1. Use a Travel Agent
You can book a cruise holiday straight through the cruise line (Carnival, Royal Caribbean etc), or you can use a specialist travel agent who is authorised to sell cruises. If you do use a travel agent, you've got a higher chance of getting an upgraded cabin. Many travel agents are provided with special deals by the cruise lines, and you've also got a go-to guy who has contacts within the industry.
2. Book at the right time
You stand a much better chance of getting an upgrade if you're sailing during off-peak season, or if you're sailing to a less popular destination. Cruise lines are much more likely offer you an upgrade if their ships is not full. They can then try selling off the cheapest cabins to those customers who are waiting for the cheap last minute deals.
3. Mention any special events
If you're travelling for a specific reason, like your honeymoon, a birthday or anniversary, make sure you mention it when you're booking. Agents and cruise lines will often want to make sure you get a little something extra if you're travelling for a specific event.
4. Book a 'guaranteed rate' cabin
When you book a cabin on a guaranteed rate, you pay for the least expensive cabin, and you'll be guaranteed a cabin on that level, or higher. However, you're only allocated just before sailing, so you won't be able to request where on the ship your cabin is (front, back, mid-ship etc). Because the cruise lines often struggle to sell the mid-priced cabins, they'll bump up some of those from the inside cabins, so they can continue to sell the cheapest, most popular rooms.
5. Keep an eye on the price
Even after you've booked your cruise, make sure you keep an eye on the price. Some cruise lines and travel agents offer low price guarantees to encourage people to book early. If the price of a cruise then decreases, you can call them to request an upgrade, or on-board ship credit in line with the price deduction.
6. If there's a problem, say something!
When you do get onto your ship, if there is a problem with your cabin, mention it to customer services as soon as possible. If it's legitimate, and it cannot be solved immediately by the cruise line, they may offer you an upgrade. If you don't get an upgrade, or the problem persists, get in touch with the cruise line when you return home. They may offer you an upgrade, or on-board credit on the next cruise you book with them.
CruiseNation.com are a UK Based travel agents specialising in the best cruise deals and cruise offers for all of the top cruise lines.
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