How to Get a Free or Low-Cost Cruise Cabin Upgrade

Upgrading your cruise cabin doesn't always require extra money. With the right strategy and timing, you might enjoy better accommodations than you originally booked. Here's how:

1. Book a Guaranteed Cabin

These bookings don't assign your room until just before departure. You might be placed in a higher category if space allows, though you can't choose the location.

2. Monitor Price Drops

Watch cruise prices regularly. If fares go down, contact the cruise line or your travel agent to request an upgrade or price adjustment.

3. Join a Loyalty Program

Frequent cruisers often receive priority for upgrades or even free ones. Programs reward loyalty with special perks, including cabin enhancements.

4. Ask for an Upgrade Onboard

Wait until after the first day to request an upgrade at the guest services desk. Availability is clearer after the first port of call.

5. Use Onboard Credit

If you receive onboard credit through promotions, you may be able to apply it toward a room upgrade during your cruise.

6. Book Through a Cruise Travel Agent

Agents often have early access to upgrade promotions and can offer exclusive group rates. Their relationship with cruise lines may lead to complimentary upgrades for their clients.

7. Mention Special Occasions

Noting a special event like a honeymoon or milestone anniversary when booking may improve your chances of a courtesy upgrade.

8. Watch for Promotions

Cruise lines frequently run upgrade promotions during major sales periods like the beginning of the year or holidays. Signing up for emails and checking their websites helps you stay informed.

9. Use Travel Credit Cards

Some credit cards offer cruise-related perks or shipboard credit that may be used toward upgrades once onboard.

10. Opt into Auto Upgrades

Select the auto upgrade option during booking to be considered for a free cabin move if better rooms become available.

11. Report Legitimate Issues

If your cabin has noise, poor location, or maintenance problems, politely raising the issue may result in a move to a better room if space allows.

12. Participate in Bidding Programs

Some cruise lines allow passengers to bid for upgrades before sailing. If accepted, the charge is added to your fare, but you might save compared to regular pricing.

13. Pay for an Upgrade After Booking

Watch for upgrade offers closer to departure. These can be discounted and still let you pick your preferred cabin.

14. Book Upgradable Cabin Types

Booking a mid-range cabin increases your upgrade chances. Moving up within the same category or one level above is more likely than jumping from the lowest to a suite.

15. Try Repositioning Cruises

These one-way voyages are often less full, improving the odds of scoring an upgrade due to lower demand.

16. Watch Your Email

Some upgrades are given without asking. You may receive a notice before sailing that you've been moved to a better cabin.