Annual tier cruise question - if category is sold out, what happens?

[nanseev]

Just for kicks and giggles….let’s say I booked my annual tier cruise when it was released for next March, but now need to cancel it.  I know I can “shift” the free cruise to another eligible cruise…but what if I choose a cruise that is within a few weeks from now and the category that I’m awarded is sold out? Do they upgrade you, or tell you that you can’t choose that cruise (even though it was NOT on the exclusion list)?  What if my award was a free interior but only a suite is showing available to book?  I’m trying to decide whether to go down this rabbit hole or not…and to even see if it’s an option before calling.

[Ken at the beach]

10 minutes ago, nanseev said:

Just for kicks and giggles….let’s say I booked my annual tier cruise when it was released for next March, but now need to cancel it.  I know I can “shift” the free cruise to another eligible cruise…but what if I choose a cruise that is within a few weeks from now and the category that I’m awarded is sold out? Do they upgrade you, or tell you that you can’t choose that cruise (even though it was NOT on the exclusion list)?  What if my award was a free interior but only a suite is showing available to book?  I’m trying to decide whether to go down this rabbit hole or not…and to even see if it’s an option before calling.

If you've been awarded an inside and only a suite is available you won't be sailing.  

[surfjock27]

If your annual is for an interior, and no interiors are available, you will have two options:

 

1. Pay the difference between an interior and the cabin you want. 
 

2. Not cruise. They will not “upgrade you for free.”

[Sunshine3601]

The annual tier does not work as you are hoping.   If an interior is not available or you don't want an interior you will pay to upgrade.

Casino upgrade prices are much better than what you see on royals website.

 

I.e. just a couple hours ago I booked my annual tier cruise for an interior on Odyssey next March and only pd $45 (plus tax & port fees) to upgrade to a OV with large balcony. 

Edited July 8 by Sunshine3601