Norwegian Cruise Lines launches bid-to-upgrade program
Here's how you can move up two room classes on your next sailing.
Cruising with the same liner, joining a liner's membership program, cruising off-peak and celebrating on the seas. These are just a few ways we've noted that can increase your chances of scoring a cruise upgrade.
Now, we can add one more thanks to the introduction of Norwegian Cruise Line's Upgrade Advantage Program.
Rumoured since January, the program launched earlier this week allowing cruisers to do what airline passengers have been doing for years now: bid for an upgrade.
Aimed to provide more flexibility for guests and the ability to score a premium room for cheap, the system works in a similar way to airline upgrade bids.
First, you need to book a cabin on your desired cruise. Then, log into your My NCL account, search for the upgrade option and place your bid. Something to keep in mind is that you can only upgrade up to two rooms higher than your booked class. So say, if you've booked an oceanview room, your only auction options are for a balcony stateroom or mini-suite.
It's important to note that this is not a silent auction and once you've made your bid, you'll be able to see how much others are putting down in competition. You can then use this as a gauge for how strong your offer is and decide whether or not to put down more to secure your upgrade.
Winners will be notified two days prior to sailing and your credit card will be charged the winning amount immediately after. If you lose the auction, your room class will remain unchanged and you'll not be charged anything extra.
This upgrade program is currently available on select Norwegian ships including Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Sun. It will be available on Norwegian Bliss from January 2018.
Best of luck.
