Paid update

[Moerin78]

We just received an offer for a cabin upgrade on our Dec 3rd cruise on the Rotterdam, I’m going to call them tomorrow and I’m curious if you can barter with them at all.  We presently have a inside cabin but will probably upgrade to a veranda, I’m sure there are different rates for the location of the cabin..is it possible to get the forward rate for midship etc?

 

[wdw1972]

1 minute ago, Moerin78 said:

We just received an offer for a cabin upgrade on our Dec 3rd cruise on the Rotterdam, I’m going to call them tomorrow and I’m curious if you can barter with them at all.  We presently have a inside cabin but will probably upgrade to a veranda, I’m sure there are different rates for the location of the cabin..is it possible to get the forward rate for midship etc?

 

Pretty sure the only accepted answer to an upgrade offer is Yes or No.  They're not going to barter with you.  If you don't want it, someone else who received the same offer at the same time you did will take it.  If not, they'll reach out to people with a lower offer (people may or may not include you the second time).  With upgrades from my experience the rate is the rate - it doesn't vary based on location.  However, the offer could be just for an upgrade to certain specific category classes vs ANY verandah, for example.

 

Sue/WDW1972

[Moerin78]

Thanks for the info, that’s what I thought!

[Don Kehote]

On that sailing too, been hoping to see word of upgrade offers coming out.  I suspect that my TA does not receive notification that the offers happen, but can't prove it yet.

[Haljo1935]

I have negotiated on paid upgrade offers; sometimes successful, others not, but I always ask for a lower 0rice.

Don't be insulting with a low-ball offer, do be considerate and ask for a Superior or Pricing Specialist if the first answer is no.

The more full the ship, the less likely they are to come down on price.

If upgrade offers go out, your TA will receive the offer; it's their responsibility to get it to you.

[syesmar]

8 hours ago, Moerin78 said:

…I’m curious if you can barter with them at all….

 

We, too, were able to negotiate something better than offered. Good luck!

[Mary229]

Another , yes it can be negotiated.  I usually use the tactic of getting a better room than offered for the price offered. 

[DaveOKC]

I think it depends alot on what category you are talking about.  The higher level (like Neptunes) are harder to negotiate IMO.  Good deals are quickly snapped up, often in mere minutes.

 

Another point - not all TAs pass on upsell offers.  Be sure that yours does,

[Don Kehote]

Super fun:  Just called up and talked to HAL.  Their stance is that we cannot upgrade from an interior to a veranda at all, and maybe we can call back in a couple of weeks.

 

 

[DaveOKC]

8 minutes ago, Don Kehote said:

Super fun:  Just called up and talked to HAL.  Their stance is that we cannot upgrade from an interior to a veranda at all, and maybe we can call back in a couple of weeks.

 

 

HAL usually does upsells from 2-4 weeks out from sailing.

And of course it depends on how well the ship is selling.

 

Edited October 19, 2023 by DaveOKC

[Thetideishigh2021]

This might be a duh question but here goes anyway,  are upgrade offers only made on bookings with cabin numbers assigned or on cabin guarantee bookings as well.  We always choose cabin guarantees as we’re not too bothered about where we are on the ship and also because I sold travel in past years and TA rates are always guaranteed stateroom.   I’ve never had an upgrade offer even after I left the travel industry ,  wah!

 

[Mary229]

17 minutes ago, Thetideishigh2021 said:

This might be a duh question but here goes anyway,  are upgrade offers only made on bookings with cabin numbers assigned or on cabin guarantee bookings as well.  We always choose cabin guarantees as we’re not too bothered about where we are on the ship and also because I sold travel in past years and TA rates are always guaranteed stateroom.   I’ve never had an upgrade offer even after I left the travel industry ,  wah!

 

I have upgraded on a guarantee after room assignment.  It was a poorly positioned room and they offered a few others in that same category for free or for a small fee moving to the next category.  

Edited October 19, 2023 by Mary229

[FlorenceItaly]

I have been offered an upsell(via email) before my guarantee cabin was assigned.

[Thetideishigh2021]

Thanks,  maybe there’s hope for my next cruise in May

[FlorenceItaly]

Received an offer today for a paid upsell to go from our guarantee OV cabin to a guarantee obstructed view balcony.  This is for our December 5 sailing, 11 nights to Mexico.  They could not tell me why I could not pick a cabin but for $99pp I will take my chances.  After all, our OV was a guarantee so what is the difference?  I was also offered an unobstructed balcony but it was more than I wanted to pay.  We typically do not use our balcony.

[Mary229]

1 minute ago, FlorenceItaly said:

Received an offer today for a paid upsell to go from our guarantee OV cabin to a guarantee obstructed view balcony.  This is for our December 5 sailing, 11 nights to Mexico.  They could not tell me why I could not pick a cabin but for $99pp I will take my chances.  After all, our OV was a guarantee so what is the difference?  I was also offered an unobstructed balcony but it was more than I wanted to pay.  We typically do not use our balcony.

If this is on the Koningsdam I have read that all of the obstructed balconies are a good value and in a part of the ship that is “safe from noise”.  Look at the deckplan, there are just a few obstructed cabins.  I actually went from a higher level select cabin down to a guarantee obstructed view once I read the reviews 

[FlorenceItaly]

1 minute ago, Mary229 said:

If this is on the Koningsdam I have read that all of the obstructed balconies are a good value and in a part of the ship that is “safe from noise”.  Look at the deckplan, there are just a few obstructed cabins.  I actually went from a higher level select cabin down to a guarantee obstructed view once I read the reviews 

Hi Mary,

Thank you.  It is on the Koningsdam and we noticed the same as you.  We will see where we land.

Later in the same month we are booked on same ship in a large assigned inside(1124).

[LAFFNVEGAS]

1 minute ago, FlorenceItaly said:

Received an offer today for a paid upsell to go from our guarantee OV cabin to a guarantee obstructed view balcony.  This is for our December 5 sailing, 11 nights to Mexico.  They could not tell me why I could not pick a cabin but for $99pp I will take my chances.  After all, our OV was a guarantee so what is the difference?  I was also offered an unobstructed balcony but it was more than I wanted to pay.  We typically do not use our balcony.

Did you call them and they told you it was to another guarantee?? I know the wording on my offer was a bit strange. If you have not called I would and try to select a stateroom.

 

It seems HAL is trying to get real creative with earning that extra dollar. Two weeks ago today I got an offer on the Koningsdam for our Nov 4th to do an Upsell from my Guarantee VH Balcony to any available Balcony category. For me it was good because one of the 3 staterooms I wanted was still available in the VB category. I had been Waitlisted for CO but knew that was doubtful getting so took this and selected the stateroom I wanted. To me there are just too many stateroom locations that are not that great on the Koningsdam.

[FlorenceItaly]

18 minutes ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

Did you call them and they told you it was to another guarantee?? I know the wording on my offer was a bit strange. If you have not called I would and try to select a stateroom.

 

It seems HAL is trying to get real creative with earning that extra dollar. Two weeks ago today I got an offer on the Koningsdam for our Nov 4th to do an Upsell from my Guarantee VH Balcony to any available Balcony category. For me it was good because one of the 3 staterooms I wanted was still available in the VB category. I had been Waitlisted for CO but knew that was doubtful getting so took this and selected the stateroom I wanted. To me there are just too many stateroom locations that are not that great on the Koningsdam.

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for your input.  Yes, I called twice because the first rep(outsourced I think) tried to tell me none available, guarantee or otherwise.  Since I was skeptical, I then called my HAL contact and she said plenty available but could only book through the number in email so I called back.  Thankfully, I got another rep that was not outsourced but still could not choose my room.  She did mention once assigned I can call and move, LOL,LOL.  WELL, you know how that goes.  There has to be one to move to.  I figured what the heck as the OV was a guarantee and the price was right.  Hopefully, I will still feel this way once assigned, LOL.  

EDITED TO ADD:  As I give it more thought and look more I see what you mean.  We can end up in what HAL considers a "better category" like those juliet balconies on Deck 11.  Oh well, will hope for the best.  If I would have given it more thought may have just stayed with my OV.  With that said, I now worry about COVID and no fresh air....will keep you updated, lol.

Edited October 20, 2023 by FlorenceItaly
additional info

[LAFFNVEGAS]

45 minutes ago, FlorenceItaly said:

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for your input.  Yes, I called twice because the first rep(outsourced I think) tried to tell me none available, guarantee or otherwise.  Since I was skeptical, I then called my HAL contact and she said plenty available but could only book through the number in email so I called back.  Thankfully, I got another rep that was not outsourced but still could not choose my room.  She did mention once assigned I can call and move, LOL,LOL.  WELL, you know how that goes.  There has to be one to move to.  I figured what the heck as the OV was a guarantee and the price was right.  Hopefully, I will still feel this way once assigned, LOL.  

EDITED TO ADD:  As I give it more thought and look more I see what you mean.  We can end up in what HAL considers a "better category" like those juliet balconies on Deck 11.  Oh well, will hope for the best.  If I would have given it more thought may have just stayed with my OV.  With that said, I now worry about COVID and no fresh air....will keep you updated, lol.

If you are on the Nov 18th, I do see quite a few good balcony cabins remaining, there are 2 VS on deck 5. My personal favorite is deck 4 dear aft elevators with the extended larger balconies VB category. There are several of those available, but then there are also numerous deck 11 all the way forward category VBs. Yes, I agree you are still better off with a Balcony, there are OV cabins that are also near the music venues that are not ideal either. You could end up with the offer I had of the Upsell to let you pick a better location within the balcony category. Like I said they are getting creative with their way of increasing revenue.

[FlorenceItaly]

1 minute ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

If you are on the Nov 18th, I do see quite a few good balcony cabins remaining, there are 2 VS on deck 5. My personal favorite is deck 4 dear aft elevators with the extended larger balconies VB category. There are several of those available, but then there are also numerous deck 11 all the way forward category VBs. Yes, I agree you are still better off with a Balcony, there are OV cabins that are also near the music venues that are not ideal either. You could end up with the offer I had of the Upsell to let you pick a better location within the balcony category. Like I said they are getting creative with their way of increasing revenue.

We are on the December 5th sailing.  I looked more closely at the email and it uses the term "best available".  I suspect this must be another word for guarantee, lol.  Plus, no wording to have your deck plan and credit card handy.  I suspect I will end up with the same offer you did but doubt I will bite.  I appreciate your input.  Have a wonderful cruise.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

11 minutes ago, FlorenceItaly said:

We are on the December 5th sailing.  I looked more closely at the email and it uses the term "best available".  I suspect this must be another word for guarantee, lol.  Plus, no wording to have your deck plan and credit card handy.  I suspect I will end up with the same offer you did but doubt I will bite.  I appreciate your input.  Have a wonderful cruise.

I just looked at my offer that is what mine stated and I was able to choose my stateroom

 

Upgrade for select bookings from your Obstructed Verandah Stateroom
to the following best available:

Verandah for an additional $99pp USD/$124pp Canadian

I would definitely call them back, there are no VS available but there are some of those extended balcony staterooms on deck 4 category VB, they have so many call center people working that department now, you need to tell them it stated Best Available and you want to choose your stateroom

[Mary229]

I always ask them which rooms are available?  That is a little different than picking your own but I usually get at least 2 if not more to choose from. 

[FlorenceItaly]

On phone with them.  It is the outsource center.  He did say I should be able to pick my room but now I am on hold.  We will see what he comes back with.  I suspect it will be no go, lol.

Edited to say the offer is from my OV guarantee to obstructed balcony best available.  I think this is VH category only.  Still on hold.  He is reaching out to his coordinator.

Edited again to say he came back with one VH choice only.  I took it.  I would rather this than take my chances with another "better category".

LISA - THANK YOU FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT to call again.

Edited October 20, 2023 by FlorenceItaly

[LAFFNVEGAS]

That is great!!, I would not be surprised they hit you up with another offer in a couple of weeks 😉Your sailing does look like it has some good availability remaining for regular balcony categories. .