Specifc Cabin vs Class Guarantee, whats the diff?

[Aptosian]

When booking online I can just pick a class guarantee or I can pick a specific cabin and then check upgrade me if you want. Is there a difference between those choices? Am I more likely to be visited by the upgrade fairy if I just choose the class guarantee and not a cabin?

 

Also, If I get upgraded to a cabin I don't want, what are my options? We may hit rough seas and I definitely want a midship cabin.

[Mary Ellen]

If you definitely want a midship cabin, select one and specify that you do not want an upgrade. You could VERY well end up extreme forward with a guarantee - or you could get a midship cabin. NO way to tell and you very well could not be able to change from a (to you) poor location "upgrade". Close to sailing you can ask about an upsell and see if the location/price are worth it to you.

[Jemima]

If you select guarantee, you are agreeing to accept any cabin that category or higher. HAL will choose the cabin. The cabin is often a higher category than the guarantee, but sometimes the same category. Our cabin assignments have usually not been mid-ship. Guarantees get what is left.

If you select a specific cabin, you are not likely to be offered a free upgrade. You might be offered a paid upgrade which might or might not be a good deal.

[gregdude]

Guarantee cabins may place you in an area that no one wants: noise, heat, ship movement. You could get an upgrade, but again it could be an upgrade into a bad area of the ship. If given a choice at booking, in my opinion, it is best to select a cabin in an area that fits your needs and be happy. Going with the guarantee is like going to a casino, you may win, but many more lose than win!

 

On my last cruise the only category "D" left was guarantee. I ended up on the lower promenade deck of the Volendam. This would have been a good location if it had not been for the dishwashing room right above! Needless to say a good location but noise from 5:00 AM until 11:30 PM everyday.

[baggal]

If you are worried about rough seas, I would choose the cabin I want and not let HAL choose for me. HAL might consider an upgraded cabin to be on a higher deck and either forward or aft. Neither are good choices if you are worried about sea sickness.

 

We always choose the cabin we want at a price that we're willing to pay. I save my gambling for the casino.