Understanding Cabin Upgrades On Carnival Cruises: What To Know

(KMDL-FM) There is nothing like travel to bring out the pettiness in people. I am convinced that's why so many folks get into altercations on cruise ships. On cruises, there seems to be an overabundance of "why didn't I get that" among guests, and nowhere does that attitude seem to make itself more visible than on the ships of Carnival Cruise Lines.

And one of the biggest "plays" in the I want something for free playbook among Carnival cruisers is the notion that the cruise line will upgrade guests to bigger and better accommodations if you let the cruise line know that you're "owed one".

What Reasons Do Carnival Cruise Guests Give For Needing a Stateroom Upgrade?

Among the reasons that Carnival guests have reportedly asked for an upgrade to their cabin include: it's our first cruise, it's our anniversary, I get claustrophobic, we paid a lot of money for this cruise, it's our honeymoon, and if I don't get an upgrade, you're going to ruin my cruise. Now, in your mind, would any of those reasons be strong enough for you to upgrade someone?

Those are actual reasons guests have submitted to Carnival in hopes of getting a better stateroom or better accommodations. And based on what we've read on the Carnival Cruise Line social media sites, none of those plays for a better room actually worked.

In fact, John Heald, Carnival's Social Media Ambassador, addressed the issue on his page and informed all who cared to read that the cruise line simply doesn't offer that kind of an upgrade. Most of the staterooms on Carnival ships are already booked, so in most cases, an upgrade isn't possible at all.

white cruise ship — Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash

These Are the Actual Reasons Most Cruise Lines Will Allow You To Switch Staterooms

Now there are occasions when you might have to switch your stateroom. That's usually the case if there is a technical or plumbing issue with the room. Or something along those lines. But don't think you can switch just because you asked.

The time to ask is long before you sail, and the way you ask is by offering the cruise line more money for the improved accommodation. That's the only way I have ever had my status improved on ship, and I bet the same will hold for you.

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So tell your friend who keeps telling you this hack works that it doesn't, and while you're at it, you might as well destroy a few other myths about cruising.