My Story: First Time Single Cruiser on NCL and My Quest to Upgrading to the Haven

[Sthrngary]

 

As I got off the NCL Joy with my entire family from the November 27, 2021, cruise, I knew I would cruise again soon.  Hard not to after having such a good time when you are in the (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite.  I also knew my family would NOT want to join me in the future.  All that was fine.  I have also gone to the Bonnaroo Music festival three (3) times solo.  I lived my life on the road most of my life.

 

I looked at every ship from the Encore, Breakaway, Bliss and Joy.  I knew I had to book it 30 days or before to do what I wanted to do.  I settled on the NCL Joy even though I was just on it.  The single rate was very reasonable for the Club Balcony Suite (MC) at approximately $1,200.00 total with fees.  My wife and I are on the NCL Breakaway in December 2022 and the rate per person for the Club Balcony Suite is more. Please remember I am used to paying Haven prices for two or more people so for me, this was the bargain of the year.

 

My next step was to have my travel agent book it and get the American Express Platinum perks.  They were $200.00 OBC and one meal at the French Restaurant.  As soon as this is confirmed by my TA, the booking will be completed and fully paid.  The sailing is 28 days away.

 

Now I wait for the bidding process if it happens.  I have captured what the current Haven costs are now and will make my upgrade bid accordingly.  The key is that many Haven Categories are already sold out.  I am not sure when or if the upgrade email will come to me. If it does, my goal is to keep the total price in the $2,000.00 or less range and be in the Haven.  I would consider that a WIN.  This is currently all hypotheticals.

 

Like any cruise, you must have a contingency plan.  If I am not able to upgrade to the Haven, then I attempt to make the cruise as Haven like as possible. What that means is the following:

 

• Gratuities: Pre-pay prior to the cruise. Total Expense Pre-Cruise: $108.50
• Premium Plus Beverage Package: Upgrade to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. $243.60
• Specialty Restaurants: I have three specialty restaurants now, upgrade to have two more. $106.80
• Vibe Beach Club: Purchase a week at the Vibe Beach Club. $200.00 + Aprox.

 

Well, I will keep everyone informed of my progress.  

 

Cruise well everyone. 

[DiscalC8]

Best wishes on your trip.   Planning is part of the fun as far as I'm concerned.   One item raised my curiosity in your list -

You mentioned signing up for Vibe for the week.   I was kind of under the impression that (assuming you get your Haven berth) the Haven sun deck was comparable to (or better than) the Vibe area.    Is there something missing that the Vibe provides?   

I know everyone has different preferences, so please don't take my question the wrong way - just looking to understand.

[KeithJenner]

7 minutes ago, DiscalC8 said:

Best wishes on your trip.   Planning is part of the fun as far as I'm concerned.   One item raised my curiosity in your list -

You mentioned signing up for Vibe for the week.   I was kind of under the impression that (assuming you get your Haven berth) the Haven sun deck was comparable to (or better than) the Vibe area.    Is there something missing that the Vibe provides?   

I know everyone has different preferences, so please don't take my question the wrong way - just looking to understand.

Those costs are based on him not getting the Haven upgrade. If he gets that then no need for the Vibe pass.

[DiscalC8]

8 minutes ago, KeithJenner said:

Those costs are based on him not getting the Haven upgrade. If he gets that then no need for the Vibe pass.

Ahh, I read too quickly.  Thanks.

[Acruzaholic]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

 

As I got off the NCL Joy with my entire family from the November 27, 2021, cruise, I knew I would cruise again soon.  Hard not to after having such a good time when you are in the (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite.  I also knew my family would NOT want to join me in the future.  All that was fine.  I have also gone to the Bonnaroo Music festival three (3) times solo.  I lived my life on the road most of my life.

 

I looked at every ship from the Encore, Breakaway, Bliss and Joy.  I knew I had to book it 30 days or before to do what I wanted to do.  I settled on the NCL Joy even though I was just on it.  The single rate was very reasonable for the Club Balcony Suite (MC) at approximately $1,200.00 total with fees.  My wife and I are on the NCL Breakaway in December 2022 and the rate per person for the Club Balcony Suite is more. Please remember I am used to paying Haven prices for two or more people so for me, this was the bargain of the year.

 

My next step was to have my travel agent book it and get the American Express Platinum perks.  They were $200.00 OBC and one meal at the French Restaurant.  As soon as this is confirmed by my TA, the booking will be completed and fully paid.  The sailing is 28 days away.

 

Now I wait for the bidding process if it happens.  I have captured what the current Haven costs are now and will make my upgrade bid accordingly.  The key is that many Haven Categories are already sold out.  I am not sure when or if the upgrade email will come to me. If it does, my goal is to keep the total price in the $2,000.00 or less range and be in the Haven.  I would consider that a WIN.  This is currently all hypotheticals.

 

Like any cruise, you must have a contingency plan.  If I am not able to upgrade to the Haven, then I attempt to make the cruise as Haven like as possible. What that means is the following:

 

• Gratuities: Pre-pay prior to the cruise. Total Expense Pre-Cruise: $108.50
• Premium Plus Beverage Package: Upgrade to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. $243.60
• Specialty Restaurants: I have three specialty restaurants now, upgrade to have two more. $106.80
• Vibe Beach Club: Purchase a week at the Vibe Beach Club. $200.00 + Aprox.

 

Well, I will keep everyone informed of my progress.  

 

Cruise well everyone. 

Gary-Are you booked for the 3/19/22 sailing on Joy?--If so--I would love to meet you-My wife & I are booked on this cruise-First time Haven--because of you!!!!🤩

[Acruzaholic]

27 minutes ago, Acruzaholic said:

Gary-Are you booked for the 3/19/22 sailing on Joy?--If so--I would love to meet you-My wife & I are booked on this cruise-First time Haven--because of you!!!!🤩

OMG I just found out from other post that  our bookings are the same-Hope you get upgraded to Haven-look forward to knocking back a few Tequilas with you-I am also a Gary-May have to change my avatar to Nthrngary.😜

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, DiscalC8 said:

Best wishes on your trip.   Planning is part of the fun as far as I'm concerned.   One item raised my curiosity in your list -

You mentioned signing up for Vibe for the week.   I was kind of under the impression that (assuming you get your Haven berth) the Haven sun deck was comparable to (or better than) the Vibe area.    Is there something missing that the Vibe provides?   

I know everyone has different preferences, so please don't take my question the wrong way - just looking to understand.

I Love, Love, Love the Haven.  I write about it all the time.  My issue is, my family will not be joining me on this trip.  I am going solo.  So I have to pay double the rate.  That forced me to get a nicely prices Club Suite Balcony.  I am hoping to get a bid to upgrade to Haven.  If that does not happen, my plan "B" is to get a Vibe Beach pass.  

 

If I were in the Haven, I would not get the Vibe Beach Pass.  I hope that answers your question.  I never mind any question that helps you make a better decision.  

 

Cruise well.

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, Acruzaholic said:

Gary-Are you booked for the 3/19/22 sailing on Joy?--If so--I would love to meet you-My wife & I are booked on this cruise-First time Haven--because of you!!!!🤩

Yes I am.  Not in the Haven quite yet but looking forward to bidding up.  Love to visit, any time.  This is my second time in the Joy.  Anything I can share, just let me know.

 

Cruise well.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Acruzaholic said:

OMG I just found out from other post that  our bookings are the same-Hope you get upgraded to Haven-look forward to knocking back a few Tequilas with you-I am also a Gary-May have to change my avatar to Nthrngary.😜

Drink Tequila, YEP you got the right guy.  1942 on me.  

 

Cruise well.

[aubreyc1988]

@Sthrngary Just looked at my bid to upgrade page and it has updated. Now the discounted price to upgrade to the 2 bedroom villa is starting bid at 200pp (it was 300pp whenever I was in the HJ) 

 

Starting bid for owners suite is  760pp (no change) 

 

I probably won't be bidding on the 2 bedroom or the owners suite.  It's just me and my husband, i just don't see a need for all the space and need money for the casino 😛 I'll let you know if any of the bidding gets further discounted. 

[Sthrngary]

11 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said:

@Sthrngary Just looked at my bid to upgrade page and it has updated. Now the discounted price to upgrade to the 2 bedroom villa is starting bid at 200pp (it was 300pp whenever I was in the HJ) 

 

Starting bid for owners suite is  760pp (no change) 

 

I probably won't be bidding on the 2 bedroom or the owners suite.  It's just me and my husband, i just don't see a need for all the space and need money for the casino 😛 I'll let you know if any of the bidding gets further discounted. 

Thank you for your feed back.  Interesting time when you can upgrade to a Owners Suite for a min bid of $760.00.  I would not bid on that either.  Thanks again for your great information.

 

Cruise well.

[Sthrngary]

Part Two:  Why Go Solo

 

I called NCL to get a sense of when Upgrade Bid emails are sent out.  It seems the upgrade bids go out 2 weeks prior to the sailing.  I think that was a standard answer.  My strategy was book a Club Balcony Suite, get the email for bid upgrades, do the math and hopefully upgrade to any Haven Suite.  

 

Testing pre-cruise with no testing at the port as of March 1, 2022 is different this time.  Going as a solo is different this time.  Not going confirmed in the Haven is different this time.  Really knowing the ship is different this time.

 

Folks online have asked me, why go on the same ship again.  I wanted to answer that question fairly.

I really liked the Joy.  I read everything that folks said about the ship good and bad.  For what ever reason, I found the ship warm and accommodating.

• The Beatles Show:  When you are with your family, getting everyone to go to a show at the same time is not the easiest thing in the world.  This time, I will get to the show early especially the shows in the Cavern Club. I missed all those the first time around.  
• Comedy Club: The same holds true for the Comedy Club.  I missed most shows except for the first one.  
• Pool Games/Events: The only event I went to was the "Men's Sexy Legs" contest with was hilarious. 
• Slides: My daughter was going to be my water slide partner.  Instead, she could not go because of piercings.  I only did them once. I am a 64 year old kid and love this stuff.
• Dining: Sometimes I am in the mood for breakfast or lunch; sometimes I am not.  You have to be accommodating when you are with your family.  One of the things I liked the most on this past cruise, was a really good cup of coffee and an danish for breakfast.  Everyone else seemed to want to go to breakfast so I felt like I had to eat again.  It did not take much effort to be honest, the food was great. 
• Workout Facilities: I did not use it once.  Silly, it is so well equip and has a view of the ocean.  On the top of my list. 
• Worrying About Everyone Else: I spent the first Joy Cruise worrying about everyone else.  Will they like the show, will they like the Dining Choices, will they like the cruise?  This time, I can just worry about myself.  Selfish, sure however far less stressful. 
• Time To Write: I am finalizing a book about life experiences.  Being by myself allows me to go into the zone.  I also want to do a much better "Real Time Review" from a solo travelers standpoint.  
• Meet New Friends: I am an extrovert. My family for the most part are introverts.  Meeting new friends for me is fun.  Much easer for me alone then with my family.

 

So all of this is a kind of experiment.  Something new. Sure I traveled extensively for business for decades.  The key word is for Business.  Sure I would go to four day music events alone like Bonnaroo and enjoy it. Those music festivals were camping in heat and rain for four days.  I think having a balcony room will be much more comfortable.  What do you think?  Just another life experience.  

 

Hope you like my take on this.

 

Cruise Well.

 

[Deb and Jack]

Gary, I just got off Joy as 1st time Haven solo. I enjoyed so much in part to your tips and stories.  I hope you have as much fun as I did! Debbie 

[graphicguy]

@Sthrngary...Bravo!  Good for you!  I have done the Haven solo in the past (pre Covid).  Met wonderful people in the Haven and ended up becoming fast friends even to this day.

 

Funny you're looking at the Joy.  I was looking at her, too.  Ended up booking Celebrity.  But, the deals were there.

 

Couldn't get to $2K for the Haven.  Got relatively close, though.  Last I looked, I could have booked a Forward Haven Suite for something like $2,800, all in.  I thought that was quite a good deal.

 

Hope you win your bid.

 

EDIT...just looked and while the Haven Suite I was looking at had gone up to $2,900, for $3,500 you can get a Haven Family Suite.  This is first week in March.

Edited February 20, 2022 by graphicguy

[AV6006]

Hi Gary, I’m sailing on the Escape next month as a solo in a “BA” balcony, currently have four bids for Haven cabins outstanding. I hope to find out the results soon - I’ll keep you posted! You’re such an incredible help to everyone here, it’s the least I can do. Let me know if you’d like any further details about my booking or bids!

[Sthrngary]

Part Three:  Got the Upgrade Bid 

 

I booked on Saturday and got my request for bid on Monday. For anyone that is attempting to upgrade to the Haven, here are the facts and some strategy on the Upgrade Bid:

 

• What is Available: My favorite place to look what is available is Cruise (dot) com. You go to the sailing, then to the suites down to the Haven.  You click the category you want and all available suite show up for that category. For example, the Haven two-bedroom Suites have 9 available and the same suite with large balcony has 6.  The H2 Owners Suite has one.
• Look at your Bid Offers: I choose several categories and used my budget to make the bid.  Remember, only three suites seem to be available.  What happens is current Haven Guests upgrade.  When they do those suites become available.  
• Distinction: The Haven Two-Bedroom Family villa showed in red below it, this is a discount, bid not and good until March 12, 2022.  The reason for this is most folks don't bid on the two-bedrooms and they have a high inventory. 

 

When I started this stream my goal was to stay in the Haven as a solo traveler at the $2,000 to $2,500 rate all in.  This now is all dependent on who upgrades in the next 25 days.  Knowing fresh bookings don't happen much with 25 days prior to cruises.  I would say I have a 50%/50%.  I will keep everyone aware of my progress. 

 

Cruise well.

[Sthrngary]

Part Four:  Watching Haven Suites for Availability

 

I can see now, after I booked, that my strategy was kind of off.  Since my plan was to go as a solo cruiser then upgrade to Haven, the first step was a fare that was not to high with a balcony.  If you ever solo cruise, you will see on some cruise fares, you won't have to buy two fares for your initial reservation.  I booked a Club Suite with Balcony. If I can't upgrade to Haven, I still have a GREAT rate with a balcony.  

 

The part of my plan that was off?  I booked March 19, 2022.  At the time it looked like it had lots of Haven Suites.  Literally the next day, all that was left was the two types of Haven Two-Bedroom Villa and the Deluxe Owners Suite.  If I would have booked one week earlier, I would have had a better shot.  I still have bids on all Haven Levels right up to the Deluxe Owners Suite. 

 

If you are reading this, you can use this same strategy for when you are cruising with a partner.  The reason why some many folks have had their Bids Accepted for the Haven on the Joy in the recent past was simple.  The booking on the Joy were so low at the time.  This was caused by one or two Joy sailings cancelled. Folks simply stopped booking it.  Those same folks are booking now.  

 

Every day, I go to Cruise (Dot) Com and look at the Haven Inventory.  I can do the same thing on the NCL site however when you do that, the cruise suite you are looking at is taken off the inventory for a time. I don't want to do that to fellow cruisers.  

 

So here in my estimation is what is going to happen.  The acceptable bids will start locking in suites 14-days prior to the sailing.  For me, that would be March 5, 2022. Between now and then, NCL will start reducing the price on the 14 Haven Two Bedroom Family Villa that are currently in inventory. On March 5, 2022, some current Haven Guest will have their upgrade bid accepted to one of these two-bedroom suites.  This opens up their current Haven Suite for others for purchase or more likely bid upgrades.  I think I have a 50%/50% chance.

 

As one of my post said, I am attempting to say within a total budget of $2,000 to $2,500 all-in for a solo traveler.  That would be the bargain of the year for a Haven Suite of any kind. Our competitive tendencies drive us to up our bids.  I am fighting against that feeling.  It is not easy however that is why the bid system is designed the way it is.  Hope this helps everyone.

 

Cruise well

[lyannea]

Whenever I’ve bid as a solo, the understanding that the bid is doubled if it’s accepted, as though there are 2 persons in the cabin.

Has that changed post-pandemic ?

[Sthrngary]

6 hours ago, lyannea said:

Whenever I’ve bid as a solo, the understanding that the bid is doubled if it’s accepted, as though there are 2 persons in the cabin.

Has that changed post-pandemic ?

It is exactly the same.  Forces a lower bid and a initial great rate.  

 

Cruise well

[Sthrngary]

Part Five:  It is all in the details!!

 

Those of you that follow my posts know, I drill down very deep into the details of my vacations.  The interesting thing is when it is only me going, my preparation is far less.  Somethings are the same:

 

• Excel Spreadsheet Calendar:  I put key events, days and times on this makeshift calendar.  What makes it even easier is I have the one I did for my families November cruise on the Joy.  When you don't have to worry about your families likes and dislikes, adding in events are super simple.
• Joy Dailies:  A CruiseCritic.com member just posted the dailies for 6 or the 7 days of the Joy sailing in February.  I really appreciated this information.  It helped me choose days and times for my three specialty restaurants.  When you know the shows, venue and timing; you can much better arrange your dinner meal.  These documents also allowed me to see when events that I missed the first cruise will be happening.  All the Beatles Shows, the Vocalists performance, the Sinatra Tribute, Live Cuban/Jazz music and many more. 
• Pre-Format My Live Review Document:  The habit I have is to go to the Observation lounge or Haven Library with a drink or coffee.  I fill in the blanks of what I did the day before or earlier that day.  By pre-formatting the document, it makes it much quicker to cut/paste into CruiseCritic.com.  
• Upgrade Watch: Every day I look at the Haven inventory on Cruise (dot) com.  This has been very helpful.  In addition, I go back to the upgrade bid page and look for Haven Suites where the minimum bid has been reduced.  We all have to remember how this process works.  When a Haven confirmed guest, upgrades to a better suite, their suite goes to inventory.  Just because the day before it showed sold out, is not the case once NCL starts to award bids.  This is why I have bids for all levels except for the suites that minimum bid is to high for my budget.  Watching this process has been both interesting and frustrating. 
• Upgrade to Services:  I have purchased the Premium Plus Beverage Package and upgraded my internet to be unlimited but not streaming.  If I get the Haven upgrade, I may delete the Premium Plus package to reduce my costs.  
• Upgrade to Penthouse Suite Option:  If at the last second the Haven upgrade does not happen, I will put a bid in for a Penthouse Suite.  It will give me, larger suite, unlimited Imovies and priority embarkment.  When I get onboard, I will upgrade to the Vibe Beach Club. I hope this does not happen. 

 

If anyone has a question for me, feel free to ask.  I am quite enjoying this process.  

 

Cruise well.

[Acruzaholic]

3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Part Five:  It is all in the details!!

 

Those of you that follow my posts know, I drill down very deep into the details of my vacations.  The interesting thing is when it is only me going, my preparation is far less.  Somethings are the same:

 

• Excel Spreadsheet Calendar:  I put key events, days and times on this makeshift calendar.  What makes it even easier is I have the one I did for my families November cruise on the Joy.  When you don't have to worry about your families likes and dislikes, adding in events are super simple.
• Joy Dailies:  A CruiseCritic.com member just posted the dailies for 6 or the 7 days of the Joy sailing in February.  I really appreciated this information.  It helped me choose days and times for my three specialty restaurants.  When you know the shows, venue and timing; you can much better arrange your dinner meal.  These documents also allowed me to see when events that I missed the first cruise will be happening.  All the Beatles Shows, the Vocalists performance, the Sinatra Tribute, Live Cuban/Jazz music and many more. 
• Pre-Format My Live Review Document:  The habit I have is to go to the Observation lounge or Haven Library with a drink or coffee.  I fill in the blanks of what I did the day before or earlier that day.  By pre-formatting the document, it makes it much quicker to cut/paste into CruiseCritic.com.  
• Upgrade Watch: Every day I look at the Haven inventory on Cruise (dot) com.  This has been very helpful.  In addition, I go back to the upgrade bid page and look for Haven Suites where the minimum bid has been reduced.  We all have to remember how this process works.  When a Haven confirmed guest, upgrades to a better suite, their suite goes to inventory.  Just because the day before it showed sold out, is not the case once NCL starts to award bids.  This is why I have bids for all levels except for the suites that minimum bid is to high for my budget.  Watching this process has been both interesting and frustrating. 
• Upgrade to Services:  I have purchased the Premium Plus Beverage Package and upgraded my internet to be unlimited but not streaming.  If I get the Haven upgrade, I may delete the Premium Plus package to reduce my costs.  
• Upgrade to Penthouse Suite Option:  If at the last second the Haven upgrade does not happen, I will put a bid in for a Penthouse Suite.  It will give me, larger suite, unlimited Imovies and priority embarkment.  When I get onboard, I will upgrade to the Vibe Beach Club. I hope this does not happen. 

 

If anyone has a question for me, feel free to ask.  I am quite enjoying this process.  

 

Cruise well.

 

[Acruzaholic]

As I have mentioned to you earlier in prior post responses, we are sailing on the Joy 3/19/22 with you. We booked an HI cabin, first time Haven, in mid January due to a 1/19/22 Getaway sailing cancelled by NCL. We were intrigued to try the Haven after reading all  your lengthy Haven reviews and why sail the Haven. We always previously booked a balcony cabin, upgraded to all 7 nights specialty dining and (very lucky) to always secure Vibe passes. We felt that was the closes thing to the Haven for our budget for dining, not fighting the chair hogs, and exceptional bar service from Vibe bartenders. The price for the 3/19/22 Joy Haven in mid January was the deciding factor to try the Haven @ a truly great price we could justify(saved $$ for specialty dining & Vibe passes covered 1/2 of price difference from Club Balcony to HI category(Haven Penthouse suite).

Due to Joy currently sailing @ significantly reduced capacity, we questioned if we would have purchased the Vibe passes anyway, since Spice H2O is also an option to escape the crazy pool deck area. We always met a few great couples in the Vibe to socialize with and share the great experience. So the question now, due to reduced capacity, how popular and social will the Vibe be? if not many people feel the need to buy Vibe passes.  I really hope you are able to get that upgrade & join us in the Haven. Looking forward to cruising well with you🤪

[Frankf3]

Great thread!

 

We are cruising on the Joy departing this coming Saturday March 5, we are in the Haven (HJ, lowest Haven category).

 

Gary, have really enjoyed and learned from your very engaging posts!  Nicely done, thank you for sharing your experiences and insights with the CC community.

 

    Frank

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, Frankf3 said:

Gary, have really enjoyed and learned from your very engaging posts!  Nicely done, thank you for sharing your experiences and insights with the CC community.

@Frankf3My pleasure.  I will be sailing again on the Joy on March 19, 2022.  I will be solo for the first time.  I booked a Club Balcony Suite because it was a single fare vs. having to pay double that as a solo.  I have bids on every Haven Suite except the H2 Deluxe Owners Suite.  I doubt I will get the upgrade but fun trying.  

 

I some things you should consider doing.  Day one, eat lunch in the Haven Restaurant.  They will offer you the American Diner but the Haven Restaurant is so much better. Have the Carrot Cake for desert. 

Go to the full beetles show the first night.  Try to make the smaller shows in the Cavern Club the other nights.  Please promise you will go to the Sugar Cane Bar, meet the bartender Bong and listen to the music.  When you go to Footloose, sit back some to enjoy the entire show.  When you go to the other show, sit upfront as close as you can get center.  

 

Whether you like Go Carts or Water Slides, try them once.  The Lasor tag is fun but better at night.  Schedule the times for these first thing when you get on the ship.  One night, have the Haven Bar make you a "Smoking Drink".  It is a show and the drink is very nice as well.  

 

Cruise well.

[Sthrngary]

Part Six:  What an emotional roller-coaster!

 

I thought, key word thought that if I could ONLY get a single rate for Solo travel; get a balcony room; I would be ecstatic.  Well I did.  I got a Club Balcony Suite.  THEN I am reading all the folks currently on the Joy and other cruises.  There reviews and pictures of food in the Haven are point on.  I remember because it was just a few short months ago I was where they are currently.  

 

I did what most of us do, I increased my bid for ANY Haven Suite. Emotionally,  it is like doubling up after you lose a had at Blackjack.  "You know it is the wrong strategy but do it anyway.  You just hope you get lucky". What those reading this don't know are the extent I have gone to to get this "Bid" upgrade.

• I found out, the company that does the bid upgrade is a subcontractor  hired by NCL. 
• I found out, not matter who I ask at NCL, upgrade before the actual bids are accepted is beyond a rare happening.
• I found out, not even a high up executive can change your room status or ok an "Up Grade Bid". 
• I found out, that the Haven Suite will accept bids starting the Tuesday before the Saturday departure. 
• I found out, the very few if any Haven Suite left over will be distributed two days before the sailing.

 

Conclusion: 

 

This process seems very fair yet purposefully verry emotionally frustrating.  This leads to maybe placing bids higher then ones budget allows.  Once you realize you have as much a chance to win a bid as anyone else, you try to out bid them.  It is best just to stop looking until at inventory, sales, and if you have bee upgraded until "Five" days before you depart.  The thing that is most important is regardless of win/lose.  We all look at this upgrade bid as a lottery of sorts and focus on the Suite we currently have so we are not disappointed in the one we did not win.

 

I have enjoyed this little quest as much as learning about the Haven area.

 

Cruise well everyone.