Bidding on your next Norwegian Cruise Upgrade

In late September of this year Norwegian initiated a new program for passengers to bid on upgraded rooms for their future cruise. This has not yet been offered for every cruise on every ship, although a sizable number of passengers have reported being offered to bid for a room upgrade roughly thirty days or less from embarkation. This method looks to replace the current upsell department, which passengers used to call often and repeatedly prior to cruising to get a more desirable room at a fraction of the cost. On forums such as Cruise Critic many people have cited success in both previous uses of the upsell department, as well as the current bidding program-revealing balcony to Haven upgrades for half the typical cost. However, there are restrictions and rules surrounding the new bidding process, which can seem a bit confusing. I decided to study and share the details here, hopefully in a simpler manner, as I am anticipating an "invitation to bid" for my early March cruise on the Pearl. After figuring out all the specifications I am still unsure of whether bidding will be a good choice for us, as we already have a suite booked. :) Take a look at the bidding  program's details:

The bid you offer may or may not be accepted- In other words, don't count on having an accepted bid until your credit card is charged and you receive a new room assignment. So if there is a cabin you really want secure it when you book your cruise rather than take a chance that you can bid on it later. An invitation to bid will be emailed to you if there are rooms available for you to upgrade to for your cruise. Not everyone will get an invitation to bid, and the email may not come until a few weeks prior to your cruise. You also must be at least 21 years old to bid.

Your bid must be on a room up to two categories higher-If you have an inside room booked you will not be able to book a Haven suite for a few more dollars. However, passengers with a balcony may be able to book a suite/and or Haven room if their bid is accepted.

Put your money where your bid is- Perhaps you bid on a balcony to mini suite upgrade and your bid is accepted and your credit card is charged. The new cabin assignment is then final-there are no refunds whatsoever.

Bids are for passengers 1 & 2 only- Your bid for the cabin and all passengers will cost you only for passengers #1 and 2-but the other passengers will be of course be moved to the new cabin assignment with you should your bid get accepted. One passenger will be charged double occupancy for the bid option.

Your initial cruise cost stays the same, as well as the perks-If you paid $2000, for example, for a balcony cabin for three passengers your cost remains the same, and you will add on the cost for passengers #1 & 2 for a bid. So if you bid $500 per person to upgrade to a mini suite and your bid is accepted you will pay $1000 more total for your cabin. Perks are not part of the upgrade program, with the exception of room category amenities. Simply put, if you were to upgrade from a balcony room to a suite category room you will get the convenience of a butler and concierge, as well as the ability to dine in the suite only guests venue for breakfast and lunch. You will not, however, get all four perks available to suite guests, such as the unlimited beverage package, dining package, wi-fi, etc. You will retain the perk(s) you originally booked with.

Travel Protection Packages need to be upgraded- Should your bid get accepted and you have already bought the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Travel Protection you will be automatically charged to cover the upgrade cost.

If you are a seasoned cruiser you are probably wondering what type of bids get accepted, and if this invitation is one you should try to take. In general passengers have reported paying anywhere from $25 per person to upgrade from an inside room to an oceanview cabin, and $750 per person to upgrade from a suite to a Haven room. If you have accepted the invitation to bid and had your bid accepted please share your experience! If you plan to bid on a cruise you have upcoming, if offered, what are you looking to bid for?