Casino at Sea..-Free Cruise

[bsblindab]

Anyone know what the threshold is to receive a free cruise?

[garycarla]

Anyone know what the threshold is to receive a free cruise?

 

That is a mystery number. Theo or ADT is made up of many factors. After that, what they give away will vary WIDELY depending on sales of each cruise, demand, etc.

 

Even if they were to share any of this information, it would vary widely from cruise to cruise and week to week.

 

I will say that none of the free cruises we got were actually free. Pretty sure each free beer was costing me around $30 each.

 

We play a fair amount. There have been times that I could get a oceanview on one cruise, but a balcony on another or a suite on another. All depends on supply and demand, and of course your amount of average play.

Edited November 12, 2014 by garycarla

[bsblindab]

That's funny.most expensive beer ever..:) My brother/sister in law just came back from the breakaway and they said they spent about $1000.00 in the Casino..Wasn't sure if that was a trigger or just pennies.

[Bead Pirate]

We have put > $10K in play and only received a discount on some lines. We have put l< $2K in play and gotten a free cruise at other times. We have never had a free cruise on NCL as a result of play (although we have never had to pay for a cruise on NCL as thet are awarded by our land based casinos frequently).

 

My observations are that, as a previous poster has indicated, that a lot goes into the calculation (are you comped or partially comped on the current cruise, what have you put into play, what have you actually lost/won, what is the revenew generated by the casino on your cruise, how frequently you cruise, length of cruise and finally are you represented by a land based host in your dealings with the casino/cruise line).

 

I have never know a slot player to receive a full comp (free future cruise) although there may be some out there who have. I have known many frequent cruisers who are strong table players (in the casino several hours a day) who almost always receive at least a discount on a future cruise.

[negn]

Just call and see what they offer. If you dont like the offer,try again another day I think they use a dart board to determine what you get. Ive been offered a 20% discount one day and a free cruise a few days later

[garycarla]

That's funny.most expensive beer ever..:) My brother/sister in law just came back from the breakaway and they said they spent about $1000.00 in the Casino..Wasn't sure if that was a trigger or just pennies.

 

In the casino business, it is less about actual loss or win, but how much is "bet". They track your "bets" along the way. At the tables, it takes a human to track it (not so accurate). At the slots, the machine does it perfectly.

 

By the way, NOBODY shares their exact loss or win - LOL!

[MagnoliaBlossom]

It's like the Holy Trinity - an incomprehensible mystery :)

 

After our last cruise I called my CAS guy and he said, " oh my, you only lost $xx. I can't do anything but a 20% discount on That!". It was interesting since my cabin safe had a lot more money in it the last morning than it did on day one. But if they think I lost, that's okay with me. Go figger.

[sjbdtz]

We have put > $10K in play and only received a discount on some lines. We have put l< $2K in play and gotten a free cruise at other times. We have never had a free cruise on NCL as a result of play (although we have never had to pay for a cruise on NCL as thet are awarded by our land based casinos frequently).

 

My observations are that, as a previous poster has indicated, that a lot goes into the calculation (are you comped or partially comped on the current cruise, what have you put into play, what have you actually lost/won, what is the revenew generated by the casino on your cruise, how frequently you cruise, length of cruise and finally are you represented by a land based host in your dealings with the casino/cruise line).

 

I have never know a slot player to receive a full comp (free future cruise) although there may be some out there who have. I have known many frequent cruisers who are strong table players (in the casino several hours a day) who almost always receive at least a discount on a future cruise.

 

 

The math is something along these lines (for table games, at least):

 

Average Bet x Number of hands per hour x house odds on the game = Theoretical.

 

Theoretical means the amount that you should be 'expected' to lose, per hour, based on the odds of the game and how much you are playing.

 

So a game with a 2.5% house favor, played for 2 hours at $100 / hand, where each hand takes 40 seconds would yield a theoretical of:

 

90 hands ph x 100 ph x 0.025 = 225 theoretical loss per hour.

 

So if you play 4 hours / day, on a 7 day cruise, you will theoretically lose $ 6,300 on your cruise.

 

I've heard that the free cruise calculation is somewhat along these lines:

 

 

Theoretical x 30% + (10% of your actual losses)... so if you played as above, you would have future cruise comp value of about $2100 + 10% of what you lost.

 

So, if you actually lost the same as theo lost, then you'd have comp value of $ 2,730.

 

Now, let's say that your last cruise was a 14 day, and your next cruise is a 10 day, then they pro-rate the comp value for equivalency.

 

If you lost the same proportion over 14 days ($ 6,300 x 2) and had comp value of ($2,730 x 2), then toward the 10 day upcoming cruise you'd have $ 5460 / 14 * 10 = 3900 in comp value.

 

On some 10 day cruises, that's good for a suite. On others it's only good for a mini-suite, depending on the popularity of the cruise, and the prices posted for regular fares.

 

 

I learned a lot of this by listening to a rep muttering to themselves as they did calculations for me :o , and then I asked what they meant - at various comments. It may not be 100% accurate, but the framework should be close.

 

 

 

As for the poster who mentioned impact of a land-based host.... with Casinos At Sea, they couldn't care less what you do on land. Get rated on a cruise, then call them to see how you did. If you're spending $10k on a 7 day, then you'd probably be in a B1 to M1 category...again depending on where you're going.

 

 

Of course you can upgrade what they give you, too. I usually am offered a mini-suite, and upgrade to a suite.

 

And I learned something about that, recently too.... when they calculate the upgrade, it's from the LOWEST cost mini-suite, up to the suite you want.

 

Recently they offered me a mini, and said they could even put me in a spa mini.... so when I called-back for a price reduction, I was calculating my cost less the spa-mini....and was told no....we can GIVE you a spa-mini, but we're COMPING the cheapest mini. We comp. the category, and then 'give' the best we can within the category.

 

 

Stephen

 

 

.

[Fishbait17]

I have never know a slot player to receive a full comp (free future cruise) although there may be some out there who have. I have known many frequent cruisers who are strong table players (in the casino several hours a day) who almost always receive at least a discount on a future cruise.

 

All of my NCL cruises (after the first one, of course) have been comped based on slot play (mini suites to full suites) and I know there are several other CC members who sail NCL comped based strictly on slots. NCL does pretty well by their players - used to be better, but I understand why they have tightened the belt.

 

To the OP, you can't calculate theoretical based on losses alone, more depends on time/average bet/etc. If they knew their points earnings (on slots), it would be easier to know where they stand with CAS. For comparison, my average is probably 6-7 hours per day, average points earning about 1200-1500 per day ($6000+ per day run through). Comps are usually mini suites and sometimes low level suites. Their $1000 loss, if on slots, probably earned them (very rough estimate/guess) at most 1000 points unless they had some incredible runs of luck, and that *might* qualify them for a discount, best you can do is call and ask. Sometimes they offer first time CAS dabblers this sort of enticement to come back to see if they will "up their ante".

 

Robin

Edited November 12, 2014 by Fishbait17

[AAAAmerican]

Dear bsblindab,

 

Free is only a word well used.

 

 

I just got on our USPS second delivery a letter from Casino OF CCL/CUK :NYSE:ICE/LSE

 

 

Free Cabins and free OBC. But not from NYC/NJ. So we do not go this time.

 

 

 

It I think is from our volume of $USD deposited to gamble.

 

Maybe like my Golf and the hadicap.

 

 

 

 

 

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Anyone know what the threshold is to receive a free cruise?

[CasinoCruzGirl]

I mostly played slots 95% I would say. This was on my first ncl cruise. Gained about 2500 points and am comped a balcony cruise with $150 free play on my cruise in 2 weeks back on the breakaway. This could be because it's a november/December cruise (off season)!why I got such a good deal.

[sjbdtz]

I mostly played slots 95% I would say. This was on my first ncl cruise. Gained about 2500 points and am comped a balcony cruise with $150 free play on my cruise in 2 weeks back on the breakaway. This could be because it's a november/December cruise (off season)!why I got such a good deal.

 

Hi Geri, I must say that this is surprising.

 

 

Given that it takes 1500 points just to get a drink card for 'well' drinks, I'm surprised they'd give a balcony comp AND with free play! I don't think they've ever given me free-play. I'm going to have to remember to ask for it!

 

 

Stephen

 

 

.

[CasinoCruzGirl]

Hi Geri, I must say that this is surprising.

 

 

Given that it takes 1500 points just to get a drink card for 'well' drinks, I'm surprised they'd give a balcony comp AND with free play! I don't think they've ever given me free-play. I'm going to have to remember to ask for it!

 

 

Stephen

 

 

.

 

It was a special promotion Stephen. I originally had a comp oceanview and no free play then received a card in the mail for the balcony and free play so they let me switch to the promotion since it was for the same cruise I was already booked on. Again remember it's an off season cruise. And although I got around 2500 pts I spent a LOT of time in the casino I was there every day sometimes for 8 hours at a time. I could be wrong about the points but I don't think so. I probably lost about $2000 of my own money and won a few small jackpots of $200 and $400 maybe 5 or 6 times and lost all that

[sjbdtz]

It was a special promotion Stephen. I originally had a comp oceanview and no free play then received a card in the mail for the balcony and free play so they let me switch to the promotion since it was for the same cruise I was already booked on. Again remember it's an off season cruise. And although I got around 2500 pts I spent a LOT of time in the casino I was there every day sometimes for 8 hours at a time. I could be wrong about the points but I don't think so. I probably lost about $2000 of my own money and won a few small jackpots of $200 and $400 maybe 5 or 6 times and lost all that

 

Thanks for the added data, Geri. I would be interested in knowing how much they comped off your on-board charges. It's the missing element in the calculations. (If you don't mind sharing).

[CasinoCruzGirl]

Thanks for the added data, Geri. I would be interested in knowing how much they comped off your on-board charges. It's the missing element in the calculations. (If you don't mind sharing).

 

 

Not a thing they didn't ask me I didn't ask them. I was downloading money that could be why (bonus money) do u think if I hadn't done that they would have used that money to take off the bill?

Edited November 14, 2014 by FootballParent

[garycarla]

You really should ask somebody to proofread your postings. They are very confusing and .... well, I have no idea what you are talking about.

 

 

 

Dear bsblindab,

 

Free is only a word well used.

 

 

I just got on our USPS second delivery a letter from Casino OF CCL/CUK :NYSE:ICE/LSE

 

 

Free Cabins and free OBC. But not from NYC/NJ. So we do not go this time.

 

 

 

It I think is from our volume of $USD deposited to gamble.

 

Maybe like my Golf and the hadicap.

 

 

 

 

 

[/color]

[monkeybone]

Not a thing they didn't ask me I didn't ask them. I was downloading money that could be why (bonus money) do u think if I hadn't done that they would have used that money to take off the bill?

 

Yes.....Next time let them take some charges off your bill, you get much more that way.

[hpecorari]

I'm going to guess your first language is not English? My husband's first language is Italian and 35 years ago I used to have to decipher what he was saying. Let me try here.....

 

Dear bsblindab,

 

Free is only a word well used.

 

 

I just got on our USPS second delivery a letter from Casino OF CCL/CUK :NYSE:ICE/LSE

 

I just got in the mail a letter from Carnival Cruise Line casino.

 

Free Cabins and free OBC. But not from NYC/NJ. So we do not go this time.

 

They offered me a free cabin and free OBC. But the ship is not leaving from NY or NJ so we're not going to go this time.

 

It I think is from our volume of $USD deposited to gamble.

 

I think this free offer was due to the money I spent in their casino gambling.

 

Maybe like my Golf and the hadicap.

?????

 

 

 

 

 

 

[/color]

Edited November 14, 2014 by hpecorari

[hpecorari]

Not a thing they didn't ask me I didn't ask them. I was downloading money that could be why (bonus money) do u think if I hadn't done that they would have used that money to take off the bill?

 

Always Always Always ask the host the last night of the cruise. It's also always in the freestyle daily what times to ask. Yes, you can use your 'points' to gamble with the the ratio of your points and what you gain to gamble is NOTHING compared to the amount of money they'll take off your bill at the end of the cruise. However, they won't take off anything that has to do with gambling so if there are charges for that they won't touch that.

 

Harriet

[CasinoCruzGirl]

I'm going to guess your first language is not English? My husband's first language is Italian and 35 years ago I used to have to decipher what he was saying. Let me try here.....

 

 

lmao this is very funny. Good work. I never understand his posts

[luvcruzing]

Always Always Always ask the host the last night of the cruise. It's also always in the freestyle daily what times to ask.

Harriet

 

I told the casino host that I thought I didn't have to ask to have my points applied to my onboard charges, that the casino would do it automatically. And, she told me, "yes, since you're an invited guest," that's true.

[lescas]

This is our 12th cruise, this is the first time I received cards in the mail with the deals.

I guess last year on NCL Breakaway I won a bit on the last few nights, actually took some home :) they must want it back, got a great deal, upgraded to Balcony and now up to a Mini. Quite a bit less than we paid last year for inside. Today got a card from Princess/Carnival for same type of deals but in January.

[Beth C]

First cruise about $200 "invested" & hit a $4500 jackpot!! $4000 went to live in the safe... Recycled the remaining $500 for the following 10 days and racked up 2500 points - left the ship with about $4200.

 

Fast forward to post cruise depression, called CAS & was offered an interior for 3 (kids sail free promo) and upgraded for about $100 for the first 2 passengers to an ocean view. Could have had a balcony but they don't have any handicapped for 3 on the Getaway :(

 

Have received at least a dozen offers from NCL in the mail for comps and slot tournament cruises but unfortunately that darn thing called work gets in the way lol

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Edited November 15, 2014 by Beth C

[1smudslide]

My comp cruise from land based casino, in April, I racked up about 3000 points, and this past one in September, I racked up over 4000 points. I'm picking up a certificate from Foxwoods tomorrow. I wanted to avoid going since I have so much to do for the holiday. I called last Sunday and asked for a price for an inside on the cruise I plan on booking with my certificate. They told be full price. I really don't get it. I'll just pick up the certificate and call back to book. I will be booking the Dawn in September to Bermuda again. Maybe it's too popular, I don't know.

[garycarla]

My comp cruise from land based casino, in April, I racked up about 3000 points, and this past one in September, I racked up over 4000 points. I'm picking up a certificate from Foxwoods tomorrow. I wanted to avoid going since I have so much to do for the holiday. I called last Sunday and asked for a price for an inside on the cruise I plan on booking with my certificate. They told be full price. I really don't get it. I'll just pick up the certificate and call back to book. I will be booking the Dawn in September to Bermuda again. Maybe it's too popular, I don't know.

 

I am thinking those points are on the lower end of comps.

 

BUT - did you tell the about the certificate, or did you just ask what they offer you? And, I assume you called CAS and not the main reservation number. If you mention the certificate at all, they are not going to look at your play.

Edited November 15, 2014 by garycarla