ladybird77 Posted May 22, 2015 #1 Share Posted May 22, 2015 I'm a first time cruiser with NCL. And signed up for the Casinos at Sea slot club when I was on the ship. But I think I may start cruising more regularly. When I was in the casino, I never saw many people in there at all. I earned about 600 points during my 7 day cruise which after reading a bunch of posts I realize is nothing. I know I won't be getting any free cruises. But I was wondering if, they give you any coupons or anything at all for beginner level, or do you have to reach a higher tier to get coupons. I live in Vegas, and often when a new casino opens up and you spend a little bit of money (less than $500), you start getting coupons for the hotel & dining, because they want you to come back. For example, when the palazzo first opened, I got several days of free hotel stays and free dining offers and barely spent anything there, but I was there in the first few weeks of opening. I do not know if it works the same for Casinos at Sea or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sand and Seas Posted May 23, 2015 #2 Share Posted May 23, 2015 I've been cruising on NCL for the last several years on cruises given me by CET. While on the ships I have sometimes earned 2500 or 3000 points in a week. That is not enough for CAS to care about giving me a cruise. Last year I made 'Golden' with CAS and that really didn't give me much with them. Since you live in Vegas, have you tried making Diamond with CET? They have several offers a year of "free" cruises (paying port taxes and fees only.) I am SevenStar with CET, but I know others who are Diamond who also get the offers. You might want to talk to other Las Vegas 'locals' to see if they are getting the cruise offers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladybird77 Posted May 23, 2015 Author #3 Share Posted May 23, 2015 I've been cruising on NCL for the last several years on cruises given me by CET. While on the ships I have sometimes earned 2500 or 3000 points in a week. That is not enough for CAS to care about giving me a cruise. Last year I made 'Golden' with CAS and that really didn't give me much with them. Since you live in Vegas, have you tried making Diamond with CET? They have several offers a year of "free" cruises (paying port taxes and fees only.) I am SevenStar with CET, but I know others who are Diamond who also get the offers. You might want to talk to other Las Vegas 'locals' to see if they are getting the cruise offers. I'm not sure what CET is or what casinos in Vegas use that program. I did get a "free" cruise with Princess through my casino membership with Station Casinos, however, the cruises offered for "free" with Princess are extremely limited. I'm taking my free Princess cruise which cost me about $175. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sand and Seas Posted May 23, 2015 #4 Share Posted May 23, 2015 I'm not sure what CET is or what casinos in Vegas use that program. I did get a "free" cruise with Princess through my casino membership with Station Casinos, however, the cruises offered for "free" with Princess are extremely limited. I'm taking my free Princess cruise which cost me about $175. CET is Caesars Entertainment. In Vegas its Caesars, Rio, Planet Hollywood, Flamingo, and Harrahs. CET has a business link to NCL and they seem to give out quite a few offers. You do have to pay non-commissioned fares and port fees which usually run around $300 or so per person. There is usually a really good selection of ships and sail dates. Generally, you have a year from when you pick up the offer to take the cruise. With NCL, if you are watching their specials, you can book and pick up the promos available too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoamingRuby Posted May 28, 2015 #5 Share Posted May 28, 2015 I've heard the slots in all casino's are set up not to be beat. Looks like you both like Casino's. What are your favorite ways to win cash? Blackjack? or another strategy game? I'm trying to re review all the card game rules. It's been years since I've played 5 card draw & Blackjack in a casino and I usually come out ahead, at least some $. So I'm curious about the whole cruising casino thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuedon Posted May 30, 2015 #6 Share Posted May 30, 2015 I'm a first time cruiser with NCL. And signed up for the Casinos at Sea slot club when I was on the ship. But I think I may start cruising more regularly. When I was in the casino, I never saw many people in there at all. I earned about 600 points during my 7 day cruise which after reading a bunch of posts I realize is nothing. I know I won't be getting any free cruises. But I was wondering if, they give you any coupons or anything at all for beginner level, or do you have to reach a higher tier to get coupons. I live in Vegas, and often when a new casino opens up and you spend a little bit of money (less than $500), you start getting coupons for the hotel & dining, because they want you to come back. For example, when the palazzo first opened, I got several days of free hotel stays and free dining offers and barely spent anything there, but I was there in the first few weeks of opening. I do not know if it works the same for Casinos at Sea or not. I typically play black at my home casino and green on the cruise ship; I estimate about 70k "coin-in" on BJ during my 7-day trip. Based on the reactions I've gotten from various forums and whoever I spoke to about possibly getting a dinner, even 10% off a future cruise would be generous. (Frankly, I'm somewhat less than thrilled, considering that 70k CI nets you at other places.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sand and Seas Posted May 31, 2015 #7 Share Posted May 31, 2015 I play some video poker on board, but the odds are horrible compared to what I can find in land-based casinos. Since I get my cruise certificates from Caesers Entertainment casinos, I do get a 'free drinks in casino' card for the NCL casinos. I'll usually play a very low denomination of game just for fun while onboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellotoyou222 Posted July 5, 2015 #8 Share Posted July 5, 2015 I am going on ncl in aug. it's the third free cruise from local casino (RI). I also got one (my 2nd cruise..weird they haven't given since as i've played the same) from ncl. I was wondering if there is a difference between getting one from a casino or from NCL? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisinHarvey Posted July 5, 2015 #9 Share Posted July 5, 2015 We're diamond members with CET. I guessing everyone knows the holding company that owns CET has a big percentage of NCL too. CET was giving us cruise certificates for inside cabins. We would upgrade to balcony. But, now we have played enough with NCL, we don't need the CET certificates anymore. We just call the CAS number and see what we qualify for. At present, it's ocean view cabins, then we upgrade to balcony from there, which is cheaper than what CET was giving us anyway. We have always gotten free drinks in the casino, with CAS or CET certificates. CAS has never sent us anything, that I remember. They've never offered us anything on the ship either, besides the free drinks that come with the booking. On some cruises they'll have a CAS meet and greet kind of event in one of the lounges, on embarkation day. As you go through the tiers, you get more comps, as you would expect. But, the minimum is 5000 points, in one year, to get to the "Hot" tier. 600 points per cruise will get you nothing from my experience. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sand and Seas Posted July 5, 2015 #10 Share Posted July 5, 2015 We're diamond members with CET. I guessing everyone knows the holding company that owns CET has a big percentage of NCL too. CET was giving us cruise certificates for inside cabins. We would upgrade to balcony. But, now we have played enough with NCL, we don't need the CET certificates anymore. We just call the CAS number and see what we qualify for. At present, it's ocean view cabins, then we upgrade to balcony from there, which is cheaper than what CET was giving us anyway. We have always gotten free drinks in the casino, with CAS or CET certificates. CAS has never sent us anything, that I remember. They've never offered us anything on the ship either, besides the free drinks that come with the booking. On some cruises they'll have a CAS meet and greet kind of event in one of the lounges, on embarkation day. As you go through the tiers, you get more comps, as you would expect. But, the minimum is 5000 points, in one year, to get to the "Hot" tier. 600 points per cruise will get you nothing from my experience. Hope this helps. How many points per cruise are you averaging on-board to get the next cruise directly from CAS? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisinHarvey Posted July 5, 2015 #11 Share Posted July 5, 2015 (edited) How many points per cruise are you averaging on-board to get the next cruise directly from CAS? First. I don't know how many points you need to start getting offers. We used our CET certificates for a number cruises, before we even knew we could just ask CAS. Nobody tells you. At least, they didn't tell us. My DW and I always travel together, so what we get may depend on that too. Between the 2 of us, we average around 4000 points per week. Edited July 5, 2015 by CruisinHarvey I can't spell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sand and Seas Posted July 5, 2015 #12 Share Posted July 5, 2015 First. I don't know how many points you need to start getting offers. We used our CET certificates for a number cruises, before we even knew we could just ask CAS. Nobody tells you. At least, they didn't tell us. My DW and I always travel together, so what we get may depend on that too. Between the 2 of us, we average around 4000 points per week. Good to know! I guess it doesn't hurt to call and ask:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earlbird Posted July 6, 2015 #13 Share Posted July 6, 2015 Good luck. Casino at Sea isn't what it used to be! Typical NCL cutbacks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Askmelanie Posted July 12, 2015 #14 Share Posted July 12, 2015 I have called and asked, and was told it is either $2000 actual losses, or theoretical losses, ie playing about 16-20 hours of slots in a week. You are better off getting the offer from a land based casino. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sand and Seas Posted July 12, 2015 #15 Share Posted July 12, 2015 I have called and asked, and was told it is either $2000 actual losses, or theoretical losses, ie playing about 16-20 hours of slots in a week. You are better off getting the offer from a land based casino. Where the odds on video poker are MUCH better.....but not as good as they used to be:rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseWithUs64 Posted July 13, 2015 #16 Share Posted July 13, 2015 To be able to book through CAS you have to be invited by a casino host though I have heard that some have called CAS directly and were able to book. I never received an offer per say. When I go on an NC:L cruise I just call my CAS rep and ask for prices. If you spend a significant time in the casino you get reduced fare. I do spend a lot of time in the casino and am Golden. I won't make it to VIP status because I don't bet $100/hand. But despite that CAS is giving me excellent rates. On the 12/5 (Escape) sailing I pay for two people $4000 for an AFT Penthouse Haven Suite. It was almost 50% off. I think an aft balcony would have cost me $1400 for two (regular rate $1500/pp). On October 29 I go solo on the Escape (10-day transatlantic). I pay $3400 for an Aft Penthouse Haven Suite. CAS has no single supplement. With a CAS booking you usually also get some free dinners (3 for a 7- to 10-Night cruise) plus the casino hosts usually comps you for an additional 2 dinners. If you are a Platinum cruiser as well you pretty much set with dinner. Your player's card and drink card (Golden gets Premium drink cards) are in your cabin upon arrival. The discount is probably calculated by time spent in the casino and in part of how high your bets are. I am not a high better. I don't drop $100/hand but CAS definitely pays off. With two people we easily spend 4k on a 3-nighter. I still come out in the minus but the discounts make the losses easier to take. But I have never gotten an offer. I would say that I probably coud sail inside for free. On a recent quote I received the offer for $350 (incl taxes) for an oceanview for two. Since you have to pay taxes anyways I could reckon that this cabin was pretty much free. I didn't take it though. I am a balcony buff and no balconies (even suites) were available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseWithUs64 Posted July 13, 2015 #17 Share Posted July 13, 2015 How many points per cruise are you averaging on-board to get the next cruise directly from CAS? Time spent in a casino is a big factor. If you already spend time in the CAS and you made sure that they take your key card at the tables or put it into the slot machine you may already be in the system. The problem is that usually a casino host has to invite you to book through CAS. But I cruised NCL for years and dropped money left and right no host ever approached me. The Getaway had an extremely observant and good host. She gave me a business card for their landbased host at CAS. She actually made the effort while at sea contacting CAS to see if I played before in the casino. She came to me and said "I am surprised nobody made you Golden yet." With that she upgraded me and told me too book with CAS from now on. You really have to have a caring host who is observant to officially be invited. Having said that: I heard of people who cruised for years with NCL and spend a lot of time in the casino and just called CAS up. For some it worked and for some it didn't. I think offers are only being made to VIP status. Not sure though. But even if you have Golden status it definitely works for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisinHarvey Posted July 13, 2015 #18 Share Posted July 13, 2015 No one ever notified us that we could book through CAS. I was booking a CET certificate, when the CAS rep said, "You know you don't need wait for these from Caesars, Right?" No I didn't. He said they had enough history of our play on the ships that we qualified for cabins. That's how we found out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daghis Posted July 13, 2015 #19 Share Posted July 13, 2015 I had a strange experience with the CAS staff onboard Norwegian Getaway. My last cruise was provided by a local casino. The CAS staff told me that because I was comped this cruise by my local casino, I wouldn't be eligible for any comps from CAS for my next cruise. I called CAS a few weeks after the cruise anyway and was told quite the opposite, that indeed I did qualify for a comped cabin on a 7-night cruise of my choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellotoyou222 Posted July 14, 2015 #20 Share Posted July 14, 2015 I just got the promotion some were talking about. It's from CAS directly. my last cruise was from a land based casino. i actually think the land based ones give you more options but i'm going to check the itineraries and see. they are the smaller ships Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sand and Seas Posted July 14, 2015 #21 Share Posted July 14, 2015 I just got the promotion some were talking about. It's from CAS directly. my last cruise was from a land based casino. i actually think the land based ones give you more options but i'm going to check the itineraries and see. they are the smaller ships We have been cruising about 4 times per year in balcony cabins using land-based casino certificates. When we get these from Las Vegas CET, they are always good for any NCL ship/itinerary for the following 12 months except for POA (no casino). I have 'earned' Hot/Golden status on board playing Video Poker, but I definitely don't gamble at the level I do in Vegas. I guess if I earned Hot status on one cruise instead of over four cruises that CAS might be more interested in comping me a cruise directly:rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Askmelanie Posted July 16, 2015 #22 Share Posted July 16, 2015 I did just receive a hot offer postcard in the mail, for a cruise, but only limited choices, this nov-dec.. As we are going in Sept, I can't take off work again.. I wish!!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisinHarvey Posted July 16, 2015 #23 Share Posted July 16, 2015 We have been cruising about 4 times per year in balcony cabins using land-based casino certificates. When we get these from Las Vegas CET, they are always good for any NCL ship/itinerary for the following 12 months except for POA (no casino). I have 'earned' Hot/Golden status on board playing Video Poker, but I definitely don't gamble at the level I do in Vegas. I guess if I earned Hot status on one cruise instead of over four cruises that CAS might be more interested in comping me a cruise directly:rolleyes: We started with CET certificates. Then once when I called to use another one, the rep just happened to say, "you know you don't need those anymore, right". No I didn't! So, just call CAS and see if you qualify anything from them. The worst answer they could say is nothing, which is what your assumption is now anyway. Never hurts to ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1smudslide Posted August 1, 2015 #24 Share Posted August 1, 2015 I receive a few offers a year from Foxwoods in Ct. After using a few of those, I started getting the post cards. The main difference is that the cards give options of most every ship and under 12 nights instead of 7. The last time I picked up the certificate from Foxwoods, I called CAS, instead of the number on the certificate. I managed to get the same cruise I would have booked, but got an OV cabin instead of the inside that Foxwoods offers me. I also booked a nine night cruise. More options this way. Just call after you take a cruise and ask what you qualify for. You don't have to wait for the post card offers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g35girl Posted August 8, 2015 #25 Share Posted August 8, 2015 We took our first CAS cruise from CET in May and just this week received a mailer for a free cruise. Even on the ship (Pearl) the host approached my husband several times, comped dinner with wine at Cagney's. Since our cruise was "free" from CET our bankroll was what we would have paid for the cruise. Of course we lost, but the we looked at it we just paid for our cruise and had a great time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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