CAS EPIC Reality.......Norwegian's New Reality

[cruiseguys2009]

If you are a CAS player and what they previously called a "Marginal" player and got comped either staterooms, cocktails, etc. Listen up.

 

CAS now considers previously Marginal Players (Less than $10,000 dollar loss) "Leisure Travelers" and has changed its point system to your disadvantage.

 

Here is my synopsis and my personal opinion of our EPIC 2012 CAS Thanksgiving Sailing.

 

CASINOS AT SEA:

 

To be a bit precise...... the TRUE lack of excitement and boisterous winners (No one was winning, "Oh Yay-ing", screaming, hooting and hollering.....ever!) whether at the slot machines or tables, just lots of cursing and "F" Bombs flying.

 

The Casino Host, Melissa and her staff seemed to be just going thru the motions, unconcerned and uninterested, all securely stuffed behind the counter, constantly looking at their computer screen, (made me think they were looking at porn all the time), barely ever looked up at any customer or acknowledge anyone personally when speaking to them. They were never, ever on the floor with the Guests, except to sell pre-picked lottery numbers from their pockets. Stuck behind their computer screens, they were, not considerate of any customer, but more concerned what was in their emails from boys on board the ship or from home.

 

By the way, I am, or should I say was, Casinos At Sea. I was not comped but I was accommodated with cocktails as I met my minimum 1500 points the first night.

 

So other CAS members are totally informed of the changes and refinements of the rules, and so you are prepared for this bombshell on their sailing:

 

CAS, in October 2012, changed their SLOT point generation system, it's now $5 equals 1 Point, and diminishes and subtracts points, if you play for less than 5 hours per day at MAX bet. But, in order for you to accumulate points, you must be MAX betting on any slot machine at least 5 hours a day now, for at least five and 1/2 days of the cruise, otherwise you will be disregarded, downgraded and NO SOUP FOR YOU!

 

So I did a test........and I won more often, several $50-$100 LITTLE BABY "RE-INVESTMENT" hits, when I DID NOT HAVE MY CAS CARD IN THE MACHINE, than when I had my card in the machine. Not one little baby jackpot was won by me the entire week after I hit my 1500 points with my CAS card in the machine, so, I smell a rat. Not tight machines, a RAT. By the way, my actual points on the last night was 5 times that MINUMUM. Another lady I met, had only 1200 points and she was a Platinum NCL/CAS on the Poker Machines and she got the same treatment when she got home I SPELL OUT BELOW, from CAS.

 

Then, after we returned home, happy, contented and positive about Norwegian and my EPIC Experience, we wanted to book another cruise immediately on Norwegian.

 

Calling CASINO'S AT SEA to book, perhaps for a slight discount, they had the nerve to tell me that I was literally a piece of poop and, the sum that, I will not mention here, was NOT ENOUGH OF A LOSS TO THEM (in Las Vegas, that kind of a Loss will get us a room and meals for a week at MGM Properties). I had 4500 points, $5 a point, not enough loss? The CAS rudely and basically told me to GTH and not to return to Norwegian as a CAS. I had spent and lost more money on this trip than that of any other Norwegian ship and I was flabbergasted.

 

I hate to abandon Norwegian but we will not go where we are not wanted. We are now booked on Princess for April 2013, 10 days Southern Caribbean, and oh my gosh, The Carnival Casino Operations well, they gave us the Red Carpet...wonder why?

 

You know, I could care less about what I lose in the Casino, as long as I have a good time, but don't tell me that what I lost was insignificant and treat me as if I got something for free. We paid for our Haven Spa Suite, it was not a Comp. So your wonderful cocktail servers gave me a cocktail or two, Whoopsie Doodle. I earned it with my 1500 minimum points. Our bar bill that we paid for was over a grand, so much for free booze.

 

AND, I actually was the most bored, disappointed and felt as though I was the most horribly disregarded Casino Customer ever,....which all was supposed to be taking place in the biggest "Casino at Sea".

 

Actually I have had much more fun getting Dental Implants than losing in the EPIC Casinos At Sea, only because of the Vicodin I got from the Doctor after the procedure! Got Nothing from CAS and they both cost the same amount!

 

My Honest Opinion.

[hartsnvt]

We are going on the Pearl soon and I was going to get a card. I am strictly a low level casino goer so I am assuming that I should not even get a card as it will not do anything for me. Call me a low roller, lol.

[Us2inFL]

I'm glad I don't cruise to hang out in the casino, sounds like an even more unfriendly enviornment now.

[anthem]

I think if you think that your card being in there and not being in there results in different odds - you're having a conspiracy theory attack there. .. CAS doesn't have the clout to make IGT/Bally to make them do something like that that would have every gaming commission in the world breathing down their backs. You could say you win more because you closed your left eye vs your right eye. And just as slot machines jackpots/wins is related to random/gambling - it will happen whether you close your left eye vs your right eye.

 

I've never found the casino hosts to be that powerful or helpful in CAS or any other cruise ship. They know once you're onboard, you're captive. None of the hosts are real "hosts" in the traditional sense of the word - so everyone just has to get over that. And while CAS uses the terminology of "loss" (which they haven't learned to get away from) - it is based on combination of what you bet and what you lose (or potentially lose).

 

Now regarding CAS and how they treat their players ? The economy is slowly recovering. Everybody is tightening up. . For 99% of players, you're going to be "marginal" somewhere. Hey $100/hand players are marginal in quite a few places. Even $500/hand players are marginal somewhere (like the real Monte Carlo, etc). CAS will never be anywhere near land based casinos' as once they have you - they have you. Call it you'll get 1/3 to 1/2 of what you'll get at land based casinos' and you'll probably be close.

 

Now in terms of casino play/entertainment. yeah, losing can definitely put a damper on things. But one should just enjoy the cruise and let the entertainment be the entertainment.

[cruisin07family]

I don't gamble or really visit the casino but am I actually reading this correctly? 4500 points at $5 pp means you won, lost or at least played $22000+ dollars? Holy cow - I don't think I'd find that fun either....Way too stressful for me. I bought my ds the $50 voucher for $25 that was a special last year and I watched him play that in about 10 minutes. I guess I just don't get it.

[SMSACE6]

Im sorry that you were disappointed in the casino and their program. How did you find the ship in general though? I am so eagerly awaiting my cruise on Epic next year. I guess I can forget any comps in the casino, as there is no way Im going to spend 5hrs any day in the casino, and I do like my casino fun. Anyway, was just wondering how the rest of your cruise went. Thanks.:)

[cruiseguys2009]

I think if you think that your card being in there and not being in there results in different odds - you're having a conspiracy theory attack there. .. CAS doesn't have the clout to make IGT/Bally to make them do something like that that would have every gaming commission in the world breathing down their backs. You could say you win more because you closed your left eye vs your right eye. And just as slot machines jackpots/wins is related to random/gambling - it will happen whether you close your left eye vs your right eye.

 

I've never found the casino hosts to be that powerful or helpful in CAS or any other cruise ship. They know once you're onboard, you're captive. None of the hosts are real "hosts" in the traditional sense of the word - so everyone just has to get over that. And while CAS uses the terminology of "loss" (which they haven't learned to get away from) - it is based on combination of what you bet and what you lose (or potentially lose).

 

Now regarding CAS and how they treat their players ? The economy is slowly recovering. Everybody is tightening up. . For 99% of players, you're going to be "marginal" somewhere. Hey $100/hand players are marginal in quite a few places. Even $500/hand players are marginal somewhere (like the real Monte Carlo, etc). CAS will never be anywhere near land based casinos' as once they have you - they have you. Call it you'll get 1/3 to 1/2 of what you'll get at land based casinos' and you'll probably be close.

 

Now in terms of casino play/entertainment. yeah, losing can definitely put a damper on things. But one should just enjoy the cruise and let the entertainment be the entertainment.

 

 

You are so right on so many levels. The CAS formula for evaluation has changed dramatically, and if you are a bonafide CAS player on a complimentary stateroom or other perks, in my opinion, it would be better to play the tables. The wonders of computers are as such that yes, the Player's Club Card CAN be manipulated as was proven by a Florida Anti-Casino Group last month, as our State is in the throws of Casino Gaming arguments.

 

A player is rated and determined by CAS and what was once a "Marginal Player" is required to maintain an average 5 hours per day, 5 1/2 days, Max Bet minimum $3.00 per bet, to secure their Cabin comp. They have tightened the rules in October and I was once considered a good "Player" but now, have dropped below their formula. So as I said, "No Soup For Me". The inserted card is read and one's play can be watched by computer, spin by spin, by the CAS Hosts. Computers are a funny thing aren't they?

 

And you are so right....I am going back to enjoying my vacation instead of stressing about how long I have to sit in the slot chair to get my free stateroom....did I say free? It seems that maybe I would have been better off paying for the basic room at the catalog rate, rather than go thru CAS. The room was certainly NOT free.

[cruiseguys2009]

I don't gamble or really visit the casino but am I actually reading this correctly? 4500 points at $5 pp means you won, lost or at least played $22000+ dollars? Holy cow - I don't think I'd find that fun either....Way too stressful for me. I bought my ds the $50 voucher for $25 that was a special last year and I watched him play that in about 10 minutes. I guess I just don't get it.

 

 

Technically you are right, however, with each spin, Max Bet minimum at $3.00 the points do tend to add up, when you are winning small amounts and "Re-Investing" to gain your point total.

 

In order for you to receive your "Complimentary" Drink Card, you must achieve 1500 points. One Point equals $5.00 spent in the machine. You do not necessarily have to put in $7,000....you just have to keep playing your winnings. On many slot machines, you put in a twenty dollar bill, and if you are lucky, you may play for some time. (if your intention is to lose that $20 and what ever you win along the way you are going to play it all down to zero).

 

So lets say you spin, and you win $25.00. You keep the money in the machine and keep playing, then you win say another $1. Then you may be up thirty, and so on. Once you finish playing the original twenty, conceivably you could have amassed a couple of dozen points. So it does build, if you are a "Marginal Player" the Players Club Card will track and evaluate your average bet per spin, verses time in the chair, verses money invested, and re-invested.

 

So technically you could say that I "filtered" continued winnings and "re-invested" back into the program to achieve my point level. But is was not enough, as I was made to feel like I did something bad by the CAS personnel so I lost twice. It's my own darn fault, but I did have fun on the EPIC itself, and at times had fun in the Casino, but it is always nice for the Casino, any Casino to tease you with at least a tiny win of a hundred or two. Thats why it's called gambling.

 

Did not happen at all on our sailing to anyone. And many of us lived in the Casino to see it NOT happen.

 

But as they say "Las Vegas was not built on the WINNINGS of people!"

[cruiseguys2009]

Im sorry that you were disappointed in the casino and their program. How did you find the ship in general though? I am so eagerly awaiting my cruise on Epic next year. I guess I can forget any comps in the casino, as there is no way Im going to spend 5hrs any day in the casino, and I do like my casino fun. Anyway, was just wondering how the rest of your cruise went. Thanks.:)

 

 

The review is started and on the boards, and I do so hope you enjoy it. I will be continuing to write it daily and begin to post tomorrow.

[Rochesterboatingdotcom]

We've been on 5 NCL ships and found the Epic casino to be the worst of any of them for slots that paid and comps.

[sjbdtz]

The review is started and on the boards, and I do so hope you enjoy it. I will be continuing to write it daily and begin to post tomorrow.

 

You have a flair for writing descriptive prose, which is great and effective at communicating your point.

 

What I wonder however is about the actual language used. When you say they basically told you to GTH, what did they actually say? Was it more along the lines of "sorry, but the tiers are established and your average play doesn't qualify for a comp." ?

 

 

We seem to be typically in the 6500 - 8000 point range over a week cruise, but we get most of that at the tables. It's a lot harder to earn points at the tables, than it is at the slots.

 

 

The $5/point calculation I think was first mentioned on the boards about a year ago. It's unfortunate that benefits one might have formerly received are then retracted...but there are economic equations being considered...because Casinos at Sea has to purchase inventory from NCL which means they're paying for those drinks, and that room....and if you're not a profitable player, then it's not a positive equation for them.

 

You're right...Vegas wasn't built on the backs of winners....however, without winners Vegas wouldn't be here at all. It's the winners who keep the rest of us trying, and hopeful.

 

 

.

[anthem]

Trust me when I say that the casino bean counters generally know a lot more about what kinds/numbers of players than anyone else does. . . They know they will always alienate a few players by not giving away certain things, etc. They also know they will always have influxes of new players. It's also in their best interest to "let people down easy" - which might be what some of the problem is in this case.

 

Because they have a partnership with Harrah's and Harrahs is one of the largest gaming networks in the world - as long as they have that - they will always have a possible inflow of new customers. So that will also be part of the equation. Once they've given you a cruise, they have some relevant data and they need to compare that against their other players and new players. They are trying to determine how best to maximize their revenue. And in that regard - there will always be "marginal" players. (hey, someone needs to be on the cut line somewhere).

 

Now, I don't know the exact specifics of their points (i kind of think I know, but it isn't exact to say the least) - but table play is generally a bit tougher but obviously much less accurate. The issue with table play is that the standard deviation of "rated" players is such that its very tough to differentiate, that and perception vs reality. . There are players in the $50-$100 which are all going to be hovering at the marginal player. With table players, its also no-win. The $50-$100 player thinks he's playing $200/hand when in reality, he's probably playing $85. He mostly best $50 to $100, and in an hour of 80 dealt hands, might have played $200 on 2 or 3 bets (and probably lost them). Well - psychologically he is playing $200 hands and losing, but in reality he's being computed on $85. Same as Craps - 99 percent of the time, you 7 out with the most money on the table (from increasing your bets) - so thats what you remember. You remember that you're out 1000 on that roll, not that you've started every roll at $110 on the inside or something and thats mostly your average that they are computing.

 

Now, in terms of CAS vs Harrah's - Harrah's is heavily skewed toward regular slot players (or machine) these days. They give out a lot more to slot players than table or anything else. Not sure how hard CAS is skewed as of yet, but I'm sure there is some influence. You can especially see this because HET has so few "serious" big hitters in their casino's. They don't go there because HET favors duration of play over size of play. The other big guys like Wynn/MGM are not as punitive for duration of play but favor size of play (I guess they think if they have you for size, you'll play somewhere regardless). It's almost the difference of Vegas and Atlantic City. Vegas will give card status based on size of play. Atlantic City card status is usually tilted toward repeated weekend/duration players. Anyhow - two differing philosophies. CAS is somewhere stuck in between.

[cruiseguys2009]

Trust me when I say that the casino bean counters generally know a lot more about what kinds/numbers of players than anyone else does. . . They know they will always alienate a few players by not giving away certain things, etc. They also know they will always have influxes of new players. It's also in their best interest to "let people down easy" - which might be what some of the problem is in this case.

 

Because they have a partnership with Harrah's and Harrahs is one of the largest gaming networks in the world - as long as they have that - they will always have a possible inflow of new customers. So that will also be part of the equation. Once they've given you a cruise, they have some relevant data and they need to compare that against their other players and new players. They are trying to determine how best to maximize their revenue. And in that regard - there will always be "marginal" players. (hey, someone needs to be on the cut line somewhere).

 

Now, I don't know the exact specifics of their points (i kind of think I know, but it isn't exact to say the least) - but table play is generally a bit tougher but obviously much less accurate. The issue with table play is that the standard deviation of "rated" players is such that its very tough to differentiate, that and perception vs reality. . There are players in the $50-$100 which are all going to be hovering at the marginal player. With table players, its also no-win. The $50-$100 player thinks he's playing $200/hand when in reality, he's probably playing $85. He mostly best $50 to $100, and in an hour of 80 dealt hands, might have played $200 on 2 or 3 bets (and probably lost them). Well - psychologically he is playing $200 hands and losing, but in reality he's being computed on $85. Same as Craps - 99 percent of the time, you 7 out with the most money on the table (from increasing your bets) - so thats what you remember. You remember that you're out 1000 on that roll, not that you've started every roll at $110 on the inside or something and thats mostly your average that they are computing.

 

Now, in terms of CAS vs Harrah's - Harrah's is heavily skewed toward regular slot players (or machine) these days. They give out a lot more to slot players than table or anything else. Not sure how hard CAS is skewed as of yet, but I'm sure there is some influence. You can especially see this because HET has so few "serious" big hitters in their casino's. They don't go there because HET favors duration of play over size of play. The other big guys like Wynn/MGM are not as punitive for duration of play but favor size of play (I guess they think if they have you for size, you'll play somewhere regardless). It's almost the difference of Vegas and Atlantic City. Vegas will give card status based on size of play. Atlantic City card status is usually tilted toward repeated weekend/duration players. Anyhow - two differing philosophies. CAS is somewhere stuck in between.

 

 

Yes I agree with you 100 percent. We are avid players with both MGM and Harrah's Casino Groups, but that's not how we came to NCL. The rules for Slot Players have changed so dramatically on Norwegian since October 2012, that even our Casino Representative Host (who takes care of all of our Junkets and Bookings with all the Casinos and Cruise Lines) threw her hands up on this one and said that CAS is operating on a whole new set of rules and completely on a different course, which makes no sense at all compared to the rules everyone has been playing by for so many years.

 

All in all, when I gamble, I just really want to have fun and to be just a wee bit acknowledged. I am not a "needy" gambler, I make no demands, I don't walk around like some high roller, I actually make everyone around me have a great time. It just caught my Casino Rep off guard the outright nastiness of the CAS with regards to my play.

 

Hey, no one has to let me down easy, it's my choice to play and where to play, and I am not a coupon player either. So in April, Princess gladly has welcomed us on their 10 day Southern Adventure.

 

But I gambled more money on this cruise that I have ever, and received less points. That is the difference. The point system, their calculation and formulas have changed on the slots, so comps and goals are much less achievable.

 

Thank you so much for responding. It makes me so happy to have this conversation.

[cruiseguys2009]

You have a flair for writing descriptive prose, which is great and effective at communicating your point.

 

What I wonder however is about the actual language used. When you say they basically told you to GTH, what did they actually say? Was it more along the lines of "sorry, but the tiers are established and your average play doesn't qualify for a comp." ?

 

 

We seem to be typically in the 6500 - 8000 point range over a week cruise, but we get most of that at the tables. It's a lot harder to earn points at the tables, than it is at the slots.

 

 

The $5/point calculation I think was first mentioned on the boards about a year ago. It's unfortunate that benefits one might have formerly received are then retracted...but there are economic equations being considered...because Casinos at Sea has to purchase inventory from NCL which means they're paying for those drinks, and that room....and if you're not a profitable player, then it's not a positive equation for them.

 

You're right...Vegas wasn't built on the backs of winners....however, without winners Vegas wouldn't be here at all. It's the winners who keep the rest of us trying, and hopeful.

 

 

.

 

I have been an avid follower of yours for several years now, and we almost cruised together.

 

Thanks for joining in here, and yes CAS were outright nasty, not to me, but to my Casino Representative that books all of our Junkets whether it be a land based Casino, a Cruise Line or an Island Junket.

 

I love your last line commenting on mine. There was not even an inkling of any kind of a win on the EPIC. Had there been, and I don't mean a win on my part, but ANYONE WINNING, then I would have been a little more happy and more motivated. On the EPIC, I was just going thru the motions plugging away on machine after machine trying to build my points to satisfy my continued comps. Had I known the end result was going to be rudeness from CAS then I would have stopped gaming the first night and enjoyed the ship more.

 

Live, Learn and save money next time!

 

Jerome and I think you are just Brilliant! Thanks.

[boopsahoy]

OH NO Im getting scared now! Ive had comped cabins for the past 5 or 6 years! I admit to probably spending 5 hrs a day in the casino but not for comp reasons-we just like to gamble! If they change this and I dont get comped cabins I will be extremely upset with NCL! :eek:

[cruiseguys2009]

OH NO Im getting scared now! Ive had comped cabins for the past 5 or 6 years! I admit to probably spending 5 hrs a day in the casino but not for comp reasons-we just like to gamble! If they change this and I dont get comped cabins I will be extremely upset with NCL! :eek:

 

 

You and me both.....and....it's changed.

[boopsahoy]

You and me both.....and....it's changed.

 

We really spend a lot there and I am now accustomed to upgrading the comp room to a ph suite-I wont pay for that out of pocket! Next years our 25th anniversary and Iw as thinking of upgrading to haven-guess thats not happening! Maybe its just the Epic??????:eek:

[cruiseguys2009]

We really spend a lot there and I am now accustomed to upgrading the comp room to a ph suite-I wont pay for that out of pocket! Next years our 25th anniversary and Iw as thinking of upgrading to haven-guess thats not happening! Maybe its just the Epic??????:eek:

 

 

I tend to think it may just be the EPIC as well as the new rules. You do exactly what I have always done, but now, that has gone bye bye.

[che5904]

I think if you think that your card being in there and not being in there results in different odds - you're having a conspiracy theory attack there. .. CAS doesn't have the clout to make IGT/Bally to make them do something like that that would have every gaming commission in the world breathing down their backs. You could say you win more because you closed your left eye vs your right eye. And just as slot machines jackpots/wins is related to random/gambling - it will happen whether you close your left eye vs your right eye.

 

I've never found the casino hosts to be that powerful or helpful in CAS or any other cruise ship. They know once you're onboard, you're captive. None of the hosts are real "hosts" in the traditional sense of the word - so everyone just has to get over that. And while CAS uses the terminology of "loss" (which they haven't learned to get away from) - it is based on combination of what you bet and what you lose (or potentially lose).

 

Now regarding CAS and how they treat their players ? The economy is slowly recovering. Everybody is tightening up. . For 99% of players, you're going to be "marginal" somewhere. Hey $100/hand players are marginal in quite a few places. Even $500/hand players are marginal somewhere (like the real Monte Carlo, etc). CAS will never be anywhere near land based casinos' as once they have you - they have you. Call it you'll get 1/3 to 1/2 of what you'll get at land based casinos' and you'll probably be close.

 

Now in terms of casino play/entertainment. yeah, losing can definitely put a damper on things. But one should just enjoy the cruise and let the entertainment be the entertainment.

 

You are right on, on so many things. Well except the conspiracy thing because if I hold my baby finger in the air when I spin, I win far more often ;) :D

 

I've only been on 2 cruises and both times IMO the casino host sucked on so many levels compared to land exec hosts I've had all across Canada and the U.S. Not helpful, very unfriendly, probably the only unfriendly person I found on the entire ship of workers. Now the casino manager on the Star was very friendly, just not the host. I'm glad to hear this was not something that I was imagining and that they just aren't the same as land.

[anthem]

that clears a few things up now. . You might want to check with CAS directly. . .. Your working on hearsay now. You generally work with your HET guy going in. After that - you will generally want to work directly with CAS and not through the HET host that you used or got in with. .. . CAS is not /supposed/ to work with anyone who has not cruised with them prior (albeit with very few outside exceptions) - so you generally go through a HET host or use your "status" that CAS will recognize.

 

After you're booked in, I find that the HET hosts are less than helpful afterward. They've already booked you in and CAS prefers to deal directly with you now. Including your HET host to do it adds another layer of complication and commission. Hosts are generally paid on who they bring in and compensated based on that. Since HET and CAS are just partners - essentially there is a compensation issue for your HET host when you ask him to continue to book you into NCL/CAS. And because your HET host is also compensated via this particular item - between he and CAS might be an issue on how much you're compensated and how much he's compensated. He might not offer you the same amount that you would get if going directly through CAS, because he might not be paid the same or CAS might not make the same potential.

 

So its entirely possible that something changed within the compensation structure. I'd call CAS directly and work with them to see if you're eligible for anything and see if its the same or different. but I do know that HET hosts seems to be encouraged to get you into NCL initially but they lose quite a bit of interest afterward.

[cruiseguys2009]

that clears a few things up now. . You might want to check with CAS directly. . .. Your working on hearsay now. You generally work with your HET guy going in. After that - you will generally want to work directly with CAS and not through the HET host that you used or got in with. .. . CAS is not /supposed/ to work with anyone who has not cruised with them prior (albeit with very few outside exceptions) - so you generally go through a HET host or use your "status" that CAS will recognize.

 

After you're booked in, I find that the HET hosts are less than helpful afterward. They've already booked you in and CAS prefers to deal directly with you now. Including your HET host to do it adds another layer of complication and commission. Hosts are generally paid on who they bring in and compensated based on that. Since HET and CAS are just partners - essentially there is a compensation issue for your HET host when you ask him to continue to book you into NCL/CAS. And because your HET host is also compensated via this particular item - between he and CAS might be an issue on how much you're compensated and how much he's compensated. He might not offer you the same amount that you would get if going directly through CAS, because he might not be paid the same or CAS might not make the same potential.

 

So its entirely possible that something changed within the compensation structure. I'd call CAS directly and work with them to see if you're eligible for anything and see if its the same or different. but I do know that HET hosts seems to be encouraged to get you into NCL initially but they lose quite a bit of interest afterward.

 

 

Yep, tried that too, thinking some kind of mistake was made, however, CAS said that I would have to NOT cruise with Norwegian/CAS for 18 months, and not book anything with Norwegian/CAS during that time thru my Casino Rep, before they would talk to me. They told me it was something about contracts between Casino Reps and CAS. I am not with Harrahs Entertainment, my Casino Junket Rep is part of a large Independent organization that I have worked with for years. But my Rep told me that CAS is like this will all there client's now. I tried to separate and still CAS said their policy is an 18 month non activity between me and my Rep and NCL and CAS. Makes no sense, you would think they want someone back asap!

 

And one other thing, our Rep had no difficulties placing us with Princess, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity. All three have gorgeous offers on the table. I just like Norwegian the best. I am a big fan of Norwegian.

[Rochesterboatingdotcom]

Not sure what rules have changed - we came off an 11 day October-November cruise on the Sun, did not always bet max and still earned about 8,000 points between my wife and I. We were comped a dinner, a bottle of wine and a high 3 figure OBC at the end of the cruise. Got an invite to the next slot tournament series just a few weeks ago, so I assume we are still in their good graces... We did not like the EPIC casino or hosts, but the rest of the ships we have sailed have always done good by us in the casino.

[SuiteCruiser]

I got off of he Epic on Nov 3rd. I was comped a dinner for 6 and wine at Le Bistro on November 1st and I came back and booked the GV at a good discount at the end of November.

 

I play a lot, but I'm a low $5-10 on table bets, I also book directly through Casinos at Sea, so echo the suggestion that you try going through them instead of a third party. There's been talk for quite a while of people booking through Harrah's no longer receiving the drink card. This may be the first step towards that.

 

I've only had one offered meal comp and that was on the Epic, I had one other, but I inquired about it myself. My last 6 cruises have all been on CAS' dime, and I'm on the Jewel on Sunday for another, so will report back when I return.

 

I spend more casino time on ships than land, so I never had the comps that you all are used to. I'm more used to the CAS way of never seeing the "host" but can totally understand if you're used to that, how frustrating it must be.

[cruiseguys2009]

Not sure what rules have changed - we came off an 11 day October-November cruise on the Sun, did not always bet max and still earned about 8,000 points between my wife and I. We were comped a dinner, a bottle of wine and a high 3 figure OBC at the end of the cruise. Got an invite to the next slot tournament series just a few weeks ago, so I assume we are still in their good graces... We did not like the EPIC casino or hosts, but the rest of the ships we have sailed have always done good by us in the casino.

 

 

See, I too agree with you. On the Dawn and The Sun, we had incredible times in the Casino, but since sometime in October 2012, they changed the system completely. And it all started because we just got off the EPIC and we wanted to sail on the 11 day Sun and we were told by CAS to have a nice day, 4500 points in the new program was not enough. In the old program, I would have amassed twice that amount, but they have that new triple scoring system. 5 hours daily average in the Casino, max bet minimum $3.00 per spin and on a seven day cruise, 5 1/2 days total play. I followed those guidelines and there was really not much more I could do, I was not winning anything at all so why waste anymore money when it was not fun anymore?

[lowroller]

Help me understand,

What was the dollar amount needed to earn 1 point playing slots before Oct 2012?

Hasn't it always been $5 a point, playing slots? Or am I getting slot clubs mixed up?

 

Your comment about the $10k loss rally has me baffled.

"CAS now considers previously Marginal Players (Less than $10,000 dollar loss) "Leisure Travelers"

So, if I lost $7500 on the slots on a 7 day cruise I'd be considered a marginal player?

 

You earned 4500 points on CAS card, that was good for $45 off your ship account, correct?

What have you earned under the CAS system prior to 10/2012?

 

"CAS, in October 2012, (snip) and diminishes and subtracts points, if you play for less than 5 hours per day at MAX bet."

How many points were subtracted if you did not bet the max bet or played for 5 hours a day?

Were you keeping track of your total points?

 

Now a little about me and some of my NCL experiences.

I do not require the use of a Host on board, as I have been comped the cruise (less taxes and port fees) and my beverages while the casino is open, before I have boarded the ship. I have been comped meals and other extras, but never did I request them from a Host, they have found me while I was on board. I also have my points converted to ship credit on the last night, never carring over any more than 1k in CAS points on any one cruise.

Unlike my screen name, I'm what I consider, and most casinos on land or sea consider a mid-roller.

I have found there is different requirements for a comped cabin among NCL's fleet. For an example, using my gaming action. I can get a comped Aft balcony on the Epic. Next month's cruise cost me $287 in fees for one person (I'm solo on this cruise) in that comped aft cabin. But I only qualified for the amount of the lowest inside cabin on the Breakaway this summer. My PCC advised me this was true for all types of players requesting cabins on the Breakaway, all were offered less, hence my normal "comped" cabin came to $1400 for two, this summer, on the Breakaway in a balcony cabin. Still better than paying "retail" I use a PCC to book my cabins and cabins of others. He may work on the CAS side of the house, since he will offer other cabins a discount if they are booking with me. There is nothing in his "email signature" that states he is nothing more then a PCC.

I will try to keep good records next month if I can remember to do so, and see what I notice from CAS.

Glenn