There are many different ways to get upgrades, but for us the secret has been to do several things;
1. Keep a good relationship with your travel agent. Let your agent know that you are interested in an upgrade and ask their assistance in helping you get one.
2. Contact your agent on a regular basis, every few weeks and check on any possible upgrades.
3. Contact the upgrade desk at the cruiseline and inquire about upgrades.
4. Book your cruise early, as cheaper cabins sell quicker and cruise lines tend to upgrade the earlier bookings to keep the cheaper cabins open for new bookings.
5. Book your cruise dates during the "shoulder" times, between the winter and summer high seasons. Late spring, fall cruises have fewer bookings because fewer families travel during those times.
Our greatest payoff was to get an upgrade to Owner's Suite on the NCL Wind three years ago for $100 per person over our initial $650 rate for a category D cabin.
Hope this information helps you.
