The MSC Cruise Upgrade Bid
MSC UpGrade and why the rules depend on where you booked.
Ask Before You BidMSC Cruises runs its bidding program under the name MSC UpGrade. Like the other lines’ programs, it invites booked guests to offer an amount to move to a better cabin. What makes the MSC cruise upgrade bid different is that MSC publishes the rules separately for each country, and the wording is not identical from one site to the next.
How MSC UpGrade Works
- Invitation by email. You must be opted in to MSC marketing emails to receive one.
- Limited availability. The program is not offered on every voyage or in every cabin category.
- Choose and bid. You pick the higher category and enter your offer within the range shown.
- Charged if accepted. If MSC accepts your bid, your card is charged and the amount is final and non-refundable.
Read the Rules for Your Country
MSC books guests from all over the world, and its upgrade terms reflect that. Some country sites price the bid per person and explain how third and fourth guests are treated; others describe a per-cabin bid, or note that you pay for only one upgrade if you bid on several cabins. Because of this, advice you read online about MSC upgrades may be based on another country’s rules.
The safe approach: open the terms linked in your own invitation, check whether the amount is per person or per cabin, multiply it out for everyone in your cabin, and only then decide.
MSC Experiences and Cabin Categories
MSC sells its cabins with different “experiences” that bundle different perks, and its ships also have the MSC Yacht Club, a suite area with its own facilities. When you bid, check whether a higher category also changes your experience package and what that includes; the cabin is only part of the value. If drinks, Wi-Fi or dining matter to you, compare the full package rather than the room alone.
Check the category
Know exactly which category and experience you are bidding for.
Multiply it out
Per-person amounts grow fast with two or more guests.
Think about location
MSC assigns the cabin; you may not get your preferred deck.
Compare outright
Ask what the category costs to book directly before you bid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an MSC cruise upgrade bid invitation?
MSC sends invitations by email to eligible guests who have opted in to its marketing emails. Not every sailing or category is offered; the program is subject to availability.
Is an MSC upgrade bid per person or per cabin?
It depends on the MSC website for the country where you booked. Some MSC country sites describe the bid per person, others per cabin. Read the terms on your invitation before entering an amount.
Can I get my money back if I change my mind?
MSC describes an accepted upgrade amount as final and non-refundable. Only bid what you are certain you want to pay.
Ask About an MSC Upgrade Bid
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will check the cost of moving up on your MSC sailing so you can bid with confidence.
Ask Before You Bid