This Is the 1 Cabin Upgrade Trick Travel Advisors Use for Cruises-and It Could Land You a Better Room at No Extra Cost

"Booking a "guarantee" cabin-also known as a "GTY" on reservations-means you can book a room category type (i.e., inside, balcony, oceanview, etc.) for a lower price, but the cruise line assigns your specific room number closer to the sailing date, leaving room for a potential upgrade."

"When a ship is heavily booked in certain categories, lines sometimes upgrade guarantee passengers into higher-category rooms to free up inventory. I've had clients who I have confirmed an Oceanview Balcony guarantee enjoy an upgrade to a suite, and they thought I was a magician!"

"Guarantee cabins are almost always priced below the lowest published rate for that category, since passengers are trading choice for savings. When inventory shifts, guests are sometimes upgraded to a higher-category cabin at no extra cost-an insider perk many cruise travelers don't know exists."

Guarantee cabins, or GTY bookings, allow cruise passengers to reserve a cabin category at reduced rates while the cruise line assigns the specific room number closer to the sailing date. This strategy can result in complimentary upgrades to higher-category cabins when inventory shifts occur, particularly on larger ships or during busy sailings. Travel advisors recommend this approach because guarantee cabins are priced below standard rates for their category, as passengers trade location choice for savings. Upgrades happen when ships are heavily booked in certain categories and lines need to free up inventory. Success rates improve when working with advisors familiar with specific cruise lines' assignment patterns, though upgrades are not guaranteed.

Read at Travel + Leisure