Cruise Upgrades: My Experience & Tips for Making the Right Choice
A question I get often is: "I made a couple of bids to upgrade our room. Have you ever done that?" How much should I bid? Here are some things to consider when bidding for Cruise Upgrades.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
This is especially common with Royal Caribbean, but not all cruise lines offer this option. If you've never heard of bidding for a cabin upgrade, here's how it works: When you book your cruise, you may receive an email from the cruise line inviting you to place a bid on a higher-category stateroom. If your bid is accepted, you get an upgraded room for a price lower than booking it outright. If your bid is too low, you keep your original room with no changes.
My Personal Experience with Bidding for an Upgrade
Yes, I’ve put in bids before, but I’ve never won one—and honestly, I don’t bid high. I usually choose the room I want when I book, so I don’t stress too much about upgrades. But one of my clients recently had a different experience. She placed a bid, and it was accepted! Her response was "We got the upgrade we requested, and I am thankful for that!"
For some, bidding can be an exciting way to score a better room at a discount, but it’s not guaranteed. If you’re considering placing a bid, here are a few things to think about.
How Do You Like to Cruise?
One of the biggest factors in deciding whether to bid—and how much to bid—is how you plan to enjoy your cruise. Some people barely spend any time in their room, while others consider their stateroom part of the overall experience. Ask yourself:
How much time will I spend in my room?
If you’re the type who just needs a place to sleep and shower, an upgrade may not be worth the extra cost.
If you love relaxing on a private balcony with a book, an upgrade might be worth every penny.
How long is my cruise?
On a short cruise (4-5 days) with just one or two stops, you may spend more time onboard, making an upgrade more appealing.
On a longer cruise (7+ days) with multiple port stops, you might be off the ship so much that a room upgrade isn’t a priority.
What type of cruiser am I?
Everyone cruises differently! Here are just a few types of cruisers I’ve encountered:The Casino Enthusiast – Spends hours at the slot machines and tables, barely in their room.
The Spa & Gym Lover – Books all the spa treatments and fitness classes, using the stateroom just to sleep.
The Poolside Relaxer – Is always lounging by the pool, cocktail in hand.
The Activity Seeker – Loves trivia, game shows, and all the onboard entertainment.
The Balcony Napper – Prefers a peaceful retreat on their private balcony with a book and a nap.
If you’re the last type, bidding for a balcony or suite upgrade might be worth it!
Bidding vs. “Free Upgrades” – What’s the Difference?
A bidding upgrade is different from the “free upgrade” option some cruise lines offer when you book. Sometimes, you’ll see a deal that promises a “free category upgrade” if you let the cruise line assign your cabin instead of picking it yourself.
Sounds great, right? Not always.
We tried this once, and I can tell you—it was NOT an enjoyable experience.
The balcony was tiny and angled so awkwardly that only one of us could sit outside at a time.
The location was terrible—several floors above the atrium, where loud music and parties lasted late into the night. We barely got any sleep.
From that moment on, I always pick my own room. Even if a "free upgrade" saves money, it might not be worth it if you end up with a noisy, inconvenient, or poorly designed cabin.
Tips for Bidding on a Cruise Upgrade
If you’re thinking about bidding for an upgrade, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Know Your Budget – Set a limit on what you’re willing to pay for an upgrade, and don’t go over it just because you’re excited. Sometimes, the cost of a bid upgrade gets close to what you would have paid for the room originally.
Research Cabin Prices – Before bidding, check how much the upgraded room is currently selling for. This helps you make an informed bid.
Consider the Cabin Location – Higher-category rooms don’t always mean better locations. If you’re sensitive to noise, seasickness, or motion, make sure the upgrade will actually be an improvement.
Be Realistic with Your Bid – If you bid too low, you’re unlikely to win. If you bid too high, you might overpay. Find a balance based on how much you truly value the upgrade.
Be Flexible – If you get the upgrade, great! If not, be happy with the room you originally booked.
Final Thoughts: Should You Bid for a Cruise Cabin Upgrade?
It all comes down to your cruising style and priorities. If you love spending time in your stateroom and want extra comfort, bidding for an upgrade might be worth it. If you’re always out enjoying the ship’s amenities, you might not need the extra space or perks.
Personally, I prefer picking my cabin from the start so I know exactly what I’m getting. But for those who like a little adventure and don’t mind rolling the dice, bidding on a cabin upgrade could be a fun way to score a better stateroom at a discount!