Free Cruise from Casino at Sea!!

[WannaCruiseSoon]

When I asked them last, they said the Table Games rule of thumb for a comped inside / blacony is $100/hand, 4 hours per day play (win or lose).

 

 

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WOW - no wonder I didnt get an offer. I mostly played 3-card poker last cruise and was playing 45 a hand (15 each bet) so I fell short of the $$ amount

 

Blackjack - I didnt play much - I dont like those continuous shuffle machines and I find you cant get on a decent run with those.

[sjbdtz]

WOW - no wonder I didnt get an offer. I mostly played 3-card poker last cruise and was playing 45 a hand (15 each bet) so I fell short of the $$ amount

 

Blackjack - I didnt play much - I dont like those continuous shuffle machines and I find you cant get on a decent run with those.

 

 

Even worse...you were only playing $30.

 

The Play bet only comes after the cards are dealt and isn't considered a bet when they're calculating average. :)

 

 

.

[terrymtex01]

For us the rule of thumb that seems to have always worked is we get comp'ed a room for about 1/3 of what we lost on the cruise that is being "graded" for the comp (the previous cruise). So we generally ask for a comp for a stateroom that is 1/3 of the amount we lost out of pocket and see what we can get. Only twice have we had to actually pay an upgraded fee and that was when we had a certificate we needed to use from the old world points and used them to upgrade to an owners suite on the Star and on our cruise for next year which is ten days and we wanted a specific higher end suite that we have stay in before on that specific suite. So far using our rule of thumb has always been near or close to what CAS seemed to have offered us, although I think they were a bit tighter for our booking next year. I know that isn't officially how they look at the way they comp folks, just seems to always be true for us.

[gooch47]

For us the rule of thumb that seems to have always worked is we get comp'ed a room for about 1/3 of what we lost on the cruise that is being "graded" for the comp (the previous cruise).

 

Thanks. That is very helpful information.

[AnitaVacation]

OK....after reading all your posts...and talking with my husband....I have drawn my own conclusion about CAS offers...

 

They seem totally random........

 

1. My DH lost way less than $1000 (like, by half ;))...but, he did spend atleast 2 hours a day/night at the blackjack table...

 

2. I played slots the entire cruise for the same amount of time he was at the table....and I did not get an offer...

 

Our offer is for a 7 night cruise, inside cabin, choice of 3 ships, choice of 3 sailing dates each...for the last week of Nov and the first 2 weeks of December....

 

The comp'd cabin does not include port charges & taxes and it is additional to upgrade to a better cabin....but still a great deal!!

 

We can sail on the EPIC for 7nt for a mere $220 total....but we will most definitely upgrade........

[TVLady3]

Just booked the Epic for the same great deal from CAS. I was on the 10 day Jewel this past May, and I guess they liked my play. We play slots, and in noway are high rollers, mostly pennies & quarters.:)

Got a inside cabin on deck 12 for $269.pp, but now need to find some decent airfare.

Can't figure out why thier taxes & fees are so much higher then whats posted on the NCL sight for the same cruise,can you?:confused:

Still, it really is a very good deal!:D

[Fishbait17]

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Can't figure out why thier taxes & fees are so much higher then whats posted on the NCL sight for the same cruise,can you?:confused:

Still, it really is a very good deal!:D

 

Because a lot of the fees are built into the cruise fare listed, so they are separated out from the listed fare and added into the CAS fare. It's almost always about $250-300 per person for 7 days on any comp.

 

Robin

[TVLady3]

Because a lot of the fees are built into the cruise fare listed, so they are separated out from the listed fare and added into the CAS fare. It's almost always about $250-300 per person for 7 days on any comp.

 

Robin

 

Makes sense, thanks for that info.

 

Carol:cool:

[MMMD]

Just out of curiosity, if you don't mind me asking, but how much does one have to spend/lose/win in casinos before you get a free cruise, if there is a certain amount?

 

Thanks.

 

The funny thing is, that I received this offer as well for a free cruise, and I am not a member of CAS.

 

I've been on one cruise (this past January) and played the slots maybe 2 nights. I didn't sign up for a card and therefore didn't play with one. I won enough to pay our on board charges with some left over.

 

We aren't interested in the offer, but wonder why we even received it.:confused:

Edited July 10, 2011 by MMMD

[AnitaVacation]

Because a lot of the fees are built into the cruise fare listed, so they are separated out from the listed fare and added into the CAS fare. It's almost always about $250-300 per person for 7 days on any comp.

 

Robin

 

hmmm...this is a game changer....(after I googled and learned more about 'non-commissionable' fares).....I'm going to have to call today and see what the REAL bottom line is....

 

LOL...my DH wants to tell them 'get us in a suite for $500 and we will bring plenty of $$ to spend in the casino'.....(I dont think that will work)...

 

If I do book this deal....I will be coming home from a Thanksgiving cruise on Tuesday and then taking off again on Friday for another 7 day cruise....lol

[sjbdtz]

hmmm...this is a game changer....(after I googled and learned more about 'non-commissionable' fares).....I'm going to have to call today and see what the REAL bottom line is....

 

LOL...my DH wants to tell them 'get us in a suite for $500 and we will bring plenty of $$ to spend in the casino'.....(I dont think that will work)...

 

If I do book this deal....I will be coming home from a Thanksgiving cruise on Tuesday and then taking off again on Friday for another 7 day cruise....lol

 

 

Guaranteed it won't work.

 

 

Upgrades to suites are usually around $1k / pp (based on my limited experience)

 

And that's with proven players.... :o

 

 

 

.

[Fishbait17]

Guaranteed it won't work.

 

 

Upgrades to suites are usually around $1k / pp (based on my limited experience)

 

And that's with proven players.... :o.

 

Especially on these CAS advertised cruises - as they fill up with CAS guests and therefore the upgrade amounts are higher (more CAS bookings = less CAS availability = higher rates). Like the Slot tournament cruises, I generally avoid them like the plague and pick my own dates when the casino will be less crowded as well.

 

Robin

[jst4fun715]

The funny thing is, that I received this offer as well for a free cruise, and I am not a member of CAS.

 

I've been on one cruise (this past January) and played the slots maybe 2 nights. I didn't sign up for a card and therefore didn't play with one. I won enough to pay our on board charges with some left over.

 

We aren't interested in the offer, but wonder why we even received it.:confused:

 

Are you a member of Harrah's/Caesar's program? I think this is all tied together if I understand things correctly. Last year my friend who had never been on Norwegian and thus not a member of CAS got an offer. She and I went on that cruise....and are now going in Dec.

 

hmmm...this is a game changer....(after I googled and learned more about 'non-commissionable' fares).....I'm going to have to call today and see what the REAL bottom line is....

 

LOL...my DH wants to tell them 'get us in a suite for $500 and we will bring plenty of $$ to spend in the casino'.....(I dont think that will work)...

 

If I do book this deal....I will be coming home from a Thanksgiving cruise on Tuesday and then taking off again on Friday for another 7 day cruise....lol

 

So after you book ;) come to the roll call for the 3 Dec cruise!

[che5904]

Especially on these CAS advertised cruises - as they fill up with CAS guests and therefore the upgrade amounts are higher (more CAS bookings = less CAS availability = higher rates). Like the Slot tournament cruises, I generally avoid them like the plague and pick my own dates when the casino will be less crowded as well.

 

Robin

 

Yes me too, but then again I do that in land casinos as well. My slot host supervisor always says "what can I run that you would be interested in?" LOL I say anything that isn't going to make the casino nuts with people. I try to avoid the busiest parts of the day.

 

I'm really low maintenance, let me play in peace offer me a meal or 2. If it's a cruise, AC, Windsor or Vegas offer me somewhere to lay my head. I'm all happy ;)

[AnitaVacation]

ok...made that phone call.....(and, no...I did not relay my DH's message...lol)

 

Here's the REAL DEAL.........

 

The offer does not include taxes & fees or non-commissionable fares (which it states on the postcard)....so, that being said...

 

Inside cabin...$269pp (DH would never allow)

Balcony cabin...$569pp

Mini Suite....$799pp

 

This would be on the EPIC for the 12/3 sailing...This offer makes it about half off....still a good deal....BUT...we would need to book airfare/transfers and hotel for the night before....I'm not sure if this deal is sweet enough to tempt us into a cruise that we hadn't planned....We would like to go on the EPIC atleast once...and I'm sure we won't ever get a lower deal.........

 

Anyone know of a Miami hotel that picks up from the airport and will take you to the cruise terminal the next day?? I'm sure there has to be a good selection that will.........

Edited July 11, 2011 by AnitaVacation

[LisaDee]

I enjoy playing slots/video poker while cruising but other than that I don't go to casinos so I'm not sure how this works. Can someone explain? On our last cruise I just put $$ on my sign & sail card (this was RCCL, haven't been on NCL yet) and then used that card in the video poker machine. Is there a different card I need to get that will track my play?

 

Thanks.

[MMMD]

Are you a member of Harrah's/Caesar's program? I think this is all tied together if I understand things correctly. Last year my friend who had never been on Norwegian and thus not a member of CAS got an offer. She and I went on that cruise....and are now going in Dec.

 

No, not a member of any casino program and haven't even been in a casino for a few years.

 

The only thing I've done is sail on the Jewel and play the slots a couple nights.

 

I guess it will remain a mystery as to why I received the offer.

[VideoTech]

I enjoy playing slots/video poker while cruising but other than that I don't go to casinos so I'm not sure how this works. Can someone explain? On our last cruise I just put $$ on my sign & sail card (this was RCCL, haven't been on NCL yet) and then used that card in the video poker machine. Is there a different card I need to get that will track my play?

 

Thanks.

 

RCCL's system is different than NCL's. If you're going to cruise and gamble on NCL and want your play to be tracked for discounts and future comps, you need to join the Casinos At Sea program. You do this at the Casino desk after you board.

 

You use the CAS card in the machines and at the tables to get them to track your play. The CAS card does not carry a cash balance, the way the RCCL sign & sail card does. It's just for play tracking.

 

After you've established a play level on your first cruise with a CAS membership, you may get offers from CAS for discounted cabins on future cruises. It depends on how much you play.

 

Also, on any cruise that you gamble on with a CAS card, your play will be evaluated at the end of the cruise and you may be offered a discount on your final bill from the ship.

Edited July 11, 2011 by VideoTech

[VideoTech]

Are you a member of Harrah's/Caesar's program? I think this is all tied together if I understand things correctly. Last year my friend who had never been on Norwegian and thus not a member of CAS got an offer. She and I went on that cruise....and are now going in Dec.

 

So after you book ;) come to the roll call for the 3 Dec cruise!

 

You're correct, Harrah's Total Rewards and NCL's CAS program share a client list, because Harrah's is a partial owner of NCL. Harrah's Total Rewards members will get offers from NCL, and your Total Rewards status will help NCL determine what your likely play on the ship will amount to.

 

However (and unfortunately), any play on NCL don't carry over to your TR points, and your TR points aren't usable on NCL ships. Too bad...it would be nice if they'd work out a system for that!

[Fishbait17]

No, not a member of any casino program and haven't even been in a casino for a few years.

 

The only thing I've done is sail on the Jewel and play the slots a couple nights.

 

I guess it will remain a mystery as to why I received the offer.

 

This IS a mystery! is it possible you signed up for any casino drawings on the ship?

 

Robin

[texast518]

One benefit of CAS(like Harrahs) you get a FREE drink card for drinks in casino which you can take anywhere. Sailing Spirit Nov 27, 2011 from NO,upgraded from free1A to BA, total cost $1089.52. Harrahs Diamond you get 20% off plus free drinks,CAS this is better deal.

Edited July 12, 2011 by texast518

[YYC F/A]

Anyone know of a Miami hotel that picks up from the airport and will take you to the cruise terminal the next day?? I'm sure there has to be a good selection that will.........

 

To the best of my knowledge, none of the hotels DT provide "free" shuttle from airport and to port.

 

Holiday Inn MIA airport on Ponciana provides free airport shuttle AND free shuttle to port of Miami. Newly renovated rooms.

 

If you go to Marriott.com you can put in Corporate Code/Promo Code "TRS" and then you can view properties that have a Cruise/Transfer rate that includes transfers (and usually breakfast and some cocktails). It can be quite a good deal, sometimes only $10 more than the lowest rates, but with breakfast/transfers/welcome cocktail vouchers included.

[AnitaVacation]

To the best of my knowledge, none of the hotels DT provide "free" shuttle from airport and to port.

 

Holiday Inn MIA airport on Ponciana provides free airport shuttle AND free shuttle to port of Miami. Newly renovated rooms.

 

If you go to Marriott.com you can put in Corporate Code/Promo Code "TRS" and then you can view properties that have a Cruise/Transfer rate that includes transfers (and usually breakfast and some cocktails). It can be quite a good deal, sometimes only $10 more than the lowest rates, but with breakfast/transfers/welcome cocktail vouchers included.

 

Thanks! Very helpful......but we are still on the fence about this one...albeit a good deal, its not a 'fantastic' deal...(not good enough to make us jump right up and book)....

 

We have a Vista Suite booked for an 8nt NYC to Bermuda in Sept and I have another cruised booked for Thanksgiving with my mom and my brother and family....(and we took a little 4nt cruise in June)....so, December might be cruise overload (if there is such a thing)...lol

 

We have until the end of the month to make a decision.....so, I'm gonna let it simmer on the back burner for a bit.............:cool:

[MMMD]

This IS a mystery! is it possible you signed up for any casino drawings on the ship?

 

Robin

 

Nope, nothing at all.

 

I guess I'll never know! :)

[AnitaVacation]

One benefit of CAS(like Harrahs) you get a FREE drink card for drinks in casino which you can take anywhere. Sailing Spirit Nov 27, 2011 from NO,upgraded from free1A to BA, total cost $1089.52. Harrahs Diamond you get 20% off plus free drinks,CAS this is better deal.

 

I thought I read that somewhere.....but now when I go back and look, I can't find anything about a free drink card....where did you see this??? That could be worth about another $100-$200 for us........hmmmmmmmmm

 

If we 'pass' on this deal.....do you think they will send another one at a later time??