line to pick your cabin to save some money then the guarantee is a great way to save money and afford the cruise. If knowing your number, being near a lift or knowing you will not receive an obstruction is important to you then book on the normal standard fare – its not worth taking the risk if you don’t get allocated a cabin which meets your needs.