How do upsells work?

[CatieM80]

Does anyone have any information on how upsells work? I am intrigued by this, and of course hopeful to be on the receiving end of one some day. But I haven't really been able to get any definitive information about them.

 

Are they offered randomly, or mostly to folks that tend to spend a lot onboard or are high up in the loyalty program?

Are they offers that you couldn't find if you searched the website yourself?

Does it help to contact Carnival and tell them you're interested?

 

I contacted my PVP about this and before I could even ask the question, she cut me off and said she couldn't help me because we had booked the sailing through a travel agent. But the travel agent said I should just keep checking the prices through Carnival, and to contact her if we wanted to upgrade. She said she's never heard of Carnival contacting people to upsell at a special rate. I'm hoping someone here might have a little more info on these and advice as to how to increase my chances of being upsold.

 

Thanks!

Catie

[sprite.4]

Out of 6 cruises I have twice been offered an upsell; one I took and one I did not. We are not big spenders, family of four in a room, no big casino losses. I have no idea how they pick and choose, but I am glad they picked me!:D

[lizardhowson]

I don't think anyone can determine the formula Carnival uses to pick which customers to offer an upsell.

 

Obviously, if the more expensive cabins are not selling well on a cruise, those with cheaper cabins might get an upgrade offer so Carnival can resell their cheaper cabin.

[873Carrollroad]

I recently received an upsell call which I accepted and I had never sailed on Carnival before. I cannot offer any information as to why my name was selected but I was glad it was!

[loxley]

Does anyone have any information on how upsells work? I am intrigued by this, and of course hopeful to be on the receiving end of one some day. But I haven't really been able to get any definitive information about them.

 

Are they offered randomly, or mostly to folks that tend to spend a lot onboard or are high up in the loyalty program?

Are they offers that you couldn't find if you searched the website yourself?

Does it help to contact Carnival and tell them you're interested?

 

I contacted my PVP about this and before I could even ask the question, she cut me off and said she couldn't help me because we had booked the sailing through a travel agent. But the travel agent said I should just keep checking the prices through Carnival, and to contact her if we wanted to upgrade. She said she's never heard of Carnival contacting people to upsell at a special rate. I'm hoping someone here might have a little more info on these and advice as to how to increase my chances of being upsold.

 

Thanks!

Catie

Booking with a TA your chances of getting the call are slim. Not saying it will not happen, but rare.

 

Do like your TA said. Keep looking and if you see a price you are happy with, call and upgrade yourself.

 

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[ShakyBeef]

Does anyone have any information on how upsells work? I am intrigued by this, and of course hopeful to be on the receiving end of one some day. But I haven't really been able to get any definitive information about them.

 

Are they offered randomly, or mostly to folks that tend to spend a lot onboard or are high up in the loyalty program?

Are they offers that you couldn't find if you searched the website yourself?

Does it help to contact Carnival and tell them you're interested?

 

I contacted my PVP about this and before I could even ask the question, she cut me off and said she couldn't help me because we had booked the sailing through a travel agent. But the travel agent said I should just keep checking the prices through Carnival, and to contact her if we wanted to upgrade. She said she's never heard of Carnival contacting people to upsell at a special rate. I'm hoping someone here might have a little more info on these and advice as to how to increase my chances of being upsold.

 

Thanks!

Catie

 

If your TA has never heard of a Carnival upsell call, you need a better TA.

 

Here's my experience, YMMV, but maybe some of it can help give you an idea of how it sometimes works...

 

I have gotten 3 calls from the Upsell Fairy (different "fairies" each time, BTW). I took 2 of the upsell offers, and turned one down. I always book my cruises directly with Carnival, through my PVP. We do tend to spend a bit onboard, a lot of people would consider us "big spenders", but I'm sure there are many that spend much more than we do. And I don't think onboard spending has to do with it, but maybe it does - I'd never thought about it. We are not high in the loyalty program - just Gold, and likely to never be Platinum. Yes, all of the offers I received were much better than what the 'normal' difference between the cabin categories would have been. I hope this helps. Good luck.:)

 

ETA: Other than a few dropped quarters into the "The Idiot Box" ( quarter-pushing machine), we don't gamble, so casino spending was definitely not a factor in our case.

Edited February 26, 2016 by ShakyBeef

[CatieM80]

Out of 6 cruises I have twice been offered an upsell; one I took and one I did not. We are not big spenders, family of four in a room, no big casino losses. I have no idea how they pick and choose, but I am glad they picked me!:D

 

Thanks Sprite.4! That's good to know you don't have to be a big spender, because we definitely are not either! But we do about 3-4 cruises a year, so I'm a little surprised we haven't been offered one. I'm wondering if using a travel agent has anything to do with it...

 

Did someone from Carnival just call you? If so, was it the same person you booked with? Also, were they offering you really great deals or do you feel you could have found similar deals on your own? Finally, did you have to accept right away or did you have a little time to think on it?

 

Sorry for the barrage of questions! I very much appreciate you sharing your info!

[CatieM80]

Booking with a TA your chances of getting the call are slim. Not saying it will not happen, but rare.

 

Do like your TA said. Keep looking and if you see a price you are happy with, call and upgrade yourself.

 

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

That's what I thought too, based on the response by my PVP. Thanks for the info! I wasn't sure if the upsell would be a much better deal than what I could find on my own.

[flatpik6]

Here's my take on one "driver" of the upsell call. Of course I could be totally wrong. As a career marketing professional, my theory makes sense to me.

 

I recently received one of the very calls in question, which I accepted. I cruise on May 16 on an 8 day Alaska itinerary.

 

My theory is that I booked this cruise a long time ago through a PVP, (as I always tend to do). We cruise pretty often and are well progressed into the VIFP program but I think these have nothing to do with it.

 

I booked this trip a long time ago and searched for weeks watching for a ridiculously low rate on a category 8E Balcony. As time has gone on, the price for my cabin type has gone waaaaay up and not come anywhere near what I paid for it. I think Carnival sees these types of early saver, low price purchases and looks for an opportunity to upsell that cruiser and resell my cabin at the much higher, current rate.

 

To me that's all there is to it. Revenue baby! The name of the game.

[CatieM80]

If your TA has never heard of a Carnival upsell call, you need a better TA.

 

Here's my experience, YMMV, but maybe some of it can help give you an idea of how it sometimes works...

 

I have gotten 3 calls from the Upsell Fairy (different "fairies" each time, BTW). I took 2 of the upsell offers, and turned one down. I always book my cruises directly with Carnival, through my PVP. We do tend to spend a bit onboard, a lot of people would consider us "big spenders", but I'm sure there are many that spend much more than we do. And I don't think onboard spending has to do with it, but maybe it does - I'd never thought about it. We are not high in the loyalty program - just Gold, and likely to never be Platinum. Yes, all of the offers I received were much better than what the 'normal' difference between the cabin categories would have been. I hope this helps. Good luck.:)

 

ETA: Other than a few dropped quarters into the "The Idiot Box" ( quarter-pushing machine), we don't gamble, so casino spending was definitely not a factor in our case.

 

That's really good info ShakyBeef! Thanks so much! It seems to be pretty random from the responses I have seen so far. Yes, I was surprised the travel agent had not heard of this. I'm also finding that she doesn't seem to be able to do anything I can't do myself. Unfortunately I'm not a big fan of my PVP either, which is why we didn't go though her initially. Oh well, first world problems. Anyway, I digress. I will go through Carnival next time and keep holding out hope to get that call!

[CatieM80]

Here's my take on one "driver" of the upsell call. Of course I could be totally wrong. As a career marketing professional, my theory makes sense to me.

 

I recently received one of the very calls in question, which I accepted. I cruise on May 16 on an 8 day Alaska itinerary.

 

My theory is that I booked this cruise a long time ago through a PVP, (as I always tend to do). We cruise pretty often and are well progressed into the VIFP program but I think these have nothing to do with it.

 

I booked this trip a long time ago and searched for weeks watching for a ridiculously low rate on a category 8E Balcony. As time has gone on, the price for my cabin type has gone waaaaay up and not come anywhere near what I paid for it. I think Carnival sees these types of early saver, low price purchases and looks for an opportunity to upsell that cruiser and resell my cabin at the much higher, current rate.

 

To me that's all there is to it. Revenue baby! The name of the game.

 

That makes a lot of sense! We actually booked this cruise (inside room on Caribbean in September) about a year in advance and the price has gone up a little since. It was a decent rate, but not amazing. Who knows what it will do as we get closer to sailing. It sounds like these calls are coming in within a few months of sailing, so maybe there is hope. I guess it couldn't hurt to contact Carnival and let them known I am interested. But probably won't help either...ha! I really appreciate you sharing your experience and thoughts.

 

ETA: Enjoy your Alaskan cruise!

Edited February 26, 2016 by CatieM80

[jh2360]

Try Google

[CatieM80]

Try Google

 

I did before I posted here. I wasn't really able to find anything useful within the last year, and I wanted to ask very specific questions. I'm glad I posted here, people have been really helpful.

[springs741]

Here's my take on one "driver" of the upsell call. Of course I could be totally wrong. As a career marketing professional, my theory makes sense to me.

 

IMy theory is that I booked this cruise a long time ago through a PVP, (as I always tend to do). We cruise pretty often and are well progressed into the VIFP program but I think these have nothing to do with it.

 

I booked this trip a long time ago and searched for weeks watching for a ridiculously low rate on a category 8E Balcony. As time has gone on, the price for my cabin type has gone waaaaay up and not come anywhere near what I paid for it. I think Carnival sees these types of early saver, low price purchases and looks for an opportunity to upsell that cruiser and resell my cabin at the much higher, current rate.

 

To me that's all there is to it. Revenue baby! The name of the game.

 

I think this is a huge driver of the upsell call.

 

I also think booking directly with Carnival increases your chance. If you book with a TA , Carnival can not contact you directly. They would have to contact your TA who in turn would have to contact you then call Carnival back. It would be much easier for Carnival to contact the potential upgrader and coordinate everything in one phone call.

 

Status doesn't seem to have anything to do with upgrade calls, IMHO. I have never been offered an upsell/upgrade. We made Platinum with 75 days in just over 4 years and have twice done family cruises. So we have paid for over 15 cruise fares.(all but 4 were Balcony staterooms) NEVER any offers.

 

Big spender? We gamble enough to get Premier offers, always play bingo, dine in the steakhouse and purchase photos. We still book some excursions thru Carnival. Neither of us drink much for medical reasons but again no offers.

 

I really think the reasons for upgrade/upsell vary so much that we may never understand the process. To those of you lucky enough, enjoy! To those of us that are not made an offer we are still going to have a wonderful cruise.

[bankofdad]

Here's my take on one "driver" of the upsell call. Of course I could be totally wrong. As a career marketing professional, my theory makes sense to me.

 

I recently received one of the very calls in question, which I accepted. I cruise on May 16 on an 8 day Alaska itinerary.

 

My theory is that I booked this cruise a long time ago through a PVP, (as I always tend to do). We cruise pretty often and are well progressed into the VIFP program but I think these have nothing to do with it.

 

I booked this trip a long time ago and searched for weeks watching for a ridiculously low rate on a category 8E Balcony. As time has gone on, the price for my cabin type has gone waaaaay up and not come anywhere near what I paid for it. I think Carnival sees these types of early saver, low price purchases and looks for an opportunity to upsell that cruiser and resell my cabin at the much higher, current rate.

 

To me that's all there is to it. Revenue baby! The name of the game.

 

This makes sense in so many ways, that I agree it might be a driver! That said, our experience is the opposite.

 

The times we have gotten the upsell call have also been when we have booked way in advance (a year in most cases) and have been watching the price of better accommodations, just as the above poster.

 

However, the only times we have received the call was when there has been a price DROP on the accommodation category we were already booked in. In some ways, it seemed to be a proactive measure on Carnival's part to get some additional cash from us prior to us noticing the price drop and asking for the better price/onboard credit compensation for the difference.

 

Got the call three times, twice in recent years. Took the last one (June on Conquest) but turned the other two down.

[ZoeyVictoria]

I have received only one upsell offer; less than $300 to move from an inside cabin to an aft wrap balcony (yes, I took it!). The call was received three days before sailing, and I was told the offer was being made only to "Platinums booked in inside cabins".

Edited February 26, 2016 by ZoeyVictoria

[CJHAN]

So we have been on 4 cruise and only gotten one up sale call. I would think it comes to those who are in popular catgorys that are more likely to sale the other so say if im in a balcony i might get an upsale for an oecan suite because its more likely that they will sale that balcony at full price then they would the suite even at a discount that is still higher in price then the balconies.

[CatieM80]

I have received only one upsell offer; less than $300 to move from an inside cabin to an aft wrap balcony (yes, I took it!). The call was received three days before sailing, and I was told the offer was being made only to "Platinums booked in inside cabins".

 

So that's pretty much exactly what I'm hoping for! Seeing the aft wrap balconies is what made me start looking into this. We are platinum booked in an inside cabin as well, so there's hope! :)

[CatieM80]

This makes sense in so many ways, that I agree it might be a driver! That said, our experience is the opposite.

 

The times we have gotten the upsell call have also been when we have booked way in advance (a year in most cases) and have been watching the price of better accommodations, just as the above poster.

 

However, the only times we have received the call was when there has been a price DROP on the accommodation category we were already booked in. In some ways, it seemed to be a proactive measure on Carnival's part to get some additional cash from us prior to us noticing the price drop and asking for the better price/onboard credit compensation for the difference.

 

Got the call three times, twice in recent years. Took the last one (June on Conquest) but turned the other two down.

 

That makes sense too, because they get extra cash from you and they have a better chance of someone booking into the lower category they upgraded you from, rather than having to pay you for the difference and still having a vacant higher category room. I could see how it works to their advantage either way.

[CatieM80]

I think this is a huge driver of the upsell call.

 

I also think booking directly with Carnival increases your chance. If you book with a TA , Carnival can not contact you directly. They would have to contact your TA who in turn would have to contact you then call Carnival back. It would be much easier for Carnival to contact the potential upgrader and coordinate everything in one phone call.

 

Status doesn't seem to have anything to do with upgrade calls, IMHO. I have never been offered an upsell/upgrade. We made Platinum with 75 days in just over 4 years and have twice done family cruises. So we have paid for over 15 cruise fares.(all but 4 were Balcony staterooms) NEVER any offers.

 

Big spender? We gamble enough to get Premier offers, always play bingo, dine in the steakhouse and purchase photos. We still book some excursions thru Carnival. Neither of us drink much for medical reasons but again no offers.

 

I really think the reasons for upgrade/upsell vary so much that we may never understand the process. To those of you lucky enough, enjoy! To those of us that are not made an offer we are still going to have a wonderful cruise.

 

That is so true, and a great way to look at it!

[splintz]

i always book directly with carnival. and i usually travel with my kids in an adjoining room.

 

but the 3 times i cruised with just the wife and i we received an upsell call all 3 times.

-from an obstructed balcony on the miracle to a suite for $600 total i declined.

-from an inside room on the lido deck on the glory to a premium vista aft wrap around deck for $300 total i took that and loved the room.

-from an inside room on the pride to a balcony for $250 i declined.

 

all 3 upsell calls have come the week of the cruise.

Edited February 26, 2016 by splintz
add when calls came

[sprite.4]

Thanks Sprite.4! That's good to know you don't have to be a big spender, because we definitely are not either! But we do about 3-4 cruises a year, so I'm a little surprised we haven't been offered one. I'm wondering if using a travel agent has anything to do with it...

 

Did someone from Carnival just call you? If so, was it the same person you booked with? Also, were they offering you really great deals or do you feel you could have found similar deals on your own? Finally, did you have to accept right away or did you have a little time to think on it?

 

Sorry for the barrage of questions! I very much appreciate you sharing your info!

 

Hi CatieM80, we always book directly with Carnival by phone or web. This time was web. The first call we had on a prior cruise was $600 to go from balcony 8E to a suite. We chose not to accept. On our upcoming cruise we actually received a phone call and an email, which we received too late in the day to return the call. We figured we had missed our chance, but the next day they called and emailed again! We booked a 4H interior and our friends booked an 8E balcony across the hall. The upsell was $260 for an 8E balcony on the same deck just three doors down from our friends. The current cost for our new balcony is over $500 less than what their current cost is, so definitely could not have received this price on our own. Our cruise is in July, so their price could still come down closer to ours, but this upsell was awesome for us. :)

[Careyd6]

Here's my take on one "driver" of the upsell call. Of course I could be totally wrong. As a career marketing professional, my theory makes sense to me.

 

 

 

I recently received one of the very calls in question, which I accepted. I cruise on May 16 on an 8 day Alaska itinerary.

 

 

 

My theory is that I booked this cruise a long time ago through a PVP, (as I always tend to do). We cruise pretty often and are well progressed into the VIFP program but I think these have nothing to do with it.

 

 

 

I booked this trip a long time ago and searched for weeks watching for a ridiculously low rate on a category 8E Balcony. As time has gone on, the price for my cabin type has gone waaaaay up and not come anywhere near what I paid for it. I think Carnival sees these types of early saver, low price purchases and looks for an opportunity to upsell that cruiser and resell my cabin at the much higher, current rate.

 

 

 

To me that's all there is to it. Revenue baby! The name of the game.

 

 

That does make sense!!!

 

 

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