Upgrading to a Balcony - Now or Later?

[basicprincess24]

We're currently booked in an inside cabin for our cruise on the Magic in July. We just got off the NCL Escape and had a balcony for the first time and DH is not sure he can go back to an inside cabin now! Right now, it would cost us an additional $1000 to move to a balcony. We are 2 months out from sailing, and I'm wondering if we can expect to see the price drop at all? We've pretty much decided we want to upgrade but if we can save any $ that would be ideal. So the question is - call now or wait?

[maryred]

When, will depend on what your initial booking "deal" was. If you booked under Early Saver any upgrade is still covered, and you will not lose your right to claim the price reduction protection on your new cabin category up to 2 days before sailing. SO as long as you can afford the amount being currently asked (after final payment dates the entire upgrade cost needs to be paid as soon as you confirm the move) go for it as you can then still scan for price reductions to be given as OBC on the cruise.

For any other booking code deals you could take the gamble that the "upgrade Fairy" will call within the next couple of weeks with a deal that is less or that interest in balconies is so low that the price continues to go down. But conversely you also run the risk or the law of supply and demand running the other way with prices on balconies increasing as others luck out with their fare watchesor  get the upgrade offers and do what you want to before you can causing the prices to increase.

[basicprincess24]

22 minutes ago, maryred said:

When, will depend on what your initial booking "deal" was. If you booked under Early Saver any upgrade is still covered, and you will not lose your right to claim the price reduction protection on your new cabin category up to 2 days before sailing. SO as long as you can afford the amount being currently asked (after final payment dates the entire upgrade cost needs to be paid as soon as you confirm the move) go for it as you can then still scan for price reductions to be given as OBC on the cruise.

For any other booking code deals you could take the gamble that the "upgrade Fairy" will call within the next couple of weeks with a deal that is less or that interest in balconies is so low that the price continues to go down. But conversely you also run the risk or the law of supply and demand running the other way with prices on balconies increasing as others luck out with their fare watchesor  get the upgrade offers and do what you want to before you can causing the prices to increase.

Thank you! We did book the inside on the Early Saver rate. Will that stay with us when we upgrade even if it isn't currently being offered on the balcony cabins?

[maryred]

1 hour ago, basicprincess24 said:

Thank you! We did book the inside on the Early Saver rate. Will that stay with us when we upgrade even if it isn't currently being offered on the balcony cabins?

This is where a good PVP or face to face TA comes in handy. They can handle the upgrade in away that will not affect  any of your original booking conditions. 

[coevan]

With only 2 months left I'd grab the best located balcony you can find. They can and will sell out.

[PhillyFan33579]

2 hours ago, coevan said:

With only 2 months left I'd grab the best located balcony you can find. They can and will sell out.

 

I agree with this. Since this is a July cruise,  odds are really good the price of a balcony is only going to increase as the cruise gets closer until all balconies are sold out. 

[Carolina Girl 99]

I would also try a mock booking and see just how many balconies are currently available. That might give you an idea how quickly you should act, if there are only a few left- they could be gone tomorrow

[dave_k58]

1 hour ago, Carolina Girl 99 said:

I would also try a mock booking and see just how many balconies are currently available. That might give you an idea how quickly you should act, if there are only a few left- they could be gone tomorrow

Also   - a PVP has more available cabins than are shown on line.  but-for  July cruise - they will all be gone quickly and you'l have to hope for a cancellation or no pay from other passengers