Princess cabin categories and upgrade bids

[mum and son]

Hi crew, 

 

I've booked a DW - Deluxe Balcony Obstructed on my upcoming Royal Princess cruise. Strangely it was a "Drop and Go" deal for next month, which are always guarantee category, but I was able to choose my cabin and was lucky to book a DW midship with no real obstruction (the only obstruction is that the promenade deck is below, but no obstruction by tenders etc).

 

I was surprised when it came to upgrade bidding that a standard balcony cabin is considered an upgrade over a deluxe balcony (even with an obstruction). My only bid options were Balcony, Deluxe Balcony and Mini-Suite. I've specifically selected a Deluxe because I want 3 beds at "ground level", no bunks. An upgrade to a Mini is the only other suitable configuration for me. I just figured the order would go from Balcony to Deluxe Balcony to Mini-Suite to Suite.

 

Do you find it unusual that a standard Balcony cabin is considered an upgrade? It's probably valid but I guess it's not what I usually see with cruise lines. It is what it is but I'm just interested in your thoughts.

[arxcards]

53 minutes ago, mum and son said:

Hi crew, 

 

I've booked a DW - Deluxe Balcony Obstructed on my upcoming Royal Princess cruise. Strangely it was a "Drop and Go" deal for next month, which are always guarantee category, but I was able to choose my cabin and was lucky to book a DW midship with no real obstruction (the only obstruction is that the promenade deck is below, but no obstruction by tenders etc).

 

I was surprised when it came to upgrade bidding that a standard balcony cabin is considered an upgrade over a deluxe balcony (even with an obstruction). My only bid options were Balcony, Deluxe Balcony and Mini-Suite. I've specifically selected a Deluxe because I want 3 beds at "ground level", no bunks. An upgrade to a Mini is the only other suitable configuration for me. I just figured the order would go from Balcony to Deluxe Balcony to Mini-Suite to Suite.

 

Do you find it unusual that a standard Balcony cabin is considered an upgrade? It's probably valid but I guess it's not what I usually see with cruise lines. It is what it is but I'm just interested in your thoughts.

I guess it depends on the location of the cabin. A midship BA balcony is more expensive than a forward, aft or obstructed deluxe balcony, so on a dollar value it would be seen as an upgrade. It is one of those technical upgrades, and not worth pursuing if it isn't an improvement to you. The Princess upgrades silent auction is largely bollocks for minis and suites, as it often appears that you are bidding on sold-out cabin categories.

[resordanis]

8 hours ago, mum and son said:

Hi crew, 

 

I've booked a DW - Deluxe Balcony Obstructed on my upcoming Royal Princess cruise. Strangely it was a "Drop and Go" deal for next month, which are always guarantee category, but I was able to choose my cabin and was lucky to book a DW midship with no real obstruction (the only obstruction is that the promenade deck is below, but no obstruction by tenders etc).

 

I was surprised when it came to upgrade bidding that a standard balcony cabin is considered an upgrade over a deluxe balcony (even with an obstruction). My only bid options were Balcony, Deluxe Balcony and Mini-Suite. I've specifically selected a Deluxe because I want 3 beds at "ground level", no bunks. An upgrade to a Mini is the only other suitable configuration for me. I just figured the order would go from Balcony to Deluxe Balcony to Mini-Suite to Suite.

 

Do you find it unusual that a standard Balcony cabin is considered an upgrade? It's probably valid but I guess it's not what I usually see with cruise lines. It is what it is but I'm just interested in your thoughts.

The bidding system is just weird. On a cruise in April on Royal some of the passengers can bid for an upgrade and some not. I didn’t get the cabin, last minute or cheap, but I cannot upgrade. Same with allocation of cabin (another cruise). Princess cruise planner said he can sometimes allocate a cabin, but not mine! In your situation I would stick with the deluxe balcony as it gives you the sofa bed, now whether you have it as a bed or just a sofa, might be a bit more comfortable.

[OzKiwiJJ]

9 hours ago, mum and son said:

 

Do you find it unusual that a standard Balcony cabin is considered an upgrade? It's probably valid but I guess it's not what I usually see with cruise lines. It is what it is but I'm just interested in your thoughts.

It's probably because you have an obstructed cabin. Someone has decreed that an unobstucted standard balcony is an upgrade. At least you do get the option to bid for an unobstructed Deluxe.

[OzKiwiJJ]

59 minutes ago, resordanis said:

The bidding system is just weird. On a cruise in April on Royal some of the passengers can bid for an upgrade and some not. I didn’t get the cabin, last minute or cheap, but I cannot upgrade. Same with allocation of cabin (another cruise). Princess cruise planner said he can sometimes allocate a cabin, but not mine! In your situation I would stick with the deluxe balcony as it gives you the sofa bed, now whether you have it as a bed or just a sofa, might be a bit more comfortable.

Possibly because there are either guarantees or waitlists for the type of cabins those people have. They're now using the bid system to see if they get enough interest from enough people to upgrade then they can allocate or sell their original cabins. 

 

We've tried a lowish bid for an upgrade to a mini-suite for the world cruise. I have my fingers crossed.

[cheznandy]

10 hours ago, mum and son said:

Hi crew, 

 

I've booked a DW - Deluxe Balcony Obstructed on my upcoming Royal Princess cruise. Strangely it was a "Drop and Go" deal for next month, which are always guarantee category, but I was able to choose my cabin and was lucky to book a DW midship with no real obstruction (the only obstruction is that the promenade deck is below, but no obstruction by tenders etc).

 

 

The DW cat are great, there are a few with very large balconies and the only obstruction is the deck below. These are midship and sounds like what you have.

Difference between a Deluxe Obstructed Balcony and Obstructed Balcony is they are about a foot longer and have a sofa.

If you have one of these, I would keep it if you have 3 in the cabin and have the larger balcony.

 

[mum and son]

It's interesting because Princess have solved the issue of a person being upgraded from an Unobstructed Balcony cabin to an Obstructed Deluxe Balcony, but solving one problem creates another. It's hard to keep us all happy at the same time!

 

I also note that on the Princess site the Obstructed categories are listed for sale under the Interior tab not under the Balcony tab, so I guess that answers my original question about where those cabins sit in the pecking order.

[mum and son]

59 minutes ago, cheznandy said:

The DW cat are great, there are a few with very large balconies and the only obstruction is the deck below. These are midship and sounds like what you have.

Difference between a Deluxe Obstructed Balcony and Obstructed Balcony is they are about a foot longer and have a sofa.

If you have one of these, I would keep it if you have 3 in the cabin and have the larger balcony.

 

Yes, I was lucky enough to grab one of these exact cabins. Can't believe I could select a cabin on the Drop and Go deal but I'm not complaining. I've placed an upgrade bid for a mini-suite only because I'm in a mini for the following cruise. I know that if I got the mini upgrade I'll probably end up in one of those under the Sea Walk that nobody ever books on purpose, but chances are I'll stay put.

[mum and son]

3 hours ago, resordanis said:

The bidding system is just weird. On a cruise in April on Royal some of the passengers can bid for an upgrade and some not. I didn’t get the cabin, last minute or cheap, but I cannot upgrade. 

So you booked direct but couldn't put in an upgrade bid? That's very strange. I know some external agents don't participate in the upgrade bid program but I'm surprised that's the case with a direct booking 😱.

[arxcards]

3 hours ago, resordanis said:

The bidding system is just weird. On a cruise in April on Royal some of the passengers can bid for an upgrade and some not. I didn’t get the cabin, last minute or cheap, but I cannot upgrade. Same with allocation of cabin (another cruise). Princess cruise planner said he can sometimes allocate a cabin, but not mine! In your situation I would stick with the deluxe balcony as it gives you the sofa bed, now whether you have it as a bed or just a sofa, might be a bit more comfortable.

I have the opposite. I don't want to pay an extra $120 each per night for the same sized cabin in a different location - yet I get 3 emails per week reminding me that I should.

[mum and son]

10 hours ago, arxcards said:

The Princess upgrades silent auction is largely bollocks for minis and suites, as it often appears that you are bidding on sold-out cabin categories.

Yes, I'm only interested in an upgrade to a mini and there's no option for me to bid for a full suite. Those minis under the Sea Walk are always available but they'll likely go to guarantees before the bidding system so not much left. A significant number of aft full suites left, which is surprising at this late stage, but I have no means to bid for one and I'm not interested in paying full freight.

[resordanis]

1 hour ago, arxcards said:

I have the opposite. I don't want to pay an extra $120 each per night for the same sized cabin in a different location - yet I get 3 emails per week reminding me that I should.

I am not sure I want to bid, but as it the cruise is 21 nights, I was interested in the price and options to go to another cabin from the current mini. With the first cruise, a cabin would be nice before I even think about bidding!🤣

[resordanis]

1 hour ago, mum and son said:

So you booked direct but couldn't put in an upgrade bid? That's very strange. I know some external agents don't participate in the upgrade bid program but I'm surprised that's the case with a direct booking 😱.

Yes, direct. Even cruise planner is “scratching his head about this one”

[resordanis]

1 hour ago, mum and son said:

Yes, I was lucky enough to grab one of these exact cabins. Can't believe I could select a cabin on the Drop and Go deal but I'm not complaining. I've placed an upgrade bid for a mini-suite only because I'm in a mini for the following cruise. I know that if I got the mini upgrade I'll probably end up in one of those under the Sea Walk that nobody ever books on purpose, but chances are I'll stay put.

If this is the cruise with your parents, are they going to be able to manage the bath/shower? Just a thought even though the mini will give you more room. If not for with your parents, just go,for it!

[mum and son]

1 minute ago, resordanis said:

If this is the cruise with your parents, are they going to be able to manage the bath/shower? Just a thought even though the mini will give you more room. If not for with your parents, just go, for it!

Yes it is, but they're fine with the shower over bath. They're actually pretty agile for their age but I try to keep walking distances to a minimum for dad, he can make it but I get frustrated with all the dilly dally 🤣. The shorter the walk, the better!

[mum and son]

11 minutes ago, resordanis said:

Yes, direct. Even cruise planner is “scratching his head about this one”

That's so strange. I'm a bit like you, even if I'm not interested in bidding I like to know what's on offer and at what price.

[resordanis]

2 minutes ago, mum and son said:

That's so strange. I'm a bit like you, even if I'm not interested in bidding I like to know what's on offer and at what price.

I am interested and for 21 nights it might be worth it, just can’t find out. Anyway I said to my husband we could probably eat at specialty restaurants every night for the cost to upgrade. I was happy with a mini when I booked and still am happy! Good luck with your upgrade bid! I bid recently on Royal Caribbean and got a successful bid and it was the best move we made! Funnily enough, it was 5 weeks out and I was considering adjusting the bid higher.

[mum and son]

3 minutes ago, resordanis said:

I am interested and for 21 nights it might be worth it, just can’t find out. Anyway I said to my husband we could probably eat at specialty restaurants every night for the cost to upgrade. I was happy with a mini when I booked and still am happy! Good luck with your upgrade bid! I bid recently on Royal Caribbean and got a successful bid and it was the best move we made! Funnily enough, it was 5 weeks out and I was considering adjusting the bid higher.

I wish I was going for 21 nights! A mini will be lovely for that time though.

On my Panama Canal cruise last month my upgrade bid was successful so I was happy about that (it was just from interior to obstructed oceanview) but the upgrade bid was cheap!

My fingers are crossed for the upgrade on the Royal but the Deluxe Balc will be fine. It's only for 8 nights.

[Lanwood]

16 hours ago, mum and son said:

Hi crew, 

 

I've booked a DW - Deluxe Balcony Obstructed on my upcoming Royal Princess cruise. Strangely it was a "Drop and Go" deal for next month, which are always guarantee category, but I was able to choose my cabin and was lucky to book a DW midship with no real obstruction (the only obstruction is that the promenade deck is below, but no obstruction by tenders etc).

 

Do you find it unusual that a standard Balcony cabin is considered an upgrade? It's probably valid but I guess it's not what I usually see with cruise lines. It is what it is but I'm just interested in your thoughts.

Oh no. Someone has found my little secret. 🤫

 

I used to always sail full suite on Princess, but didn't feel I was getting much value compared to other cruise line full suites, other than extra space I didn't really use.

Found my "obstructed view balcony" on Royal class ships some time ago and never looked back since. Heaps cheaper than standard balcony. Is midship, No obstruction (unless you stick your head out and look extreme right) and double or triple depth balcony compared to standard super narrow balcony's. (Note: only a couple of Obstructed views have all this, the others have obstructions and standard balconys).

 

Love doing Ultimate Balcony Dinner and breakfast in these..(Good luck doing that on Standard Balcony 🤣)

 

So any upgrade (that isn't a suite) is actually a downgrade for me.

[resordanis]

25 minutes ago, Lanwood said:

Oh no. Someone has found my little secret. 🤫

 

I used to always sail full suite on Princess, but didn't feel I was getting much value compared to other cruise line full suites, other than extra space I didn't really use.

Found my "obstructed view balcony" on Royal class ships some time ago and never looked back since. Heaps cheaper than standard balcony. Is midship, No obstruction (unless you stick your head out and look extreme right) and double or triple depth balcony compared to standard super narrow balcony's. (Note: only a couple of Obstructed views have all this, the others have obstructions and standard balconys).

 

Love doing Ultimate Balcony Dinner and breakfast in these..(Good luck doing that on Standard Balcony 🤣)

 

So any upgrade (that isn't a suite) is actually a downgrade for me.

Are you willing to share the secret cabin numbers please?😀

[arxcards]

25 minutes ago, Lanwood said:

Oh no. Someone has found my little secret. 🤫

 

I used to always sail full suite on Princess, but didn't feel I was getting much value compared to other cruise line full suites, other than extra space I didn't really use.

Found my "obstructed view balcony" on Royal class ships some time ago and never looked back since. Heaps cheaper than standard balcony. Is midship, No obstruction (unless you stick your head out and look extreme right) and double or triple depth balcony compared to standard super narrow balcony's. (Note: only a couple of Obstructed views have all this, the others have obstructions and standard balconys).

 

Love doing Ultimate Balcony Dinner and breakfast in these..(Good luck doing that on Standard Balcony 🤣)

 

So any upgrade (that isn't a suite) is actually a downgrade for me.

I agree that Royal does suite perks better, or they did compared to the older Princess ships. The Royal class Princess suites have a concierge lounge pretty much the same as Royal Caribbean, and the concierge is usually more attentive. For these Princess ships, we are back to having base suites with standard fare.

[mum and son]

1 hour ago, resordanis said:

Are you willing to share the secret cabin numbers please?😀

Ok, so the red crosses being the tenders. You can see the cabins on the "curve" midship. E409 - 425 and E410 - 424 are the picks. This is the curve created by the Sea Walk. There is nothing in front of the BW in brown (Obs Balc) or DW in green (Obs Deluxe) except the curved promenade deck a floor below. The balconies are much deeper due to the curve.

If you search the cabin numbers on Youtube you should find videos and photos.

 

Edited February 5 by mum and son

[resordanis]

1 hour ago, mum and son said:

Ok, so the red crosses being the tenders. You can see the cabins on the "curve" midship. E409 - 425 and E410 - 424 are the picks. This is the curve created by the Sea Walk. There is nothing in front of the BW in brown (Obs Balc) or DW in green (Obs Deluxe) except the curved promenade deck a floor below. The balconies are much deeper due to the curve.

If you search the cabin numbers on Youtube you should find videos and photos.

 

Thank you for the information. What ships?

[mum and son]

17 minutes ago, resordanis said:

Thank you for the information. What ships?

Royal and Regal Princess. Majestic has a similar set up as well but you may need to double-check the cabin numbers.

[OzKiwiJJ]

We cruised in D424 on Majestic once. Great balcony!