How to Get a Room Upgrade on Princess Cruises?

Dreaming of a better stateroom on your next Princess cruise? Whether you want more space, a balcony, or a luxurious suite, upgrading your cabin can make your vacation even more special. One of the best ways to enhance your experience is securing a room upgrade. There are several proven strategies to upgrade your stateroom without breaking the bank. Here, we covers everything you need to know about Princess Cruise room upgrades, from free methods to paid options.

Understanding Princess Cruise Room Categories

Before diving into upgrade strategies, it’s essential to understand Princess Cruise’s cabin hierarchy. The cruise line offers four main categories:

• Interior Cabins (Inside): The most budget-friendly option without windows, perfect for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship and destinations.
• Oceanview Cabins: Feature windows or portholes providing natural light and ocean views, offering a significant upgrade from interior cabins.
• Balcony Cabins: Include private outdoor space where you can enjoy fresh air, stunning views, and intimate moments watching the sunset.
• Suites: The premium option featuring enhanced amenities, priority services, and spacious accommodations including mini-suites, family suites, and luxury penthouse suites.

What is the Best Room You Can Get on a Princess Cruise Ship?

Princess Cruises offers several premium accommodation options:

Room Category	Best For	Key Features	Approx. Size (sq ft)
Sky Suite	Luxury seekers	Largest balcony at sea, premium amenities, priority services, exclusive lounge access	500-1,000 (including balcony)
Vista Suite	Spacious comfort	Separate living area, premium balcony, priority boarding & dining	460-850
Club Class Mini-Suite	Elevated experience	Priority dining, upgraded linens, complimentary sparkling wine, extra space	300-400
Reserve Collection Balcony	Food lovers	Dedicated restaurant section, premium amenities, priority boarding	200-300
Deluxe Balcony	Ocean view lovers	Comfortable space, private balcony, sitting area	200-300
Oceanview	Budget-conscious	Large window (no balcony), comfortable amenities	160-220
Interior	Value travelers	Most affordable option, cozy cabin experience	150-160

How to Get a Free Room Upgrade on Princess Cruise?

Getting a free room upgrade on a Princess Cruise isn’t guaranteed—but it’s definitely possible with a little strategy, timing, and luck. Here’s how seasoned cruisers increase their odds:

• Book Early and Be Flexible: One of the most effective ways to secure a free upgrade is booking your cruise early while maintaining flexibility. Princess Cruises often overbooks lower-category cabins, leading to complimentary upgrades for early bookers when higher-category rooms become available.
• Join Princess Captain’s Circle Loyalty Program: Loyalty pays off with Princess Cruises. Members of the Captain’s Circle loyalty program receive priority consideration for complimentary upgrades based on their membership tier:
  • Gold members (after 1 cruise): Basic upgrade consideration
  • Platinum members (after 5 cruises): Enhanced upgrade priority
  • Elite members (after 15 cruises): Highest upgrade priority plus additional perks.
• Travel During Off-Peak Times: Cruising during shoulder seasons or off-peak periods increases your chances of receiving free upgrades. When ships aren’t at full capacity, Princess Cruises is more likely to move guests to better accommodations to balance occupancy across cabin categories.
• Celebrate Special Occasions: Honeymooners, anniversary celebrants, and birthday guests often receive preferential treatment. When booking, mention your special occasion in the reservation notes and contact guest services before sailing to remind them of your celebration.
• Check-In Early and Arrive Early: Complete online check-in as soon as it opens (typically 14 days before departure) and arrive at the port early. This strategy puts you first in line for any last-minute upgrades that become available due to cancellations or operational needs.

How to Get a Paid Room Upgrade on Princess Cruise?

Getting a paid room upgrade on a Princess Cruise is easier than ever, thanks to their official Princess Upgrade program—a bid-based system that lets you name your price for a better stateroom. Here’s how it works and how to make the most of it:

Princess Upgrade Program

Princess Cruises launched their official upgrade bidding system, allowing guests to bid for higher-category cabins after booking. Here’s how it works:

• Process: After booking, eligible guests receive an email invitation to bid on available upgrades through the Princess Cruises website.
• Bidding Window: Typically opens several days to weeks before departure, with bidding closing 24-48 hours before sailing.
• Payment: Successful bidders are charged the winning amount to their onboard account.

How Do I Get a Free Balcony Upgrade on Princess Cruise?

Securing a free balcony upgrade requires strategic planning and timing:

• Book a Guarantee Cabin: Princess Cruises offers “guarantee” bookings where you pay for a specific category but Princess assigns your exact cabin. This booking type often receives priority for complimentary upgrades, especially to balcony cabins.
• Leverage Group Bookings: If traveling with family or friends, book multiple cabins together. Group bookings often receive upgrade consideration, and coordinators may negotiate complimentary balcony upgrades for the entire group.
• Monitor Promotional Offers: Princess frequently runs promotions including free room upgrades. Current offers include up to 40% savings plus complimentary room upgrades for select sailings. Sign up for Princess emails and monitor their deals page for these limited-time opportunities.

How Much Does a Princess Cruise Room Upgrade Cost?

If a free upgrade isn’t available, you can pay for an upgrade. Prices vary depending on:

Upgrade Type	Approx. Cost Per Person	When Available
Interior → Oceanview	$50 – $300	Anytime before sailing
Oceanview → Balcony	$150 – $600	60-90 days before sailing
Balcony → Mini-Suite	$400 – $1,200	30-60 days before sailing
Mini-Suite → Suite	$800 – $2,500+	2-4 weeks before sailing
Guarantee → Assigned Cabin	Free – $200	After final payment

Can You Change Your Cruise Room After Booking Princess Cruise?

Yes, Princess Cruises allows cabin changes after booking, subject to availability and fare differences:

Before Final Payment

Changes are typically easier and less expensive before final payment (usually 90 days before departure). You can:

• Upgrade to a higher category by paying the fare difference
• Downgrade and receive a refund for the difference
• Move to a different cabin within the same category

After Final Payment

Post-final payment changes may incur additional fees:

• Upgrade fees: Fare difference plus possible administrative fees
• Downgrade limitations: May be restricted or subject to penalties
• Cabin location changes: Usually possible within the same category for a small fee

Is There a Way to Upgrade Room on a Princess Cruise?

Beyond the official Princess Upgrade Program, several strategies can help secure better accommodations:

• Guest Services Desk: Visit the Guest Services desk immediately upon boarding. They may have last-minute upgrades available due to maintenance issues, no-shows, or operational needs.
• Onboard Upgrades: Throughout your cruise, check with guest services for upgrade opportunities. Guests sometimes change their plans or disembark early, creating unexpected availability.
• Future Cruise Consultants: Onboard Future Cruise Consultants often have access to upgrade deals for your current cruise and can negotiate better rates than standard pricing.

Tips for Maximizing Your Upgrade Chances

Want to boost your odds of scoring that dreamy Princess Cruise room upgrade? Whether you’re aiming for a free bump or bidding your way into a suite, these insider tips will help you play the upgrade game like a seasoned cruiser:

• Be Friendly and Polite: Courtesy goes a long way in the hospitality industry. Treat all Princess staff with respect and kindness, as they’re more likely to help guests who are pleasant to work with.
• Dress Appropriately: When visiting guest services or speaking with crew members about potential upgrades, dress nicely. First impressions matter, and well-dressed guests are often taken more seriously.
• Consider Cabin Location: Sometimes upgrading isn’t just about category but location. A lower-category cabin in a prime location (midship, higher deck) might be preferable to a higher-category cabin in a less desirable location.
• Book Refundable Fares When Possible: Refundable fares provide more flexibility for cabin changes and upgrades, though they cost more initially.

Planning Your Princess Cruise Upgrade Strategy

Planning your Princess Cruise upgrade strategy is all about timing, flexibility, and knowing how the system works. Whether you’re eyeing a balcony view or dreaming of a suite, here’s how to approach it like a pro:

• Before Booking: Research your ship’s deck plans and cabin categories. Understanding the layout helps you make informed decisions about potential upgrades.
• At Booking: Consider booking a guarantee cabin in your preferred minimum category. This gives Princess flexibility to upgrade you while ensuring you get at least what you paid for.
• Pre-Cruise: Monitor your email for Princess Upgrade Program invitations and stay alert for promotional offers that might include complimentary upgrades.
• Onboard: Check with guest services early and maintain friendly relationships with crew members who might have access to upgrade information.

Check Here: Princess Cruise Refund Policy

Conclusion

While free upgrades on Princess Cruises aren’t guaranteed, paying for one or bidding through the upgrade program can land you a better cabin. Whether you want a free balcony upgrade or a luxurious suite, early planning and flexibility increase your chances.

FAQs on Princess Cruises Room Upgrade