What is the difference between a Category Guarantee and a Run of Ship stateroom?
Both the Category Guarantee and Run of Ship options typically provide a great value in that they are usually reduced fares with the possibility of an upgrade. Category Guarantee means you will receive at least the category that you have purchased, with the possibility of an upgrade. If you have chosen this option, you will not receive an exact stateroom number at the time of booking, as the cruise lines typically assign the stateroom closer to the departure date or even at the pier. Run of Ship means that your stateroom could be literally anywhere on the ship. This could be from the lowest deck to the highest, inside or outside staterooms, front, back, or mid-ship. As with guarantee cabins, you will generally receive your stateroom number either fairly close to departure date or even at the pier. Many passengers consistently purchase their staterooms in this manner and are satisfied with the savings and with the staterooms that they receive. However, if having a specific view, bedding
Both the Category Guarantee and Run of Ship options provide a better price to the customer for giving the cruise line the flexibility of assigning your exact cabin later. A Category Guarantee means youre guaranteed a cabin in a specific category or a higher category. A Run of Ship means you can be assigned any cabin onboard. In either case you not know your cabin number until shortly before you sail. For those who are flexible this is a great way to save money or possibly get upgraded. If you have specific needs then this may not be a good option for you.
