Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known for its all-inclusive luxury experience—fine dining, spacious suites, personalized service, and exotic destinations. However, even within this high-end cruise line, not all cabins are created equal. Travelers often wonder how they can elevate their onboard experience by upgrading their cruise cabin or suite. Whether you’re looking to move from a Veranda Suite to a Concierge Suite or want the exclusivity of a Penthouse, upgrading your Regent Seven Seas Cruises cabin can significantly enhance your voyage.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every detail—how cabin upgrades work on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, what options are available, how much you might pay, and the best strategies to secure an upgrade before or after booking.
Before learning how to upgrade, it’s essential to understand the hierarchy of Regent Seven Seas’ staterooms. Unlike mass-market cruise lines, Regent operates exclusively with suite accommodations, meaning every guest already enjoys a level of luxury. However, the size, amenities, and privileges vary significantly among categories.
Veranda Suite – The entry-level suite that still offers a private balcony, sitting area, marble bathroom, and king-sized bed.
Deluxe Veranda Suite – Slightly larger with enhanced furnishings and a more spacious balcony.
Concierge Suite – Includes additional perks such as priority dining reservations, early shore excursion bookings, and a one-night pre-cruise hotel package.
Penthouse Suite – Offers a separate living area, a personal butler, and enhanced in-suite dining options.
Seven Seas Suite, Explorer Suite, Grand Suite, and Master Suite – These top-tier accommodations feature multiple rooms, expansive balconies, and ultra-luxurious décor.
Each step up not only adds square footage but also comes with new levels of comfort and exclusivity.
Many travelers book an initial suite and later decide to upgrade for a variety of reasons. The most common include:
Special occasions – Honeymoons, anniversaries, or milestone birthdays deserve a suite that matches the celebration.
Longer voyages – On cruises lasting over 10 nights, the extra space and butler service can make a world of difference.
Enhanced privacy – Upgrading to a higher deck or a suite located farther from public areas ensures a quieter experience.
Added perks – Concierge and above categories include pre-cruise hotels, priority services, and more luxurious in-room amenities.
Better views – Upgrading can secure mid-ship or forward-facing suites with unobstructed ocean panoramas.
You can typically upgrade your Regent Seven Seas Cruises cabin at several points throughout your booking journey.
At the time of booking – The easiest and often most cost-effective time to upgrade.
Before final payment – You can contact your travel advisor or Regent’s reservations team to inquire about available suites.
After final payment – Occasionally, unsold suites are released at discounted upgrade rates.
Close to departure – Within 90 days of sailing, Regent sometimes sends upgrade offers through its Upgrade Advantage program.
At embarkation – Though rare, upgrades at the port may be available if suites remain unbooked.
Regent Seven Seas introduced the Upgrade Advantage program to give guests a chance to bid for higher-category suites after booking. Here’s how it typically works:
Once you’re eligible, you’ll receive an email invitation from Regent with the chance to participate.
The email includes available upgrade categories and a sliding scale where you can place your bid.
You can choose to bid for multiple categories—for example, from Veranda to Concierge or from Concierge to Penthouse.
You only pay if your bid is successful, and Regent will notify you before the cruise if your upgrade has been confirmed.
The Upgrade Advantage program is not available on every voyage, and the invitations are typically sent based on availability and demand.
Because Regent Seven Seas is a luxury cruise line, even upgrades come at a premium. There’s no flat rate, as prices depend on several factors:
Length of cruise – Longer voyages have higher per-night upgrade costs.
Ship and itinerary – Popular routes like the Mediterranean or Alaska may cost more than transoceanic voyages.
Seasonality – Cruises during peak seasons (summer, holidays) have fewer available upgrades.
Suite difference – Moving from a Veranda to a Concierge might be a few hundred dollars per person, while upgrading to a Penthouse could be several thousand.
In the Upgrade Advantage bidding system, guests often win upgrades at 20–50% below the standard fare difference, but this varies greatly by sailing.
If you’re ready to enhance your onboard experience, there are several ways to request an upgrade:
Through your travel advisor – If you booked via a travel agency, your advisor can monitor available suites and help negotiate an upgrade.
Directly with Regent Seven Seas – Call their reservations department and inquire about available categories.
During the Upgrade Advantage invitation – Submit your bid once you receive the email offer.
At the cruise terminal – Occasionally, unoccupied higher suites can be purchased upon check-in.
Be polite and express genuine interest. Cruise line staff are more likely to accommodate passengers who show appreciation for the brand.
On rare occasions, Regent Seven Seas may offer complimentary upgrades. These typically occur when the ship is oversold in certain categories and needs to free up lower-level suites. Complimentary upgrades are never guaranteed and often depend on:
Your loyalty tier within the Regent Society program.
How early you booked your cruise.
The overall occupancy of the sailing.
Guests with elite status or long-standing history with Regent are sometimes prioritized for complimentary upgrades.
If you want to increase your chances of an upgrade without necessarily paying a fortune, here are a few proven tips:
Book early and choose a “guarantee” suite – Regent sometimes offers guarantee bookings, meaning you pay for a minimum suite category and the cruise line assigns your actual cabin later. If higher categories remain unsold, you may receive an upgrade automatically.
Sail during shoulder seasons – Book cruises in months like April, May, September, or November when demand is lower.
Work with a Regent-specialized travel advisor – Experienced agents often have insight into unsold inventory and can alert you when upgrade opportunities appear.
Be flexible – The more open you are about suite location and category, the better your upgrade chances.
Join Regent Society – Regent’s loyalty program rewards repeat travelers with onboard credits, priority bookings, and potential complimentary upgrades.
Avoid fully-booked itineraries – Voyages nearing capacity have minimal upgrade potential. Look for itineraries with open availability.
Monitor pricing regularly – If the price difference between your booked suite and a higher category decreases, you may be able to upgrade for less before final payment.
Upgrading your Regent Seven Seas cabin can transform your journey. Beyond the added space and luxury, the entire tone of your vacation shifts.
Personalized service: In higher suites like Penthouse or above, a dedicated butler manages everything from unpacking to arranging private dinners.
In-room dining: You can enjoy full-course meals served course-by-course in your suite.
Spa-style bathrooms: Larger suites often feature separate soaking tubs, rain showers, and dual vanities.
Enhanced relaxation: Spacious living areas and extended balconies let you unwind without visiting public lounges.
Exclusive amenities: Priority dining reservations, private shore excursions, and even exclusive events for suite guests may be included.
These differences make an upgrade more than just extra space—it’s a gateway to the most refined version of luxury cruising.
Pre-cruise upgrades usually cost less and offer more certainty. You can plan your packing, excursions, and expectations around your confirmed suite.
Onboard upgrades, if available, often come at a premium and are based on last-minute cancellations or unsold inventory. However, some guests enjoy the thrill of securing an unexpected deal at embarkation.
If your heart is set on a specific suite type, it’s always better to confirm it before departure rather than gamble on availability.
The Regent Seven Seas Society rewards returning guests with various perks. As your cruise count and nights at sea increase, so does your membership level. Higher tiers like Platinum and Titanium often enjoy better upgrade opportunities, early access to booking windows, and exclusive invitations for special suites.
Members also receive priority consideration during overbookings, meaning you might be among the first offered a complimentary or discounted upgrade if it becomes necessary for balancing occupancy.
Myth 1: All upgrades are free: While some cruise lines occasionally offer complimentary upgrades, on Regent Seven Seas they are relatively rare and not to be expected.
Myth 2: Bidding guarantees success: Even if you place a high bid through Upgrade Advantage, Regent still evaluates overall demand, passenger status, and suite availability before accepting.
Myth 3: Upgrades are only for new bookings: You can request an upgrade at nearly any stage—before or after final payment, and sometimes even after boarding.
Myth 4: All suites are the same: Every suite level on Regent offers different perks and dimensions, so upgrading genuinely enhances the onboard experience.
If your budget allows, booking a higher category from the start offers peace of mind and access to perks immediately. For example, Concierge Suite guests enjoy free pre-cruise hotels and priority bookings that can’t be added later through a post-booking upgrade.
However, if you’re flexible and enjoy a little risk, booking a lower suite and later bidding or inquiring for an upgrade might save money. The key is balancing certainty with cost efficiency.
If your upgrade request or bid isn’t successful, don’t be discouraged. Regent’s standard suites are still among the most luxurious in the cruise industry. Every guest—regardless of category—enjoys:
Unlimited shore excursions
Fine dining in specialty restaurants without extra charge
Unlimited beverages, including premium spirits and wines
Prepaid gratuities
24-hour room service
Free Wi-Fi
Even in a Veranda Suite, you’ll still experience an all-inclusive luxury voyage unlike any mainstream cruise.
To help you visualize potential upgrade paths, here are some realistic examples:
From Veranda to Concierge Suite
Cost difference: Approximately $800–$1,500 per person on a 10-night cruise.
Benefits gained: Priority reservations, pre-cruise hotel, and early embarkation privileges.
From Concierge to Penthouse Suite
Cost difference: Around $2,000–$3,500 per person depending on sailing length.
Benefits gained: Butler service, expanded living space, and enhanced dining experiences.
From Penthouse to Master Suite
Cost difference: Can exceed $5,000 per person, but includes an ultra-luxurious two-room configuration, massive balcony, and exclusive décor.
These examples illustrate how upgrades can scale from practical to extravagant depending on your travel preferences and budget.
While the tangible benefits of an upgraded suite are obvious, there’s also an emotional satisfaction that comes from indulging in a more refined space. The experience feels more exclusive, less crowded, and deeply personal. The serenity of waking up to panoramic sea views in a grand suite can transform the entire mood of your journey.
For many travelers, the value of an upgrade isn’t just measured in square footage—it’s in how it enhances their sense of relaxation and joy throughout the voyage.
Compare fares frequently: Regent’s pricing can fluctuate based on promotions or cabin availability.
Ask for price protection: If your suite category’s fare drops before final payment, you can sometimes adjust your booking.
Book back-to-back cruises: Regent occasionally rewards longer itineraries with complimentary category upgrades.
Use travel agent perks: Certain agencies offer exclusive upgrades or onboard credits that offset costs.
Avoid peak demand sailings: Holiday and summer cruises sell out quickly, leaving little room for affordable upgrades.
Being strategic about timing can save you thousands while still securing a more comfortable suite.
Whether a Regent Seven Seas Cruises cabin upgrade is “worth it” depends on your expectations and budget. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or embarking on a longer voyage, the extra comfort and personalized attention of a higher suite can dramatically elevate the experience.
For travelers who value serenity, private dining, and personalized service, the investment in an upgraded suite delivers exceptional returns. On the other hand, if you’re already satisfied with a spacious Veranda Suite and prefer spending more time exploring shore excursions, your current cabin may be perfectly adequate.
Ultimately, Regent Seven Seas is about curated luxury—every suite offers refinement, but an upgrade adds another layer of indulgence that transforms a great cruise into an unforgettable one.
Upgrading your Regent Seven Seas Cruises cabin is more than just a change of room—it’s an enhancement of your entire journey. From additional amenities and larger living spaces to exclusive privileges and personalized butler service, an upgrade opens the door to the full potential of Regent’s all-inclusive luxury.
Whether you opt for a pre-booking upgrade, participate in the Upgrade Advantage program, or keep an eye out for onboard offers, the key lies in understanding your priorities and acting at the right time.
For travelers who cherish sophistication, comfort, and unforgettable moments at sea, a Regent Seven Seas suite upgrade isn’t just an option—it’s an invitation to experience cruising at its finest.
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