Let’s talk about vacation upgrades, because some feel like a total game changer and others just are not worth the splurge. Here’s my honest take, upgrade by upgrade.
Private transfers: yes
This one is an easy yes almost every time. There is nothing like skipping the shared shuttle chaos after a long flight, especially when you just want to get to your room and start your vacation instead of making four extra stops around the resort.
Oceanview vs. balcony: depends
This one comes down to how you actually use your room. If you love morning coffee with a view, or evening wine out on your own balcony, go for it. If you’re barely in the room because you’re out exploring or by the pool all day, save the money and put it toward something you’ll actually notice.
Club level or preferred club: sometimes
Better drinks, better snacks, a quieter pool, these perks are nice, but they’re not always the game changer people expect. Whether it’s worth it really depends on how much time you plan to spend using those perks versus out doing other things.
VIP add-ons like Club Mobay or The Retreat on NCL: chef’s kiss
If you like VIP vibes and skipping lines, these are the upgrades that genuinely change the feel of your trip from start to finish. Arriving through Club Mobay instead of standard customs, for example, is a completely different first impression of your vacation.
The real answer
We’ve done both the splurges and the “meh, we didn’t need that” upgrades over the years, and it always comes down to your travel style. There’s no universal right answer here, just what actually matters to you.
If you haven’t seen my blog post about another hot topic and if it is worth it, check out my post about travel protection.