Cruising with Princess Cruises is one of the most memorable vacation experiences — combining comfort, adventure, and luxury at sea. However, one question that often crosses every traveler’s mind is: Can I upgrade my Princess Cruise cabin? The short answer is yes, and there are multiple ways to do it — from bidding on an upgrade to using loyalty perks or even getting a complimentary bump.
Whether you’re dreaming of waking up to an ocean-view balcony or want to enjoy the lavish space of a suite, this detailed guide will explain every aspect of how to upgrade your Princess Cruise cabin — step by step.
Before exploring the upgrade process, it’s important to understand the cabin categories on Princess Cruises. Princess offers several stateroom types, and knowing where your current booking stands helps you make smarter upgrade choices.
Interior Staterooms:These are the most affordable cabins on the ship. They don’t have windows or balconies but offer cozy comfort for budget travelers.
Oceanview Staterooms:These feature a window or porthole, allowing natural light and ocean views.
Balcony Staterooms:Perfect for travelers who enjoy private outdoor space. These cabins come with a balcony, making them ideal for scenic routes like Alaska or the Mediterranean.
Mini-Suites:A step up from standard cabins, mini-suites offer more space, sitting areas, and enhanced amenities.
Suites:The top-tier accommodation with luxury perks, priority boarding, exclusive lounge access, and premium services.
When you book, your cabin type is fixed — unless you actively seek an upgrade or get lucky through complimentary offers.
Princess Cruises allows upgrades in a few distinct ways. Understanding each can help you decide which method suits your budget and travel goals.
Sometimes, Princess Cruises may automatically upgrade guests at no additional cost. These “free upgrades” are rare but possible. Usually, complimentary upgrades happen when:
The cruise is oversold in your cabin category.
You are a Captain’s Circle member with high loyalty status.
You’ve booked through a travel agent who arranged special upgrade offers.
The cruise line wants to reward repeat travelers or fill higher-category cabins.
While these free upgrades are mostly luck-based, joining the Captain’s Circle Loyalty Program increases your chances significantly.
Princess Cruises has introduced an Upgrade Bidding Program, often called Princess Upgrade. It’s one of the most popular ways to score a better cabin without paying full price.
Here’s how it works:
After booking your cruise, you’ll receive an email invitation to “Make a Bid.”
You can bid for higher-category cabins like balcony, mini-suite, or suite.
You choose how much you’re willing to pay (per person, per night).
The cruise line reviews all bids before departure and awards upgrades based on bid amount and availability.
If your bid wins, you’ll be upgraded automatically, and the cost will be charged to your card. If not, you keep your original cabin and pay nothing extra.
Tips for Winning a Princess Upgrade Bid:
Bid slightly higher than the minimum suggested range.
Bids are per person, so factor that into your total cost.
Make sure your profile and payment info are up to date.
Upgrade bids can’t be reversed once accepted, so bid only what you’re comfortable paying.
Avoid bidding if you’ve already selected a cabin with a perfect location — you might end up in a higher category but a less ideal spot.
If you don’t want to rely on bidding or luck, you can always pay for an upgrade outright. This is a direct and guaranteed way to move to a better stateroom.
To do this:
Contact your travel agent or Princess Cruises customer service.
Ask about upgrade pricing or current promotions.
Compare upgrade costs versus your current fare to see if it’s worth it.
Paying for an upgrade can sometimes be surprisingly affordable, especially during off-season cruises or last-minute offers.
Princess Cruises has a loyalty program called Captain’s Circle, which rewards frequent cruisers with exclusive perks. Members at higher tiers — particularly Platinum and Elite — enjoy priority in cabin selection, early booking privileges, and sometimes free or discounted upgrades.
Captain’s Circle Tiers:
Gold: 1 cruise completed
Ruby: 3–4 cruises completed
Platinum: 5–15 cruises
Elite: 16+ cruises
Elite members have the best chances for complimentary or early upgrade offers, especially on sold-out cruises where the line wants to optimize occupancy.
As the sailing date approaches, Princess Cruises may offer last-minute upgrades to fill premium cabins. These offers are typically emailed a few weeks before departure.
You might receive:
A “special upgrade price” email with limited-time offers.
A notification in the Princess MedallionClass app.
A call or message from your travel advisor.
These offers usually have a tight response window — sometimes only 24 to 48 hours — so acting quickly can secure great deals.
Let’s walk through the process in detail so you know exactly how to use the Princess Upgrade bid system effectively.
Book Your Cruise Normally:Start by reserving your cruise with your preferred cabin type. After confirming your booking, you’ll receive an email or notification inviting you to participate in the upgrade program.
Open the Invitation:The email subject usually says something like “You’re eligible for a cabin upgrade – make your bid today!”
Select Your Desired Upgrade Category:Choose from the available options, such as Oceanview to Balcony, or Balcony to Mini-Suite.
Set Your Bid Amount:You’ll see a sliding scale showing the minimum and maximum bid range. Move the slider to your preferred bid.
Confirm and Submit:Once you confirm, your bid enters the pool. You’ll get an email confirmation stating that your bid is under review.
Wait for Notification:A few days before sailing (or even up to 5 days prior), you’ll be notified if your bid was successful. If accepted, your card will be charged, and your new cabin details will appear in your booking.
Important Note:If your bid is successful, Princess will assign you any cabin within that higher category. You won’t be able to select the specific cabin location.
Timing plays a huge role in your chances of securing an upgrade on Princess Cruises.
Book Early:Early bookings often qualify for free or discounted upgrades through promotional offers.
Check 45–60 Days Before Departure:This is when the cruise line starts reassigning unsold cabins and sending upgrade offers.
Stay Alert 1–2 Weeks Before Departure:Last-minute upgrades are often offered during this window to fill empty premium cabins.
Cruise During Off-Peak Seasons:Off-season cruises (like late fall or early spring) have more cabin availability and better upgrade opportunities.
Technically, yes — but it’s rare. Once you’re onboard, upgrades depend solely on availability. If higher-category cabins are empty, you can inquire at Guest Services or the Purser’s Desk.
However, onboard upgrades typically come at full price, not discounted rates. So, it’s best to arrange your upgrade before sailing.
Here are some expert tips that experienced cruisers swear by when it comes to getting upgraded on Princess Cruises:
Book a “Guarantee” Cabin:A guarantee cabin means you’re guaranteed at least that category but could be placed in a higher one if available. This is one of the easiest ways to get a free upgrade.
Cruise Frequently:The more you sail with Princess, the better your odds for complimentary upgrades through loyalty perks.
Avoid Peak Season:When ships sail full (like holidays or summer vacations), upgrades are rare. Off-peak cruises offer far better chances.
Choose Newer or Larger Ships:Larger ships have more cabin inventory, creating more flexibility for upgrades.
Use a Travel Agent:Experienced agents often get access to special upgrade promotions or early notifications before the general public.
Be Flexible About Location:Don’t fixate on a specific cabin number. Accepting any cabin within the upgrade category increases your chances.
Bid Strategically:If the minimum bid is $200, try offering around $250–$275 per person. It gives you a competitive edge without overspending.
That depends on your preferences and how much time you plan to spend in your cabin.
Upgrades are Worth It If:
You love scenic routes like Alaska or the Norwegian Fjords — a balcony makes a huge difference.
You’re celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon or anniversary.
You want access to suite-level amenities and priority services.
Maybe Not Worth It If:
You spend little time in your cabin.
You’re already close to budget limits.
You have a great cabin location and don’t want to risk being moved to a less convenient spot.
If your upgrade bid wins:
Your new cabin details appear automatically in your cruise planner.
The charge is applied to your registered payment method.
You’ll receive a confirmation email showing your new room number and category.
All amenities and privileges associated with that category will be available to you.
Remember, Princess automatically assigns you a cabin in that upgraded category, so you won’t be able to pick your room location manually.
If your bid doesn’t win, nothing changes. You’ll keep your original cabin, and no charges will apply. You can still check for last-minute paid upgrades later if you wish.
If you’re cruising with family or friends, upgrading together can be tricky. Here’s what to do:
Link Your Bookings:Contact Princess Cruises or your travel agent to link your bookings. This ensures your cabins stay close even if upgraded.
Bid Together:Submit similar bids across all linked reservations. That way, the system can upgrade you as a group.
Communicate Preferences:If you’re flexible about staying apart, you can mention it to your travel agent to increase upgrade chances individually.
1. Can I choose my upgraded cabin?
No, when you upgrade through bidding or free promotions, Princess assigns a cabin within that new category.
2. Will my perks or promotions transfer to my new cabin?
Yes, all onboard perks like Princess Plus or Premier packages transfer automatically with your booking.
3. Do I lose my original cabin location if upgraded?
Yes, your new cabin will replace your previous one. Make sure you’re comfortable with that before bidding.
4. Can I cancel my upgrade once accepted?
No, upgrade bids are final once approved.
5. What if I already paid for a specific cabin location?
You can choose to opt out of the bidding system to keep your chosen cabin.
Many past passengers share positive stories about their Princess upgrade experiences:
“We bid $250 per person from Oceanview to Mini-Suite on a 10-day Caribbean cruise and won! It was totally worth it.”
“As an Elite member, I got a free balcony upgrade twice — just for being loyal.”
“We received a last-minute email offering a suite for $400 total, and it turned our vacation into a dream trip.”
These stories highlight how a little strategy — and sometimes a bit of luck — can make your cruise experience more luxurious.
Upgrading your Princess Cruise cabin is an exciting opportunity to enhance your vacation without necessarily breaking the bank. From bidding in the Princess Upgrade program to redeeming loyalty perks or taking advantage of last-minute deals, there are many smart ways to get a better stateroom.
Remember to stay flexible, bid wisely, and keep an eye on your email as your sail date approaches. Even if you start in an interior cabin, with the right approach, you could end up watching the sunset from your private balcony or relaxing in a suite.
A Princess Cruise is always special — but with a little effort and insider knowledge, your cabin upgrade can make it absolutely unforgettable.
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