How to get a free upgrade on your cruise

A free upgrade; it has to be the holy grail of cruising

Everyone always seems to know someone it’s happened to but it never seems to happen to you.

Fortunately for you I’ve been doing this for a few years now  and while there’s never any guarantees there are a few things you can do to improve your chances (and it’s much more likely to happen than winning the lottery – promise!)

Book a guaranteed cabin

A guaranteed cabin, in cruising terms, simply means you’re guaranteed a cabin on the ship. You’ll get that grade of cabin or better.

Did you notice that bit?

Or better!

The cruise lines use this to fill those awkward spots that no one ever seems to want to book – Book yourself a guaranteed inside cabin and you might end up with an obstructed view outside; book yourself a guaranteed outside and you might end up with a balcony in an awkward position.

There’s nothing to lose as you’ll either get exactly what you booked or better!

Book last minute

Booking last minute doesn’t always get you the best deal but it will make it more likely you get  an upgrade.

When the cruise lines are trying to sell their last few cabins they’ll want to be able to sell the cheapest ones first so if you book one of these you may be upgraded simply so they can re-sell your cheaper cabin again.

Simple but effective!

Book a three/four berth cabin

This is a sneaky one so pay attention.

Unlike my other tips this relies on you booking a cabin number. When you choose a cabin pick one that will sleep three or four people.

Why?

Simple! When all the three/four berth cabins are gone and families call up to book a cabin the cruise lines won’t want to turn them away so they might upgrade you for free to a better cabin simply so they can sell that three/four berth space.

Like I said – Sneaky!

Book the highest grade within your category

There are four basic grades of cabin – Inside, outside, balcony and suite but there are also sub categories within each so if you’re unlucky you might get a free upgrade but it could be from an inside cabin to a better inside cabin (probably in a better location).

But…..

If you book the highest grade inside cabin available the cruise line has no where to upgrade you to but a different grade!

Ask!

It sounds ridiculous but make sure you ask both me (your friendly neighbourhood cruise specialist) and the cruise line when you’re checking in.

If you don’t ask you’ll never get!

Believe it or not some people don’t want to be upgraded so let me know and I’ll always do my best to make sure it happens for you….

Have you ever been upgraded? How did you manage it? Why not share your tips with everyone below.