I am going on a Carnival Fantasy cruise in June. I've heard that if there's space they will upgrade your cabin for free. Does anyone know how to go about attempting to get this upgrade? <BR> <BR>Any help would be greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>Jennifer

Jenna, <BR>All of the cruise lines say that they give upgrades, but Carnival seems to be one of the few that follows through. You can request an upgrade two ways. The first is to get in touch with the reservations/customer service group and make your request (they will need your sailing date, ship name, cabin number, confirmation/reservation number). If they don't have anything available at the moment, they can "wait list" you. The second way is to make your request during check-in at ship side. They will let you know if upgrades are possible. If they are, you will be directed to go to the Purser's Desk once you're on board ship. Most times your travel agent can put you in for an upgrade when you book your cruise. Good luck and enjoy your cruise. My family has been on 11 cruises in as many years.

Hi Jenna, <BR>I am a travel agent and was wondering if you booked what is called a Guarantee. This means that you would be guaranteed the category you've booked or better do to a possible upgrade. If you have booked a guaranteed category chances are good that you will get an upgrade. I've been on the Fantasy, it is really a lot of fun.

1. Cruises are a horrid experience. you have to pay extra for so many things like drinks, tips and shore excurisons. <BR>2. You picked the worst cruise line. Check out some of the posts in the cruise section.

Don't listen to the negative. Carnival is not the most elite but it's fine and casual for your first time. Everyone knows you pay for extras but they offer plenty that you don't have to buy. Have a good time and don't pack too much. You'll need room to bring stuff home.

Jenna, <BR> <BR>Do yourself a favor and DO NOT pay any attention to people like OMG@youdin't.com. First of all, Carnival is a blast. I have been on two Carnival cruises and have loved every minute of both of them. We were upgraded ship-side on our first cruise. Granted, we were not given a suite, but we did move up 2 decks and went from an inside cabin to an outside one. <BR> <BR>Unfortunately, these sites attract both people who are looking for facts, information and/or advice AND negative malcontents who seem to get off on telling people what a huge mistake they made (or are making), but not backing anything up or providing you with any information. Ignore these people, and eventually (hopefully) they will get a life. There's nothing worse than paying hard-earned money for a trip and having some jerk tell you cruises are horrid because THEY didn't have a good time. More often than not, these people NEVER have a good time. <BR> <BR>But you, my dear, are going to have a fabulous time. Granted, Carnival first apprears to be geared more toward a younger crowd, but I saw people of all ages and backgrounds on both cruises. The staff is great, the food is great (and PLENTIFUL!), and there is nothing like looking out when you're at sea and seeing nothing but beautiful ocean. <BR> <BR>Have a great time, and upgrade or no upgrade, you'll be glad you went. <BR> <BR>Gina

Thank you all for your advice and positive comments. It is truly appreciate by me. I know that Carnival is a party cruise, but I'm 23 and single going on the cruise for college graduation, so that's just what I'm looking for... <BR> <BR>I will let you all know how it goes when I get back. <BR> <BR>Jenna

Well it's me again! Yes some people seem to like cruises and carnival in particular. I am sure if you have very limited travel experience or are not a drinker then this might be for you. As a 23 year old college student you will probably have a great time with the exception of the fact that you have to pay extra for the drinks. If your parents are picking up the tab then hey drink away and have a great time!! but those little tiny drinks at 4-7 dollars a pop add up quick if you will be at sea for a few days out of the whole trip. Maybe you can find some guys who will pick up some of your bar tab wink wink!! I am only 27 now but will never take a cruise again I don't like getting hosed for everything from tips to chore excursions to my bar tab. I also detest the fixed seating arrangements although I do realize that many ships have other dining choices these are usually for an added cost. I also hate passing by wonderful beaches and being stuck on the ship. I hope you do have a great time and since it sounds like you don't have much else to compare it too you just might. But in the future you might want to think of an all-inclusive land resort. And to all the rest of you you might want to check out the "carnival worst cruise line thread" there are many personal stories of the cruise from hell aboard carnival and I think some of them even have FACTS for those of you that need them.

Seems to me that, you, the negative poster, who will never go on a cruise again, should stay home and save your money and drink yourself sick! <BR>Not everyone in the world drinks, and there are people who do, and don't mind paying for it! <BR> <BR>Jenna, you go ahead and enjoy yourself, visit the places, try for your upgrade, and congratulations! <BR>Ronnie

<BR>If you haven't got one already, I'd try for an upgrade to an outside cabin over a category upgrade anyday. Some people say a window doesn't matter since they're not in the room that much, but it sure does to me (even tho I'm not in the room that much either). Makes all the difference in the world to actually see the ocean. And inside rooms can be very noisy & rumbly from the internal workings of the ship. <BR> <BR>Your best bet for an upgrade during boarding is to get to the ship early. The longer the line, the less likely there will be anything left. <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful time.