Princess Cruises is readying a program — called Princess Upgrade — that allows clients to bid on stateroom and suite categories above the class they initially booked.
Customers will be able to participate beginning Sept. 6, onboard five North America-based vessels: Caribbean Princess, Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess, Regal Princess and Ruby Princess. The plan is then to expand the program fleet-wide by the end of October.
"Upgrading is a popular request from our guests, and we’re pleased to deliver a process that lets them improve their stateroom category by making an offer that fits their budget and lifestyle,” said John Padgett, president of Princess.
The Princess Upgrade bid-based system was developed in collaboration with PlusGrade, so that guests could try for an elevated oceanview, balcony, deluxe balcony, mini-suite or full-blown suite.
Clients can take advantage of the opportunity once their cruise is within the final payment period and payment has been received. Then, they will be invited via email to submit a bid on any cabin category that is above the one they are currently reserved in. And guests can modify or cancel their bid at any time before it is accepted.
If for some reason the invitation is not seen by guests, they can also conveniently link to it on Princess’ website.
Travel Advisors React to the Upgrade Program
Best of all, the Princess Upgrade bid amount is commissionable back to the original travel agent on file.
"I think the Princess Upgrade program will make a difference in my business in a good way,” said Patricia Ortbals, Cruise Planners franchise owner.
"Many things can change from the time a client is in the planning process of booking a cruise through the final payment date,” she added. “Giving them the opportunity to upgrade after final payment is great. I think this gives the clients a sense of control in the bidding process and they will most likely try to upgrade. If accepted, this will give them a better overall cruise experience and more commission for my agency. It's definitely a win-win.”
Ortbals also said how the Princess program is very similar to ones from other major cruise lines, through which she has already had success with clients getting upgrades. For example, cabin upgrade bids can already be placed with Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International.
“I'm confident the Princess Upgrade program will be a huge benefit for both my clients and my agency,” Ortbals said.
The enhancement comes at a time when the cruise line is further innovating with its Ocean Medallion technology, now available across the entire fleet and, as of recently, even shoreside.
