Contact the cruise line. Whether you contact them by phone or check out their website, you can find out if the cruise line you are using has any advertised or unadvertised specials on their cabins. Sometime the cruise lines will only make these deals known to travel agents. This is where a travel agent would come in handy. Often, the specials will give you the opportunity to upgrade anywhere from one to five cabin levels and still pay the lowest fare.
Upgrade at the right times of the year. It will be much easier to acquire a cabin upgrade during the off-peak seasons of travel during the year. You can also try and upgrade your cabin when sailing to less popular destinations. You will be able to obtain an upgrade more easily if the cruise ship is not filled to its capacity.
Book early. Booking your cruise earlier gives you more of a chance to get an upgrade. The cruise lines want to keep you happy and, if you ask, they may offer you a special deal.
Find sold-out guarantees on cabins. If you book a cabin in a category that is sold out, they will either find you a cabin like the one you booked or offer you one in a higher category. Your chances of getting an upgrade when they are sold out is higher than if they had openings. Someone usually ends up cancelling.
Mention if you are taking the cruise to celebrate a birthday or anniversary when you book your cruise. They may have special perks for those taking the cruise for special events.
Don't wait until the last minute! Don't wait to find out if they have any cabin upgrades once you are getting ready to check-in on the cruise. The clerks will more than likely be scrambling to get people checked in and into their rooms. You also don't want to annoy the people who are waiting in line behind you at the counter. However, if you have tried all other methods and have not succeeded, politely ask for an upgrade--don't demand one.
