WHEN SHOULD I BOOK A GUARANTEE (GTY) ROOM?
What is a guarantee stateroom?
A Guarantee Stateroom or Cabin on a cruise is actually a room assigned by category at the time of booking. It simply means that you will get at least the cabin type assigned if not better. So if you book an insider guarantee, you will get at least an inside room or better. This type of cabin is alright as long as one is not concerned as to the location or exact specifics of the room.
Cruise lines use this technique to manage their stateroom inventory. They guarantee you’ll have a stateroom in a desired category but wait until close in to the sail date to actually assign you a cabin. This way they have the option of assigning you a cabin that hasn’t been previously booked. It’s very much like when you arrive at a hotel to check into your reserved room. You know the type of accommodation you’ll get, but not the actual room number.
Are there advantages of booking an assigned room?
Of course there may be reasons for having an assigned room. Families or friends traveling together in more than one cabin may want to be located near to each other. If purchased early enough connecting staterooms may even be available. Some people like being on higher decks so they use the stairs and elevators less often. Some want to be close to the elevators, others don’t. Some prefer one side of the ship versus the other. Some like the middle of the ship so it’s an equal distance walk to anywhere on any deck. As this is personal preference then perhaps one should consider this option you may consider avoiding the guarantee category and instead specify your cabin number at booking time, they way you will know exactly where your room is with no surprises when you arrive for the cruise.
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Are there disadvantages to booking a Guarantee Stateroom?
By booking a guarantee stateroom you might be securing a better rate. But buyer beware, this may come at a cost, such as foregoing amenities or other discounts that might be available elsewhere. As cruise lines commonly consider this a promotional fare, it may not be combinable with other promotions such as on board credit.
Also, just because you book a room by category, it doesn’t mean that you will be satisfied. For example some ocean view rooms may be obstructed, which means it may have lifeboats obstructing the view. Some rooms may have single beds that don’t convert to a queen bed.
When is a guarantee room appropriate?
However if it is a better deal overall then it may be something you should consider. Even though you won’t know your actual stateroom assignment until shortly before the sail date, you will be guaranteed a stateroom of equal category or better than what you paid for. That means you could get an upgrade, but don’t let that be the reason you book a guarantee. It will be a nice surprise if you do but the best reason is that you get to save money. Your accommodations will be exactly the same in size and amenities as if you’d paid more for an assigned room. The cruise lines simply reward you with a lower price for giving them the flexibility to manage their inventory.
So if the location of the room you stay in isn’t important because you plan to spend your time on the deck, at the spa, restaurants, shows, casino, lounges, activities or exploring the ports-of-call – then get a guarantee stateroom.
Still have questions?
Although wending your way through the cruise cabin booking process might seem at first simple, you should consider using a travel expert before booking. You will pay no more for this service and in most cases may find yourself eligible for discounts and amenities that you previously were unaware of.
You can contact me, Ted Karbowski by calling 954-290-8626 or email me at hello@cruisinwithted.com, visit my website at cruisinwithted.com.
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