Cruising - Changing Rooms

Have you ever asked to change rooms on a cruise?

Here's the dilemma:
- Choosing a Middle of the Boat room is $360 more than just doing an Interior Guarantee
-I have been on 2 cruises before and always had a middle of the boat (front to back) room and been fine, actually slept like a baby
-I suffer from motion sickness and have felt queasy on some of the top decks or in dining rooms on the front/back of the boat
-We are TTC and I could be 1-4 months pregnant or not at all when we take this cruse

Would you spend the extra $360 to guarantee the middle of the boat room or just take your chances?

It seems like so much money when there actually are middle of the boat rooms....

Can I change within the same interior room class once we board? Is it like a hotel that you can ask to change?

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

Most cruises sail totally full, so I would not assume you will be able to change rooms once on board. If it's something you feel you really need, book it now.

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

I would absolutely not expect to be able to change rooms onboard. I believe they tend to run full.

As for your changes with the guarantee rate, is the middle of the ship going to be more desirable to most people (I know some people prefer closer to the elevator). If so, then I wouldn't expect to get it. You could also end up getting bumped up to an oceanview stateroom if you do guarantee, but you never know. Also, with a guarantee you're basically accepting any room s part of your contract for having paid less, so I would think they'd be even less inclined to give an on-board room change.

I would say if it's something you MUST have, then you have to book it that way and not expect to be able to change.

This is all speculation though. Best thing to do is call the cruise line and ask or have your TA call and ask. I've never encountered someone asking this question. Generally with a guarantee rate, it's understood you'll take whatever

Message edited 4/17/2012 7:52:14 PM.

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

I would be very surprised if you can change rooms on board. You CAN request a change when you book a guarantee and get assigned a room. But you might or might not get a change you like. The guarantee is cheap because generally you could end up with the worst room on the ship or a good one but it IS a gamble. I would never book a guarantee if you care about location or type of room. If it is important to be in the middle of the ship (and I completely understand as that is the best place for those with motion sickness) then that is what I would book. It isn't worth being uncomfortable or miserable to save $300.

I have heard of some lines letting you upgrade at the dock for a price BUT that only works if they have rooms to upgrade you to. That would be good for someone who might want a suite or balcony but might want to chance a deal on the dock - but if location or specific room type is important I would book what I wanted and not gamble on the guarantee. Keep in mind guarantees are usually the rooms that other people don't want so it really depends on when you are sailing, itinerary, cruiseline etc - as others have mentioned thought most ships sail pretty full (esp now with the last minute specials that many companies run).

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

Unfortunately I think the only way you can upgrade is by paying extra. About 3 days before we left for our cruise, they called us asking us to upgrade for about $200 more.

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

Thanks for all this information.

Me and DH are evaluating our options. We have taken 2 cruises - Mediterranean and Carrib, so I am a little afraid that the Pacific (This is an Alaska cruise) will be rougher waters.

I think you make a good point 300 is only 50 more per night and it is worth it if I am more comfortable.

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

Message edited 4/18/2012 9:58:12 PM.

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

Posted by jilliibabii

NCL never calls me to upgrade! And I probably would, for a good price!!!

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

Posted by Karen

Posted by jilliibabii

NCL never calls me to upgrade! And I probably would, for a good price!!!

Do you have an NCL cruise coming up? If you do a search on cruise critic, the phone number to call them for an upsell was on there at one point. Supposedly they are pretty good if you call them, as long as you booked directly through them and not a TA.

Don't have any personal experience with that though, just what I have read on cruise critic.

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

Re: Cruising - Changing Rooms

When are you sailing? If it's off-peak season, you may have luck.

On my last cruise in December, I called about 1/2 weeks before the cruise date and got a 1 level upgrade for free. My bro and his friend both tried to get an upgrade a few days before but didn't get it because they called too late.

However, once onboard, my bro asked for an upgrade to a mini-suite and was offered that for a few hundred more. His friend asked for a better room and was offered the room for free.

Good luck!