Cabin Upgrade Strategies...

[NavyCruiser]

Been reading up on the few back to river cruises reviews, & it seems like the ships are sailing at 20 - 30% of passenger capacity.  

Called Viking & our TA about our upcoming 2 week Grand European cruise next month, & they're still quoting regular full pricing for cabin upgrades.  The 2 other couples who's traveling with us has already upgraded their cabins at reg prices, stating that it's worth it for the 2 weeks cruise.  

Viking site still shows there's lots of higher cabins available at this time.

We're still debating to whether pull the trigger now, or wait til last minute (wk prior to cruise), or wait until we're onboard to inquire about upgrade?

Thoughts...?

[CILCIANRQTS]

We’re on Rhine Getaway and are holding out for a complementary upgrade, since our cruise is only one week and we’re traveling with others. Depends on your history with Viking.

[zeppysky]

So don't expect a complimentary upgrade if boat is not full?  First trip with Viking?  

[Wings55]

Personally I wouldn't hold my breath. Perhaps if you were a loyal customer but if they upgrade you then everyone will want the same. I doubt the crew wants to open that can of worms. 

[CILCIANRQTS]

We’ve been upgraded on VR in the past.

Just like they do on airlines, in hotels, and at rental car counters.

They do it very privately, to avoid the “I deserved that upgrade!” backlash from other cruisers.

[SCBarker]

I think they found out early on that if they upgrade people to more expensive rooms on these cruises, people catch on too quick and will all purchase the cheapest rooms.

 

It probably made sense on their 15 passenger cruises early on when they were short on staff and could put one steward and one cart on one floor.

[ljandgb]

I realize this is a different line, but our CD's next words after "there's only 27 of you on the cruise" was "don't expect to be upgraded."  His further explanation was that it wouldn't be fair to those that paid full price for the better rooms.

 

In that case, it would be harder to sneak a few upgrades under the radar.

[CILCIANRQTS]

39 minutes ago, ljandgb said:

I realize this is a different line, but our CD's next words after "there's only 27 of you on the cruise" was "don't expect to be upgraded."  His further explanation was that it wouldn't be fair to those that paid full price for the better rooms.

 

In that case, it would be harder to sneak a few upgrades under the radar.

Got it.

Thanks for the additional insight.