norwegian cruise line room upgrades

• Cruise Advice

How to Bid for an Upgrade on Norwegian Cruise Line

Richard Simms

• October 10, 2018

First introduced in 2017, Norwegian Cruise Line ‘s Upgrade Advantage program is as popular as it is confusing to many first-timers. 

If you’re hoping to be upgraded from a stateroom to something nicer, it’s very important to know how the program works. Otherwise, it can be risky. 

With that said, read on for all the details about Upgrade Advantage and a few tips on how to get the most out of it!

How Upgrade Advantage Works

While cruisers have long hoped for visits from the “upgrade fairy,” Norwegian’s program makes things a bit less random, allowing passengers to place bids on various stateroom categories. The hope, of course, is to wind up in a better class of cabin at a substantial discount. 

In essence, it is a form of gambling, and just like in a casino, the better you understand the game, the likelier the odds you’ll come out a winner.

In a nutshell, Upgrade Advantage is a program in which eligible guests receive an email asking if they would like to place a bid on a stateroom.

Those interested are directed to a separate webpage that shows them what categories they are eligible to bid on. 

There’s also a sliding scale that shows the amount of their bid and — via a corresponding color-coded meter — whether that offer is considered poor, fair, good, strong, or excellent.

Sounds simple enough, right? There are, however, some pretty important things you should be aware of, including the following:

READ MORE : Overview: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Vibe Beach Club

• Not everyone is invited to bid. The number of offers that go out depends entirely on the ship’s size and what stateroom categories are available. You might receive an offer if you are traveling in a group and have several staterooms booked. Meanwhile, the other people in your party — even those in a similar stateroom category — will not.
• Not all bids are accepted. Even if your bid is accepted, the family members you booked into a connecting stateroom may not have their bid accepted, even if you place the same bid.
• You can bid to upgrade up to two categories. Typically, if you have an interior stateroom booked, you won’t be allowed to bid on a suite in the Haven. Instead, you can bid on an ocean view or balcony stateroom. Likewise, if you are in a balcony cabin, you can bid on a mini-suite or Haven stateroom.

• Your bid amount will be doubled. When placing a bid, the dollar amount is per person, which is double occupancy. In other words, whether one or four people are staying in the stateroom, your bid is for two people.  So if, for example, your bid to move from an inside cabin to a balcony is $700, you will be charged $1400 if the bid is accepted. And obviously, the higher the bid, the better your chance of accepting it. While middle-of-the-road and even low bids often win, the odds improve significantly when your bid is more generous.
• Once accepted, you are locked in. Nothing changes if your bid isn’t accepted. You won’t be charged for placing a bid, and you can modify or cancel your bid at any time, assuming it has not yet been accepted. However, once your bid is accepted, your corresponding credit card will be charged immediately, which is non-refundable.
• You will NOT receive additional promotions/perks. Norwegian passengers receive “perks” based on the category of room they book. The higher the category, the better the perks. However, when bidding for an upgrade, you retain the perks with the stateroom you originally booked, not the one you are upgrading into. For example, guests who have booked interior rooms generally receive one promotional perk — from free Wi-Fi minutes to the Ultimate Beverage Package — for “free” (not including any associated taxes, fees, or gratuities). Those booking a balcony room generally receive two perks.

Why Bidding Isn’t for Everyone

READ MORE: Question: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Upgrade Advantage Program

Depending on the sailing, it is possible to place a minimum bid and win, thus allowing yourself to move into a better stateroom category for a somewhat insubstantial amount of money.

This is, however, more of the exception than the rule!

So why wouldn’t one take a chance and place a bid? One might want to think twice for a few reasons, especially if you are the cruiser who likes to plan out every detail of their trip in advance.

• You have no control over where you’ll wind up. While bidding on a specific stateroom category, a room within that category will be assigned to you once your bid has been accepted. This means you might wind up in a cabin above a nightclub, below a bowling alley, or in a great stateroom in a fine location.  But if you’re the type of traveler who wants as much control over their environment and location as possible, this isn’t an option you should pursue.

• Your bid may not be accepted until the last minute. Generally, emails soliciting bids do not go out until after the final payment date for the cruise has passed. Once you have placed your bid, Norwegian can accept it at any point. This could mean five minutes after you hit “submit” or two days before sailing.  Essentially, if you’re someone who tends to spend weeks planning the quickest route from your cabin to the buffet, the Upgrade Advantage program is likely not a good fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should i bid to upgrade on a norwegian cruise.

The amount of your bid depends on the type of upgrade you want and your budget. I suggest looking at similar upgraded room categories to get a sense of reasonable bid amounts.

Note that All bids for Norwegian Cruise Line upgrades are based on double occupancy, which means that your bid amount would be per person, assuming two people are sharing the room. So, if you bid $400 and your bid is accepted, you will be charged $800 ($400 x 2) to your credit card. 

When does NCL send out upgrade offers?

Norwegian Cruise Line typically sends upgrade offers by email and on the website reservation page around 80 days before sailing. There will be a “Let’s Get You Upgraded” page where you can view and bid on available upgraded cabin categories. 

How to check the status of an NCL upgrade bid?

To check the status of your NCL upgrade bid, click the “Get Started” link on the upgrade page, and you’ll be redirected to the bidding page. There, you can view your previous bids and click “Review Your Bid” to see each bid’s status. 

Before a bid is accepted, you can modify or cancel it. Once it’s accepted, however, you cannot withdraw the bid. 

Final Thoughts

For many, the Upgrade Advantage program is a roll of the dice worth taking. However, the best advice is that you should never count on an upgrade when booking a stateroom.

DIG DEEPER: 12 Things to Know Before Sailing Norwegian Cruise Line

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

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

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

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

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

Bidding On an Upgrade

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

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

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

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

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

Having an Upgrade Accepted

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

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

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

Is the Upgrade Advantage Worth It?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Upgrade Your Room on a Norwegian Cruise

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

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

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

How To Upgrade Room On Norwegian Cruise?

When to Upgrade

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

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

How to Upgrade

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

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

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

3. What to Expect

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Tips for Upgrading

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

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

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

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

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

When can I upgrade my room?

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

What are the different types of room upgrades available?

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

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

How do I request an upgrade?

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

What are the chances of getting an upgrade?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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Why it pays to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

Cruise ship cabins have improved since the days when you bumped into walls on your way to your bathroom. However, there is still a difference between staying in a small, windowless interior space versus a room with its own balcony or even a lavish suite. For many people, it makes sense to upgrade to the best cabin they can afford.

Consider a cruise cabin your hotel room for the week, and start with a deep think about how much time you will actually be in your room (or rooms). If you plan to do every shipboard activity, party until the wee hours and use your cabin only to sleep, shower and shave a lower-priced cabin with or without a window or porthole might better suit your needs — especially if you're on a tight budget.

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If, on the other hand, you want your own private place to escape from the crowds and the frenetic pace of cruise activities without missing any ocean and coastal views, you're likely better off upgrading to a balcony cabin or a suite with a balcony — even if it adds hundreds or thousands of dollars to your cruise vacation budget. You'll have more private space to lounge around reading a book, watching movies or ordering room service.

Here are several reasons why it pays to upgrade your cruise ship cabin.

Access to suite perks

At the top end of cruise accommodations are suites. Be aware that "suite" is a flexible term on cruise ships. It could mean only a 250-square-foot room, with or without a curtain separating a bed and sofa area. With a bigger budget, you might be able to book a multi-room, multi-bathroom apartment — or even a spectacular suite that's a house-sized oasis.

Space is reason enough to upgrade to a suite, but other perks come with the experience. On some big ships, suites are located in a separate complex with a private restaurant, sun deck, swimming pool and a lounge open only to guests in the fancy accommodations.

RELATED: 7 reasons to splurge on a suite on your next cruise

If you want a coveted king-sized bed, you are most likely to find one in a suite. Bathtubs and whirlpool tubs, also cruise rarities (most cabins just come with showers) are other typical suite perks.

Suites tend to come with larger balconies than you'll find in standard balcony cabins. In top suites, these spaces are huge, complete with outdoor living rooms, dining areas and hot tubs.

Depending on your ship, additional perks might include everything from cushy robes and designer soaps to free drinks and specialty dining. Your suite accommodations will likely come with the services of a special concierge desk to help you book shore excursions, spa treatments and dining reservations. You might even have a butler at your beck and call.

If you are thinking of upgrading to a suite, carefully read how much space you'll actually get, and evaluate whether the perks are something you will actually use.

spa amenities in your cabin

Spa cabins have decor designed to inspire Zen and even romantic moments. These extra-fee cabins are usually located near the spa and fitness facilities — no need to traipse through the whole ship in your bathrobe or gym shorts. Spa cabins typically are balcony cabins or suites with more space than standard cabins.

Cabin amenities might include a bathtub and special soothing bath products, upgraded bathrobes, designer water and even beautiful scents. You will have complimentary access to the spa's thermal suite, where you will find an array of wet and dry experiences such as a sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and aromatherapy showers.

You'll enjoy priority access in terms of booking massages, and discounted spa treatments might also be included. The same goes for fitness classes; you'll be able to sign up fee-free before the classes are open to others on the ship. You might also have small fitness items like yoga mats available to you for in-cabin use.

If you are a big spa fan or gym rat, these suites are worth the upgrade.

Related: The 6 best cruise ship spas

Balcony cabins — standard cabins with a step-out space for sitting — are among the most popular accommodations on cruise ships both for views and the fact that you can open your door to let in the sea breezes and hear the waves. (A recent innovation are balcony cabins featuring large windows that open the the push of a button, rather than doors leading to actual outdoor space.)

If you have a standard step-out balcony, it will be furnished with chairs and a small table for drinks. Some larger balconies have loungers and an actual dining table where you can enjoy a private meal.

RELATED: 6 reasons to book a balcony cabin

Some cruisers consider a balcony an unnecessary upgrade. They are just as content to book a cheaper cabin and don't mind jockeying for a lounge chair on the open decks. However, others relish having the option of being able to head outdoors directly from their cabins, even in their bathrobes, to enjoy the sea.

On itineraries where stunning coastal scenery — such as the glaciers in Alaska and fjords in Iceland and Norway — is a particular focus, a balcony is worth the upgrade.

Be aware when considering an upgrade to a balcony that not all of these accommodations are spacious. They might even be the same size as standard windowed cabins, and the balconies they offer aren't always all that big. On the smallest ships, your knees could be up against the railing when you sit. Aft cabins with views of the wake and, often, larger balconies, are some of the most sought-after cabins on the ship.

More space when traveling with kids

With space a commodity on cruise ships, a mistake some families make is cramming everyone into the tight quarters of standard accommodations — the kids on bunks that drop down from the ceiling or sofa beds, with parents (or grandparents) sleeping on the regular bed. Such closeness may not be conducive to family harmony, particularly when you are sharing one bathroom and limited closet and drawer space.

A better choice, if your ship has them, are family cabins that are designed to sleep five or six and provide more room to spread out. On some ships, these accommodations have the bonus of a half bathroom in addition to a full bathroom. These cabins are sometimes located near children's facilities, so you can send the kids right down the hall to participate in camp-like activities.

Related: The 8 best cruise ships for kids

Families also might consider booking two adjoining cabins, which gives older kids and adults some privacy and delivers two full baths. If you need the space, check the price of family suites, which might be only a few hundred dollars more than basic family cabins and include perks reserved for suite guests.

Bottom line

An upgraded cabin is almost always better than the most basic room on board. The only thing stopping you from splurging on a larger space, a private balcony and extra perks is your budget.

If you change your mind once you've booked, you'll find several ways to upgrade your cabin to a higher-category room. However, there are times when you should just say no to that cabin upgrade offer , especially if what the cruise line thinks is a nicer room is not what you'd consider better accommodation.

If you think you'd be happier in an upper-category cabin, it's always a good idea to book it right away so you have control over which type of room you'll have and the exact ship location you will most enjoy on your vacation.

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Upgrade bid offer?

By Marbella18 , September 22, 2021 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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We are booked on the Getaway in November and have been offered to upgrade for a better cabin. As we have never had this offer on past cruises what do we do? I have seen several US citizens mention upgrade bids before but not familiar to me and my friends in the UK.  Do we offer the lowest bid shown or is it normal to offer much more? How and when will we find out if we are successful?

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On my last two cruises the shops were sailing pretty much at 100% and upgrade bid success was rare however we board NCL Epic on Sunday and a lot of minimum bid upgrades were accepted.  One guest from a balcony cabin bid 645€ and won the 2BR Have suite, I went from an inside cabin to a club balcony for 160€. Prices quoted are per person based on two persons in the cabin. 

The success of you bid will depend on the capacity of your sailing more than anything 

You should examine your heart to avoid being disappointed if it's rejected. Normally you get more value than what you pay for in a bid, so best not to be super frugal. I think it is a real treat to have this bidding opportunity.

Best not to use the exact bottom number or overly round numbers because you tend to tie with other offers. Come up with a number and imagine it fails - do you feel bad you didn't increase it a bit? I am typically a cheapskate, but bid generously and won all my bids.

Well I've just chanced my arm with the minimum bid. Not really bothered if it's unsuccessful but happy days if it is  😁

2 hours ago, dumbth said: You should examine your heart to avoid being disappointed if it's rejected. Normally you get more value than what you pay for in a bid, so best not to be super frugal. I think it is a real treat to have this bidding opportunity.   Best not to use the exact bottom number or overly round numbers because you tend to tie with other offers. Come up with a number and imagine it fails - do you feel bad you didn't increase it a bit? I am typically a cheapskate, but bid generously and won all my bids.

When you bid, where is the arrow pointing on the ticker scale? Good...or higher? Does the maximum bid guarantee a win?

2 minutes ago, Seany527 said: When you bid, where is the arrow pointing on the ticker scale? Good...or higher? Does the maximum bid guarantee a win?

I would imagine so. How could you be outbid if you bid the maximum? I'm pretty sure they review the bids and give it to the highest bidder. I don't think it's a lottery. 

5 hours ago, Marbella18 said: We are booked on the Getaway in November and have been offered to upgrade for a better cabin. As we have never had this offer on past cruises what do we do? I have seen several US citizens mention upgrade bids before but not familiar to me and my friends in the UK.  Do we offer the lowest bid shown or is it normal to offer much more? How and when will we find out if we are successful?

My bid email says they usually review bids between 1 and 14 days before the cruise and then email you if successful. 

14 minutes ago, deek72 said: I would imagine so. How could you be outbid if you bid the maximum? I'm pretty sure they review the bids and give it to the highest bidder. I don't think it's a lottery. 

Just asking because the Max bid is about $2,000pp but to book the cabin on its own is about $11,000pp. It’s a good value for me but NCL would be losing out.   

I was thinking the bidding system gets people interested in a room, they grow impatient and end up booking it on their own. If that tactic doesn’t work then NCL let’s the room sail empty. 

1 minute ago, Seany527 said: Just asking because the Max bid is about $2,000pp but to book the cabin on its own is about $11,000pp. It’s a good value for me but NCL would be losing out.    I was thinking the bidding system gets people interested in a room, they grow impatient and end up booking it on their own. If that tactic doesn’t work then NCL let’s the room sail empty. 

I would say it's just NCL trying to guarantee that a cabin is filled. Remember, they don't go to bids until 2 weeks before the cruise so they can quite happily get some bids in the locker, then if the cabin doesn't go at full price, they go to the bids and just get the most they can. Having guests who paid $800 for a Haven cabin is better than having it empty. 

I generally choose a cabin that I'm happy with when I book initially. When the bidding opportunities come out if there is something that I may be interested in I figure how much I am willing to bid to move up to another category - and it's usually barely above minimum.

Couple of things to keep in mind. When you bid you are bidding into a guarantee room and could be assigned any room in the category. You keep the perks you initially had, not new perks because of room category - haven may be different... Once you bid and they accept you are in the new room and do not have the option of getting your old room back.

If you have a cabin that is in demand you may have a better chance of moving up, even if your bid may not be the highest in the category. Move ups are generally part of a chain which makes NCL the most dollars.

The last time I was offered upgrade bidding, the amount of minimum bid was more than the cost of just calling and booking the category directly - and that way I was able to choose my cabin.

ChiefMateJRK

I originally booked an inside cabin (don't judge me).  My upgrade offer was $50 minimum ($100 for two) to an ocean view.  That was the lowest of the "poor" readings available on the dial.  It wasn't worth even $100 for me to get a window.  I was rewarded for my patience when today I called NCL and upgraded to a nice forward facing ocean view on deck 12 (Encore) for a buck forty.  You really can't beat that.  The very nice/helpful reservations agent told me that the new room has to cost more than the existing room.  Life is good.   😎

BirdTravels

10 hours ago, Seany527 said: When you bid, where is the arrow pointing on the ticker scale? Good...or higher? Does the maximum bid guarantee a win?

A "maximum" bid is often more than the cost of just booking the higher room at retail price. If you are willing to pay that, then just rebook in the higher cabin class.

A "maximum" bid is only fulfilled if there is availability in that cabin class. There are no guarantees in life. 

• 9 months later...

I just received my upgrade offer by email and my cruise is 110 days away, so much earlier than the normal 8- days.  Also they used to only let you bid 2 categories higher, but i am staying in an inside room and I can bid on outside room, balcony and club balcony.  On the NCL site the difference on the cruise between inside and balcony is $750 per person, so I think having a bid accepted in the 200-300 range would be a big savings.

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Knot on her watch!

Tammy Barr, who says she worked on cruises for three years, reveals in a new Insider essay the six things she’d never do on board.

Barr’s nauti list includes shelling out for dining upgrades or a drink package; touching certain surfaces with bare hands; wearing a room key as a necklace; using improper maritime grammar; and risking not returning to the ship on time.

She doesn’t mean to be a keel-joy, but she stern-ly advises against “supplementary” dinner items.

“I know $12 may not seem like much for a steak or lobster tail at dinner, but the cost of the cruise is supposed to include your food,” Barr penned for Insider. “So, even though I enjoy lobster, I stick with the items without the upcharges.”

Data from late 2023 found that a five-night cruise in the Caribbean cost around $736 per person — a colossal 43% hike compared to the same time in 2019, as demand for cruise vacations spiked following the COVID-19 pandemic .

Barr keeps costs in mind while counseling against unlimited drink packages, especially for passengers who plan to leave ship bars to go ashore for the day.

And third, Barr suggests touching common surfaces such as elevator buttons with knuckles or elbows.

“This strategy has worked for me, as I have never contracted norovirus, even when it was running rampant on a ship I was on,” Barr shared. “It’s quite contagious and can linger on your fingertips even after using hand sanitizer. I’d definitely rather be safe than sorry.”

13 outbreaks of norovirus — an easily spread stomach bug — were reported on cruises in 2023, the most since 2012, when there were 16 confirmed outbreaks.

The first norovirus cruise outbreak of 2024 was logged in January, on a Celebrity Cruises ship.

Also to stay safe, Barr recommends not wearing your room key around your neck, as it looks “pretentious” and “like an invitation to be robbed.”

Speaking of con-sea-ted, Barr is particular about how she identifies ships.

“Ships have proper names, and so do not require a definite article. For example, ‘Tomorrow I am embarking on Discovery Princess,’ or ‘I enjoyed scenic cruising on MS Westerdam,'” she imparts to the Insider audience.

And finally, make sure to make it back to the ship on time, so you don’t wreck your vacation.

Just last month, Norwegian Cruise Line left eight passengers stranded on a tiny island in Africa after their private tour ran late.

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Upgrade Advantage Air FAQ

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1. What is Upgrade Advantage Air? Upgrade Advantage Air allows eligible passengers on chartered flights the opportunity to bid on an upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class.

2. When can I bid? Eligible passengers will receive an email invitation from Norwegian Cruise Line to participate and may submit an offer to travel in a higher class between 45 and 14 days prior to the flight departure.

3. Do invitations apply to both Inbound and Return flights? Invitations will list each eligible flight separately. All flights will be considered independently. NCL cannot guarantee that both flights will be upgraded.

4. Is the offer amount individual or for the entire reservation? The offer amount is a one-time charge per person. Any offer submitted will apply to all passengers on the reservation.

5. Does the upgrade include any additional perks? Should you be upgraded, you would enjoy the full Premium Economy or Business Class experience on the flight for which the bid was awarded.

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

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

8. Can I choose specific seats of the upgrade cabin? No, your seat location will depend on availability. NCL cannot guarantee a specific seat assignment within the upgraded class.

9. Can I modify or cancel my offer after I submit it? You may modify or cancel your offer up until 14 days prior to departure, provided that your offer has not already been accepted by NCL and provided your credit card has not been charged.

10. When will I know if my offer got accepted? Your offer can be accepted anytime from the moment it is submitted up until 14 days prior to departure. Passengers may be notified via email of the result of their bid(s) at any time between submission and 14 days prior to departure.

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

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

13. Will there be any additional fees? Depending on the flight itinerary, additional taxes may be applicable to the upgrade charges, if the upgrade is awarded. Any applicable taxes for the air upgrade will be charged automatically once the payment for the upgrade is taken.

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

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