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How to Upgrade Your Norwegian Cruise Room (The Ultimate Guide)

How to Upgrade Your Room on a Norwegian Cruise

Cruising is a great way to see the world and relax on your vacation. But if you’re looking for a little more luxury, you may want to consider upgrading your room. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of upgrade options, so you can find the perfect one for your budget and needs.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of room upgrades available on Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as the costs involved. We’ll also provide tips on how to get the best possible deal on your upgrade.

So whether you’re looking for a more spacious stateroom or a suite with all the bells and whistles, we’ll help you find the perfect upgrade for your next Norwegian cruise.

How To Upgrade Room On Norwegian Cruise?

When to Upgrade

There are three main times when you can upgrade your room on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise:

• Before you book your cruise: This is the best time to upgrade your room, as you will have the most options and the best prices. You can upgrade your room directly through Norwegian Cruise Line’s website or by calling a reservations agent.
• During the booking process: You can also upgrade your room during the booking process. However, your options will be more limited than if you upgraded before you booked your cruise.
• After you book your cruise: You can still upgrade your room after you book your cruise, but your options will be even more limited. You may only be able to upgrade to a room in the same category as your original room, or you may have to pay a higher price for an upgrade.

How to Upgrade

There are three main ways to upgrade your room on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise:

• Talk to a Norwegian Cruise Line representative: You can talk to a Norwegian Cruise Line representative to discuss your upgrade options. They can help you find the best possible upgrade for your budget and travel needs.
• Use a travel agent: If you are using a travel agent to book your cruise, they can also help you upgrade your room. They have access to the same upgrade options as Norwegian Cruise Line representatives, and they can help you get the best possible price.
• Use a third-party upgrade service: There are a number of third-party upgrade services that can help you upgrade your room on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise. These services typically charge a fee, but they can help you find upgrades that you might not be able to find on your own.

Upgrading your room on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise can be a great way to get a more luxurious experience for your vacation. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting the upgrade you want at the best possible price.

3. What to Expect

When you upgrade your room on a Norwegian Cruise, you can expect a number of benefits, including:

• A larger and more luxurious room
• More amenities, such as a private balcony, a whirlpool tub, or a butler service
• A higher level of service from the crew
• Access to exclusive areas of the ship, such as the VIP lounge or the spa

The cost of an upgrade will vary depending on the type of room you are upgrading to, the time of year you are sailing, and the length of your cruise. However, you can typically expect to pay a premium for an upgrade.

The types of upgrades available on Norwegian Cruise vary depending on the ship and the sailing. However, some common upgrades include:

• Upgrading to a balcony room
• Upgrading to a suite
• Upgrading to a stateroom with a private pool
• Upgrading to a stateroom with a butler service

The timing of your upgrade can also affect the cost. If you book your upgrade early, you may be able to get a better deal than if you wait until closer to the sailing date.

4. Tips for Upgrading

If you are interested in upgrading your room on a Norwegian Cruise, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.

• Be flexible with your travel dates. If you are willing to travel during off-peak times, you will be more likely to find a cheaper upgrade.
• Be prepared to pay a premium. Upgrading your room will typically cost more than the price of your original booking.
• Book your upgrade early. The sooner you book your upgrade, the more likely you are to get the room you want and the best price.

Upgrading your room on a Norwegian Cruise can be a great way to enjoy a more luxurious and personalized cruise experience. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting the upgrade you want at a price you can afford.

How much does it cost to upgrade a room on a Norwegian Cruise?

The cost of upgrading a room on a Norwegian Cruise depends on the cruise ship, the sailing date, and the type of room you want to upgrade to. Generally, you can expect to pay a premium of $50-$100 per night for an upgrade. However, some special offers and promotions may be available that can reduce the cost of an upgrade.

When can I upgrade my room?

You can upgrade your room at any time up until the sailing date. However, the best time to upgrade is typically as soon as you book your cruise. This is because the most popular rooms sell out quickly, and the earlier you upgrade, the more likely you are to get the room you want.

What are the different types of room upgrades available?

There are a variety of different room upgrades available on Norwegian Cruise ships. Some of the most popular upgrades include:

• Balcony: A balcony room offers an outdoor space where you can relax and enjoy the fresh air.
• Suite: A suite offers more space and amenities than a standard cabin, such as a separate living area, a dining area, and a private balcony.
• Oceanview: An oceanview room offers a view of the ocean, either from a window or a balcony.
• Inside: An inside room does not have a view of the ocean, but it is typically more affordable than other types of rooms.

How do I request an upgrade?

You can request an upgrade by contacting Norwegian Cruise Line directly. You can do this by calling the customer service line, emailing them, or chatting with them online. When you request an upgrade, be sure to provide your booking number and the type of room you would like to upgrade to.

What are the chances of getting an upgrade?

The chances of getting an upgrade depend on a number of factors, including the cruise ship, the sailing date, and the type of room you want to upgrade to. Generally, the more popular the room you want to upgrade to, the less likely you are to get it. However, if you book your cruise early and you are flexible with your room type, you may be able to get an upgrade.

What happens if I don’t get the upgrade I requested?

If you don’t get the upgrade you requested, you will still be able to sail in the room you booked. However, you may be able to get a partial refund of the upgrade fee.

Is it worth it to upgrade my room on a Norwegian Cruise?

Whether or not it is worth it to upgrade your room on a Norwegian Cruise depends on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for a more spacious and luxurious room, then an upgrade may be worth the cost. However, if you are on a tight budget, you may be able to get by with a standard cabin.

In this article, we discussed how to upgrade your room on a Norwegian Cruise. We covered the different types of upgrades available, the costs associated with each, and the best ways to get the upgrade you want. We also provided tips on how to make the most of your upgraded room.

We hope this information was helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Key Takeaways

• There are three main types of upgrades available on Norwegian Cruise: category upgrades, suite upgrades, and balcony upgrades.
• The cost of an upgrade varies depending on the type of upgrade, the cruise ship, and the time of year.
• The best way to get the upgrade you want is to book early and be flexible with your dates.
• You can also try to get an upgrade by calling Norwegian Cruise directly or by using a travel agent.
• Make the most of your upgraded room by taking advantage of the amenities and enjoying the views.

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Understanding Norwegian’s Upgrade Advantage: Is It Worth It?

Book a recent cruise on Norwegian? Then you might have received an email offering a chance to upgrade.

The email is for the cruise line’s “Upgrade Advantage” program. If you’ve never heard of the program, it’s actually fairly simple. Click the link in the email and you’re taken to a page where you select a bid that you’re willing to pay for an upgrade to a higher-grade room.

Once you make your bid, it will either be accepted or rejected. If accepted, then you’ll get your upgrade and be charged your bid amount. If rejected, you don’t pay anything.

For more on how it works, here are the details…

Bidding On an Upgrade

After you open the portal for the upgrade, you’ll find details on how the Upgrade Advantage works. Scroll down and you’ll see your details of your cruise and the stateroom you have booked already.

Below this are your options for upgrade. You’ll find a profile of each cabin type available, a sliding scale where you adjust your bid, as well as a meter for the offer strength that ranges from “Poor” to “Excellent.” As you bid more money, the meter increases, indicating a better likelihood of being accepted.

For our cruise, we booked an inside cabin originally. The offers for upgrade went up to $400 per person for a balcony cabin and up to $200 per person for a oceanview cabin. Note that prices are on a per-person basis for the first two passengers, and are for the entire cruise — not per day.

So a couple bidding $200 for an upgrade will actually pay $400 total if the offer is accepted. This amount is on top of what you’re already paying for the cruise.

Note that you can bid on more than one upgrade, but you’ll only ever be charged for a single upgrade.

Having an Upgrade Accepted

After you submit your offer, you then have to wait to see if the offer is accepted. According to Norwegian, the offer can be anytime after it is submitted, up until two days before departure. We would guess that the higher you bid, the more likely that it will be accepted early.

The good news is that your card is not charged until the offer is accepted. At the same time, if the offer isn’t yet accepted you can still modify or cancel it.

Once your offer is accepted, your card will be charged. According to the company, these upgrades are final and non-refundable, so make sure it’s something you really want before you submit a bid!

Is the Upgrade Advantage Worth It?

The big question is if it is worth it to upgrade. That depends on several factors, namely how much you are willing to bid. We found that the highest bid available can lead to a much higher price than you would pay if you just bought the upgraded cabin directly.

For example, our recent solo cruise on Norwegian had a cost of $658 for an interior cabin before any taxes and fees. At the time, balcony cabins cost $1,098 — or $440 more.

On the Upgrade Advantage offer we were sent, we could bid as little as $50 per person all the way to $400 per person for the balcony cabin. Keep in mind that these are per person rates, and despite cruising solo on this trip, the price is still doubled as we have to pay as if two passengers were sailing.

In other words, if we were to bid $400 for the balcony cabin, then the total cost would be $800. That’s $360 more than if we had just simply booked the balcony cabin to start with.

That said, we could bid as low as $50 per person, or $100 total. If we were to get the upgrade for that amount (although this was rated as a “poor” offer according to the website), it would be a deal considering the extra cost of purchasing the balcony cabin outright.

Bottom line: Before you bid, be sure to know how much more it would cost you to purchase the upgraded cabin from the start and compare it with the price of the room you’ve already purchased.

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A Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Upgrade Advantage Program

Doug Parker

• October 8, 2019

Recently, we received questions about Norwegian Cruise Line’s Upgrade Advantage Program, which allows Norwegian Cruise Line passengers to bid on an upgrade. Since these questions arise pretty regularly, we’ve written an article about this program for our readers’ convenience.

READ MORE : 5 Things We Love About Norwegian Cruise Line

The basics of bidding for an upgrade

There’s much to unpack here, but we’re up to the challenge. So let’s break things down point by point.

First, not everyone will receive the opportunity to bid on an upgrade, and not all those who do can bid on an upgrade to the Haven, Norwegian’s high-end ship-within-a-ship concept.

Why? Because the bids are generally for one or two meta categories above the room a passenger has originally booked. In other words, someone who had booked an inside or oceanview stateroom will not be allowed to bid on a Haven stateroom.

READ MORE: How to Bid for an Upgrade on Norwegian Cruise Line

Additionally, even if you don’t get an opportunity to bid when the first round of E-mails are sent out, you might receive one when you’re sail draws closer. So don’t panic if you place a bid and don’t immediately get a response.

While some bids are accepted promptly, others won’t get approved until a few days before the scheduled sailing. Behind the scenes, some bids get accepted, rooms are assigned, and another round of E-mails soliciting bids is sent out.

Essentially, the higher you bid, the more likely it will be accepted. Now if your bid gets accepted, the actual price you’re charged will be double. You’re bidding per person, double occupancy. So if you place a $150 bid, you’ll be charged $300 if accepted. On the plus side, if you have four people in the room, you’ll still be only charged $300.

The bid only is charged for the first two people in the room. However, if you’re traveling solo, you must also pay $300 on that $150 bid because of the double-occupancy factor.

What you’ll get and what you won’t

If your bid gets accepted, whether you’re from an inside to an ocean view or a balcony to The Haven, you only receive the perks associated with the original cabin you booked. For example, if you originally had the Dining and Beverage package, you’ll still get those but not the additional perks.

READ MORE : 12 Things To Know Before Sailing Norwegian Cruise Line

However, if you win a bid that places you in the Haven, you will get all the associated amenities. So when you arrive at the terminal on embarkation day, you’ll be taken to the Haven lounge and receive priority boarding. And once onboard, you’ll have access to the Haven Restaurant, a private bar, and many more.

As for payment, you must enter a credit card number when placing a bid. That credit card will be charged once your bid is accepted. Once your credit card has been charged, you won’t be able to change your mind, so make sure you’re comfortable with the bidding price.

Finally, if you’re using a travel agent, they will also receive an E-mail offering you the opportunity to bid. They’ll be kept in the loop by NCL every step of the way.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? Send an E-mail to [email protected]

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Upgrade Advantage FAQ

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1. Is the offer amount per person per day or for the entire duration of the cruise? The offer amount is per person for the entire duration of the cruise. Offers are based on two occupants per stateroom - only the first and second guest will be charged.

2. Does the upgrade include any additional promotions? The upgrade does not include any additional promotions. However, you get to keep whichever promotions you already have.

3. What happens if I am part of a group or traveling with another reservation? Each offer is considered individually, and NCL cannot guarantee that all reservations traveling together will be upgraded, if any. Under the circumstance that all reservations are upgraded, NCL cannot guarantee that all the upgraded cabins will be close together.

4. Can I reject the upgrade after it is accepted? No, once your bid is accepted, your card will be charged immediately, and the upgrade amount paid is final and non-refundable.

5. What happens with the promotions I already have? You get to keep the promotions you already have. However, no additional promotions will be added to your reservation.

6. Can I choose the location or specific features of the upgrade cabin? No, your cabin location and attributes will depend on availability. NCL cannot guarantee a specific cabin number assignment within the upgraded category.

7. How much do I pay if my reservation includes more than 2 guests? If your reservation includes multiple passengers (between 2 and 9 passengers), the offer amount submitted will be per passenger but only for the first and second passenger on the reservation.

8. Can I modify or cancel my offer after I submit it? You may modify or cancel your offer up until 5 hours prior to departure, provided that your offer has not already been accepted by NCL and provided your credit card has not been charged.

9. When will I know if my offer got accepted? Your offer can be accepted anytime from the moment it is submitted up until 0 days prior to departure.

10. If I have two reservations can I bid only once and if accepted, cancel the second reservation and move the guests into the upgraded cabin? No, if you have two cabins you will need to submit two separate bids and they will be considered independently. NCL cannot guarantee that both reservations will be upgraded. In the case that one of the reservations gets upgraded, you cannot move the other guests into the upgraded cabin. All reservations cancelled within the penalty period will be subject to cancellation fees.

11. What happens if I am a single guest? You will be charged based on double occupancy.

12. What happens if I am booked on a spa cabin? If you are currently in a 'Spa' cabin and submit an Offer to upgrade to a higher category, we cannot guarantee that you will be assigned to another 'Spa' cabin within the upgraded category. If your offer is accepted and you do not get assigned to another 'Spa' cabin, you will be forfeiting the complimentary access to the Spa.

13. What happens if my offer is not accepted? If your offer is not accepted, you will not be charged any additional amount, and you will stay in the stateroom you originally booked.

14. What happens if I purchased travel protection? If you have Norwegian's Travel Protection on your current booking, you will be automatically charged to cover the upgrade cost. If you have travel protection via your travel professional, please contact them to add your upgrade to your coverage.

15. How can I change the credit card I used to submit an offer? In order to change the credit card number, you will need to cancel and re-submit your offer(s) using the new payment information.

16. Is the offer amount I am submitting additional to the cost of my original reservation? Yes, any amount you offer for an upgrade is in addition to the cost of your original booking.

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30 Genius Hacks To Upgrade Your Cruise

Posted: February 17, 2024 | Last updated: February 17, 2024

Have a luxury cruise for less

Be stateroom savvy

These days, most cruise lines publish detailed deck plans on their websites, so take time to study them before booking your room. We’re huge fans of Holland America’s color-coded downloadable deck plans, which use symbols to indicate cabin pros and cons, including obstructed views, half-height windows and accessibility. Can’t see a deck plan on the website? Email the cruise line and ask. Cabins with obstructed views can come with hefty discounts and the obstruction could be as little as a dangling line of rigging.

Opt for an older model

Dozens of new cruise ships are launched every year and you’ll almost always pay a premium to bag a cabin on the newest vessel. But don’t be too influenced by hype. Yes, your favorite line’s shiniest ship might have robot butlers, an indoor ski slope and five helipads (we’re slightly exaggerating), but take time to think about which amenities you’ll actually use before splashing the cash. Plus, the newest ships aren’t always the most exciting: Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas launched back in 2008 and serves up glow-in-the-dark laser tag, one of the largest water parks at sea and the Bionic Bar, where drinks are poured by androids.

Board with bubbles

A lot of cruise-goers don’t realise that most cruise lines allow passengers to bring some of their own alcohol onboard, so always research your cruise’s regulations. Just be aware that most lines also stipulate that this alcohol must be consumed in your cabin – if it’s consumed in public areas, corkage fees will be imposed. Celebrity Cruises allows every passenger to bring two bottles of wine onboard on embarkation day and P&O Cruises allows one liter of beer, wine or spirits per person.

Enjoy all-inclusive eating

Most cruise ships have at least two restaurants in which you can dine for free – typically a buffet restaurant and a more formal dining room with an à la carte menu. Additionally there are often pop up-style options, such as the poolside pizza place found on Holland America's Koningsdam. Royal Caribbean ships are known for their wide range of restaurants and a special mention goes to Anthem of the Seas. The liner has seven venues, including Italian, Mediterranean and all-American outlets, at which guests can dine for free.

Seek out a sanctuary

Worried about bagging that poolside sun lounger or nabbing the best spot for the sunset? Give yourself a head start by splashing out on access to exclusive areas of the deck. Perks range from butler service and spa treatments to chilled face towels and poolside cabanas. One of our favorites is Royal Caribbean’s new-for-2022 Suite Neighborhood, which comes with 5-star dining and an infinity plunge pool. Norwegian Cruise Line’s version is The Haven, often referred to as a ship-within-a-ship. Book a Haven cabin and you’ll get butler service, priority disembarkation and access to a private sundeck.

Generally, the cheapest cabins are the ones lowest on the ship, but being nearer sea level isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you’re on a transatlantic cruise or spending long periods at sea, you’re less likely to be bothered about the view from your balcony. And bear in mind that passengers on upper floors are more likely to experience seasickness, due to the greater range of sideways motion.

Spruce up your cabin

Book a chauffeur

Don’t assume that chauffeur packages come with eye-watering price tags. Work out the cost of parking and gas if you're driving to the port or the fare if you’re booking a cab, then compare it with your chosen cruise line’s chauffeur prices. It's very possible there won’t be much difference, and these services often come with swoon-worthy extras like early embarkation and staff to deal with your luggage.

Join cruise events for free drinks

Regardless of whether you're bothered about meeting the captain or listening to a lecture about your cruise line’s latest destinations, doing so can pay major dividends. Events like the captain’s cocktail hour, art auctions and flash sales at onboard boutiques often come with complimentary drinks and nibbles. Who said there’s no such thing as a free lunch?

Book a speciality restaurant

Speciality dining doesn’t have to break the bank as the extra fees are often minimal. Royal Caribbean, Silversea and Norwegian all have brilliant speciality restaurants for guests willing to fork out a little more, but it's not just the luxury lines that offer a wide range of eateries. On Virgin Voyages you'll have dozens of restaurants to choose from, all included in the basic fare, from the Pink Agave Mexican restaurant to Gunbae, where diners can cook their own steaks at a grill built into every table, and Extra Virgin, a beautiful trattoria with a private dining room.

Embrace room service

Many cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises and Holland America, offer room service at no extra cost. It’s a win-win situation – you start the day with an in-room feast and the cruise line reduces overcrowding in its most popular restaurants. Windstar Cruises is just one example of a line that goes above and beyond for in-cabin dining. There are no extra charges, the service is available 24 hours a day and the menu from flagship restaurant Amphora can be ordered during dinner hours.

Be clever with kids

Thinking of a multi-generational vacation? Save your hard-earned cash by booking cheaper cabins for certain members of your entourage. Kids and teens are much less likely to spend a lot of time in their cabins – let alone on the balcony you forked out for – when there are roller-skating rinks, water slides and go-karting circuits to check out. Often it is possible to book an inside cabin directly across the corridor from your balcony cabin so you can still keep an eye on them while saving money.

Upgrade your alcohol

We love cruise lines that offer complimentary alcoholic drinks, but some tipples will likely be excluded – like Champagne and premium spirits. If you’re partial to particular beverages your line might offer premium packages – Princess Cruises, for example, offers a Princess Premier package which includes a much wider range. Another tip? If you’ve got a weakness for certain wines, save money by buying a bottle rather than a glass and asking your waiter to cork it and keep it behind the bar for you.

Ask your steward

Don’t underestimate the power wielded by your cabin steward. Ask nicely and he or she can transform your cruise, whether it’s by doing the nightly turndown service at your preferred time, providing extra toiletries and a bathrobe or helping you bag your favorite restaurant’s most sought-after table. It's those little extras that can make your vacation feel more lavish.

Shout about your special occasion

Most cruise lines will be more than happy to help passengers mark special occasions, whether it’s with complimentary birthday cakes, bottles of fizz or spa treatments. Email the customer service team well in advance to inform them of any occasions, and we’re not just talking about birthdays and honeymoons. Is it your first time sailing with that particular cruise line or the 10-year anniversary of your first cruise? In a crowded market, cruise lines are keener than ever to stop passengers straying to other operators, and are often only too happy to roll out perks to do so.

Formulate a spa strategy

If you’re planning to log a lot of spa time, book a cruise that offers complimentary access to spa facilities and keep an eye out for onboard spa events, often including skincare masterclasses that focus on certain brands. Yes, these events are often designed to draw you into purchases, but there’s no obligation to buy and therapists typically offer complimentary mini-treatments during these sessions. Another great hack is to book spa treatments during port days – Princess Cruises is one of many lines to offer discounts at these times to encourage passengers to visit outside peak periods.

Search for secret decks

Many modern cruise ships make the Titanic look tiny, and there's often more decks than you know to explore. Sure, deck number nine might be a great spot from which to soak up evening views and deck seven might boast the most sun loungers, but to avoid the crowds the lower decks should certainly be on your radar. They’re usually darker with less lighting, which means they’re great for stargazing sessions, and in rougher seas you’ll feel significantly less motion on decks closer to the waterline.

Choose the perfect pillow

Pillow menus are increasingly common on cruise ships (Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines all have them) but don’t be afraid to request a certain type of pillow if you don’t find a menu in your cabin. There will almost always be harder or softer options available, and it’s another reason to stay on good terms with your cabin steward.

Enjoy a midnight snack

You’re on vacation, so normal rules don’t apply. Treat yourself to a midnight feast by ordering your favorite dessert after hours or snacking on those cookies you picked up from the buffet. Love those pillow chocolates your cabin steward dishes out every night? Don’t be afraid to ask for a few extras.

Skip shore excursions...

You're not obliged to sign up for every available shore excursion. Port days are often the best days to chill out onboard: enjoy some downtime in the crowd-free lounges, treat yourself to some stressless retail therapy or do a few laps of the swimming pool. Spending huge amounts of time – and money – dragging yourself around every excursion in the calendar is hardly a one-way ticket to relaxation.

...or arrange your own

On the flipside, don’t be afraid to go it alone. Cruise lines are looking to make money, after all, and you’ll be able to find huge savings by booking your own activities and tours. This applies to almost any type of excursion – even if it’s a simple, self-guided trip on a scenic cable car or train, you’ll almost always pay extra.

Time for tea

Don’t assume you’ll need to fork out a fortune to enjoy a decadent afternoon tea – you’ll often find it's included in the price. Sail on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and your fare covers daily afternoon teas in the Queens Room or Grills Lounge (we recommend the former, famous for its enormous crystal chandeliers). On Seabourn cruises it's the same and the buffet-style tea sessions come with a mind-boggling range of teas including mandarin, rose and ginger varieties.

Avoid pitch and roll

Nothing will ruin your cruise quicker than a bout of seasickness. If you’re prone to motion-related nausea purchase anti-sickness tablets in advance, or, if you’re caught unawares, ask for some at guest services. You’re less likely to feel the ship’s movement in lower cabins, at the rear of the ship and in the center. Don’t be afraid to ask to change cabins mid-cruise either.

Seek out family-friendly deals

If you’re planning a cruise with younger relatives, there are countless lines that offer promotions which can see kids sail for free (MSC Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian and others), as long as they’re in your cabin, sleeping in either bunk beds or a pull-out bed. These deals can result in huge savings, although bear in mind that younger guests will still incur taxes and port fees.

Remember that bigger isn’t always better

Get more bang for your buck by opting for a cruise on a smaller ship. Fewer passengers means more space at key facilities like the spa, buffet restaurant and poolside, while events often feel more luxurious and intimate. Consider, for instance, the Windstar Cruises alfresco deck barbecue which takes place on every trip. Expect enormous vats of seafood paella and a whole roasted pig, which you can tuck into at tables draped with crisp linens dotted around the deck.

Stay connected

Cruises are perfect for a digital detox, but at some point you'll probably want to send photos to loved ones or check in on the news. If you’re planning to purchase an internet package, we’d advise against buying deals that detail a certain number of megabytes or hours. Ship-based connectivity is improving but it can still be sketchy at sea, and nothing’s worse than watching your allowance drain away while you wait for an email to send. Packages allowing unlimited use for the day or the whole cruise tend to offer the best value for money – typically costing around $12 a day. And if you do opt for a timed package, remember you may have to log off in order to stop the clock. The other option is to buy a data package that allows you to use your phone while in port for a much lower cost than using ship Wi-Fi. 

Shower in the spa

Do drinks-related research

Most cruise lines offer a wide range of drinks packages to cater to every type of passenger, so have a peruse before you pick. Celestyal Cruises, for instance, offer a $29-a-day Platinum All-Inclusive Package containing 101 different cocktails, liqueurs, aperitifs, premium wines, energy drinks and more, a $16-a-day Non-Alcoholic Package which includes pressed juices, milkshakes, smoothies and ice cream and a $10-a-day Kids Refreshing Package offering mocktails, milkshakes, hot cocoa and ice cream. Just don’t blame us when the sugar rush kicks in…

Double check what’s included

Before you choose your cruise or splash out on added extras, always check what’s included as standard – you’ll often get a pleasant surprise. For example, Silversea offers one hour of free internet a day in some cabin categories, while numerous cruise lines (Viking, for one) include excursions in the base fare.

Shop the sales

If you're in the planning stage of your cruise, it’s worth signing up for newsletters that can tip you off about one-off promotions and sales. You can often enjoy added extras without forking out huge sums: notable examples include Norwegian’s regular Free at Sea promotion, Holland America’s seasonal upgrade sales and Princess Cruises' Best Sale Ever event.

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Now check out our review of Norwegian's cutting-edge Prima cruise ship

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Any Upgrade Bids Accepted Recently?

By rad798 , August 31, 2021 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

With Jade, Encore, and Gem sailing and several more starting in September, just wondering who had upgrade bids ACCEPTED .

Would be great to know what cabin you had and type cabin your bid was accepted for? 

Not sure if people would want to put the amount but at least state if your offer was poor, fair, good, or strong.

On our cruise in June with Celebrity, they seemed to accept several of poor and fair bids.

I think they had a hard time selling those cruises though. 

Curious how this is going, on NCL.

Didn't see a recent thread on this. If there is one, can you please direct me there.

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3 minutes ago, rad798 said: With Jade, Encore, and Gem sailing and several more starting in September, just wondering who had upgrade bids ACCEPTED . Would be great to know what cabin you had and type cabin your bid was accepted for?  Not sure if people would want to put the amount but at least state if your offer was poor, fair, good, or strong.   On our cruise in June with Celebrity, they seemed to accept several of poor and fair bids. I think they had a hard time selling those cruises though.    Curious how this is going, on NCL.   Didn't see a recent thread on this. If there is one, can you please direct me there.  

I have made 3 low bids for my Sept 25 Alaska on Encore. Doubt any will be accepted.

I was just on the August 21st sailing on Encore and my bid was accepted! I bid from from an inside to a balcony. Many others on my sailing had bids accepted for various balcony categories, and many said their bids were pretty "low". I spoke with another passenger that bid less than I did ($200 less) for the same upgrade from inside to balcony and also got the upgrade. I think most of the bids are being accepted due to the lower capacity, and they want our extra money, lol. Good luck!

4cats1house

6 hours ago, Jonslola said: I was just on the August 21st sailing on Encore and my bid was accepted! I bid from from an inside to a balcony. Many others on my sailing had bids accepted for various balcony categories, and many said their bids were pretty "low". I spoke with another passenger that bid less than I did ($200 less) for the same upgrade from inside to balcony and also got the upgrade. I think most of the bids are being accepted due to the lower capacity, and they want our extra money, lol. Good luck!

When did you find out you got the upgrade?  We are sailing on the Encore on Sept 18th & put in a few bids to upgrade.

My bid on the Epic on this Sunday, Sept 5th, sailing was just accepted.

soccermom104

1 minute ago, roxette said: My bid on the Epic on this Sunday, Sept 5th, sailing was just accepted.

Ours too! First time in Haven for us. See you onboard!

32 minutes ago, soccermom104 said: Ours too! First time in Haven for us. See you onboard!

Just curious and appreciate you may not want to say but was your bid at the lower end of the spectrum and am I correct in saying my potential upgrade from Club Balcony to Aft Penthousr large would be £800 minimum and is that pet room or pet person.

Cruise newbie so apologies if answered elsewhere.

kevintheoman

Minimum bid was accepted for Jade; Was Inside Cabin, now Oceanview.

RumRunner2021

1 hour ago, kevintheoman said: Minimum bid was accepted for Jade; Was Inside Cabin, now Oceanview.

If you mind, could you tell us what that was?  I’ve seen minimums for that switch as low as $50 pp.  thx. 

3 hours ago, kevintheoman said: Minimum bid was accepted for Jade; Was Inside Cabin, now Oceanview.

When are you sailing? We have a bid in for the Jade, sailing on 12th 

My minimum bid was accepted from an inside to a balcony cabin on the Encore 8/21/2021 sailing to Alaska. I did not find out until just 2 days before my cruise. It was an awesome upgrade. While I have bid before, I have never received a cabin. We get our cruises through CAS so I wasn't sure if we would ever get one since we pay so little for our cruises. 

10 hours ago, 4cats1house said: When did you find out you got the upgrade?  We are sailing on the Encore on Sept 18th & put in a few bids to upgrade.

My sailing left on the 21st, I got the upgrade email on the 19th. Some people got them a couple days earlier than that, and some got them on the 20th. NCL likes to keep you waiting, lol.

16 minutes ago, Jonslola said: My sailing left on the 21st, I got the upgrade email on the 19th. Some people got them a couple days earlier than that, and some got them on the 20th. NCL likes to keep you waiting, lol.

How did that work for e docs? We’re you able to re download them or was it fine to use the ones with the old cabin? It says they become unavailable 3 days before sailing . We have bids in so curious how it works as never done it before 

Cruise Gopher

10 hours ago, soccermom104 said: Ours too! First time in Haven for us. See you onboard!

Are you able to take lots of photos of the Haven area and of your room? And maybe a video tour of the room? Yours is the first sailing since the Haven remodel on the Epic so a lot of us are anxious to see all the remodeled areas and rooms. 

Rummblestrip

43 minutes ago, cuterlmt said: My minimum bid was accepted from an inside to a balcony cabin on the Encore 8/21/2021 sailing to Alaska. I did not find out until just 2 days before my cruise. It was an awesome upgrade. While I have bid before, I have never received a cabin. We get our cruises through CAS so I wasn't sure if we would ever get one since we pay so little for our cruises. 

FYI, I booked a 9 day Japan cruise with CAS in a club balcony. I called my casino host last week and he upgraded me to a suite for $217pp. Will save about that much just with the free room service charges...lol. 

CruizinKittie40

This post made change my balcony bid to less lol  I bid the same on the regular and spa balcony as well as the club and spa club suites.  Maybe I have a better chance of getting a nicer room if I low ball the regular balcony

48 minutes ago, Mrs_Reevo said: How did that work for e docs? We’re you able to re download them or was it fine to use the ones with the old cabin? It says they become unavailable 3 days before sailing . We have bids in so curious how it works as never done it before 

Yeah, so we couldn't get new e docs. The email notification said I would get ANOTHER email ( I assumed with new e docs?) but I never got one. Once we got to port, we told the person taking our luggage that our cabin changed, he looked us up, and attached luggage tags with our new cabin number, it was super easy.

I suggest to print out everything just in case you need it. I had a copy of the upgrade email and I printed out a new copy of our Vacation Summary with the new cabin number in case I needed to show it to someone.

7 hours ago, SkierRobUMN said: Are you able to take lots of photos of the Haven area and of your room? And maybe a video tour of the room? Yours is the first sailing since the Haven remodel on the Epic so a lot of us are anxious to see all the remodeled areas and rooms. 

Will do my best!  

Aft facing Penthouse with large balcony for 10 nights and the lowest upgrade is £800 which i believe is actually £800 x 2 so £1600 or $2200. Cruise is still selling cheap so i assume its not ovely busy and its set to sail in 11 days time. 1)  Do many lowest possible bids get accepted ? 2)  Is the above price for that room REALLY worth that extra? 3)  Do these prices come down as you get nearer the sail day or can you get last minute cheap deals as you board?

I put in a bid for a balcony from an outside but yesterday noticed that the price had dropped so that my bid and the actual upgrade cost were the same so called and just upgraded.

Now I'm wondering if I should bid for a club balcony but the upgrade program still thinks I'm in an outside cabin.

Wondering if it is worth it as those club cabins are directly under the pool deck/gym and maybe noisy, this is on the Jade btw.

We sailed on the Encore on 8/21 in a Club Balcony Suite, but bid several hundred above minimum on several different Haven staterooms, as did another couple we sailed with and neither of us got an upgrade. I never saw the scale indicating if my bid was low, high or ? Where was this?

3 hours ago, eyebcruzin said: We sailed on the Encore on 8/21 in a Club Balcony Suite, but bid several hundred above minimum on several different Haven staterooms, as did another couple we sailed with and neither of us got an upgrade. I never saw the scale indicating if my bid was low, high or ? Where was this?

With mine, you have a slider that goes from minimum bid to max bid.

To the right of that slider is a half pie shape scale with pointer.

As you move the slider right (more money), the pointer moves on the scale from poor, fair, good, strong, and excellent.

At least that is how mine has shown up with most cruise lines. NCL included.

Now wondering if people get different ways of entering their bid?

ChiefMateJRK

55 minutes ago, rad798 said: With mine, you have a slider that goes from minimum bid to max bid. To the right of that slider is a half pie shape scale with pointer. As you move the slider right (more money), the pointer moves on the scale from poor, fair, good, strong, and excellent. At least that is how mine has shown up with most cruise lines. NCL included. Now wondering if people get different ways of entering their bid?

Same here.  $50 min bid for inside to oceanview, $100 min bid for inside to balcony.  To be honest, I'm not sure I would find either of those worth it.  I'm guessing that the upgraded rooms would be the least desirable in the new category.

what is the upgrade like going from a studio category to the inside or oceanview?

25 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said: Same here.  $50 min bid for inside to oceanview, $100 min bid for inside to balcony.  To be honest, I'm not sure I would find either of those worth it.  I'm guessing that the upgraded rooms would be the least desirable in the new category.

Not necessarily.  Empty rooms might be vacant because people upgraded or cancelled, not just because they are leftovers.  While I'd be a little leery about upgrading to OV because you could get a porthole on deck 4, not sure that I'd consider any balcony as terrible.  But I'm not that picky.

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Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Picking a cabin on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship isn't always easy.

For starters, there are a huge number of cabins available on some Norwegian ships. The line is known for operating some of the world's biggest cruise vessels — ships so big that some have more than 2,000 cabins each.

However, it's not just the sheer volume of cabins that makes choosing a room on a Norwegian ship a challenge. It's also the number of cabin categories.

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On some of Norwegian's largest ships, including Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, there are a whopping 39 different types of cabins — each a little different from the last.

The backstory here is that Norwegian ships are designed to appeal to a wide demographic, including travelers willing to spend at a wide range of price points. That's prompted Norwegian to offer a wide mix of cabin types.

The room choices the line offers on its ships range from relatively low-cost, windowless inside cabins measuring just 135 square feet (perfect for the budget traveler) to massive, multi-room suites that can be more than 50 times that size.

At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at affluent travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to being on a luxury ship, and they truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea. Some, such as the giant Garden Villas found on six Norwegian ships — Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star — sprawl over thousands of square feet and have as many as three bedrooms plus separate living rooms and dining rooms.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line

A Norwegian Cruise Line cabin primer

As is typical for many cruise ships, Norwegian vessels offer cabins in four broad categories: Windowless "inside" cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony cabins and suites.

On newer Norwegian ships, the majority of the cabins are balcony cabins. Cruise lines over the years have discovered that cruisers will pay a significant premium to have a balcony with their cabin, and that's prompted a rush to add more balcony cabins to ships.

However, Norwegian's newer vessels are also known for a large number of suites, including suites that are part of upscale private complexes called The Haven.

On Norwegian's 4-year-old Norwegian Encore, for instance, 19% of the 2,040 cabins are suites — a huge percentage for a large, mass-market cruise ship. On Royal Caribbean 's 4-year-old Symphony of the Seas, which launched at almost the same time as Norwegian Encore, by contrast, just 7% of cabins are suites. On Carnival Cruise Line 's 4-year-old Carnival Panorama, just 3% of cabins are suites.

Here is a breakdown of the cabin types on Norwegian Encore, which is typical for the line's newer ships:

Inside cabins: 453 (22%). Ocean-view cabins: 111 (5%). Balcony cabins: 1,090 (53%). Suites: 385 (19%).

On older Norwegian ships (and, in general, all older cruise ships), there are fewer suites — sometimes far fewer. Only 1% of the cabins on Norwegian's oldest vessel, the 1998-built Norwegian Spirit, are balcony cabins.

Inside cabins and oceanview cabins make up nearly half of all cabins on Norwegian Spirit. Here is a breakdown of the cabins on that vessel:

Inside cabins: 387 (29%). Ocean-view cabins: 223 (17%). Balcony cabins: 708 (58%). Suites: 18 (1%).

The takeaway here is that you'll have a tougher time locking down a suite on an older Norwegian ship than on a newer vessel. If you're planning a cruise on one of the line's older vessels and a suite is a must, you'll want to book early to make sure you get one.

Within each of the four broad categories of cabins on Norwegian ships, you'll find multiple subcategories. Norwegian Encore, for instance, has 16 different types of suites alone, from a Club Balcony Suite Guarantee (Category MX) that measures 249 square feet to The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony (Category H2) that measures nearly six times that amount.

In general, Norwegian cabins have a modern look with clean lines and contemporary furniture, plus lots of storage cleverly worked into the design.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship

Inside cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

These are the cabins you stay in when you're on a tight budget. On any Norwegian ship, they are almost always the least expensive option when you're booking a cabin, and you can often save considerable money by booking an inside cabin versus an ocean-view or higher-level cabin.

What you'll give up, of course, is that ocean view. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world. In some cases, you'll find an inside cabin with a window opening up onto a hallway, but the view will be of nothing more than the hallway.

You'll also be in a very small room. Most inside cabins on the ship used in the examples above, Norwegian Encore, measure just 149 square feet. That's about 7% smaller than the typical ocean-view cabin on the vessel, which measures 160 square feet. The typical balcony cabin on Norwegian Encore is 175 square feet, not including a 30- to 110-square-foot balcony.

Related: Why windowless inside cabins aren't so bad

Of note, Norwegian is well-known for one particular type of inside cabin: unusually tiny, interior studio cabins designed for solo travelers.

Norwegian first added such cabins to a ship in 2010, on the then-new, 4,070-passenger Norwegian Epic. They were such a hit the line quickly began adding them to more vessels.

Measuring just 100 square feet but superbly designed to maximize storage space, the solo rooms on Norwegian Epic (there are 128 in all) are clustered around an exclusive Studio Lounge with a bar and television area where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

Since 2010, Norwegian has added similar solo cabin complexes with exclusive lounges to seven more new ships. Norwegian Encore has an 82-cabin solo complex spread over three decks.

The similarly sized Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss also have 82-cabin solo complexes, while the smaller Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have solo areas with 59 cabins. The line's two newest ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva , have 73 solo cabins.

Related: I've been on nearly every Norwegian ship. Here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima

Norwegian also offers four solo cabins on its Hawaii- based Pride of America.

In most cases, these studio cabins have windows that face an interior hallway, though some solo cabins have windows and balconies.

Ocean-view cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

With an ocean-view cabin, you get a window looking out to the sea but not an attached balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Norwegian's newer ships have relatively few such cabins, as generally cabins that face outward are now built with balconies.

In general, ocean-view cabins on Norwegian ships are bigger than inside cabins but not quite as big as balcony cabins (when comparing their interior space). However, you sometimes can find ocean-view cabins that are significantly bigger than what is typical for a balcony cabin. This is sometimes the case for ocean-view cabins at the front of ships, where there can be relatively large but odd-shaped rooms with windows but no balconies.

Several recent Norwegian vessels have some quite large ocean-view cabins at their fronts that measure from 240 to 372 square feet. Dubbed Family Oceanview Stateroom with Large Picture Window, they are designed to hold up to five people and are marketed to families.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian's Latitude Rewards loyalty program

Balcony cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Norwegian is delivering with huge numbers of balcony cabins on all its newest ships.

On the line's new Prima-class ships, which began debuting in 2022, around 57% of rooms are balcony cabins — and that number jumps even higher if you include suites on the ship that have balconies (see below for more details on suites on Norwegian vessels).

Including suites, the percentage of cabins on the first two ships in the series to debut (Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva) that have balconies jumps to 64%. The percentage is even higher on the line's newest Breakaway-plus class vessels, at a very high 72%.

The typical Norwegian balcony cabin has a contemporary look with clean lines and relatively minimalist furniture. Norwegian balcony cabins typically offer twin beds that can be converted into a queen bed, a built-in desk area and a sofa that often pulls out into an additional bed.

Balcony cabins on Norwegian ships typically measure a bit over 200 square feet, including the balcony space, but some can be significantly bigger.

On Norwegian Encore, a category of balcony cabins known as Large Balcony cabins (category B6) measure 331 square feet, due to enormous balconies that measure 155 square feet. The ship also offers aft-facing balconies (category B1) that measure up to 426 square feet, again due to unusually large balconies.

Related: 6 reasons to book a balcony cabin

Suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

As mentioned above, Norwegian is known for a large number of suites on its ships. It's also known for some of the very biggest suites in the entire cruise industry.

The Garden Villas found on Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star are truly stunning, with living areas with glass walls looking over the pool areas of the ships. They have as many as three bedrooms plus separate living rooms and dining rooms.

Some of the Garden Villas measure as much as 6,694 square feet — more than twice the size of the typical home in the United States.

Among notable extras, the Garden Villas have private outdoor sundecks and courtyards with hot tubs. Additionally, the Garden Villas on Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star include private outdoor dining areas and steam rooms.

On more than half of Norwegian's ships, many of the top suites are part of an exclusive, keycard-accessed area called The Haven. Aimed at luxury travelers, The Haven complexes are located at the very top of the vessels and often come with private lounges, pools, sunning areas and even restaurants.

Related: 7 reasons to splurge on a cruise ship suite

Depending on the ship, top suites can come with such perks as private butlers and concierges who attend to your every need; access to a private restaurant; a private suite lounge and sun deck; reserved seating in entertainment venues; and priority boarding and disembarkation.

Just be ready to look through a lot of suite types if you're booking a Norwegian ship. Some Norwegian ships have up to four types of Penthouse suites available, for instance, and three kinds of family suites.

Bottom line

Norwegian has something for everyone when it comes to cabins on its ships.

You can book a small, inside cabin that will get you on board one of the line's vessels at a very reasonable cost or a super suite that will set you back many times more but that comes with all sorts of perks.

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