NCL Upgrade Advantage Guide: How Much Should You Bid for Haven or Suite Upgrades?”
NCL Upgrade Advantage Bid Cheat Sheet
How Much Should You Bid for an NCL Haven or Suite Upgrade?
How to Use This Guide
This cheat sheet is designed to help you estimate a smart, competitive bid through Norwegian’s Upgrade Advantage program. While the percentages listed offer a reliable starting point, actual winning bids depend on Haven inventory, ship occupancy, demand for your sailing, and how close you are to departure.
Use this guide to:
• understand how upgrade bidding works
• calculate your ideal bid using a simple percentage formula
• compare common NCL upgrades like SR, HF Haven, and H6 Haven
• avoid overpaying while maximizing your chance of success
1. Before You Bid
- You only pay if your bid is accepted.
- NCL charges the bid amount for Guests 1 & 2 only, even with 3–4 guests in the cabin.
- Your original cabin remains unless an upgrade is granted.
- You may bid on multiple upgrade categories; only one will be accepted.
2. Step One: Calculate the Price Difference
Determine the price of your current cabin and the price of the cabin you want.
Price Difference = Higher Cabin Price – Current Cabin Price
3. Step Two: Choose Your Bidding Strategy
- Conservative: Hoping for a bargain.
- Balanced: Want the upgrade but want good value.
- Aggressive: Really want the upgrade and are bidding strong.
4. Upgrade Formula: What Percentage Should You Bid?
| Upgrade Type | Examples (NCL) | Recommended % of Price Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Small Step Up | Inside → Oceanview/Balcony | 25–40% |
| Space Upgrade | Balcony → Club Balcony / Mini-Suite / SR Suite | 40–70% |
| Entry Haven | Haven HF / HX | 25–35% |
| Premium Haven | Haven H6+ | 10–25% |
5. Step Three: Convert the % Into Your Bid
Bid Per Cabin = Price Difference × Percentage
Since NCL typically charges only two guests:
Bid Per Person = Bid Per Cabin ÷ 2
6. Real NCL Example Calculations
Price Difference: $1,855
Recommended Bid Range: $600–$750 per person
Best for: More space at the best overall value
Price Difference: $5,616
Recommended Bid Range: $700–$850 per person
Best for: Full Haven perks at a fraction of the cost
Price Difference: $6,515
Recommended Bid Range: $550–$700 per person
Best for: A “take a shot” upgrade into higher-tier Haven suites
Need Help Choosing Your Bid?
Go Joe Travel can analyze your exact sailing, check real-time Haven availability, and calculate a personalized upgrade bid range based on your cabin, ship, and travel dates. If you want the highest chance of winning an upgrade without overspending, I’m here to help.
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