Help CenterA category guarantee on a cruise is a type of booking where you select a stateroom category (such as interior, oceanview, or balcony)—but you allow the cruise line to choose the specific cabin location for you. In exchange for this flexibility, you often receive a discounted fare and may even be upgraded to a better cabin within that category (or higher).
🔍 How a Category Guarantee Works:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| You choose: | Cabin type (Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, or Suite) |
| Cruise line chooses: | Specific room number and location on the ship |
| Room assigned: | Usually 1–4 weeks before sailing—sometimes even at check-in |
| Possible upgrade? | ✅ Yes — you might get a better location or higher-tier room, but it's not guaranteed |
| Price advantage: | 💰 Often lower than choosing a specific cabin upfront |
🎯 Pros of a Category Guarantee:
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Lower price than selecting a specific stateroom
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Potential for a free upgrade
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Simple booking for travelers who don’t care about exact location
⚠️ Cons of a Category Guarantee:
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No control over location (could be near a noisy area or far from elevators)
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No ability to change room once assigned
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Less ideal for those prone to seasickness (you might end up forward or aft)
🧭 Who Should Book a Guarantee Cabin?
| Great For | Not Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Budget-conscious travelers | Light sleepers or location-sensitive guests |
| Flexible, experienced cruisers | Families wanting connecting rooms |
| Guests hoping for an upgrade | Those with accessibility needs |
✅ In Summary:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a category guarantee? | A cabin booking where the cruise line picks your specific stateroom |
| Do you choose your room number? | ❌ No — only the room category |
| Is there a chance of an upgrade? | ✅ Yes — possible, but not promised |
| Is it cheaper than regular booking? | ✅ Usually |
Category guarantees are a smart way to save money—if you're flexible and don’t mind a surprise cabin assignment. It’s a popular choice for seasoned cruisers who value price over precise location.