One of the most exciting parts of booking a Royal Caribbean cruise is choosing your stateroom. From cozy interior cabins to luxurious suites with private balconies, there’s something for every traveler. However, many guests wonder — “How do I upgrade my Royal Caribbean cruise cabin?”
Whether you’re looking for more space, better views, or access to premium amenities, upgrading your stateroom is entirely possible before or even after booking. Royal Caribbean offers several ways to upgrade your cruise room, including bidding, calling customer service, or taking advantage of promotional offers.
Before exploring the Royal Caribbean stateroom upgrade process, it’s important to understand the types of rooms available. Royal Caribbean divides its cabins into four main categories:
Interior Rooms: Affordable, comfortable, and located inside the ship without windows.
Ocean View Rooms: Include a porthole or window for a sea view.
Balcony Rooms: Offer private outdoor space and scenic ocean views.
Suites: Larger rooms with luxury amenities, priority services, and exclusive perks.
Each upgrade level enhances your cruising experience — from better views to more comfort. Knowing your current room type helps you decide how far up you want to go in the upgrade ladder.
The RoyalUp program is Royal Caribbean’s official cabin bidding system. It allows guests to bid for a higher-category stateroom at a potentially lower cost than paying for a full upgrade.
After booking your cruise, Royal Caribbean sends an email invitation to participate in RoyalUp (usually 30–60 days before sailing).
You’ll see available upgrade options, such as Ocean View → Balcony or Balcony → Suite.
Choose your preferred upgrades and place a bid using the slider to select your price.
Royal Caribbean reviews bids, and if yours is accepted, you’ll receive a confirmation email and automatically be moved to the upgraded cabin.
You’re only charged if your bid is accepted.
You can modify or cancel your bid before approval.
It’s a blind process — Royal Caribbean doesn’t reveal competing bids.
Upgrades are based on availability and demand.
This is one of the easiest and most popular ways to get an affordable Royal Caribbean cabin upgrade.
If you prefer a direct approach, you can request an upgrade through Royal Caribbean customer service or your travel agent.
Call Royal Caribbean Reservations.
Provide your booking number and current stateroom category.
Ask about available cabins in a higher category.
Compare prices and confirm the upgrade.
Sometimes, the representative can offer discounted upgrade options if promotions or cancellations open up better rooms.
If you booked through a travel advisor, contact them directly — they can access special deals or unlisted promotions not visible online.
You can also upgrade your stateroom directly through your online account.
Visit portjourney.
Log in to your account and go to “My Cruises.”
Select your upcoming cruise.
Click “Upgrade Room” or “Change Stateroom.”
Browse available room categories and compare prices.
If your fare allows modifications, you can upgrade instantly and pay the fare difference. This is a simple way to manage your reservation without needing to call.
In some cases, Royal Caribbean offers port upgrades at check-in. If there are unsold staterooms, you can request an upgrade when you arrive at the terminal.
While availability is limited, you might score an excellent deal if the ship isn’t full.
Arrive early at the terminal for the best chances.
Ask politely at the check-in desk or guest services about upgrade options.
Be prepared to pay the upgrade fee immediately (usually by credit card).
This is a great last-minute way to experience a better cabin category without pre-booking it.
Royal Caribbean often runs sales and upgrade promotions, such as “Upgrade for Less” or “Balcony for Ocean View Prices.” These are limited-time deals offered online or through travel advisors.
To catch these offers:
Subscribe to Royal Caribbean’s newsletter.
Follow their official social media channels.
Check your “My Cruises” portal regularly for upgrade notifications.
These promotions are perfect for guests who want to move up a category without paying full price.
While rare, free upgrades do happen on Royal Caribbean ships, particularly if:
The cruise is overbooked in your current category.
You’re a Crown & Anchor Society member (loyalty program).
You booked a guarantee cabin (GTY), where your room is assigned later based on availability.
If you’ve booked a guarantee cabin, you may be automatically placed in a higher category at no extra cost if the lower-tier cabins sell out.
Elite loyalty members also occasionally receive priority for complimentary upgrades when space allows.
If you’re hoping to upgrade your Royal Caribbean stateroom, here are some insider tips to increase your chances:
Book Early: The earlier you book, the more room categories are available to upgrade into.
Be Flexible: If you’re open to sailing on different dates or ships, you may find better upgrade offers.
Join the Crown & Anchor Society: Frequent cruisers receive priority benefits, including early access to upgrades.
Bid Strategically on RoyalUp: Avoid the lowest possible bid — choose a middle-range amount for better odds.
Check for Price Drops: If cabin prices drop before your cruise, contact Royal Caribbean to request a re-fare or upgrade.
Following these steps can help you enjoy a more luxurious cabin experience without overpaying.
Upgrading your Royal Caribbean cabin can dramatically improve your cruise experience. Here’s what you gain by moving up:
More Space: Larger staterooms mean greater comfort, especially on longer voyages.
Better Views: Balcony cabins offer stunning ocean views and private outdoor seating.
Enhanced Amenities: Suites come with concierge service, priority boarding, and exclusive dining areas.
Quieter Locations: Higher-category cabins are often located in less crowded ship areas.
Added Luxury: Upgraded bathrooms, premium bedding, and VIP access make your cruise feel extra special.
So, how do you upgrade your Royal Caribbean cruise cabin? The good news is, there are plenty of ways to do it — from the RoyalUp bidding program to calling customer service or grabbing a last-minute deal at the port.
Whether you want to relax on your own balcony, enjoy suite-level perks, or simply have more room to stretch out, a stateroom upgrade can make your vacation unforgettable.
To get the best deal, plan early, monitor prices, and stay flexible with your preferences. And don’t forget — sometimes luck plays a role too, especially if Royal Caribbean decides to surprise you with a complimentary upgrade!
1. How do I upgrade my Royal Caribbean cruise cabin?
You can upgrade through Royal Caribbean’s RoyalUp bidding system, by calling customer service, or via your online account.
2. What is RoyalUp?
RoyalUp is Royal Caribbean’s upgrade bidding program that lets you bid for a higher-category stateroom before your cruise.
3. Can I upgrade my cabin at the port?
Yes, if there are unsold rooms, you can request a port upgrade during check-in for an additional fee.
4. Are free upgrades possible on Royal Caribbean cruises?
Occasionally, yes — especially for loyalty members or those who book guarantee cabins.
5. When should I upgrade my Royal Caribbean cabin?
Ideally, before the final payment deadline or during promotional periods to secure the best price and availability.
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