Ncl upgrades

[cusematt4]

Hi,

 

im looking at a cruise for 8 nights where an ocean view  is 1200 more than an inside room and a balcony 3000 more.  I’ve never seen such a large difference.

 

how do upgrades work with ncl?  If bidding for an oceanview or inside, what are the chances I would get it and how much is the minimum bid?  Do minimum bids sometimes actually go through?
 

Although not guaranteed, do I have an actual chance to get an upgrade to an oceanview or balcony compared to if I was to purchase one for the substantial price difference upfront?  Would I find out ahead of time or not until close to the cruise itself?

 

thanks

[The Shrike]

I present to you one of the most comprehensive, long-lasting, informative threads on upgrading NCL cabins ever:  link.

Edited September 13, 2022 by The Shrike

[BirdTravels]

40 minutes ago, cusematt4 said:

Hi,

 

im looking at a cruise for 8 nights where an ocean view  is 1200 more than an inside room and a balcony 3000 more.  I’ve never seen such a large difference.

 

how do upgrades work with ncl?  If bidding for an oceanview or inside, what are the chances I would get it and how much is the minimum bid?  Do minimum bids sometimes actually go through?
 

Although not guaranteed, do I have an actual chance to get an upgrade to an oceanview or balcony compared to if I was to purchase one for the substantial price difference upfront?  Would I find out ahead of time or not until close to the cruise itself?

 

thanks

Rather than the recommendation that you should read over 2200 posts on the comprehensive thread,,, let's try to get to your questions. 

 

Prices continue to be driven by demand in specific markets. So long as there are people willing to pay $3000 more for a balcony, the cruise line is more than happy to keep their price point. 

 

The minimum bids will vary based on the cruise and market. Most NCL cruises are 7-nights. And that is where you would see most people's data. You're on an 8-night cruise which is less common.

 

If you are invited to bid (i.e., you are not booked through a non-participating travel agent), you will see a bidding range for both Ocean Views and Balconies. Minimum bids are normally $50ish to $75ish per person (multiple by 2) - again, may be slightly different on the 8-night. 

 

Pre-pandemic, it was more common to get near-minimum bid upgrades from inside rooms and ocean view rooms. That was because the cruise line was trying to open up the cheaper rooms to get more passengers on the ships. At this instant in time, with lighter loads, the cruise line does not have to do it,,, but still do from time to time. 

 

You have a chance to get an ocean view room or balcony at a substantially less price than the retain differences you quoted. 

 

---

 

Now, if you want to see some ridiculous bidding ranges, here's the min/max bid for Premiere and Deluxe Owner's suites on our next cruise (per person,,, so multiply the bid prices by 2). 

 

 

 

Same rooms at a mid-range GOOD bid (multiply bid prices by 2 for total cost of bid). I am definitely not willing to pay $6700 x 2 in addition to the $$$ that I have already paid for the cruise. 

 

Edited September 13, 2022 by BirdTravels

[Waterluv]

Yikes! Ridiculous indeed 🤗 head for the Retreat on Celebrity with all the bells and whistles honestly included. Happy future Sailings 

[Av8torcrj]

9 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Rather than the recommendation that you should read over 2200 posts on the comprehensive thread,,, let's try to get to your questions. 

 

Prices continue to be driven by demand in specific markets. So long as there are people willing to pay $3000 more for a balcony, the cruise line is more than happy to keep their price point. 

 

The minimum bids will vary based on the cruise and market. Most NCL cruises are 7-nights. And that is where you would see most people's data. You're on an 8-night cruise which is less common.

 

If you are invited to bid (i.e., you are not booked through a non-participating travel agent), you will see a bidding range for both Ocean Views and Balconies. Minimum bids are normally $50ish to $75ish per person (multiple by 2) - again, may be slightly different on the 8-night. 

 

Pre-pandemic, it was more common to get near-minimum bid upgrades from inside rooms and ocean view rooms. That was because the cruise line was trying to open up the cheaper rooms to get more passengers on the ships. At this instant in time, with lighter loads, the cruise line does not have to do it,,, but still do from time to time. 

 

You have a chance to get an ocean view room or balcony at a substantially less price than the retain differences you quoted. 

 

---

 

Now, if you want to see some ridiculous bidding ranges, here's the min/max bid for Premiere and Deluxe Owner's suites on our next cruise (per person,,, so multiply the bid prices by 2). 

 

 

 

Same rooms at a mid-range GOOD bid (multiply bid prices by 2 for total cost of bid). I am definitely not willing to pay $6700 x 2 in addition to the $$$ that I have already paid for the cruise. 

 

How do I get to this particular format of the upgrade program. I can get to it on my iPhone through the app but don’t see the option or offer once logged in to my account on a laptop. The link on the iPhone doesn’t gage (colored pointer) the strength of the bid. 

[BirdTravels]

2 minutes ago, Av8torcrj said:

How do I get to this particular format of the upgrade program. I can get to it on my iPhone through the app but don’t see the option or offer once logged in to my account on a laptop. The link on the iPhone doesn’t gage (colored pointer) the strength of the bid. 

The mobile version of the site does not have the gages. If you log on with your laptop, you should see a “Let’s Get You Upgraded” splash screen to click on. That usually appears after the email invitation to bid (which you can also click on your laptop). 

[Av8torcrj]

Thanks. I don’t see the “let’s get you upgraded” option on the laptop and the invitation isn’t in messages. Maybe if I try and remember my email password and access it through that. I don’t use the laptop for email.

 

Anyway, COULD it be generalized that a bid of slightly greater than 2x the min bid (double the min bid) would gage as “fair or good” ? I see lots of folks suggesting they bid and succeed at min or very slightly plus. I’m willing to be somewhat aggressive but the reality is there is absolutely nothing that NCL or anyone else could possibly do for me over a 15 day period that would justify, in

my mind and haven experience, spending 16k plus. If the haven menu stays the same over the period, the value for me is diminished even further. Maybe they modify the menu on extended voyages?

Additionally, are there any booking engines outside NCL to gage occupancy? NCL is relentless with their “finish booking your cruise” emails and I’m not 100% sure they actually display all available cabins .

[phoenix1181]

4 minutes ago, Av8torcrj said:

Thanks. I don’t see the “let’s get you upgraded” option on the laptop and the invitation isn’t in messages. Maybe if I try and remember my email password and access it through that. I don’t use the laptop for email.

 

Anyway, COULD it be generalized that a bid of slightly greater than 2x the min bid (double the min bid) would gage as “fair or good” ? I see lots of folks suggesting they bid and succeed at min or very slightly plus. I’m willing to be somewhat aggressive but the reality is there is absolutely nothing that NCL or anyone else could possibly do for me over a 15 day period that would justify, in

my mind and haven experience, spending 16k plus. If the haven menu stays the same over the period, the value for me is diminished even further. Maybe they modify the menu on extended voyages?

Additionally, are there any booking engines outside NCL to gage occupancy? NCL is relentless with their “finish booking your cruise” emails and I’m not 100% sure they actually display all available cabins .

Can't help with bidding info but I can tell you NCL does not show all available cabins. 

 

To avoid the "Finish Your Booking" emails & phone calls, I now use an incognito window on my laptop.  I get the iformation I want & no follow-up by NCL!

 

[Sthrngary]

I want to approach your question differently.  When using the "Upgrade Bid" program, the offer to you is usually a few categories above what you booked.  From a strategic standpoint, which is what I think you are asking for.  I would book the cheapest stateroom with all the "Free At Sea" perks.  This will give you the "Free at Sea" perks for any upgrade you receive.  Second, understand what happens and when it happens on upgrade bids.  The company that awards the bids is a third party vender whom specialize in this kind of program.  They rarely award a bid until just a few days prior to your cruise.  Look at the inventory for the stateroom you want online.  If low availability, make a bid a bit higher.  If high availability, make bid a little lower.  Next, realized the third party company upgrades the Haven first, those that got upgraded now have inventory open.  They pull everyone up and you will be last.  I am sharing this will you because if inventory is not available now, it will be once the upgrades start to be given. Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Av8torcrj]

6 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I want to approach your question differently.  When using the "Upgrade Bid" program, the offer to you is usually a few categories above what you booked.  From a strategic standpoint, which is what I think you are asking for.  I would book the cheapest stateroom with all the "Free At Sea" perks.  This will give you the "Free at Sea" perks for any upgrade you receive.  Second, understand what happens and when it happens on upgrade bids.  The company that awards the bids is a third party vender whom specialize in this kind of program.  They rarely award a bid until just a few days prior to your cruise.  Look at the inventory for the stateroom you want online.  If low availability, make a bid a bit higher.  If high availability, make bid a little lower.  Next, realized the third party company upgrades the Haven first, those that got upgraded now have inventory open.  They pull everyone up and you will be last.  I am sharing this will you because if inventory is not available now, it will be once the upgrades start to be given. Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Thanks. All inventory shows “available “ but it’s 80 days out. Haven prices have been dropping but are still nowhere near what I’m comfortable with. Free at sea (for a fee) other than maybe internet holds no value for me at platinum. We don’t drink and get some complimentary meals. Appreciate the input. 

[jetact]

16 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I want to approach your question differently.  When using the "Upgrade Bid" program, the offer to you is usually a few categories above what you booked.  From a strategic standpoint, which is what I think you are asking for.  I would book the cheapest stateroom with all the "Free At Sea" perks.  This will give you the "Free at Sea" perks for any upgrade you receive.  Second, understand what happens and when it happens on upgrade bids.  The company that awards the bids is a third party vender whom specialize in this kind of program.  They rarely award a bid until just a few days prior to your cruise.  Look at the inventory for the stateroom you want online.  If low availability, make a bid a bit higher.  If high availability, make bid a little lower.  Next, realized the third party company upgrades the Haven first, those that got upgraded now have inventory open.  They pull everyone up and you will be last.  I am sharing this will you because if inventory is not available now, it will be once the upgrades start to be given. Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

How do you find what the inventory is on a ship? I see people stating how many rooms are left in a certain category but never see where they get that information. 

[Sthrngary]

14 minutes ago, Av8torcrj said:

Thanks. All inventory shows “available “ but it’s 80 days out. Haven prices have been dropping but are still nowhere near what I’m comfortable with. Free at sea (for a fee) other than maybe internet holds no value for me at platinum. We don’t drink and get some complimentary meals. Appreciate the input. 

OK, drop the notion of Free At Sea.  Highlight the notion of checking inventory.  The way to do that is to act like you are booking a stateroom online.  Choose the stateroom you want to bid on and when the screen says, would you like to choose a different stateroom, click it.  You will now see the number of available cabins.  This gives you and indication of suites that could be bid on for a lower bid amount.  

The other way I get inventory is to go to cruise (dot) com.  I put my cruise in and look at each of the categories of staterooms I want.  Same notion on bidding.  

 

I hope that strategy makes sense and assist you in some way.  It has worked for me.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

12 minutes ago, jetact said:

How do you find what the inventory is on a ship? I see people stating how many rooms are left in a certain category but never see where they get that information. 

The way to do that is to act like you are booking a stateroom online.  Choose the stateroom you want to bid on and when the screen says, would you like to choose a different stateroom, click it.  You will now see the number of available cabins.  This gives you and indication of suites that could be bid on for a lower bid amount.  

The other way I get inventory is to go to cruise (dot) com.  I put my cruise in and look at each of the categories of staterooms I want.  Same notion on bidding.  

 

I hope that strategy makes sense and assist you in some way.  It has worked for me.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[Av8torcrj]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

OK, drop the notion of Free At Sea.  Highlight the notion of checking inventory.  The way to do that is to act like you are booking a stateroom online.  Choose the stateroom you want to bid on and when the screen says, would you like to choose a different stateroom, click it.  You will now see the number of available cabins.  This gives you and indication of suites that could be bid on for a lower bid amount.  

The other way I get inventory is to go to cruise (dot) com.  I put my cruise in and look at each of the categories of staterooms I want.  Same notion on bidding.  

 

I hope that strategy makes sense and assist you in some way.  It has worked for me.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I like the cruise dot com. It currently shows the following haven availability as HE: 11, H9:2, HG:6, HF:4, HC:1, HB:1, H6:7, H5:5, H2:1. In your experience would you say the haven is “selling well” for 80 days out or lagging? Sounds like you have studied these trends in the past maybe. Thanks. I full understand you likely don’t own a crystal ball, just your thoughts from experience. 

[Nclgetawaymenhoney]

14 minutes ago, Av8torcrj said:

I like the cruise dot com. It currently shows the following haven availability as HE: 11, H9:2, HG:6, HF:4, HC:1, HB:1, H6:7, H5:5, H2:1. In your experience would you say the haven is “selling well” for 80 days out or lagging? Sounds like you have studied these trends in the past maybe. Thanks. I full understand you likely don’t own a crystal ball, just your thoughts from experience. 

I’ve been studying them since 2018, example my most recent cruise on the Joy in May, at 80 days out my notes say there were still 38 cabins available, prices for haven continued to drop and by 30 days there were less than 20 and within the last 7 days only 11 haven available that disappeared the Monday of the week of the cruise to never appear again, it’s all about supply and demand what happens on a offseason sailing is not what will happen on a Xmas/spring break cruise.  Happy sailing.

[Av8torcrj]

4 minutes ago, Nclgetawaymenhoney said:

I’ve been studying them since 2018, example my most recent cruise on the Joy in May, at 80 days out my notes say there were still 38 cabins available, prices for haven continued to drop and by 30 days there were less than 20 and within the last 7 days only 11 haven available that disappeared the Monday of the week of the cruise to never appear again, it’s all about supply and demand what happens on a offseason sailing is not what will happen on a Xmas/spring break cruise.  Happy sailing.

Thanks. Looks like it’s essentially on the same rails as your historic Joy in May, 38@80. They assigned my perfectly suitable mid ship GTY balcony almost 100 days out which led me to believe perhaps availability was particularly high. 

[wolft927]

32 minutes ago, Nclgetawaymenhoney said:

I’ve been studying them since 2018, example my most recent cruise on the Joy in May, at 80 days out my notes say there were still 38 cabins available, prices for haven continued to drop and by 30 days there were less than 20 and within the last 7 days only 11 haven available that disappeared the Monday of the week of the cruise to never appear again, it’s all about supply and demand what happens on a offseason sailing is not what will happen on a Xmas/spring break cruise.  Happy sailing.

Just looked at my boking statement when my cruise for September 29th, I upgraded on August 11th because at that time there was only 2 Haven Suites available, 1 Courtyard Suite and the Deluxe owners suite. This is for the Getaway. I believe it was about 2 day later everything showed sold out. I was able to get the Courtyard for what I was willing to bid. once you get about 50 or 60 days out keep a close eye on availability and Haven Price drops.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Av8torcrj said:

I like the cruise dot com. It currently shows the following haven availability as HE: 11, H9:2, HG:6, HF:4, HC:1, HB:1, H6:7, H5:5, H2:1. In your experience would you say the haven is “selling well” for 80 days out or lagging? Sounds like you have studied these trends in the past maybe. Thanks. I full understand you likely don’t own a crystal ball, just your thoughts from experience. 

The bookings on any cruise are usually almost compete at about 90 days out.  That is also the time when full payment is due from those that book the cruise early.  From a trend standpoint, NCL starts to slowly decrease the cost of a Haven (and other) suites the closer it gets to the cruise date.  A few cabins get sold but not that many.  Then sometimes the unforeseeable happens.

 

I was hoping for an upgrade to the Haven for my last cruise.  I was a solo.  Then a few week prior, one of NCL ships hit a sand bar.  The next few weeks were cancelled on that ship and they offered moving to the ship I was on.  Quickly all the Haven Suites were gone. Understandable of course. 

 

Do I think lots will be sold, no.  As the price goes down, some folks upgrade at retail vs. upgrade bid.  Happens all the time.  I also notice that the folks in the lowest cost Haven Suites, upgrade to the better Haven Suites putting their old room in inventory.  So you might not see it now but it will show up the last week or two prior to your cruise.  

 

I also notices there sometimes was two waves of "Bid Upgrades".  The first wave take the really high bids and the second wave happens about three days prior to sailing.  I would much prefer that NCL simple sends out a specific amount they want for an upgrade at the last minute.  That is what some other brands do and it is for me, much less stressful.

 

I know I over answered your question. I have a tendency to do that.  I hope I helped.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Nclgetawaymenhoney said:

I’ve been studying them since 2018, example my most recent cruise on the Joy in May, at 80 days out my notes say there were still 38 cabins available, prices for haven continued to drop and by 30 days there were less than 20 and within the last 7 days only 11 haven available that disappeared the Monday of the week of the cruise to never appear again, it’s all about supply and demand what happens on a offseason sailing is not what will happen on a Xmas/spring break cruise.  Happy sailing.

Well done, great information.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[julig22]

6 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

The bookings on any cruise are usually almost compete at about 90 days out.  That is also the time when full payment is due from those that book the cruise early.  From a trend standpoint, NCL starts to slowly decrease the cost of a Haven (and other) suites the closer it gets to the cruise date.  A few cabins get sold but not that many.  Then sometimes the unforeseeable happens.

 

Final payment is due at 120 days.

[Av8torcrj]

21 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

The bookings on any cruise are usually almost compete at about 90 days out.  That is also the time when full payment is due from those that book the cruise early.  From a trend standpoint, NCL starts to slowly decrease the cost of a Haven (and other) suites the closer it gets to the cruise date.  A few cabins get sold but not that many.  Then sometimes the unforeseeable happens.

 

I was hoping for an upgrade to the Haven for my last cruise.  I was a solo.  Then a few week prior, one of NCL ships hit a sand bar.  The next few weeks were cancelled on that ship and they offered moving to the ship I was on.  Quickly all the Haven Suites were gone. Understandable of course. 

 

Do I think lots will be sold, no.  As the price goes down, some folks upgrade at retail vs. upgrade bid.  Happens all the time.  I also notice that the folks in the lowest cost Haven Suites, upgrade to the better Haven Suites putting their old room in inventory.  So you might not see it now but it will show up the last week or two prior to your cruise.  

 

I also notices there sometimes was two waves of "Bid Upgrades".  The first wave take the really high bids and the second wave happens about three days prior to sailing.  I would much prefer that NCL simple sends out a specific amount they want for an upgrade at the last minute.  That is what some other brands do and it is for me, much less stressful.

 

I know I over answered your question. I have a tendency to do that.  I hope I helped.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I appreciate the time you took to respond politely, thoroughly, thoughtfully, sincerely and without kicking up a petty sandstorm. Perhaps I’ll look to you for additional wisdom going forward. Thanks. 

[Sthrngary]

13 minutes ago, Av8torcrj said:

I appreciate the time you took to respond politely, thoroughly, thoughtfully, sincerely and without kicking up a petty sandstorm. Perhaps I’ll look to you for additional wisdom going forward. Thanks. 

My pleasure.  I used to approach my answers differently.  I would say things like, "Search your subject" instead of simply answering the posters question.  I realized, as familiar I was at how to navigate CruiseCritic.com, many others simply want their question answered.  

 

My response to you was detailed because I am doing the same thing right now for my upcoming cruise on the NCL Breakaway December 4, 2022.  With everything I know and learned, I know my odds of getting an upgrade is slim and none.  The most important think I want to share on this site is to always have realistic expectations. On my cruise, because it is a special event cruise, only a handful of Haven Suites are left.  I know that which makes knowing I most likely will not be successful, easier to take. 

 

You can ask me anything and if I don't know, I will be transparent.  CruiseCritic.com is a very nice source and most everyone is helpful.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.