GUARANTEED CABIN?
 

Hello,

Has anyone ever booked a guaranteed cabin on a cruise? If so, what was your experience?

Thank you

India...The "guarantee" refers to the rate you pay for the cruise.Many times, in fact often, you will be quoted a rate for example for an oceanview cabin, Category "BB" guarantee.With this guarantee,you pay no more than that particular rate and you have an opportunity for an ugrade to say Category "AA", maybe an oceanview with a balcony.The upgrade is not guaranteed.If you choose to opt for a specific cabin assignment, then you chances of obtaining an upgrade are not nearly as good.I am usually flexible,meaning I will take the guarantee rather than the specific cabin assignment at time of booking.The cabin assignment is made prior to sailing, sometimes several weeks and sometimes not until the week before.And if all else fails, which it never has, then I have the category of cabin I wanted in the first place.Hope this helps.......................S

I was going to book a cabin with a balcony and have it guaranteed. I understand I would not have my cabin assignment until later and it could be better but not worse, but I wanted to know the pros and cons from those who've done it.

We've done four Holland America cruises and have asked for and received requested cabins when we booked the cruise.

We have done it on HAL and gone up a couple of categories. Have a guarantee booked for our next cruise as well.

I don't think it is good if you worry about where in the ship you will be located. e.g. if you want a cabin midships rather than bow or stern, you would be better to pick a specific cabin. We are pretty flexible about such things so the risk of a guarantee seems worthwhile.

Hope this helps.