Best strategy for upgrading

[CaliJohn]

We're booked on the 6/27 Sapphire Alaska cruise in an interior stateroom and want to upgrade to a standard balcony. Is there a method to getting the best upgrade price?

 

Thanks for the help.

[Toto2Kansas]

Nope, just keep an eye on the prices each day, twice a day if you can.

And find a good travel agent that discounts and has access to Princess specials. ;)

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Upgrade or upsell. If Upgrade, these seem to be hit and miss on all lines. If upsell, tell your travel agent you are willing to accept one. If you really want a standard balcony, I would book that category as a firm or on a guarantee.

[paul929207]

It is just a guess whether the ship will sell out and there will be no upgrades, nearly sell out and the remaining cabins will see price increases or there will be many empty cabins and prices will drop.

[CaliJohn]

Thanks to all for the advice. I guess I'll just keep my eyes open for deals...

[flamomo]

If you decide to go ahead and and book a balcony cabin, keep a close eye on the Princess website for fare reductions prior to final payment. If you find one for your category, a quick phone call to your TA, or Princess if you booked directly with them, should get you the reduction.

We book with Princess, and for some cruises I have found and been able to get fare reductions as much as twice for the same cruise. And have saved as much as $400 per person over the original fare.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Cali,

 

Keep your eyes open for sales...you are sailing in the height of the Alaska season, so if your heart is set on a balcony, I wouldn't wait too long.

[willyguy]

I have a question if you have already made final payment will the still give you a up grade?

[Toto2Kansas]

I have a question if you have already made final payment will the still give you a up grade?

 

Final payment has nothing really to do with upgrades. Many have found when they checked in at the pier that they are in a better category stateroom then they were a couple of weeks before. So, no, final payment made has nothing to do with upgrades. ;)

[1stCruiser]

When I upgraded for my upcoming cruise (after final payment date), I paid the equivalent of what I would have paid had I booked that specific category in the first place - even though the current price was significantly higher. If the current price had been lower, I'm not sure what price I would have paid since I upgraded after final payment date. So cancelling and re-booking (at a lower price) would not have been an option.

 

Since you are not past final payment date, ask your TA for the upgrade price - which should be either lower or at least equal to the current pricing. Then you can still benefit from future price decreases, if any, before final payment date.