Imagine hearing your name called over the loudspeaker

[flagger]

It was 3pm on embarkation day over a week ago and over Eurodam's loudspeaker came a request for Mr. ME to call or come to the front office. I had client's sailing, my wife in India, and thoughts went through my head. I told my daughter to hang out in the hot tub or on a chair while I headed downstairs.

 

Several thoughts crossed my mind, but what was to happen was the furthest thought of all. We had booked a N guarantee and the evening before had been upgraded to 4121, a G partial ocean view stateroom. We could see the ocean but through a lifeboat. That was okay with me because honestly I was looking forward to spending a week not cooking or cleaning. Right now I am living as a single dad and running a business while my wife is off at work in MD and currently in India. I had been impressed with the fact that I had my bags by 2pm and was unpacked at 2:15.

 

I get to the Front Office and told them I had been called and a member went to get someone. Oh no, what could it be? My mind was swimming. Was there a problem with a client? Was my wife ok? Did they find those pictures of me from my past?

 

A woman from guest relations approached me and asked if I would mind switching my room. It turns out the people who had been in my room got an upgrade (and I was assured it was an upgrade) that they DID NOT WANT. They wanted their room back. I said sure, as long as I was on the ship I did not care. I did mention that I had unpacked and they said not to worry they would send someone to help me move and to leave my clothes on the hangars.

 

One sweep of the room later and a removal of my daughter's swimsuit from the clothes line and we were off. Upward and forward we went until we arrived at 6040. Yes on this full ship, we were moved to a stateroom with a verandah because someone received an upgrade that they did not want. What a way to start last week's cruise.

[serendipity1499]

WOW...What a wonderful surprise..Hope you had a great time with your daughter in your verandah cabin..

Welcome back!

Cheers...Betty

[sail7seas]

How exciting for you.

Sorry you had moments of concern before receiving the good news.

Hope you had a wonderful cruise.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Wow now that is what I call an Upgrade :)

That sounds like it was a great way to start a cruise.

I am guessing the rest of the week went great too :D

[lka1012]

The only time I ever heard my name over a loudspeaker was in Junior High and I ended up in the Principal's office and dentition. :o

 

Congrats on the upgrade

[flagger]

It was the first time in 16 cruises where I got off the ship totally relaxed. The positives far outweigh the negatives. And yes there were negatives, but I am a both a Travel Agent and CC member so I tend to look more critically.

[babygirl722]

How AWESOME! I was on the sailing with you and just posted my review. No negatives from me...we had an amazing cruise.

[jtl513]

Hard to imagine why someone would prefer an obstructed outside to a verandah that's not high up or far forward or aft. Maybe they're sleep-walkers and worried about falling overboard! :D

[vbmom87]

Lucky you!!! Hope you had a great cruise!!!!

[Susie51]

Fantastic! I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[tcook052]

We had booked a N guarantee

 

As one who is currently considering an interior guarantee your story gives me hope. :D Congratulations on your good fortune!

[Cruising-along]

Wow, what a happy ending!! Congratulations!

[Okie1946]

The upgrade gods were very good to you. I hope we are so lucky on our upcoming cruise.:D

[iceman93]

I wonder what they would have done had you refused to move. You were certainly most gracious (and karma responded in kind), but I have to imagine many passengers would have taken that request for your cabin much worse than you did.

[Krazy Kruizers]

It was 3pm on embarkation day over a week ago and over Eurodam's loudspeaker came a request for Mr. ME to call or come to the front office. I had client's sailing, my wife in India, and thoughts went through my head. I told my daughter to hang out in the hot tub or on a chair while I headed downstairs.

 

Several thoughts crossed my mind, but what was to happen was the furthest thought of all. We had booked a N guarantee and the evening before had been upgraded to 4121, a G partial ocean view stateroom. We could see the ocean but through a lifeboat. That was okay with me because honestly I was looking forward to spending a week not cooking or cleaning. Right now I am living as a single dad and running a business while my wife is off at work in MD and currently in India. I had been impressed with the fact that I had my bags by 2pm and was unpacked at 2:15.

 

I get to the Front Office and told them I had been called and a member went to get someone. Oh no, what could it be? My mind was swimming. Was my wife ok? Did they find those pictures of me from my past? ah ha!!

 

A woman from guest relations approached me and asked if I would mind switching my room. It turns out the people who had been in my room got an upgrade (and I was assured it was an upgrade) that they DID NOT WANT. They wanted their room back. I said sure, as long as I was on the ship I did not care. I did mention that I had unpacked and they said not to worry they would send someone to help me move and to leave my clothes on the hangars.

 

One sweep of the room later and a removal of my daughter's swimsuit from the clothes line and we were off. Upward and forward we went until we arrived at 6040. Yes on this full ship, we were moved to a stateroom with a verandah because someone received an upgrade that they did not want. What a way to start last week's cruise.

 

glad you got a wonderful and unexpected upgrade

[IRL_Joanie]

What an Awesome upgrade after boarding and unpacking!!!

 

You did answer the question(s) asked earlier this week by CC members who had an unwanted upgrade and wondered what would happen if this occurred at boarding.

 

Joanie

[UATLB]

awesome upgrade!!!

[Assateague Island Princes]

Ohhhhh, I just LOVE a happy ending:p! Congrats!

[erewhon]

flagger,

Congratulations on your fabulous free upgrade.

[musicgal]

What a great surprise! - Even though it's hard to understand, there are many reasons why someone might refuse an upgrade. They may have a specific ship location in mind for personal reasons... stair access for example- personal superstitions about numbers- bad dreams about verandas:o Glad that it worked out in your favor.

[kazu]

Very nice upgrade - I'm sure there are all kinds of reasons why someone wouldn't want a verandah - I just can't think of any ;) Good for you :)

[flagger]

Who knows why they wanted their stateroom back. They could have been scared of heights and wanted a view. They could have had their first cruise or anniversary or honeymoon cruise in that stateroom and wanted it back. I will never know, but I am eternally grateful.

[lakemurraykid]

That is a terrific upgrade -- Congrats! Yes, my name has been called before and it was not good news -- my mother had passed away. I'll never forget that. I have to say that the staff and crew were so understanding and caring. I couldn't have asked for more from them.

 

Again, congratulations on your upgrade.:)

[NYteacher]

Just wanted to say what it a pleasure it was meeting the two of you on the cruise. We had such a great and relaxing time.

 

I have already looked to see what the choices are for February 2012--perhaps the Panama Canal!

[goose30]

Imagine!