Did you know that some cruise lines now offer passengers the opportunity to bid online for cabin upgrades? These on-line auctions allow lucky cruisers to move from a veranda to luxurious suites—often at a fraction of the cost.

Navigating these upgrade auctions is part luck, part strategy, but when it works out, the rewards can be significant—thousands of dollars in value for a modest bid. If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping champagne in a suite with a butler or relaxing in a spacious stateroom with premium perks, upgrade bidding might be your golden ticket.

Click below to enter the contest.

So how exactly does this work? And more importantly, how can you improve your chances of winning? Here’s everything you need to know about how cruise upgrade bidding works and how to get involved.

The world of auctions has evolved significantly over the years, and with the advent of the internet, online auctions have become increasingly popular. Gone are the days of traditional in-person auctions only.

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Many people enjoy the chance to bid for an upgraded cabin on a cruise. But how does this process work, and how can you successfully win a bid?

Most cruise lines partner with a company called Plusgrade to manage this process. Currently, a dozen or so participating.

The vendor’s Revenue Management Department determines which cabins are eligible for upgrade offers based on current and projected demand.

Once the eligible cabins are identified, a specialized team compiles a list of qualified guests and sends targeted email invitations. Selected guests are then given the opportunity to participate in the upgrade bidding process.

Qualify for added perks such as extra cabin credits, free cabin upgrades, gratuities and more.

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For example a guest in a Concierge Level Veranda cabin may receive an email offering the chance to bid on an upgrade to a Vista, Penthouse or Owner’s Suite.

Guest submit their credit card information.

The guest then moves a virtual slider to choose a bid amount, a visual gauge indicates bid strength.

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Usually there is only one category of upgrade is permitted per bid. Then one clicks “Request Upgrade”

After submitting the bid, it cannot be changed—though in some cases, a new bid may be submitted later at the travel vendor’s request.

If your bid is successful, your credit card will be charged and you will receive a confirmation email.

If your bid is not selected, you may or may not be notified. There is usually no further opportunity to update your bid unless explicitly invited.

Once upgraded, your original cabin will be released back into ship inventory. Your new cabin will be assigned within the upgraded category, however the room number and location may not be specified immediately.

Watch Ted’s Video: Bidding for a Cruise Cabin Upgrade, What to know

You may might receive your room assignment as late as embarkation. This is called a guarantee category, meaning you will receive a room at that category or above reflecting you bid.

Upon arrival, you will enjoy your upgraded cabin.

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Based in Durham, North Carolina, I have specialized in assisting retired travelers with luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruises since the early 2000s.

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