Cas dinners no longer include wine?

[rochelle_s]

And don't forget the other change.....CAS no longer discounts suites. :mad:

 

Yes I forgot about that one (being a non suite person myself.) That discount could have been a very good option for someone who wanted to hold onto the Cagney's perk.

 

 

Rochelle

Edited April 16, 2015 by rochelle_s

[NLH Arizona]

As I said I don't recall exactly who offered what but when I get more mailings I will report back.

 

The last time I was on Holland America it was the Prinsendam (pricier ship- happens when there are only 800 passengers) in the Mediterranean. I had an email offer - I paid 75% less than the going rate at time of booking (not brochure). I was able to combine this with a mailer for $150 free play. I did not have a card for drinks in the casino but I never paid for any either, a host or manager was always stopping by to see if I would like something to drink. It was specific to that cruise but there were options. You could be on the ship anywhere from 14 to 85 days. You could board in Fort Lauderdale, Barcelona, Rome or Holland with the ship doing a TA, Med & then the Baltics. That was a rare type of offer but very good for someone like me who enjoys the longer cruises.

 

I understand your not gambling with Celebrity if they do not offer you anything. Living in Canada the comps from my local casino are very minimal. certainly no free alcohol. I have stopped going locally and only gamble when I travel. I benefit way more from it even when I lose! ;)

 

 

Rochelle

Even comps here in some casinos have gotten very stingy. In Las Vegas (where I use to do the majority of my gambling), I can get comped room and a small amount of comp play. Where in South Lake Tahoe and New Orleans, they will pay airfare, transportation to and from the casino from the airport, dining credits and huge amounts of comp play and a comped suite. Las Vegas is easier for me, only a 4 1/2 drive or hour flight, but since I'm retired, I don't mind flying to New Orleans or Tahoe, where I was just there for 5 days.

 

BTW, I did email my CAS person and he said there has been some adjustments to our solo cabin policy. When I asked what the adjustment was and if I can still upgrade to a penthouse suite, I was told that I would not be affected by this policy change if I earn a comp stateroom onboard.

 

My wild guess would be that we might need to gamble more for the type of cabin we were getting, which is okay with me. Even if I get a balcony (normally I qualify for a free mini suite) free and upgrade to a suite, it is a lot better than paying the going rate. What I won't do, is gamble more than my budget just to get a free mini suite if they up how much I would have to gamble.

Edited April 16, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[samiam0403]

 

These cutbacks to the program change the way I will play in the NCL casinos.

 

So the changes they are making to the program are not ones that will entice me to play more. They are in fact encouraging me to play less. At least for me anyways.

 

 

Rochelle

 

I feel exactly the same. I'm only at Hot, but still get comped cabins (outside or balcony that I upgrade to a suite) offered when I call CAS. However, when I went to book this last cruise, the cost from CAS to book my comp'ed cabin and then upgrade was only slightly less than what I would pay to book the suite outright. And through CAS I only would have gotten 1 of the offers - booking the suite outright got me all of the offers ($300 OBC, UDP, UBP and an additional $250 OBC from the TA). Someone tell my why on earth I would use the CAS program or their casinos now?

 

I also now feel zero obligation to spend any time in the casino at all on board now. Don't get me wrong, I don't gamble just for perks, but they do influence where I spend my gambling money. I'll just take my gambling dollars to land-based casinos instead where I have better perks and better odds. I'm not liking the changes to CAS at all.

[jaja]

Yes...I will be spending a lot less time and $ in the casino. Last time I called..I was told the last 2 cruises I did not "bet enough" (I guess they meant loose enough LOL) ...so probably won't even get discounts anymore...:( .

 

So doubt I will be booking with CAS again.. (esp since no suites discounts anymore) ..or spending much time in the casino...on my next 2 cruises..(already booked).

[NLH Arizona]

Yes...I will be spending a lot less time and $ in the casino. Last time I called..I was told the last 2 cruises I did not "bet enough" (I guess they meant loose enough LOL) ...so probably won't even get discounts anymore...:( .

 

So doubt I will be booking with CAS again.. (esp since no suites discounts anymore) ..or spending much time in the casino...on my next 2 cruises..(already booked).

I always upgrade to a penthouse suite and NCL said the new changes would not affect me. I booked another cruise in December for next year. I was comped a mini-suite and upgraded to a suite and I paid less than 30% what the rate was for the penthouse suite.