NCL Upgrade Advantage - Bid approved - Need guidance

[Lingerlonger71]

This will be my 4th cruise with NCL, the second time I have received and bidded on an Upgrade Advantage Offer and the 1st time I have been notified that my bid had won.

 

My original cabin was in the IC category on Deck 10. I placed bids for Ocean View and Balcony cabins. The Ocean View bid of $70 USD per person was accepted. I know I have no say on where the cabin will be, understand that is the chance I took. Sadly my "upgraded" cabin is on deck 4, with a porthole oceanview over the head of the bed. Don't really feel this was an upgrade but understand it is considered an oceanview.

 

The kicker is that if I was to go online to the NCL website today and try to book the cabin they upgraded me to, which is listed in OX category, it would be over $300 CDN per person LESS than what the original Inside Cabin is listed for.

 

I booked through a casino offer which means I didn't pay the full price to begin with and the supervisor I spoke to has already brought that up. But she can't help me with the Upgrade issue aside from escalate the issue to the proper department by email on my behalf.

 

Anyone else think I have been taken for a ride? Anyone else have this happen to them? Any suggestions on how I can further approach the issue with NCL?

 

Thank you!

[Dunfer]

I'm sorry, I really can't help you, but I have an inside on Deck 10 on the Sun and was offered to bid for Oceanview and balcony. I bid on both, but then decided I would rather be in an inside on Deck 10, than "ocean view" on Deck 2, so dropped that bid. Still haven't heard if my balcony bid is accepted. I sail in less than 2 weeks.

[littlelulu01]

I'm sorry that happened. I don't necessarily think you've been takefor a ride- it's just the cruise line (any cruise line) is going to try and make as much as possible on every room. The upgrade advantage process isn't necessarily a way to get a great deal. NCL outlines conditions pretty clearly too so it's kinda buyer be aware and don't put a bid in on a room category and price you aren't comfortable with. I'm fairly convinced the new system is not all that great for most sailings.

 

One thing you may be able to do is watch the available rooms closely and a balcony may come up in your price range. I've recently seen sail away rates a good chunk less at last minute (30-40 days prior). If you won't benefit much from the free at sea perks this might be an option. You can upgrade after an award- just can't probably take it back nor go back into the upgrade advantage pool.

 

Casinos at sea may be able to get you a balcony for not much more than your upgrade advantage award. Good luck and if you stay put in the ocean view room it'll at least have some daylight and a chance for you to see outside.

[garycarla]

Sorry if is not working out for you. Really I am.

 

But, you bid for what you thought was a good deal and got it. Not sure what else to do...other than accept and enjoy.

[Lingerlonger71]

As stated before, my issue is that even though I am now in a Oceanview cabin rather than an Inside cabin. I don't understand how they can call a cabin that is over $300 LESS per person than the inside cabin I was orginally assigned an upgrade.

[deliver42]

Ocean View is considered an upgrade from inside no matter where it is. This is true on any cruise line.

[BirdTravels]

Most ocean view rooms are on the lower decks where portholes live (vs balcony). And in your comparison, you are looking st the price of an ocean view guarantee which, by definition, is a low cost room where you get no choice of cabins. As with any upgrade, you are getting rooms that people didn't want (left overs). Did you consider all of this in you bid and post award analysis?

 

 

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[Moby0215]

Ocean views are an upgrade from insides. You knew this because you even agreed to pay $70 pp to be chosen to upgrade. The location and the current cost of the cabin should not come into play at all. Just enjoy your cruise!

 

 

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[littlelulu01]

As stated before, my issue is that even though I am now in a Oceanview cabin rather than an Inside cabin. I don't understand how they can call a cabin that is over $300 LESS per person than the inside cabin I was orginally assigned an upgrade.

Price you paid for your stateroom was a bid you thought was a good deal. There's going to be many people who paid a lot more for the same type of stateroom on the sailing and many who paid about what you paid and some who paid less. It's always that way. Doesn't matter what line you are sailing. Pricing fluctuations are a given, especially close to sail date. You are past final payment, agreed to bid on an ocean view gt, got what you wanted and had agreed to pay for. There's not much that can be done at this point except to go and enjoy a wonderful vacation. You didn't get taken for a ride. if a balcony is truly all you want- why you bid on an ov gt at a price you were not happy about is not worth hashing out at this point but certainly call cas and just pay for the balcony room you want before they are all sold out. Either that or keep what you have. Deck 4 is typically quiet and also convenient for getting off ship in ports. The stairs to upper decks can burn a few extra calories. the elevator only takes a few seconds longer than the original stateroom location you had.

[mking8288]

OP, as others above mentioned, you did not get taken for a ride. It is similar to flying, the seatmate up & down the aisle booked at different time and paid difference prices, some got the middle seat.

 

We booked a frugal Inside recently on the Gem, picked our mid ship, quiet location on deck 10 - and bid under this new "Advantage" offer; and, was accepted about 10 days prior to day zero - knowing full well that we could end up anywhere with an OV stateroom, worst case - Deck 4 Fwd (and, we've been there ... more on it *****)

 

NCL picked & assigned us an obstructed OV on deck 8, midship - we moved down 2 floors lowered & had views of the lifeboat outside our lovely picture window. Did we get taken for a ride, no ... not at all, those're the terms & conditions as stated in writing, I read it & knew the risks involved. DW and I were happy with the deal, wished we were on a balcony (but our "poor" bid was rejected ... wasn't going to spend a lot more $$$) We're bidding for 3 staterooms - the $125 x 2 bid for balcony wasn't accepted either.

 

My BIL/SIL got a better assignment for their I/S to OV bid - deck 8 AFT, just behind the elevators & stairs, past O'Sheehan's and yes, their bid was a little higher than ours, accepted about 5 days later as they moved the slider a little more than us, LOL ;p

 

***** Years ago, when it was possible to book a GTY stateroom & hoping for being lucky (and not paying extra $$ to upgrade) - we booked an Obstructed Oceanview, Deck 8 (same ship - the Gem in 2012) - and guess what, we got a free upgrade. We're assigned to a porthole, forward and on Deck 4. Was it a downgrade, not at all. Sailed the week after Sandy made landfall over NYC, directly into another incoming Noreaster - left NY harbor in a hail storm & wet snow, gale force cross wind in the Altantic with 30' wave for 12+ hours.

 

The days of getting a free upgrade from OV to a Balcony are over ... we did score a free Inside upgrade several years ago to a Balcony. And, you enjoyed a nice casino discount/comp deal ... the current/lowest selling price of those cabins now is irrelevant, sorry - IMO.

[Two Wheels Only]

Anyone else think I have been taken for a ride?

No.

You shouldn't compare the "fire sale" prices (trying to fill the last few empty staterooms) with "normal/original" prices.

 

 

The day that you booked, you were happy.

The day that you received your upgrade offer, you were happy.

The day that you made your offer, you were happy with that amount.

The day that your offer was accepted, you were happy.

[Flamencacha]

I booked my first OVX this summer. I got Deck 4 porthole too. I found the cabin to be acceptable , and it was kinda kool looking out the porthole and watching the waves so close by.

 

 

 

We did a Gty hoping for a balcony, it didn't happen. But we had no issues getting off the ship which was great, especially on a Tender day. I had been on the same ship previos year and I had my Deck 11 balcony.

 

 

 

Enjoy your porthole I did!!![emoji851]

 

 

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[ray98]

I don't really understand the complaint. 1st you booked the cruise and then willingly bid on on upgrade. You got just that yet you think you were taken advantage of?

[punkincc]

As stated before, my issue is that even though I am now in a Oceanview cabin rather than an Inside cabin. I don't understand how they can call a cabin that is over $300 LESS per person than the inside cabin I was orginally assigned an upgrade.

 

They can call it an upgrade because you went from Inside to Oceanview.

 

What you are upset about is the fact that you paid considerably more at booking for an inside than the going rate for an oceanview today. And then you decided to give them even more money with a bid.

 

Anytime the category above yours drops in price below what you paid at booking is a good time to call NCL and point this out. Happened to me recently. I wouldn't even have known if I hadn't got the offer to bid on an Oceanview and looked out of curiosity. Called NCL instead, and they gave me a free upgrade to oceanview.

 

This is not going to work every time, but it never hurts to ask politely. I'd think twice about dropping even more $ for an upgrade bid after prices have dropped significantly. But it's a done deal now. Forget it and enjoy the extra square footage, and window. A porthole is better than none.

[sanger727]

Yeah. This is an issue that has occurred. It is an upgrade because that's based on how their cabins are ranked. But people have noticed that if say; they booked an oceanview for $650, and they want to bid on a balcony the recommended bid is $150. Then they look at what the cabins are currently selling at and they can get a balcony guarantee at $700, so $100 less than the bid price.

 

I don't think there's any way to correct this after the fact. It's buyer beware at this point. With the reminder to always check current cabin prices before you bid on an upgrade. Have you checked if they would allow you to upgrade to a balcony at this point?

 

 

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[SoCA6ft5]

Putting aside the, "if only I had waited" we all feel when we see prices drop below what we paid, bear with me through a little math to see what NCL may reasonably accommodate you with if you ask. Including what you paid with your casino offer and the $70 pp upgrade bid, what is your total outlay? Is this amount more than your "new" cabin is selling for? If so, you may have two options: 1. ask to apply what you've paid so far to a cabin you would prefer, or see if they will offer you a cabin credit for 25% of the difference.

 

If what you paid in total is still less than the current rate, comparing a retail price drop is a false equivalency. Try not to dwell on it and be happy that through the casino program you are still paying less than the general public and enjoy your cruise.

[xcell]

Instead of bidding, since the price went down for an OV, why not ask if you can upgrade the room???

[sanger727]

OP, also keep in mind that what your cabin category is currently selling for is irrelevant to a conversation with Norwegian about upgrades. All that they will look at is what YOU paid. It sounds like the ocean view you are now assigned is still listed at more than you paid. But if you look at what the total is you paid, you should be able to upgrade to anything more expensive and pay the difference.

 

 

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[Lingerlonger71]

Thanks to everyone for thier input and opinions. It would appear that NCL saw SOME sense to my reasoning as they are refunding me the bid amount and putting me back in the original inside cabin. We are more than happy with that.

 

Lesson learned for next time and are unlikely to take the chance on bidding on a oceanview cabin if given the chance.

 

Thanks again.

[debagk]

I'm current leaving on the Getaway in an OV and got the upgrade offer. When I first booked my family OV stateroom, I compared size and cost between the OV, balcony and Mini-suite. The balcony cost less and Mini-suite was $100 pp higher than the cost of the OV but both were not guaranteed so I booked an OV. When I got my offer I passed on the balcony and bid the minimum on the Mini suite. That way I won't feel the same way you do if my offer is accepted. I'm happy with the room I picked and if I get the mini-suite then I'll consider it a bonus. I'm glad you were able to get NCL to refund you your bid. Enjoy your cruise

[Windrosesg]

I had booked on Norwegian Jewel with Sail-away Oceanview. Was assigned a porthole Oceanview cabin. About 2 months later I got to know the rate of Sail-away Balcony was lower by $100 per cabin as compared to my original booking on Sail-away Oceanview. So I wrote in to ask if possible to change to Sail-away Balcony? The personnel was prompt and helped me to get a Balcony cabin. When I logged into my account summary, it showed the reduction of total cruise fare by $100 per cabin. Within days I was given the Balcony cabin number. I would consider this as a reduction of $100 in fare and received a free upgrade. It's cool!

[spanishguy1970]

On 8/8/2017 at 4:33 PM, xcell said:

Instead of bidding, since the price went down for an OV, why not ask if you can upgrade the room???

Hi, this is exactly what we did. We booked our coming cruise  in a mid ship large family inside, on deck 9. We paid considerably more money for it than people now. The Ocean view is now cheaper than what we paid for our inside cabin. We asked for extra onboard credit or upgrade. Ncl said no to the onboard credit but offered us the upgrade ( free).We went from Deck 9 to Deck 5 on the Getaway. A large picture window ocean view. We are happy, is in a quiet area, a larger spacier stateroom, so we can't complain. We are bidding for a spa balcony or spa mini suite, if we get it, great, if not that's ok. :-)

[ddlb]

OP.  I know exactly how you feel. I booked an OF Obstructed ocean view and read that it would be on deck eight which was great close to O’sheehans or better. I was assigned  a midship obstructed Oceanview on deck 4 right by the door where you disembark. I asked my TA how this could possibly be considered better than what I thought I was bidding on. It was explained to me mid ship is better. Lesson learned. I just decided to upgrade to a balcony and get all the perks.  Good luck. 

[MikeBTN]

On 8/7/2017 at 8:02 PM, Lingerlonger71 said:

This will be my 4th cruise with NCL, the second time I have received and bidded on an Upgrade Advantage Offer and the 1st time I have been notified that my bid had won.

 

My original cabin was in the IC category on Deck 10. I placed bids for Ocean View and Balcony cabins. The Ocean View bid of $70 USD per person was accepted. I know I have no say on where the cabin will be, understand that is the chance I took. Sadly my "upgraded" cabin is on deck 4, with a porthole oceanview over the head of the bed. Don't really feel this was an upgrade but understand it is considered an oceanview.

 

The kicker is that if I was to go online to the NCL website today and try to book the cabin they upgraded me to, which is listed in OX category, it would be over $300 CDN per person LESS than what the original Inside Cabin is listed for.

 

I booked through a casino offer which means I didn't pay the full price to begin with and the supervisor I spoke to has already brought that up. But she can't help me with the Upgrade issue aside from escalate the issue to the proper department by email on my behalf.

 

Anyone else think I have been taken for a ride? Anyone else have this happen to them? Any suggestions on how I can further approach the issue with NCL?

 

Thank you!

 

No, you haven’t been taken for a ride. You could have called and asked to move to an ocean view before your bid was accepted. They may or may not have done it. Now, you can’t. Those are the terms you agreed to when you made the bid.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[Pauser]

Glad you were able to get your original room back and are happy with the outcome. This is why we always book the room we want and don't even consider upgrading. Years ago we booked a last-minute cruise on the Jewel and ended up in an inside on deck 4. It was the quietest room we'd ever had and very convenient for getting off the ship in port. We actually liked the cabin so much that we booked it again a couple of years later when we were cruising on the cheap. If we're in a cabin we don't love, we just spend more time out of the room. Go and enjoy your cruise!