AmaWaterways has launched a Stateroom Upgrade Program that lets guests enhance their river cruise accommodations by bidding for a higher-category stateroom. Guests who already have a reservation can participate in an online auction-style system to request and name their price for upgrades on selected sailings.
© AmaWaterways
Eligible guests receive an email about 85 days before their sailing with details of available upgrade opportunities. They can review the options and submit bids up to seven days before departure. Guests may place multiple bids across different stateroom categories to improve their chances, but only one bid can be accepted per reservation.
“At AmaWaterways, we are constantly striving to enhance our guests’ experiences by offering innovative and personalized options,” said Kristin Karst, co‑founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “This bidding program gives guests control to choose upgrades that fit their preferences and budget, creating a more tailored and memorable journey. It reflects our commitment to evolving our offerings to meet and exceed traveler expectations.”
© AmaWaterways
The program operates on a no‑risk basis: guests are only charged if their bid is accepted. Both guests and their travel advisors receive email notification when an upgrade is awarded. If no bid is accepted, the guest keeps the original stateroom at no additional cost. Travel advisors earn a 10 percent commission on accepted upgrades, providing an incentive to support clients through the process.
This approach aims to offer flexibility and value by letting travelers determine the premium they’re willing to pay for a better onboard experience. With clearly defined timelines and transparent communication, the Stateroom Upgrade Program seeks to simplify the upgrade process while maintaining the customer protections that travelers expect.