Free Cruise from Casino at Sea!!

[SplashOfWater]

Oh My Goodness........I dont know if it is lack of training or what....here's what I have been told....

 

When I called (my first call) to get information about booking this deal, I was told 'yes, I could use a 'future cruise cert' as deposit in full and pay the balance before 9/18....(we discussed inside and balcony cabins and the price difference, etc etc)

 

My second call, I was told.....yes, I could use the 'fcc' but had to pay the balance in full upon booking.....(right then)

 

My third call....I decided to book the inside the cabin, paid in full and will grab an upgrade later....no problem, booked & paid (used my fcc)

 

This morning I called to see how much to upgrade to a balcony (because the price difference had dropped, and according to my math would be $250pp to move to a balcony)....the rep retrieved my reservation and did her thing and came back and told me that the upgrade would be $290pp, I even asked her if she was sure bcuz I figured $250....she assured me, $290pp....(so, I thought, did the price move again?)....so, I told her I would wait........

 

I went back online and checks the rates of my cruise and sure enough, the difference was still $250pp.... so, I called again.....got a very nice gentleman....and this time, instead of just requesting 'a balcony' I requested an upgrade to a BF (which was the +$250pp category)...the nice man told me that category was under guarantee ...but I could choose a BE category for $10 more (higher deck too)....so, I booked the BE balcony without a problem......

 

THEN......he tells me that I do not need to pay the difference today, I have until 9/18 to make final payment......???....I was like...WHA??? I explained to him that I was told by the former rep(s) that I had to pay in full upon booking.....he told me (after he apologized for his colleagues) that anytime you book an upgraded category, you only need to put down the $500 deposit...EVEN WITH CASINO AT SEA...........:cool:

 

But it's all good....with that information, I probably would have booked a balcony cabin right from the start....but hey, this way, I saved $80....so, I'm happy....

 

I just wanted to pass this information along to anyone that is booking via CAS....the first reps I spoke to did not really clarify the rules.......and who knows, maybe you will get a rep that will tell you all this is not true :rolleyes:

 

Happy Sailing Everyone!!!

 

Wow, I guess we got one of the better reps when we called. We booked our 12/10 cruise through CAS and were able to use the cruise reward as the full deposit and have until 9/26 to pay the remaining balance. The cost to upgrade from the inside cabin to balcony was more than the difference on the web, but we're saving quite a bit over what we would have paid for the balcony that it wasn't really a concern.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[tkportersat]

Not much....My husband and I had a 10 month old with us so we had very limited time in the casino. I would venture to guess we spent less than $1000.

Was told by the lady on the phone that they had "lowered their requirement" for the moment. Unfortunately we don't have the time off to be able to take another cruise this year, so no "free" cruise for us. We also want to wait until the little one is 2 so that we have the childrens club available to us.

 

 

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.

[tkportersat]

Good luck :) We were on that same March cruise with you. Hope this one goes much smoother for you!!

 

Congratulations.

 

We just booked a free one from the Harrah's (Caesar's now I guess) chain and the cost was just about the same. We chose the Spirit out of NOLA which was the same one we took in March. Between the ship not leaving until 1:30 a.m. and rain and clouds the whole trip we decided to try a do-over.

 

We just got back from a three week vacation and each of us had a card in our held mail from the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida. That would have been TWO more free NCL cruises. We were actually in Florida the day that we had to be there to pick up the cruises. It would have only been about a 120 mile detour from where we were heading (Captiva Island). We're a little bummed about missing that opportunity.

[tkportersat]

I was playing slots; hubby was parked at the Poker table.

There were three select dates available only.

 

 

For everyone who gets the CAS offers, are you slot players or table games?

 

On a cruise I go to the casino every day but I am a table games person and I have never received any offers. I just may not be gambling "enough money" but time wise I am there.

 

I play a slot machine here and there but I like my card games ;)

 

 

Also do they give you anything if you already have a cruise booked?

[sjbdtz]

If you haven't done so already, and you work well with your Caesar's host, book through them. We book through our Harrah's host all the time, and feel we get better service that way.

 

Because the NCL CAS system and the Harrah's/Caesar's system are not directly linked, your Caesar's host will be able to work with CAS with his/her knowledge of your play and possibly help you to a better comp from CAS.

 

 

The Caesar's Host has nothing to do with the CAS Comp.

 

 

 

.

[che5904]

I got a CAS Cruise Certificate from Tropicana Las Vegas and now a 2nd Cert from Caesar's.

 

I'm a Caesar's TR Diamond Tier, but never been on a NCL cruise. Does anyone know if I should book the cruise through CAS or through my Caesar's Host. I really want the best room (I can get comped) and am also looking to see if I can combine the 2 CAS Certs for a room upgrade.

 

 

I'm a little confused by this post since Harrahs/Caesars (whichever name they are this week) does not own Tropicana in LV. Why would they send you an NCL cruise certificate?

[Fishbait17]

I'm a little confused by this post since Harrahs/Caesars (whichever name they are this week) does not own Tropicana in LV. Why would they send you an NCL cruise certificate?

 

I am pretty sure NCL will sell those certs to almost anyone. I currently am sitting on NINE postcards, from CAS, Caesars, and a couple of others.

 

Robin

[che5904]

I am pretty sure NCL will sell those certs to almost anyone. I currently am sitting on NINE postcards, from CAS, Caesars, and a couple of others.

 

Robin

 

OK mine always come from one of the many Caesars locations.

[VideoTech]

The Caesar's Host has nothing to do with the CAS Comp.

.

 

Ok, we'll split hairs. It is true that the amount of the comp is decided by NCL & CAS. It is also true that Harrah's/Caesar's owns a portion of NCL and that your Harrah's/Caesar's casino host, while not setting the $ amount of the comp, can have a positive impact on the actions of the NCL/CAS group. We are proof of this: everyone of our cruises, from RCCL to NCL has been comp'd, to some degree or other, through the actions of our Harrah's casino rep, and I believe we have consistently gotten better comp offers working through him than if we had simply called in "off the street" to CAS.

 

At the very least, your casino host can inform NCL/CAS of your level of play, which will allow them to better decide the $ amount they will offer you. Once you have cruised several times, and demonstrated a consistent play level on board, they would no longer need that information. But I still believe it would be better for a first time gambling cruiser who had a good relationship with a Harrah's/Ceasar's host, to work with through that person to CAS.

[ccerts]

re: I got a CAS Cruise Certificate from Tropicana Las Vegas and now a 2nd Cert from Caesar's.

 

I'm a little confused by this post since Harrahs/Caesars (whichever name they are this week) does not own Tropicana in LV. Why would they send you an NCL cruise certificate?

 

I am pretty sure NCL will sell those certs to almost anyone. I currently am sitting on NINE postcards, from CAS, Caesars, and a couple of others.

 

Robin

 

I gamble at both properties, so I got 2 CAS certs. I'm sure CAS sells these to any casino. If CAS can get more 'high rollers' on their cruise....:)

[ccerts]

Ok, we'll split hairs. It is true that the amount of the comp is decided by NCL & CAS. It is also true that Harrah's/Caesar's owns a portion of NCL and that your Harrah's/Caesar's casino host, while not setting the $ amount of the comp, can have a positive impact on the actions of the NCL/CAS group. We are proof of this: everyone of our cruises, from RCCL to NCL has been comp'd, to some degree or other, through the actions of our Harrah's casino rep, and I believe we have consistently gotten better comp offers working through him than if we had simply called in "off the street" to CAS.

 

At the very least, your casino host can inform NCL/CAS of your level of play, which will allow them to better decide the $ amount they will offer you. Once you have cruised several times, and demonstrated a consistent play level on board, they would no longer need that information. But I still believe it would be better for a first time gambling cruiser who had a good relationship with a Harrah's/Ceasar's host, to work with through that person to CAS.

 

I appreciate the advice. I'm guessing that I should first decide which cruise I want. Then call CAS, see what they offer. If it's just the Inside Stateroom (on both certs), then call my Harrah's/Ceasar's host to see what she can do. Right :rolleyes:?

[chadman]

BOOKED!!!

 

 

Sailing on the EPIC on December 3rd!!

 

WOOHOO!!!

WOOHOO DW and myself will be joining you:D:D:D

[garycarla]

Yes, Harrahs/Caesars are related to NCL.

 

But, NCL Casino group will try to get any gambler from any casino to come spend money with them. Therefore, other casino groups may offer deals. And, I am not so sure that the land casino actually pays for the certificates. After all, NCL is hoping you will come an spend LOTS of money in their casino.

[VideoTech]

I appreciate the advice. I'm guessing that I should first decide which cruise I want. Then call CAS, see what they offer. If it's just the Inside Stateroom (on both certs), then call my Harrah's/Ceasar's host to see what she can do. Right :rolleyes:?

 

My recommendation would be to decide on your cruise, then call your Harrah's/Ceasar's host and have them make the initial contact with CAS on your behalf (particularly if this is your first time cruising through CAS).

 

Once you've accepted whatever CAS offers, then you can deal with them directly if you want to pay for an upgrade.

 

This is our method, and we're very happy with the results.

[AnitaVacation]

WOOHOO DW and myself will be joining you:D:D:D

 

FABULOUS!!!:D

 

I already upgraded our cabin twice.....after I booked the balcony cabin, I looked around and noticed that I had booked a cabin on deck 9 with an OPEN BALCONY....and decided...no way.............so, upgraded to an large balcony on deck 10 for a few dollars more.............:)

 

Do people really want those open balcony's??? Wow....it's completely exposed and everyone above you can peer down at you....no privacy at all....it wouldnt be so bad if those balcony's were like on the top deck, but they are on the lowest decks and everyone can see you..........:eek:

[FEckeT]

FABULOUS!!!:D

 

I already upgraded our cabin twice.....after I booked the balcony cabin, I looked around and noticed that I had booked a cabin on deck 9 with an OPEN BALCONY....and decided...no way.............so, upgraded to an large balcony on deck 10 for a few dollars more.............:)

 

Do people really want those open balcony's??? Wow....it's completely exposed and everyone above you can peer down at you....no privacy at all....it wouldnt be so bad if those balcony's were like on the top deck, but they are on the lowest decks and everyone can see you..........:eek:

 

Are you talking about the open balcony on Deck 9 or are you talking about the large balcony on Deck 10?

 

I can tell you about the "larger" balcony on Deck 10 on the Jewel. We sailed in both cabin 10168 one year and then 10668 the next. They are mirror images. The balcony holds 2 chairs one small table and at least one additional lounge or even 2 if you request a second one.

 

Cabin is the same, but DH and I think that balcony IS worth paying extra for, so that is the only one he will let me book from now on.

 

As far as people looking down on you, that is true if you are standing at the rail. If you are back near the entry to the cabin it is covered like any other balcony. As far as I am concerned, this is the best of both worlds. Covered for shade and privacy and open to be able to sun and see the stars. It is also nice to be able to turn around and wave to the other people at their balcony above in the mini suites or at the Outside Cafe as well as to other Deck 10 guests, which by the way the 2 on each end are suites.

 

We are booked into on of these on the Star next year, hope it is as nice as the Jewel.

 

I am sure you will love it. Please post after your cruise and tell me how you liked it. :confused:

 

:) :)

[BKboomers]

does anyone have any feedback on poker play? That's my game and I was just wondering if CAS has any play for poker players

[chadman]

FABULOUS!!!:D

 

I already upgraded our cabin twice.....after I booked the balcony cabin, I looked around and noticed that I had booked a cabin on deck 9 with an OPEN BALCONY....and decided...no way.............so, upgraded to an large balcony on deck 10 for a few dollars more.............:)

 

Do people really want those open balcony's??? Wow....it's completely exposed and everyone above you can peer down at you....no privacy at all....it wouldnt be so bad if those balcony's were like on the top deck, but they are on the lowest decks and everyone can see you..........:eek:

We also upgraded to a balcony 9272 any one know if this is open or covered. Thanks for any info:D:D:D

[Fishbait17]

does anyone have any feedback on poker play? That's my game and I was just wondering if CAS has any play for poker players

 

Most of the strictly poker players I know have gotten very little comp from CAS with hours every night on the (very full) table. The ones that play poker plus others (Baccarat, carnival games, slots) fare a bit better.

 

Robin

Edited July 28, 2011 by Fishbait17

[AnitaVacation]

We also upgraded to a balcony 9272 any one know if this is open or covered. Thanks for any info:D:D:D

 

You'd better check....I had to move up a category yesterday because anything that was available on 8 or 9 was an open balcony....there is a thread on here about open balcony rooms and it is quite thorough (thats how I discovered my error)....you can also tell my looking at a deck chart, look at deck 9, then look at deck 10....(but the thread is better, it has actual photos)...it was only $20pp for a large (extended) balcony....

 

I'd have to say that yes...9272 is most likely an open balcony as we were originally booked in 9276.....

 

Here is a link to that thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1242766

Edited July 28, 2011 by AnitaVacation

[AnitaVacation]

Are you talking about the open balcony on Deck 9 or are you talking about the large balcony on Deck 10?

 

I was talking about the open balcony's on decks 8 & 9.....I'm very pleased with my large (extended) balcony on deck 10....

[LaCal]

Oh My Goodness........I dont know if it is lack of training or what....here's what I have been told....

 

When I called (my first call) to get information about booking this deal, I was told 'yes, I could use a 'future cruise cert' as deposit in full and pay the balance before 9/18....(we discussed inside and balcony cabins and the price difference, etc etc)

 

My second call, I was told.....yes, I could use the 'fcc' but had to pay the balance in full upon booking.....(right then)

 

My third call....I decided to book the inside the cabin, paid in full and will grab an upgrade later....no problem, booked & paid (used my fcc)

 

This morning I called to see how much to upgrade to a balcony (because the price difference had dropped, and according to my math would be $250pp to move to a balcony)....the rep retrieved my reservation and did her thing and came back and told me that the upgrade would be $290pp, I even asked her if she was sure bcuz I figured $250....she assured me, $290pp....(so, I thought, did the price move again?)....so, I told her I would wait........

 

I went back online and checks the rates of my cruise and sure enough, the difference was still $250pp.... so, I called again.....got a very nice gentleman....and this time, instead of just requesting 'a balcony' I requested an upgrade to a BF (which was the +$250pp category)...the nice man told me that category was under guarantee ...but I could choose a BE category for $10 more (higher deck too)....so, I booked the BE balcony without a problem......

 

THEN......he tells me that I do not need to pay the difference today, I have until 9/18 to make final payment......???....I was like...WHA??? I explained to him that I was told by the former rep(s) that I had to pay in full upon booking.....he told me (after he apologized for his colleagues) that anytime you book an upgraded category, you only need to put down the $500 deposit...EVEN WITH CASINO AT SEA...........:cool:

 

But it's all good....with that information, I probably would have booked a balcony cabin right from the start....but hey, this way, I saved $80....so, I'm happy....

 

I just wanted to pass this information along to anyone that is booking via CAS....the first reps I spoke to did not really clarify the rules.......and who knows, maybe you will get a rep that will tell you all this is not true :rolleyes:

 

Happy Sailing Everyone!!!

 

Yeah it seems like some of the people taking the Reservations Dont know what they are doing....

 

Last week I looked online for a May 2012 Cruise to Alaska on NCL....Got the price direct from NCL's site(With Past NCL Cruiser Rate).....Then Called Harrahs to see what kind of discount we would get from them and she came back with a price $100 MORE for the same Suite than if we had went directly on NCL Site....I explained this to her and asked if her price was including our Harrahs Discount, She says Yes puts me on hold then comes back with a New price $400 Under the Currret NCL Going PP Rate......So I tell her I'll call back.:rolleyes:

 

Next day I Call CAS Direct and get the Same PH AFT Suite for over $600 LESS than Harrahs Rate....We had a Future Cruise Credit so we booked it Right Away and he said we can always Change or Cancel it with No Problems If Done Before Final Payment was Due....:D

 

So YES it does Good to Look around, make multiple calls, check Diff Rates and Not just go with the first thing that comes up....

 

We are getting the FREE Drink Cards Included and this is our First Suite so All those Perks are going to be even SWEETER & Make Alaska that much more Enjoyable......Gonna be hard going back to Mini-Suites,:eek:

 

Also we are in California and got the Free Crusie Certificate last year from Harrahs Rincon...We were able to use Both Certificates on the same cruise to Mexico last November...Upgraded to a Mini-Suite for less than $1,000 Total...

 

Anyway has anyone heard of Harrhs here in California giving out the Certificates yet this year?????......This is about the same time they did it last year and the year before....Thanks for any help....:)

[sjbdtz]

Yeah it seems like some of the people taking the Reservations Dont know what they are doing....

 

Last week I looked online for a May 2012 Cruise to Alaska on NCL....Got the price direct from NCL's site(With Past NCL Cruiser Rate).....Then Called Harrahs to see what kind of discount we would get from them and she came back with a price $100 MORE for the same Suite than if we had went directly on NCL Site....I explained this to her and asked if her price was including our Harrahs Discount, She says Yes puts me on hold then comes back with a New price $400 Under the Currret NCL Going PP Rate......So I tell her I'll call back.:rolleyes:

 

Next day I Call CAS Direct and get the Same PH AFT Suite for over $600 LESS than Harrahs Rate....We had a Future Cruise Credit so we booked it Right Away and he said we can always Change or Cancel it with No Problems If Done Before Final Payment was Due....:D

 

So YES it does Good to Look around, make multiple calls, check Diff Rates and Not just go with the first thing that comes up....

 

We are getting the FREE Drink Cards Included and this is our First Suite so All those Perks are going to be even SWEETER & Make Alaska that much more Enjoyable......Gonna be hard going back to Mini-Suites,:eek:

 

 

 

 

 

Ummm.... you called different companies. I'm not sure what you mean by it takes multiple calls.

 

Your first call to Harrah's required you to clarify whether your discount was included....it was recalculated and offered.

 

Then you called a different company (CAS), and found out that they were able to treat you better than Harrah's could.

 

 

That's called comparison shopping, not "some of the Reservations people not knowing what they're doing".

 

 

 

 

.

[Liztoybiz]

Here is the Epic feedback I promised from my med. cruise on July 31st. Slots on the low end were about normal, as far as payout goes. They did have some of the Goldfish games and a few other popular ones, but not many of the new ones at all. $1 and higher slots were pretty awful. I know my usual % of payout and NOTHING was paying on the $ slots. I visited with a few other dollar players and no one was winning anything! I generated a little less than 5000 pts. and usually lots of that is recycled money but not this time. I think the hosts realized I was trying, because I'd lose a bunch on slots and then have to go win some of it back on roulette. This went on all week. Very frustrating! I didn't play much video poker this trip and no other tables so I can't help there. On the up side, Jose (server) and Victor (bartender) were awesome, making me Mojitos and Painkillers and bringing them to me, sometimes two at a time, lol. I found that it really worked well to tip $5 up front and find out their name, let them know we'd be seeing a lot of each other, and they would usually come and find me. I always gave them $2 or so extra each time. Staff was very nice, dealers were mostly good, and pit bosses were even fun, esp. Tony. I just hope you all have a winning cruise, hoping ours was just a fluke...

ps. Just under 5000 pts. plus all that roulette only yielded $200 off my acct. for comparison sake.

 

Happy cruising!

Liz

[LaCal]

Ummm.... you called different companies. I'm not sure what you mean by it takes multiple calls.

 

Your first call to Harrah's required you to clarify whether your discount was included....it was recalculated and offered.

 

Then you called a different company (CAS), and found out that they were able to treat you better than Harrah's could.

 

 

That's called comparison shopping, not "some of the Reservations people not knowing what they're doing".

 

 

 

 

.

 

My Mistake...but the Harrahs lady did not know what she was doing...She took my Total Rewards Number, put me on hold came back with a Rate that was higher than NCLs Rate online...When I asked her if my Harrahs Discount was being used she stated YES IT WAS....When I told her that I could go online at NCL and get a cheaper rate thast when she puts me on hold again and then comes back with a New Cheaper Rate....

 

Point Being they should get it Right the First Time......Also calling CAS is the only way to go from here on in for us.....Cheapest Rates , FREE Drinks and Specials in the room...:D

 

Edited August 25, 2011 by LaCal
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