What was your upgrade offer and what did you bid

[cruiseinfoseeker]

On 8/7/2019 at 5:17 PM, JamieLogical said:

 

We have definitely discussed this before. It makes no business sense for NCL to factor in original price paid. They already have that money. All that matters now is how much MORE money they can get. If you paid more originally and bid $250 and someone who paid less bids $500, taking the higher bid nets NCL the most money. Why would they pass up the extra $250?

Sorry, but they must. I bid more for the H4 than someone who won it for upcoming sailing. 

So more goes into the upgrades than straight up dollars and cents.

[Sand and Seas]

26 minutes ago, cruiseinfoseeker said:

Sorry, but they must. I bid more for the H4 than someone who won it for upcoming sailing. 

So more goes into the upgrades than straight up dollars and cents.

There could be other variables that add up to more money for NCL.  Maybe the others that got the H4 had a cabin that could then be another person's upgrade at a good profit for NCL.  

If it was based only on the $$ you paid then those of us who are in CAS comped cabins wouldn't get a bid.

[Nclgetawaymenhoney]

1 hour ago, cruiseinfoseeker said:

Sorry, but they must. I bid more for the H4 than someone who won it for upcoming sailing. 

So more goes into the upgrades than straight up dollars and cents.

Was everything else equal?  Were you in a balcony or mini suite before bidding?  If the h4 that won was is a mini suite and you were in a balcony the winner could be the mini suite with the lower bid easily because then ncl could get more money for upgrade on the mini suite. 

[cruiseinfoseeker]

1 hour ago, Sand and Seas said:

There could be other variables that add up to more money for NCL.  Maybe the others that got the H4 had a cabin that could then be another person's upgrade at a good profit for NCL.  

If it was based only on the $$ you paid then those of us who are in CAS comped cabins wouldn't get a bid.

 

7 minutes ago, Nclgetawaymenhoney said:

Was everything else equal?  Were you in a balcony or mini suite before bidding?  If the h4 that won was is a mini suite and you were in a balcony the winner could be the mini suite with the lower bid easily because then ncl could get more money for upgrade on the mini suite. 

I'm not arguing the point. I was quoting someone who suggested that only $$$ upgrade bid mattered.

I didn't agree with that theory before I saw that my bid was not accepted. But now I can demonstrate to that poster from experience that more variables are included.

[Nclgetawaymenhoney]

4 minutes ago, cruiseinfoseeker said:

 

I'm not arguing the point. I was quoting someone who suggested that only $$$ upgrade bid mattered.

I didn't agree with that theory before I saw that my bid was not accepted. But now I can demonstrate to that poster from experience that more variables are included.

Were you in balcony or mini suite?  Because that does mean a difference in upgrade price.

[tropicallie]

Breakaway sailing 9/08. 

Booked a Spa Balcony in February for $3461.  At the time Haven Spa was $5871 and Spa Mini was $3859. This is for 2 of us.

Bid $60/pp for upgrade to Spa Mini  (Minimum bid $30)

Originally bid $730/pp for Haven spa.  (Minimum bid $500)

Recently the price fell to $5170.  Last night, after discussing with the hubs,  I withdrew our bid and was going to call this morning to just pay outright for a Haven Spa.

.  I received an acceptance email for our Spa Mini bright and early this morning before I could call.  There is one Haven Spa left and we still may call and pay the difference.  It's a month prior to sailing and my bid for a Spa Mini wasn't all that strong.  There also don't seem to be any Spa Minis left today when I checked.  First time I've heard this early about an upgrade.

 

Edited August 9, 2019 by tropicallie

[lfreda]

There have to be other factors and I am sure that one of them is also expected revenue on the cabin.  If you have sailed on NCL before or are CAS, they have a very aware of what you spend while onboard.  For example, they know by my history that I play in the casino, buy Vibe passes and purchase spa services.  I believe the algorithm that they use to determine who gets upgraded is far more complex than just a one time money grab because you generate more revenue at that moment.

[Waverunner1]

Sailing Gem 10/25/19 14 day Caribbean. Original booking room #9652 BC balcony at 2199.00 per person, all 5 perks. (+ Taxes, fees, Insurance, transportation, first born, etc...)

 

Here is what I was offered to bid on...

Haven

The Haven 3-Bedroom Garden Villa (H1) $2500-5000

The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony (H2) $1500-3000 (Currently showing as Sold Out)

The Haven Owner's Suite with Large Balcony (H3) $1000-3000

The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony (H4) $1000-2750

The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony (H5) $750-2750

 

Non-Haven

2-Bedroom Family Suite with Balcony (SC) $500-2500

Penthouse with Large Balcony (SE, SF) $300-2000

Mini-Suite with Balcony Stateroom $25-400

 

Past spending Habits

I spend money in the SPA for couples massage (Wife insists).

Moderate Gambler

Few shore excursions

Few gift shop items

 

Hope this helps somebody! Also, everybody's theory's hold water, however we just don't really know for sure so providing as much information as you can along with (when the time comes) your winning/losing bids and date of acceptance/rejection is the best info you can provide. Wish me luck!

 

I would also be interested in hearing from others who have offers on this same cruise.

 

 

Edited August 9, 2019 by Waverunner1
addition

[Named-Tawny]

13 hours ago, cruiseinfoseeker said:

 

I'm not arguing the point. I was quoting someone who suggested that only $$$ upgrade bid mattered.

I didn't agree with that theory before I saw that my bid was not accepted. But now I can demonstrate to that poster from experience that more variables are included.

 

I think you may have been misunderstanding the other point.  It wasn't that only bid amount for that new cabin matters - it was that what you paid for your old cabin doesn't.

NCL works to maximise their revenue, so they're looking at how to maximise the amount they take in from the big process as a whole, not how much they're taking from each individual traveller.

[JamieLogical]

13 hours ago, cruiseinfoseeker said:

 

I'm not arguing the point. I was quoting someone who suggested that only $$$ upgrade bid mattered.

I didn't agree with that theory before I saw that my bid was not accepted. But now I can demonstrate to that poster from experience that more variables are included.

 

4 hours ago, lfreda said:

There have to be other factors and I am sure that one of them is also expected revenue on the cabin.  If you have sailed on NCL before or are CAS, they have a very aware of what you spend while onboard.  For example, they know by my history that I play in the casino, buy Vibe passes and purchase spa services.  I believe the algorithm that they use to determine who gets upgraded is far more complex than just a one time money grab because you generate more revenue at that moment.

 

I never said that the total bid is the only factor in determining who wins. I said that the total amount of money NCL can net is the determining factor. What I can almost guarantee, however, is that the initial amount paid for your original cabin is NOT a determining factor, which is the point I was arguing from the beginning. I am confident that NCL awards upgrades based on the bottom line. And the money already paid toward your existing cabin is already a part of that bottom line. There is no need to factor it into the upgrade process.

[JamieLogical]

21 hours ago, Anonymoussol said:

I sadly agree with your logical approach. Your name suits you. 

You're a bit on a guru around here and I'm new to the boards so I figured I might ask you. 

I have a comped inside room on the escape to Bermuda on 9-1 bidding on a balcony. Current bid is in the mid good range at $280pp. Max is $400.   Ship looks almost completely sold out when I do a mock booking. Another factor is I was told that this particular cruise is the annual CAS golf cruise . Do you think I should up my Bid? 

 

What would be the cost of upgrading directly at this point? Despite all my analysis of the bid process, how it works, and what might constitute a "winning" bid on any given sailing, my advice is always to bid what you are comfortable with. A perfect bis amount is one where you will be happy either way. Content with the amount paid if you win the bid and happy to have the extra money to spend on board if you lose the bid. If you are going to be devastated if you lose the bid, then either bid more or pay to upgrade directly. If you think you will question if the upgrade was really worth it or regretting "overspending", then lower your bid to an amount you are more comfortable with.

[Waverunner1]

What was your upgrade offer and what did you bid...this is the information I'm looking for. I'll form my own opinions from there.

 

[Bluehens12]

Booked an inside cabin on the NCL Escape’s August 11th sailing. Got a great deal originally, and had an offer to bid on Oceanview, Balcony, and Spa Balcony rooms. The sailing appears to be sold out and has for a while now. 

 

Bid $80/pp on oceanview

Bid $210/pp on balcony

Bid $225/pp on Spa Balcony

 

I was notified yesterday (3 days from sailing) that our balcony bid was accepted. We are now on deck 14 near the aft of the ship. Very happy, we feel like we got a great deal during peak season! 

[nhquilter1]

So if Oceanview, Spa and Mini-Suites are sold out, does that mean my chance for having my bid accepted (inside to spa, balcony & oceanview) is non-existent?

 

[Named-Tawny]

8 minutes ago, nhquilter1 said:

So if Oceanview, Spa and Mini-Suites are sold out, does that mean my chance for having my bid accepted (inside to spa, balcony & oceanview) is non-existent?

 

Nope.  There's a cascade effect.   Somebody will get upgraded to those Haven suites.  They'll then have their previous cabins empty.  Others will fill those, and so on, until all upgraded cabins are taken, leaving insides only.

[JandC_Cruising]

40 minutes ago, Bluehens12 said:

Booked an inside cabin on the NCL Escape’s August 11th sailing. Got a great deal originally, and had an offer to bid on Oceanview, Balcony, and Spa Balcony rooms. The sailing appears to be sold out and has for a while now. 

 

Bid $80/pp on oceanview

Bid $210/pp on balcony

Bid $225/pp on Spa Balcony

 

I was notified yesterday (3 days from sailing) that our balcony bid was accepted. We are now on deck 14 near the aft of the ship. Very happy, we feel like we got a great deal during peak season! 

Congratulations on your move to the balcony. 

We're on the same sailing and just paid outright not wanting to risk the bidding.  Great win for you guys!

I don't think there were many upgrades as a week before there were only 3-4 Haven cabins left to "shuffle" people around with.

Only 2 days to go...Now get packed! See you on Sunday and at the M&G..We'll be the ones with drinks in our hands 😎🍹

[lfreda]

2 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

 

 

I never said that the total bid is the only factor in determining who wins. I said that the total amount of money NCL can net is the determining factor. What I can almost guarantee, however, is that the initial amount paid for your original cabin is NOT a determining factor, which is the point I was arguing from the beginning. I am confident that NCL awards upgrades based on the bottom line. And the money already paid toward your existing cabin is already a part of that bottom line. There is no need to factor it into the upgrade process.

But the total amount that NCL can net on any one single cabin certainly starts with the base fare paid.  We can agree to disagree.  I certainly see your point and it is valid but as others have said, the only way any of us would truly know the answers to these questions would be to understand their models.  Since none of us work in the CFO's office, we are all just speculating.  I think to enhance this thread, the more information that could be provided the better.  Let's understand what everyone originally paid, inventory on the sailing that you are bidding on, are you a CAS guest and if so are you on a comp or a discount etc.  All of these pieces of information help to complete the puzzle.

[Anonymoussol]

2 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

 

What would be the cost of upgrading directly at this point? Despite all my analysis of the bid process, how it works, and what might constitute a "winning" bid on any given sailing, my advice is always to bid what you are comfortable with. A perfect bis amount is one where you will be happy either way. Content with the amount paid if you win the bid and happy to have the extra money to spend on board if you lose the bid. If you are going to be devastated if you lose the bid, then either bid more or pay to upgrade directly. If you think you will question if the upgrade was really worth it or regretting "overspending", then lower your bid to an amount you are more comfortable with.

The cost to upgrade directly to a balcony at this point was $500. funny thing. the prices keep going up online. More cabins sold out. Thank you for your advice. 

[Shidah]

This thread previously was always active and on page 1 on CC.  Had to go to page 5 to find it.  I wonder if that means less people are bidding or getting bids accepted?  For the Escape this month, prices dropped so low many people upgraded outright, and then 3 cruises fell off the NCL page since they sold out.  

[gmbhardy]

Three weeks ago the Breakaway sailing on August 18 had tons of Haven inventory. 

NCL dropped the price last week and magically it is now sold out. I think a lot of people are booking lower category cabins with the full intention of bidding  on higher category rooms in an attempt to save money. These aren’t people putting in minimum bids “on a hope and a prayer”, but savy cruisers who are placing calculated bids based on inventory and who knows what else. Theses bids are generally somewhat higher than minimum range bids, so when prices drop their bids are very close to the new listed prices and as a result they upgrade since the price difference is minimal. 

[drvmywifecrzy]

5 hours ago, gmbhardy said:

Three weeks ago the Breakaway sailing on August 18 had tons of Haven inventory. 

NCL dropped the price last week and magically it is now sold out. I think a lot of people are booking lower category cabins with the full intention of bidding  on higher category rooms in an attempt to save money. These aren’t people putting in minimum bids “on a hope and a prayer”, but savy cruisers who are placing calculated bids based on inventory and who knows what else. Theses bids are generally somewhat higher than minimum range bids, so when prices drop their bids are very close to the new listed prices and as a result they upgrade since the price difference is minimal. 

 

This is exactly what I did on my 8/18 sailing on the Escape.   The cost to upgrade was less then my bid I had in for the Haven so I did it before upgrades were assigned.

[rbcglj]

Does anyone know if the sooner you bid, the better your chances of having your bid accepted?  We are sailing on the Joy on October 27th to the Panama Canal.  It doesn't seem to be a popular cruise, since pricing seems fairly good.  We booked interior cabins and have been offered the opportunity to bid for a balcony.

Any tips for timing and amounts to bid?  I'm new to this.

Thanks!

[JamieLogical]

19 hours ago, rbcglj said:

Does anyone know if the sooner you bid, the better your chances of having your bid accepted?  We are sailing on the Joy on October 27th to the Panama Canal.  It doesn't seem to be a popular cruise, since pricing seems fairly good.  We booked interior cabins and have been offered the opportunity to bid for a balcony.

Any tips for timing and amounts to bid?  I'm new to this.

Thanks!

 

In theory, bids can be accepted at any time. In reality, the seem to mostly be processed within the last week or two before sailing, so the timing of your bid may not matter much as long as you get it in before bids are processed.

[kayteecat]

10 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

In theory, bids can be accepted at any time. In reality, the seem to mostly be processed within the last week or two before sailing, so the timing of your bid may not matter much as long as you get it in before bids are processed.

I agree with you Jamie, but as someone whose bid was accepted 50 days out I'd say that earlier is better. We didn't feel that our bid was all that extravagant (balcony to mini-suite, $150 pp on the low side of fair) but we were upgraded pretty early out. So if you feel good about the amount that you bid, I'd put it in as soon as practical because theoretically people can get upgraded before you if your bid isn't in yet.

 

That said, I would agree that the majority of bids are processed later but there's always the slight chance that you may get picked early.

[rbcglj]

Hi.  My offer was $50 pp to upgrade from interior to balcony and $25 pp to upgrade to oceanview.

Was thinking of offering $150 pp to upgrade to balcony.

Do you think that's enough to get it?  Should we go to $200?

Thanks!