Everyone loves a free upgrade from time to time, whether it’s from economy to business class on a plane or on a cruise ship.
However, many people have noticed that it’s become much more difficult to secure those upgrades in recent years.
But in good news for cruise enthusiasts, they now have a new set of strategies to consider.
This is thanks to insights shared by popular travel expert Gary Bembridge. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Tips for Travellers, which boasts nearly 500,000 subscribers, Bembridge revealed “sure-fire” methods for securing better cabins.
With ships often sailing at maximum capacity, Bembridge explained that traditional upgrade tricks, like asking guest services onboard for available cabins, are no longer effective.
Instead, he suggested planning ahead and booking strategically during key sales periods.
He said: “This year, I see cruise lines, especially during key sales periods, offering promotions where I book one grade but get given a grade or two higher.
“So, I can lock in an upgrade when I book to get more bang for my buck.”
Examples of these sales include promotions during “Wave season” at the start of the year, Black Friday, or flash sales at the end of financial quarters.
However, for this to work, people have to stay alert. Bembridge said: “I get my agent to watch out for them, but I also sign up for cruise lines’ email newsletters and follow them on social media, as many sales last just eight hours.”
Another method rising in popularity is bidding for upgrades, a feature now offered by most major cruise lines.
Bembridge said: “In the weeks before my cruises with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises, I received emails inviting me to bid for an upgrade.”
However, he warned against overbidding, recommending passengers check the outright cost of an upgrade to avoid paying more than necessary.
For budget-conscious travelers, Bembridge also suggested booking repositioning cruises or off-season sailings.
These routes, often longer and with more sea days, tend to be less popular, resulting in lower prices.
Bembridge explained: “Friends of mine use repositioning cruises to afford higher-grade cabins or luxury lines like Viking, which they wouldn’t be able to afford during regular sailings.”
Another tip involves Holland America’s Club Orange, a premium add-on costing around $15 (£12) per day per person.
Bembridge said: “Club Orange offers a guaranteed stateroom upgrade to the next available grade, often saving passengers money compared to booking a higher-grade cabin outright.
“Plus, it includes extra perks like priority seating and enhanced room service menus.”