Luxury Cruising Editorial

The dining experience on a cruise ship is one of the biggest reasons regular cruisers love to book a vacation at sea.

In fact, a few months ago we ran a poll to see what factors mattered most when booking a cruise, and “food” was listed as one of the main reasons a certain cruise line or ship was selected.

Over the course of my 40+ cruises in the past I’m still amazed at the food quality and selection on almost every cruise I take.  Some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life was on a cruise ship!

But not every food item on a cruise ship was held with the same regard when we took this question to our audience.

We recently asked our readers on Facebook, “What is one food you will not eat when on a cruise?”.

After reading through and sorting over 600 comments, these are the most mentioned answers to that question.

10 cruise foods avoided by our readers

It was clear from the start of this poll that seafood and fish would be among the most disliked foods.   But even some foods that are staples of cruise food and loved by many veteran cruisers were mentioned on the list as well.  Even that beloved cruise ship pizza and soft serve ice cream were not so popular with some of these cruisers.

Before we dive into the top 10 list here is a summary of some of the replies:

• Top dislikes: Escargot, Sushi, Frog legs
• Common foods mentioned: Seafood (general), Eggs, Buffet food, Lobster, Pizza, Soft serve ice cream
• Potential concerns: Oysters, Sardines, Salad, Liver, Salmon
• Veggie aversions: Asparagus, Brussels sprout, Celery, Broccoli
• Specific Tastes: Guy’s Burgers, Ceviche, Hot dogs, Chicken, Tofu
• A few mentions: Spinach, Cold Soup, Bread, Green Beans, Mushrooms, Calamari, Cereal, Duck, Coleslaw, Caviar, Grits, Lamb, Octopus

Related: 12 biggest dining room mistakes to avoid on your cruise

1.     Escargot

22% of all replies to this question mentioned escargot as the one food they would not eat on a cruise.   While some consider snail a delicacy, others preferred to avoid the edible mollusk entirely.  For many people, their first taste of escargot will happen on a cruise.  After all, most of the time it’s already been included in the cost so why not try the slimy little treat, right?  Well, it’s not for everyone, apparently.

2.     Sushi

Sushi was mentioned almost as many times as escargot.  I was surprised to see this, as many cruise ships have sushi restaurants that are very popular and with reservations that fill up quickly.  But again, it’s one of those foods that carries a stigma, and the quality of sushi can vary depending on the cruise line and restaurant.

3.     Frog legs

Frog legs were the 3^rd most mentioned food that our audience says they avoid on a cruise ship.    The texture and taste of frog legs is not for everyone.  Some will eat it as a dare and others just because it’s something new to try.  In fact, in Carnival Cruise Line’s main dining room menu you will often find frog legs under “Rare Finds: food you always wanted to try but haven’t yet dared…”

4.     Eggs

I wasn’t surprised to see scrambled eggs mentioned so many times in the comments.  Often the scrambled eggs at the buffet are runny and more of a powdered egg texture.  One commenter stated, “Scrambled eggs! That is some powder mixed mess.  Only order over easy or boiled”.

For this reason many prefer the omelet station as well, where you can order a fresh made-to-order egg breakfast.

5.     Buffet food

Buffet food in general was not the dining option of choice for many who replied to this question.  Freshness and cleanliness were some of the biggest reasons given for this answer.  And there was also the hustle and bustle of standing in lines or bumping into other cruisers at the “trough”.    I will mention that many new ships have transformed the buffet area and how food is served, and the industry has seen vast improvements over the years.

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6.     Lobster

Lobster is often an extra charge on some mainstream cruise lines these days, and some cruisers would avoid it anyway.  Some mentioned being able to get better lobster back home and others said that sometimes it’s overcooked.   For me, Surf and Turf is one of my favorite meals to get on a cruise ship.

7.     Pizza

As popular as the pizza stations on cruise ships can be, there are some who prefer to avoid them.  This comes down to preference as well.  While you can order different types of pizza, the crust, thickness, and texture of the pizza will be the same, which is usually thin crust.  I’ve had some fantastic pizza on cruise ships and still prefer the pizza from Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises.    I just don’t enjoy the lines typically associated with the pizza stations when they are just coming out of the oven.

8.     Oysters

Another seafood item made the top 10 with oysters.   This is one of those foods that can make people wary.  After all, you don’t want to risk any kind of stomach issues when on vacation at sea.

9.     Salad

The reasons given for listing “salad” as a food to avoid cracked me up.  It wasn’t so much that people didn’t like salad.  It was more the mentality of, “I’m on a cruise.  Why would I eat a salad when I can fill my belly with prime rib and chocolate melting cake?”  The same was said for avoiding bread on a cruise.

10.   Anything I can get at home

This was my favorite answer by far and it was mentioned by several cruisers.  A cruise vacation is the best time to try new foods that you either can’t get or can rarely get back home.  You’ve already paid for the food in most cases so why not splurge and let your adventurous side meet your hungry side?

Some other foods that made the list

Other foods that cruisers avoided on a cruise ship included vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprout, and spinach.  The inclusion of these responses could be based on a general dislike for veggies or some lack luster experiences with these food items on ships though.

Soft serve ice cream was mentioned mostly because of the numerous children who line up to use the machines and can cause a bit of a mess.

Guy’s Burger Joint was also brought up, which was a surprise to me as it was voted the most popular eating venue on a cruise ship when we asked about it on social media.  Apparently, not everyone is a fan of this free dining venue on Carnival.

Another response I found of note was “anything healthy”.  After all, when on a cruise you’re taking a break.  And some like to use that time to let their eating inhibitions let loose a little.

Final Thoughts

This is a very subjective topic, so take this list with a grain of salt — or a whole saltshaker if you have to.

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Being on a cruise is all about trying new things, and that includes new foods.  You may find you actually like frog legs, escargot, or sushi.

Don’t let someone else’s food phobia steal your opportunity to give your pallet an enjoyable experience.

You don’t have to like everything, right?  You can always find some incredibly tasty food on a cruise ship, and there’s more than enough to keep you full and happy.

Read more: 12 biggest dining room mistakes to avoid on your cruise

Planning a group cruise?  There are a few things you should know first if you want a smooth sailing.  These 10 tips should help avoid some group cruise pitfalls.

When traveling in a large group, cruises can be a great way to get family and friends together for a vacation that everyone can enjoy.

Cruises appeal to all ages, offers plenty for all travelers to do, allows everyone can set their own agenda, and even works seamlessly with most budgets.

While it can be exciting to reunite and have your group contained in one place, things can get easily overwhelming with differing interests, opinions, activity levels and budgets.

The key to a successful group cruise is planning in advance.

Based on research from seasoned cruisers, here are the 10 things that you should know before you set sail on your next group cruise.

1. Use a Travel Agent

When planning a group cruise, it can be highly beneficial to consult a travel agent to assist you with this process. A travel agent is professionally trained to be well-versed in different cruise lines, itineraries and current promotions to help you choose the best fit for your travel plans and preferences.

Consulting a travel agent will also help you stay organized in regard to necessary travel documentation, which is essential when traveling with such a large group to ensure nothing is missed. Failing to address required documentation for your cruise could delay, or even cancel your vacation plans altogether.

A travel agent can answer any questions you may have regarding your cruise and will also be able to monitor any discounts as they pertain to your vacation package. This helps to alleviate stress while planning your trip.

Related: 5 reasons you don’t need a travel agent and one big reason you do

2. Assign a Group Leader

In addition to having a travel agent, a group leader is necessary when coordinating a group cruise. This individual will assume responsibility of researching, pre-planning, and communicating both within the group and to the travel agent before, during and after the cruise.

This group leader can be self-appointed or be voted on by other members of the group. Sometimes, there are even a couple of group leaders depending on the size of the entire group.

The essential reason for having a group leader is to maintain organization and structure within the group throughout the duration of the cruise. Without these two things, plans can go awry, and the essence of the group cruise will therefore be lost.

Read more: 19 things you should do on embarkation day

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3. Create a Calendar of Events

With a large group, it cannot be expected for everyone to be in the same place at the same time for the entirety of the cruise. However, creating a calendar that highlights a few important dates of togetherness can be beneficial.

Formal nights, shore excursions, sail away parties, and onboard activities are all great excuses to get together that everyone can appreciate.

To ensure that everyone in your group knows when and where to meet up, it is important to send out verbal, text, or email reminders.

Read more: 12 biggest mistakes cruisers make on sea days

4. Make Your Own Plans

While you may be traveling as part of a group cruise, it is important to carve out some solitary ‘me’ time to get the most out of your vacation experience.

The best part about cruising is that there is always something for everyone of all ages to do, regardless of the time. Creating a laid-back environment will set the tone for the rest of the group cruise, which is what cruising is all about anyway.

5. Create a Plan to Re-Group (Preferably Daily)

While on a group cruise, it can be helpful to come up with a plan on how you will periodically re-group. Although cruise ships offer a plethora of things to do, it is a good idea to re-group with the members of your cruise party on a daily basis to get the most of your vacation.

Large groups have been known to use meal periods, such as lunch or dinner, to re-group and communicate, or even happy hour before breaking off in smaller groups for dinner. Attending an evening show onboard together, formal nights, or shore excursions can also be a great way to get everyone together – being sure to snap photos along the way.

Keep in mind that while using cellphones on land is the primary source of communication in today’s culture, this isn’t always so while on a cruise. While some passengers may opt in for the Wi-Fi package, you can’t count on everyone in your group to reserve this.

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Options such as purchasing walkie-talkies for the group in advance, utilizing email, or even creating print-out daily itineraries for everyone are great ways to stay in touch.

Read more: Outdated cruise tips you should now ignore

6. Book Your Cruise Early

Although cruise lines are famous for offering handsome last-minute deals, this isn’t something you should count on when booking a group cruise. There are several key reasons why booking in advance is the name of the game here.

When cruising with a large group, it goes without saying you that will need to reserve a large block of staterooms. To ensure the number of rooms your group will fit in comfortably, and within your level of preference, it is important to start researching things well in advance.

It is also worth considering what time of year your group will be cruising. If you’re traveling with younger individuals, such as school-aged children, you will most likely need to cruise during holiday breaks, which are notoriously the busiest seasons and when cabins reach capacity faster. Without reserving early, there may not be enough staterooms available for your entire group.

Related: Reasons you should book your cruise as early as possible

7. Intentionally Decide on Your Destination

Finding the ideal cruise for a large amount of people can be a tall order and actually may not please everyone. With so many itineraries, ships, and cruise lines out there, it can be difficult to know which decision is the best for your travel party.

There are several different approaches to consider here:

• Should you already have a cruise destination planned, you may decide to invite other, non-immediate family members, or friends on your vacation. This way there isn’t any room for suggestion, or outside opinions and they would be simply accepting an invitation.
• Alternatively, your group may decide to let everyone come up with their own idea and then come together to make a final decision on where to sail to.
• Thirdly, the group leader can assume responsibility when making the executive decision on choosing the cruise itinerary. This should be discussed and agreed upon amongst the entire group before proceeding to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

8. Arrive to the Embarkation Port a Day Early

When traveling from a distance, arriving to your embarkation port a day early is always recommended. This ensures that everyone will be on time and prepared for their cruise and eliminates any opportunities for unforeseen travel delays.

This can be a great opportunity for those traveling in a large group to meet up, and get their vacation started early. Consider staying together at a hotel located nearby the cruise port to make for easier travel.

Your group leader can make the hotel reservations, as well as reservations at a nearby restaurant so everyone can have dinner together.

Related: Embarkation day: 5 spots on the ship to check out right away

9. Consider Group T-Shirts

A fun and celebratory way to identify your group while on board is by getting coordinating t-shirts for everyone. There are tons of websites that make this idea a no-brainer for your next group cruise.

Labeling the t-shirts with your last name, a family symbol or logo, the year, the cruise line and/or a fun photo of a cruise ship is not only a fun way to identify yourself while onboard but will also make for a great souvenir. Consider different colors for everyone as a fun twist!

10. Plan a Shore Excursion

Pre-planning a shore excursion for your entire group is a great way for everyone to connect and spend time together. This can be handled by your group leader, or your travel agent.

While it can be an intimidating task to arrange for everyone to meet up at the same time and place, plenty of cruise lines offer organized group tours specifically for larger groups.

There are endless opportunities when it comes to shore excursions and there is sure to be an option fitting for all ages, physical abilities, budgets, and interest.

Read more: Tips for booking shore excursions on cruises

Final Thoughts

When coordinating your next family reunion, annual vacation, or just because trip, consider a group cruise. The benefits of a group cruise are seemingly endless, and includes all accommodations such as meals and drinks, entertainment and activities onboard, and oftentimes discounts for those traveling in larger groups.

To ensure you can get the most out of your group cruise and are well prepared throughout your sailing, it is important to take these suggestions into consideration. This will allow for a seamless reunion with your family and friends as you enjoy the many benefits of a group cruise.

Read more: 7 cruise cabin booking mistakes to avoid

Is it absolutely necessary that you use a travel agent for a cruise?  The answer to that really depends on a few factors.  And there are regular cruisers on both sides of this issue.

It’s usually free to use a travel agent for all your cruise booking needs.  And some people refuse to book any cruise without using their agent of choice.

So, are travel agents a must for every cruise?

We ran a recent poll on our Cruise Fever group on Facebook to find out how many people use travel agents.

Almost half of respondents said they never use a travel agent, and only 32% said they always used an agent for a cruise vacation.  These were the results:

1. Yes, always – 32%
2. Sometimes – 22%
3. No, never – 45%
4. No but maybe I should – 1%

I was surprised at how many said they never use a travel agent at all.  But with the points below in mind it makes perfect sense.

The average cruise traveler probably should use a travel agent for booking most cruises.  They simplify the process, find the best deals, and take care of the little details that are easy to forget.

But there are a few circumstances in which a cruiser would be better off handling all of the cruise booking and planning themselves.

Let’s dig into 5 reasons you don’t need a travel agent as I prepare to receive negative feedback for daring to even question this topic.

1. You love to do your own research as an independent traveler

Do you like to study deck plans when booking your cruise cabin?   Do you spend countless hours watching cruise ship tour videos on Youtube?   Do you keep up with the latest cruise news and consider yourself a cruise ship savant?

If so, you might actually enjoy being your own travel agent rather than being frustrated with one that doesn’t listen to your every whim and fancy.

I actually know several people who became travel agents just so they could book their own travels with a few perks.

Cruise lines make it very easy for anyone to book their own cruise on their websites.  But there are a lot of little decisions you will have to make along the way.    So, you should know what to look for and what things to avoid.

If you like to choose your exact cabin, pick what time you will have dinner, add your own excursions and extra amenities, you could easily do all of this yourself. Just know it will take a little more time and effort.

For some people, this time and effort is part of the adventure. I know, crazy as it sounds. Personally, as a cruise junkie, I enjoy the process, and I learn more about the little details by doing it myself.

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Read more: Cheapest weeks of the year to book a cruise

2. You love to comparison shop

There are so many free tools at your disposal as a cruise traveler today.  You can easily compare prices across cruise lines, cruise ships, and cruise itineraries.

I like to use tools like Cruisewatch.com, icruise.com, and Cruiseline.com to find cruises based on time of year, destination and departure ports.

CruisePlum has recently been on my radar as well, and so far it’s a wonderful tool for checking out cruises.

If you’re the kind of traveler that enjoys scouring the internet for good cruise deals on a daily basis, you might not need a travel agent.  But you also should use cruise price alert tools like CruiseWatch offers, so you don’t have to spend every waking minute looking for price drops.

And contrary to common belief, the cruise fare price should be the same no matter where you book.  Some cruise lines offer difference prices based on regions, but cruise lines set and distribute prices to travel agents and booking platforms alike.

The only caveat to that is group discount rates that some travel agents can access.

Also, some people like to comparison shop and then book through their travel agent, so there’s room for all types of travel planners.

Read more: 7 ways to avoid spending a single penny on board a cruise ship

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3. You’re booking a dirt cheap cruise

I’m not saying a travel agent can’t help you with that very affordable cruise.  It’s just that a $149 cruise doesn’t leave much room for commission.  Most travel agents – while they will gladly book it for you without complaints – aren’t that motivated with helping you book a lower cost cruise.

Commission margins are very thin for cruises that sell for $40 and $50 per night.  In other words, it’s a lot of work for very little reward.

Also, if you selected that deep-discount cruise because you want to spend as little as possible, you might also forgo any extra excursions, spa treatments, or other extra frills.  This will make the planning process even easier.

And if you don’t care about your cabin’s location, but just want to be on the ship and enjoy some time away from land, it’s really not going to be that complicated.

I’ve booked cruises so cheap I didn’t even bother with travel insurance as it was a minimal risk if something came up.  (More on sudden changes in travel plans later)

Read more: 10 biggest things that can ruin your cruise

4. You watch price drops and don’t mind being on hold

One of the biggest advantages of a travel agent is that a good one will set a price alert and get a cheaper price if there is a significant drop in the cruise fare.

Not everyone cares to keep up with something tedious like this, but there are many cruise price alert tools that will make this very simple and easy to setup.  As mentioned above, you can simply get an email or notification when a price changes and act accordingly.

But there are many cases in which you will have to contact the cruise line via email or phone.  And if you don’t want to spend time being on hold with a cruise line representative as you try to change something with your booking you might want a travel agent after all.

But hey, maybe you enjoy the dulcet tones of that “being on hold music” as you eagerly await a representative to talk to.

Read more: Cruisers reveal top 10 factors that matter most when choosing a cruise

5. You’re fine with sudden changes in plans

This is the one that gets most people.  If something happens on your end or the cruise line’s end and you have to address these changes, a travel agent can be a life-saver.

A travel agent for your cruise acts as a dedicated concierge and problem-solver, especially when unexpected changes pop up.   They handle logistics and negotiate on your behalf. Imagine them tackling storm-induced route changes, sudden medical emergencies, or missed ports, all while keeping you informed and stress-free.

If you’re totally fine with sudden changes that may come up and want to tackle that all yourself, then you can act as your own travel agent if you choose.

For a lot of cruisers, this point alone is their main reason for having a travel agent.

Read more: Why you might need cruise travel insurance more than you think

A big reason you should use a travel agent for your cruise

If all of the above sounds like a lot of work, go ahead and get a travel agent.

Especially if you’ve never gone on a cruise before, all of the choices and planning can be overwhelming.

What I have found is that people who use travel agents for their cruises wouldn’t have it any other way.

While you can’t get deep discounts on cruises by using a travel agent, sometimes they will have special group discounts.  On that note, if you do plan on going on a cruise with a group of people and want to stay together, you should definitely use a travel agent to handle it.

The logistics of getting cabins close together or reserving a large table in the dining room can be daunting.

Not only will travel agents take care of the itinerary planning and logistics, but they can also give you recommendations based on their expertise.  That’s why I prefer only travel agents who specialize in cruising and actually know the ships.

How to find one?

There are lots of ways to go about finding a travel agent for your cruise, including checking review sites like Cruise Critic, asking family and friends, or getting recommendations from online booking sites.

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CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) can help with finding a certified agent through their online tool here.  This is one of the best ways to make sure you find an agent who really understands the cruise industry.

Cruise Lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean provide pages on their websites to help you find travel agents in your area as well.

What to look for in a travel agent

Choosing the right cruise line and ship can make or break your vacation. That’s where a knowledgeable travel agent steps in. But how do you know they’re truly cruise savvy? Here are some key questions to uncover their expertise:

Cruise Cred:

• Frequent cruiser? How often do they personally set sail? Experienced cruisers bring insider knowledge you can’t find online.
• Been there, sailed that? Have they cruised on your chosen line or ship? If not, have they helped clients with similar voyages who raved about it?
• Destination guru? Do they have firsthand knowledge of your cruise destinations and itinerary? This goes beyond brochure basics.

Beyond Brochures:

• Special connections? Do they have preferred relationships with specific lines that unlock VIP perks for you?
• Big or boutique? Do they work with all lines or specialize in certain options, like luxury cruises? Know their niche and why it might benefit you.
• Pushy salesperson or partner in planning? If they seem to pressure you away from your initial idea, explore why. A good agent guides, not steers.
• 24/7 support lifeline: Do they offer round-the-clock assistance if things go awry before or during your trip? Peace of mind is priceless.
• Two-way street: Do they ask questions about your dream vacation? A good agent tailors recommendations to YOUR desires, not just sells generic packages.

Remember, the perfect cruise agent is your partner in planning, not just a booking service. Ask these questions and find someone who genuinely wants to create your ideal cruise vacation.

Bonus tip: Experienced agents might even score you a cabin upgrade.

If you want to get a free cabin upgrade on your next cruise you might be disappointed.  Although, there are times when a cruise line will offer to upgrade your room for free, this is usually not the case unless they have done something to mess up your vacation.

But this doesn’t mean you can’t get an upgrade for cheap.  If you are willing to pay an extra $100-300 or so to stay in a higher tier room than the one you booked, then these tips will help you.  Just remember, these upgrades are never guaranteed and anyone that tells you they can get you an upgrade with certainty is lying to you.

Choose the slow season for better chances of an upgrade

If your ship is sailing at 100% capacity you can’t get an upgrade.  It’s as simple as that, every cabin is booked.  That’s why there are really no guarantees you will get one in the first place, unless the captain of the ship happens to be your cousin or something.

So the best times to get an upgrade are during the slow months and not during summer or near holidays.  That being said, there are still cancellations and no-shows during the busy months.

Book through a travel agent

Go through a travel agent and keep contacting him/her about 2 weeks before you take sail to inquire about upgrades.  Often cruise lines will work with travel agents and give them special deals so it’s worth their while for travel agents to have special connections to be able to get better travel deals for their clients.

Again, never trust a travel agent that tells you that you are guaranteed an upgrade, but find one you can trust and you have better chances of seeing through a balcony window rather than watching the TV to see the view.

Get a more expensive cabin in the first place

You have a better chance of getting upgraded when you purchase a more expensive cabin to begin with.  These are the priority for filling vacant rooms that are on the higher end.  Cruise lines will not skip a level to offer you a room, so if you buy that bottom-of-the-line interior room with no view that’s right next to the anchor, don’t expect a knock at your door from the upgrade fairy.

Sometimes rooms that were once booked become vacant and these are offered to the people with one tier less first.   If no one is willing to pay extra for the upgrade they may skip a level and work their way down, but people rarely turn down an opportunity like this.

Bid on an upgrade

A few cruise lines will let you bid on an upgrade prior to your cruise. The highest bids win and it is always cheaper than booking the better cabin to begin with. Sometimes you can get lucky with a cheaper bid during the off season months. However, you don’t know what others have bid so you’re really just best off with entering the maximum amount you’d pay for an upgrade.

Mention your special occasion for cruising

Always mention if it is your birthday, anniversary, or any other celebration on the cruise ship.  It’s no guarantee, but it does help.  My parents were upgraded to a very nice suite with huge balcony and a butler all because it was their anniversary.  Was it worth the extra $100?  After having fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate brought into the room by the butler I’m going to say a resounding, YES!

Ask when arriving at the port

I once received an upgrade to a two room suite when I arrived at the port. I asked if they had any upgrades available when I was checking in and they offered me a suite for an extra $299. It was well worth it and one of the largest cabins I’ve ever stayed in on a cruise.

Wait until the 2^nd day of the cruise

Sometimes you can get upgrades the 2nd day of the cruise.  After confirmed no-shows you can go to the front desk to kindly ask for an upgrade.  Being belligerent will not help your cause.  Offer to pay a few extra bucks and talk to the hotel manager if you can.  They can’t always give you an answer right away so be patient.  If there is a sign at the customer service desk saying that the cruise is 100% booked, then they will not be able to give you an upgrade.

Hope for the chain-reaction upgrade

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Often these upgrades are simply a chain-reaction.  Say the deluxe suite is vacant, so someone else is upgraded to the deluxe suite, which leaves their room empty.  You may then be offered their old room and so you take it, and then your room is made available which may be an upgrade for someone else.  For the cruise ships to make the most money, the only empty rooms on the ship have to be the cheapo interior rooms that fewer want in the first place.

Choose your ship wisely

A lot about your upgrade depends on the ship.  Some ships have mostly lower end rooms and not many suites so your chances of getting an upgrade are not as good.  A lot of newer ships like the Wonder of the Seas are so huge that they are loaded with deluxe rooms and it’s hard to find a bad room.

Go cruising more often

If you are a frequent cruiser you will have a better chance of getting an upgrade.  Certain cruise lines have clubs you can join and they like to prefer these loyal cruisers for upgrades.

Go for the TBA upgrade

There is a TBA upgrade that you can get if the cruise line is not able to sell all of their higher end rooms.  TBA stands for To Be Assigned.  Basically it works like this:  When you book your room you are guaranteed at least a room at the level you booked or higher.  But as these upgraded rooms are sold your chances of getting in on the upgrade go down.

If you buy a TBA room don’t expect to have an automatic upgrade, but again, if you are going on a cruise during the slow season it will help your chances.  Twice I have been given an upgrade (once from an oceanview to a balcony, and another time from on inside stateroom to an oceanview) by booking a guaranteed stateroom.

This article was last updated on December 16, 2023.