How to upgrade your cruise

We all love getting a great deal, an upgrade or a little VIP treatment. Here are some invaluable insider tips for making your holiday even more special

Book early

“MSC Cruises is keen to reward clients who book early,” says Giles Hawke, Executive Director, MSC. “For 2015 sailings we have rejigged our pricing structure into four distinct sales periods. Bookings made before the end of June this year attract the very best deals – an ‘experience’ upgrade and up to £200 off the published brochure price. We’re also offering some excellent deals on MSC Yacht Club for early bookers. An upgrade from a balcony cabin with Fantastica to an MSC Yacht Club Suite, which includes exclusive areas, butler service, private restaurant and all-inclusive dining and drinks, is available from £650.”

In the rapidly growing river cruise market, planning ahead is essential. Viking River Cruises Managing Director Wendy Atkin-Smith advises, “As a matter of course, our guests book early. River cruising is an early-booking market and so we encourage our guests to plan ahead – offering incentives to do so.”

“If you book early, you can name your cabin, pre-book dining and you’ll be offered extra incentives, such as free onboard spending money,” says Simone Clark from iglu.com. “And with some cruise lines, you can state you’ll accept an automatic upgrade if available.”

Some companies also offer online booking discounts so you can take advantage of add-ons, knowing that you’ll pay less overall.

Top tip

Early booking not only gives you a better choice of stateroom, it may also give you free onboard spend and the potential for a cabin upgrade.