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Celebrity Cruises MoveUp – Our First Experience Bidding on Upgrades

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Our experience with Celebrity Cruises MoveUp upgrade bidding program is unlike anything we’ve experienced before.  Before we dive in, I need to start by saying that we are Celebrity Cruises novices.  We have not sailed on them previously, and quite honestly, we hadn’t really looked at them much as an alternative to Oceania Cruises, our preferred cruise line.  We’d heard largely good things about Celebrity Cruises from our fellow Oceania passengers, particularly about Suite Class, when we asked about other cruise lines people have sailed.  However, nearly every Celebrity Cruises “review” ended with something to the effect of “but the food is better on Oceania and we like being on smaller ships even though Oceania’s entertainment is lacking.” (apologies to all the Celebrity Cruises devotees; feel free to tell me why they were wrong)

On an Oceania Cruises sailing in 2021, just coming back from the pandemic (we were masked, there were no seats at the bars, and our 1,200 passenger ship had less than 400 passengers) we defied the odds and actually managed to make some new friends during this period of anti-social-distancing .  Like us, they were devoted Oceania Cruises passengers, but were telling us that they had just booked a Galapagos cruise on Celebrity based on the strong endorsement of their travel agent.  They suggested we look into the ship – Celebrity Flora, the itinerary, and if we liked what we saw, that we consider joining them onboard in late 2023.  We did our research and saw that Flora is a beautiful ship with great reviews, that unlike most Celebrity Cruises ships, this one is all-inclusive like a lot of expedition ships including transfers, adult beverages, tips, etc. all included in the fare as well as the steep fees charged by Ecuador that fund the protection of the national park that encompasses much of the Galapagos Islands.  It looked great to us and hey, we’re not getting any younger, so we went for it.  Several cruises later, we’re now approximately 30 days out from our cruise.

Given my passion (obsession???) for all things cruising, I’ve been researching as much as I can about Celebrity Cruises, their Captain’s Club loyalty program, the fleet, and in particular Celebrity Flora, a one-of-a-kind vessel designed to transport no more than 100 passengers around the Galapagos Islands.  In addition to studying the amazing destination itself.  This research resulted in two posts covering possible concerns – Is Ecuador Safe? If Not, What Does This Mean for Galapagos Cruises? and Bird Flu – A Threat to Expedition Cruises???

All this research led me to something that doesn’t have a parallel with our familiar Oceania Cruises – the opportunity to bid on an upgraded cabin.  The program called MoveUp allows just that, for you to bid to upgrade on one or more cabin types for your cruise.  Celebrity Cruises says that “In just a few clicks, you can submit an offer to upgrade your stateroom on your upcoming cruise.”

Celebrity Cruises’ MoveUp was as advertised, because in just a few clicks, I had placed bids on two possible upgrades including inputting my payment information.  To be honest with you, I did it more as a trial to see how it would work rather than as a way to actually move up the property ladder aboard Celebrity Flora.

I made, what the “Offer Strength” meters were telling me were “Weak” offers to move up from our 237 square foot Sky Suite w/ Infinite Verandah, the lowest-grade of cabin offered on board, to the top two categories: the 559 square foot Royal Suite including a 129 square foot veranda and the 1,253 square foot Penthouse Suite including the massive 271 square foot aft-facing full-berth veranda.  The latter being the second largest cabin sailing in the Galapagos. The largest cabin is currently the massive Owner’s Suite on Silversea’s Silver Origin coming in at a whopping 1,722 square feet of interior and exterior space.  I checked availability on Celebrity Flora and saw that only one of each of these cabins was available (for context, there are only two Penthouse suites on board).  I placed my bids approximately 70 days prior to embarkation and thinking that my odds were incredibly low, pushed it to the back of my mind.

Then 39 days out from our cruise and a day before online check-in opened, I received an email with the exciting subject: “Your Stateroom Has Been Upgraded!”  I opened the email with some trepidation (remember I didn’t think there was any chance that I would actually “win”).  Well, it was my “lucky” day.  I scrolled down to see that “Your offer to upgrade your stateroom on your upcoming cruise has been successful.”  Scrolling a bit further I saw that we were now booked in the top Penthouse suite.  And the best part…my credit card would be charged in the next 24-hours for the amount of my bid. 😊  It was equal parts “this is awesome!!!” and “what have I done???”

My logic, back when I was making the offers was that I would be ok paying more on top of one of the most expensive cruises we had ever taken, if we were able to get into one of the top suites for approximately half of the standard fare.  Yes, it would make an already expensive cruise even more expensive, but this is a bucket-list trip to celebrate not one but two special occasions and we really wouldn’t be “upgrading” anything else on the trip as flights within Ecuador, pre and post hotel stays, transfers, beverages, gratuities, etc. were all included in the one (high) price already.

So now it’s done and paid for.  I’ll of course let you know if we thought the upgrade was worth it (I sure hope it will be).  Our friends are in our original cabin class so I’m hoping I can capture a few images for comparison purposes.

I’ll leave you with this – bidder beware! (you might just win) – Michael

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10 COMMENTS

I love Celebrity but I am not a big fan of the move up thing. I find that the minimum bid amount is really high especially since you have to double the amount for the actual charge.

In some cases it can make sense though such as if you are in an inside cabin or have an obstructed view balcony, you can often find a low minimum bid option to go to concierge class which generally isn’t directly booked into, so the odds of getting a low bid accepted are higher in that case.

I generally bid just above the minimum if I am bidding. The next click up. But you really have to look at the price to see if it makes sense.

I noticed you didn’t list the bidding amounts in your article. What was the exact amount you bided? it is helpful to share this information so others have an idea about what they are getting into. From the picture I can’t imagine anyone would actually bid $20,000 for that room which was the top of the scale (yes I know it says $10,000 but it is really $20k).

Another word of advise is to very that the all in cost you are paying including the bid is still lower than just asking your travel agent to change you to the higher category. I have seen many instances where the costs would be higher using the move up rather than just changing your cabin category.

@Johnthewanderer – We had booked the entry-level cabin as soon as the calendar opened locking in the lowest possible rate on board. When we add that fare to the MoveUp amount we came out ~10% under half price for this suite. A quick search on Celebrity’s site you should be able to back into the approximate bid amount. I did check with my travel agent (TA) and he said that Celebrity typically offers better deals on MoveUp bids than through last-minute booking discounts through TAs because the TA is NOT commissioned on the upgrade amount saving Celebrity a meaningful amount. I’m new to Celebrity Cruises so if others have different experiences or data points they’d be much appreciated.

So, how much did it cost you?

Right? This post would be MUCH more relevant with actual costs involved (the price you were paying for the original room but more importantly what the bid amount was).

so was it a lot more$$$$$

Hi dee, it was a 27% increase in the cost of our cruise, which considering the additional space (the balcony in the Penthouse Suite alone larger than the cabin and balcony combined of our original cabin) seemed like a good (enough) deal to us. Galapagos cruises are expensive to begin with because of the logistics of getting people from Quito to Baltra (Celebrity charters flights and have to provide six transfers over the course of your trip), the high crew to passenger ratio (Flora has just 1.23 passengers for every crew member), the fees paid to Ecuador to support the national park and the local community, and the capacity limitations of 100 passengers per ship.

Big Celebrity fan here, 20+ cruises. I’d be curious to hear your opinion on their main stream ships. Guessing they don’t compare to Oceania. The Expedition Class are ships are completely different from the other 3 classes and not really apples to apples. I don’t do MoveUp – I book where I want and watch for deals to upgrade on my own, but I have heard that when doing MoveUp you don’t always get all the perks or Captain’s Club points affiliated with the higher level room. Is this true?

@MamaAI77 – You are correct, you don’t get the increased Captain’s Club points for the upgraded cabin. In this case we earn 8 Club Points per night for the original Sky Suite we booked instead of the 18 Club Points per night than if we had booked directly into the Penthouse. This is a disappointing thing about the program, but I understand that they’re trying to incentivize you to book the highest level at which you’re comfortable not book at the base and then bid for upgrades. The MoveUp program is a lot like selling last-minute upgrades on the airlines to eek out that last bit of possible revenue by filling all the highest grade cabins.

@Michael – The funny thing with NCL is when bid for upgrades began no bonus night but last few years just like booking a suite or Haven!

@MamaAl77 Stay tuned on the Captains Club points for booked cabin level vs. MoveUp cabin level. The published terms and conditions say that you do NOT get the credits for the higher level cabin; however, I just logged into my Celebrity Cruises account and it’s showing that we are set to earn 180 points for the cruise which is based on the higher earning level of 18pts/nt for the 7 nights on board as well as credit for the 3 pre and post extension nights booked through Celebrity. This might work out like René says NCL handles bid for upgrade credits.

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How to Bid on Celebrity Cruise Upgrades: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking to upgrade your next Celebrity cruise? You’re in luck! Celebrity offers a variety of ways to bid on upgrades, from staterooms to suites. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of bidding on Celebrity cruise upgrades, so you can get the best possible deal on your next trip.

We’ll cover everything from how to find available upgrades to how to place a bid. We’ll also provide tips on how to increase your chances of winning an upgrade. So whether you’re looking for a simple cabin upgrade or a luxurious suite, read on for all the information you need to know!

How Do Celebrity Cruise Upgrade Bids Work?

Celebrity Cruise Line offers a variety of ways to upgrade your cruise, including bidding on an upgrade. When you bid on an upgrade, you’re essentially entering into a blind auction with other guests who are also interested in the same cabin type. The highest bidder will win the upgrade, and the price you pay will be the difference between the cost of the upgraded cabin and the cost of the cabin you originally booked.

How to Place a Bid on a Celebrity Cruise Upgrade

To place a bid on a Celebrity Cruise upgrade, you’ll need to log in to your Celebrity Cruise account and go to the “My Cruises” section. From there, you’ll be able to see a list of all of your upcoming cruises. Click on the cruise that you’re interested in upgrading, and then click on the “Upgrade” link.

You’ll then be presented with a list of available upgrades. Each upgrade will have a description, a price, and a deadline for bidding. To place a bid, simply enter the amount that you’re willing to pay for the upgrade and click on the “Place Bid” button.

How to Withdraw a Bid on a Celebrity Cruise Upgrade

If you change your mind about an upgrade, you can withdraw your bid at any time before the deadline. To withdraw your bid, simply log in to your Celebrity Cruise account and go to the “My Cruises” section. From there, you’ll be able to see a list of all of your upcoming cruises. Click on the cruise that you’ve bid on, and then click on the “Upgrade” link.

You’ll then be presented with a list of all of your bids. Click on the “Withdraw Bid” link next to the bid that you want to withdraw.

When Will I Find Out If My Bid Was Successful?

The results of the upgrade auction will be announced on the day of your cruise. If you’re the highest bidder, you’ll be contacted by Celebrity Cruise Line and your upgrade will be confirmed. If you’re not the highest bidder, you’ll be refunded the amount that you bid.

What Factors Affect the Price of a Celebrity Cruise Upgrade?

The price of a Celebrity Cruise upgrade can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

• The type of cabin you’re upgrading to
• The time of year you’re cruising
• The length of your cruise
• The demand for upgrades

In general, the more expensive the cabin you’re upgrading to, the higher the price you’ll pay. The same is true for cruises during peak season. If you’re looking for a good deal on an upgrade, consider cruising during the off-season or choosing a less expensive cabin type.

Bidding on a Celebrity Cruise upgrade can be a great way to get a better cabin at a lower price. However, it’s important to remember that there’s no guarantee that your bid will be successful. If you’re not willing to take a risk, you may be better off booking an upgrade directly with Celebrity Cruise Line.

Here are some additional tips for bidding on a Celebrity Cruise upgrade:

• Set a budget before you start bidding. This will help you avoid overspending.
• Be realistic about your chances of winning. If you’re bidding on a popular cabin type during peak season, you’re going to have to compete with a lot of other people.
• Don’t be afraid to withdraw your bid if you change your mind. You can always place a new bid later on.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of winning a Celebrity Cruise upgrade and enjoying your cruise in style.

How to Bid on a Celebrity Cruise Upgrade

Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of ways to upgrade your cruise, including bidding on an auction. Bidding on an auction is a great way to get a great deal on an upgrade, but it’s important to know how to bid in order to get the best price.

Here are a few tips for bidding on a Celebrity Cruise upgrade:

1. Do your research. Before you start bidding, take some time to research the different types of upgrades that are available and the average prices that they sell for. This will help you to set a realistic budget and to avoid overpaying for an upgrade. 2. Set a budget. Once you know how much you’re willing to spend on an upgrade, you can start setting your bids. It’s important to be realistic about your budget and to be prepared to walk away if you don’t get the upgrade that you want. 3. Be patient. Bidding on an auction can be a waiting game. It’s important to be patient and to wait for the right opportunity to come along. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win the first few auctions that you bid on. 4. Don’t be afraid to walk away. If you’re not getting the results that you want, don’t be afraid to walk away from the auction. There will always be other opportunities to upgrade your cruise.

• Bid early and often. The earlier you bid on an upgrade, the more likely you are to get it. This is because there are fewer bidders competing for the upgrade at the beginning of the auction.
• Be strategic with your bids. Don’t just bid the maximum amount that you’re willing to pay for an upgrade. Instead, start by bidding a little lower and then increase your bid as needed. This will help you to get the best possible price.
• Be prepared to negotiate. If you’re bidding against another person, you may be able to negotiate a lower price. Be prepared to walk away from the auction if you don’t get the price that you want.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting a great deal on a Celebrity Cruise upgrade.

Tips for Getting the Best Price on a Celebrity Cruise Upgrade

In addition to bidding on an auction, there are a few other ways to get the best price on a Celebrity Cruise upgrade. Here are a few tips:

• Book your upgrade early. The earlier you book your upgrade, the more likely you are to get it at a discounted price. This is because Celebrity Cruises offers early booking discounts on upgrades.
• Consider a flexible sailing. If you’re flexible with your sailing dates, you may be able to get a better deal on an upgrade. This is because Celebrity Cruises offers discounts on upgrades for sailings that are less popular.
• Look for special offers. Celebrity Cruises often offers special offers on upgrades. These offers can include discounts, free perks, or early access to upgrades. Be sure to check the Celebrity Cruises website regularly for the latest special offers.
• Talk to your travel agent. Your travel agent may be able to help you get a better deal on a Celebrity Cruise upgrade. They may have access to special offers that are not available to the general public.

How do I bid on Celebrity Cruise upgrades?

To bid on Celebrity Cruise upgrades, you can do so online or by calling 1-800-437-3111. When bidding online, you will need to create a Celebrity Cruise account and log in to your account. Once you are logged in, you will be able to view all of the available upgrades and place your bid. When bidding by phone, you will need to provide the agent with your booking number and the type of upgrade you are interested in. The agent will then provide you with the current bid price and you will be able to place your bid.

What types of upgrades are available?

Celebrity Cruise offers a variety of upgrades, including:

• Stateroom upgrades
• Dining upgrades
• Spa treatments
• Shore excursions
• Ground transportation

How much do Celebrity Cruise upgrades cost?

The cost of a Celebrity Cruise upgrade will vary depending on the type of upgrade and the sailing date. Stateroom upgrades typically start at $100 per night, while dining upgrades can range from $25 to $50 per person. Spa treatments start at $50 and shore excursions start at $25 per person. Airfare and ground transportation costs will vary depending on the destination.

How do I know if my bid was successful?

If your bid is successful, you will receive an email confirmation from Celebrity Cruise. The confirmation email will include details about your upgrade, such as the type of upgrade, the price, and the date of the upgrade.

What happens if my bid is not successful?

If your bid is not successful, you will not be charged for the upgrade. You will still be able to enjoy your cruise with the amenities that were included in your original booking.

Can I bid on more than one upgrade at a time?

Yes, you can bid on more than one upgrade at a time. However, you must be aware that if you are successful in bidding on more than one upgrade, you will be charged for each upgrade.

How long do Celebrity Cruise upgrades last?

Celebrity Cruise upgrades typically last for the duration of your cruise. However, some upgrades, such as airfare and ground transportation, may only be valid for a certain number of days.

What are the benefits of bidding on Celebrity Cruise upgrades?

There are a number of benefits to bidding on Celebrity Cruise upgrades, including:

• The opportunity to upgrade to a more spacious or luxurious stateroom
• The chance to enjoy exclusive dining experiences
• The opportunity to relax in a spa treatment
• The opportunity to explore new destinations
• The opportunity to save money on airfare and ground transportation

How can I learn more about Celebrity Cruise upgrades?

You can learn more about Celebrity Cruise upgrades by visiting the company’s website or by calling 1-800-437-3111.

bidding on Celebrity Cruise upgrades can be a great way to get a better deal on your next cruise. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of winning an upgrade and enjoy a more luxurious cruise experience.

Here are a few key takeaways:

• The best time to bid on upgrades is typically 7-10 days before your cruise.
• The most popular upgrades are stateroom categories, balcony locations, and dining packages.
• You can bid on upgrades using the Celebrity Cruise website or app.
• Your bid should be based on the value of the upgrade and your willingness to pay.
• If you’re not successful in winning an upgrade, you can always try again on your next cruise.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting the upgrade of your dreams and enjoying a more luxurious cruise experience.

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Cruise FAQs

How to bid on celebrity cruise upgrades.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Access to exclusive amenities and events
• More space in upgraded cabin
• Skip long lines with priority boarding
• Experience personalized service from dedicated staff

Understand the Upgrade Process

Research the Available Upgrade Options

Set a budget for your upgrade bid, determine the value of the upgrade, submit your bid, monitor the bidding process, increase your bid if necessary, receive confirmation of your upgrade, enjoy the benefits of your celebrity cruise upgrade, share your experience and feedback, frequently asked questions, is there a limit to the number of bids i can submit for a celebrity cruise upgrade, can i bid on an upgrade after i have already booked my celebrity cruise, are there any restrictions on the type of cabin i can bid for an upgrade on, how long does it typically take to receive confirmation of a successful upgrade bid, is there a possibility of being upgraded to a higher category than what i bid for.

Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform.

With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

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Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform. With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

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I got upgraded & saved $2,000 on my celebrity cruise, cruising with celebrity cruises is not cheap..

Known for their luxury cruising, this subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group, which of course also operates Royal Caribbean International, will set you back several more dollars than some of the other cruise lines. However, if you know how to do it, you can get a very good deal on some of the best rooms on their ships. I just saved almost $2,000 on my upcoming cruise on Celebrity’s brand new ship, Celebrity Beyond, and now I’m going to tell you exactly how to do the same. 

I typically cruise solo. The majority of my cruises have been solo, and all of the future cruises I have booked are also solo. I mention this because Celebrity does offer some solo cabins on their E-class, or Edge-class, ships. These rooms, known as the Edge Single Stateroom with Infinite Veranda, feature a queen bed and desk, 184 square feet of living space, and a 42 square foot Veranda. I typically book them because, as a solo cruiser, they are the cheapest rooms I can book on an Edge-class ship, always cheaper than even interior staterooms! 

However, despite booking this room a few times, I have yet to stay in one.

Celebrity, like several of the other cruise lines, offers a bidding program for upgrades on their ships. Called MoveUp, the offer to bid for an upgrade will typically be delivered to your inbox roughly a month before sailing. You will be presented with several options of staterooms that are all higher categories than the stateroom in which you are currently booked. 

In my case, I was presented with the option of bidding on a Concierge Class stateroom with a minimum bid of $100 per person (you have to pay for double occupancy, even for solo travelers – so double the bid amount), an Aqua Class stateroom with a minimum bid of $200 per person, a Sky Suite for a minimum of $800 per person, and options up to an Edge Villa for well over $5,000 per person. These are all minimum bids, so of course, you want to up your bid a bit from the minimum to increase your odds of “winning” an upgrade. You do have to provide a credit card at the time you place your bid, as you will be charged immediately once your bid is accepted. You have no right of refusal once your bid is accepted – you will be on the hook for the total amount. 

Ultimately I bid $125 ($250 total) for the Concierge Class and $225 ($450 total) for the Aqua Class stateroom. You can revisit the MoveUp page and modify, cancel, or add to your bids as much as you’d like before the bid is accepted. About 10 days before my sailing I checked and the Concierge bid had been marked as “expired”, while the Aqua bid was still “pending”, and I had no option to modify or cancel anything. From previous experiences with MoveUp, I knew that this meant it was only a matter of time before I’d receive the official email stating my stateroom had been upgraded. 

Exactly one week from my sail date I received the email confirming my bid was accepted! I had been upgraded from my Deck 6 solo veranda to an Aqua Class veranda on Deck 10. I wouldn’t say I liked the initial Aqua Class room assignment that Celebrity gave me, so I gave them a call and they were happy to change my stateroom, so long as it was in the same category. 

Once I had been officially upgraded I checked the current prices of the two categories, and realized there was about a $2,000 difference in the price of the two rooms! Taking off the $450 I paid for the upgrade, my MoveUp experience saved me about $1500 ! 

The bottom line is this…

Using MoveUp, or RoyalUp if you’re sailing on Royal Caribbean, can save you thousands of dollars and get you into a much nicer room than the one you initially booked. While it’s not always guaranteed to happen, since the ship could sell out leaving no rooms to be bid on, you could technically book the cheapest room available on the ship with your original booking, and use MoveUp to get into the room you want closer to sailing date.

The Discussion

Thanks I’ve been learning a lot from your content areas. Ready to try this out 🙂

Thank you, Rosanne! I am so happy you have found the content useful. I hope you get a great upgrade, too! 🙂

I just got moved up from interior room to aquaclass. On this particular sailing the aquaclass comes with the basice wifi and basic drink package. Do you know if those extra perks will still be included or do we still have to buy those separately? Thank you for your help

Hi Christina, unfortunately the answer is no. You will keep any packages you had (or didn’t have) on your original stateroom. With MoveUp you just get a room upgrade and you’ll have to add the WiFi and drink package separately.

Hi Zach, Would you advise does it include dining in Blu I win the bid for the Aqua stateroom? Thanks in advance.

Yes, it does! I just returned from Celebrity Solstice where I was upgraded to Aqua for only $200 total and enjoyed Blu several nights of the voyage.

Hello ! I have read conflicting info on this exact question. Do you have any advice on how to find out the actual answer???

Check out the FAQs on this page, particularly the one about promotions:

Click here for MoveUp info

Thank you for the information! Love it! Have you bid many times before? Do you know how easy is it to change the room if they give you an upgrade but it’s to the very front or back of the ship or above a bar or something? Can you request a section of the ship? Also, if 2 people in the room, do you each have to bid? Just curious ! Thank you!

I have bid and been successful a few times in the past. It is quite easy to change the room so long as you’re within the same stateroom category. Just call up Celebrity and let them know you’d like to pick a new room. Each person in the room is included in the bid for the room and if you’re solo you have to bid for 2 people. Whatever price you select as your bid is multiplied by the number of people in the room and that is your final upgrade price.

Thank you! One other question is if we get a Retreat level room on move up, will we have access to the Retreat pool area?

You sure will! You will not receive any perks like drink packages and internet. But you will still have exclusive access to Luminae, Retreat, etc.

Great information 👍

I have already booked and paid in full. If I bid let’s say a sky suite for $2000 and got accepted, is the $2000 on top of what I have already paid or do I get refunded for my initial payment and then get charged with the bid amount?

No, this bid amount is on top of whatever you have already paid. You will receive no refund.

Hi! So an upgrade from lower class going to a Sky Suite Class, what are the benefits of getting this upgrade? It looks like the perks (wifi, onboard credits, drink package) are not included. What about the access to premium dining exclusive to that class, a personal butler, welcoming champagne, access to private Sky Suite area of ship (if available), premium embark/disembarking, etc.

This can be deceiving as you could end up paying quite a bit more for just a room upgrade not understanding a handful of these things aren’t included!!! Are you literally just paying for the room at this point?

So in this instance, you would keep any perks associated with your original reservation. So if you did not have a drinks package, you still would not have one despite being in a suite. However, you will still receive all of the access, butler, service, and priority that come exclusively to Suite Guests.

Just need clarification in Moveup: if I already have infinite veranda room and am bidding for sky suite, I am only getting the room/retreat bonus? Not the premium Drinks or WiFi?

You are correct. You are only getting the room and access to Luminae and the Retreat. You will not receive premium drinks, WiFi, or the OBC associated with a Retreat booking.

Our cruise leaves in 7 days. We have an Ocean View room. We bid on a veranda and an Aqua Class. As of today the Veranda bid says pending and we can no longer modify or cancel this bid. The Aqua class bid can still be modified or cancelled. Do you think we at least have the veranda and possibly the Aquaclass since bids can still be modified?

In my past experience once it can no longer be modified but still says Pending, that likely means your bid has been accepted and you will soon see the charge to your card and receive the email confirmation. Usually the remaining bids will be marked Expired when this happens, though, so I am not sure what to think about your Aqua bid.

I received an email for a chance to bid on an upgrade. I made a bid on a Royal Suite. If they accept the amount, will that total be added to amount I already paid for our cruise ?

Hi Rhonda. Yes, the amount you have bid will be an additional charge on top of what you have already paid for your current stateroom.

Hi. If I bid and am successfull in upgrading from a veranda to an aqua class room, do I get the unlimited persian room access and the blu restaurant?

Yes, you do! The best perks of having Aqua Class, in my opinion!

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How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade

A real score for cruise passengers is a free or cheap cabin upgrade. Just like with airline seats, you can't count on an upgrade — but it sure feels great when it happens. Several methods will help improve your chances of landing in better cruise ship accommodations.

Before I get into details, let's start with some facts: On a typical ship, the basic categories of cruise rooms are inside (no view), outside (with window or porthole), balcony, minisuite and suite. It's rare to get more than a one-category upgrade, so don't think you can book an inside cabin and wind up in a fancy suite. More common is that you might find an upgrade to a better inside cabin . Make sure you have realistic expectations.

Your best course is always to book the nicest cabin you can afford. Here are some tricks to scoring a free or discounted cruise ship cabin upgrade and landing better cruise rooms without breaking the bank.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Look for an upgrade sale

Cruise line sales are the easiest way to score cheap or free upgraded accommodations. Various mass-market brands will run periodic promotions, especially during the fall and winter "wave season" sale periods. You might also see discounted upgrades offered on cruises during shoulder seasons, such as immediately after children return to school in the fall.

Free or discounted promotions encourage upgrades from inside cabins to ocean views and from ocean views to balconies. One tactic during these sales is to list outside and balcony cabins at the same price. If you can't find a deal on moving up a category, you might see a free upgrade to a bigger or better-located cabin within the category you originally planned to book. (Even within categories, the sizes and prices of cabins vary.)

Book a 'guarantee' cabin

When you book a cruise, you typically choose a cabin in your desired location. With a "guarantee" cabin , you leave it up to the cruise line to assign you accommodations either in the category you booked or a better one. The bet is that your category will sell out, and the cruise line will have to move you up for free — say, from an outside to a balcony cabin.

In the worst-case scenario, you end up in the category you booked; in the best case, you get your dream cabin. There is a catch, though. Since you still can't choose your specific cabin, you could end up in a noisy or otherwise undesirable area of the ship — even if the room is technically an upgrade from what you booked. For example, that great view you think you snagged may end up being blocked by lifeboats.

Related: Why it pays to upgrade your cabin

Join a loyalty program

Cruise lines naturally give upgrade preferences to frequent cruisers who are members of their loyalty programs . It's easy to join. In fact, you might be a member without even knowing it if your name was added to a cruise line's email and mailing list after your first cruise with the brand.

As a loyalty program member, look out for promotional deals you'll receive. Targeted emails and newsletters will alert you to members-only discounts or offers or inform you about upgrades before nonmembers get word. The cruise line might also send you invitations to bid for upgrades or offer discounted upgrades on cruises you've already booked.

Additionally, you can rack up points for perks that might eventually include free or discounted upgrades. For instance, if you reach the top Diamond status with Carnival Cruise Line's Very Important Fun Person loyalty program , you get a one-time free cabin upgrade.

Work with an experienced cruise travel agent

Travel agents, especially those who do a lot of business with a particular cruise line, have a certain amount of pull. Your agent might be able to snag you an upgrade by contacting the cruise line and asking for a favor. You might not know you have been upgraded until you get to the ship, as it will be based on whether or not cabins are available at the last minute.

Related: 5 reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade

Your travel adviser can also steer you toward specific cruise lines or sailings where you stand a better chance of an upgrade. Also, your agency could have access to special group rates, meaning you'll pay a discounted price for that upgraded cabin you desire.

Bid for an upgrade

A few years ago, Norwegian Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean , Celebrity Cruises and MSC Cruises were among the cruise lines that took a page from international airlines (such as Qantas and Aer Lingus) and began offering bidding programs for upgrades. Luxury river cruise line Uniworld also offers bidding.

These online programs are basically silent auctions that only select cruisers (preference is given to loyalty club members) are invited to join. The cruise line sets a minimum bid, and you can go up in price from there.

Your chance of an upgrade might be based on luck, skill or both. The advice from successful bidders is to go up from the minimum, but how much is a personal choice. Some people snag better accommodations for less than $20, some for $100 or more. You don't pay anything unless your bid is accepted.

Ask once on board

The hotel director on any cruise ship has a certain amount of discretion in moving guests to different cabins. Being bold enough to ask for an upgrade once you are on the ship could pay off.

To try your luck, you'll want to ask about an upgrade at guest services. Since the crew there will spend embarkation day fielding many questions and complaints from grumpy, travel-weary cruisers, your best bet may be to head to your assigned cabin. Then, wait until the second day of your cruise to ask for an upgrade.

Put on a big smile, be super friendly and ask if there is any chance a better cabin is available. If they don't offer you an upgrade for free, you might suggest you are willing to pay a small fee.

Related: 6 reasons you'll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

Mention your special occasion

If you're celebrating a special occasion — such as a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon — on board, the cruise line or your travel agent can find ways to fete you, including by upgrading your cabin.

When you book your cruise, note in your reservation (or remind your travel agent to note) that you're celebrating a special event in your life. Whether you are a loyal customer or a first-timer that the cruise line hopes will become a repeat cruiser, you might be rewarded with an upgrade.

This sort of upgrade would typically be a "surprise" that occurs when you check in at the pier, so you can't plan for it in advance. It never hurts to remind the staff how excited you are to be celebrating on the ship and ask if there is any chance for an upgrade.

Which cruise cabin should you choose? Learn more here:

• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 5 best cruise ship suites
• Which cruise ship cabin category should your family book?
• Why you should splurge for a suite on your next cruise
• Advantages to booking an inside cruise cabin
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly

• Celebrity Cruises

BEWARE of the MOVE UP bidding!

By Want2Cruise 701 , May 3, 2018 in Celebrity Cruises

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Want2Cruise 701

Two days ago, we got the email and were offered to bid a minimum 1,000/pp for a Royal Suite and 1,000/pp for a Penthouse Suite.

This afternoon prices dropped making the cost to upgrade to a Royal Suite less than the minimum bid of 1k.

Also, we are in a Celebrity Suite and the cost for the total cruise dropped by $1,200. I bet, but don’t know for sure, the people that were given the option to upgrade to a celebrity Suite were overbidding from the start.

Maybe there are deals to be had but be very careful. You really have to be watching prices and know the price history for your particular sailing. Good thing we didn’t bite.

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Kiwifromkiev

Good to know, thank you! How do you keep record of prices and how often do you check?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

One more reason to stick with our inside and OV cabins. Far less stress and drama. ;)

But what if these reduce in price and you can get a Royal Suite for the price of IC ? [emoji23]

But what if these reduce in price and you can get a Royal Suite for the price of IC ? [emoji23]     Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

But what are the chances? I am sure that someone will come on here and say they got an RS for an unbelievable price...remember, you need an email to bid...

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But what are the chances? I am sure that someone will come on here and say they got an RS for an unbelievable price...remember, you need an email to bid...     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I don’t expect an email- not special enough [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Two days ago, we got the email and were offered to bid a minimum 1,000/pp for a Royal Suite and 1,000/pp for a Penthouse Suite.   This afternoon prices dropped making the cost to upgrade to a Royal Suite less than the minimum bid of 1k.   Also, we are in a Celebrity Suite and the cost for the total cruise dropped by $1,200. I bet, but don’t know for sure, the people that were given the option to upgrade to a celebrity Suite were overbidding from the start.   Maybe there are deals to be had but be very careful. You really have to be watching prices and know the price history for your particular sailing. Good thing we didn’t bite.

What is the length of your sailing and are you before

or after final payment date?

If the bid ranges I was sent are any indication, we won't be seeing much bragging. Unlike NCL, who started this upgrade bidding concept, Celebrity doesn't appear to be offering much in the way of deals.

What is the length of your sailing and are you before or after final payment date?

Well after final payment. Cruise is June 9. 7 night Eastern on the Equinox.

Celebrity has the Best Price Guarantee :

For a request submitted after the due date of final payment AND the booking is within 48 hours from creation, the following applies:

Request for a Lower Cruise Fare

Celebrity will apply an onboard credit to the booking in the amount of 110% of the difference in price.

Request to Add or Change an Added Value Offer

Celebrity will 1) apply an Added Value Offer to booking and 2) go to prevailing eligible cruise fare

Thanks. Knowing the length of the cruise is important when trying to analyze whether $1,000 is a "deal" or not. Obviously, as you stated, it's no deal for a 7 night cruise. But if it were that price for a 14 night cruise...........

Celebrity has the Best Price Guarantee : For a request submitted after the due date of final payment AND the booking is within 48 hours from creation, the following applies:   Request for a Lower Cruise Fare Celebrity will apply an onboard credit to the booking in the amount of 110% of the difference in price. Request to Add or Change an Added Value Offer Celebrity will 1) apply an Added Value Offer to booking and 2) go to prevailing eligible cruise fare

This has absolutely no relevance to the Celebrity Move Up email for bidding??? You obviously have no idea what this new program is about!

We have had good luck in the past by watching prices, and upgrading ourselves as the price came down after final payment. Celebrity has always allowed us to pay the difference between the new price and what we already paid for our current cabin. A lot of good deals are to be had for those who closely watch prices.

I called this week to get and idea of how much it would be to upgrade, only to be told that travel agents would be offered client upgrades at a later time. I took this to mean that I could not just purchase one.

You can just check it on the Celebrity website. If there is a higher level cabin showing available and you are willing to pay the difference between that price and what you paid, I would say there was a miscommunication. If you used a TA then you can let them know you want to change or call Celebrity if you booked direct.

Since you called maybe they thought you were looking for a reduced rate to upgrade.

Good luck, either way.

I wonder if this means that because of the new ‘Move Up’ program, X will stop allowing upgrades (if pricing has dropped) after FP to existing bookings unless you have received a MoveUp email?

That seems to be the in line with X “corporisation” :(

I just upgraded to a higher category due to price drop with no issues after FP. Just note the higher category was still a paid upgrade (meaning it was at a higher price than I paid for the original cabin I was upgrading from). I could be wrong but in past with Royal the upgrade still had to be at a higher cost to what you currently had to allow them to upgrade you....meaning that if the new higher category was at a lower cost then you needed to upgrade higher to something that increased the price to over what you already paid.

I am confused about this. Does it mean that if we booked up a year ago, like we did for our Baltic cruise in three weeks and the price has come down, Celebrity would either give us on board credit or upgrade us? We would not want to upgrade, but would not say no to some OBC!

You are correct. Celebrity's policy has been (and presumably hasn't changed). You can change cabin class after final payment as long as the new cabin costs at least $1 more than you have paid for your current cabin (note: I assume that non refundable fares would have a change charge applied in addition to whatever the difference in price. I also assume that you can't move from your non-refundable fare to a refundable fare or vice versa, even after the final payment date).

Current price of the cabin you have booked has no relevance in this transaction...it is the difference between what you paid and the price of the current cost of the new cabin.

I just read the information on the Celebrity website about the Moving Up program. Question for anyone who has upgraded: If we bid to move up to a Suite (which would include all four perks, and other benefits), will the price we paid for the Go Best package we bought with the original booking be refunded to us?

Yes, that is correct about it having to be a higher cost, but I wondered if X were going to phase it out with the new ‘MoveUp’ programme coming online? Expect they will wait and see how it works out?

Depends if you booked in the U.K.? If so, no, usually you have to stay with what you paid and especially after FP and not wanting an actual upgrade. Even prior to FP, you would have to rebook and lose your deposit if you booked in the U.K.

When I read the terms and conditions in the email, the move up program does not include any benefits at all. I also called the Captains Club to check. The Move Up does not include anything at all even for Suites.

So the answer is No. Your will not get refunded. Your package will stay. If you have the Go best currently it will stay. Whatever you have on reservation currently stays but nothing will be added. And, if you don't have any perks or obc on your reservation, you will not get any with the Move Up.

Suites don't always come with the Go Best. And, our current sailing, they are offering the Royal Suite and Penthouse suite for a discounted rate without any perks. I was surprised when I saw that. They really want to move those cabins.

Unfortunately, if your cruise is in three weeks, then I'm sorry you are out of luck like the rest of us. Our Celebrity Suite dropped 1,200 in a day. :mad:If there is a higher cabin available that is atleast $1 more, than you can call X to upgrade to that.

If you are before final payment, they will adjust the booking to the lower rate. Perks don't always carry over. When you make a change to a reservation, you are taking the rate with the current promotion or no promotion.

Where are you located? We sail in 34 days, and the Captains Club was willing to upgrade me to the Royal Suite for $800/pp. without any hesitation. I declined. I also received the move up email.

Not that Celebrity cares, but I called to tell them that I can upgrade to the Royal Suite for the current online pricing of $800/pp more with go best and my move up email was a starting bid of $1,000 more. Which they considered a weak bid.

Again, they don't care, but I wanted them to know that we are not stupid and their shenanigans are getting out of control.

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Disembarkation: Everything You Need to Know

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: April 27th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

Make the most of the day in your disembarkation port, which will run all the more smoothly with a little preparation and planning.

Disembarking a cruise ship is not the same as checking out of a hotel on your last day. Disembarkation day is a carefully choreographed event. It has to be, with sometimes 2,000 guests or more and their luggage to move from the ship to the cruise terminal and beyond in a short time.

Your Celebrity Cruises crew are highly experienced in this logistical exercise, though, and will do all they can to make that bittersweet goodbye as easy as possible.

What is a disembarkation port?

A disembarkation port is a port where a cruise ends. Most passengers will leave the ship here, apart from those who have booked back-to-back cruises.

The ship will then be “turned around”—cleaned top to bottom, refueled, and re-provisioned with everything that’s needed for the next voyage.

Once all the disembarking guests have left, after a brief lull, new arrivals will begin to check in, ready for the next cruise.

Typical disembarkation ports tend to be gateway cities with good air and road access, like Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale in Florida; Cape Liberty, New Jersey; and San Juan, Puerto Rico in the Caribbean.

In Europe , disembarkation ports include Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and Southampton, England. Sydney, Australia and Singapore are two of Celebrity’s disembarkation ports in the Asia-Pacific region.

What happens on disembarkation day?

Disembarkation day is a busy day on a cruise ship. You’ll be invited to put your luggage outside your stateroom the night before. It will be collected by the crew overnight and will be waiting for you in the terminal when you leave the ship.

You’ll make sure your final bill is settled the day before, pack your carry-on luggage, and have breakfast. When your pre-allocated disembarkation time comes, make your way to the gangway.

You will then identify and claim your luggage in the terminal, clear customs, and take whatever onward transportation you’ve arranged.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Embarkation Day

How will I know on board what to expect on disembarkation day?

Towards the end of your cruise, there will be a talk on disembarkation procedures. This will be shown on your stateroom TV, too, in case you miss it. You’ll also find details in the daily program.

You will already have been asked about your arrangements on disembarkation day. These might include a transfer to the airport arranged by Celebrity Cruises, or a shore excursion that ends at the airport.

You may have made independent plans, in which case you will need to add your flight details to the form you’ll be given, or the time your private pickup is booked.

A day or so before the voyage ends, your stateroom attendant will deliver a disembarkation letter and a set of colored luggage tags. The letter will tell you what time you are due to disembark. On the day, you will be called by group number or color code. You should stick to these staggered times to avoid congestion at the gangway.

If you’re not happy with the time you have been allocated, take it up with Guest Services as soon as possible rather than waiting until disembarkation day.

Do I have to put my luggage out for collection the night before disembarkation?

The vast majority of cruisers put their luggage outside their stateroom door, color-tagged and locked, the night before disembarkation. It’s more convenient and practical, as dragging heavy bags into crowded elevators and down a sometimes steep gangway is no fun for anybody.

But if you feel strongly about hanging onto your bag, or are perhaps traveling light with only a small wheelie on a short cruise, you can opt for “self disembarkation”. This usually means you can leave the ship as soon as disembarkation has begun.

How long can you stay on the ship on disembarkation day?

Disembarkation day isn’t a time to linger on board as the crew has to work hard to prepare the ship for the next voyage. Normally, there’s a window between around 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for disembarkation. If your flight isn’t until much later, you will be given a later slot in this window, but this isn’t a day to expect to sleep in.

If you’ve booked a back-to-back cruise, you can relax on board during disembarkation day, or join a shore excursion while the new guests are checking in.

You will normally be asked to vacate your stateroom by 8 a.m. so the stateroom attendant can prepare it for the next guest. If your allocated disembarkation time is later than this, there will be public areas on the ship where you can relax with your carry-on before you leave.

Read: The Only Cruise Packing List You’ll Ever Need

How early can you get off?

A ship will usually only have a short distance to travel from its penultimate port to the disembarkation port to account for any delays or weather issues; no cruise line wants to arrive late on turnaround day. So you may find you’re docked alongside very early in the morning.

But the ship has to be cleared by the local authorities before anybody can leave. Luggage has to be offloaded, too.

When you book your cruise, you will be told about the earliest reasonable flight departure time to choose. A very early morning flight, for example, is usually impractical. If you do have a relatively early flight, this will be factored in when disembarkation groups are allocated.

Disembarkation times vary from port to port, but it is unusual for the process to begin any earlier than 7 a.m.

Is there time for breakfast?

Of course! You are still on vacation and will never be sent away hungry. Most of the usual breakfast venues will be open, including Café al Bacio for coffee to go.

Restaurants may be busier than usual as everybody is preparing to leave within the same short timespan, and some people may have already left their staterooms and will be carrying their hand baggage with them.

Read: What Is Food on a Cruise Really Like?

What documents do I need for disembarkation and customs?

You will need your passport and receipts for any duty-free goods you have bought, in case you get stopped at customs. Normally, the ship will have been cleared by the local immigration authorities, but you may still be required to show a passport to officials when you disembark.

If you have already checked in for your flight and feel happier with a paper boarding pass, you can print this out in the ship’s internet center. If you’ve parked your car at the port, make sure you have the receipt and know where it is.

You will also need your SeaPass key card to leave the ship for one last time.

How long does it take to get off a cruise ship?

If everybody follows the instructions they have been given and shows up at the gangway when invited, getting off a ship is quick and easy. You should be able to disembark in 15 to 30 minutes, including collecting your baggage in the terminal.

There can be delays, though, and the ship is at the whim of the local immigration authorities. This is another compelling reason for leaving plenty of time between your scheduled disembarkation time and your flight home.

If you have booked an airport transfer or a disembarkation day tour with Celebrity, your transportation will wait until everybody is present.

How do I choose the right disembarkation port for my cruise?

First, to be clear, you can’t choose where to disembark your cruise. Unless there is some kind of personal emergency or you have booked two back-to-back cruises, everybody disembarks on the same day in the same port.

It’s worth thinking about where your cruise ends, though, and what you might want to do to extend your vacation. If, for example, you’ve always wanted to see Athens and you’ve booked a cruise that ends in the Greek capital, you’re not going to actually see Athens unless you extend your stay there. The transfer from the port to the airport will not take you through the city center.

The same applies to Rome and Barcelona . So by all means pick a disembarkation port that you want to see, but bear in mind that unless the ship arrives there the day before the end of the cruise, you will need to add on a night somewhere, or book an evening flight and plan your day carefully.

Can I arrange transportation from the disembarkation port to the airport or other destinations?

Yes, of course. Celebrity Cruises offers airport transfers, which can be pre-booked, either as a group transfer by coach or a private car or van. If you haven’t pre-booked and decide that you would like an airport transfer, this can be done on board through your Guest Account or the Celebrity Cruises app up to five days before the end of the cruise.

In the vast majority of disembarkation ports, taxis will wait to pick up independent travelers. But do your research first; in some instances, the airport is a long way from the seaport. If you disembark in Southampton, England , for example, the drive to London Heathrow Airport is at least one hour and a taxi will be expensive.

What happens if my flight is in the evening?

An evening flight means you have the whole day to enjoy your disembarkation port. But this needs to be planned, as you will most likely have luggage. There’s no fun in going straight to the airport and sitting there for eight hours or so—and your flight check-in will not be open, in any case.

There are various ways to make the most of your time in your disembarkation port. You could go to the airport and deposit your bags in a left luggage locker and then take off for a day in town. This is only practical if the airport is not too far from where you want to go, though.

Booking a day room in a hotel is an option and also means you can freshen up before your evening flight. Be sure to book somewhere that will allow early check-in.

Celebrity Cruises offers tours with airport and sometimes rail station and downtown hotel drop-offs in most ports. In Sydney , for example, you could join a city tour taking in the Opera House and Bondi Beach before being dropped off at the airport.

From Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, Italy , there’s the option of joining a wine-tasting tour in the Italian countryside before heading to the airport.

If your Alaska cruise ends in Vancouver , you could take a trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, deep in the forest, that ends with an airport drop-off.

Best of all, you could extend your stay. Celebrity Cruises offers a comprehensive City Stays program , which means everything will be organized for you.

In Alaska , you could pre-book a Cruisetour to extend your vacation, heading off to the wilds of Denali National Park to see a different face of the 49th state.

What are some things not to do on disembarkation day?

• Don’t pack all your clothes in your suitcase and leave it for collection the night before. Nobody wants to be disembarking in their PJs.
• Similarly, don’t pack your travel documents in your checked luggage. Keep them with you as you may need to show your passport in the customs hall.
• Don’t party too hard on your last night; while it’s tempting, disembarkation day is busy and comes with an early start, so a clear head helps.
• Don’t forget the valuables that you put in the safe on the first day.
• Don’t wait until disembarkation morning to check your final bill. If you need to ask questions about your account, this will delay your disembarkation. You can view your statement on your stateroom TV.
• Do not expect to use the ship’s facilities on disembarkation day; this is not the time for a last swim or a workout, and the onboard shops will be closed when the ship is in port.
• Don’t leave your key card in your stateroom. You will need it to leave the ship for the last time.
• Leave the bathrobe. The slippers are yours to take, but if you walk off with a bathrobe, the cost will be added to your account, even after you have left the ship.

Read: Things Not to Do on a Cruise

Ready to plan your next cruise vacation? Browse our itineraries and plan your dream escape.

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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