Rare Tom-n-Cheryl Posted November 3, 2012 #1 Share Posted November 3, 2012 It only took FIFTY TWO sailings on Carnival to finally have a "Free" cruise offer come my way. Towards the end of our recent sailing on the Legend I was given an envelope from one of the pit people (I suppose they knew I'd come back to that table, LOL). We've taken a few cruises on both NCL and Celebrity which were complimentary, with more coming later this year and next. I have seen offers in the mail before from Carnival for reduced fare cruises or complimentary cruises on select sailings (never meshed with my schedule). This letter, if acted upon within 14 days of receipt, was good for a "Complimentary Balcony on a 6-day or more cruise" -or- "Complimentary Suite on a 3-day to 5-day cruise" -plus- some free "Casino Cash". The cruise must also occur within the next 6 months. Knowing that any 5 day (or shorter) sailing pretty much meant a Fantasy class ship (no steakhouse), I pictured the suite being one of those small Cat 11 cabins near the lifeboats with an obstructed view and non-private balcony. Thus I started to look at 6+ day cruises, and see if anything coincided with any weeks off in my schedule over the next 6 months. The only week I have open during that time frame (other vacations and cruises already booked during time off) was Spring Break week. My list was further narrowed by what ships had a Guy's Burger Joint... :D We decided on the 6-day Breeze sailing, as it will have us back on a Saturday (never cared for Sunday debarkation) and from what I have seen, the decor of the ship is much easier on the eyes thanks to the absence of Joe Farcus! One of the more significant issues that arises occasionally on Carnival is having someone on the balcony next to us who smokes like a chimney. Thus we decided to go for a Cloud 9 Spa Balcony cabin. That required $170 pp to upgrade from a balcony guarantee (would NEVER book a guarantee, especially on a Dream class ship). We were also responsible for fees/taxes of $111 each. So, for something in the $500 range, we have a nice cabin on a new ship. I had fully expected to have a long hiatus from Carnival, so this offer was well timed on their part. It's my understanding that they started this program in September. Now, if I end up with one hand (against the dealer 6) turning into a monster like this (see below) when we sail on the Breeze, all that I ask for is that the dealer NOT DRAW TO 20 THIS TIME (busting with his 16 would be much more desirable, and certainly less costly)!! Naturally a couple of those ended up being DOUBLED to boot!! :eek: I could not split the last pair of 7's, as they only allow you to split to a maximum of 4 hands... Those were ANYTHING BUT "FUN PAIRS" !! Not the way to finish up the last night of our Legend cruise!! :( Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjn911 Posted November 3, 2012 #2 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Congrats..really a complete dummie on the gambling things you are sharing. like football rules I am afraid,,,but it is great you like it and do it enough to get some perk travel finally on all your different cruise lines even Carnival in situation that suits...Sarah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tom-n-Cheryl Posted November 3, 2012 Author #3 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Congrats..really a complete dummie on the gambling things you are sharing,,,but it it great you like it and do it enough to get some perk travel finally on all your different cruise lines...Sarah Thanks. Trust me, there are times I wish I did not enjoy playing! ;) Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickrate Posted November 3, 2012 #4 Share Posted November 3, 2012 All I can say, Tom, is it's about time!! Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeBeeCee Posted November 3, 2012 #5 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Congrats! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alliezona09 Posted November 3, 2012 #6 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Congrats and sorry about that hand~ That sucks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rena921 Posted November 3, 2012 #7 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Congrats! All we ever get for our hours at the tables are free drinks! :p Enjoy your free cruise! Wish we were on that one with ya! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sh1035 Posted November 3, 2012 #8 Share Posted November 3, 2012 I feel your pain! Last month on the dream I couldn't get a break. The last night I lost 500 bucks on 4 hands in about 4 minutes. Decided that was it and went and packed! I've learned when I. Double down on a 10 I am going to get a 2! Good news on the free cruise! Well we all know not really free ;) But its a gamble we take and I like to think oh well, I actually didn't lose I just paid for my trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky2 Posted November 3, 2012 #9 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Congratulations, Tom & Cheryl. Hope to cruise again with you guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
campdaan Posted November 4, 2012 #10 Share Posted November 4, 2012 Congrats Tom n Cheryl. I hope we can sail with you again, someday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GranysT Posted November 4, 2012 #11 Share Posted November 4, 2012 Congrats Tom, on the 'almost' free cruise. Carnival owed you big time, so glad they're finally paying up a little. Now, take the extra "free" cash and WIN. Have a wonderful cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbug Posted November 4, 2012 #12 Share Posted November 4, 2012 Congrats on the free cruise! This may be a dumb question, but I was just looking at your signature, and I noticed you were Diamond on Royal Caribbean with only one prior cruise with them. How does that work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bills blasters Posted November 4, 2012 #13 Share Posted November 4, 2012 Congrats on the Free Cruise. I am sure you will have a good time. Just curious. I remember reading that you had an aft wrap on the Dream a bit ago. Wondering how you liked it compared to the other aft wraps on other ships. We have one booked in Jan. Hoping it is as nice as the ones we have had on the Splendor and the Liberty. Claudia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Geegitz Posted November 4, 2012 #14 Share Posted November 4, 2012 It only took FIFTY TWO sailings on Carnival to finally have a "Free" cruise offer come my way. Towards the end of our recent sailing on the Legend I was given an envelope from one of the pit people (I suppose they knew I'd come back to that table, LOL). We've taken a few cruises on both NCL and Celebrity which were complimentary, with more coming later this year and next. I have seen offers in the mail before from Carnival for reduced fare cruises or complimentary cruises on select sailings (never meshed with my schedule). This letter, if acted upon within 14 days of receipt, was good for a "Complimentary Balcony on a 6-day or more cruise" -or- "Complimentary Suite on a 3-day to 5-day cruise" -plus- some free "Casino Cash". The cruise must also occur within the next 6 months. Knowing that any 5 day (or shorter) sailing pretty much meant a Fantasy class ship (no steakhouse), I pictured the suite being one of those small Cat 11 cabins near the lifeboats with an obstructed view and non-private balcony. Thus I started to look at 6+ day cruises, and see if anything coincided with any weeks off in my schedule over the next 6 months. The only week I have open during that time frame (other vacations and cruises already booked during time off) was Spring Break week. My list was further narrowed by what ships had a Guy's Burger Joint... :D We decided on the 6-day Breeze sailing, as it will have us back on a Saturday (never cared for Sunday debarkation) and from what I have seen, the decor of the ship is much easier on the eyes thanks to the absence of Joe Farcus! One of the more significant issues that arises occasionally on Carnival is having someone on the balcony next to us who smokes like a chimney. Thus we decided to go for a Cloud 9 Spa Balcony cabin. That required $170 pp to upgrade from a balcony guarantee (would NEVER book a guarantee, especially on a Dream class ship). We were also responsible for fees/taxes of $111 each. So, for something in the $500 range, we have a nice cabin on a new ship. I had fully expected to have a long hiatus from Carnival, so this offer was well timed on their part. It's my understanding that they started this program in September. Now, if I end up with one hand (against the dealer 6) turning into a monster like this (see below) when we sail on the Breeze, all that I ask for is that the dealer NOT DRAW TO 20 THIS TIME (busting with his 16 would be much more desirable, and certainly less costly)!! Naturally a couple of those ended up being DOUBLED to boot!! :eek: I could not split the last pair of 7's, as they only allow you to split to a maximum of 4 hands... Those were ANYTHING BUT "FUN PAIRS" !! Not the way to finish up the last night of our Legend cruise!! :( Tom I guess you losing this 1 hand paid for the "free" cruise they gave you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiggerman101 Posted November 4, 2012 #15 Share Posted November 4, 2012 Congrats on the free cruise! This may be a dumb question, but I was just looking at your signature, and I noticed you were Diamond on Royal Caribbean with only one prior cruise with them. How does that work? It is not a dumb question. RCCL and Celebrity are under the same company. The company shares loyalty levels between the two line. Tom is "Elite" on Celebrity which corresponds to the "Diamond" level on RCCL. Although they only have one cruise on RCCL, they are considered "Diamond" due to their Celebrity status. I am "Platinum" on RCCL and will be taking my first Celebrity cruise in March. Because of my RCCL status, I am already registered on the Celebrity cruise as "Select" and receive all the perks that go along with it. Anyway, Have fun guys. You earned it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Almost Packed Posted November 4, 2012 #16 Share Posted November 4, 2012 It only took FIFTY TWO sailings on Carnival to finally have a "Free" cruise offer come my way. Towards the end of our recent sailing on the Legend I was given an envelope from one of the pit people (I suppose they knew I'd come back to that table, LOL). We've taken a few cruises on both NCL and Celebrity which were complimentary, with more coming later this year and next. I have seen offers in the mail before from Carnival for reduced fare cruises or complimentary cruises on select sailings (never meshed with my schedule). This letter, if acted upon within 14 days of receipt, was good for a "Complimentary Balcony on a 6-day or more cruise" -or- "Complimentary Suite on a 3-day to 5-day cruise" -plus- some free "Casino Cash". The cruise must also occur within the next 6 months. Knowing that any 5 day (or shorter) sailing pretty much meant a Fantasy class ship (no steakhouse), I pictured the suite being one of those small Cat 11 cabins near the lifeboats with an obstructed view and non-private balcony. Thus I started to look at 6+ day cruises, and see if anything coincided with any weeks off in my schedule over the next 6 months. The only week I have open during that time frame (other vacations and cruises already booked during time off) was Spring Break week. My list was further narrowed by what ships had a Guy's Burger Joint... :D We decided on the 6-day Breeze sailing, as it will have us back on a Saturday (never cared for Sunday debarkation) and from what I have seen, the decor of the ship is much easier on the eyes thanks to the absence of Joe Farcus! One of the more significant issues that arises occasionally on Carnival is having someone on the balcony next to us who smokes like a chimney. Thus we decided to go for a Cloud 9 Spa Balcony cabin. That required $170 pp to upgrade from a balcony guarantee (would NEVER book a guarantee, especially on a Dream class ship). We were also responsible for fees/taxes of $111 each. So, for something in the $500 range, we have a nice cabin on a new ship. I had fully expected to have a long hiatus from Carnival, so this offer was well timed on their part. It's my understanding that they started this program in September. Now, if I end up with one hand (against the dealer 6) turning into a monster like this (see below) when we sail on the Breeze, all that I ask for is that the dealer NOT DRAW TO 20 THIS TIME (busting with his 16 would be much more desirable, and certainly less costly)!! Naturally a couple of those ended up being DOUBLED to boot!! :eek: I could not split the last pair of 7's, as they only allow you to split to a maximum of 4 hands... Those were ANYTHING BUT "FUN PAIRS" !! Not the way to finish up the last night of our Legend cruise!! :( Tom Sadly looking at your photo reminds me of exactly what happened to me just a few days ago on the Imagination. I had 8's instead of 7's however, and doubled down on two of them that I caught a 3 on only not to make 21 but the dealer did. lost all of them. :mad: it was not a happy ending to my cruise either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikel24m Posted November 4, 2012 #17 Share Posted November 4, 2012 It only took FIFTY TWO sailings on Carnival to finally have a "Free" cruise offer come my way. Towards the end of our recent sailing on the Legend I was given an envelope from one of the pit people (I suppose they knew I'd come back to that table, LOL). We've taken a few cruises on both NCL and Celebrity which were complimentary, with more coming later this year and next. I have seen offers in the mail before from Carnival for reduced fare cruises or complimentary cruises on select sailings (never meshed with my schedule). This letter, if acted upon within 14 days of receipt, was good for a "Complimentary Balcony on a 6-day or more cruise" -or- "Complimentary Suite on a 3-day to 5-day cruise" -plus- some free "Casino Cash". The cruise must also occur within the next 6 months. Knowing that any 5 day (or shorter) sailing pretty much meant a Fantasy class ship (no steakhouse), I pictured the suite being one of those small Cat 11 cabins near the lifeboats with an obstructed view and non-private balcony. Thus I started to look at 6+ day cruises, and see if anything coincided with any weeks off in my schedule over the next 6 months. The only week I have open during that time frame (other vacations and cruises already booked during time off) was Spring Break week. My list was further narrowed by what ships had a Guy's Burger Joint... :D We decided on the 6-day Breeze sailing, as it will have us back on a Saturday (never cared for Sunday debarkation) and from what I have seen, the decor of the ship is much easier on the eyes thanks to the absence of Joe Farcus! One of the more significant issues that arises occasionally on Carnival is having someone on the balcony next to us who smokes like a chimney. Thus we decided to go for a Cloud 9 Spa Balcony cabin. That required $170 pp to upgrade from a balcony guarantee (would NEVER book a guarantee, especially on a Dream class ship). We were also responsible for fees/taxes of $111 each. So, for something in the $500 range, we have a nice cabin on a new ship. I had fully expected to have a long hiatus from Carnival, so this offer was well timed on their part. It's my understanding that they started this program in September. Now, if I end up with one hand (against the dealer 6) turning into a monster like this (see below) when we sail on the Breeze, all that I ask for is that the dealer NOT DRAW TO 20 THIS TIME (busting with his 16 would be much more desirable, and certainly less costly)!! Naturally a couple of those ended up being DOUBLED to boot!! :eek: I could not split the last pair of 7's, as they only allow you to split to a maximum of 4 hands... Those were ANYTHING BUT "FUN PAIRS" !! Not the way to finish up the last night of our Legend cruise!! :( Tom I feel your pain Tom ,im sure the dealer wanted to bust knowing those reds were for the dealers.My butt would have been puckered ;) Congrats on the cruise though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruzn buckeye Posted November 4, 2012 #18 Share Posted November 4, 2012 So you say they started this in September? what exactly qualifies a player for the free cruise? Is it after you lose a large hand? Or after accumuatlive (I know I spelled that wrong :rolleyes: ) losses?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winddawn Posted November 4, 2012 #19 Share Posted November 4, 2012 Wow, congratulations, Tom! It's nice to see you back here on the Carnival board. You've been gone a while. Hope you win big on that almost free cruise. Stop back by here after your cruise and let us know how it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tom-n-Cheryl Posted November 4, 2012 Author #20 Share Posted November 4, 2012 ...I've learned when I Double down on a 10 I am going to get a 2! ... Sort of like how I almost expect an Ace on my doubled 11 ! :eek: ...Just curious. I remember reading that you had an aft wrap on the Dream a bit ago. Wondering how you liked it compared to the other aft wraps on other ships. We have one booked in Jan. Hoping it is as nice as the ones we have had on the Splendor and the Liberty. Claudia We've sailed in aft corners (can't really call them that though) on the Dream twice - decks 6 and 7. I have also seen the balcony for deck 8. Deck 6 is the "least bad" of the bunch. The Dream class has the worst aft wrap balconies - small and not private at all. Not only that, but on the largest of them (again, deck 6), you have the promenade right below you which juts out - thus you're watching people walk around more than seeing the wake of the ship... :( We were upgraded on 1 of our three Dream sailings to a mid-ship suite on deck 7. That balcony was very close to the Ocean Plaza - and had a hot tub right below us. On sea days (when we enjoy hanging out on our balcony) it was anything but peaceful. I look forward to being in a non-smoking area and way up high (away from Promenade) on the Breeze! Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tom-n-Cheryl Posted November 4, 2012 Author #21 Share Posted November 4, 2012 I guess you losing this 1 hand paid for the "free" cruise they gave you. Certainly with the pile I would have had if the dealer had busted!!! For this booking they wrote off just over $2,000 of the cruise fare. Sadly looking at your photo reminds me of exactly what happened to me just a few days ago on the Imagination. I had 8's instead of 7's however, and doubled down on two of them that I caught a 3 on only not to make 21 but the dealer did. lost all of them. :mad: it was not a happy ending to my cruise either. It's amazing how those things clump together sometimes! You can see it unfolding (unraveling!) in your mind - knowing that "this is going to be either very good... or very bad". For whatever reason, I seem to lose more often than not when statistically it's in my "favor"... lol! Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tom-n-Cheryl Posted November 4, 2012 Author #22 Share Posted November 4, 2012 I feel your pain Tom ,im sure the dealer wanted to bust knowing those reds were for the dealers.My butt would have been puckered ;) Yes, she felt pretty bad about that. Very nice person ("just the messenger" I tell myself)! So you say they started this in September? what exactly qualifies a player for the free cruise? Is it after you lose a large hand? Or after accumuatlive (I know I spelled that wrong :rolleyes: ) losses?? No idea regarding the guidelines. Perhaps we'll hear more people talking about it. I saw them give away one other envelope (can only assume it was something similar) to a fellow who appeared at the $25 table on the LAST DAY. He was playing from $50 to $250/hand. I asked him where he had been all cruise (misery loves company after all). He replied that he'd been losing elsewhere! Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tom-n-Cheryl Posted November 4, 2012 Author #23 Share Posted November 4, 2012 Wow, congratulations, Tom! It's nice to see you back here on the Carnival board. You've been gone a while. Hope you win big on that almost free cruise. Stop back by here after your cruise and let us know how it goes. I'll do that! Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LHP Posted November 4, 2012 #24 Share Posted November 4, 2012 All I can say is ABOUT TIME CARNIVAL..... congrats!!!! (although I do have to wonder how much that "free" cruise will cost you???) LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tom-n-Cheryl Posted November 4, 2012 Author #25 Share Posted November 4, 2012 All I can say is ABOUT TIME CARNIVAL..... congrats!!!! (although I do have to wonder how much that "free" cruise will cost you???) LOL I have broke even on a couple of "Free" cruises, even won a couple of thousand on one. Generally though I end up donating back the "Free" amount or more. Thus, they are smart to make the offer. I, on the other hand, am... :eek: :D Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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