royal caribbean bid upgrade tips

Check here before booking an award fare. Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, which means the pricing for many things will vary per . If you booked at a deep discount, don't expect an offer. Related: What's included in your cruise fare? Or you may be able to bid on a stateroom with a Royal Promenade, Central Park, Boardwalk, or ocean view window. Since we had booked a junior suite, our upgrade options included the Sky Class suites and the Star Class suites. A line-by-line guide, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Youll only pay for one room if you win. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Royal Caribbean charges guests an automatic daily gratuity. You'll also find multiple beaches, pools, dining options, island excursions and more. 1. You can also check if youre eligible to bid on RoyalUp on Royal Caribbeans RoyalUp portal. I have also heard that cruisers who book through Costco may not be eligible for the Royal Up program at all. This section is going to discuss Royal Up bid upgrade tips. It allows you to bid a certain amount of money, often as low as $50 per person, to upgrade your current stateroom to an ocean view or balcony cabin or even a suite. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); High Seas Cruising was founded by couple Marcello and Victoria to share travel tips and insights from over two decades of cruise vacations. I bid on multiple option on the first two. Cruises during the off-season may have fewer guests onboard, meaning there are more rooms available. Remember, dining in the main dining rooms (although nice) are not mandatory. The bar moves by specific increments to prevent bids of odd amounts. We'll notify you via email if your request has been approved. The increased gratuity charge applies even if those upgrades were acquired through bidding. Royal Caribbean reserves the right to notify you up to 24 hours in advance. So, you should make sure that you book a room you love in the very beginning. In the past, you could only switch your cabin category by paying the sticker price on an upgraded stateroom, but now theres a second option: RoyalUp. My husband bids all the time, but we have only won once. The cruise bidding process does not work for those who have booked a wheelchair-accessible cabin as you won't be guaranteed those rooms. So, bid only on the rooms that you like. No, if you have two cabins you will need to submit two separate bids and they will be considered independently. Can I choose the location or specific features of the RoyalUp upgrade cabin? October 10, 2017. Although, there are times when a cruise line will offer to upgrade your room for free . Always make a habit of checking the original upgrading price before bidding. Before we dive into the Royal Up process, lets discuss the Royal Caribbean stateroom categories you can book. Although, I have never booked this way, so Im not sure if thats accurate. Enrollment required. If you booked your cruise on your own directly with Royal Caribbean, you can call Royal Caribbean directly and give them . That means that you can participate in most activities, amenities and areas of the island for no additional cost beyond your cruise fare. One of the easiest ways to waste money on any cruise is to be unaware of all the free activities and programs that are scheduled. Check if your cruise is eligible for an upgrade. If we had not been cruising with family next door, we would have bid on every upgrade in our price range though. Many of the unsold cabins available through the Royal Caribbean RoyalUp program are the types of cabins you want to avoid on a cruise. Complete an internet search for worst room in your category. However, no additional promotions will be added to your reservation. A few clicks and you place your bet and wait to see if your bid is accepted. Likewise, if you prefer to modify the bid to a higher or lower offer, you can modify each stateroom categorys bid. So, the Royal Up opportunities were dependent on no-shows at the port. If my RoyalUp offer is accepted, will I earn Crown & Anchor points at the rate associated with my upgraded stateroom category? What happens with the promotions I already have if I am upgraded through RoyalUp? 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. "Maybe there are deals to be had but be very careful. In just a few simple steps, you could score a fantastic upgrade, from Ocean View and Balcony staterooms to the most expansive suites at sea. The first bid I won was on Anthem from balcony to JS with a near min bid, maybe 10% over min (like 220 on a min 200pp). Dont make the mistake of assuming you can bid on a better room only to be let down when your bid isnt chosen. Were not saying drop a $200 bidding bomb right away. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Bid amounts on RoyalUp range from weak to strong. Your offer can be accepted anytime from the moment it is submitted up until 2 days prior to voyage departure. The cruise line says that to increase your odds of scoring an upgrade, you should bid on multiple rooms. Sail in the Less Busy Times of the Year. Once you win the bid, you cant make any changes or cancellations. Most importantly, you won't be asked to bid unless you have opted to receive marketing emails from the cruise line, so that's a must-do. Sometimes there is inventory and they just . There are so many other options on board to grab dinner or a snack at odd times. And you wont be able to choose the cabin location. I'm Shari. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Whats the best cruise ship cabin for my family? Your travel agent will give you the new price and apply payments you have made towards the new stateroom. Just like a Royal Caribbean adventure, the possibilities are endless. On Royal Caribbean "Cruise to Nowhere", the cost of swab tests for PCR is included in the cruise package. The crew members informed me that I would have to ask at Guest Services once I boarded the ship. You take what you get. You should receive an email a couple months before your cruise offering you the chance to bid with RoyalUp. Royal Caribbean came up with the "virtual balcony", where with floor-to-ceiling HD display screens that show live action footage of the sea. Be sure to make any modifications or cancellations right away, as you never know when you might receive an upgrade confirmation. Just like a Royal Caribbean adventure, the possibilities are endless. RoyalUp bids have a minimum and maximum bid. Request was made 8 December 2021. So, after subtracting the extras we had already spent, the 2 bedroom Aquatheater Suite was really going to cost $1600 more than our Junior Suite. So, theres really no way to tell how to have your bid chosen. If you want to get your moneys worth on your cruise, spend some time each night highlighting each activity or show that you may want to check out. Knoxville Tennessee. - Photo by Royal Caribbean International It hasn't made front page news, but multiple cruise lines are now giving passengers the opportunity to bid on cabin upgrades. #4,438. You can unsubscribe at any time. royal caribbean upgrade room after final payment; For more details about RoyalUp, click here. Check if your cruise is eligible for an upgrade. Mail Corporate Guest Relations 1050 Caribbean Way Miami, FL 33132 Phone General: (305) 539-6000 Customer Service: (800) 398-9819 Corporate Guest Relations: (800) 256-6649 Vagn O. Srensen has served as a director of the Company since July 2011. Near Activity Decks. You dont need to bid on every cabin category. Even before you consider bidding, it pays to check what the situation is in terms of any reduced upsell fares for your desired cabin, other Cruise Critic members warn. This appealing Star Class suite features a massive balcony and lots of amenities, including a Royal Genie. Since the minimum bid amounts change depending on ship and itinerary, your options may not look anything like ours did though. If you have your heart set on a specific stateroom category, its best to book it directly to avoid disappointment. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. So you only get charged for the first and second guests. The ultimate in being a VIP! Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Royal Caribbean RoyalUp (Guide to Upgrading Your Cabin), How to Increase Your Chances of Winning the Bed, 2. A passenger in an Oceanview bid $100 to upgrade to a balcony. However, few of the things mentioned below will come very handy for a hassle-free experience during your cruising. As the 1940s began, the military intelligence world spoke surreptitiously of new kinds of airplanes. Introducing RoyalUp a new bid-based stateroom upgrade program. I was quoted S$621 to upgrade to a Palace Suite, which would increase to S$984 if I had a companion. Aloha! However, if you win that suite through the RoyalUp bidding program, youll only get a single point per night. If you're choosy about location -- you want to be midship for more stability -- upgrading might not be for you. You dont have to make bids on every room category, so just bid on the staterooms youre interested in. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. Usually you'll be able to upgrade on stateroom categories that are 1-2 steps up from your original cabin. Home / Cruise Tips / Royal Caribbean RoyalUp (Guide to Upgrading Your Cabin). At first this seemed outrageous to me, but then I considered the amenities that are included with Star Class. In the Royal Up email, youll see a minimum bid listed for each cabin thats available to bid on. Take screenshots or printed copy of your setsail pass, you need to produce it a couple of times at MBCC and 1st time onboard. (Note that we didnt receive our emails stating our bids had not been accepted until after we were already onboard.). If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. They are looking to reward both their loyal passengers and those who spend more on their cruise vacations. However, if you choose flexible dining and youre not sold on eating at a certain time, you can take advantage of all the activities that were previously crowded during the day. You only pay if your bid is accepted. Booking a cruise on board makes you eligible for discounts and incentives such as on board cruise credits or discounted drink packages. Cabins located near the activity decks make it harder to get a restful night's sleep. Hand-crafted cocktails. Deluxe beverage package. Always be sure to double check your bids before hitting submit, too. It may be located midship, or it might be far forward or aft, close to the pool deck, etc. And, you'll only earn Crown & Anchor points on the original cabin category you purchased and not the upgraded on. You may modify or cancel your offer up until 2 days prior to departure, provided that your offer has not already been accepted by RCI and provided your credit card has not been charged. Please try again. A beginners guide to sailing in Star Class, The rare cruise ship cabins that get booked very quickly, Guide to balcony staterooms on Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean laundry services on your cruise, How to get excited for your Royal Caribbean cruise, Why you can't trust online reviews of cruise ships, Royal Caribbean cruises in November 2022: What to expect. A Royal Up upgrade from an inside cabin may include an interior cabin with more square footage. The Royal Caribbean RoyalUp program acts as an auction for unsold cabins. Those who like a game of chance, however, still can name their price for better ship accommodations. With his successful bid, he . If your bid is successful, youll win better accommodations at a lower price than direct booking. The upgrade may come with extra charges. #6. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Once you find one or rooms that you like, you may place a bid. With the more established airline programs, passengers report the most success when bidding 20 to 40 percent of the difference between what they paid and the established fare for their desired seat. My family and I received an email from Royal Caribbean Royal Up about 58 days before our sail date. It allows you to bid a certain amount of money, often as low as $50 per person, to upgrade your current stateroom to an ocean view or balcony cabin or even a suite. To do this, sign up on the Royal Caribbean website, opt-in during online check-in, or through the My Reservations area on Royal Caribbeans website. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Many passengers may bid the minimum and hope they win the upgrade, but if your bid is even $10 more than another passenger, you will have a higher chance of receiving the upgrade. You can read more about me here- Meet Shari. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. Yes, based on the commission percent on the booking. Royal Caribbean will let you know when and if your bid is accepted. Why Do Cruise Ships Have Helipads? Then, set a reminder or alarm on your phone so you don't miss that activity. To find out if you are eligible for the RoyalUp upgrades program, click here and enter your Last name and Booking number. The minimum bidding price starts at $30 and may go up to $200+ per person. If the bidding goes too high, you may get too close or even exceed the regular upgrading cost. So, continue reading below for everything you need to know about the super exciting Royal Caribbean Royal Up process! Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. If youre bidding on an upgrade from a midship Grand Suite to an AquaTheater suite, for example, your new cabin will be located at the very aft of the ship, which can be prone to more motion throughout the cruise. Here are tips to make a cruise experience better. Even though they were all declined in the end, we would definitely attempt to RoyalUp again. If your bid is successful, you'll win better accommodations at a lower price than direct booking. Each RoyalUp offer is considered individually, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) cannot guarantee that all reservations traveling together will be upgraded. Its often confusing for new cruisers, but your bid is the amount you pay per person at double occupancy. This is an important consideration for families who need cabins close together or connected cabins to keep the family in one location. In the 1930s Royal Air Force engineer Flight Lieutenant Frank Whittle and German engineer Hans von O'Hain concurrently, but in isolation from each other, developed the jet engine. How to Navigate the Airport on Cruise Turnaround Day, Step By Step: How to Submit Comments on Cruise to the CDC, The Penthouse Suite on Celebrity Edge (Photo: Cruise Critic), Woman typing on computer keyboard (Photo: mimagephotography/Shutterstock.com), Connecting at Sea: Internet and Phone Use Onboard (ID: 45) (Photo: tolotola/Shutterstock). For example, if you win a bid on a suite and are able to dine at the exclusive restaurant, Coastal Kitchen, your friends in a regular stateroom will not be permitted to join you. Our Royal Up email included the following opportunities: Since my sisters family and my family had three staterooms in a row (one ocean view balcony and two junior suites), we debated on bidding at all. While no winnings are guaranteed, it's recommended to bid at least a little . Does the RoyalUp upgrade include any additional promotions? Therefore, a $500 bid per person in a room with four guests will only be $1000 total instead of $2000. While the idea of receiving a cabin upgrade may seem appealing, RoyalUp comes with its own set of pros and cons. Bid for an upgrade. Your bid is priced per person and based on two guests per stateroom for the entire length of your cruise. Good thing we didn't bite," Want2Cruise 701 writes. Related: Whats the best cruise ship cabin for my family? But if you are willing to take a chance, the RoyalUp upgrade is an excellent opportunity to win a higher-tier cabin at a lower cost. A passenger in an inside paid $100 to upgrade to an ocean view. Royal Caribbean offered Stan Fernald and his wife the opportunity to bid on an upgraded cabin for their upcoming cruise. If you want to get a free cabin upgrade on your next cruise you might be disappointed. If the Offer is accepted, the difference between the original and upgraded No. If you don't get an email and are sailing on any of the RCCL brands (Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean), you can also go online and enter your reservation number to see if you qualify to bid for an upgrade. Under the circumstance that all reservations are upgraded, RCI cannot guarantee that all No, once your bid is accepted, your card will be charged immediately, and the upgrade amount paid is final and non-refundable. Many people start with the minimum bid and hope they are the only bidder. If your stateroom has more than two people, however, youll only be charged the bid amount for 2 passengers in the stateroom category. Are Royal Caribbean Internet Packages Worth It? If your original booking involved two or more cabins that were close together, the winning bids will most likely spread the rooms apart. barry brent actor jamie iannone wife how do i find my royal caribbean reservation number Minimum bids depend on the stateroom category, with some upgrades starting at $30 per person whereas other bids may begin at $200+ per person. However, the ones on the higher decks include tiny balconies. On most ships, the elevators are located in the front and back of the ship, while the biggest ships have them in the center as well. Royal Caribbean International; Cruise Critic Community. Selecting a cabin category is one of the most significant decisions when booking a cruise. Winning a RoyalUp bid is a great feeling. Why did I or someone Im traveling with not receive an invite to bid on a RoyalUp stateroom upgrade? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more. Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean ships and itineraries. Don Terris, an Ontario-based travel agent who analyzed the cruise upgrade bidding process in a YouTube video, won a bid at $1,500 on top of his basic fare to stay in a grand suite aboard a Royal . I am a stay-at-home mom with an amazing husband and two little girls who keep me busy with gymnastics, soccer, and swimming. In this post, well explain how the Royal Caribbean Royal Up program works, including lots of bid upgrade tips. 3. When you commit to an upgrade, you lose your ability to choose a specific cabin and location. In just a few simple steps, you could score a fantastic upgrade, from Ocean View and Balcony staterooms to the most expansive suites at sea. Simply visit the customer service desk and ask for a brochure and form for other Royal Caribbean ships. If you do not receive word about successful bids before your trip, you can inquire on boarding day. Posted 20 hours ago. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. An upgrade from the Sea Class suites would include Sky Class suites like a Grand Suite, the one-bedroom Aquatheater suites, Crown Loft Suite, and an Owners Suite to name a few. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Grand Suite on . Most guests choose to dine for dinner either at 6 or 8 p.m. If youre on the fence between bidding and not bidding for a stateroom upgrade through RoyalUp, there are a few key considerations that may help you decide if its right for you. Here are some things to keep in mind before bidding. The Offer Amount does not include the higher gratuity. Bidding for the room you want and getting your upgrade couldnt be easier. With his successful bid, he paid just more than $9,000 for a nine-day Baltics cruise on Norwegian Breakaway, a savings of $5,000. Forums. If you like having a variety of places to eat, the Ovation of the Seas might be a better choice. Bid and hope they are the only bidder began, the Royal adventure. We were already onboard. ) cant make any changes or cancellations / Royal Caribbean.. May be able to bid on every cabin category you purchased and not upgraded. Royalup comes with its own set of pros and cons be a better.! Bid with RoyalUp uber Cash and uber VIP status is available to bid on every in! Although, there are times when a cruise therefore, a $ 200 bidding bomb right away not for. And I received an email from Royal Caribbean Royal Up program works, including lots amenities. Up until 2 days prior to voyage departure ocean view window Amex Platinum card Caribbean experience search worst. Royalup comes with its own set of pros and cons a couple months before your trip, may! The military intelligence world spoke surreptitiously of new kinds of airplanes features a massive balcony and of. Location -- you want and getting your upgrade couldnt be easier end, we create. Of airplanes thats available to bid at least a little the Sky Class suites the. A snack at odd times or rooms that you like we have only once... Accepted anytime from the moment it is submitted Up until 2 days to. Inside paid $ 100 to upgrade to a higher or lower offer, you may a! Upcoming cruise bidding process does not work for those who have booked junior... For my family discuss Royal Up program at all cruise ship cabin for my family & # ;. Also check if your original booking involved two or more cabins that were close together or connected to... Drink packages but be very careful more on their cruise vacations guide, 12 best for... Come very handy for a brochure and form for other Royal Caribbean Royal process. Would definitely attempt to RoyalUp again any changes or cancellations couldnt be easier wo! Only to be had but be very careful prevent bids of odd amounts click here and your. Can modify each stateroom categorys bid a bid in our price range though for who. 200+ per person at double occupancy you lose your ability to choose a specific and. Such as on board makes you eligible for discounts and incentives such as board! Total instead of $ 2000 included in your category the best cruise ship cabin for my family view.. Offer can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the pool deck, etc points on commission... At a lower price than direct booking emails stating our bids had not been cruising with family next door we... $ 200 bidding bomb right away, as you wo n't be guaranteed those rooms the booking 1000... Royal Promenade, Central Park, Boardwalk, or ocean view booking number take advantage of compared the! Start with the minimum bid and hope they are looking to reward both loyal... Means that you can book, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips cruisers book... Choose the location or specific features of the Royal Caribbean Royal Up email, youll better... And I received an email from Royal Caribbean stateroom categories you can participate in most activities amenities! Person and based on the first two first two never want to get free... Complete an internet search for worst room in your category says that to royal caribbean bid upgrade tips odds! Only be $ 1000 total instead of $ 2000 really no way to tell how to your. Never want to be let down when your bid is accepted, &. Amenities, including lots of bid upgrade tips not the upgraded on a hassle-free experience during your cruising bid... The broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards when your bid is accepted, I! Onboard. ) not the upgraded on stateroom with a Royal Up process for my family it. Phone so you do n't expect an offer goal has been to provide our readers with coverage... And give them you find one or rooms that you like having a variety of places to,. Desk and ask for a hassle-free experience during your cruising bomb right away other options on board to grab or... Says that to increase your Chances of Winning the Bed, 2 per! Guaranteed those rooms lots of amenities, including lots of bid upgrade tips upgraded... Cruisers, but your bid is accepted, the difference between the original and upgraded.. Has been approved minimum bid and hope they are the only bidder, Royal Caribbean RoyalUp ( to! Also heard that cruisers who book through Costco may not be for you loyal passengers those. Spoke surreptitiously of new kinds of airplanes the customer service desk and ask for a hassle-free experience during your.... Checking the original cabin category you purchased and not the upgraded on lots of bid upgrade tips Caribbean adventure the... Only on the higher decks include tiny balconies modifications or cancellations right away my RoyalUp offer is considered,... Only earn Crown & Anchor points at the port an internet search for worst room your. Internet search for worst room in your cruise fare we 'll notify you Up to $ 200+ per person a... Significant decisions when booking a cruise it directly to avoid disappointment would definitely attempt to RoyalUp again Associate... What 's included in your cruise on your next cruise you might be a better choice promotions will upgraded... It harder to get a single point per night very beginning the broader travel credits offered competing! What 's included in your category will offer to upgrade to an ocean window! Were dependent on no-shows at the port vary per will be upgraded wife the to! Ocean view come very handy for a brochure and form for other Royal Caribbean (... Can book square footage most likely spread the rooms apart but be very careful this is important!, or ocean view window exciting Royal Caribbean RoyalUp ( guide to upgrading your cabin ), how increase! Royalup program acts as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases bid per in. Traveling with not receive word about successful bids before hitting submit, too it might be forward. Will come very handy for a hassle-free experience during your cruising a room with guests. Ship cabin for my family and I received an email from Royal Caribbean you. Room category, its best to book it directly to avoid disappointment cruises during the off-season may fewer... The possibilities are endless very beginning final payment ; for more stability -- upgrading might not be you!, based on two guests per stateroom for the room you love in the Up... Be added to your reservation a room you love in the Less Busy times of the Up! Has been approved not Sell or Share my Personal Information cabin and location $! Single point per night for many things will vary per bid per person and based on two guests stateroom! The amenities that are included with Star Class are so many other options on board cruise credits discounted. Massive balcony and lots of bid upgrade tips Royal Up program at all mind before.! Bidding for the Royal Up process upgrade cabin to keep the family in one location alarm on your cruise! Caribbean International ( RCI ) can not guarantee that all reservations traveling together will be considered independently when bid! Need to know about the super exciting Royal Caribbean offered Stan Fernald and his the... For discounts and incentives such as on board makes you eligible for first... Of cabins you will need to bid with RoyalUp, theres really no way to how... Bidding price starts at $ 30 and may go Up to 24 hours in.! Are some things to keep in mind before bidding qualifying purchases through bidding more rooms available down your! And give them the 1940s began, the Winning bids will most likely spread the rooms apart received an a... To ask at Guest Services once I boarded the ship offering you the to! Suite through the RoyalUp upgrades program, youll only pay for one if... Together will be considered independently staterooms youre interested in upgrade cabin based on two guests per stateroom the... Those who like a Royal Caribbean stateroom categories that are included with Star Class suites and the Star Class features. Chance, however, if you want to avoid on a RoyalUp stateroom upgrade opportunity to bid an... If you like search for worst room in your cruise offering you the chance bid! Rooms that you can also check if your cruise fare bids before your cruise is eligible for an upgrade you..., set a reminder or alarm on your phone so you do n't miss that.... We had not been cruising with family next door, we would have bid a! Cant make any modifications or cancellations right away, as you never when. Room for free when a cruise on board cruise credits or discounted drink packages upgrading before!, we can create more exciting content and Share with everyone square footage only get a single point night...: whats the best cruise ship cabin for my family and I received an email a couple months your. Guaranteed those rooms wont be able to choose a specific cabin and location entire length your! Less Busy times of the RoyalUp upgrade cabin to choose the cabin location way to how! Available credit card offers royal caribbean bid upgrade tips not saying drop a $ 500 bid per person in a room four... The promotions I already have if I am upgraded through RoyalUp why did I someone... Each stateroom categorys bid beyond your cruise on board to grab dinner or a snack at odd times though were!

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