ad – This content was created on a press trip (similar to that travel agents/journalists take). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I sailed from Copenhagen to Iceland on board the Norwegian Star. I knew the ship was at full capacity because I had seen a sign at reception saying that she was.
On day 4, I got a phone call asking if I’d like to move cabin – from my standard balcony cabin, to a large suite at the front of the ship!
I was very puzzled. Why did the previous guests leave? Were they moved somewhere else? Did something bad happen?
A Mid-Cruise Upgrade
I was very happy with my balcony cabin onboard Norwegian Star. It had everything I could need for a comfortable stay, and was in a good mid-ship position, so I hopefully wouldn’t feel seasick if the seas became rough.
I wasn’t expecting to move. I’d unpacked, settled in… and suddenly I had a new cabin key and I had to re-pack again.
I was very excited to see my suite at the front of the ship. I knew that these cabins were newer than most onboard, and they had been converted from an area that was originally part of the observation lounge.
When I arrived in my new cabin, I couldn’t help thinking “whose cabin was this? Why did they leave?“
Where Do the Original Guests Go?
There are all sorts of possibilities as to why the suite was empty:
#1. Early Disembarkation?
This is probably the most likely scenario. Maybe an illness, a family emergency, or they needed to fly home unexpectedly.
#2. Cabin Swap?
They could have requested to be moved because of noise, a maintenance issue, or they didn’t like the location of the cabin.
I thought that was unlikely, as I don’t know where they could have moved to if all the cabins had been sold.
Surely they had researched the cabin location and amenities before booking?
If there was something wrong with the cabin, I doubt they’d move me into it. I certainly never found anything wrong. Everything worked perfectly for me.
#3. Maintenance needed?
Maybe something needed to be fixed during the first few days of the cruise, so it had been empty the whole time?
Now that the suite had been repaired, they thought it would be a good idea for me to move into it?
As we were on day four of a twelve-day cruise, I thought the previous guests might have disembarked early due to a family emergency.
Why Would the Cruise Line Move Me Into That Cabin?
I was on a press trip creating content about the destination for Norwegian’s YouTube channel.
I don’t think they planned for me to review two cabins, and I don’t think the team who invited me on board knew that I was moved – but it made for a great cabin video!
Watch that video here:
The Human Side
It felt a little strange, moving into a space where someone else was just enjoying their cruise, and wondering why they suddenly weren’t there anymore.
Of course, I never found out because a cruise line will always respect the guests’ privacy and won’t divulge what has happened.
I do hope that if it was a family emergency, they got the support and help they needed.
The Practical Side
We quickly repacked our belongings, picked up the new keycards and moved to the suite at the front of the ship.
The new cabin had so much more space. It was actually able to accommodate up to six people. It would be great for a family with children. We actually had far more space than we could ever need.
The location of the suite wasn’t as good for me, it was right at the front of the ship, and so you could feel more movement than in my balcony cabin.
Luckily, the seas weren’t rough, and I didn’t feel seasick.
The suite had great big windows so you could get a fantastic view of everything around you, but it didn’t have any outside space. There was no balcony area that you could open and get some fresh air if you were feeling unwell.
It felt a little bittersweet, enjoying an upgrade that possibly came out of someone else’s misfortune.
If This Ever Happens to You…
If it does happen, make sure your new cabin comes with extra perks or offers a different experience that is worth trading for.
You can always say no, you would prefer to stay where you are.
For many people moving to a large suite at the front of the ship would be a dream come true. Unfortunately, I do get seasick, so I always have to consider whether the cabins location will help me feel better – or whether I will feel worse!
When I took a transatlantic voyage on the last ocean liner at sea, I was very aware that I may get seasick. I chose a cabin that was low down and central in the ship, so that i would feel the ships movement less.
This turned out to be a great move, as the seas were very rough. My parents had got an “upgrade” from an obstructed-view balcony cabin to a normal balcony cabin high up and at the front of the ship.
Their cabin rocked and rolled so much more than mine!
Find out all about that memorable winter transatlantic cruise here:
Before You Go
Find out more about my parents terrible upgrade on Queen Mary 2 here:
Why I Wouldn’t Recommend This Balcony Cabin on Queen Mary 2 (Full Cabin Review)
Find out what happened when Rebbecca had to leave the ship early due to a family emergency back home – passenger interview – here:
Leaving a Cruise in an Emergency – What Happens Next? (PASSENGER INTERVIEW and Advice)
Book a Cruise (I’ve Launched My Own Travel Agency)
I’ve spent the last 10 years creating cruise content online and over that time I’ve learnt that having a great travel agent makes a HUGE difference.
That’s why in 2026, I launched my own agency and built a team of real cruise experts who love cruising as much as I do.
We combine great prices with personal service. Just click the button below and we’ll find you the perfect cruise. No request is too big or too small, we’re here to help.