AmaWaterways Introduces New Stateroom Upgrade Program

AmaWaterways has launched a new Stateroom Upgrade auction program giving guests the opportunity to level up to a higher stateroom category. The program is available to U.S. guests on all ships in Europe, Egypt, and the Mekong.

“By introducing this bidding process, we empower our guests to choose enhancements that best suit their desires and budget, ensuring a more personalized and memorable journey,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways.

Clients who have already reserved their cabin on an AmaWaterways sailing can now participate in an online auction system to request and bid for stateroom upgrades.

Not all sailings will have an upgrade available. Eligible guests will receive an email around 85 days prior to sailing detailing the available upgrade options. They can then place bids for the amount they are willing to offer, up until seven days before departure. Placing multiple bids for different categories increases the chances of an upgrade, though only one accepted bid will be charged.

If a bid is accepted, both guests and their travel advisors are notified via email, and guests are charged for the upgrade. (Single occupancy guests will be charged double the per person rate for the upgrade, paying 200% the chosen bid amount.) If the bid is not accepted, guests retain their original stateroom without any additional costs.

Of note, AmaWaterways will prioritize waitlist requests ahead of bid upgrades if the requested stateroom category becomes available.

Travel advisors receive a 10% commission on accepted upgrades. Advisors can check to see if their clients’ bookings are eligible for the program.