How to determine if an upgrade at the port is worth it.

[RweTHEREyet]

So, once you get to the port and find out if there are upgrades available. How do you figure out if an upgrade that is offered is worth it or not? Do you have a fixed dollar amount in mind that you won't exceed, or a percentage? What do you compare the cost against, what the other categories were when you booked or something else? We will only be on a 3-night this next cruise, but I thought this might be a good time to try for an upgrade.

 

[CarolAnnC]

There is usually a line, so I would recommend having a fixed dollar amount in mind that you are willing to spend. If the upgrade exceeds your budget, then just pass on it.

As long as you have booked a room you will be happy with, no worries!

 

[over50visits]

So, once you get to the port and find out if there are upgrades available. How do you figure out if an upgrade that is offered is worth it or not? Do you have a fixed dollar amount in mind that you won't exceed, or a percentage? What do you compare the cost against, what the other categories were when you booked or something else? We will only be on a 3-night this next cruise, but I thought this might be a good time to try for an upgrade.

It's usually "worth it" in the sense it cost less than if you had booked in advance. But since you will have exactly the same food, shows, activities, swimming, ports, etc. whether it is worth is is more of how you'd like to spend your extra money (it could instead go to photos, spa, Remy, souvenirs, excursions, or <gasp> savings).

 

[LeslieG]

I asked about upgrades on my Dream cruise last month. I had been watching for the previous few weeks what the upgrade would cost if I did it pre-cruise. When she gave me the price, it was more than what I would have paid in advance, so I declined. She tried to tell me it was cheaper, but I knew it wasn't.

 

[holula]

It's usually "worth it" in the sense it cost less than if you had booked in advance. But since you will have exactly the same food, shows, activities, swimming, ports, etc. whether it is worth is is more of how you'd like to spend your extra money (it could instead go to photos, spa, Remy, souvenirs, excursions, or <gasp> savings).

We have asked three times about upgrades and it has NEVER been cheaper than booking the upgraded room outright. I want to be someone who finds amazing deals at port!

 

[over50visits]

We have asked three times about upgrades and it has NEVER been cheaper than booking the upgraded room outright. I want to be someone who finds amazing deals at port!

That's strange - every time we have asked it was cheaper. Go figure.

 

[darkwing818]

There is usually a line, so I would recommend having a fixed dollar amount in mind that you are willing to spend. If the upgrade exceeds your budget, then just pass on it.

As long as you have booked a room you will be happy with, no worries!

This is the way to go for us.

Some PPs noted that their quotes for upgrades were actually more than if they'd booked per-cruise, this was not the case for us. We upgraded to Concierge last last October from an ocean view cabin for $680. Trust me this was cheaper than if we booked per-cruise by at least $700 if I remember correctly.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

This is the way to go for us.

Some PPs noted that their quotes for upgrades were actually more than if they'd booked per-cruise, this was not the case for us. We upgraded to Concierge last last October from an ocean view cabin for $680. Trust me this was cheaper than if we booked per-cruise by at least $700 if I remember correctly.

A $700 savings is impressive. I am thinking that if we ever do get to do Concierge, it will be a shorter cruise, and I would prefer to do it on the Dream or Fantasy where they have the Concierge Lounge.

If you do upgrade, do you pay on the spot or is it added to your on-board balance? And, does this mean that your luggage takes longer to get to you--is it sitting down at your old cabin? We are presently booked in an 8A Gty, so an upgrade would mean a smaller cabin, but to experience Concierge might make it worth it.

 

[outahere]

A $700 savings is impressive. I am thinking that if we ever do get to do Concierge, it will be a shorter cruise, and I would prefer to do it on the Dream or Fantasy where they have the Concierge Lounge.

If you do upgrade, do you pay on the spot or is it added to your on-board balance? And, does this mean that your luggage takes longer to get to you--is it sitting down at your old cabin? We are presently booked in an 8A Gty, so an upgrade would mean a smaller cabin, but to experience Concierge might make it worth it.

The one time we did an upgrade to Concierge it was several thousand dollars cheaper than upgrading ahead of time.

The cost of the upgrade is charged to your onboard account. Our stateroom host went to our old cabin and retrieved our luggage, and it did take a little longer to receive it. You could always go to your old cabin, once they have started delivering luggage, and get your luggage if you're in a hurry.

Not sure why you think an upgrade to Concierge would mean a smaller cabin. The smallest Concierge cabin on the Dream is the same size as a category 4 cabin.