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Royal Up: Bidding on a Royal Caribbean Room Upgrade

Are you excited about the possibility of a Royal Caribbean Royal Up offer on your upcoming cruise? My family members and I were thrilled to receive this highly anticipated email about stateroom upgrade opportunities on our recent Royal Caribbean cruise. Our large group bid on several different room types for various amounts each.

In this post, we’ll explain how the Royal Caribbean Royal Up program works, including lots of bid upgrade tips. We will also share the options we received for cabin upgrade opportunities on our sailing with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. That way, you can see what you can expect when it’s you’re turn to Royalup. So, continue reading below for everything you need to know about the super exciting Royal Caribbean Royal Up process!

How Does Royal Up Work?

The Royal Up bidding process is super simple to complete. My family and I received an email from Royal Caribbean Royal Up about 58 days before our sail date. Since we had booked a junior suite, our upgrade options included the Sky Class suites and the Star Class suites. Note that if you have a lower category room booked, you may not get the option to bid on some of the fancier suites .

For example, my sister had booked an ocean view balcony stateroom, and her Royal Up options included the following suites only:

• Junior Suite – $425 per person
• Grand Suite (1 Bedroom) – $710 pp
• Grand Suite (2 Bedroom) – $925 pp
• Owner’s Suite – $1135 pp
• Crown Loft Suite – $2836 pp

In other words, she did not have the ability to Royal Up to an AquaTheater Suite or a Star Class suite. In the Royal Up email, you’ll see a minimum bid listed for each cabin that’s available to bid on. Once you select the cabin, you’ll find a scale that you can slide from this minimum bid all the way to the maximum bid.

Note that if you do not receive a Royal Up email, you can go to their website to type in your information and see if you’re eligible . My in-laws did not receive an email, but they were able to bid using that link. I’m not sure if they didn’t get the email because they used a travel agent rather than booking direct or not.

I have also heard that cruisers who book through Costco may not be eligible for the Royal Up program at all. Although, I have never booked this way, so I’m not sure if that’s accurate. The bid amounts listed are per person for two people . This means that if you have four cruisers in your cabin, you only pay the per person upgrade cost for the first and second guest. Likewise, if you have only one person in your cabin, you will still be required to bid for two people.

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You will be asked to provide a credit card number that will be charged if your bid is accepted. Although you can easily modify and cancel your bids BEFORE they are accepted, you CANNOT cancel a bid after it has been accepted . In other words, make sure you are certain that you want to pay the additional cost for the upgrade in the chance that your bid is accepted.

I’m going to include some examples of the Royal Up bids my family and I received for our cruise. Since the minimum bid amounts change depending on ship and itinerary, your options may not look anything like ours did though. My immediate family and I had originally booked a Junior Suite. Our Royal Up email included the following opportunities:

• Grand Suite – $425 pp
• Grand Suite (2 Bedroom) – $640 pp
• Owner’s Suite – $850 pp
• Crown Loft Suite – $850 pp
• AquaTheater – $990 pp
• Ultimate Panoramic Suite (no balcony) – $1700 pp
• AquaTheater (2 Bedroom) – $1845 pp
• Star Loft Suite – $2410 pp
• Grand Panoramic Suite – $3970 pp
• Owner’s Panoramic Suite – $7090 pp
• Royal Loft Suite – $7090 pp

Since my sister’s family and my family had three staterooms in a row (one ocean view balcony and two junior suites), we debated on bidding at all. We were really looking forward to opening the balcony dividers between our three rooms and enjoying one long balcony. Because of our appealing setup, my sister decided not to bid on any rooms for her ocean view cabin nor her Junior Suite.

My husband and I decided that the only suite we would bid on would be the AquaTheater 2 Bedroom suite. Below, I’ll explain in more detail why we chose this suite. This appealing Star Class suite features a massive balcony and lots of amenities, including a Royal Genie. If we had not been cruising with family next door, we would have bid on every upgrade in our price range though.

Royal Up Bid Upgrade Tips

This section is going to discuss Royal Up bid upgrade tips. Since there seems to be no rhyme or reason to how Royal Up bids are accepted, it’s difficult to provide tips on bidding. If you join a Facebook group for your cruise sailing date, you’ll notice other passengers commenting when their bids are accepted.

Our cruise group consisted of families who bid the minimum and were upgraded and those who bid the maximum and were not accepted. So, there’s really no way to tell how to have your bid chosen. That being said, I do want to provide a few tips and even some warnings about the Royal Up process. I highly recommend reading through these bid upgrade tips before you submit anything to Royal Up!

Book a Room You Like

The Royal Up success rate is really low, and it’s very rare to have your bid accepted. So, you should make sure that you book a room you love in the very beginning. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you can bid on a better room only to be let down when your bid isn’t chosen. Since it is by no means a sure thing, you don’t want to completely depend on the Royal Up program to receive a stateroom you like.

First, research any and all room types that you choose to bid on. This is so important! I almost bid on the 1 bedroom AquaTheater suite for our cruise on the Oasis of the Seas, but I’m so relieved I didn’t. The 1-bedroom AquaTheater suites on the lower decks feature spacious balconies that overlook the AquaTheater.

However, the ones on the higher decks include tiny balconies. My family and I would have been highly disappointed if we had arrived at an expensive room with a balcony that didn’t have spacious sitting room. Additionally, many cruisers in our Facebook group were angry about their RoyalUp upgrades.

Some of them had been upgraded to rooms on lower decks or near loud venues. Once your bid is accepted, you cannot change it. So, my tips for pre bidding research are:

• Choose an upgrade that is within your budget. Remember that the price is per person (not per night) for TWO people.
• Watch YouTube videos of the room you want to bid on to make sure you like it. Harr Travel and The Weekend Cruiser both provide really informative stateroom videos.
• Look at the deck plans for the ship in which you are sailing. Find every single room in the category you are wanting to bid. Make sure the rooms are located in areas that are acceptable to you.
• Complete an internet search for “worst” room in your category. You should be able to find plenty of articles mentioning undesirable things about the room. Make sure none of these are deal breakers.

Calculate Suite Perks

If you are planning to bid on a room in the Sky Class or the Star Class, make sure you calculate the suite benefits included in that room. For example, I mentioned above that my husband and I bid on the 2-bedroom AquaTheater Suite for a total minimum bid of $3690. At first this seemed outrageous to me, but then I considered the amenities that are included with Star Class. Some of the suite perks you receive with your room include:

• free gratuities
• free dining in specialty restaurants
• free drink packages
• free internet

After booking our Junior Suite, we had already added on the deluxe beverage package , internet package , and pre-paid gratuities in our Cruise Planner for a total of $1876. Plus, we had planned to eat at a few of the specialty dining options at an estimated additional $200.

So, after subtracting the extras we had already spent, the 2 bedroom AquaTheater Suite was really going to cost $1600 more than our Junior Suite. Plus, it came with Royal Genie and additional time saving perks. Note that if your bid is accepted after you have purchased all of those additional items, you can cancel the extras online. Or you can go to Guest Services onboard the ship, and they will remove the extras that your new room includes for free.

Consider Other Family Members

As mentioned above, we traveled with extended family members on Oasis of the Seas . If you plan to bid on a cruise cabin and you are cruising with friends, make sure you are aware that your friends do not receive the suite perks that you may get in your upgrade.

For example, if you win a bid on a suite and are able to dine at the exclusive restaurant, Coastal Kitchen, your friends in a regular stateroom will not be permitted to join you. So, make sure you are willing to utilize the perks even if your friends or family members can’t.

RoyalUp Status

You can access your bids on the Royal Up website until your cruise begins. As you get closer to your sail date, the Royal Up status may change. Ours said Pending for weeks, and we were hopeful that our bid had been a success. However, our pending status resulted in an email stating that our offer would be “reviewed onboard.”

Basically, our ship was completely sold out. So, the Royal Up opportunities were dependent on no-shows at the port. If you do not receive word about successful bids before your trip, you can inquire on boarding day . When my family’s bid was not accepted, I asked about upgrading during check in at the port.

The crew members informed me that I would have to ask at Guest Services once I boarded the ship. However, Guest Services had a sign posted stating there were no upgrades available. This was not a surprise as I had been checking the Royal Caribbean website daily to see what rooms were available on our cruise and noticed that almost everything was sold out.

Final Thoughts on Royal Caribbean Royal Up

Overall, we enjoyed the anticipation of waiting to see if our bids were accepted. Even though they were all declined in the end, we would definitely attempt to RoyalUp again. (Note that we didn’t receive our emails stating our bids had not been accepted until after we were already onboard.)

If you are sailing on one of the Royal Caribbean ships, I recommend trying out the Royal Up program for any appealing rooms within your budget. Just make sure they fall into the guidelines of the Research section we detailed above. Regardless of the room you select, we hope you have an amazing time sailing with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line! Have you experienced a Royal Up success? Comment below to share your tips!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Royal Caribbean RoyalUp (Guide to Upgrading Your Cabin)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Selecting a cabin category is one of the most significant decisions when booking a cruise. Do you want to save money by booking an interior cabin or upgrading your accommodations to a balcony stateroom or suite?

If you’re willing to take some risk, the Royal Caribbean RoyalUp Bid program allows guests to bid on unsold cabins. By placing a bid on a higher cabin category, you can upgrade your accommodations at a significant discount.

And you only pay your bid if you win the stateroom upgrade.

To get the best bang for your buck, you’ll need to understand how the bidding system works and what you should expect, and that’s what we’ll show you today.

Table of Contents

What is Royal Caribbean RoyalUp?

Royal Caribbean’s RoyalUp Bid is a bidding program that allows you to upgrade your cabin to a higher cabin category at a lower cost than a traditional cabin upgrade. The Royal Caribbean RoyalUp program acts as an auction for unsold cabins.

If your bid is successful, you’ll win better accommodations at a lower price than direct booking.

The bidding process is blind, meaning you won’t know how much other passengers are bidding or how many passengers are bidding for upgrades.

Additionally, the number of available cabins varies by sailing. If you’re sailing during peak season, you can expect fewer cabins to be available for the Royal Caribbean RoyalUp program.

Winning a RoyalUp bid is a great feeling.

When we sailed to Alaska on Serenade of the Seas , we won an upgrade from an interior to an ocean-view cabin with a bid of only $200. The same stateroom would’ve cost us nearly $500 more than the interior stateroom if we had booked it directly.

That said, luck has a considerable role in winning your bid. And there’s no guarantee you’ll win an upgrade, even with a high bid.

If you have your heart set on a specific stateroom category, it’s best to book it directly to avoid disappointment.

But if you are willing to take a chance, the RoyalUp upgrade is an excellent opportunity to win a higher-tier cabin at a lower cost.

How Does The RoyalUp Bid Work?

When you purchase a cabin, you must provide your personal information, like your email and credit card number. Once the RoyalUp bidding starts, you’ll receive an email inviting you to participate in the program.

There will be various stateroom options for you to choose from. So, go ahead and browse through the available options.

Once you find one or rooms that you like, you may place a bid.

You don’t need to bid on every cabin category. Just the ones you’re interested in winning.

The minimum bidding price starts at $30 and may go up to $200+ per person.

Bidding on all the rooms won’t increase your chances of landing a particular room. So, bid only on the rooms that you like.

You’ll have to enter your credit card information when you bid. If you win the RoyalUp bid, you’ll receive an email notification, and the cruise line will charge your credit card for the amount you bid.

Your credit card won’t be charged unless you win the bid, so don’t be afraid to bid on all the rooms you like. You’ll only pay for one room if you win.

Remember that your money is not refundable once you win a bid. That’s why it’s essential to ensure you’ve bid on the rooms that suit your needs.

And only bid what you can afford to spend.

You can modify and cancel your bid until it has been accepted or up to two days before the sail date.

Insider Tip

Ensure you make any modifications or cancellations right away. You never know if or when you will receive confirmation of a Royal Caribbean RoyalUp win. Once you win the bid, you can’t make any changes or cancellations.

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning the Bed

Honestly, there’s no guaranteed way to win the Royal Caribbean RoyalUp upgrade. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances:

1. Bid High From the Get-Go

As we mentioned earlier, bids start from $30. Many people start with the minimum bid and hope they are the only bidder. We recommend against this strategy.

We’re not saying drop a $200 bidding bomb right away.

While this may dramatically increase your chances of winning, you may spend too much. This negates the “pay less to upgrade” advantage you initially wanted from bidding.

No amount guarantees a win, but we recommend bidding more than the minimum to raise your chances of winning the RoyalUp cabin upgrade.

2. Sail in the Less Busy Times of the Year

Sailing has seasons; you’ll have a much better chance of winning a bid if your cruise isn’t fully booked.

The most popular sailing times of the year are the summer, spring break, Christmas, and New Year’s.

As a general rule, you’ll find fewer people sailing when school is in session. That’s because most families aren’t able to travel, and many adults aren’t able to get vacation time off.

These are the best times to place a Royal Caribbean RoyalUp bid. If the cruise ship has many unsold cabins, more upgrade wins are available, increasing your chances of winning the bid.

If you want to know how full your cruise ship is sailing, there are some tricks to find out if your cruise ship is full .

Setting the Correct Expectations

RoyalUp bidding is a great option, but it’s not best for everyone.

Here are some things to keep in mind before bidding.

1. Is the Original Upgrading Cost Cheaper?

Always make a habit of checking the original upgrading price before bidding. If the bidding goes too high, you may get too close or even exceed the regular upgrading cost.

2. Is the New Room Worth the Bidding Cost?

Getting close to the original cost while bidding might still seem better than normal upgrading, but it can sometimes be a bad idea.

Bidding for a better room doesn’t provide the flexibility you’d get from regular upgrading. RoyalUp often doesn’t guarantee a specific location of the cabin. Many of the unsold cabins available through the Royal Caribbean RoyalUp program are the types of cabins you want to avoid on a cruise .

Think about cabins near the loud engines or by the busy elevators.

By bidding for an upgrade, you’re sacrificing your choice of cabin location.

You may find yourself in a cabin at the ship’s bow. If you suffer from seasickness on cruise ships, this is one of the worst cabin locations because it’s where you’ll really feel the ship’s movement.

Also, if your bidding took you from an ocean-view cabin to a balcony, you’d have no control over the location of that balcony. It could have an obstructed view, meaning you won’t get the full view of the horizon.

3. You Won’t Receive Extra Crown & Anchor Points

When you sail with Royal Caribbean , you can receive crown & anchor points as part of their loyalty program.

The more points you accumulate, the higher your status level and the more perks you receive.

You earn one Crown & Anchor cruise point for every night spent on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and two points per night when booked in a suite. However, if you win that suite through the RoyalUp bidding program, you’ll only get a single point per night.

4. RoyalUp Charges on a Double Capacity Basis

RoyalUp bidding charges per person, but the minimum charge is two people. For example, if your new upgraded stateroom category costs an extra $200, you’ll still have to pay $400 if you’re a solo traveler.

It’s often confusing for new cruisers, but your bid is the amount you pay per person at double occupancy.

This problem is automatically eliminated if you cruise in a group of 2 or more.

Let’s return to our example that says your upgrade costs $200 per person. If the stateroom has more than two people, you’d still pay only the same $400, making the RoyalUp bid an even better bargain .

5. The Gratuity Payment May Increase

Royal Caribbean charges guests an automatic daily gratuity. The cruise line sets a higher gratuity for guests booked in a grand suite or above.

The standard gratuity is $16 per person per day for guests booked in a Junior Suite or below. But it’s raised to $18.50 for Grand Suites and above guests.

The increased gratuity charge applies even if those upgrades were acquired through bidding. So keep that in mind when budgeting for your cruise.

6. Your Cabins Can Move Apart

If your original booking involved two or more cabins that were close together, the winning bids will most likely spread the rooms apart.

Remember, if you win a Royal Caribbean RoyalUp bid, your cabin is assigned to you. And you won’t be able to choose the cabin location.

If you prefer to have your cabins close together, then bidding may not be for you.

7. You’ll Lose Your Connecting Room

If you’ve booked connecting staterooms, you won’t have a connected room when you win a Royal Caribbean RoyalUp bid.

This is an important consideration for families who need cabins close together or connected cabins to keep the family in one location.

Marcello De Lio

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Royal Up Bid: Royal Caribbean Bid Upgrade Tips

Did you know a simple bid could turn your cruise into a luxury adventure? I’ve been on many cruises, learning the ins and outs of getting the best experience. 

My journey has taught me secrets, like how to score a major upgrade without breaking the bank. If you’re worried about missing out on a chance to amp up your cruise luxury for less, I’ve got your back. 

This guide is more than tips on bidding with Royal Caribbean’s RoyalUp; it’s your roadmap to making every cruise unforgettable. Let’s dive in together and make your next sea voyage extraordinary!

Why Royal Up Bid? 

Imagine this: You’re days away from hopping on that Royal Caribbean cruise you’ve been dreaming about for months. You’re all buzzed up, picturing yourself chilling on a deck chair, Pina Colada in one hand, soaking up the sun.

But guess what?

There’s this little extra something called RoyalUp that can take your cruise from awesome to absolutely amazing.

A. Unpacking the Appeal: Why Bid for an Upgrade?

Why even think about upgrading?

So, you’re all set with your cabin, and it seems good enough. But let me tell you, there’s a whole other level of awesome waiting for you with just a small bid.

Imagine swapping your cozy cabin for a grand suite. We’re talking balcony views that turn your morning coffee into a moment, sprawling baths, even your own butler, and access to exclusive ship spots.

And here’s the thing about RoyalUp

It’s not just throwing money in the wind and hoping for the best. It’s about making a smart move. 

You could end up living it up in luxury for a fraction of the price. Think of it like this: Royal Caribbean’s the cake, and RoyalUp? That’s the icing, the sprinkles, and the cherry on top all in one. 

Why not give it a go? 

You might just find yourself stepping into a world of luxury you didn’t even know you were missing.

So, what’s RoyalUp all about?

If you’re new to this or even if you’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean before, you might’ve heard of RoyalUp.

 It’s like their way of saying, “Hey, want to make your cruise even cooler?” After you book, they’ll send you emails about all sorts of add-ons, but keep an eye out for the one inviting you to bid for a stateroom upgrade.

This could mean going from an inside cabin to one with a balcony or even shooting your shot for the owner’s suite. 

But remember, it’s not just about how much you bid. They look at everything from how much you’re willing to spend per person to what kind of room you originally booked.

The RoyalUp Bidding Process Decoded

So you’ve booked your cruise with Royal Caribbean—exciting times ahead! But here’s where it gets even more interesting. You might get this invite to bid on a room upgrade. Think of it as a hush-hush auction where you and other cruisers quietly bid for better rooms.

Before you get lost in dreams of living it up in the owner’s suite, remember, your bid is per person. This means you’re bidding for both you and your travel buddy if you’ve got someone sharing your room.

Here’s what happens: You decide how much you’re willing to fork out for that upgrade, punch in your bid, and wait.

If your bid hits the jackpot, your credit card gets charged with the amount you proposed. And just like that, you might find yourself in a room a notch or two fancier than what you originally booked.

It’s almost like playing the lottery, but what you’re winning here isn’t cash—it’s the chance to watch sunsets from your balcony or make your friends green with envy over your Royal Caribbean suite life.

How to Get That Stateroom or Suite Upgrade: Your Go-To Tips for a Winning RoyalUp Bid

Want to score a better room on your next Royal Caribbean cruise? It’s not all about luck. Here’s how to boost your chances without tripping over your own bid.

Check Out the Prices First

Before you bid, take a peek at what those upgrades are actually selling for. Hit up Royal Caribbean’s website or chat with your travel agent. 

You don’t want to bid more than the room’s usual rate. If the upgrade doesn’t cost much more than your current spot, keep your bid down to earth. 

But if there’s a big leap to that dream suite, maybe it’s worth a shot to bid a bit higher.

Your Loyalty Might Just Pay Off

Part of the Crown and Anchor Society? This could be your lucky charm. Some say their membership helped them win an upgrade. 

Though, to be fair, I’ve been at this game a while and it’s hit or miss. Still, it’s worth a thought because, hey, who doesn’t like feeling a bit special?

Timing Could Be Your Best Friend

As your cruise date gets closer, Royal Caribbean might have some rooms they want to fill. 

If there are empty suites or staterooms, your chance to snag one goes up. Bidding closer to your sail date might just tip the odds in your favor.

Make Your Bid Count

We all love a bargain, but don’t throw in a super low bid and expect miracles. 

If the jump to a suite is usually a grand, bidding just a tad over the minimum probably won’t get you there. Aim for a bid that’s fair for both you and the cruise line.

Not sure how much to bid? There’s a whole community of cruisers online sharing their own bid stories. 

Someone’s win or loss could give you the clue you need for your own bid. Every cruise is different, so keep an open mind and gather all the advice you can.

Think About What You’ve Already Got

Take a good look at your current booking. Does it have perks or a location you really love? 

Weigh those against what you might get (or give up) with an upgrade. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference.

Be Open to Surprises

How flexible are you? If you’re up for anything, let that show in your bid. Being open to different types of upgrades could up your chances of winning one. 

It’s like telling Royal Caribbean, “Surprise me!” And who knows? They just might.

Royal Caribbean Cabin Guide and Upgrade Options

Navigating through Royal Caribbean’s cabin options is key to enhancing your cruise experience and strategizing your RoyalUp bid. 

Let’s dive into the details, making it easier for you to choose your ideal sea home.

Interior Cabins: Cozy and Cost-Effective

Basic interior cabins.

• Description: These are snug retreats for cruisers who prioritize savings and simplicity. No windows, but fully equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
• Ideal For: Those who use their room just for sleep and prefer spending their time exploring the ship or destinations.

Interior View Staterooms

• Description: Available on larger ships, these rooms offer windows that look out onto internal promenade areas, adding a view without the oceanview price tag.
• Ideal For: Cruisers seeking a hint of an outside view at an interior cabin price.

Ocean View Staterooms: A Window to the World

• Description: These cabins feature a window or porthole with sea or port views, providing a visual connection to the outside world.
• Ideal For: Those who desire natural light and a view without needing direct outdoor access.

Balcony Cabins: Private Outdoor Bliss

• Description: Balcony cabins offer private outdoor space to enjoy fresh sea air and views.
• Ideal For: Travelers who dream of sipping coffee or enjoying meals with an unobstructed view of the ocean.

Virtual Balcony Staterooms

• Description: A unique feature on some larger ships, offering interior rooms with live-feed screens displaying real-time ocean views.
• Ideal For: Guests looking for an innovative way to enjoy sea views without the price tag of a traditional balcony.

Suites: The Pinnacle of Luxury

Junior suites.

• Description: Offering more space and amenities, these suites are a step into luxury.
• Ideal For: Those seeking extra comfort and amenities without venturing into the highest luxury tier.

Royal Suites

• Description: The epitome of luxury on the seas, adorned with lavish amenities and unparalleled service.
• Ideal For: Guests for whom the cruise itself is a luxury retreat, seeking the ultimate in comfort and exclusivity.

Specialized Cabins: Tailored to Your Needs

Solo traveler cabins.

• Description: Designed specifically for single cruisers, these cabins eliminate the single supplement fee while providing cozy, well-appointed spaces.
• Ideal For: Solo adventurers looking to enjoy a cruise without the extra cost.

Family-Friendly Staterooms

• Description: Larger cabins or connected options designed to accommodate families comfortably.
• Ideal For: Families needing extra space and convenience.

Accessible Staterooms

• Description: Thoughtfully designed for guests with mobility issues, ensuring comfort and accessibility.
• Ideal For: Anyone requiring special accommodations to fully enjoy their cruise experience.

Navigating RoyalUp Bidding: How Much to Offer?

The excitement of potentially upgrading your room on a Royal Caribbean cruise is undeniable. 

However, figuring out the right amount to bid can feel like navigating uncharted waters. This guide aims to demystify the bidding process, ensuring you make informed and strategic decisions.

Eligibility and Invitation

Who gets to bid.

Not all passengers are invited to bid for an upgrade. Royal Caribbean selectively sends out invitations. If you’re embarking from the UK, for instance, expect your invitation roughly 30 days prior to sailing.

No Invitation? No Problem!

Missing out on the initial invite doesn’t lock you out. By visiting the Royal Up website and entering your details, you can throw your hat in the ring.

Financial Considerations

Budgeting for your bid.

Before placing a bid, take a moment to reflect on your budget. Winning means you’ll forgo your originally booked cabin. If your heart is set on a specific location onboard, weigh the pros and cons of potentially moving.

The Art of Bidding

While lowballing might seem appealing, a competitive bid enhances your chances of an upgrade. It’s a delicate balance between what the upgrade is worth to you and what you’re willing to spend.

The Bidding Process

Understanding the terms.

Once your bid is accepted, making changes can get complicated. Be sure about your bid before submitting it.

Room Selection Limitations

Although you can bid on various room types, a specific cabin isn’t guaranteed. If proximity to certain ship amenities is crucial for you, bidding might pose a risk.

Strategy and Waiting

Keeping alert.

Whether you’ve received your invitation or are still waiting, stay vigilant. Keep an eye on your email and be smart with your bids.

Enhancing Your Odds for a Cruise Cabin Upgrade

Securing a cabin upgrade on a Royal Caribbean cruise requires strategy more than luck. Start with a realistic bid; too low might leave you out of the running against fellow passengers. 

Key to success is vigilance—regular email checks ensure you don’t miss last-minute invitations, sometimes arriving just two days before sailing.

An effective but lesser-known tactic is monitoring cabin availability. Opting for types with more vacancies can boost your chances. Remember, persistence is crucial; if you don’t succeed on your first try, each cruise offers a new opportunity to bid and refine your strategy.

Being informed helps too. Understanding the typical competition and timing your bid closer to the departure date can be advantageous. For loyal cruisers, leveraging your status within Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program may offer an additional edge, though it’s not a direct factor in the bidding process.

In essence, a mix of well-timed, realistic bids, staying alert to opportunities, and a flexible, persistent approach can enhance your chances of enjoying an upgraded cabin on your next cruise. Treat each bid as a step towards mastering the art of savvy cruising.

What Happens After You Win a Stateroom upgrade?

Winning a stateroom upgrade on a Royal Caribbean cruise is exhilarating. Once your bid is accepted, a flurry of excitement and a bit of logistics kick in. 

Here’s what to expect and how to navigate the upgrade seamlessly.

Upon winning, you’ll receive a congratulatory email, a digital high-five, confirming your successful bid. 

This email is crucial; it confirms the upgrade and details your new stateroom. However, with this victory comes the automatic charge to your credit card for the upgrade cost, applied per person for the first two guests in the cabin.

This moment marks a no-turning-back point; you’ve shifted gears from your initial booking to a more luxurious experience. The change is irrevocable, symbolizing a leap from basic to premium, akin to upgrading from a scooter to a convertible in the cruising world.

After the initial celebration, it’s important to dive into the specifics provided in the email. 

New amenities or exclusive events may now be available to you, depending on your upgraded cabin category. These extras can significantly enhance your cruise experience, offering a taste of luxury or access to special areas of the ship not available to all guests.

Staying informed about these benefits ensures you fully enjoy the perks of your upgraded status. 

Revel in the success of your bid, but also prepare to explore and take advantage of all the additional features that come with your new, improved stateroom. This proactive approach will ensure your cruise is not just a journey but a splendid adventure.

How Do Upgrade Bids and Cancellation Policies Work with Royal Caribbean?

In the unpredictable sea of cruising, understanding the rules around cancellations and changes, particularly after a successful Royal Caribbean upgrade bid, is essential.

Once you’ve entered the RoyalUp program and your bid is accepted, you’ve essentially sealed the deal, locking in your upgrade with no standard route to a refund should you reconsider.

However, life is full of surprises, and sometimes, so is cruising. In the event that Royal Caribbean needs to cancel a cruise last minute, perhaps due to inclement weather or other unforeseeable circumstances, there’s a silver lining.

Passengers who have won their bids for an upgrade won’t be left out in the cold. The cruise line ensures that the amount bid for the upgrade is refunded, safeguarding passengers against losing out on an investment made towards an experience that didn’t take place.

Being well-informed is your best defense in these situations. Thoroughly reviewing the terms and conditions tied to the upgrade bid is more than just due diligence—it’s a crucial step in ensuring you’re fully aware of what you’re agreeing to. Keeping abreast of any updates to Royal Caribbean’s policies will also help you navigate these waters smoothly.

Navigating the complexities of cruise upgrades and potential cancellations doesn’t have to be daunting.

Armed with the right information and an understanding of the policies in place, you can make informed decisions, ensuring that your cruising experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, no matter what surprises may arise.

Alternatives to RoyalUp: Booking Direct and Smart Strategies

Thinking about leveling up your cruise experience with Royal Caribbean? You might have heard about RoyalUp, where you bid for a room upgrade.

But let’s dive into some other ways to score that dream cabin without playing the bidding game.

First off, there’s the straight path: direct booking. This means you pick the exact room you want from the get-go. 

No guesswork, no waiting to see if you’ve won an upgrade. It’s yours, guaranteed. And here’s a tip: booking early often comes with perks.

We’re talking discounts, onboard credit, or even complimentary extras that can make your cruise even sweeter.

Now, let’s talk strategy with a travel advisor. These folks are like your personal cruise detectives. They know the ins and outs, the best deals, and how to get you more for your money. 

Sometimes, they have access to special offers or can help you get into a better room without needing to bid. It’s like having a backstage pass to the best cruise experience.

Is Royal Up worth it? 

How does royal up work, how to check royal up status, when do royal up offers come out, how to upgrade your room on royal caribbean, how to upgrade your royal caribbean cabin, how to bid for an upgrade on royal caribbean, is royalup the best choice for your cruise.

When you’re dreaming about your next cruise with Royal Caribbean, you might wonder if trying for an upgrade through RoyalUp is your best bet. 

Sure, it sounds exciting—a chance to elevate your experience at possibly a lower cost. But, let’s chat about other ways to ensure you get the room you really want.

Booking your perfect room right from the start is straightforward. You pick, you book, and you’re all set. No crossing fingers for an upgrade. Plus, booking early can snag you some sweet deals or extra perks that make your trip even better.

Thinking about working with a travel advisor? That could be a smart move. They’re like insiders, knowing all the best deals and when to book to get you more bang for your buck. They might even find ways to upgrade you without relying on luck.

In the end, while RoyalUp offers a chance at something better for less, ensuring you have the cruise experience you’re dreaming of might mean choosing a sure thing from the start or getting a pro on your side.

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Guide to Royal Caribbean’s Royal Up Bidding Program

A comprehensive guide to the Royal Up program by Royal Caribbean, including an explanation of the bidding process, tips for increasing the chances of winning a bid, and potential implications of upgrading.

Royal Up Program Overview

The Royal Up program by Royal Caribbean is an exciting opportunity for passengers to bid on higher cabin The Royal Up program by Royal Caribbean allows passengers to bid on higher cabin categories before their cruise, enhancing their anticipation and potential luxury. Passengers can choose from interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite options when bidding. It is advised to book the desired room category initially to secure accommodation and increase chances of upgrades through Royal Up.

The invitation process for bidding on cruise cabin upgrades in the Royal Up program is an exclusive opportunity that is not extended to all customers. Those who do receive an invitation have the chance to bid on a higher cabin category, potentially enhancing their cruise ship experience with more spacious and luxurious accommodations. Additionally, winning a bid in the Royal Up program can result in the immediate replacement of the original cabin with the upgraded cabin, promising an elevated level of comfort and enjoyment for the duration of the cruise. This program adds an element of excitement and possibility for passengers who are eager to enhance their cruise experience through a potential cabin upgrade.

Cabin Categories and Bidding

In the Royal Up program by Royal Caribbean, passengers can bid on different types of cabin or stateroom categories, such as interior, oceanview, balcony, and suites. Each category has its own unique features and amenities. It is important for passengers to understand these differences before participating in the bidding process. For example, an interior cabin is the most affordable option without windows, while a suite offers a luxurious experience with more space and enhanced amenities. Knowing these distinctions can help passengers make informed decisions when bidding through the Royal Up upgrade program.

Passengers are advised to book their desired room category initially and then potentially bid for an upgrade. This ensures that passengers secure their preferred accommodations while still having the chance to win an upgrade through bidding. Sharing personal experiences with the Royal Up program can also be valuable for other cruisers. Hearing about successful bids for upgrades to balcony cabins or suites can provide insights into the bidding process and increase the chances of winning a bid. By learning from others, passengers can navigate the Royal Up program effectively and maximize their chances of securing an upgraded cabin for their cruise.

Bidding Process and Guidelines

Here’s an overview of the process and guidelines for the Royal Up program:

Eligibility:

• You must have a confirmed booking with Royal Caribbean.
• Not all sailings are eligible for Royal Up offers, and availability can vary.
• The offer to participate in Royal Up is by invitation only, typically sent via email to eligible guests.

Bidding Process:

• Receiving an Offer: If you’re eligible for the program, you’ll receive an email invitation to bid on a stateroom upgrade. This usually happens after your final payment has been made and could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before your sailing date.
• Making a Bid: Click on the link in the email to access the bidding platform. Here, you’ll see the available stateroom categories you can bid on, along with a sliding scale indicating the minimum and maximum bid amounts for each category.
• Bid Amount: Decide how much you’re willing to pay for the upgrade on top of what you’ve already paid for your existing reservation. This is a per-person rate based on double occupancy and is for the entire duration of the cruise, not per night.
• Payment Details: Enter your payment information. If your bid is accepted, the card you provide will be charged with the amount of your bid. If your bid is not accepted, you won’t be charged.
• Submitting Your Bid: Review your bid(s), and if you’re happy with the selection, submit your bid.
• Waiting for Results: After you’ve submitted your bid, you’ll wait to hear back from Royal Caribbean. The review process can happen anytime up until 24 hours before your sailing date.
• Bid Outcome: You will be notified via email whether your bid has been accepted or declined. If accepted, you’ll be automatically charged, and your reservation will be updated with your new stateroom details. If declined, you pay nothing extra and keep your original stateroom.

Guidelines and Tips:

• You can modify or cancel your bid up until it is accepted.
• Bids are made per cabin, not per person, but are based on double occupancy.
• The exact stateroom within the upgraded category is assigned at the discretion of Royal Caribbean.
• Factors influencing the success of a bid include the amount offered, the number of available staterooms in the higher category, and the number of other bids.
• Only the first and second guests in the stateroom are charged the upgrade fee, even if additional guests are staying in the room.
• Royal Up upgrades are subject to the terms and conditions provided by Royal Caribbean.

The Royal Up program offers guests a chance to experience higher-category staterooms at a potentially lower price than booking directly. However, it’s important to remember that the process is competitive, and submitting a bid does not guarantee an upgrade.

Furthermore, passengers are encouraged to thoroughly review the Terms & Conditions of the Royal Up program, particularly the non-refundable nature of accepted bids. By being well-informed about the program’s rules and regulations, passengers can make informed decisions when participating in the bidding process. This understanding ensures that passengers are fully aware of the implications of their bids and the potential outcomes of their participation in the Royal Up program.

Cost, Upgrades, and Implications

Passengers participating in the Royal Up program must understand the costs, potential upgrades, and implications of bidding on a cabin upgrade. Bids are priced per person and if accepted, passengers are immediately charged. Passengers should carefully consider their budget and the value of the upgrade before bidding. Winning a bid may result in increased gratuity amounts, limitations on connecting rooms, and double Crown & Anchor Society points . Passengers should evaluate the trade-offs and benefits of winning a bid based on their preferences and priorities. Being well-informed is crucial for making suitable choices for the cruising experience.

Confirmation and Cancellation Process

Once a passenger wins a bid for an upgraded cabin through the Royal Up program, they can anticipate a confirmation of their successful bid. The timing of this confirmation can vary, but it is crucial for passengers to be aware of when they can expect to receive it. It’s essential to understand that the confirmation process may occur closer to the sail date, so patience is key. For example, some passengers have reported receiving confirmation a few days before the cruise, while others have received it earlier. Therefore, it’s important for passengers to keep an eye on their email and any communication from the cruise line regarding the status of their bid.

In addition to understanding the timing of the confirmation, passengers are advised to carefully double-check their bids before submission. This includes ensuring that the bid amount and cabin category are accurate and in line with their preferences. Any necessary modifications or minute cancellations to a bid can typically be made before receiving the upgrade confirmation. By being thorough and attentive during the bidding and confirmation process, passengers can navigate the Royal Up program more effectively and make the most of their potential cabin upgrade. Accessing the Royal Up program through an email invitation or the cruise line’s website provides passengers with the essential information and guidelines for participating in the program, ensuring a seamless experience and minimizing any confusion or uncertainty.

Personal Experiences and Recommendations

When it comes to the Royal Up program, personal experiences of winning an upgrade can provide invaluable insights for other passengers who are contemplating participating in the bidding process. For instance, one passenger shared that by bidding slightly higher than the minimum amount during a less busy time of the year, they were able to secure an upgrade from an interior cabin to a balcony stateroom. This success story illustrates the effectiveness of strategic bidding and timing, which can significantly increase the likelihood of winning a bid in the Royal Up program. Additionally, another passenger emphasized the importance of accessing the Royal Up program through the email invitation or the cruise line’s website, as it allowed them to review the available upgrade options and make an informed decision before placing their bid.

Furthermore, based on personal experiences, it is recommended that passengers thoroughly consider the recommendations and strategies provided by fellow cruisers to enhance their understanding and experience with the Royal Up program. These insights can include tips on how to maximize the chances of winning a bid, the potential benefits of sailing during less busy times, and the impact of bidding higher than the minimum amount. By taking these experiences and recommendations into account, passengers can make well-informed decisions when participating in the Royal Up program, ultimately enhancing their cruising experience with Royal Caribbean.

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Royal Up: How to Bid On a Royal Caribbean Cruise Upgrade

This post may contain affiliate links and ads. Read our disclosure policy here .

Have you heard of the Royal Up Program offered by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line? This online program gives some cruisers the opportunity to bid on cruise cabin upgrades. So how does it actually work? Do people really get an upgraded stateroom for less than the list price? We bid on several suites before our last cruise with Royal. Read on to see how it went!

Book the Cabin You Want From the Get-Go

Many many years ago, we learned the hard way that cruise cabin upgrades at the port are pretty unlikely. We were booked in an interior cabin with our then 2 year old and were wishing that we had booked a room with a balcony. We asked about stateroom options for an upgrade at the port and were told, “Sorry, no. No upgrades available.” When you arrive at the port on sail-away day, the ship only has a finite number of rooms still open. While I won’t say a last minute upgrade as you check in is impossible, it is on the rarer side.

Big big big important note: So the caveat to this post, is advice I would offer to anyone looking to cruise. This advice comes with more than a dozen cruises under my belt. Always always always book the cruise cabin that you really really want when you initially book your cruise. The upgrade program is in NO way guaranteed and the ship can only offer upgrades on available cabins. If you know that you absolutely MUST have a balcony or it will ruin your trip, BOOK THE BALCONY. The RoyalUp program should only be used to enhance the experience that you already booked and is in NO way guaranteed.

Okay, now that I got that out of the way, let’s dive into Royal Up and I will tell you about our experience with it!

Cruise Cabins 101: What types of cabins do most ships offer?

Before you consider seeking an upgrade on your cruise, it is helpful to know what cabin types your ship has. Every cruise line has different names and categories for their accommodations, however almost every cruise ship offers the following basic stateroom categories:

Interior or Inside Cabins

Just like the name states, interior staterooms are windowless spaces located across the hall from the balcony staterooms and oceanview rooms. They are typically the cheapest rooms you can get on a ship and many times they are also offer the least amount of square footage. Inside cabins are a budget-friendly option. They are also a great choice for cruisers who spend little time in their rooms during the vacation!

Oceanview Cabins

For cruisers who enjoy views of the ocean, an oceanview cabin offers a window. The size of the window depends on the ship. Some oceanview cabins feature large, picture windows, while other ships simply have a small porthole-style window.

Balcony Cabins

Balcony cabins offer passengers the chance to relax outside on their own private deck space. Similar to a hotel room balcony, these areas usually offer a small table and a couple chairs. Balcony rooms are a really nice way to enjoy the sun, surf and ocean views in a private space, away from the masses on the public deck areas.

Suites are the biggest rooms on every ship. Most ships offer a variety of different suite types that vary in size, amenities and location. In addition to the bump in square feet, suites also almost always include a long list of perks and special services. These perks vary by cruise line (and sometimes by suite type) but some examples of suite perks that I have seen offered include:

• Priority boarding and debarkation
• Suite lounge access
• Complimentary happy hour
• Exclusive room drops and other gifts
• Priority seating at theater shows
• Luxury toiletries
• Free internet package

Royal Caribbean ships offer different suite classes: sky class and star class suites. Rooms like the Royal Loft Suite and the Ultimate Family Suite make up some of the most expansive suites on the ship. These suites come with concierge service, including a Royal Genie (Star Suite guests).

Pricing: In almost all cases, the interior cabins are the cheapest way to cruise. Oceanview are the 2nd cheapest while the balcony cabins are more. Finally, the suites are the most expensive accommodations on the ship.

Now that we have laid out the basics, let’s dive into the Royal Caribbean Royal Up program!

What is Royal Up?

Royal Up is a program offered by Royal Caribbean Cruises that gives some guests the opportunity to bid on cabin upgrades. Not only does it give passengers the chance to sail in upgraded rooms for less than list price, it also helps the ship fill empty cabins!

How does Royal Up work?

Many cruisers (but not all – see the point below) who already have a sailing booked with Royal have the opportunity to use Royal Up. Royal Up website shows individuals a selection of cabin types that they can choose to bid on for the chance at an upgrade.

Upon receiving an invitation to bid, passengers head to the Royal Up website and enter specific money amounts for each type of cabin they want to bid on.

At some point closer to the sailing (sometimes as late as the DAY OF EMBARKATION!), cruisers will receive an email if their bid was accepted for an upgrade.

Who gets invited to bid on Royal Up?

This is a bit of a gray area. The chance to bid on Royal Up is NOT offered to all customers. I have heard certain rumors that cruisers who booked their cruise through a discount site or big box travel agency (for example, Costco) do NOT get the invite to bid.

We used a local travel agent to book our trip and we DID get an emailed invitation to bid on Royal Up.

How and when do you bid on a cruise cabin upgrade with Royal Up?

Invites to bid on Royal Up typically go out around the 60 day mark (prior to your sail date). We received an email inviting us to bid on Royal Up 75 days before our sail date.

There IS a form on the Royal Up site where you can input your reservation number and check to see if you’re eligible to bid if you did not receive an email invite.

To bid: You head to the Royal Up website. Once on the website, you will see the cabin categories that they are allowing you to bid on. (See our screenshots below.) Each cabin category has a minimum bid. You must bid at least that minimum amount to have a shot at winning the upgrade.

Next to the bid amount is a status indicator that tells you if you are placing a weak or strong bid. Honestly, take this gauge with a grain of salt. I have read multiple accounts of people winning upgrades despite placing “weak” bids and conversely, placing a “strong” bid does not guarantee that you will win.

Where can you check your Royal Up status?

You can check your bid status at any time on the Royal Up website . Your bid will most likely say “submitted” as you wait for the cruise to get a bit closer.

If you see “pending” this might indicate that your bid has been accepted, but it is not a guarantee. It Is more of a “maybe” until you get final confirmation.

If you see “accepted” your bid has been accepted and the credit card you put on file will have been charged. Check your email for a confirmation notice.

Can you change your bid on Royal Up?

Yes, you can! Simply head to the Royal Up site and change your bid up to a couple weeks before your sailing. You can change your bid as often as you want and you can also cancel your bid if you decide not to participate.

What kind of cabins can you bid on with Royal Caribbean RoyalUp?

You will be offered the chance to bid on cabin categories that are upgraded options from whichever cabin category you originally booked. Typically you can bid on one or two categories higher from your original cabin type.

For example, if you originally booked an interior cabin, a Royal Up might include options to bid on Oceanview and balcony cabins.

If you originally booked a Junior Suite, you might get a Royal Up invite to bid on an Owner’s Suite or Royal Suite.

Do weak bids ever win upgrades on Royal Up?

Yes, bids that the website lists as “weak” most definitely have a chance at being accepted. I know of multiple cruisers who entered the minimum suggested bid and won an upgrade. You just never know!

Is the Royal Up bid price per day or per cruise?

The Royal Up bid is PER PERSON and based on double occupancy. For example, if you bid $275 on Royal Up, you will be charged a total of $550 upon winning the bid.

How will I know if my Royal Up bid was accepted?

If your Royal Up bid is accepted, you will receive an email from Royal Caribbean. You will also see your upgrade information listed on the Royal Up website. When you log into the Royal app or website, your reservation will list your upgraded cabin number.

Will I be charged right away for a Royal Up upgrade?

YES. Your credit card on file will be charged immediately upon winning an upgrade.

Can I change my mind if I don’t like my Royal Up upgrade and switch back to the original room I booked?

NO. This is important: If you win a Royal Up bid, your original cabin is immediately removed from your reservation and the upgrade takes its place. There is NO WAY to get the original cabin back. So if you thought long and hard about your original cabin’s location, and you chose a specific cabin for specific reasons, you might need to think about whether or not an upgrade will work for you. Your upgrade might land you in a bigger room, however that bigger room might have an obstructed balcony view. Or it might be under the noisy casino. It might be a good idea to check out your ship’s deck plans before you bid. The deck plans will show locations for all cabins and other spaces on board.

Think carefully being submitting a bid!

My Royal Up status says “Your RoyalUp request will be reviewed onboard?” What does that mean?

Believe it or not, some cruisers actually don’t receive notice of an upgrade UNTIL THEY BOARD THE SHIP! My best guess is that this can happen due to last-minute cancellations (for example, due to an illness) from fellow passengers on your cruise.

Yes, this means you would actually have to switch rooms after you board! Hopefully though, the excitement about winning your upgrade will make up for the annoyance of room switching.

I won an upgrade to a suite with Royal Up. Will I earn double Crown and Anchor Points?

That depends. Suite passengers on Royal Caribbean sailings earn DOUBLE Crown and Anchor points . IF you originally booked a suite and you win a Royal Up to another suite, you will earn double points. You had to be booked in a suite on your original reservation in order to earn the double points.

If you were booked in an interior cabin and won an upgrade to a Junior Suite, you would NOT earn double points. If you were booked in a Junior Suite and won an upgrade to a Grand Suite, you WOULD earn the double points.

Our Royal Up Experience – We Won an Upgrade to Owner’s Suite

We sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas in October 2022 on a 5-night itinerary to Bermuda. This was our 3rd cruise with Royal and in my life I have sailed on 10+ cruises. I have sailed in almost every type of cabin that a cruise offers, except an oceanview cabin. I have experience traveling in interior, balcony and suite staterooms and definitely see pluses and minuses for each, depending on individual preferences and budgets.

When we got ready to book this cruise on Adventure, Royal was running a great sale. Kids were free, which got our 8 year old on board for just the cost of taxes and port fees. The cruise sailed from New Jersey, so we qualified for a resident discount (we live in PA), plus a first responder discount (husband is a firefighter). We thought the prices for this cruise were very good deals. They were so good, in fact, that we ended up skipping our typical balcony room for a Junior Suite.

Junior Suites on Royal Caribbean are an interesting accommodation. They are larger than a standard cabin. They do earn cruisers double Crown and Anchor points and there are a few perks such as priority boarding. However, that’s about it. Junior Suites do not come with the long list of perks reserved for guests in larger (more expensive suites).

We booked our cruise on 5/22/22. The Junior Suite cost $3600 for 4 people.

Our invitation to bid on Royal Up came via email to me and also to my travel agent on 7/26/22. We were able to bid on the Grand Suite (1 bedroom), Grand Suite (2 bedroom), Owner’s Suite and the Royal Suite.

I bid on all 4 of these suites, and bid about $200 above the minimum amount for each suite.

As this point, I also popped over to Royal’s site and went through the booking process for each type of suite to get an idea of what the actual list price was for each suite type. This helped me make some practical bids, while knowing that I wasn’t even close to list price or going over list price.

At some point in early September, I went back into Royal Up and decreased all of my bids a bit. The cruise was getting closer and I still wanted an upgrade, but decided to modify the bids and see how they did. I lowered the maximum bid on all available suites by at least $10.

On September 22, 2022 (approximately 2 weeks before our cruise), I received a Royal Up email confirming that my bid was accepted for an Owner’s Suite!

My bid was $385 per person (remember, you are only charged the RoyalUp fee for two people, even if you have more than 2 people in your cabin). The total cost to upgrade our room from a Junior Suite to an Owner’s Suite was $770. From my best estimate, we saved about $6500 on our suite by upgrading through Royal Up versus booking that suite directly.

Immediately after receiving the acceptance email from Royal Up, I checked my cruise reservation and the cabin change had already been made. I was able to see our new cabin number right away.

We spent 5 fabulous nights in Owner’s Suite 1598 on Adventure of the Seas . It was truly a phenomenal, luxurious stay and we had a blast taking full advantage of lots of suite extra perks. We spent ample time enjoying the room and the view from the huge picture window and balcony.

Would we bid on a Royal Up again?

YES. 100 times yes. Great experience! We thoroughly enjoyed our fantastic upgrade (and probably enjoyed it EVEN MORE because we knew how much money we had saved off the listed price)! It was great to have the extra space to spread out and the suite perks were nice extras.

And once again, let me be clear: we booked the room that we truly wanted when we originally made the reservation. The Royal Caribbean Junior Suite was our original choice and booking. We knew we would love that room and it would be a great stay. So had we not gotten an upgrade, it would have been fine and we would have had a great time!

Let’s hear about YOUR experience with RoyalUp! Have you ever bid on a Royal upgrade? How did it go? Drop us a comment and tell us about it!

While you’re here, make sure you browse our collection of cruise content . We have cruised a bunch and have many many cruise reviews and other cruising tips on the blog!

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• Royal Caribbean International

First Time - Royal Up Bid

By slyster , June 29, 2023 in Royal Caribbean International

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Hi there...first time doing a Royal Up Bid.  I got an email from RC.  Any tips on bidding?  In terms of the "meter" from weak to strong, are there recommendations?  I know it's all subjective, but for those of you who have won bids, especially multiple times, is there any advice you can share?

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bigmoose7563

Compare the price to upgrade if available then bid accordingly. Also be sure you are fine with your room being moved to anyplace on the ship. Then forget about it. Don't expect it to happen, just be happy if you get it.

Half the people get mad when they don't win the bid and the other half complain about location.

8 minutes ago, bigmoose7563 said: Compare the price to upgrade if available then bid accordingly. Also be sure you are fine with your room being moved to anyplace on the ship. Then forget about it. Don't expect it to happen, just be happy if you get it.   Half the people get mad when they don't win the bid and the other half complain about location.

Totally get that.  We want to bid on the Crown Loft Suite and Grand Suite on Allure.  We are happy with any of those locations.  I wouldn't necessary want to be AFT facing in CLS, but heck if i win that bid, I'll take it happily! 

Norwich Cruiser

We’ve been lucky enough to bid on two occasions both minimum bids and each time we’re successful and we were very happy with the position.

A family member actually bid only last week to upgrade for a forthcoming Anthem cruise again bid the minimum and heard earlier today that there bid was accepted.

This was from an inside to OVB.

We only bid on suite upgrades so we know we'll be happy wherever we're placed. I keep track of pricing from time to time so I know what I would have paid had I booked outright, then I come up with the number that won't make DH have a heart attack once it's charged to the card should we win  😉  I did successfully win an Aqua Suite upgrade over a NYE cruise last year and even though it didn't show you could book it on the site, someone obviously canceled so we won that two weeks out from the trip. Good luck!

12 minutes ago, GetToLivin said: We only bid on suite upgrades so we know we'll be happy wherever we're placed. I keep track of pricing from time to time so I know what I would have paid had I booked outright, then I come up with the number that won't make DH have a heart attack once it's charged to the card should we win  😉  I did successfully win an Aqua Suite upgrade over a NYE cruise last year and even though it didn't show you could book it on the site, someone obviously canceled so we won that two weeks out from the trip. Good luck!

We're currently in a balcony and got the Royal Up email.  Even though I could have bid on Spacious Ocean View Balcony rooms, I felt the same.  I didn't really like the locations, plus the rooms aren't that much bigger than a regular balcony. So I only bid on 2 different suites.  So far Junior Suites aren't showing as available, but your response makes me hopeful that someone will cancel!

Thank you.  So there seems to be some success with minimum bids. I got the price difference per person to help me figure out my bid.  Right now on my upcoming cruise, the Crown Loft Suite is actually about $15 cheaper than a Grand Suite.  I'm kicking myself because six months ago, a Grand Suite was $2200 a person and now it's just over $4000 a person.  

Thanks for your help.  

Don’t forget that cruise points are based on the original cabin category you booked so if you get moved from the balcony to the suite you won’t get the extra points for it.  But you will get the other suite perks and the opportunity to pay the higher gratuities.  

5 minutes ago, Anton said: Don’t forget that cruise points are based on the original cabin category you booked so if you get moved from the balcony to the suite you won’t get the extra points for it.  But you will get the other suite perks and the opportunity to pay the higher gratuities.  

are you sure about that? I thought that we had upgraded from a balcony to a suite before and got double points, maybe not....? 

1 hour ago, slyster said: Totally get that.  We want to bid on the Crown Loft Suite and Grand Suite on Allure.  We are happy with any of those locations.  I wouldn't necessary want to be AFT facing in CLS, but heck if i win that bid, I'll take it happily! 

FYI, we've had 2 CLS's (both on Symphony) and one was rear facing/one on the side. While i definitely like the ocean-facing suite better, we had a blast on the rear facing - people watching! - and those cabins are so wonderful that i'd take one wherever it faced if given the chance!!!

One thing I have noticed is that people are always more likely to bid (more) on suites than on lower categories so you will more than likely need to bid more than the minimum to better your chances at getting a suite. I have used Royal Up twice and won bids both times. First was minimum bid ($150pp) to move from an Oceanview to an Balcony on Vision and the second was maximum bid ($3500pp) to move from a Jr Suite to Grand Loft Suite on Odyssey.

Thing to keep in mind is the algorithms used will calculate how much did you pay for your cabin (category), how much your bid is in relation to what you paid & how many bids and how much those bids + what they paid of anyone who may get upgraded to your current cabin (and this is recursive of who may move into their cabin and so on). The desired outcome is to maximize the amount of money Royal earns for the sailing. Since you don't know who you are bidding against and how much they have paid and are bidding or who is bidding to move into your cabin and how much they bid and paid for their cabin, some of it is simply luck as to whether or not you win the Royal Up bid. You could still bid the maximum and yet never win a Royal Up bid. 

10 minutes ago, ajtaylor29 said: are you sure about that? I thought that we had upgraded from a balcony to a suite before and got double points, maybe not....? 

You do NOT get double points if you are upgraded to a suite and your original cabin was not a Jr Suite or higher category.

15 minutes ago, ajtaylor29 said: are you sure about that? I thought that we had upgraded from a balcony to a suite before and got double points, maybe not....? 

From the Royal website under Royal Up FAQ's 

50 minutes ago, ajtaylor29 said: are you sure about that? I thought that we had upgraded from a balcony to a suite before and got double points, maybe not....? 

No, No extra points.

Mum2Mercury

1 hour ago, GetToLivin said: ... I keep track of pricing from time to time so I know what I would have paid had I booked outright ...

Yes, paying attention to the cost of upgrading makes sense.  Without doing your homework, your bid is just a stab in the dark.  

56 minutes ago, Scottee25 said: One thing I have noticed is that people are always more likely to bid (more) on suites than on lower categories so you will more than likely need to bid more than the minimum to better your chances at getting a suite ...

Interesting.  So, by that logic, you'd have a better chance /less competition if you were trying to move from an inside to a balcony.  And it'd be harder to move from a balcony to a suite; that also makes sense because fewer suites exist.  

56 minutes ago, Scottee25 said: Thing to keep in mind is the algorithms used will calculate ... The desired outcome is to maximize the amount of money Royal earns for the sailing ... 

Yes, and I've read that Royal's goal is not just to look at your specific bid; rather, their goal is to create a "chain of upgrades" ... for example, they want to create a chain in which someone moves from an Inside to a Balcony, that Balcony moves to a Junior Suite, that Junior Suite moves to a Grand Suite.  From their point of view, one upgrade is good, but 3-4 are better.  Better being defined as more money for them.  

Oh, and -- yes -- last minute miracles do happen!  Once we were forced to cancel last minute (sick child).  I've always wondered who got to the port and was given a last-minute upgrade to a prime aft-cabin, the kind you reserve the day the dates become available.  

53 minutes ago, Scottee25 said: One thing I have noticed is that people are always more likely to bid (more) on suites than on lower categories so you will more than likely need to bid more than the minimum to better your chances at getting a suite. I have used Royal Up twice and won bids both times.

I don't think it's a case of people being more likely to bid. Just the numbers involved - there are hundreds of balconies, so more chance of either having one/some spare, plus those getting upgraded, whereas there are only 10s of suites - and much more limited chance of them being emptied from upgrades (since there isn't much above them).

Basically, more supply of one than the other.

I feel like we got a really good deal on our junior suite.  $3000 for 2 of us.  The junior suites are now showing as $3393 a PERSON and that's only for junior suite guarantee.  It kind of had me thinking they can make a heck more on the suite I'm in, if I bid enough to satisfy it on their end.  

DrProfessor

1 hour ago, slyster said: I feel like we got a really good deal on our junior suite.  $3000 for 2 of us.  The junior suites are now showing as $3393 a PERSON and that's only for junior suite guarantee.  It kind of had me thinking they can make a heck more on the suite I'm in, if I bid enough to satisfy it on their end.  

This is how we ended up winning a bid on an owner's suite this past Feb.  We had a junior suite and when we bid, it wasn't a couple of days and we were awarded the upgrade.  This was about 30 days before the cruise when it was awarded.  We had never been in anything above a JS, so we were spoiled a bit by that cruise.  The next one we went on just because we needed 3 points to make diamond and we did an inside room - one extreme to the other.

1 hour ago, Mum2Mercury said: I've always wondered who got to the port and was given a last-minute upgrade to a prime aft-cabin, the kind you reserve the day the dates become available.

14 minutes ago, RCFirstTimer said:   This is how we ended up winning a bid on an owner's suite this past Feb.  We had a junior suite and when we bid, it wasn't a couple of days and we were awarded the upgrade.  This was about 30 days before the cruise when it was awarded.  We had never been in anything above a JS, so we were spoiled a bit by that cruise.  The next one we went on just because we needed 3 points to make diamond and we did an inside room - one extreme to the other.

Good to know.  There are a ton of CLS available on my cruise.  Only a handful have been taken.  I see the owner's suite bid is the same as the CLS suite bid, so I'll probably put an offer in on that too.  

I'm not crazy about deck 6 or 7 for a Grand Suite, but if I get it at the price I bid, I'll happily take that.  We currently have a JS on deck 8.

I am wondering what happens if the price of my cruise comes down, and I take a CLS or even a GS before a bid win.  Does the upgrade nullify any bids you make on that class and lower?

Starry Eyes

8 minutes ago, slyster said: Good to know.  There are a ton of CLS available on my cruise.  Only a handful have been taken.  I see the owner's suite bid is the same as the CLS suite bid, so I'll probably put an offer in on that too.     I'm not crazy about deck 6 or 7 for a Grand Suite, but if I get it at the price I bid, I'll happily take that.  We currently have a JS on deck 8.   I am wondering what happens if the price of my cruise comes down, and I take a CLS or even a GS before a bid win.  Does the upgrade nullify any bids you make on that class and lower?

On Oasis class deck 6 is my favorite with deck 8 a close second.   There are nice things on both decks.  Understandably other people rank them in the other order. I’d be happy to be assigned a GS on deck 6.

If you pay for an upgrade, I suggest you cancel/ modify any inappropriate bids. The system should nullify them, but why take a chance.  Also your idea of higher and lower category may differ from RoyalUp’s definition of higher and lower category, so take control of your bids.

18 minutes ago, Starry Eyes said:   On Oasis class deck 6 is my favorite with deck 8 a close second.   There are nice things on both decks.  Understandably other people rank them in the other order. I’d be happy to be assigned a GS on deck 6.   If you pay for an upgrade, I suggest you cancel/ modify any inappropriate bids. The system should nullify them, but why take a chance.  Also your idea of higher and lower category may differ from RoyalUp’s definition of higher and lower category, so take control of your bids.

True about deck 6. I remembered I thought about deck 6 or 8.  It’s not a bad deck at all.   

I didn’t realize I could cancel the bid once I submit it.  I just submitted the bid and received a follow up email to modify or cancel.  Good to know. Thank you!

PhillyFan33579

Not counting cruises for the year or so after the post-COVID restart, from my experience bidding 75% of the maximum bid more often than not will result in an upgrade. Of course there are always exceptions and lower bids often result in upgrades too, but that varies from one cruise to another. I always do a mock booking for the cabin category I am interested in before submitting a bid. On several occasions I have seen the maximum bid price, if accepted, would end up costing me close to what it would cost calling RCI directly and upgrading my cabin. I think the bottom line is bids/upgrades can significantly vary from one cruise to another. 

3 hours ago, Scottee25 said: One thing I have noticed is that people are always more likely to bid (more) on suites than on lower categories so you will more than likely need to bid more than the minimum to better your chances at getting a suite. I have used Royal Up twice and won bids both times. First was minimum bid ($150pp) to move from an Oceanview to an Balcony on Vision and the second was maximum bid ($3500pp) to move from a Jr Suite to Grand Loft Suite on Odyssey.   Thing to keep in mind is the algorithms used will calculate how much did you pay for your cabin (category), how much your bid is in relation to what you paid & how many bids and how much those bids + what they paid of anyone who may get upgraded to your current cabin (and this is recursive of who may move into their cabin and so on). The desired outcome is to maximize the amount of money Royal earns for the sailing. Since you don't know who you are bidding against and how much they have paid and are bidding or who is bidding to move into your cabin and how much they bid and paid for their cabin, some of it is simply luck as to whether or not you win the Royal Up bid. You could still bid the maximum and yet never win a Royal Up bid. 

So in thinking about this, I was able to get a Guaranty Regular Balcony (we already got the room number) for less than $1500 per person for a 12 night cruise.  I just happened to call before final payment and was able to get a lot of discounts (not sure how that happened, but I'm not questioning).  Grand Suites are now going for $17,000. Junior Suites are currently not available.  I have a Grand Suite bid in for $30 over minimum, which I can modify and a Junior Suite bid in for $100 over minimum, which I can't modify (I think because there aren't any available right now).  I'm thinking, if any become available, my Junior Suite bid may work because they could definitely get more money for my current regular balcony. I may up my bid slightly for the Grand Suite because it's still way cheaper than the current pricing even with the increase in gratuities.

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He fell ill on a cruise. Before he boarded the rescue boat, they handed him the bill.

By Bram Sable-Smith

Updated on: May 27, 2024 / 9:41 AM EDT / KFF Health News

Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, had never visited the ocean. They'd never even been on a plane. But when they bought their first home in Saginaw, Michigan, in 2018, their real estate agent gifted them tickets for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

After two years of delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, they set sail in December 2022.

The couple chose a cruise destined for the Bahamas in part because it included a trip to CocoCay, a private island accessible to Royal Caribbean passengers that featured a water park, balloon rides and an excursion swimming with pigs.

It was on that day on CocoCay when Wasney, 31, started feeling off, he said.

The next morning, as the couple made plans in their cabin for the last full day of the trip, Wasney made a pained noise. Eberlein saw him having a seizure in bed, with blood coming out of his mouth from biting his tongue. She opened their door to find help and happened upon another guest, who roused his wife, an emergency room physician.

Wasney was able to climb into a wheelchair brought by the ship's medical crew to take him down to the medical facility, where he was given anticonvulsants and fluids and monitored before being released.

Wasney had had seizures in the past, starting about 10 years ago, but it had been a while since his last one. Imaging back then showed no tumors, and doctors concluded he was likely epileptic, he said. He took medicine initially, but after two years without another seizure, he said, his doctors took him off the medicine to avoid liver damage.

Wasney had a second seizure on the ship a few hours later, back in his cabin. This time he stopped breathing, and Eberlein remembered his lips being so purple, they almost looked black. Again, she ran to find help but, in her haste, locked herself out. By the time the ship's medical team got into the cabin, Wasney was breathing again but had broken blood vessels along his chest and neck that he later said resembled tiger stripes.

Wasney was in the ship's medical center when he had a third seizure — a grand mal, which typically causes a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. By then, the ship was close enough to port that Wasney could be evacuated by rescue boat. He was put on a stretcher to be lowered by ropes off the side of the ship, with Eberlein climbing down a rope ladder to join him.

But before they disembarked, the bill came.

The Patient: Vincent Wasney, 31, who was uninsured at the time.

Medical Services: General and enhanced observation, a blood test, anticonvulsant medicine, and a fee for services performed outside the medical facility.

Service Provider: Independence of the Seas Medical Center, the on-ship medical facility on the cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International .

Total Bill: $2,500.22.

What Gives: As part of Royal Caribbean's guest terms , cruise passengers "agree to pay in full" all expenses incurred on board by the end of the cruise, including those related to medical care. In addition, Royal Caribbean does not accept "land-based" health insurance plans.

Wasney said he was surprised to learn that, along with other charges like wireless internet, Royal Caribbean required he pay his medical bills before exiting the ship — even though he was being evacuated urgently.

"Are we being held hostage at this point?" Eberlein remembered asking. "Because, obviously, if he's had three seizures in 10 hours, it's an issue."

Wasney said he has little memory of being on the ship after his first seizure — seizures often leave victims groggy and disoriented for a few hours afterward.

But he certainly remembers being shown a bill, the bulk of which was the $2,500.22 in medical charges, while waiting for the rescue boat.

Still groggy, Wasney recalled saying he couldn't afford that and a cruise employee responding: "How much can you pay?"

They drained their bank accounts, including money saved for their next house payment, and maxed out Wasney's credit card but were still about $1,000 short, he said.

Ultimately, they were allowed to leave the ship. He later learned his card was overdrafted to cover the shortfall, he said. Once on land, in Florida, Wasney was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, where he incurred thousands of dollars more in medical expenses.

He still isn't entirely sure what caused the seizures.

On the ship he was told it could have been extreme dehydration — and he said he does remember being extra thirsty on CocoCay. He also has mused whether trying escargot for the first time the night before could have played a role. Eberlein's mother is convinced the episode was connected to swimming with pigs, he said. And not to be discounted, Eberlein accidentally broke a pocket mirror three days before their trip.

Wasney, who works in a stone shop, was uninsured when they set sail. He said that one month before they embarked on their voyage, he finally felt he could afford the health plan offered through his employer and signed up, but the plan didn't start until January 2023, after their return.

They also lacked travel insurance. As inexperienced travelers, Wasney said, they thought it was for lost luggage and canceled trips, not unexpected medical expenses. And because the cruise was a gift, they were never prompted to buy coverage, which often happens when tickets are purchased.

The Resolution: Wasney said the couple returned to Saginaw with essentially no money in their bank account, several thousand dollars of medical debt, and no idea how they would cover their mortgage payment. Because he was uninsured at the time of the cruise, Wasney did not try to collect reimbursement for the cruise bill from his new health plan when his coverage began weeks later.

The couple set up payment plans to cover the medical bills for Wasney's care after leaving the ship: one each with two doctors he saw at Broward Health, who billed separately from the hospital, and one with the ambulance company. He also made payments on a bill with Broward Health itself. Those plans do not charge interest.

But Broward Health said Wasney missed two payments to the hospital, and that bill was ultimately sent to collections.

In a statement, Broward Health spokesperson Nina Levine said Wasney's bill was reduced by 73% because he was uninsured.

"We do everything in our power to provide the best care with the least financial impact, but also cannot stress enough the importance of taking advantage of private and Affordable Care Act health insurance plans, as well as travel insurance, to lower risks associated with unplanned medical issues," she said.

The couple was able to make their house payment with $2,690 they raised through a GoFundMe campaign that Wasney set up. Wasney said a lot of that help came from family as well as friends he met playing disc golf, a sport he picked up during the pandemic.

"A bunch of people came through for us," Wasney said, still moved to tears by the generosity. "But there's still the hospital bill."

The Takeaway: Billing practices differ by cruise line, but Joe Scott , chair of the cruise ship medicine section of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said medical charges are typically added to a cruise passenger's onboard account, which must be paid before leaving the ship. Individuals can then submit receipts to their insurers for possible reimbursement.

He recommended that those planning to take a cruise purchase travel insurance that specifically covers their trips. "This will facilitate reimbursement if they do incur charges and potentially cover a costly medical evacuation if needed," Scott said.

Royal Caribbean suggests that passengers who receive onboard care submit their paid bills to their health insurer for possible reimbursement. Many health plans do not cover medical services received on cruise ships, however. Medicare will sometimes cover medically necessary health care services on cruise ships, but not if the ship is more than six hours away from a U.S. port.

Travel insurance can be designed to address lots of out-of-town mishaps , like lost baggage or even transportation and lodging for a loved one to visit if a traveler is hospitalized.

Travel medical insurance, as well as plans that offer "emergency evacuation and repatriation," are two types that can specifically assist with medical emergencies. Such plans can be purchased individually. Credit cards may offer travel medical insurance among their benefits, as well.

But travel insurance plans come with limitations. For instance, they may not cover care associated with preexisting conditions or what the plans consider "risky" activities, such as rock climbing. Some plans also require that travelers file first with their primary health insurance before seeking reimbursement from travel insurance.

As with other insurance, be sure to read the fine print and understand how reimbursement works.

Wasney said that's what they plan to do before their next Royal Caribbean cruise. They'd like to go back to the Bahamas on basically the same trip, he said — there's a lot about CocoCay they didn't get to explore.

Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and NPR that dissects and explains medical bills. 

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