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Upgrading your cabin during a cruise may sound appealing, but it is not always sensible. Most cruise lines now offer bidding systems that let you try to upgrade your cabin after booking. The costs are calculated per person and can rise quickly, while the actual added value is often limited. In addition, you do not always get the perks that belong to that cabin category. Cabin upgrades are options to get a better cabin after your booking by paying extra. Those options normally come as standard with the category when you book it directly. Cruise prices and hidden costs are not always immediately visible when booking your trip. Read on to find out when an upgrade is worthwhile and when it is better to stick with your original booking.
How does the bidding system for cabin upgrades work?
Most cruise lines use a bidding system where you indicate online how much you are willing to pay for an upgrade to a specific cabin category. You check which cabins are available. You place a bid on the categories that interest you. The line accepts or rejects your offer. You only pay if your bid is accepted.
The system offers flexibility. You can bid on several cabin categories at the same time to increase your chances. If more than one bid is accepted, you only pay for the highest upgrade. The option to bid is generally available until about 90 days before departure. This varies by cruise line.
Cruise lines use this system strategically to make optimal use of their ship space. These are companies that organise cruises and apply commercial strategies to maximise revenue. When earlier bookings are upgraded, cheaper cabin types become available. These are then offered for last-minute bookings. The ship sails full and the line maximises its revenue.
‘ Cruise experts advise caution when it comes to upgrade costs. ‘
What does a cabin upgrade cost?
The costs of a cabin upgrade are calculated per person. This is based on double occupancy. That means the price is calculated as if two people are staying in the cabin. As a solo traveller you pay for two people. If, for example, you bid 100 euros per person, you will pay 200 euros. For reservations with two guests, the amount bid per person is doubled. The third and fourth guest in the same cabin receive the upgrade free of charge.
Cruise experts advise caution when it comes to upgrade costs. These are travel professionals and advisers who specialise in cruises. For an upgrade from an inside cabin to a balcony cabin, it is recommended not to pay more than 200 to 300 euros per person, especially if you cannot choose the exact location of your cabin. Research in advance which cabin categories are normally available. Also check at what prices these categories are available for the same itinerary and period.
When is a cabin upgrade worthwhile?
An upgrade can be beneficial in certain situations. A clear improvement, such as from a windowless inside cabin to a balcony cabin, gives a noticeable increase in comfort. You have daylight, fresh air and a private outdoor space. If the difference in price is small, for example a few dozen euros, an upgrade can also be worthwhile.
Upgrades are more likely during periods with lower occupancy. They are sometimes available at reasonable prices. Your chances of having your bid accepted are then higher. Do bear in mind that an upgrade does not automatically include all the benefits. These benefits would normally come with that cabin category. You would have received them if you had booked the cabin directly. You may miss out on exclusive experiences or perks.
Factors to consider
- The difference in comfort and experience between your current and potential cabin
- How much time you actually spend in your cabin
- Whether you need to pay additional gratuities based on the upgraded cabin category
- The overall travel budget, including excursions, drinks and other amenities
- Whether the upgrade fits with how you want to experience your cruise holiday
When is an upgrade not sensible?
In many cases a cabin upgrade is not worthwhile. Many travellers spend their time on board in public areas, restaurants, shows and ashore. If this also applies to you, then a more expensive cabin offers limited added value. The additional costs are not in proportion to how much you actually use the cabin.
High bid amounts are rarely a good investment. Calculate the total costs. Compare them with the price difference if you had booked the better cabin directly. Sometimes the difference is minimal. Often you end up paying more for an upgrade than you save. Moreover, with an upgrade you do not always receive the same benefits as when you book that cabin category from the start.
Also consider additional costs. Some cruise lines charge higher gratuities for more expensive cabin categories. These extra amounts can cancel out the benefit of a lower bid amount.
Practical tips for bidding
Make your bid realistic and targeted. Not all bids are accepted. Make sure your offer matches the normal price difference between cabin categories. Do your research and check what similar upgrades usually cost for your specific cruise.
See the upgrade as part of your overall travel budget. Also factor in these items: flights, hotels before and after the cruise, excursions, meals in restaurants, drinks, Wi-Fi and spa treatments. A cabin upgrade can come at the expense of other experiences during your trip.
What should you look out for?
- Which cabin categories are available and at what regular prices
- Whether the bid amount is calculated per person or per cabin
- Until when you can bid for your specific cruise
- Whether additional gratuities apply for the upgraded cabin category
- Which amenities and perks are and are not included with the upgrade
No guarantee of an upgrade
Cruise upgrades are not guaranteed. Cruise lines reserve the right to approve or reject upgrades. It is possible that you end up with your original booking, even if you have made a realistic bid. Do not count on the upgrade and plan your holiday as if it will not happen.
Decide on your own priorities. Do this before you start bidding. The value of an upgrade depends on how you want to spend your time on board. If you mainly focus on onboard activities and shore excursions, a better cabin is less relevant. If you value peace and privacy in your own space, an upgrade can mean a lot more.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find much more information about cruises, including tips on excursions, packing lists and planning. Discover more useful articles that help you prepare optimally for your next trip.
Frequently asked questions
Upgrades are most worthwhile on long overnight journeys, where first class or a sleeper compartment genuinely helps you rest better and makes your travel day less tiring. They also pay off if you place high value on peace, privacy and space (for example to work, read or sleep undisturbed). For short trips or crossings, where you mainly sit and sleep little or not at all, the extra cost usually is not worth it. So look at journey length, your need for sleep/comfort and the price difference compared with standard tickets.
Hidden costs and pitfalls include the fact that the bid amount is calculated per person based on double occupancy (even if you are travelling solo), that you often have no say in the exact location of the new cabin, and that upgrades do not always give you the same benefits/perks as when you book the more expensive category from the outset. Higher gratuities or service charges may also apply to the new category, quietly pushing up your total budget. You can avoid this by comparing the normal price differences per cabin category in advance, reading the small print about included benefits and gratuities, and setting a maximum budget per person for your bid. Only bid if the added value (space, balcony, quieter location) genuinely outweighs all the extra costs for your style of travel.
Use loyalty schemes or savings programmes from train companies and car hire firms; points often give (partial) discounts on upgrades. Book the basic option early and then keep an eye on promotions, flash sales or last-minute upgrade offers in the app or by email. For hire cars, a slightly more expensive but more flexible category can sometimes work out cheaper because you may get a free upgrade at the desk if the class you booked is sold out. Finally, always compare the package price including upgrade with the price of the separate upgrade; a “premium” package can unexpectedly be cheaper than a standard booking plus an individual upgrade.
Average costs for upgrades to hire cars vary greatly by country and rental company, but as a rule of thumb you can expect around €10–€25 per day extra for a larger car and about €5–€15 per day for options such as GPS. Benefits include more comfort and luggage space, better road holding and sometimes extra safety or driver-assistance systems. For a longer road trip, a larger, comfortable car is in most cases recommended, especially for long distances or when travelling with several people and a lot of luggage. GPS is less essential if you have a good smartphone with a data plan and offline maps.
The costs of a berth on an overnight train should be weighed against the added value of uninterrupted sleep and the convenience of arriving well rested. For many travellers, a good night’s sleep justifies the extra cost, especially on long routes or with a busy travel schedule. Using travel time as sleep time can also save on hotel costs and give you more effective daytime hours. Ultimately, the balance between cost and value depends on personal priorities such as your need for comfort, your budget and the length of your trip.
