Royal Caribbean Room Upgrade (Step by Step Guide 2025)

Getting a better cabin on a Royal Caribbean cruise can make your vacation feel more special. Upgrading often means more room to spread out, nicer amenities, and sometimes even better views. Some travelers book a basic cabin at first and then think about an upgrade as the trip gets closer. It might be because of a lower price, extra savings, or just a desire for something different. No matter the reason, moving up to a better cabin adds a little excitement.

Royal Caribbean gives guests a chance to upgrade through its RoyalUp program. This system lets you place a bid for a higher category stateroom, like a balcony or suite. If your bid is accepted, the cruise line charges you and upgrades your room automatically. It can be a way to enjoy a better cabin without paying the full price upfront. Many guests like trying their luck with RoyalUp, as it brings extra value and a fun surprise.

Reasons People Upgrade Royal Caribbean Room

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Upgrading your cabin on a Royal Caribbean cruise is something many travelers think about as the trip gets closer. At first, you might book a standard room to save money, but later you find yourself curious about moving up. Sometimes it’s about space, sometimes it’s about price, and sometimes it’s just for the joy of treating yourself. Here are the most common reasons people decide to get a better room.

Extra Savings or Lower Prices

One of the biggest reasons guests upgrade is finding a lower price than they expected. Cruise lines sometimes adjust their fares, and that makes higher category rooms more affordable. If you notice a price drop, it can be the perfect chance to step up into a larger cabin or even a suite. Getting more space and features for a smaller cost feels like a smart move that adds more value to your vacation.

Splurging with Extra Cash

Some people save up a little extra just to make their trip more enjoyable. Putting that money toward a bigger cabin feels like a reward. You might go from an inside room to a balcony or from a balcony to a junior suite. That upgrade can change the whole vibe of your trip. It’s about treating yourself and enjoying something a little nicer than what you first planned.

Family Needs or Changed Plans

Travel plans often shift once families start looking at the space they’ll need. A cabin that looked fine when booked might feel small once kids or extra guests are added. Moving up to a larger stateroom gives everyone more breathing room, which makes life on board smoother. Having an upgraded space can make it easier to relax, keep things tidy, and enjoy time together without feeling crowded.

Just for the Fun of It

Sometimes, an upgrade doesn’t need a reason at all. People move to a nicer cabin simply because they feel like it. There’s a certain thrill in opening the door and finding yourself in a room that feels bigger and better than what you expected. Even if it’s not planned, that surprise adds a little spark to the trip and makes the whole vacation feel more exciting.

RoyalUp Program to Upgrade Royal Caribbean Room

RoyalUp is a program that lets you bid for a better stateroom. With just a few easy steps, you can try for an upgrade that might take you from an Ocean View or Balcony room all the way up to a spacious suite. It’s an exciting way to enjoy more on your Royal Caribbean cruise, and the choices you can bid on give you plenty of room to dream.

How Does the Bidding System Work?

Bidding for a better stateroom with RoyalUp is simple. You start by looking through the upgrade options and then choose how much you’d like to pay for each one. You can place bids on more than one room to increase your chances of getting picked, but you’ll only pay for the upgrade you win.

Once you’ve placed your bids, you’ll get an email telling you if one was accepted. If your bid goes through, the cruise line will charge you for the upgrade. If it doesn’t, nothing changes. You keep your current stateroom and won’t be charged extra. The price of your bid is set per person, based on the first two guests in the cabin, and it covers the full length of your cruise.

Steps to Place a Bid for a Higher Cabin

1. Get an Invite

To take part in RoyalUp, you need to be signed up for Royal Caribbean’s marketing emails. An invitation to bid usually arrives in your inbox a few weeks or days before your cruise. Keep an eye on your messages so you don’t miss it.

2. Submit Your Bid

Click the link in the email, and it’ll take you to the RoyalUp webpage. Enter the primary guest’s last name and your booking number to access your upgrade options. Use the slider to choose how much you want to bid per person for each stateroom category. You can place bids on more than one room, but you’ll only pay for the upgrade that’s accepted. To finish, add your card details and send your offer.

3. Wait for the Result

Royal Caribbean will let you know by email if your bid is successful. If accepted, your card will be charged, and your cabin will be upgraded automatically. If your bid isn’t accepted, you’ll stay in your current room, and nothing will be charged.

What Happens If Your Bid is Accepted?

When Royal Caribbean accepts your bid through the RoyalUp program, the upgrade is final and comes with a few key steps you should know about. Here’s what takes place once your offer goes through.

1. Notification

You’ll get an email letting you know that your bid was successful. This message confirms your upgrade and shows that your booking has been updated.

2. Charge

Your credit card is charged right away for the amount you offered. The upgrade cost is added to your original booking price.

3. Reservation Update

Your reservation is updated to reflect the new stateroom category. You’ll see the change in your booking details, and your old cabin will no longer be part of your reservation.

4. Room Assignment

Royal Caribbean assigns your new stateroom within the upgraded category. You don’t get to pick the exact room, and in some cases, it might be on a lower deck than your original booking.

5. Finality

Once your bid is accepted, the upgrade is locked in. It’s non-refundable, and you can’t go back to your original room or reject the new one.

Examples of Cabin Categories You Can Upgrade to

Royal Caribbean’s RoyalUp program gives you the chance to move into a higher cabin category than the one you originally booked. The options you’ll see depend on your ship and itinerary, but upgrades often include Ocean View, Balcony, and different types of Suites. Here are a few examples of what those upgrades can look like.

Interior to Ocean View

An interior stateroom doesn’t have any windows, so upgrading to an ocean view adds a porthole or large window. This gives you a view of the sea right from your room, which many guests find adds a nice touch to the trip.

Ocean View to Balcony

Moving up from an ocean view cabin to a balcony stateroom gives you your own private outdoor space. Instead of just looking through a window, you can step outside, enjoy the fresh air, and take in wide sea views from your own balcony.

Balcony to Suite

The jump from a balcony stateroom to a suite opens up even more space and perks. The type of suite you might land in depends on your bid and the ship. A few examples include:

• Junior Suite: This is often the entry-level suite. It gives you extra space, a larger balcony, and some added touches like a pillow-top mattress, bathrobe, and espresso machine.
• Grand Suite: These suites are much larger, sometimes with two bedrooms. They usually come with Concierge Service, priority boarding, and complimentary internet, which makes them a favorite for those looking for extra perks.
• Owner’s Suite: Another suite option within the Sky Class, offering a bigger living space and upgraded amenities compared to regular staterooms.
• Ultimate Family Suite: Designed with families in mind, this multi-level suite comes packed with space and fun features. It’s one of the most unique accommodations at sea, giving families a spot where everyone has room to relax and play.

Tips for Upgrading Royal Caribbean Room

Upgrading your cabin on a Royal Caribbean cruise can turn an ordinary trip into something much more enjoyable. Moving from an inside stateroom to one with a balcony, or from a balcony to a suite, gives you more space and better perks. The good news is that there are several ways to get these upgrades if you know how to go about it.

Bid for an Upgrade with Royal Up

Royal Up gives you the chance to bid on a better cabin. After booking, Royal Caribbean may invite you to take part. You’ll see upgrade options and a minimum bid, then choose the amount you’re willing to pay. Bidding on more than one option can improve your chances, but you’ll only pay for one. If your offer is accepted, you’ll get an email, and the upgrade cost will be charged right away.

Look for Free Upgrade Promotions

Royal Caribbean sometimes runs promotions that offer free upgrades, especially during busy booking times like wave season in January to March. These deals may let you book a balcony stateroom for the same price as an inside or ocean view. Crown & Anchor Society members often get early access to such offers, so joining the program can help. Keeping an eye out for these promotions is an easy way to enjoy a better cabin without paying extra.

Take a Chance with a Guaranteed Stateroom

A guaranteed stateroom booking means you’ll pay a lower price, but you don’t pick your exact cabin. Royal Caribbean assigns you a room in the category you choose, and sometimes you’ll get placed in a higher category if certain rooms sell out. You won’t know your exact cabin until close to departure or even at check-in. It’s a bit of a gamble, but you could end up with an upgrade at no extra cost.

Use Crown & Anchor Points

Royal Caribbean rewards loyal guests through its Crown & Anchor Society program. Each night you cruise earns points, and over time, these points open doors to discounts and perks. From Platinum level onwards, you can get savings on balcony and suite cabins, which can feel like a free upgrade. Guests who cruise often can even earn milestone rewards, including free sailings in balcony or suite rooms. Staying loyal and collecting points makes upgrades more achievable over time.

Pay with Credit Card Points

Some credit cards allow you to use points toward your cruise fare. This can be a smart way to upgrade without extra spending. If there’s only a small price difference between an inside cabin and a balcony, you can use points to cover that gap. Royal Caribbean also offers its own Visa Signature Card, which rewards you with points that can be applied toward future sailings and upgrades. It’s a simple way to stretch your travel budget.

Watch for Price Drops

Cabin prices can change after you book, and that’s where paying attention can help. If you reserved an inside or ocean view room, check Royal Caribbean’s site often to see if balcony prices fall. If you notice a lower fare before your final payment date, call the cruise line or your travel agent to request the change. This strategy can give you a better cabin at a reduced price, turning a standard booking into a nice upgrade.

Final Words

Upgrading your cabin can make your time at sea feel even more special. A bigger room, better views, or access to extra perks often creates a nicer overall experience. From waking up to natural light in an ocean view room to enjoying a private balcony, these little changes can add more enjoyment to your trip. Even small upgrades can make daily life on the ship smoother and more enjoyable for you and your travel partners.

Part of the fun of cruising is not knowing what surprises await, and an upgrade is one of them. A new stateroom can bring added space, better amenities, and even access to services you may not have had before. At times, the cost of moving up isn’t much more than your original booking, which makes it feel like great value. It’s a comfort, smart spending, and that exciting moment when you discover your new cabin.