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How To Get A Cabin Upgrade On Carnival Cruise

If you’re dreaming of an upgraded cabin experience on a Carnival Cruise, this article will help you make it a reality. From insider tips to tried-and-tested strategies, we’ll show you how to score that coveted cabin upgrade and elevate your vacation to new heights. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned wanderer, get ready to discover the secrets behind securing the cabin upgrade of your dreams on a Carnival Cruise.

Table of Contents

Choose the Right Time to Book

Early booking.

When it comes to securing a cabin upgrade on a Carnival cruise , timing is everything. One of the best strategies is to book your cruise early. By booking months in advance, you increase your chances of snagging a coveted upgrade. Carnival often releases new itineraries and ship deployments well in advance, so keeping an eye on their website or subscribing to their newsletter can give you a head start on booking your dream cruise.

Last-Minute Booking

On the flip side, last-minute bookings can also work in your favor when it comes to cabin upgrades. If a cruise is not fully booked, Carnival may offer enticing deals and discounts to fill up remaining cabins. This presents an opportunity for an upgrade at a lower cost. Keep an eye on the “Deals” section of Carnival’s website or consult with a travel agent to stay informed about any last-minute offers that may come your way.

Join the Loyalty Program

Carnival’s vifp club.

Joining Carnival’s Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club is an excellent way to increase your chances of receiving a cabin upgrade. As a member, you’ll earn points for each cruise you take with Carnival, and the more points you accumulate, the better your chances of being recognized as a loyal customer who deserves an upgrade.

Higher Tier Benefits

As you accumulate points with the VIFP Club, you’ll begin to climb the loyalty tiers. The higher your tier level, the more perks and benefits you’ll enjoy, including priority embarkation, complimentary laundry service, and yes, even a higher likelihood of receiving a cabin upgrade. So, be sure to enroll in Carnival’s VIFP Club and start reaping the rewards of your loyalty.

Special Occasions and Celebrations

Honeymoon or anniversary.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary, don’t be shy about letting Carnival know. They love to make these moments unforgettable for their guests, and often, they may surprise you with a special cabin upgrade or other delightful surprises. When booking your cruise, be sure to mention the occasion to the booking agent or note it in the online reservation form.

Birthday or Graduation

Birthdays and graduations are also occasions worth celebrating in style. Carnival may offer exclusive upgrades or perks to make these occasions even more memorable. Again, when making your reservation, let them know about your special celebration, and you may just find yourself enjoying a complimentary upgrade or a surprise birthday cake delivered to your cabin.

Be Flexible with Cabin Assignments

Guarantee category.

If you’re open to a little surprise and adventure, consider booking a “guarantee” category cabin. This means you won’t have the ability to choose your specific cabin, but you’ll be guaranteed a room within the category you’ve chosen. By choosing this option, you increase your chances of being assigned a higher-category cabin if there are any available.

Upgrade Offers

Throughout the booking process, Carnival may present you with upgrade offers. These offers sometimes come with a discounted price, allowing you to upgrade from your initial cabin selection to a higher-category cabin for a fraction of the full price. Keep an eye out for these upgrade offers and take advantage of them when they align with your preferences and budget.

Utilize a Travel Agent or Cruise Specialist

Expert knowledge and connections.

Navigating the world of cruise bookings can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. That’s where travel agents or cruise specialists can be immensely helpful. These professionals have extensive knowledge of Carnival cruises and often have access to exclusive deals and upgrades. By working with a reputable travel agent or cruise specialist, you can tap into their expertise and connections to increase your chances of a cabin upgrade.

Exclusive Offers

Travel agents and cruise specialists often have access to exclusive offers and promotions that aren’t available to the general public. By booking through them, you may gain access to special perks, such as onboard credits or cabin upgrades. Additionally, they can keep an eye on new promotions and alert you when opportunities for upgrades arise, saving you time and effort in searching for the best deals yourself.

Interact with Carnival’s Social Media

Facebook and twitter.

Carnival regularly utilizes social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to engage with their customers and keep them informed about the latest news and offers. By following Carnival on these platforms, you’ll be among the first to know about any cabin upgrade promotions or giveaways. Social media is also a great way to connect with fellow cruisers, share tips and experiences, and potentially learn about insider opportunities for upgrades.

Participate in Contests

Carnival frequently hosts contests and giveaways on social media platforms, giving you the chance to win incredible prizes, including cabin upgrades. Keep an eye out for these contests and participate whenever possible. You never know when luck may be on your side, and you could find yourself winning a coveted upgrade to a more luxurious cabin.

Build a Positive Relationship with Carnival’s Staff

Be friendly and polite.

A friendly and positive attitude can go a long way when it comes to building a relationship with the staff on your Carnival cruise. From the booking agent to the crew members onboard, treating them with kindness and respect can create a pleasant atmosphere and may increase your chances of receiving a cabin upgrade as a gesture of appreciation.

Communicate Special Requests

When interacting with Carnival’s staff, be sure to communicate any special requests or preferences you may have. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, mention it to the crew members, as they may go the extra mile to enhance your experience. While a cabin upgrade is not guaranteed, building a positive rapport with the staff can certainly make them more inclined to prioritize your satisfaction and consider you for an upgrade if one becomes available.

Be a Repeat Cruiser with Carnival

Demonstrating loyalty.

Carnival values repeat cruisers and rewards their loyalty. By consistently choosing to cruise with Carnival, you’ll demonstrate your dedication to their brand and increase your chances of receiving cabin upgrades in the future. Keep track of your past cruises with Carnival and make sure to mention your loyalty when booking a new cruise. This may earn you special recognition and a higher likelihood of being considered for an upgrade.

Enjoying Perks

As a repeat cruiser, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy various perks and benefits that come with your loyal status. These perks may include priority embarkation, exclusive onboard events, dedicated lounges, and of course, a higher chance of receiving a cabin upgrade. Embrace your status as a Carnival loyalist and let it work in your favor to enhance your next cruise experience .

Consider Upgrading Onboard

Explore upgrade options.

Once onboard your Carnival cruise, keep an eye out for any upgrade opportunities that may arise. Occasionally, Carnival may offer guests the chance to upgrade their cabin by paying an additional fee. These upgrades can range from moving to a higher-category cabin to enjoying additional perks and amenities. Take the time to explore these upgrade options, and if they align with your preferences and budget, seize the opportunity to enhance your cruise experience.

If you’re feeling adventurous and confident, don’t be afraid to negotiate with Carnival’s staff regarding a cabin upgrade. While it’s not guaranteed to work, there have been instances where guests successfully negotiated upgrades by expressing their desires and politely inquiring about any available options. Remember to be respectful and considerate during these conversations, as the staff’s decision ultimately depends on availability and their discretion.

Upgrade for Special Events or Activities

Exclusive dining experiences.

Carnival offers a variety of exclusive dining experiences that can elevate your cruise to a whole new level. From specialty restaurants to chef’s tables and private dinners, these experiences can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable event. Consider upgrading your dining options for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself to luxurious culinary delights that you won’t find in the main dining venues.

Access to VIP Areas

VIP areas, such as exclusive lounges, clubs, and spas, provide a heightened level of luxury and relaxation. By upgrading to gain access to these areas, you’ll enjoy enhanced amenities, privacy, and personalized services. Whether you’re seeking tranquility or wishing to indulge in upscale entertainment, these VIP areas can add an extra touch of indulgence to your Carnival cruise.

When it comes to getting a cabin upgrade on a Carnival cruise, there are various strategies you can employ. By choosing the right time to book, joining Carnival’s loyalty program, utilizing a travel agent or cruise specialist, engaging with Carnival’s social media, building a positive relationship with Carnival’s staff, being a loyal repeat cruiser, considering onboard upgrades, and upgrading for special events or activities, you increase your chances of enjoying a more luxurious cabin and an even more unforgettable cruise experience. So, start planning your next Carnival adventure with these tips in mind, and get ready to set sail in style!

Hi, I'm Mike, the author of Ocean Bliss Journeys. As the captain of this incredible website, my mission is to provide you with the ultimate sailing experience. Set sail on a journey of discovery with us and indulge in the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Our handpicked cruises offer unparalleled luxury and unforgettable destinations. From romantic getaways to family vacations and hidden gem exploration, I've carefully curated tailored packages to ensure every moment is cherished. So, join me and embark on your dream cruise today. Let's create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Upgrading Your Stateroom

We cannot accommodate requests for upgrades on the day of your cruise as we sail at capacity. Carnival has made selecting the stateroom location you want more affordable than ever. Choosing your stateroom as early as possible ensures you get the best locations available.

Opportunities to purchase an upgrade are available prior to your cruise, subject to availability. To change your stateroom, please give us a call at 1-800-438-6744 and our Guest Services team will be more than happy to assist. Please note, if you are booked through a travel agency, you will need to contact your travel professional for assistance.

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How to Get Carnival Cruise Line Room Upgrades

Melissa has a Master's degree in History Education and is a highly experienced freelance writer with online and print publications. She specializes in various topics including health, green living and safety.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Savvy cruise passengers may find that Carnival Cruise Line room upgrades can add extra value and enjoyment to their vacation plans, but counting on an upgrade is never a good strategy for a great getaway. There are different ways to increase the chances of an upgrade, however, and passengers can employ these tricks to aim for the best cabin their cruise fare can buy.

Carnival Cruise Line is the largest cruise line in the world, with more than 20 ships sailing throughout the world on dozens of different itineraries and to hundreds of different cruise destinations. On any single day there are more than 12,000 staterooms available on Carnival cruise ships, and passengers can choose the type of cabin that meets their needs and vacation plans.

About Carnival Cruise Cabins

Carnival ships have five basic types of cruise ship cabins :

Interior : These value-priced cabins are the smallest and most basic of any on board but include adequate facilities for budget-minded passengers.
Ocean View : With a view of the sea either through a window or portholes, passengers in these cabins won't miss a moment of the great scenery during their cruise.
Balcony : A small private balcony offers a restful retreat with these cabins. A small table and chairs are usually provided on the balcony, and the interior cabin furnishings tend to be more luxurious.
Suite : These cabins are larger than other categories and feature a separate sitting area and a private balcony.
Penthouse Suite : The most luxurious cabins aboard Carnival's ships, these suites are the largest cabins and have a walk-in closet and whirlpool bath that aren't found in other cabin categories.

Depending on the size of the ship and the arrangement of the cabins, additional features may be available such as adjoining rooms, upper and lower bunks, and corner cabins with wraparound balconies. Some cabins also feature obstructed views though the impact on passenger enjoyment is minimal.

Defining Upgrades

When inexperienced passengers define cruise cabin upgrades , they fantasize about paying the cheapest rate for an interior cabin and magically being upgraded to a luxurious suite. While such drastic upgrades are not entirely mythological, it is far more common for Carnival Cruise Line room upgrades to be made within the same category of cabin but moving a passenger to a more desirable deck - higher up, closer to the more stable center of the ship, or nearer to popular areas and amenities. In many cases, the upgrade does not make a difference in terms of the actual cabin space or furnishings, but passengers may enjoy a deck closer to the ship's public areas or better suited to enjoying all the cruise activities that are offered.

Arranging Carnival Cruise Line Room Upgrades

While room upgrades are never guaranteed, there are several tricks prospective passengers can use to increase their chances of being upgraded.

Travel Agent Promotions : Passengers who work with experienced cruise travel agents or an established travel agency may be able to take advantage of upgrades offered through those businesses. The agent may offer passengers a lower cruise fare with a "guaranteed" upgrade to a better class of cabin than if they made their cruise reservations through a non-participating agency. These offers are not upgrades in the traditional sense, but they are a good value for passengers interested in nicer accommodations.
Past Guest Promotions : Passengers who have sailed frequently with Carnival may find themselves in a better position for upgrades through exclusive past guest offers and discounts. Like agent deals, these "upgrades" come about by offering a select number of discounts to qualified passengers, effectively giving them a better class of cabin at a lower price.
Guarantee Cabins : Passengers who book a guarantee cabin are not assigned a cabin number when they make their reservation. Instead, they are flexible with their Carnival cruise cabin assignments and position themselves well for an upgrade. Guarantee cabins are usually the lowest price, but passengers can be assigned cabins that cost more without incurring extra charges for the added luxury. Instead, what a guarantee cabin stipulates is that the lowest cabin in that category is the minimum assignment a passenger will receive, and in many cases their assignments are much better. Choosing to sail during off-peak months or on less popular ships also increases the odds of a substantial upgrade.
Asking for an Upgrade : Once passengers board a Carnival ship, they can check at the purser's desk (generally near where embarkation occurs) to see if there are any available empty cabins. While these are rare, if they are available interested passengers may be able to upgrade their cabin assignment immediately, though extra fees may be applied.
Unexpected Price Changes : If the price of the cruise is lowered after passengers have made their cruise reservations, they may be eligible for an upgrade. Other options may include on board ship credit or a refund of the price difference, but requesting an upgrade instead can lead to even greater savings.

Upgrade Warnings

Carnival cruise cabin upgrades are not a sure thing, and passengers who are anxious about getting a specific cabin assignment should not bet on being upgraded to the cabin of their dreams. Furthermore, groups that want cabins in the same area should avoid guarantee assignments that may separate cabins by several decks. Once those assignments are made, it can be very difficult to change them.

Carnival Cruise Line room upgrades are never a sure thing, but they do happen. Passengers who understand how upgrades are made and what they can do to influence them stand the best chances of securing a lower cruise price on a better cabin, upgrading not only their stateroom but their entire cruise experience.

Roaming Around the World

Travel Guides, Tips, and Tales

10 Secrets on How to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade on a Cruise

February 8, 2023 By John Widmer 28 Comments

It sure is nice to have a balcony stateroom on a cruise. You gotta love those mesmerizing ocean swells, the warm sea breeze, those beautiful island vistas on the horizon, the occasional seagull flying by, and the soothing sound of the surf.

But balcony cabins on cruises can also be very expensive! Splurging on a veranda stateroom can be difficult to justify for those who are traveling on a budget. That’s why we have deeply investigated the many different ways of how to get a free balcony cabin upgrade on a cruise ship.

As we’ve taken dozens of cruises all around the world totaling over a half year at sea, we’ve been quite successful with these tactics used to score a free balcony upgrade. So we’re now revealing all our tips in this post to show what works to actually achieve a free cruise cabin upgrade.

In the earlier days of cruising, it was fairly commonplace to be able to walk onto a ship and ask Guest Relations if there were any free room upgrades on the cruise. Often you would actually get a positive response and be immediately switched to a coveted balcony cabin, with an upgraded room free of charge. Unfortunately, in today’s world of cruising, free cruise cabin upgrades at the port or when walking onto the ship have become nearly impossible to finagle.

But we’re here to show you that cruise cabin upgrades are absolutely possible. In fact, we’re living proof as we managed to score a free balcony upgrade on about half the cruises we take! It can just take a little work, know-how, and sometimes a bit of luck.

We’ve been fortunate to receive cruise cabin upgrades to balcony staterooms that were five times the cost of the little interior cabin we booked, for absolutely free! But it doesn’t always work. We’ve been denied upgrades in a fair share of instances too. Yet having been successful in scoring free balcony upgrades on about half of the many cruises we’ve taken – that’s pretty good odds!

Some may claim that free balcony upgrades on a cruise are impossible nowadays. But we’re here to show that cruise upgrades are still a very possible reality. In this post, we reveal our proven tactics detailing how to get these free balcony upgrades on a cruise!

woman in robe enjoys the view from her free balcony upgrade on a cruise

Understand: Why It’s Difficult to Get a Free Cruise Cabin Upgrade

Before we go into all the details of our tips to get a free balcony cabin upgrade, first understand what’s going on behind the scenes to make getting a free cruise upgrade so difficult to accomplish.

Cruise lines are aggressively and strategically pricing their itineraries in attempts to fill every single cabin on their ship. Cruise lines are particularly interested in filling those higher-margin balcony staterooms. Inventory of staterooms on cruises is closely monitored, as sophisticated financial algorithms are utilized to adjust prices to lure passengers.

This is all done in a grand attempt to fill the ships to capacity. Often cruise lines are successful in filling their ships. As a result, sometimes there simply are no available balcony rooms to offer when the cruise ship is sailing away. So in many instances, these balcony staterooms may be completely occupied. Hence a cabin upgrade on a cruise is just not possible, whether free or paid.

Also, the cruise lines have gotten wise to passengers’ attempts to upgrade their staterooms for free. So if there are some balcony rooms available, and you inquire after boarding, you’ll likely be offered that balcony upgrade for an upcharge, not as a complimentary stateroom upgrade.

If there are any balcony staterooms still available in the weeks before embarking, many cruise lines will try to entice guests with special balcony upgrade deals that you can buy at discounted rates or bid for after you’ve already purchased a lesser stateroom. It’s a big attempt by the cruise lines to fill those balcony staterooms before you even step foot on the boat.

These can sometimes be decent deals that are certainly worth considering a nominal fee to ensure your upgrade. We’ll discuss that a bit more later. But we’re really here to show you how to score a cruise balcony upgrade, not for a fee, but for F-R-E-E!

Decide: Are Cruise Balconies Worth It?

Before divulging our 10 tactics on how to score a free cruise upgrade, each prospective cruise passenger reading this article should decide for themselves what a balcony stateroom is worth to them.

Is it worth your time while on vacation to attempt to seek out a free stateroom upgrade? Is it worth an extra hundred dollars to pay out of pocket to guarantee an upgrade before you sail? Only you can decide this for yourself.

After all, cruise passengers with interior staterooms can head up to the lido deck and enjoy the same views that others are enjoying from their balcony rooms. But by enjoying those views in public spaces, you don’t have the immediate access or the privacy that a balcony stateroom offers. You won’t be able to wake up to those fresh views and relax from the privacy of your stateroom balcony. It is nice to have a balcony stateroom on a cruise. But at what cost?

Is it worth a thousand dollars more to have a balcony stateroom? For some passengers, it’s worth the splurge. For us, the answer is “no.”

Yet it is absolutely worth our time to try to score a free balcony upgrade. And it may even be worth splurging on if we can score a cruise upgrade offer for a few hundred dollars more.

Here are some considerations to help you decide whether a balcony room may be worth it for your upcoming cruise.

Consider booking a balcony stateroom or paying to upgrade when:

You’re cruising scenic areas (e.g., Alaska cruise , Panama Canal , etc.)
This is a romantic trip (e.g., anniversary, honeymoon)
You plan to spend lots of time in your stateroom
Your itinerary includes many days at sea
You are claustrophobic or agoraphobic
You like to sunbathe
You have mobility issues that prevent you from easily going to a public deck
The price of a balcony room isn’t much more than an interior or oceanview cabin

Consider forgoing a balcony stateroom and trying for a free cruise upgrade when:

You have a port-intensive itinerary with little time on the ship
You spend little time in your stateroom
You frequently use the ship’s amenities (pool, gym, bars, shows, games, lectures, movies, etc.)
You’re the type of person who simply uses a hotel room to sleep at night
Balcony prices are simply not within your travel budget

If you can’t justify spending for that balcony stateroom, then read on. With a bit of strategy and a little luck, a free cruise balcony upgrade could become a reality.

Our biggest piece of advice is this : be sure that you’ll be comfortable with whatever cabin class you book on your cruise. Then go ahead and use some of these tactics to attempt to score that free balcony upgrade.

Bed in balcony stateroom on Norwegian Bliss cruise ship that we received as a free balcony upgrade

How To Get a Free Cruise Stateroom Upgrade

1) get a free balcony upgrade promotion and how to find them.

Occasionally cruise lines will run special promotions on particular ships, itineraries, and/or destinations offering balcony staterooms at the same price as an outside or inside cabin. You can attempt to find these deals throughout the year but they can be common during “Wave Season” (around February – April) when cruise lines tend to be most aggressive with pricing and promotions.

Most commonly you’ll see one-category stateroom upgrades. This means you can book an oceanview stateroom for the price of an inside cabin, or book a balcony for the price of an oceanview. When such a promotion is coupled with an additional perk like a drink package, free gratuities, or a generous onboard credit – these can be fantastic deals to take advantage of.

Occasionally we see really good limited-time promotions in which inside cabins, outside cabins, and balcony staterooms are all at the same price. Of course, you choose the balcony! This is another way cruise lines use promotions to offer free balcony upgrades.

So how exactly do you find these balcony upgrade promotions?

If you happen to know a really good travel agent who specializes in cruises, they may already be aware of free room upgrade promotions right off the top of their head.

But cruise room upgrade promotions do change frequently and can often be complicated. Free upgrades on cruises often contain lots of asterisks since certain deals only apply to certain ships, dates, itineraries, etc. So you may just want to take a gander at exactly what each line’s current promotions are. Each major cruise line has a web page that is dedicated to listing their deals, potentially including free balcony stateroom upgrades.

Free Balcony upgrade promotion with Celebrity Cruise Lines

Image courtesy of Celebrity Cruise Lines, as retrieved on their Deals page.

Here are links to all of the major cruise lines’ promotion pages to check if they are currently offering any free balcony upgrade promotions:

Carnival Cruise Line cruise deals
Celebrity Cruises cruise deals
Disney Cruise Line special offers
Holland America Line cruise deals
MSC cruise deals
Norwegian Cruise Line cruise deals
Princess Cruise Line cruise deals
Royal Caribbean cruise deals

2) Monitor Price Drops After Purchase to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade

Even after purchasing a cruise, always be sure to continue monitoring that cruise’s prices. Unlike airline tickets, if the price of the cruise drops, you can actually make changes to your booking to upgrade your cruise cabin if there are price changes that are in your favor. Or you can even cancel your booking and re-book for any better deal you find.

For example, let’s say you booked a 7-day Caribbean cruise in which inside cabins were running $1,000 per person, and balcony staterooms were $1,800 per person. So you book the inside cabin because you don’t want to shell out the extra cash to have a balcony.

Even though you’ve already booked your cruise, keep watching those prices. If the price of a balcony stateroom was to suddenly drop to $1,000, then call your booking agent immediately! If you make this phone call before the final payment date, you should be able to switch to that balcony completely free!

Instances like this happen more often than you may realize. The cruise lines themselves will NOT notify you of these price drops. So it’s completely up to you to be vigilant of price fluctuations after purchasing your cruise cabin.

It is important to note that free balcony upgrades using this method are only available if you make the switch before the cruise’s cancelation period, which tends to be around 60-90 days prior to the embarkation date. But this varies by the cruise line and itinerary.

Yet even if you notice the room prices change after the cancelation period, it is still absolutely worth calling your booking agent to inquire about. There’s a decent chance you still may be able to lock in that free balcony upgrade. This free upgrade is simply not a sure thing like it is prior to the cancelation date.

Yet we’ve successfully gotten a free cruise upgrade with this tactic! Balcony prices were slashed a few weeks before our sail date. Because we were already locked in to the cruise since the cancelation period had passed, there was no way to cancel and rebook. Furthermore, the cruise line had absolutely no obligation to honor an upgrade. But we called, were very nice, explained the situation, and pointed out that balcony cabins were now priced at the same price as our inside cabin. So the cruise line switched us to the balcony room, for free!

balcony of Celebrity Infinity that we reeived as a free balcony upgrade

Another consideration is if the price of a balcony stateroom drops to within a reasonable range in which you are willing to pay the difference.

Continuing with the earlier example, let’s say those balcony staterooms dropped from $1,800 to a price of $1,100, which is now only $100 more than the $1,000 you initially paid for your inside cabin. In this case, you can usually pay that difference – $100 per person – and secure a balcony stateroom. Sure, it’s not free but it may be worth the extra $100 per person. Again, the cruise line may even permit you to make such changes after the cancelation period. So if you notice an instance like this, call your booking agent to inquire about the possibility.

You can check your cruise’s prices regularly to stay abreast of pricing drops. After booking a cruise, I recommend bookmarking a pricing page. Then take 10 seconds each day to monitor it for any price changes.

Alternatively, you can also consider using free cruise price monitoring services , which will alert you when prices change. There are a few different sites that offer free cruise price tracking and will alert you when prices change. Here are two you can try:

CruiseWatch : The website allows you to select cruises to monitor and will send you email alerts on price changes based on the criteria you select.
Cruiseline : Search and select your cruise, then set up a price alert. You will be emailed when prices change. Alternatively, you can also do this using Cruiseline’s Ship Mate Cruise App .

3) Use Credit Card Points To Get a Free Balcony Upgrade on a Cruise

There are so many great travel reward credit cards out there in which you can use points towards travel. And while it can be difficult and time-consuming to rack up enough points to pay for an entire cruise, it can be relatively quick and easy to accumulate enough points/miles to apply them towards the difference between your inside/outside cabin and a balcony stateroom.

Allow me to explain exactly how we did that to get a free balcony upgrade for free, paid for with points.

One of our favorite travel rewards credit cards is the Capital One Venture Card in which you get 2% cash back miles on all purchases to use towards any travel expenses. This includes cruise expenses. So you can redeem Capital One points to get balcony upgrades!

For example, months after booking an inside cabin on the Celebrity Eclipse for a transatlantic sailing, we noticed that the price between an inside and a balcony had dropped to only a $200 difference total ($100 per person).

So we called our booking agent to make this change to a balcony stateroom. This upgrade initially came with a $200 charge. We paid that $200 using our Venture Card. We then simply erased that charge off of our statement using 20,000 miles we had accumulated just from everyday spending. So ultimately, this gave us a balcony upgrade at absolutely no out-of-pocket cost to us.

We again successfully used this technique on our Norwegian Star cruise in which we had booked an inside cabin. The price for an outside cabin later dropped to a mere $20 per person ($40 total) more than the price of the inside we booked. So, again, we paid that meager difference but then used our miles to refund that amount, essentially giving us a free cruise cabin upgrade from an inside to an outside stateroom. (See screenshot of transaction below.)

Capital One Venture Card travel point redemption upgrading us from a interior stateroom to a balcony

This is perhaps the best surefire way to achieve a free balcony upgrade on a cruise and guarantee it, rather than rely on luck or chance.

At the last update to this article, Capital One is offering a new card member signup bonus offer of 75,000 miles with a referral offer. After qualifying for the offer, you can redeem those miles to cover $750 worth of cruise expenses, such as a balcony upgrade. So feel free to use our referral link here to get this Capital One Venture Card offer and see if you qualify for the card. It could be the key to unlocking a balcony upgrade for free!

Important Note : it only makes sense financially to accumulate credit card points to apply towards cruise upgrades if you can pay off your balance in full every month. Otherwise, this tactic is not for you, as the high-interest rates you’ll be incurring will likely exceed the benefit.

4) Wait Until After the First Port to Ask for a Free Cruise Cabin Upgrade

As already discussed, it is nearly impossible these days to walk onto a cruise ship and get a free cruise cabin upgrade by inquiring with Guest Services at the port or soon after boarding the ship. But it may still be worth trying. There is a simple strategy you can use to increase your odds of getting an affirmative response from Guest Relations.

Simply wait until after leaving the first port of call before asking for a free room upgrade.

man working from a cruise ship after scoring a free balcony upgrade

Instead of being one of the hundreds of passengers queuing up at Guest Relations on the first day to address an issue or inquire about a free balcony upgrade, just be patient. You must understand that the guest relations desk is extremely busy on the first day of every cruise. They simply won’t have time to cater to your desire for free cruise cabin upgrades.

Even more importantly, cruises don’t really know their exact occupancy until after the first port of call. This is because of:

possible no-shows and
passengers who unexpectedly disembark early.

At embarkation, there are often prospective cruise passengers with delayed flights, illness, and other unfortunate circumstances who didn’t make it on the ship before it set sail. Sometimes these unlucky vacationers will try to fly to the ship’s first port to join the cruise. Or they may have decided to just abandon the cruise completely.

The ship won’t know what those prospective passengers ultimately chose to do until after leaving the first port. So their empty room will be held for them in the instance they were able to get a flight to join the ship at the first port.

Meanwhile, there may be other passengers who got on the cruise but had to disembark the ship at the first port due to medical issues, family emergencies, or other personal reasons.

These aforementioned circumstances all make for available staterooms that were not available on Day 1 of the cruise itinerary. So just wait until after leaving the first port of call before asking Guest Services if any free cabin upgrades on the cruise are available.

By waiting, there will be no line to wait in and your chances of actually scoring that balcony stateroom upgrade will be greatly improved. And because a day or two of the cruise has already ticked by, you likely won’t be charged for the cabin upgrade as you would on Day 1.

Whenever we inquire about a free cabin upgrade on a cruise, we always wait until after the first port .

And it works. We’ve been successful with this free balcony upgrade tactic three times. Most recently, on the Norwegian Bliss, we spent the first few nights in our small, inexpensive interior cabin. Then after we departed the beautiful Azore Islands, we simply asked Guest Relations if it would be possible to switch to a balcony cabin. Without any hesitation, he happily fulfilled our request and immediately showed us to our big new veranda stateroom located midship! No charge, no questions asked.

This method is still far from a sure thing, but it doesn’t hurt much to take five minutes out of your day to ask about this possibility. Remember to smile and be polite. You may even get to sail away from that first port in your upgraded balcony stateroom!

5) Why Book a “Guaranteed Stateroom” on a Cruise

Booking a guaranteed stateroom is a gamble. But it’s a gamble in which the cruiser has everything to gain and nothing to lose . When booking a guaranteed stateroom on a cruise you are “guaranteed” a room within the cabin designation you booked: inside, outside, balcony, or suite. By booking these staterooms you get the absolute lowest price for that category.

The gamble is that you could either end up in a very convenient location on the ship or find yourself in a less desirable cabin location like somewhere up in the bow or underneath a noisy area. Either way, you’ll be paying the lowest price. And since your specific cabin has not been assigned, there’s a small yet realistic chance of getting bumped up to a higher category. It’s happened to us!

During a Panama Canal Cruise on the Celebrity Infinity , we booked a cheap last-minute inside guaranteed cabin. We were instead assigned a big beautiful veranda stateroom on the Penthouse level. Really!

There was no congratulatory email (e.g., “You’ve been upgraded!”) When our stateroom was assigned, we simply noticed that it was a balcony rather than the interior room we booked. We were thrilled!

But this didn’t just happen to us. We spoke to a few other lucky cruisers on this voyage who reported the same circumstance.

It’s our theory that this is a pricing strategy that cruise lines use to fill the ship without publically lowering the value of their balcony staterooms. So go ahead and book that inside guaranteed room and you could get lucky. You can’t get any lower than an inside cabin, so you only stand to gain in this situation.

To try to seek out situations like this, look for cruises that have inside or outside guaranteed staterooms available but show no inventory of assigned rooms within those particular categories . This likely means that all of those interior and porthole rooms have been assigned, which means you may actually get an elusive upgrade when it comes to assigning your specific cabin.

It can be a time-consuming task to sleuth out by clicking through several cruise listings and pretending to go through the purchase process to see their cabin inventory. But your thorough detective work may pay off in the form of a free balcony upgrade.

However, if using this tactic, just be sure that you are still comfortable with the stateroom category you book because it is still not a sure thing that you’ll get the free balcony upgrade. An upgrade may go to someone else in an assigned cabin, and then you’ll be assigned to the cabin that received the upgrade. But don’t lose hope. It is possible and we’re living proof of that.

6) Complain If You Have a Legitimate Reason

If you have a legitimate complaint, particularly with your cabin, it doesn’t hurt to see how the cruise may be able to help make up for the issue .

During a Carnival cruise, we had friends who unbeknownst to them were assigned a stateroom adjacent to the ship’s lively nightclub. After the DJ provided for a few sleepless nights on the fun ship, the passengers kindly addressed the issue with Guest Relations.

To help compensate for their misfortune, Guest Relations gave them a free cruise cabin upgrade to a suite with a balcony, that was far away from the thumping nightclub. Undoubtedly, they slept better.

A towel animal sits on the bed that we show how to get a free balcony upgrade on a cruise ship

Note: we do not condone or recommend coming up with false complaints to try to better your cruise stateroom situation. We were once at the Guest Relations desk and overheard a crabby lady who was making a huge stink about a little bit of dust on the top of her phone and some other very petty issues. It felt like she was trying to find complaints to get some sort of compensation for free. She was grasping at straws and being very rude about it. Don’t be that person.

But if you do have a genuine issue, be sure to address the problem. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you unexpectedly find your cabin to be in a noisy position. You could get a free upgrade to a balcony. Be kind and polite when explaining the issue to Guest Relations.

7) Celebrate Something!

Celebrating getting a free balcony upgrade on a cruise ship - Celebrity

Are you cruising as part of a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or something else special? Sometimes there’s a place for you to mention this when filling out the online check-in forms. Or perhaps just work it into conversation with a crew member. They’re always looking for ways to make passengers happy.

Although we’ve scored some choice tables in the main dining room using this method, we have never been successful at getting a free balcony upgrade on a cruise by name-dropping a celebration. Yet it’s not completely unheard of. You’ve got nothin’ to lose. So go ahead and put on that party hat – celebrate that special occasion and be sure to let the entire ship know! 😉

8) Apply Onboard Credit Toward a Balcony Upgrade

Many cruises have been generous lately in offering substantial sums of onboard credits during promotional cruise sales. Unfortunately, you cannot use that onboard credit to apply toward an upgrade before you set sail. But once you’re on the ship, onboard credit is fair game to use on a stateroom upgrade .

So if you have a large sum of onboard credit that you may not spend during your cruise, it’s worthwhile to inquire with guest relations how much a balcony upgrade would cost. Be clear in letting Guest Relations personnel know you’re willing to pay for the cruise cabin upgrade, even though you’ll ultimately be applying your free onboard credit to do so.

If there are balcony staterooms available, this upgrade while already on the ship may come at a reduced cost than what the difference was before the sailing. And now onboard the ship, your onboard credit absolutely can be applied to this upgrade. So if your onboard credit can cover the cost of the balcony upgrade, go for it! You will have just gone a roundabout way at nabbing a free balcony upgrade!

Score Onboard Credit during Your Cruise to Apply Toward a Balcony Upgrade

If you don’t have enough onboard credit to apply towards an upgrade, you can usually take advantage of a generous onboard credit offer for your current cruise by simply booking another cruise while on the ship.

For those who aren’t sure what future cruise or dates you may want to go on, just book a cruise at a date far enough out since you can always change it to something else later without penalty.

You will likely need to put down a deposit to capitalize on this free onboard credit. Yet if you’re planning to take another cruise on the same cruise line, sometime in the future – booking a cruise while on the ship is an excellent workaround to score onboard credit that you can then possibly turn into a free stateroom upgrade.

9) Increase Your Odds of a Free Cruise Cabin Upgrade

To achieve a free cruise cabin upgrade, you’ll need a bit of luck. But there are a few factors you can look for when booking a cruise that may increase your chances of actually landing the elusive balcony upgrade.

Book an outside cabin – You may have a greater chance of getting a free balcony upgrade on a cruise by booking an outside cabin. Going from an interior stateroom to a balcony is a double upgrade. If balcony upgrades are available, chances are that outside staterooms will be considered for an upgrade before an interior cabin. Plus, if you really want to have a balcony that bad, ensuring that you’ll at least have a window is a decent consolation.
Book unpopular itineraries & dates : Less attractive dates for cruising will likely have a higher number of unoccupied balcony staterooms, which will certainly increase your chances. Book cruises when kids are in school and a week or two before or after major holidays. Also, oft-snubbed routes like repositioning cruises , which contain a higher number of sea days, tend to have a much higher chance of getting the upgrade. The low price of the repositioning cruise itself is an indication that there are many unsold rooms still available. We’ve been most successful with free balcony upgrades on repositioning cruises. (Read more about repo cruises here: Repositioning Cruises: Your Ultimate Guide to Cruising One-Way .)
Book a ship with more balconies – Many of the newest megaships are going balcony crazy with a very high percentage of their cabin inventory consisting of balcony staterooms. These ships with higher balcony ratios simply have a greater number of balconies to fill. Hence a balcony upgrade can be more likely.
Be loyal – Loyalty tends to pay off in dividends when cruising. If a certain category of staterooms is full, a cruise line may just decide to reward some of their more frequent passengers rather than a complete newbie. While we certainly wouldn’t recommend being loyal to a cruise line for this reason, it could be helpful to know that you may be at the top of the pecking order. Also, always be sure to join the cruise line’s loyalty program even if it’s your first time. It costs nothing and you get rewarded with benefits.

rainbow as seen from the balcony cabin of our cruise stateroom

10) Get Lucky!

When it comes to cruise cabin upgrades, sometimes you just need some luck on your side.

Once, a few days into a Royal Caribbean transatlantic cruise, we received a phone call notifying us that there was an electrical repair that needed to be made to the lighting of our inside stateroom. For the trouble of asking us to change rooms, they reassigned us to a complimentary balcony stateroom.

We almost couldn’t believe it. Without even trying, we had just got completely lucky and scored a free balcony upgrade!

Every once in a while, luck may just be on your side for a free balcony upgrade on a cruise. Don’t count on this to happen, but know that strange instances like a repair issue are possible. Are you feeling lucky?

Towel animal on bed of free balcony upgrade cabin on Norwegian Bliss

Bonus Tip) Bid on a Stateroom Upgrade Before Your Cruise

Most major cruise lines have begun offering a silent bidding process to allow cruise passengers to make an offer to upgrade their stateroom in the month leading up to their cruise embarkation day.

If your specific cruise is eligible for an upgrade, you will typically get emailed within 30-60 days of your sailing. You can then put in a bid for how much you’re willing to spend to get upgraded to your desired room. Don’t worry, you only pay if your bid is accepted.

Select the minimum bid if that’s within an affordable amount for you. Selecting a higher amount will increase the chances of your bid being accepted. But you’re paying for it, so only bid what you can afford and what it’s worth to you.

baby enjoying a free balcony room upgrade on a cruise ship

Pro tip : use a cruise booking website to do a mock booking simply to see the availability of balcony staterooms on your exact sailing. If there are loads of balcony cabins left, bidding the minimum amount could likely prove to be a winning bid. You stand a good chance of scoring a great deal by bidding the minimum amount allowed. But if you see that your sailing is nearly booked full, then you may want to consider bidding higher than the minimum amount.

While these cruise room upgrades by bidding aren’t free, they can prove to be excellent value if a minimum bid is accepted. You can ultimately get these paid upgrades for free by using credit card points, as we outlined in tip #3.

Here is a list of how to make a paid upgrade for each of the major cruise lines:

Carnival – no upgrade bidding program but you can purchase a cabin upgrade ( more info )
Celebrity MoveUp – bid on an upgrade within 30 days of the cruise ( official info )
Disney – no bidding program but you can pay for upgrades before you sail ( official info )
Holland America – no bidding program but HAL has been known to email upgrade offers as an upsell
Norwegian Upgrade Advantage Program – bid on an upgrade ( program FAQs and full terms )
Princess Upgrade – bid on an upgrade ( official info )
MSC Bid Upgrade Program – bid on an upgrade
Royal Caribbean RoyalUp – bid of an upgrade ( official info )

Recap: How to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade on a Cruise

The free cruise upgrade tips we’ve listed have worked for us or we’ve witnessed firsthand. So give them a try! With a little effort combined with a fair amount of luck, you may be sailing away with the wind in your face on a beautiful veranda stateroom. Keep an eye out for dolphins!

We wish you the best of luck in your search for a free cruise cabin upgrade and hope one of these methods may work out to get you out of that small inside cabin and into that sought-after balcony stateroom.

If it’s worked for you or you have your own tips to get a free balcony upgrade on a cruise, do let us know in the comments below.

10 proven tactics of how to get a free balcony upgrade on a cruise ship with examples on free cabin upgrades on many major cruise lines!

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Publishing note: this article on How to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade on a Cruise was last updated November 2023.

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November 21, 2023 at 1:37 PM

I booked a solo room – ocean view, friends booked a balcony (a huge price difference with Regent). When I checked in I noticed this cabin number was different than the number on my itinerary. Regent had upgraded me to a balcony beside my travelling companions. What a treat. I am now a loyal Regent guest.

December 11, 2019 at 12:07 AM

Sometimes you just have to be lucky(note also a VIP member), only second cruise – Carnival Spirit, booked Balcony Quad 12mths out from date, 2 weeks before, upgraded to Ocean Suite Quad, 1 week before upgraded to Grand Suite…

November 18, 2019 at 1:41 PM

Even though our cruise was already paid in full, I called my travel agent to let her know that I noticed that balcony rooms were now cheaper than what we had paid for our oceanview room. She said she didn’t think we could upgrade, but she would call. They upgraded us to a balcony room at no extra cost with no issue! Thanks for all these tips!

September 30, 2019 at 1:26 PM

Thank you for the great information. We just got off of Norwegian for the first time and loved it. We’re looking into booking another Norwegian next year for Europe. Any advice? Should we book early or do you think we should wait?

October 3, 2019 at 11:57 PM

Booking early or waiting simply depends on so many factors. Typically it can be best to book as early as possible to secure a good rate on a cruise you really want to take. Then, if prices do drop, you can either upgrade or rebook, so long as it’s before the cancellation period. Waiting until last minute can be a good strategy for cheap last minute rates only under a special set of circumstances (it’s low season in the area, you live near the cruise port or can get there inexpensively, you don’t have a preference on the ship/itinerary, you won’t be disappointed if prices do rise).

September 12, 2019 at 4:27 PM

Wow this is awesome advice. I recently booked a cruise with carnival and its a surprise for my wife for our anniversary and if I can get a free room upgrade it will make it that much better 🙂

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences and what has worked for you guys!

September 1, 2019 at 3:55 AM

what is the latest you guys have booked a cruise? I am stalking the celebrity millennium for oct 12 of this year and having trouble deciding when to pull the trigger! thanks!

September 7, 2019 at 9:54 PM

We’re on the Millennium right now actually, heading over Japan! 🙂 It’s always a gamble on pulling the trigger. Sometimes it’s really tough to be able to predict what prices are going to do. It all comes down to supply and demand of that particular sailing. Probably that latest we’ve done so is 3-4 weeks out. Usually, we book 1-3 months in advance.

February 10, 2023 at 9:44 PM

that was interesting, when my mum book a cruise of pacific encounter for 7th june this year, i found a deal 2 people pay + 2 free deal and immedately told mum to check this deal out and we giot it booked and save $900 which is what we want, paid half the fares and still waiting for the cabin number, is this a good chance we may have an upgraded cabin later on?

June 1, 2019 at 2:40 PM

We were scheduled on Oceana for a cruise in the Carribean. We were notified if we change the dates, and the ship we would have a penthouse withy a butler. And we did!!!!!!

June 2, 2019 at 5:21 PM

That’s awesome! That would be a tough offer to refuse. 🙂 Interesting to hear about that. It sounds like they may have oversold that itinerary, so gave an enticing upgrade offer to switch dates. Enjoy your penthouse with butler – woohoo!

April 29, 2019 at 1:46 PM

In your experience have you been offered upgraded rooms even if you book through an agent or do you have to book through the cruise line?

May 4, 2019 at 5:00 PM

We usually tend to book with a third-party agent simply because we’ve found they tend to be able to offer better deals and perks. And we have indeed received when doing so. Am unaware that booking direct could potentially increase the odds of an upgrade.

August 9, 2019 at 8:39 AM

How do you find a reputable third-party agent? Thanks.

August 13, 2019 at 12:14 PM

We often book cruises online using websites like CruiseDirect and Priceline (both reputable and trustworthy). VacationsToGo is another site we use, but ultimately to book over the phone. Having a good local travel agent can also be a good third-party to use.

December 1, 2018 at 2:05 AM

Your advice and explanations were very clear and made sense. Thank you

September 22, 2018 at 9:04 PM

Loyalty really does work. We got a call 3 days ago offering us a free balcony stateroom upgrade from an inside cabin. We sail tomorrow. Carnival is great for offering upgrades once they recognize your loyalty.

September 25, 2018 at 2:21 PM

Woohoo! Love it when travel brands reward their loyal customers. Good on Carnival for doing so! That’s pretty amazing to be able to go from an interior to a balcony. Enjoy your upcoming cruise and those ocean breezes from your veranda! 🙂

September 13, 2018 at 1:49 AM

Those balcony are looking wonderful! I try it very soon. What a delightful post!. I appreciate your work and your trying to give me better articles. Excellent explanation all point like an expert writer. You figure out a real story. That’s an awesome work i get from you.

September 11, 2018 at 6:00 AM

thank you,your advice seem very practical and i will try those that match our needs.

July 23, 2018 at 1:09 AM

We got lucky ….in April 2018 , we booked balcony with Royal Caribbean cruise for July 8th and paid all at once … three days before the cruise we got upgraded to junior suite. It was awesome and so glad we did guaranteed cabin. It was worth it doing it. Love the trip and the room was amazing and big.

July 25, 2018 at 5:14 PM

That’s awesome! Love booking guarenteed cabins – there’s really not much of a downside. Amazing you got upgraded to a suite. We’ve yet to pull off a suite upgrade ourselves, but hopefully one day! Glad to hear you got lucky – what a great surprise!

June 24, 2018 at 3:27 AM

It works quite well for me

April 14, 2017 at 12:24 AM

We booked a last minute cruise in an inside stateroom. Since it was in the front of the ship it had a window with an obstructed view. The day before the cruise they upgraded us to a balcony room. It turns out that our original booking was a handicapped accessible room and they needed it for a person in a wheelchair.

April 17, 2017 at 6:15 PM

Hey Mary, thanks for the comment and sharing your good fortune with the room upgrade!

January 25, 2016 at 5:33 PM

Just to let you know that we booked a cruise on QE2 in the lowest category in November 2014. In July 2015 we found that a firm was advertising the same cruise at about £1000 less per person. On approaching Cunard we were offered an upgrade to Premium. As we could find no details of this grade, we emailed Cunard to be informed that there was no difference but it may be on a different deck! We were shocked and cancelled losing a deposit of £700.

January 27, 2016 at 3:43 PM

Ouch! We’re sorry to hear about that experience. Like airfare, cruise prices always fluctuate. It can be a gamble at knowing when to buy. Sometimes prices go up, sometimes they drop. To make matters more complicated, often times agencies will sell cruises at different rates than the cruise lines themselves. Because of this, we always recommend checking at least 6 or more agencies for pricing and always be familiar with cancelation policies before booking. Many cruise lines will allow you to cancel within 60-90 with no penalty at all. Therefore if you do find a better deal, you can book it with no penalty. It sounds like the Queen Mary’s policy wasn’t as kind with their policy. Am sorry to hear that, as that can always be an unsettling feeling.

We wrote a detailed post with our strategies for booking low-price cruise that you may find helpful. It’s tailored to repositioning cruises but you can apply the strategies to any cruises, really. http://www.roamingaroundtheworld.com/how-to-get-a-repositioning-cruise-deal-for-less-than-50-per-day/

November 9, 2015 at 11:54 AM

Those are some SICK balconies! You two and you cruises….

How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade

A real score for cruise passengers is a free or cheap cabin upgrade. Just like with airline seats, you can't count on an upgrade — but it sure feels great when it happens. Several methods will help improve your chances of landing in better cruise ship accommodations.

Before I get into details, let's start with some facts: On a typical ship, the basic categories of cruise rooms are inside (no view), outside (with window or porthole), balcony, minisuite and suite. It's rare to get more than a one-category upgrade, so don't think you can book an inside cabin and wind up in a fancy suite. More common is that you might find an upgrade to a better inside cabin . Make sure you have realistic expectations.

Your best course is always to book the nicest cabin you can afford. Here are some tricks to scoring a free or discounted cruise ship cabin upgrade and landing better cruise rooms without breaking the bank.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Look for an upgrade sale

Cruise line sales are the easiest way to score cheap or free upgraded accommodations. Various mass-market brands will run periodic promotions, especially during the fall and winter "wave season" sale periods. You might also see discounted upgrades offered on cruises during shoulder seasons, such as immediately after children return to school in the fall.

Free or discounted promotions encourage upgrades from inside cabins to ocean views and from ocean views to balconies. One tactic during these sales is to list outside and balcony cabins at the same price. If you can't find a deal on moving up a category, you might see a free upgrade to a bigger or better-located cabin within the category you originally planned to book. (Even within categories, the sizes and prices of cabins vary.)

Book a 'guarantee' cabin

When you book a cruise, you typically choose a cabin in your desired location. With a "guarantee" cabin , you leave it up to the cruise line to assign you accommodations either in the category you booked or a better one. The bet is that your category will sell out, and the cruise line will have to move you up for free — say, from an outside to a balcony cabin.

In the worst-case scenario, you end up in the category you booked; in the best case, you get your dream cabin. There is a catch, though. Since you still can't choose your specific cabin, you could end up in a noisy or otherwise undesirable area of the ship — even if the room is technically an upgrade from what you booked. For example, that great view you think you snagged may end up being blocked by lifeboats.

Related: Why it pays to upgrade your cabin

Join a loyalty program

Cruise lines naturally give upgrade preferences to frequent cruisers who are members of their loyalty programs . It's easy to join. In fact, you might be a member without even knowing it if your name was added to a cruise line's email and mailing list after your first cruise with the brand.

As a loyalty program member, look out for promotional deals you'll receive. Targeted emails and newsletters will alert you to members-only discounts or offers or inform you about upgrades before nonmembers get word. The cruise line might also send you invitations to bid for upgrades or offer discounted upgrades on cruises you've already booked.

Additionally, you can rack up points for perks that might eventually include free or discounted upgrades. For instance, if you reach the top Diamond status with Carnival Cruise Line's Very Important Fun Person loyalty program , you get a one-time free cabin upgrade.

Work with an experienced cruise travel agent

Travel agents, especially those who do a lot of business with a particular cruise line, have a certain amount of pull. Your agent might be able to snag you an upgrade by contacting the cruise line and asking for a favor. You might not know you have been upgraded until you get to the ship, as it will be based on whether or not cabins are available at the last minute.

Related: 5 reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade

Your travel adviser can also steer you toward specific cruise lines or sailings where you stand a better chance of an upgrade. Also, your agency could have access to special group rates, meaning you'll pay a discounted price for that upgraded cabin you desire.

Bid for an upgrade

A few years ago, Norwegian Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean , Celebrity Cruises and MSC Cruises were among the cruise lines that took a page from international airlines (such as Qantas and Aer Lingus) and began offering bidding programs for upgrades. Luxury river cruise line Uniworld also offers bidding.

These online programs are basically silent auctions that only select cruisers (preference is given to loyalty club members) are invited to join. The cruise line sets a minimum bid, and you can go up in price from there.

Your chance of an upgrade might be based on luck, skill or both. The advice from successful bidders is to go up from the minimum, but how much is a personal choice. Some people snag better accommodations for less than $20, some for $100 or more. You don't pay anything unless your bid is accepted.

Ask once on board

The hotel director on any cruise ship has a certain amount of discretion in moving guests to different cabins. Being bold enough to ask for an upgrade once you are on the ship could pay off.

To try your luck, you'll want to ask about an upgrade at guest services. Since the crew there will spend embarkation day fielding many questions and complaints from grumpy, travel-weary cruisers, your best bet may be to head to your assigned cabin. Then, wait until the second day of your cruise to ask for an upgrade.

Put on a big smile, be super friendly and ask if there is any chance a better cabin is available. If they don't offer you an upgrade for free, you might suggest you are willing to pay a small fee.

Related: 6 reasons you'll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

Mention your special occasion

If you're celebrating a special occasion — such as a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon — on board, the cruise line or your travel agent can find ways to fete you, including by upgrading your cabin.

When you book your cruise, note in your reservation (or remind your travel agent to note) that you're celebrating a special event in your life. Whether you are a loyal customer or a first-timer that the cruise line hopes will become a repeat cruiser, you might be rewarded with an upgrade.

This sort of upgrade would typically be a "surprise" that occurs when you check in at the pier, so you can't plan for it in advance. It never hurts to remind the staff how excited you are to be celebrating on the ship and ask if there is any chance for an upgrade.

Which cruise cabin should you choose? Learn more here:

The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
5 best cruise ship suites
Which cruise ship cabin category should your family book?
Why you should splurge for a suite on your next cruise
Advantages to booking an inside cruise cabin
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly

Cruise Lines

How to get a free room upgrade on carnival cruise.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Look for promotional offers and special deals
Be polite and persistent when negotiating
Consider booking a lower category room and negotiate room rates for an upgrade
Take advantage of last-minute upgrade offers

Choose the Right Time to Book

Join the Loyalty Program

Book a guarantee cabin, be flexible with your travel dates, consider upgrading at check-in.

Build a Relationship with the Cruise Line

Mention special occasions or celebrations, be polite and friendly to the staff, take advantage of last-minute upgrade offers, consider booking a higher category room from the start, frequently asked questions, can i book a guarantee cabin if i am traveling with a large group, how can i join the loyalty program if i haven’t sailed with carnival before, are there any specific special occasions or celebrations that i should mention to increase my chances of a free room upgrade, can i request a specific type of upgrade at check-in, or is it based solely on availability, is it possible to negotiate a free room upgrade if i have already booked a higher category room from the start.

With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

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Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform. With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

Viking Cruises’ Award-Winning Reputation

Setting the standard in luxury river and ocean cruises, consistent excellence: viking cruises’ best luxury river cruise company award, recognized for exceptional contributions to luxury travel, a culinary delight: viking cruises named best cruise line by food & wine, health and wellness: best river cruise line according to women’s health, celebrating 25 years of success and unprecedented performance, unprecedented growth: viking cruises’ expanding fleet, exploring the world in comfort with viking cruises, viking cruises: a driving force in the luxury travel industry, what are the similarities and differences between viking cruises and seabourn in the luxury travel industry, what are some of the other categories in which viking cruises received accolades in the 2023 cruisers choice awards by cruise critic, how many new ships has viking cruises added to its fleet since 2020, which rivers have viking cruises recently introduced new vessels on, how does viking cruises’ mission resonate with guests and experts in the luxury travel industry, where can i find the complete list of winners for the 2023 awards of excellence, wonder of the seas: a spectacular inaugural voyage.

An image capturing the awe-inspiring Wonder of the Seas inaugural voyage; showcasing the massive cruise ship majestically sailing through crystal-clear turquoise waters, surrounded by breathtaking coastal landscapes and a vibrant sunset sky

The Wonder of the Seas has a maximum guest capacity of 6,988 and is 1,188 feet long.
The ship’s inaugural cruise is a 7-day itinerary that includes stops at Labadee, Haiti and Coco Cay.
The first night of the cruise offers exciting activities and there are attractions on Deck 5 promenade and in the Boardwalk Neighborhood.
The ship features a Central Park on Deck 8 and a variety of dining options including the main dining room and Park Cafe.

The Impressive Size of Wonder of the Seas

Exciting 7 day inaugural cruise itinerary, explore the boardwalk neighborhood on deck 5.

Convenience and Delights of Deck 8

Overall experience of wonder of the seas.

High Energy and Entertainment

Thrilling adventures and activities, anticipation for ship review on porthole.com, what are the dining options available on wonder of the seas, can you provide more details about the aquatheater and the abyss dry slide in the boardwalk neighborhood, are there any specific activities or events planned for the first night of the inaugural cruise, what are the different stateroom categories available on deck 8, how does the embarkation process on wonder of the seas differ from other cruise ships, what insider secrets were revealed during the inaugural voyage of wonder of the seas, what’s included and not included in your cruise fare.

An image showcasing a cruise ship with a clear division

Cabin is included in the fare but amenities vary depending on cruise line and cabin type.
Buffet offers a wide selection of international dishes, while specialty restaurants come at an additional cost.
Free shows and entertainment are included, but paid activities such as go-karts and simulated skydiving are available for an extra charge.
Gratuities, spa treatments, and extra activities like go-karts and roller coasters are not included in the cruise fare and require separate payment.

Cabin and Accommodations

Food and Dining Options

Entertainment and activities.

Additional Charges and Gratuities

Extra activities and excursions, what is typically included in a cruise fare, are there any additional charges for using the gym on the cruise ship, are tender boats available for free during port visits, do specialty restaurants on the cruise ship require an extra charge, are spa treatments and services included in the cruise fare, are there any additional charges for activities like go-karts or simulated skydiving on the ship.

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Plan Your Trip

How To Get An Upgrade On Carnival Cruise

Published: December 16, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Loria Poore

Travel Guide
Travel Tips

Introduction

Welcome aboard the Carnival Cruise Line! If you’re dreaming of a memorable and luxurious vacation experience, you’re in the right place. Carnival Cruise Line offers an array of incredible itineraries, exciting activities, and top-notch amenities that will make your cruise journey truly special.

But what if you could take your Carnival cruise experience to the next level? Imagine savoring the perks of an upgraded cabin, enjoying extra space, breathtaking views, and exclusive privileges. Getting an upgrade on a Carnival cruise is indeed a possibility, and we’re here to guide you through the process.

In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to increase your chances of getting an upgrade on your Carnival cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Carnival enthusiast, these tips and tricks will help you navigate the upgrade process and elevate your cruise experience.

Before we dive into the strategies and tactics, it’s essential to understand the different cabin categories available on a Carnival cruise ship. Each category offers its own unique features and benefits, and knowing them will assist you in making an informed decision when booking your cruise.

So get ready to set sail on a journey towards that coveted upgrade. Sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the exciting world of Carnival cruise ship upgrades.

Planning Your Carnival Cruise

Planning is the key to a successful Carnival cruise, and it plays a crucial role in securing an upgrade. Start by considering your desired itinerary, the duration of your cruise, and the destinations you’d like to visit. Carnival offers a wide range of itineraries, from tropical escapes in the Caribbean to thrilling adventures in Alaska.

Once you have a destination in mind, think about the time of year you want to travel. Peak seasons, such as summer and holidays, tend to be more expensive and crowded. If you’re looking for a more affordable and less crowded experience, consider traveling during off-peak times.

Next, determine your budget for the cruise. Knowing your budget will help you narrow down the options and choose the right cabin category. Carnival offers a variety of cabins, ranging from interior cabins to spacious suites with balconies. Keep in mind that upgrading to a higher category will come with additional costs, so plan accordingly.

When booking your Carnival cruise, it’s best to book directly through the Carnival website or authorized travel agents. This ensures that you’ll have access to the most up-to-date information, promotions, and potential upgrade opportunities. Booking early also increases your chances of securing the cabin of your choice before it fills up.

During the planning process, it’s also worth considering any special events or celebrations taking place during your cruise. Carnival often offers special packages or perks for birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones. Taking advantage of these offers can enhance your cruise experience and potentially increase your chances of getting an upgrade.

Lastly, take the time to read reviews and research the different Carnival cruise ships. Each ship has its own unique features, amenities, and atmosphere. By choosing a ship that aligns with your preferences, you’ll set yourself up for a more enjoyable cruise experience overall.

Now that you have the foundation for your Carnival cruise, it’s time to dive deeper into understanding the various cabin categories and how to choose the right one for you.

Understanding Cruise Cabin Categories

When it comes to choosing a cabin on a Carnival cruise ship, it’s important to understand the different cabin categories available. Each category offers various features, sizes, and locations, catering to different preferences and budgets. Take a closer look at the most common cabin categories on Carnival cruises:

Interior Cabins: These cabins are located in the interior of the ship and do not have windows or balconies. They are generally the most affordable option and are perfect for those who prioritize value and are not concerned with having a view.
Oceanview Cabins: These cabins have large windows or portholes, allowing natural light to filter in and providing a view of the ocean. They are a step up from interior cabins and offer a middle ground between affordability and a view.
Balcony Cabins: Balcony cabins come with a private balcony where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean. They provide additional space and are perfect for those who want the luxury of an outdoor area to relax and take in the scenery.
Suite Cabins: Suites are the most spacious and luxurious cabins on Carnival cruises. They often include a separate living area, a private balcony, and additional perks such as priority embarkation, dedicated concierge service, and access to exclusive onboard amenities.

When choosing a cabin category, consider your preferences, budget, and how much time you plan on spending in your cabin during the cruise. If you’re the type of person who spends most of the day exploring the ship and participating in activities, an interior or oceanview cabin may be a suitable choice. However, if you crave privacy, extra space, and a view, a balcony cabin or suite might be worth the splurge.

It’s important to note that upgrading to a higher cabin category comes with an additional cost. The price difference between cabin categories can vary significantly, so it’s essential to weigh the benefits against your budget. Keep in mind that the availability of upgrades can also depend on the specific ship and sailing date.

Now that you have a better understanding of the different cabin categories, let’s explore some helpful tips for booking the right cabin for your Carnival cruise.

Tips for Booking the Right Cabin

Choosing the right cabin for your Carnival cruise can greatly enhance your overall experience. Here are some valuable tips to consider when booking your cabin:

Research the Ship’s Layout: Before making a decision, familiarize yourself with the layout of the specific Carnival ship you’ll be sailing on. Pay attention to the location of amenities, dining areas, and entertainment venues. This will help you choose a cabin that’s conveniently located near the areas you plan on frequenting the most.
Consider Motion and Noise: If you’re prone to motion sickness, opt for a cabin located in the middle of the ship where you’ll feel the least amount of movement. Additionally, avoid cabins near noisy areas such as elevators, pools, or nightclubs if you prefer a quieter environment for relaxation and sleep.
Weigh the View vs. Budget: A cabin with a view, such as an oceanview or balcony, can provide a more enjoyable experience, but it may come at a higher cost. Determine how important a view is to your cruise experience and balance it with your budget. Keep in mind that if you plan on spending most of your time exploring the ship or participating in activities, a view may not be as crucial.
Consider Cabin Size: Take into account the size of the cabin and how much space you’ll need during your cruise. If you’re traveling with family or prefer extra space, consider booking a larger cabin or even a suite. However, if you’re comfortable with a cozy space and plan on spending most of your time outside the cabin, an interior or smaller cabin may be sufficient.
Research Cabin Reviews: Reading reviews from previous guests can provide valuable insights into the pros and cons of specific cabins. Look for reviews that mention cabin location, noise levels, cleanliness, and any other factors important to you. This information can help you make an informed decision and avoid any potential issues.
Consult with a Travel Agent: If you’re unsure about which cabin category or specific cabin to choose, consider consulting with a knowledgeable travel agent who specializes in cruises. They can provide expert advice, answer your questions, and assist in finding the perfect cabin to suit your needs and preferences.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to book the right cabin for your Carnival cruise. Now that you have a solid understanding of the cabin categories and how to choose the ideal cabin, it’s time to delve into strategies for increasing your chances of getting an upgrade.

Strategies for Getting an Upgrade

Who doesn’t love the thought of getting a free upgrade on their Carnival cruise? While there are no guarantees, there are several strategies you can employ to increase your chances of snagging an upgrade. Here are some effective strategies to consider:

Book Early: Booking your Carnival cruise as early as possible can improve your odds of getting an upgrade. As cabins fill up, the chances of securing an upgrade diminish. By booking early, you’ll have a better chance of being considered for any available upgrades closer to your sail date.
Be Flexible: Flexibility is key when it comes to upgrades. If you’re open to different sail dates or destinations, you may have a higher chance of receiving an upgrade offer. Consider alternative dates or itineraries that have a higher likelihood of upgrade availability.
Travel During Off-Peak Times: Peak seasons and holidays tend to be busier and more expensive. By opting to travel during off-peak times, such as during the school year or outside of major holidays, you may have a better chance of scoring an upgrade. The lower demand during these times can lead to available upgrades.
Join Carnival’s Loyalty Program: Carnival Cruise Line offers a loyalty program known as the VIFP Club. As you cruise more frequently, you’ll move up in tiers, unlocking various perks, including potential upgrade opportunities. Being a loyal Carnival customer can increase your likelihood of receiving an upgrade.
Subscribe to Promotional Emails: Stay informed about any special offers, promotions, or upgrade deals by subscribing to Carnival’s promotional emails. They often provide exclusive discounts or upgrade opportunities for subscribers.
Upgrade on the Ship: Sometimes, the best chance for an upgrade comes when you’re already on the ship. Keep an eye out for any upgrade offers or announcements once you’re onboard. Carnival occasionally offers last-minute upgrade opportunities at discounted rates.
Build a Good Relationship: Be friendly and engaging with Carnival staff, such as customer service representatives or cruise directors. Building a good relationship with the cruise line can potentially increase your chances of being considered for an upgrade if there are available cabins.
Be Patient and Optimistic: Remember, getting an upgrade is not guaranteed, and availability can vary from sailing to sailing. Stay positive and maintain a patient mindset throughout the process. Even if you don’t secure an upgrade, focus on enjoying all the wonderful experiences and amenities your Carnival cruise offers.

While there are no surefire ways to guarantee an upgrade on your Carnival cruise, implementing these strategies can significantly increase your chances. Remember, upgrades are subject to availability, and it ultimately depends on various factors such as the ship’s occupancy and demand. Now let’s move on to the next section, where we’ll dive into how to research Carnival cruise ship upgrades.

Researching Carnival Cruise Ship Upgrades

Researching Carnival cruise ship upgrades is an essential step in the process of securing an upgrade. By being well-informed and knowledgeable about the available options, you can maximize your chances of getting that coveted upgrade. Here’s how you can research Carnival cruise ship upgrades:

Visit the Carnival Cruise Line Website: Start your research by visiting the official Carnival Cruise Line website. They provide comprehensive information about their fleet, including details on cabin categories, amenities, and upgrade options. Take the time to explore the website and familiarize yourself with the various ships and their offerings.
Read Online Reviews and Forums: Online travel forums and review sites can provide valuable insights from fellow cruisers who have experienced Carnival upgrades firsthand. Look for reviews and forums that specifically discuss upgrades, and pay attention to any tips or recommendations they offer.
Follow Carnival on Social Media: Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be a great resource for staying updated on Carnival’s latest promotions and potential upgrade opportunities. Follow Carnival’s official accounts and engage with their content to stay in the loop.
Reach out to Carnival Customer Service: If you have specific questions about upgrades, cabin availability, or any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Carnival’s customer service. They can provide you with up-to-date information and assist with any inquiries you may have.
Consult with Travel Agents: Travel agents who specialize in cruises can offer expert advice and assistance when it comes to researching upgrades. They have access to the latest information, promotions, and potential upgrade opportunities. Consider consulting with a travel agent to get personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences.
Stay Updated on Carnival’s Promotions: Carnival regularly offers promotions and special deals, including upgrade offers. Keep a close eye on their website, social media, and promotional emails to stay informed about any potential upgrade opportunities. Being aware of current promotions can greatly increase your chances of securing an upgrade.

By conducting thorough research and staying informed about Carnival cruise ship upgrades, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the upgrade process. Remember to gather as much information as possible, ask questions, and keep an open mind. Now, let’s move on to the next section, where we’ll discuss the timing of your booking and its impact on potential upgrades.

Booking at the Right Time

Timing is crucial when it comes to booking your Carnival cruise, especially if you’re hoping to secure an upgrade. Booking at the right time can significantly increase your chances of getting that coveted upgrade. Here are some tips on timing your booking for the best possible outcome:

Book Early: Booking your Carnival cruise as early as possible is advantageous for multiple reasons. First, it gives you a wider selection of available cabins to choose from. Second, it increases your chances of securing an upgrade before the ship fills up. Carnival often reserves a certain number of cabins for potential upgrades, and booking early gives you access to this inventory.
Consider Last-Minute Deals: On the flip side, if you’re flexible with your travel plans, you can also take advantage of last-minute deals. Carnival sometimes offers discounted rates and upgrade opportunities closer to the sail date as they try to fill remaining cabins. Keep an eye on their website and promotional emails for any last-minute offers that may work in your favor.
Avoid Peak Booking Periods: Certain times of the year, such as summer, school holidays, and major holidays, tend to be busier and more expensive. During these peak periods, demand is high, and available upgrades may be limited. If you can, try to avoid booking during these periods to increase your chances of securing an upgrade.
Consider Shoulder Seasons: Shoulder seasons, which are the periods just before or after peak seasons, can offer a sweet spot for booking. Prices tend to be more affordable, crowds are smaller, and upgrade availability may be higher. Look for cruise dates that fall during these shoulder seasons for a better chance at scoring an upgrade.
Monitor Promotions and Sales: Keep a close eye on Carnival’s website, social media platforms, and promotional emails for any special offers or sales. Carnival often runs promotions that include upgrade incentives or discounted rates on higher cabin categories. Being aware of these promotions and booking during the promotional period can increase your chances of securing an upgrade.
Reach out to Travel Agents: Travel agents who specialize in cruises can be a valuable resource when it comes to timing your booking for an upgrade. They have insights into the cruise industry and can provide guidance on the best time to book to maximize your chances of getting an upgrade. Consult with a travel agent who can assist you in finding the ideal timing for your booking.

By considering the timing of your booking, you can align yourself with the best opportunities for securing a desirable upgrade. Whether you choose to book early, take advantage of last-minute deals, or target shoulder seasons, being strategic with your timing can greatly enhance your chances of upgrading your Carnival cruise experience. Now, let’s explore the importance of loyalty programs and how they can impact your chances of receiving an upgrade.

Loyalty Programs and Benefits

Being a member of Carnival Cruise Line’s loyalty program, the VIFP Club, can offer numerous benefits and potentially increase your chances of receiving an upgrade. Loyalty programs reward repeat cruisers and offer special perks and privileges. Here’s how Carnival’s loyalty program works and how it can enhance your cruising experience:

Joining the VIFP Club: To become a member of the VIFP Club, simply sign up on the Carnival Cruise Line website. The program has different tiers, ranging from Blue to Diamond, with each tier offering its own set of benefits and rewards.

Member Benefits: Even as a new member, you’ll enjoy perks such as dedicated check-in lines, exclusive member offers, and access to pre-sale deals. As you cruise more frequently and move up in tiers, your benefits will increase and may include priority embarkation, complimentary spa treatments, and even a free Carnival Cruise.

Potential Upgrade Opportunities: One of the greatest advantages of being a VIFP Club member is the possibility of receiving upgrade offers. Carnival often reserves a certain number of cabins for upgrades, and loyal members are given priority consideration. This means that as you progress through the tiers, your chances of receiving an upgrade increase.

Other Exclusive Benefits: In addition to potential upgrades, loyalty program members may also enjoy exclusive access to special events, dedicated lounges, and members-only discounts. These added benefits enhance the overall cruise experience and reward your loyalty to Carnival.

Building Loyalty and Earning Points: To move up in tiers and unlock more benefits, it’s essential to continue cruising with Carnival. Each cruise earns you VIFP points, and the more points you accumulate, the higher your tier status becomes. Consider booking future cruises with Carnival to earn points and increase your loyalty program benefits.

Maximizing Loyalty Benefits: To maximize your loyalty program benefits and increase your chances of an upgrade, it’s important to book directly with Carnival or a travel agent affiliated with Carnival. This ensures that your loyalty status is recognized, and you receive the appropriate benefits and consideration for potential upgrades.

Remember, Upgrade Not Guaranteed: It’s important to note that while being a member of the VIFP Club can increase your chances of receiving an upgrade, it does not guarantee one. Upgrade availability is subject to various factors such as ship occupancy and demand.

By joining Carnival’s loyalty program and leveraging your loyalty status, you not only enjoy exclusive benefits and perks, but you also increase your chances of receiving that coveted upgrade. Now let’s explore how building a good relationship with Carnival Cruise Line can further enhance your opportunities.

Building a Good Relationship with Carnival Cruise

Building a good relationship with Carnival Cruise Line can be instrumental in enhancing your opportunities for upgrades and receiving personalized attention during your cruise. Here are some effective ways to cultivate a positive relationship with Carnival:

Be Friendly and Engaging: Interact with Carnival’s staff with a friendly and positive attitude. Smile, say hello, and engage in conversations. Building a good rapport with the crew can lead to a more enjoyable experience and potentially increase your chances of receiving special treatment or upgrades.
Participate in Onboard Activities: Take advantage of the various activities and events offered onboard. Participating in activities not only adds to your cruise experience but also provides opportunities to connect with fellow cruisers and Carnival staff. By getting involved, you create memorable moments and leave a positive impression.
Provide Feedback After Your Cruise: After your cruise, take the time to provide feedback to Carnival. Whether through post-cruise surveys or reviews, sharing your experiences and suggestions helps Carnival continuously improve their services. It also demonstrates your engagement as a valued customer.
Join Carnival’s Social Media Communities: Follow Carnival on social media platforms to stay connected and engaged. Join their online communities, participate in discussions, and share your cruise experiences. By being an active member, you showcase your enthusiasm for Carnival and may receive special offers or opportunities as a result.
Recognize Outstanding Crew Members: If you encounter exceptional service from a Carnival crew member during your cruise, acknowledge their efforts. The crew members work hard to make your experience memorable, and showing gratitude can go a long way. Consider writing a note of appreciation or mentioning their name in post-cruise feedback to recognize their exceptional service.
Attend Carnival’s Latitudes Party: Carnival frequently organizes a party for loyal guests, known as the Latitudes Party. This exclusive event allows you to mingle with other loyal guests and Carnival staff, creating opportunities for personal connections. Attending the party shows your loyalty and interest in building a relationship with the cruise line.
Consider Booking Future Cruises with Carnival: Booking future cruises directly with Carnival shows your commitment and loyalty to the cruise line. As a repeat customer, you may receive special incentives and benefits, including potential upgrade opportunities. Consider becoming a frequent cruiser to strengthen your relationship with Carnival.

Remember, building a good relationship with Carnival is about genuine interactions and being an engaged member of the cruising community. By following these tips and creating positive experiences, you increase your chances of receiving personal attention, potential upgrades, and an overall enhanced cruise experience. Now, let’s explore how to take advantage of special offers and promotions to secure an upgrade.

Taking Advantage of Special Offers and Promotions

Carnival Cruise Line regularly offers special promotions and deals that can provide opportunities for upgrades and savings. Here are some tips on how to take advantage of these special offers and promotions:

Subscribe to Carnival’s Promotional Emails: Signing up for Carnival’s promotional emails is a great way to stay informed about their latest offers, including upgrade deals. These emails provide exclusive access to discounts, promotions, and potential upgrade opportunities. Keep an eye on your inbox and take advantage of any relevant offers that align with your preferences and budget.
Monitor Carnival’s Website: Check Carnival’s website regularly for any ongoing promotions or special offers. They often have dedicated sections on their website where you can find the latest deals and promotions. By staying updated, you’ll be one step ahead and won’t miss out on any potential upgrade opportunities.
Follow Carnival on Social Media: Carnival frequently uses social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to announce special promotions and deals. By following their official accounts, you’ll be among the first to know about any limited-time offers or upgrade incentives. Engage with their content, share posts, and turn on notifications to ensure you don’t miss out.
Consider Flexible Itineraries: Keep an open mind when booking your Carnival cruise and consider flexible itineraries. Carnival sometimes offers special promotions or discounted rates for specific destinations or cruise lengths. By being open to different options, you increase your chances of finding a great deal or upgrade opportunity that fits your preferences.
Book during Wave Season: Wave Season, which typically runs from January to March, is a period known for special promotions and incentives in the cruise industry. During this time, Carnival and other cruise lines offer attractive deals, including potential upgrades. Booking your Carnival cruise during Wave Season may give you access to exclusive offers and more upgrade possibilities.
Take Advantage of Future Cruise Credits: If you have any future cruise credits with Carnival, make sure to utilize them when booking your next cruise. Future cruise credits can often be combined with current promotions or offers, giving you a chance to secure upgrades or additional perks while saving money.
Consult with a Travel Agent: Travel agents who specialize in cruises are well-versed in navigating special offers and promotions. They have access to updated information and can help you find the best deals and potential upgrade opportunities. Consider consulting with a travel agent to ensure you’re capitalizing on any current promotions.

By staying tuned in to Carnival’s promotions, being flexible with your itineraries, and utilizing the guidance of travel agents, you can increase your likelihood of securing an upgrade or finding a great deal on your Carnival cruise. Keep a lookout for special offers and promotions to take your cruise experience to the next level. Now let’s move on to the next section, where we’ll discuss how to make an upgrade request with Carnival Cruise Line.

Making the Upgrade Request

If you’re eager to secure an upgrade on your Carnival cruise, it’s worth trying to make a formal upgrade request. Although upgrade requests are not guaranteed, following these steps can increase your chances of receiving an upgrade:

Contact Carnival Customer Service: Reach out to Carnival’s customer service department to inquire about the possibility of an upgrade. They can provide you with information about any current upgrade promotions or availability. Call their customer service line or utilize their online chat feature to connect with a representative.
Explain Your Reasoning: When making an upgrade request, explain why you’re interested in an upgrade. Highlight special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries, that you’re celebrating during the cruise. Emphasize how an upgraded cabin would enhance your experience and create lasting memories.
Be Polite and Respectful: Approach your upgrade request with politeness and respect. Remember that upgrades are based on availability and at the discretion of Carnival. Being gracious and understanding can leave a positive impression and potentially increase your chances of a favorable response.
Be Flexible with Your Budget: If you’re making an upgrade request, be prepared to pay the difference in price between your current cabin and the desired upgraded cabin. Having a flexible budget increases the likelihood of securing an upgrade since Carnival might prioritize those willing to pay the additional cost.
Consider Upgrades at Check-In: When you arrive for check-in at the port, inquire about upgrade availability. Sometimes, last-minute upgrades become available due to cancellations or no-shows. By expressing your interest in an upgrade during check-in, you may be considered for any available upgrades.
Utilize the Honeymoon and Special Occasions Desk: If you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or other special occasion, visit the Honeymoon and Special Occasions Desk once onboard. They can provide information on potential upgrades, special amenities, and services to enhance your celebration.

Remember, making an upgrade request does not guarantee an upgrade, as availability and demand vary. However, by reaching out to Carnival’s customer service, explaining your reasoning, and being flexible with your budget, you optimize your chances of securing an upgrade. Now, let’s explore opportunities for onboard upgrades during your Carnival cruise.

Utilizing Onboard Upgrade Opportunities

While securing an upgrade before your Carnival cruise is ideal, there are still opportunities for upgrades once you’re onboard. Here are some ways to make the most of onboard upgrade opportunities:

Keep an Eye on the Fun Times Newsletter: The Fun Times newsletter, provided daily onboard, contains valuable information about activities and announcements. Pay attention to any mentions of onboard upgrade opportunities or promotions. These can sometimes include discounted offers or cabin upgrades.
Visit the Guest Services Desk: Stop by the Guest Services Desk to inquire about any available upgrades during your cruise. They can provide information on any last-minute upgrade opportunities, subject to availability. Be sure to ask early in your cruise to have the best chances of securing an upgrade.
Be Flexible with Cabins: If you’re open to moving to a different cabin, you may have a higher chance of getting an onboard upgrade. Let the Guest Services Desk know that you’re willing to switch cabins if an upgrade becomes available. Having this flexibility increases your chances of being considered for any open upgraded cabins.
Upsell Offers: Carnival sometimes offers upsell offers during the cruise, providing opportunities to upgrade at a discounted rate. These offers can be presented at the Guest Services Desk or in your stateroom. Keep an eye out for any upsell opportunities and consider taking advantage of them if it aligns with your preferences and budget.
Participate in Raffles or Contests: Throughout your cruise, Carnival may hold raffles or contests where the prize includes an upgraded cabin. Participate in these activities to increase your chances of winning an upgrade. While not guaranteed, it’s a fun and engaging way to potentially score a free upgrade.
Upgrade at the Spa: Carnival spa facilities often offer upgrade opportunities for treatments. If you’re interested in a spa treatment, inquire about any available upgrades to higher-tier treatments or a more exclusive spa experience. Combining a relaxing spa treatment with a cabin upgrade can create a truly indulgent vacation experience.
Consider the Spa or Cloud 9 Packages: Carnival offers Spa and Cloud 9 packages that include various spa treatments, access to exclusive amenities, and sometimes cabin upgrades. These packages offer a comprehensive wellness experience, and the potential cabin upgrade can be an added bonus.

While onboard upgrade opportunities are subject to availability, being proactive in seeking out these opportunities can potentially enhance your Carnival cruise experience. By staying informed, being flexible with cabins, and taking advantage of upsell offers or contests, you increase your chances of securing an upgrade during your cruise. Now, let’s wrap up with some final thoughts and additional tips to maximize your chances of getting an upgrade on Carnival Cruise Line.

Final Thoughts and Tips

Congratulations! You’re now equipped with valuable strategies and tips to increase your chances of getting an upgrade on your Carnival Cruise. As you embark on your journey, keep these final thoughts and additional tips in mind:

Manage Your Expectations: While upgrades are exciting, it’s important to manage your expectations. Upgrades are not guaranteed and depend on availability, demand, and various factors. Focus on enjoying your cruise experience, regardless of whether you receive an upgrade or not.
Be Aware of Upgrade Costs: Upgrading to a higher cabin category may come with additional costs. Consider your budget and be prepared to pay the difference in price. Assess the value and benefits of the upgrade before making a decision.
Stay Updated on Carnival’s Policies: Keep yourself informed about Carnival’s policies regarding upgrades. Policies may vary and are subject to change, so always check the latest information on their website or consult with customer service.
Maintain a Positive Attitude: A positive attitude can go a long way. Smile, be courteous, and engage with the Carnival staff. Remember, they are there to provide you with a memorable experience, and your interaction can make a difference.
Book Directly with Carnival: Booking directly through Carnival or authorized travel agents ensures that you’ll be eligible for potential upgrades and have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Consider a Travel Agent: Travel agents who specialize in cruises can offer expert advice and assistance. They can help you navigate the upgrade process and increase your chances of securing an upgrade.
Plan Ahead: Booking your Carnival cruise well in advance gives you a better chance of securing an upgrade and ensures a higher selection of available cabins.
Enjoy the Journey: Remember that an upgrade is just one aspect of your Carnival cruise experience. Focus on enjoying the onboard activities, entertainment, dining, and exploring the beautiful destinations you’ll visit.

Now, armed with these tips and strategies, set sail on your Carnival cruise with excitement and anticipation. Whether you secure an upgrade or not, cherish the memories you’ll create and embrace the remarkable journey that awaits you. Bon voyage!

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Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival "Upgrade Your Stateroom" email

By sandinmyshoes , June 12, 2019 in Carnival Cruise Lines

sandinmyshoes

I just received an email from Carnival saying ...

UPGRADE YOUR STATEROOM

Congrats, sailor! You qualify for a discounted stateroom upgrade on your upcoming cruise aboard Carnival Vista !

A better stateroom can make your whole vacation better — so redeem this offer online using your reservation number (below), and get ready to take your cruise to the next level.

We are Platinum and have never gotten one of these emails before. It does not have any details and I am hoping you might.

If I click the link, am I giving up my current stateroom assignment?

Would I get to choose the actual room for my "upgraded" cabin?

We like the location we picked, but would consider an upgrade if it were located in a desirable area and we got to choose our new cabin number.

Is this an opportunity to bid on a higher category cabin?

Thank you everyone for sharing your experience!

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TNcruising02

When I was offered an upgrade through an email and also on a red banner when I logged into my Carnival account, I clicked on it and it gave me the type of cabin and cabin number. It did not automatically put me in that cabin when I clicked on the upgrade link. I had the option to decline it. Since I was happy with my current cabin, I declined. It was an offer to go from an inside to an ocean view for a small amount. I can't remember how much it was. Maybe your offer will be too good to turn down!

OK. Because of the awesome quick response of TNcruising02, I decided to press the red button. Thankfully, it did not strip me of my current cabin and did give me the option to upgrade to a similar cabin a few decks higher. Unfortunately, it was a connecting cabin right by the elevators, so I opted to keep my original cabin. I was hoping it would let me upgrade to a suite (even for extra money). What a fun surprise that would have been for DH. Oh well. We'll still enjoy our cruise every bit as much. Thank you TNcruising02

I am sorry it wasn't an offer you could use. It's fun to at least get an offer. I always choose a cabin in my favorite location, so it would really have to be a great offer for me to accept it.

If you had opted in, it would have required you to pay the upsell cost in full to finish booking.

KmomChicago

Not much of an upgrade!!

Most of these offers aren’t a bargain. Once in a while a good one shows up. We always do the mock booking to see the actual pricing. Sometimes that offer is more!

Accept about one of every four offers.

I received one today as well for my upcoming Conquest trip. $830 to move to a junior suite from my bowling alley balcony. Yeah, no. That's not happening. Sent from my Lenovo TB-X304F using Tapatalk

1 hour ago, Mr2Scents said: I received one today as well for my upcoming Conquest trip. $830 to move to a junior suite from my bowling alley balcony. Yeah, no. That's not happening. Hi, I was wondering if the "bowling alley balcony" is a Balcony that looks like an 'L' on the deck plans? I booked one of these for my 2021 cruise on the Magic. Juet curios, thanks!

I love the upgrade choice I got on the Sunrise . A 400 dollar upgrade to a much poorer cabin. Wanted 400 dollars for going from a 4j to an oceanview. Really was funny,

The only upgrade offer I ever got was moving from an ocean view room to a balcony room at no cost. Of course I jumped all over that one. However it was many years ago on my second cruise and haven't seen one since.

Yes - the L shaped cabins are the bowling alley balconies that the other poster referred to. Cabin #'s 6468, 6460, 6499, 6493, 7454, 7455, 8462, 8469 would be the bowling alley balcony cabins on Carnival Magic

PhillyFan33579

I frequently get upsell offers via e-mail. I always do a mock booking for the “new” cabin. Usually the savings offered in the upsell offer is $50 at the most, and often it is less than that.

At least it didn't hurt to look.

It was an exciting learning experience. I'll take the bait every time now to see what is being offered and crossing my fingers it is a suite.

We have had the L-shaped bowling alley cabins on Magic before and we love them. We always book them when we see them open for our sailing. They just feel roomier and they have a nice gigantic balcony usually with loungers instead of just chairs. Enjoy!

13 hours ago, sandinmyshoes said: I just received an email from Carnival saying ... UPGRADE YOUR STATEROOM Congrats, sailor! You qualify for a discounted stateroom upgrade on your upcoming cruise aboard Carnival Vista ! A better stateroom can make your whole vacation better — so redeem this offer online using your reservation number (below), and get ready to take your cruise to the next level. We are Platinum and have never gotten one of these emails before. It does not have any details and I am hoping you might. If I click the link, am I giving up my current stateroom assignment? Would I get to choose the actual room for my "upgraded" cabin? We like the location we picked, but would consider an upgrade if it were located in a desirable area and we got to choose our new cabin number. Is this an opportunity to bid on a higher category cabin? Thank you everyone for sharing your experience!

yes I got one of those. I did not know it was unusual bc I have not sailed Carnival in many years. I was offered an Oceanview for a nominal price. But I have 3 cabins in a row for all my kids so I ignored it.

🤗 🛳 🤗 . Yes, my Magic Cabin is indeed an "L" shaped. Carnival was offering Balcony & Large Balcony Cabins for the same rate. Even though I'm booked Solo, who doesn't want extra room...for no extra cost!! So, I went for it. 😁

AAAAmerican

Not at all usually an UpGrade now, it is an Up+Sell you.

Use a ASTA Travel Agent and not get the loquacious palaver.

On 6/12/2019 at 8:07 PM, sandinmyshoes said: OK. Because of the awesome quick response of TNcruising02, I decided to press the red button. Thankfully, it did not strip me of my current cabin and did give me the option to upgrade to a similar cabin a few decks higher. Unfortunately, it was a connecting cabin right by the elevators, so I opted to keep my original cabin. I was hoping it would let me upgrade to a suite (even for extra money). What a fun surprise that would have been for DH. Oh well. We'll still enjoy our cruise every bit as much. Thank you TNcruising02

Depending on how far out your cruise is, you may get another offer once it gets closer to your cruising date. On my last cruise, I got an email upsell offer that was not a deal at all which, of course, I declined. A few days before my cruise, I got a phone call upsell offer, which was a decent offer so I took that one.

I received an Upsell Offer via email for my cruise in August. I had originally booked an oceanview and liked my location. The offer was for a very small amount of money and moving to a balcony. I clicked on the link and the balcony they were offering was in the very front of the ship with the main show theater directly below it...no thank you! I called and spoke to a wonderful PVP and she gave me many other options for balcony cabins so I booked one in a much better location. I am pretty happy as this will be my first balcony ever! I think most of these offers are for undesirable cabin locations so I wanted to share that it is sometimes possible to call and get more cabin options.

hockeyluver

On 6/12/2019 at 11:43 PM, Markmom18 said:

you couldnt pay me enough to give up my "bowling alley balcony " also known as "L" cabin. We have our 5th or 6th one booked for our upcoming cruise on the Magic !! I love them ~~!!~~

K&RCurt

We got our first "upsell letter" just 3 days before our recent Cuba cruise on the Paradise. In our case the offer detailed the upgrade cabin category and price. I simultaneously received a phone call from Carnival regarding the same offer.

We ended up talking the offer and were very glad we did!

1 hour ago, K&RCurt said: We got our first "upsell letter" just 3 days before our recent Cuba cruise on the Paradise. In our case the offer detailed the upgrade cabin category and price. I simultaneously received a phone call from Carnival regarding the same offer. We ended up talking the offer and were very glad we did!

Yes, last couple of times I have gotten an email/website alert/VM all within a few minutes

FTLCruiseGal

I got an up sell offer. I had the option to go from interior on deck 2 to ocean view on deck 1 for $30 or balcony on deck 7 for $150. I took the balcony (bowling alley). Sailing the Victory in January 2020.

LatinaInTexas

Saw the upsell banner today, offer for deluxe ocean view adjoining room on deck 1 from my deck 8 inside for $204. I really like insides so unless it was for either free or less than $50 Im not interested.

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Mardi Gras Staterooms

view of balcony with furniture and hot tub in carnival excel presidential suite

MARDI GRAS ® OFFERS A FULL RANGE OF SUITES WITH OPTIONS FOR SUPERIOR COMFORT AND BRAND-NEW PERKS

view of infinity pool and cabanas on mardi gras' loft 19

LOFT 19™ ON MARDI GRAS ® INVITES YOU TO INDULGENT DAYS AT SEA

a stateroom with modern designs and a cool color scheme

STYLE, SUBSTANCE AND SURPRISES COME TOGETHER IN YOUR MARDI GRAS ® STATEROOM

STATEROOM DESIGN

Design is more than just the way things look — it’s as much about how they work. And staterooms aboard Mardi Gras are packed with innovative changes to both. It’s the way the ring-lit vanity mirror lights you evenly and shadow-free as you get ready. How the ottoman cushion flips over to serve as an extra table. And even those reading lights, recessed into the wall so you can read in bed without waking anyone! These details are really more than just details. Better comfort, lighting and storage all spring from a deep understanding we’ve developed around how people actually use their staterooms… and how small changes to the room add up to make the experience that much better. (Enough USB charging ports for everybody’s stuff? Oh yes!) Thoughtful, guest-centric design is how we do it… and all this in-room convenience comes paired with a fresh new look.

INTERIOR STATEROOMS

The most affordable way to experience all the Carnival excitement, without cutting corners on comfort.

HAVANA INTERIOR

For a stateroom with extra sabor — for not a lot of dinero — check out a Havana Interior stateroom. You’ll find yours all flavorfully decked out in Old Havana style… taking its cues from a place and time that certainly weren’t lacking in style. And like we said, you’ll find all this for a great price! (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget that all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

CLOUD 9 SPA INTERIOR

We’ve taken the warm essence of our Cloud 9 Spas and infused it into spa staterooms on Mardi Gras. Your room is the perfect place to do less, actually: just relax and take some you-time, anytime. (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

FAMILY HARBOR INTERIOR

To truly experience the cozy sanctuary that a harbor provides, check out a Family Harbor Interior stateroom. These rooms are not only an affordable way to keep the family close, but feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. (Don’t forget: all Family Harbor staterooms feature exclusive perks.)

PREMIUM INTERIOR

When picking a stateroom on a budget, you have to think about what matters to you. Priorities, right? So if you’re more about the comfort than you are the view, we’d recommend you go with a Premium Interior stateroom. This room actually has the same floorplan as some higher-priced rooms (just without the balcony) so you’re definitely getting a nice step up from a standard Interior room. Your room features a sitting area with a sofa, so hang out and lounge in comfort!

An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise, and Mardi Gras’ interiors don’t leave out the comfort! This room is great for curling up after a long day’s fun.

OCEAN VIEW STATEROOMS

These comfy rooms with a view let you sail along to beautiful destinations while gazing at the sort of vistas you simply won't find anywhere on land.

CLOUD 9 SPA OCEAN VIEW

The best way to enjoy the relaxing, invigorating Cloud 9 Spa while on a cruise is in a spa stateroom… and this one fits the bill, pairing comfy accommodations with a great view. (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

FAMILY HARBOR OCEAN VIEW

Let the whole family — especially the little ones — experience the wide-eyed wonder of sailing in a room with a view: a Family Harbor Ocean View stateroom. Not only could a vacation with a view like this help cultivate a lifelong love of the ocean, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. (Don’t forget: all Family Harbor staterooms feature exclusive perks.)

Catch a glimpse of what’s going by from your Ocean View stateroom aboard Mardi Gras, where you’ll get views you won’t find anywhere on land. Don’t miss sunrise and sunset at sea —your comfy stateroom is a great way to experience these two special times of day!

BALCONY STATEROOMS

Relax in your own personal outdoor oasis… designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views.

Havana Extended Cabana

Folks love staterooms like this for the Old Havana flavor… but that’s only the beginning. Right outside your Havana Extended Cabana lies a large outdoor patio complete with your own loungy deck chairs. Back inside the room you’ll also enjoy loads of sunlight courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling window. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget: all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

HAVANA CABANA

There are great amenities by the handful in this Havana-flavored stateroom, but the most exciting one is likely to be this: Havana Cabana staterooms come with an outdoor patio, complete with your own loungy deck chairs, all right outside your room. These rooms also feature Cuba-inspired décor, plus loads of sunlight courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling window, but like we said… your very own deck chairs! (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget that all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

CLOUD 9 SPA FORWARD-VIEW EXTENDED BALCONY

Folks love staterooms like this because they were designed for relaxing, right down to the custom linens. But this room has something nobody’s ever seen in a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom before — the balcony faces forward, so you’re getting a view of what’s up ahead of the ship, sort of like the captain’s view! Sit out on your balcony, which by the way is larger than the standard one, and watch destinations appear on the horizon as we approach them. And don’t forget to breathe in… hold it, hold it… and now out. (Note that rooms of this type have partially obstructed views… but don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

CLOUD 9 SPA BALCONY

Whether you’re warming up for your spa appointment or winding down after your treatment, there’s no better place to do it than on your Cloud 9 Spa Balcony. Breathing is important — take in the ocean breeze, then let it out — you’re already getting the hang of spa life! (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

CLOUD 9 SPA COVE BALCONY

Nobody books a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom unless they love relaxation and want more. If this sounds like you, here’s a room with a little extra. It’s not just the custom décor… the secret here’s the balcony. A Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony stateroom sits closer to the waterline than most rooms, which means that your balcony puts you in a prime position to chill and check out those waves. There’s no way to get closer! (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

PREMIUM-VIEW EXTENDED BALCONY

Book a stateroom with a balcony — any balcony — and you’re going to enjoy your vacation with an extra dose of sea breeze. But book one of these and there’s even more in store: these balconies face forward or backward (most balconies face left or right), so you’ll get a unique view of your vacation featuring what’s up ahead or behind the ship! (Note that forward-facing rooms have partially obstructed views.)

Extended Balcony

Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony with more outdoor lounge-around room, more open-air kick-back space… and back inside the room itself, all the comfort you expect with a great view and plenty of sunlight.

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise with a view aboard Mardi Gras. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

JUNIOR BALCONY

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise with a view aboard Mardi Gras. A Junior Balcony stateroom features the same size balcony as standard Balcony rooms, just with a little less interior space. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

COVE BALCONY

Love the sea? Mardi Gras Cove Balcony staterooms are the best way to see the sea — these rooms get you close to the waterline, and feature balconies that let you make the most of your location. Enjoy things from a whole new perspective: one amazing up-close view of the wake and seafoam as the ship cruises along.

A stateroom featuring the most indoor space, a balcony and some of the best perks on the ship.

CARNIVAL EXCEL PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

If you’re looking for the largest stateroom and best view on the ship — one practically the same as what the captain sees — then your search stops here, Junior Captain. But there’s more to know: for one thing, the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite features a separate living room and bedroom, and these spaces are packing two TVs, a walk-in closet, a lighted vanity and sectional sofa. There’s a dining area, and of course a wet bar. You’ll find truly deluxe extras like the bathroom with large shower and two sinks, plus we put the toilet and an extra sink in a separate room for convenience and privacy. Did we forget the hot tub? Of course not — it’s outside on the wraparound balcony, which is so large that “balcony” might not even be the right word, since it features seating from lounge chairs to loveseats, rocking chair to daybed, for over a dozen of your closest friends, plus an al fresco dining table.

Carnival Excel Aft Suite

A Carnival Excel Aft Suite is one of the most spacious staterooms on the ship… and if we’re talking square-footage, let’s just say the wraparound balcony is made for entertaining. (Okay, let’s also say it has a private hot tub, dining area, daybed, plus plenty of loungy seating. Wow!) But back inside the room, which features a separate living room and bedroom, you’ll find some nice perks that make this room truly deluxe. For instance, how about an ample bathroom with large shower and double sink, plus a separate private room for the toilet and an extra sink? You’ve got it all. Or two TVs, a walk-in closet, a lighted vanity and sectional sofa? All of those — check!

CARNIVAL EXCEL CORNER SUITE

A Carnival Excel Corner Suite aboard Mardi Gras features tons of indoor space, plus a large wraparound balcony with lounge chairs and an al fresco dining table, for when you need a little more space. Back inside this impressive room you’ll find a king-size bed, deluxe bathroom, plus a living room featuring a wet bar.

CARNIVAL EXCEL SUITE

A Carnival Excel Suite aboard Mardi Gras is the kind of room that proves that vacation and comfort go hand-in-hand. In this large room you’ll find not only a bathroom with a spacious shower and a double sink, but a good amount of room for living and lounging. Plus there’s truly nice-to-haves like a dining area and two TVs — one in the sleeping area and one in the living space. Your room also features extra space for kicking back, ocean-breeze-style, on your balcony featuring lounge chairs and an al fresco dining table.

HAVANA CABANA CORNER SUITE

In a Havana Cabana Corner Suite you’ll find all the comforts of a normal suite… decked out in Cuba-inspired décor! Inside the room are separate living room and bedroom areas, with a TV in each, plus convenient extras like a sectional sofa and walk-in closet. Outside your amazing room lies a private lanai with your own swinging chair. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget that all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

HAVANA CABANA SUITE

In this room you’ll find all the comfort of a suite, all decked out in Cuba-inspired décor. Outside your Havana Cabana Suite lies a luxurious lounging area with your own deck chairs and swinging chair. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older… and don’t forget that all Havana staterooms feature exclusive perks!)

FAMILY HARBOR OCEAN VIEW SUITE

Let the whole family — especially the little ones — experience the wide-eyed wonder of a great room with an amazing view: a Family Harbor Ocean View Suite stateroom. Not only are the sky, the sea and the sights beautiful to behold from your window, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. This room sleeps five, by the way, and features a separate bedroom and living room area, with a TV in each. These rooms aren’t just fun, but are practical — you get a walk-in closet, plus a convenient full bathroom and a separate washroom. (Don’t forget: all Family Harbor staterooms feature exclusive perks.)

CLOUD 9 SPA SUITE

A Cloud 9 Spa Suite is the ultimate in spa-style accommodations. This is more than a large room with a unique, soothing décor… but there’s also plenty of convenience here, like the vanity featuring an illuminated mirror. Oh, and those aren’t the only upgrades from other Cloud 9 Spa staterooms — this room has just the large balcony you’d expect. (Don’t forget: all Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive spa perks.)

OCEAN SUITE

A Mardi Gras Ocean Suite offers more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors. Try an Ocean Suite to experience private, spacious relaxation… and a deluxe bathroom!

Loft 19™ was designed to afford you a unique opportunity for relaxation and indulgence. This retreat-style space invites you to soak up the sun all day from the comfort of a lounge chair or infinity whirlpool. This pairs so perfectly with Carnival Excel suites that staying in one actually gets you Loft 19™ access! Drink service is always close at hand, plus you can even opt for a little private time — renting a cabana gets you more than just a place in the shade, but extras like fresh fruit, chilled towels, lunch delivery and concierge service. (Cabana rentals are open to everyone, though guests in Carnival Excel-level suites enjoy priority reservations.)

STATEROOMS GOT YOU FEELING ALL COMFY?

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Kanayu 6 Pcs Summer Cruise Door Decorations Cruise Mode Cruise Door Magnets Flip Flop Anchor Cruise Door Decor Car Fridge Magnet Decal for Carnival Stateroom (Alaska)

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About this item.

Funny Alaska Themed Decor: there are 6 pieces of the Alaska magnets in different designs, including Alaska, polar bear, penguin, sea lion, seal dog and deer, delicate and lovely, easy to attract other's attention
Enjoyable Visual Effect: the magnets for door has different sizes, but can easily catch your eyes, without taking too much space, bringing you an enjoyable visual effect, also allowing you to quickly and easily find your cabin at night
Reliable and Reusable: the Alaska magnets for door decoration are made of quality soft magnet, reliable and reusable, lightweight and portable, colorfast and bright, smooth and comfortable, without adhesive left; Warm note: the margin may curl during transportation; You can use hot air from a hair dryer and press the margin with weights to restore their shape
DIY with Your Creativity: you can use different colored oil based markers (not included) to write your family names, travel dates, and ship name on the surface of the Alaska door magnets, and you can also erase the marks with alcohol and reuse them for full DIY fun
Widely Applicable: the Alaska door magnets are suitable for decorating your carnival cruise, yacht, boat, car, door, fridge, garages, computers, storage cabinets, cupboards and more, available for Alaska parties, cruise themed parities, boat traveling, ship themed party, Hawaiian themed celebration and more

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Cruise Door Decorations Looking for Cabin, Funny Magnetic Cruise Decorations for Cabin Door or Stateroom…

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Features: Share with others: The Alaska theme magnets can also be presented to your children, family, neighbors, vacationers, at Alaska parties, boat parties, dinners, beach parties, and more, which will bring them a happy mood. Easy to use: The magnetic Alaska decorations are reusable and simple to stick or remove. Simply place them near magnetic surfaces such as refrigerators, cars, and vehicles. Specifications: Material: soft magnet Color: as is shown in the pictures Size: as is shown in the pictures Package includes: 6 x Magnetic Alaska door decorations Notes: Manual measurement, please allow slight errors on size. The color may exist a slight difference due to different screen displays. Pointed and small items are included, please keep them away from little kids.

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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the appearance of the decorative magnet set, mentioning it's beautiful, wonderful, and colorful. They say it makes their door stand out and helps them find their room. However, some customers differ on adhesion.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the decorative magnets. They mention that it's beautiful, wonderful, and colorful. Some say that it makes their door stand out and helps them find their room.

"...but they are great material and beautiful !" Read more

"Haven't used them yet, but these magnets are Very cute !!" Read more

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Customers are mixed about the adhesion of the decorative magnet. Some mention that it sticks to the door perfectly, while others say that it didn't stick at all.

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I've stayed in 3 types of rooms on cruises, and the cheapest was never worth it. Here's what to book instead.

I'm a frequent cruise traveler who's stayed in a variety of onboard accommodations.
The least expensive rooms have no view and are usually cramped, especially if shared by a family.
Splurging on a higher-category cabin on my last cruise was the best decision I made.

Automatically booking the cheapest room on a cruise ship without doing proper research first can ruin a trip.

As someone who's been going on cruises for over 10 years, I've learned that the price tag for these vacations can vary based on a number of factors — from cruise line to trip duration to room category.

Staying in the most standard-level cabin seems like an obvious way to keep costs down. But after trying out three different room categories, both with and without my kids, I've found that a ship's least expensive option is almost never worth it.

Based on my experience in three different cruise-room categories, here are the ones I recommend skipping and the ones I recommend splurging on.

Interior staterooms are limited in space and privacy

The standard (and least expensive) room on any cruise ship is typically called an inside or interior stateroom.

These cabins often sleep three to four people and are located in the middle of the ship, with no exterior view of the vessel's surroundings.

I've stayed in interior staterooms on a Carnival Cruise Line ship and a Disney Cruise Line ship . Aside from different decor styles and a few small touches, this room category is fairly standard across the board.

When I'm on a cruise, I like to wake up and open my curtains to look at the ocean or the port where the ship is docked , which isn't an option in these inward-looking cabins.

Apart from having no view, interior staterooms are very small. The exact square footage varies but, for reference, the Disn ey Fantasy cruise ship's interior stateroom is 169 square feet and a Royal Caribbean ship's version is around the same size at 164 square feet .

To put those numbers into perspective, standard hotel rooms in the US are, on average, around 330 square feet , almost double the size of the entry-level cruise accommodation.

I want to be able to maneuver around without tripping over luggage, accent furniture, or my own family members. And because of the lack of space in interior staterooms, that's a challenge.

This category is definitely the most economical option, making it ideal for travelers on a budget .

However, if families, especially ones traveling with teens, can swing an alternative, they should steer clear of cramming into an interior stateroom and opt for a category with more space and privacy.

Ocean-view staterooms provide slightly more space but can still feel cramped

The next category up is usually an ocean-view stateroom.

With an outward-facing window, ocean-view staterooms are a solid mid-tier option for travelers who want more space than an interior stateroom offers but don't want to spend extra for a balcony room.

Their exact size and capacity range from ship to ship, but Disney Fantasy's ocean-view staterooms are 204 square feet , and Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas' version is 179 square feet .

Many of these accommodations fit up to five people. If you have more than four family members (yes, infants who are six months and older are part of the headcount), making the jump from an interior stateroom to an ocean-view stateroom is absolutely worth the extra money.

Some cruise lines sell ocean-view rooms as the entry-level category for families of five or more travelers , simply because many interior staterooms can only accommodate a maximum of four guests.

My top pick is balcony staterooms, which offer privacy and plenty of space

Balcony staterooms, also known as veranda staterooms, are usually the largest accommodation option you can get without concierge service or extras.

I recommend this category to all travelers setting sail in the future for one reason: the private balcony.

You can open your curtains and enjoy the sights outside, similar to the experience of staying in an ocean-view stateroom. But in this room type, you can step out onto a balcony and take in the sounds and smells, too.

The rooms' sizes and capacities depend on the ship, but balcony staterooms are usually larger than ocean-view staterooms and tend to sleep up to five guests . Even if the rooms' living spaces aren't substantially bigger, they have the added space of the veranda.

Including the terrace, balcony staterooms on the Disney Fantasy are 246 square feet and are between 214 square feet to 279 square feet on Princess Cruises' fleet.

When my family stayed in a balcony stateroom on a seven-night cruise, we made great use of the outdoor space. On a shorter cruise, where the balcony itself might not get as much use, I would still book this category for my family.

The upgrade was completely worth the price increase, especially because we were traveling with two sets of grandparents .

To make the most of the balcony staterooms, we even turned our individual verandas into one large terrace by having our steward remove the partitions between rooms.

This story was originally published on May 25, 2022, and most recently updated on February 5, 2024.

I recently went on a seven-night cruise with my family, and upgrading our accommodation was the best decision of the trip. Sarah Gilliland

COMMENTS

Upgrading Your Stateroom
Opportunities to purchase an upgrade are available prior to your cruise, subject to availability. To change your stateroom, please give us a call at 1-800-438-6744 and our Guest Services team will be more than happy to assist. Please note, if you are booked through a travel agency, you will need to contact your travel professional for assistance.
Post Booking Sales
UPGRADE YOUR STATEROOM. A better stateroom can make your whole vacation better! Get your upgrade started now: Booking #: Last Name: Date Of Birth:
How To Get A Room Upgrade On Carnival Cruise
Cruise lines often finalize cabin assignments in the days leading up to the cruise, and most upgrades are processed beforehand. However, it doesn't hurt to inquire at the check-in desk to see if any last-minute upgrades are available. ... Securing a room upgrade on a Carnival Cruise can add an extra touch of luxury and enhance your onboard ...
How to Choose a Room: Ultimate Guide to Carnival Staterooms
Interior and Ocean View: Choose an interior stateroom for the most quiet or an ocean view stateroom for contemplative views to complement your meditative state of mind. Aft: Consider staying in the aft part of the ship where you'll be nearest to casual dining. Lower deck: The lower deck is the best deck on a cruise ship if you want to be one ...
How To Upgrade Your Carnival Cruise Room
Start by exploring the various upgrade options available for your specific cruise ship and itinerary. Carnival offers a range of room categories, including interior, ocean view, balcony, and suite accommodations. Begin by visiting the official Carnival Cruise Line website and navigating to the "Accommodations" section.
Making changes to your booking
An original guest must remain on the booking, otherwise, this is considered a full stateroom cancellation... Date Updated: 01/11/2024; ... We cannot accommodate requests for upgrades on the day of your cruise as we sail at capacity. Carnival has made selecting the stateroom location you want more affordable than ever. Choosing... Date Updated: ...
How To Get A Cabin Upgrade On Carnival Cruise
Early Booking. When it comes to securing a cabin upgrade on a Carnival cruise, timing is everything. One of the best strategies is to book your cruise early. By booking months in advance, you increase your chances of snagging a coveted upgrade. Carnival often releases new itineraries and ship deployments well in advance, so keeping an eye on ...
How to Get An Upgrade on a Cruise Ship
4. Book a Free Upgrade Promotion to Snag a Cruise Cabin Upgrade. Cruise lines sometimes offer special promotions in which two different cabin categories are priced equally -- so if you book the ...
Upgrading Your Stateroom
Never Miss a Cruise Deal Sign up for special offers direct to your inbox
How to Get Carnival Cruise Line Room Upgrades
Defining Upgrades . When inexperienced passengers define cruise cabin upgrades, they fantasize about paying the cheapest rate for an interior cabin and magically being upgraded to a luxurious suite.While such drastic upgrades are not entirely mythological, it is far more common for Carnival Cruise Line room upgrades to be made within the same category of cabin but moving a passenger to a more ...
How To Upgrade Your Carnival Cruise Stateroom
We were happy to document and share with you what it looks like to get a stateroom upgrade offer for a Carnival Cruise so you can be prepared for when the da...
10 Secrets: How to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade on a Cruise
4) Wait Until After the First Port to Ask for a Free Cruise Cabin Upgrade. As already discussed, it is nearly impossible these days to walk onto a cruise ship and get a free cruise cabin upgrade by inquiring with Guest Services at the port or soon after boarding the ship. But it may still be worth trying.
The Guarantee Gamble: The Odds of an Upgrade When the Cruise Line Picks
Carnival Cruise Lines How It Works: Passengers can book a specific cabin type (e.g., inside, ocean view, balcony or suite), but Carnival assigns the deck and location of the stateroom at a later time.
How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade
Here are some tricks to scoring a free or discounted cruise ship cabin upgrade and landing better cruise rooms without breaking the bank. For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter. Look for an upgrade sale. Cruise line sales are the easiest way to score cheap or free upgraded accommodations.
How To Get A Free Room Upgrade On Carnival Cruise
Build a Relationship with the Cruise Line. When it comes to getting a free room upgrade on a Carnival cruise, there are a few strategies to consider. As I mentioned before, upgrading at check-in can sometimes be a great option. However, another effective approach is to build a relationship with the cruise line.
How To Get An Upgrade On Carnival Cruise
Participate in Raffles or Contests: Throughout your cruise, Carnival may hold raffles or contests where the prize includes an upgraded cabin. Participate in these activities to increase your chances of winning an upgrade. While not guaranteed, it's a fun and engaging way to potentially score a free upgrade.
r/Cruise on Reddit: Carnival: "exclusive stateroom upgrade offer
I was leaning towards not upgrading before making this post, and you folks have sealed that deal. Original Post: I booked a 5 day out of New Orleans. Balcony room. Two people. Total: ~$1000 after all the fees and prepaid gratuities. Carnival sends me this email today saying for $520 extra (per room) I can upgrade to a Grand Suite.
Bidding for Cruise Cabin Upgrades: Tips and Tricks
Translated to cruise, if you book an ocean-view stateroom for $800 per person and are bidding on a mini-suite currently selling for $2,800, your best chance of landing an upgrade would come if you ...
Carnival "Upgrade Your Stateroom" email
When I was offered an upgrade through an email and also on a red banner when I logged into my Carnival account, I clicked on it and it gave me the type of cabin and cabin number. It did not automatically put me in that cabin when I clicked on the upgrade link.
Mardi Gras Staterooms
Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you're looking to cruise with a view aboard Mardi Gras. Any time you're in your room, you're just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel. VIEW GALLERY.
Carnival Announces Enhancements for Next Ship in Dry Dock
Carnival Legend features 632 balcony staterooms, as well as 50 different suites that also have balconies. Balcony staterooms are often the most popular for travelers to book, offering not only ...
Amazon.com: Kanayu 6 Pcs Summer Cruise Door Decorations Cruise Mode
This item: Kanayu 6 Pcs Summer Cruise Door Decorations Cruise Mode Cruise Door Magnets Flip Flop Anchor Cruise Door Decor Car Fridge Magnet Decal for Carnival Stateroom (Alaska) $14.99 $ 14 . 99 Get it as soon as Thursday, May 9
I've stayed in 3 types of rooms on cruises, and the cheapest was never
The exact square footage varies but, for reference, the Disn ey Fantasy cruise ship's interior stateroom is 169 square feet and a Royal Caribbean ship's version is around the same size at 164 ...
Carnival Celebration Cruise Review by janicewynn72
Read the Carnival Celebration review by Cruiseline.com member janicewynn72 from April 21, 2024 of the 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) cruise. Cruise review , rated 4 out of 5 stars by member janicewynn72
Princess Cruises Sails to Prime Viewing Spot for 2026 Total Solar
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., (May 3, 2024) - Astrotourism is top of mind for travelers making special trips for phenomenal experiences in the sky—and with the recent "take-your-breath-away" total solar eclipse, thousands of cruisers onboard Emerald Princess and Discovery Princess off the coast of Mexico caught a glimpse of the astounding total darkness event.

Never Miss a Cruise Deal

Making changes to your booking

Travel Documentation and Online Check-in

Getting There

Before You Board

Youth and Family

Things to Know

Onboard Celebrations

Dining and Beverages

Onboard Communication

Money and Gratuities

Shipboard Health and Safety

Debarkation - After Your Cruise

Search Results

Deposit and Final Payment Requirements

Group Travel

Already Booked

Customer Service

About Carnival

How To Get A Cabin Upgrade On Carnival Cruise

Choose the Right Time to Book

Last-Minute Booking

Join the Loyalty Program

Higher Tier Benefits

Special Occasions and Celebrations

Birthday or Graduation

Be Flexible with Cabin Assignments

Upgrade Offers

Utilize a Travel Agent or Cruise Specialist

Exclusive Offers

Interact with Carnival’s Social Media

Participate in Contests

Build a Positive Relationship with Carnival’s Staff

Communicate Special Requests

Be a Repeat Cruiser with Carnival

Enjoying Perks

Consider Upgrading Onboard

Upgrade for Special Events or Activities

Access to VIP Areas

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Never Miss a Cruise Deal

Have Fun. Be Safe

Travel Documentation and Online Check-in

Getting There

Before You Board

Youth and Family

Things to Know

Onboard Celebrations

Dining and Beverages

Onboard Communication

Money and Gratuities

Shipboard Health and Safety

Debarkation - After Your Cruise

Upgrading Your Stateroom

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How to Get Carnival Cruise Line Room Upgrades

About Carnival Cruise Cabins

Defining Upgrades

Arranging Carnival Cruise Line Room Upgrades

Upgrade Warnings

10 Secrets on How to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade on a Cruise

Understand: Why It’s Difficult to Get a Free Cruise Cabin Upgrade

Decide: Are Cruise Balconies Worth It?

How To Get a Free Cruise Stateroom Upgrade

2) Monitor Price Drops After Purchase to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade

3) Use Credit Card Points To Get a Free Balcony Upgrade on a Cruise

4) Wait Until After the First Port to Ask for a Free Cruise Cabin Upgrade

5) Why Book a “Guaranteed Stateroom” on a Cruise

6) Complain If You Have a Legitimate Reason

7) Celebrate Something!

8) Apply Onboard Credit Toward a Balcony Upgrade

Score Onboard Credit during Your Cruise to Apply Toward a Balcony Upgrade

9) Increase Your Odds of a Free Cruise Cabin Upgrade

10) Get Lucky!

Bonus Tip) Bid on a Stateroom Upgrade Before Your Cruise

Recap: How to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade on a Cruise

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How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade

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