Evaluating my MSC cruise upgrade offers

My daughter and I are taking a cruise around the Norwegian fjords this summer on MSC. We booked a Fantastica balcony cabin, and I have MSC Diamond status thanks to a status match from Disney Cruise Line.

With Diamond status and a Fantastica cabin, we already get the following benefits:

• Priority embarkation and disembarkation
• Free dinner for two at a specialty restaurant
• Diamond party on-board
• Sweet chocolate gift (in the shape of a ship)
• Late stateroom check-out on disembarkation day
• $50 stateroom credit
• 5% off cruise fare
• Priority tenders at tender ports
• Complimentary photo
• Complimentary birthday cake
• Free one-hour session in spa thermal suite

Earlier this week, I received an email from MSC about bidding for a room upgrade. I was offered 4 possible upgrades, each with a minimum required bid. If you decide to bid for an upgrade, you must input a credit card that is charged if you win the upgrade. While I am happy with our current stateroom, I’m open to a room upgrade if it’s a good deal.

Option #1: Premium Suite Aurea

The least expensive upgrade offer was for a Premium Suite Aurea. The minimum bid for this room for my cruise is $225 per person ($450 total).

This room is larger and can sleep up to 6 people. In addition, it comes with Aurea level benefits including:

• Free access to the Thermal Suite in the spa
• Welcome package (Prosecco and chocolate)
• Dine any time
• Access to Top Exclusive Solarium
• Baslinese maassage
• Priority boarding and luggage drop off

I decided to pass on this potential upgrade. With just 2 of us sailing, we don’t need that much space. We already get priority boarding with Diamond status. My daughter isn’t allowed into the Thermal Suite area, and a week pass for me costs $139, so it’s cheaper than this potential upgrade.

Option #2: Suite Aurea with Terrace and Whirlpool

For a minimum of $455 per person (s910 total), we could bid on a possible upgrade to a Suite Aurea with Terrace and Whirlpool.

Again, we don’t need the space. And sure, a whirlpool on the balcony would be cool. But for $910, I’ll pass.

Option #3: MSC Yacht Club Interior Suite

I am curious to try the MSC Yacht Club. This is the luxury section of each MSC cruise ship that includes 24/7 butler service, a private dining room, separate pool deck and more. With a minimum bid of $225 per person ($450 total), we could bid for an MSC Yacht Club Interior Suite.

However, there’s no way I’d give up our current balcony room for an interior room, even if it comes with more perks.

Option #4: MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite

For $1175 per person ($2350 total), we could have a chance to stay in an MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite. It has a balcony and all the perks of the Yacht Club.

But, at this price, it’s a hard pass. Now if we could bid something a lot lower, like $200 a person, I’d go for it.

Final Thoughts

I’m not going to bid on a possible room upgrade on our upcoming cruise. The main purpose of taking this cruise is to see the Norwegian fjords. We don’t need the additional space or perks that these upgraded rooms offer.

Have you ever bid on a stateroom upgrade?