Royal Caribbean Expands Bidding for CocoCay

Royal Caribbean has expanded its RoyalUp bidding program beyond cabin upgrades. Passengers can now name their price for premium experiences like cabanas, beach beds, and casitas, both onboard and at private destinations.

The expanded program, branded RoyalUp Experiences, covers three settings. These include onboard casitas, cabanas and beach beds at Perfect Day at CocoCay, and cabanas at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. The cruise line states the program is available fleetwide.

How the bidding process works

Eligible guests receive an email invitation to place a bid. Only the booked guest or an authorized adult 18 or older can submit an offer, and the email must be linked to the booking. Guests can bid on multiple experience types, but only one offer per type.

The bid covers the entire experience rather than a per-person charge. Taxes are included, but gratuities are not. A valid payment card is required to submit an offer.

Royal Caribbean reviews the bid and either accepts or rejects it up until departure. There is no guarantee of acceptance. Accepted offers are charged and confirmed by email.

Guests can modify or cancel a bid up to 48 hours before the experience at no cost. After that window, changes are generally final. If the cruise booking itself changes or is canceled, any unaccepted bids are canceled automatically.

Pricing and availability

Pricing fluctuates by ship, sailing, and date. According to an email shared with CruiseRadio by a guest on an Icon of the Seas sailing, bids on that cruise varied significantly.

Program background and impact

Royal Caribbean notes that these figures reflect one guest's experience on one sailing and are not fixed rates. The line had previously allowed bidding on CocoCay cabanas alone. This expansion adds more locations and experience types to the program.

It gives guests more chances to land a premium upgrade without paying the full listed price. As with any blind bid, there is no guarantee of winning.