You paid the deposit, you locked the cabin, and you’ve been counting down the days. Then you see a nicer cabin available, a promotion for suites, or a limited-time upgrade offer. Now the big question: Can I upgrade my Royal Caribbean booking after paying the deposit?
Short answer: Yes — almost always. You can upgrade after deposit, but how, when, and what it costs depends on timing, inventory, fare rules, and which upgrade path you choose. Do it right and you get more comfort and perks for a reasonable price. Do it wrong and you’ll pay too much or miss the best opportunities. This guide shows you everything — all the ways to upgrade, exact steps, negotiation scripts, timing hacks, and how to avoid common traps so you get the most value from your booking.
After you pay a deposit, your reservation becomes a confirmed booking with a fare class and a final-payment date. That confirmation doesn’t lock you into a single outcome: cruise lines — including Royal Caribbean — expect guests to upgrade, change cabins, and add packages. The real variables are:
Inventory: There must be a better cabin available.
Fare rules: Some promotions or saver fares restrict changes or make upgrades more expensive.
Timing: Upgrades are easier and cheaper earlier (more inventory) — but there are also last-minute upgrade opportunities onboard or during final-weeks sales.
Method: You can upgrade through Manage Reservation, by calling Guest Services, via your travel agent, on the ship at Guest Services/purser, or through upgrade auctions/offers if available.
Costs: Typically the cost is the difference between the fares (plus any taxes/fees) and sometimes an upgrade fee; if you move into a different fare class you may lose concessions tied to your original booking.
Why this matters: upgrading smartly can get you a balcony, a corner suite, or even a suite-level experience for far less than the full price of booking that cabin originally. But making hasty choices can cause you to lose promotional extras or pay unnecessary fees.
When you upgrade after deposit you can:
Get better cabin location (mid-ship, higher deck, less noise).
Move from interior to balcony or suite for more comfort and better views.
Access suite-only perks (priority boarding, speciality dining, concierge).
Improve sleep quality, privacy, and onboard experience.
Book an upgrade only when prices drop — that can save you money vs. booking the upgrade at time of original purchase.
Use onboard credits or loyalty status to sweeten the upgrade deal.
Fear Of Missing Out: the best cabins and upgrade windows sell out early. Savvy cruisers watch prices, call when inventory appears, and often upgrade for less than the incremental cost would have been at booking. Missing the right window can mean paying full price later — or losing the chance entirely.
Below is a practical, prioritized checklist and detailed steps you can follow from deposit to embarkation and even onboard. Use the sections most relevant to your stage.
Step 1 — Understand your current fare rules and what you bought
Before attempting any upgrade:
Log into Manage Reservation and download your booking confirmation.
Check your fare class (saver, standard, flexible) and the terms about changes and refunds.
Note whether any promotions or extras were attached (onboard credit, drink package offers) and whether they are transferable to an upgraded fare.
Record the final payment due date and any cancellation penalties.
Why: some low-price (saver) fares penalize changes more heavily. Knowing the rules lets you calculate real upgrade cost (difference + any penalties).
Step 2 — Monitor cabin availability and prices regularly
Tools & tactics:
Use Manage Reservation to periodically “view other cabins” — the site shows live inventory and the price difference to move categories.
Check daily or several times a week during key windows: soon after booking, 90–75 days before sailing, 30–14 days before sailing, and the last 7 days.
Sign up for email alerts or use a calendar reminder for price-watch milestones.
If you use a travel agent, ask them to monitor inventory and call when a target cabin appears.
Why: inventory and prices move constantly. Early and late price dips are both opportunities.
Step 3 — Decide which upgrade type you want (and why)
Common upgrade types:
Within-category location change — same cabin type but better location (mid-ship, higher deck). Usually costs less than a full category upgrade.
Category upgrade — interior → oceanview → balcony → suite. Cost = fare difference + taxes/fees.
Package upgrades — add drink package, Wi-Fi, specialty dining packages. These are usually independent of cabin.
Onboard upgrade offers — last-minute discounted upgrades sold at check-in or onboard.
Upgrade auctions / bid programs — if offered, you submit a bid; the line accepts the highest bids up to inventory.
Choose based on value: sometimes a mid-ship balcony is the best comfort-to-price ratio; sometimes a suite provides enough perks (complimentary specialty dining, private lounge access) that the premium is worth it.
Step 4 — Upgrade online through Manage Reservation (fastest, cheapest often)
If your desired cabin is available:
Log into Manage Reservation.
Select “Change Stateroom” or “Upgrade.”
The system shows available cabins and the exact price difference including taxes.
Pick the cabin you want and review any fare rule changes (do you lose previous promos?).
Pay the difference amount (and any new deposit if required).
Save the updated confirmation.
Pros: instant, transparent, no phone hold times. Cons: doesn’t negotiate — it’s a take-it-or-leave-it price.
Step 5 — Call Guest Services or your travel agent (for negotiation & flexibility)
If Manage Reservation doesn’t show the cabin you want or you want to ask about preserving promos:
Call Royal Caribbean Guest Services or your travel agent.
Explain you’re a confirmed guest and want to upgrade to [specific cabin/cabin type]. Provide booking number, names, and any loyalty number (Crown & Anchor).
Ask: “What is the best price to move to [desired cabin]? Can you preserve my onboard credit/promotion if I upgrade?”
If agent asks for time, be ready to provide a callback window and request written confirmation by email.
Why call: agents can sometimes locate inventory that the website hides, apply loyalty promotions, or secure better terms. Travel agents may have access to net inventory and can add perks.
Step 6 — Use loyalty status (Crown & Anchor) and promotions to reduce cost
If you have status:
Mention your Crown & Anchor number when calling. Higher tiers sometimes receive upgrade offers or loyalty discounts.
Ask if any member-only upgrade promotions apply.
If you have onboard credits or past-guest incentives, ask whether they can be combined with the upgrade.
Why: loyalty status can change the math and sometimes avoids losing earned perks.
Step 7 — Consider upgrade auctions and last-minute offers
Two common late opportunities:
Upgrade auctions (if available):
Some sailings offer upgrade auctions where you bid an amount for a suite or premium cabin.
If your bid is accepted, you pay the bid amount (often less than full published difference) and are upgraded.
Bids are usually refundable if not accepted; read the auction terms carefully.
Onboard / terminal upgrade offers:
At check-in or once onboard, the purser’s desk may offer last-minute upgrade discounts (to fill unsold suites).
If you’re flexible, arriving early and asking at the purser desk increases your chances. Some guests get excellent suite deals this way.
Note: auctions and onboard offers are opportunistic — sometimes very cheap, sometimes unavailable. They’re great if you’re flexible and patient.
Step 8 — Use timing to your advantage (when to upgrade for the best price)
Immediately after deposit (if inventory exists): pay small differences to lock a better cabin early.
60–90 days before sailing: many price changes happen; this is a good monitoring window.
30–14 days before sailing: sometimes fares soften, and last-minute buyers pay more — but you may also find seat sales.
At check-in or onboard: last-minute deals are possible to help the line sell unsold premium inventory.
Rule of thumb: early gives choice and stability; late can give bargains but is riskier.
Step 9 — If you lose a promo when upgrading, do the math
Upgrading sometimes voids promotional extras (free specialty dinner, onboard credit). Before upgrading, compute:
Cost to upgrade (difference + taxes)
Value of lost promo(s) if they would be forfeited
Net cost = upgrade cost − value of lost promo(s)
If net cost is acceptable for the upgrade experience, proceed. If not, call and negotiate preservation of the promo — agents occasionally make exceptions.
Step 10 — After the upgrade: verify everything in writing
Once upgraded:
Download the updated confirmation with new cabin, rate, and any preserved promos.
Confirm final payment due date and whether the upgrade altered payment schedule.
Save receipts for any payments made during upgrade.
Group bookings: upgrading a single cabin in a group booking may not be allowed without group leader approval; coordinate with group sales or your agent.
Name changes / transfers: upgrading and then changing the lead name can be messy—understand fare rules.
Non-refundable fares: upgrading from a nonrefundable fare may require forfeiting original deposit or paying full difference—always confirm.
Packages tied to original cabin: packages (e.g., specialty dining package) purchased for a specific cabin may not automatically transfer—ask for consolidation.
Medical / accessibility cabins: require early contact with Guest Services; accessible cabins are limited and upgrades into those may carry different policies.
Use these short scripts when you call Guest Services or your travel agent.
Phone / chat to Guest Services (to request best price):“Hello — I’m [Full Name], booking [Reservation #]. I’m currently in a [current cabin type] but would like to upgrade to a [desired cabin type/number]. Can you tell me the current price difference and whether my promotional onboard credit will transfer if I upgrade? Also, do you have any member or upgrade offers available for my booking?”
If you want a better price than website shows:“I see an online difference of [amount]. Is there any flexibility on that price? I’m a [Crown & Anchor level if applicable] member and I’d like to upgrade now if we can preserve my current promotion(s).”
At the purser desk (onboard, for last-minute upgrade):“Hi — I’m in cabin [#]. I’d love to move into a suite if there’s available inventory at a discounted rate. Do you have any last-minute upgrade offers today?”
Smart tips:
Monitor prices every few days — small dips can save you hundreds.
Use loyalty status — even mid-level status can influence goodwill.
Consider location first — moving mid-ship 2 decks up may be better value than jumping to a small suite.
Pay by a rewards card to earn points on the upgrade payment.
Ask to apply onboard credit toward the upgrade — sometimes possible.
If you booked through an agent, let them negotiate — agents can escalate and find alternate inventory.
Avoid these mistakes:
Upgrading without checking whether you’ll lose important promotions.
Booking flights on the same day before your upgrade is final (changes in cabin may affect luggage assignments, etc.).
Accepting an upgrade without getting written confirmation.
Rushing into a costly upgrade when a mid-range cabin would have solved the problem cheaper.
Is the desired cabin actually available? (Yes / No)
Does upgrade preserve the perks you value? (Yes / No)
Will net cost (after lost promos) fit your budget? (Yes / No)
Does upgrade improve a real problem (noise, motion, bed, view)? (Yes / No)
Are you comfortable with any change to payment schedule? (Yes / No)
If you answered “Yes” to most, upgrade. If not, renegotiate or wait for a later window.
Yes — you can upgrade your booking after paying the deposit. Upgrades are commonly available and can be a great way to improve comfort and get perks without paying the full premium at original booking. The smart strategy is to monitor inventory, understand your fare rules, use Manage Reservation for straightforward upgrades, call Guest Services or your agent to negotiate, and be ready to seize last-minute auction or terminal offers if you’re flexible.
Think in terms of timing, math, and documentation: know what you’ll pay, what you might lose, how to negotiate, and get everything in writing. If you do that, you’ll maximize value and minimize regret — and you’ll sail in the cabin you actually want.
1. Can I always upgrade after I pay the deposit?
Usually yes — upgrades are commonly allowed. The limiting factors are inventory, fare rules, and timing. Always check fare terms and known promotions before you upgrade.
2. Will I lose promotions or onboard credit if I upgrade?
Possibly. Some promotions are tied to specific fare classes. Ask before you upgrade and request written confirmation that any promotions will transfer.
3. How much does an upgrade cost?
Typically the cost equals the fare difference between your current cabin and the target cabin plus taxes and fees. Auctions or last-minute offers may be less.
4. Can I upgrade at the port or onboard for a cheaper rate?
Yes — purser desk offers, terminal upgrades, and onboard bargains can be very good. For suites, terminal offers are often the best deals but not guaranteed.
5. What is an upgrade auction and how does it work?
If offered, you place a confidential bid for a cabin category (often suites). If your bid is accepted, you pay the bid and get upgraded. Auction rules vary by sailing.
6. If I booked through a travel agent, should I upgrade through them?
Yes — agents can often access inventory, negotiate terms, and preserve promotions. They can also help coordinate group upgrades.
7. Will upgrading change my final payment due date?
Usually no — final payment due dates typically remain the same, but verify after upgrading because some fare class changes can affect payment rules.
8. Can I use onboard credit to pay for an upgrade?
Sometimes. Ask Guest Services or your agent if onboard credit can be applied toward the upgrade payment.
9. Are upgrades refundable?
Not always. If you upgrade and then cancel, refundability depends on the fare rules of the new cabin. Ask about cancellation penalties before committing.
10. Any final quick tips?
Monitor prices, call early, be polite and firm, get everything emailed, and consider location as much as category. Many smart upgrades are about better placement, not necessarily a bigger cabin.
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