When dealing with CAS, it REALLY pays to try and try again!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

(CAS= Casinos at Sea.... NCL's Casino division)

 

Our history with NCL is a cruise last summer on the Sky, a cruise earlier this year on the Epic, and our two night sailing on the Pearl last weekend.

 

I booked a cabin on the Jewel for Alaska next year a couple of months ago. It was an aft Penthouse (10164). We opted for this same cabin on the Pearl last weekend for a two-nighter to get a feel for this class of ship and cabin. Two days is not sufficient time to really get the layout down, but we managed to find our way around ok. What surprised me was that the Penthouse was rather small. Much smaller than the aft Penthouse we had on the Sky. If Cheryl was at the make-up table, then I could not easily enter/leave the bathroom. Walking by the bed (from that area) meant having to almost turn sideways to get around it. Additionally, we found the amount of drawer space somewhat limited for this category of cabin - while it would be OK for a short sailing, for 7+ nights it would be a limiting factor.

 

Yesterday I called to see what kind of discount I might be able to get on the Jewel thanks to my play on the Pearl. As I indicated above, we had already booked #10164 on the Jewel, which came to about $6K for the two of us. I was told that we were eligible for an inside cabin, which would give us ~$1,300 off any higher category. That did not really get my attention, and besides, we had determined that the Penthouse was too small.

 

OK - so now I called back CAS (not mentioning what I already had booked) and asked what the rate for our sailing would be in an S3 category - Owner's Suite. After evaluating my play (a different person this time) she came back and told me that my play made me eligible for a balcony cabin for two (free). Thus now our discount on a higher category cabin would be just over $3K .... SIGN ME UP I said. I informed her that I had already reserved a cabin, and she easily took over the booking. Some additional deposit was required, but that - combined with a future cruise coupon I had purchased on the Epic, meant that now my remaining balance (for what was a $9.6K cabin earlier in the day) was now less than $5K.

 

SO.. don't assume that the offer they give you when you first call is their best offer, it may not be. I suppose it has to do with who you reach, what the phase of the moon is, and what number their "wheel of fortune" lands on when you call! :rolleyes:

 

SWEET!

 

For reference to others, my blackjack bets may range from $100 to $500. From other threads I have read in the past, the offers from CAS are all across the board as far as what others receive -- playing at lower and higher levels than mine. I am not so sure that there is a strict formula (how could there be with the different offer I received between the two calls).

 

GOOD LUCK!

 

Tom

[Cruiser#5]

(CAS= Casinos at Sea.... NCL's Casino division)

 

SO.. don't assume that the offer they give you when you first call is their best offer, it may not be. I suppose it has to do with who you reach, what the phase of the moon is, and what number their "wheel of fortune" lands on when you call! :rolleyes:

GOOD LUCK!

 

Tom

 

That is a sweet deal! Thanks for the tip! I'll try that the next time I book :)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

That is a sweet deal! Thanks for the tip! I'll try that the next time I book :)

 

It never hurts to ask -- sometimes even more than once!

 

I was told to call back after our Epic sailing next month to see if they could improve on their offer (based on my play there)!

 

Tom

[Cruiser#5]

I was told to call back after our Epic sailing next month to see if they could improve on their offer (based on my play there)!

 

Tom

 

If you do call, keep us posted

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

If you do call, keep us posted

 

I will do that! :)

 

Tom

[SuiteCruiser]

That sounds awesome. I have heard that before too, different peoplemgiving different answers.

 

I'm in a bit of a predicament. I want to book a suite through CAS, but they are closed for the weekend. I'm nervous that the cabin will go poof by Monday AM, and it's past final payment time, so I can't drop a deposit on it.

 

I have one comped balcony coming up in January, but the cruise I want to book is before that. I also have a Transatlantic booked for next year, and was offered 20% off until I've sailed the comped January cruise.

 

I don't know if they'll offer 20% off of the suite, or less, but my main concern is not having to pay for drinks in the casino, as I tend to spend a fair bit of time in there ;)

 

Any advice?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

That sounds awesome. I have heard that before too, different peoplemgiving different answers.

 

I'm in a bit of a predicament. I want to book a suite through CAS, but they are closed for the weekend. I'm nervous that the cabin will go poof by Monday AM, and it's past final payment time, so I can't drop a deposit on it.

 

I have one comped balcony coming up in January, but the cruise I want to book is before that. I also have a Transatlantic booked for next year, and was offered 20% off until I've sailed the comped January cruise.

 

I don't know if they'll offer 20% off of the suite, or less, but my main concern is not having to pay for drinks in the casino, as I tend to spend a fair bit of time in there ;)

 

Any advice?

 

Is there any way that they could (by calling the regular 1-800 NCL number) put a courtesy hold on it for 24 hours? I seem to recall Celebrity doing that for me a couple of times. After the hold expires tomorrow, you can call back later and hold it again... just a thought!

 

CAS being closed on the weekends is sometimes a hassle. That is why I never want to go through a TA, and only book direct. Though in the case of CAS (and Celebrity's Blue Chip Club) it's "worth" the hassle!!

 

Good Luck!

 

Tom

[slotaddict]

It doesn't hurt to ask about the courtesy hold, but I doubt they will do it...My experience with CAS has been that you must call them to do anything, I tried to change a dinner reservation on the Epic and to Call CAS to do it....

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

It doesn't hurt to ask about the courtesy hold, but I doubt they will do it...My experience with CAS has been that you must call them to do anything, I tried to change a dinner reservation on the Epic and to Call CAS to do it....

 

Yes - once I made our upcoming dining/entertainment reservations online I decided to change one of nights from Cagney's to Le Bistro. To do that, I had to call CAS. They were able to handle it for me, but now I can't even view my dining reservations online any longer. So, you do give up some control -- not a bad tradeoff I suppose!

 

Tom

[silkhair1]

Awesome!

[SuiteCruiser]

Thanks for the help!

 

I called and they booked it, but the manager put a note on the file that I am to call CAS on Monday and they can make whatever changes possible. I think they may just have put a hold on my card for the full amount, so that it shows as booked.

 

Hopefully on Monday they will be able to switch it over seamlessly.

 

I'm super excited now, booked OS on the Gem for Jan 1st. NYC for NYE should be amazing!

 

I'll let you know how it works out on Monday.

 

Thanks again, very helpful!

[SuiteCruiser]

Tom,

 

I see you're back on the Epic in a month! So lucky! Loved the casino staff on there. Toni & Chris were great supervisors and lots of great dealers. Krista was good to me.

 

Enjoy and good luck!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom,

 

I see you're back on the Epic in a month! So lucky! Loved the casino staff on there. Toni & Chris were great supervisors and lots of great dealers. Krista was good to me.

 

Enjoy and good luck!

 

Is that a great ship or what ! ? !

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Thanks for the help!

 

I called and they booked it, but the manager put a note on the file that I am to call CAS on Monday and they can make whatever changes possible. I think they may just have put a hold on my card for the full amount, so that it shows as booked.

 

Hopefully on Monday they will be able to switch it over seamlessly.

 

I'm super excited now, booked OS on the Gem for Jan 1st. NYC for NYE should be amazing!

 

I'll let you know how it works out on Monday.

 

Thanks again, very helpful!

 

Glad it is working out -- definitely check back here and let me know what they were able to do for you!

 

Tom

[SuiteCruiser]

Is that a great ship or what ! ? !

 

Tom

 

Funny, I was a bit leery of it at first because it's so big, but they did an amazing job of designing it so it didn't feel any bigger than any other ship. Absolutely LOVED it. It's not the prettiest from the outside, but inside she's perfect. :)

[SuiteCruiser]

They were able to take over the booking with no trouble. Since we already have one comped cruise booked based on my Epic cruise, they were "only" able to give me the 20% off. 20% off of the Owners Suite is fantastic!

 

Very excited, so I'm still booked and having over $1000 put back on my card :)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

They were able to take over the booking with no trouble. Since we already have one comped cruise booked based on my Epic cruise, they were "only" able to give me the 20% off. 20% off of the Owners Suite is fantastic!

 

Very excited, so I'm still booked and having over $1000 put back on my card :)

 

That's GREAT news - thanks for the update!!!

 

Tom

[orangeglitter]

I am a regular carnival cruiser and am considering a NCL cruise. CAS has offered me a free cruise. What are the minumums at the tables? I like let it ride and black jack.

[nikimouse]

Tom, im not a gambler, just intrigued to know , did you win enough for a free cruise in a balcony cabin? and I assume you pay the difference to get the suite? Can you not just take your winnings in cash? Im wondering how much you have to spend to win that kind of cash, but its probably rude to ask, and do you get an onboard credit as well when you book the next cruise out of your winnings. I dont quite understand how it all works, if you could try to explain to me in simpler terms ( apologies but I really have no expirience with casinos at all)

Congratulations anyway!!!

 

you are making me wanna gamble :D

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I am a regular carnival cruiser and am considering a NCL cruise. CAS has offered me a free cruise. What are the minumums at the tables? I like let it ride and black jack.

 

I would guess that the regular floor tables are either $5 or $10 minimums, but I can't be sure.

 

Tom, im not a gambler, just intrigued to know , did you win enough for a free cruise in a balcony cabin? and I assume you pay the difference to get the suite? Can you not just take your winnings in cash? Im wondering how much you have to spend to win that kind of cash, but its probably rude to ask, and do you get an onboard credit as well when you book the next cruise out of your winnings. I dont quite understand how it all works, if you could try to explain to me in simpler terms ( apologies but I really have no expirience with casinos at all)

Congratulations anyway!!!

 

you are making me wanna gamble :D

 

I certainly lost enough for a "free" cruise!! :eek:

 

In theory, they base their benefits (offers) on how many hours you played, and what your average bet was. Additionally, they factor in the specific game you are playing to come up with a "theoretical" loss. That is what they assume the average player will lose under those circumstances. Sometimes you may win or lose thousands more. It's not for the faint of heart - though I have felt faint after a few bad sessions! :D

 

If you are not a gambler - I don't suggest you start! ;)

 

Tom

[nikimouse]

I certainly lost enough for a "free" cruise!! :eek:

 

In theory, they base their benefits (offers) on how many hours you played, and what your average bet was. Additionally, they factor in the specific game you are playing to come up with a "theoretical" loss. That is what they assume the average player will lose under those circumstances. Sometimes you may win or lose thousands more. It's not for the faint of heart - though I have felt faint after a few bad sessions! :D

 

If you are not a gambler - I don't suggest you start! ;)

 

Tom

 

I dont think Id be very good anyway :o I think Id feel faint if I lost enough for another cruise too :eek:

so, if like you say you win ( or lose) thousands more, they still give you a 'reward' for the time spent playing? thats kinda cool, I wish they had a reward system for time spent in the bar aswell :rolleyes:

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I dont think Id be very good anyway :o I think Id feel faint if I lost enough for another cruise too :eek:

so, if like you say you win ( or lose) thousands more, they still give you a 'reward' for the time spent playing? thats kinda cool, I wish they had a reward system for time spent in the bar aswell :rolleyes:

 

They reward you if you lose, because they'd like to see you come back and try to "get even". They reward you if you win, because they'd REALLY like to let you try your luck again! ;)

 

:D

 

Tom

[AnitaVacation]

Tried and True....if you don't like the answer you get at first, call back :cool:

 

We are booked thru CAS on the Epic in Dec.....after the 'run-around' I was given on my first call (was told that I needed to 'pay in full' upon booking even when upgrading, not true)...I booked our complimentary inside cabin....a few days later I called again with questions requarding upgrading to a balcony...was told I could upgrade and balance due on 00/00/00 (did not need to pay immediately)....GREAT!! I even called back a few days later and upgraded again....(finally settled for a B6 on deck 10 mid)....

 

So, yesterday, I noticed that there had been a little price drop, so I decided to call and see how much to upgrade again (aft balc or mini-suite)...the CAS rep told me (without even asking for my booking # or other info) that they were out of cabins for that sailing, so an upgrade would not be possible :confused: ok, thank you...buh bye

 

Then I got to thinking....I wonder if I could get OBC for the difference...doesnt hurt to ask, right? So, I called again this morning....first, I asked about an upgrade.....'Upgrade??? no problem'....Offered me an upgrade to a MS for $180....nah, pass....I'll keep my B6...but thanks!! So, I asked about an OBC....but because we are inside 75 days, they can only offer an upgrade...gave me a few other cabin options, but I decided to keep my B6 because it still had the best location of them all.....AND this rep (he was very nice and helpful) told me that if the price dropped again and was still interested in an upgrade, to call back!! Now, this was a far cry from 'Sorry, nothing available for your sailing'....:cool:

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tried and True....if you don't like the answer you get at first, call back :cool:

 

We are booked thru CAS on the Epic in Dec.....after the 'run-around' I was given on my first call (was told that I needed to 'pay in full' upon booking even when upgrading, not true)...I booked our complimentary inside cabin....a few days later I called again with questions requarding upgrading to a balcony...was told I could upgrade and balance due on 00/00/00 (did not need to pay immediately)....GREAT!! I even called back a few days later and upgraded again....(finally settled for a B6 on deck 10 mid)....

 

So, yesterday, I noticed that there had been a little price drop, so I decided to call and see how much to upgrade again (aft balc or mini-suite)...the CAS rep told me (without even asking for my booking # or other info) that they were out of cabins for that sailing, so an upgrade would not be possible :confused: ok, thank you...buh bye

 

Then I got to thinking....I wonder if I could get OBC for the difference...doesnt hurt to ask, right? So, I called again this morning....first, I asked about an upgrade.....'Upgrade??? no problem'....Offered me an upgrade to a MS for $180....nah, pass....I'll keep my B6...but thanks!! So, I asked about an OBC....but because we are inside 75 days, they can only offer an upgrade...gave me a few other cabin options, but I decided to keep my B6 because it still had the best location of them all.....AND this rep (he was very nice and helpful) told me that if the price dropped again and was still interested in an upgrade, to call back!! Now, this was a far cry from 'Sorry, nothing available for your sailing'....:cool:

 

LOL -- kudos for keeping at it!! ;)

 

Tom