Thread: Cabin Guarantee

Is there any benefit to book directly thorugh the cruise line?

Since they control the final cabin selection on check in do they give better upgrades to people who book directly through them?

I have a guarantee situation on the NCL Spirit for a NE cruise and don't see any benefit by going through NCL.

Thanks

No all cabin upgrades are by chance, someone sailing with 50 cruises under their belt may get nothing, while a third time cruiser always selecting the lowest price may get one!! Luck of the draw!!

Sue, I have a another question along this line.
Can you "Barter" a better price upgrade from a Room with a Window to a Room with a Balcony at Check in?

Thanks In advance.

Dave

Originally Posted by donfranko

Is there any benefit to book directly thorugh the cruise line?

Since they control the final cabin selection on check in do they give better upgrades to people who book directly through them?

I have a guarantee situation on the NCL Spirit for a NE cruise and don't see any benefit by going through NCL.

Thanks

We've always booked guarantees, and have never been unhappy with cabin assignments. In most cases we've also received at least a one category upgrade....not a better cabin, but a better location on the ship.
I was once told never to book a guarantee in a category below what you will be satisfied to have, because there's never any guarantee of an upgrade.

Originally Posted by snoodel

Sue, I have a another question along this line.
Can you "Barter" a better price upgrade from a Room with a Window to a Room with a Balcony at Check in?

Thanks In advance.

Dave

Not that I have heard, BUT if the ship is not full you may be able too but I would bet it would come at a price if you are willing to pay!! Another option I would try is ask your TA what is available close to sailing and the TA may be able to get a decent price on a higher catagory and get rid of the guarantee!~~ I have NO IDEA if you can do that, but I would try anything if I wanted it, TA's know every cabin available at any time!!

NCL has been known to "sell" upgrades. I had a booking with them and about 60 days out they contacted me offering a reduced price to upgrade from an inside to a balcony. It was not that great a deal and I told them to contact me again if they lower the price. About 3 week out they did and I got the upgrade for a very good price.

Joe is so right!! When booking a guarantee never book anything you will be disappointed with, if no upgrade you are still happy with what you are assigned!!

Originally Posted by daWoods

We've always booked guarantees, and have never been unhappy with cabin assignments. In most cases we've also received at least a one category upgrade....not a better cabin, but a better location on the ship.
I was once told never to book a guarantee in a category below what you will be satisfied to have, because there's never any guarantee of an upgrade.

Exactly Joe....my words exactly.

When people board the ship, they sometimes have a sign stating the ship is sold out, so don't bother asking for an upgrade. If there are better cabins available, you can pay to upgrade, as far as bartering...I doubt it.

After final payment, if a cabin in a higher category becomes available, you can ask to pay the difference to upgrade...

This is a very good thread...great question, and responses!

Originally Posted by donfranko

Is there any benefit to book directly thorugh the cruise line?

Since they control the final cabin selection on check in do they give better upgrades to people who book directly through them?

I have a guarantee situation on the NCL Spirit for a NE cruise and don't see any benefit by going through NCL.

Thanks

Don, I have not been on NCL in10 years, and I have never dealt with them directly. I can only give you general info on this. In general, you are better off with an experienced independent travel agent. Once they know what you like, they will search the earth to find a cabin you are happy with. They will call the cruiseline as often as they think is worthwhile to see if they can find out what cabins are left and try to get you the best one available.

When you call the cruiseline, and when you call an online TA, the chances of getting the same person all the time are low, and even then, you get what you get.

As for guarantees, we have had 2 and they were just fine. BUT if the cruiseline overbooks, they will likely go to the guarantees first. It has only happened in one year (2004) and on one cruiseline that I know of, but that is something to be aware of.

Earlier this year, 2 people here had minisuite guarantees on Princess. As they got closer to departure, the cruiseline ran out of minisuites. Instead Princess offered them standard balcony cabins, but at a very reduced fare. So it could go the other direction as well. In this case, daWoods advice didn't hold, but the cruisers were not unhappy with their deal.

My advice is
1- figure out what your maximum price and your minimum comfort level would be for a cabin
2-Ask friends for a recommendation for a personal travel agent, or use one of the agents on line here.
3-Book a cabin with a clear mind and start getting ready for a great vacation!