Uniworld Will Now Let Guests Bid on Potential Stateroom Upgrades

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises this week announced a new upgrade program called Cateogry+ that will allow guests to bit on potential stateroom upgrades, becoming the first river cruise line to offer the option.

Uniworld’s program, called Category+, is similar to a lot of flight-upgrade programs that have been rolled out over the last few years by the likes of Aer Lingus, Air New Zealand, Etihad, Lufthansa, and more.

Future guests will have the opportunity, pre-cruise to browse higher category staterooms and suites still available on a cruise and then place an offer. Guests will be able to bid on multiple staterooms at one time, but will only pay if their upgrade is accepted.

Once a bid is accepted (or declined) the guest will get an email and will immediately be charged the amount of their bid. And, as long as a bid isn’t accepted, they can change and modify them up to five days prior to departure, with notifications of acceptance going out no less than 3 days prior.

Travel advisors will receive commission on all upgrades, too, so if a guest’s bid is accepted, commission will be given on that bid amount.

“At Uniworld, we’re always looking for new ways to elevate our guests’ river cruise experience,” said Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld president, and CEO said.

“We’re thrilled to be the first river cruise line to work with Plusgrade in providing an upgrade program of this nature. Our new Category+ stateroom program will give our guests an opportunity to add even more luxury to their vacation at a price point of their choosing, risk-free.”