Choosing a great cabin can be a challenge. There are over twenty different kinds of cabins with different decks, prices and locations on the ship. Everyone wants to get the best at the most affordable price. Therefore, one of the most frequently asked questions travelers ask travel agents or cruise representatives is, “how to get an upgrade on a cruise for free?”
Whether your choice is Ruby Princess Hawaii or something else, you should know some secrets to improve your chances of getting a free ship upgrade.
1. Book in advance
If you take advantage of booking a cruise in advance, it can result in an update. As a rule, the most expensive cabins and suites are sold first. Cheapest cabins come next. If you are one of the first to but less expensive cabins, you will get a chance to get it upgraded; as if the demand for your cruise cabin is high, the date gets closer, so you will get a great opportunity to get an upgrade on a cabin.
2. Frequent cruiser programs
Frequent cruiser programs (as the name suggests) are offered to frequent travelers who are regular members/frequent cruisers on the cruise lines. Therefore, if you travel a lot you can get a free Internet access, laundry and more commodities (the amount of additional pay-free benefits depends on the number of days you have traveled with a concrete cruise line.
3. Great offer to first-time travelers
Sometimes cruise lines can offer an upgrade to first-time travelers in order to encourage them to cruise with their cruise line. Whether it is your first time cruise and you have never sailed before or you have traveled before but preferred to choose the other cruise line, the new one will provide you with the best location on cruise ship to motivate you to sail with their cruise line again.
4. Ask your travel agent
You should ask your travel agent at the time you book a cruise and before a journey. Some agencies buy blocks of cabins. Therefore, if you request your travel agent, he or she may upgrade your cabin if a higher-level cabin is left unsold.
5. Monitor the prices
If you have already bought a cruise, it does not mean you should quit checking and tracking cruise prices. Many travel agencies offer so-called low-price guarantees. It encouraged travellers to book the cruise beforehand. However, if the price falls below, you have paid, and the agency will give you a refund. The other scenario offers to use your extra funds to upgrade your cabin (in case there is an opportunity to get a higher level).
6. Always inform about ship problems
As a rule, most cruises go smoothly. However, there are cases when undesired and unpredicted stuff happens. If you have noticed some issues with your cabin, you should immediately inform the customer service staff. If nothing can be done with it, you should be provided with an upgrade or a credit on your future cruise.
7. Wait for Sold-Out Cabins
In most cases, it is just a matter of luck. However, if you do not book a cruise in advance, you may get a chance to buy a cabin in a sold-out category. In this case, you may be the one upgraded rather than those passengers who have booked a cruise in advance.