What is a guaranteed (gty) cruise ship cabin?
Just what it says! You are guaranteed to have a space / cabin on the cruise!
If you book a “gty” rate on your cabin, it will likely be the lowest price offered.
You pay for a cabin in a specific category; inside, balcony, etc. at a lower price and you will get a cabin in that category or higher!
The cruise lines offer this to make sure that all cabins on the ship will be booked. There are some spaces that cruisers shy away from, so this insures they are sold.
Upside?
You get a great priced cruise!
You could even get an upgrade! If you book an interior cabin on a gty, and those cabins have all sold out, you may get an ocean view. Alternatively, you might even receive a balcony upgrade!
Downside?
You don’t know where your cabin will be located. If you don’t care (like me) where you are, then no worries. They usually assign the cabin when you complete your check-in. This timing allows you to print your luggage tags. You might get an obstructed view for an ocean view or balcony.
When should you NOT book a guaranteed cabin offer?
If you are anxious about your cabin location, pay a little extra. Choose your own for your peace of mind.
If you are traveling with others or a group, you may want to be near each other. Your travel agent will try to assign your cabins together. .
When the ship is almost fully booked, the cruise line will offer guaranteed cabins. This usually happens when there are only one or two available. When booking this rate check the “back office” of the cruise line website. I do this if I see the guaranteed option is a really low fare. There, I can see what cabins are still available. By doing this I know that’s probably the cabin I will get if I book at the lower price!
No matter what, you are “guaranteed” a great time! 😂
Here’s a group just for new cruisers and others! No judgment with correct answers to your questions. Lots of in-depth information, tips and personal advice!
Carnival Cruising for First Timers & Seasoned Sailors
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