Cruising is one of the most popular ways to travel, with millions of people from around the world choosing a cruise for their vacations every year. Within a cruise ship you will find a range of accommodations, especially on the more contemporary cruise lines that boast larger ships. When booking your cruise, you may notice a "Guarantee" category of room such as an "Ocean View Guarantee" or "Balcony Guarantee". But what exactly is this "Guarantee" room category?
What is a "Guarantee" Cabin?
For one reason or another, room cancellations tend to happen at the last minute, so Cruise Lines, not wanting to have a bunch of empty cabins onboard, will oversell certain categories to ensure filling the rooms. That is where the "Guarantee" cabin comes into play. Guarantee cabins tend to be cheaper, with the price and room category guaranteed. With a "guarantee", no cabin or deck is assigned usually until the last minute. So generally, because of the last minute cancellations by other guests, the cruise line can guarantee that you will get into one of the rooms in your category. The perk is: if there are not enough rooms because not enough people have cancelled, those in a "guaranteed" cabin will be upgraded to the next category up, or possibly even the next.
Is It a Risk to Book a "Guarantee" Cabin?
The answer to this is "No". Some guests may be concerned that they won't get in if they book "Guarantee", but this is not the case. You will at the very worst get in to the room category you booked, and at the best, be upgraded to a better category. So if you book a "Guaranteed Ocean View", and by the time the cruise approaches there haven't been enough cancellations of Ocean View staterooms, you will then be upgraded to a Balcony, or another stateroom category above the Ocean View, and you will have only paid the price of a Guaranteed Ocean View!
Pros and Cons of Booking a "Guarantee" Cabin
The one downside to a booking a "Guarantee" cabin is that you have less control over where on the ship your stateroom will be located, and you may only know last minute. While you don't have to worry about having a room; if you prefer to choose the particular deck, the distance from the elevator banks, or the vicinity of your favorite public venues, you may want to consider booking a normal stateroom, so that you can choose the exact cabin and location you prefer.
Another downside is that some cruise lines offering promotions or perks, such as NCL's "Free at Sea" program- these promos are not offered to guests booking "guarantee" staterooms.
But, if you don't have a preference on location, and want to save a bit of money, the "Guarantee" category is a great option. While you have no choice of where on the ship you will be, this is what keeps the cost of the "Guarantee" cabin lower, giving you a more cost effective option, with the possibility of an upgrade! While you are not guaranteed and upgrade, it is always a possibility.
If you book "Guarantee", you may know your exact cabin as early as the day after you book, or as late as two weeks before your cruise departs; something to keep in consideration when booking your cruise.
Booking Your Cruise
Now that you are ready to book your cruise, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the rooms and categories inside and out, and have an amazing relationship with many cruise lines in the industry. Our advisors will craft the cruise vacation of a lifetime for you, your friends, family, or group at an exceptional rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.
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