To accept upgrade or to decline upgrade?

To some people choosing a cabin can be one of the most important decisions to make at the time of booking a cruise. Some don’t like being at the front, others don’t like being on certain decks as their balconies will be shaded or have metal fronts, others want to make sure they are not above one of the bars or nightclub etc. Then there are those who don’t mind where they are and like to keep their fingers crossed they will be upgrade.

So at the time of booking to coincide with your cabin choice is another vital decision to make – do you wish to accept any upgrade? (but bearing in mind this could be to any other cabin category anywhere on the ship – and if you have booked an inside could be just to another inside cabin), the second option is if you would like an upgrade to the next stateroom type ie inside to outside?, or the third option is no do not upgrade me.

The main thing to bear in mind is, if you have picked your cabin for a reason ie it might be on C deck with a bigger balcony, or close to the lift etc then I would recommend the option you pick is number 3 – do not upgrade, because if you do not like the new cabin number then it will be difficult to go back to your original cabin as chances are someone else has now been upgraded to it.

I am a member of many cruise forums and it is always interesting to read when people have been upgraded but been disappointed as they can’t see the difference particularly if only from an inside to another inside, or balcony to balcony. The cruise lines will see an upgrade to be even if you move up  just one category. So take P&O for example if you move up from a PF inside to a PE inside – this will be an upgrade as the original cabin might be £30-£50 per person cheaper than the PE grade. If you move from a PF inside to a PB inside again you will have saved money but again have a more mid ship cabin than the original one that would have been at the front or back of the ship.

So in a nutshell if you have specifically picked your cabin for a reason always decline, if you only want to be upgrade to the next stateroom type then ask for this option, and if you are happy with any upgrade then tick this option – but do not be disappointed if you only go from inside to inside or do not like the new location of it.

I tend to always book on the saver fares so the cabin I get given is pot luck, but have any of you had an upgrade you were disappointed with? or have you got lucky and had a good upgrade? or do you decline?

Have a great couple of weeks, I am off on Oriana this weekend for my mum’s birthday celebrations so will let you know how that goes next time

Kerry

xx