Free cruise from Bingo win, might as well wipe your butt with it

[njkate]

My daughter won the "free cruise" at Bingo, it's only for 5 nights or less max $600 PP. Hard pressed to find a cruise for that unless you want to do a booze cruise to Bahamas in an inside cabin.

 

Well she thought maybe we could apply to TA we are booked on, so called. Would have to cancel and rebook, of which this cruise is now $750 more pp then when we booked so no saving/bonus there, can not combine with other offers, so I'm assuming this means free beverage package. We would have been happy if they gave half of it as an OBC. It is very easy for them to apply the credit they just refuse.

 

I'm so peeved I may just cancel the TA with NCL and do a land based vacation.

 

So beware if you win one of these you are very limited how you can use it.

[bdette4]

My daughter won the "free cruise" at Bingo, it's only for 5 nights or less max $600 PP. Hard pressed to find a cruise for that unless you want to do a booze cruise to Bahamas in an inside cabin.

 

I won the raffle in January and at that time they were for 7 days. Inside cabin for the cost of Gov Taxes/Port Exp/Fees including prepaying the services charges brought our total on the November Getaway cruise we are doing to $468.38 for two. Have since got others through Casino At Sea promotion and they were more expensive. If we wanted to upgrade to a balcony on this trip it would almost be $1,000 each more. We are sticking with inside. Also you are correct in you do not get any of the perks when you win the bingo raffle cruise (drink package, shore credit, dining package) and the cruise does not get added to the number of cruises/days you have taken. Stinks if you are close to the next tier.

[cliffd64]

My daughter won the "free cruise" at Bingo, it's only for 5 nights or less max $600 PP. Hard pressed to find a cruise for that unless you want to do a booze cruise to Bahamas in an inside cabin.

 

Well she thought maybe we could apply to TA we are booked on, so called. Would have to cancel and rebook, of which this cruise is now $750 more pp then when we booked so no saving/bonus there, can not combine with other offers, so I'm assuming this means free beverage package. We would have been happy if they gave half of it as an OBC. It is very easy for them to apply the credit they just refuse.

 

I'm so peeved I may just cancel the TA with NCL and do a land based vacation.

 

So beware if you win one of these you are very limited how you can use it.

 

That's one way to look at it, but there is a different perspective... You could also look at it as a $1200 credit towards any other cruise of any length in any sort of cabin. It only cost her the price of her bingo tickets, so its not a bad prize in that respect. They will certainly apply the prize as a starting point towards a cruise with an upsell to more days and a better room.

 

As far as cancelling your TA cruise because they gave your daughter a bingo prize? Really? I think she has better choices than the ones you describe if she wants to use her prize.

[NLH Arizona]

That's one way to look at it, but there is a different perspective... You could also look at it as a $1200 credit towards any other cruise of any length in any sort of cabin. It only cost her the price of her bingo tickets, so its not a bad prize in that respect. They will certainly apply the prize as a starting point towards a cruise with an upsell to more days and a better room.

 

As far as cancelling your TA cruise because they gave your daughter a bingo prize? Really? I think she has better choices than the ones you describe if she wants to use her prize.

I was thinking the same thing, $1,200 off is not a bad prize based off what it cost to win it.

 

As far as cancelling, I think the OP should cancel their cruise, because that would show NCL.

[njkate]

I was thinking the same thing, $1,200 off is not a bad prize based off what it cost to win it.

 

As far as cancelling, I think the OP should cancel their cruise, because that would show NCL.

No, because I'm peeved NCL could give a dam less, they can resell my booked cabin at $750 more pp then I paid. I just hate come ons and this is my opinion, sorry to offend any NCL cheerleaders ;0

[njkate]

That's one way to look at it, but there is a different perspective... You could also look at it as a $1200 credit towards any other cruise of any length in any sort of cabin. It only cost her the price of her bingo tickets, so its not a bad prize in that respect. They will certainly apply the prize as a starting point towards a cruise with an upsell to more days and a better room.

 

As far as cancelling your TA cruise because they gave your daughter a bingo prize? Really? I think she has better choices than the ones you describe if she wants to use her prize.

Ehh she and hubbie can use for a booze cruise to Bahamas or Cuba where it's free drinks as NO promotions, UBP, Specialty dining etc can be used on free bingo win

[NLH Arizona]

No, because I'm peeved NCL could give a dam less, they can resell my booked cabin at $750 more pp then I paid. I just hate come ons and this is my opinion, sorry to offend any NCL cheerleaders ;0

Doubt you offended any NCL cheerleaders, but I bet the jeerleaders are applauding.

[njkate]

I won the raffle in January and at that time they were for 7 days. Inside cabin for the cost of Gov Taxes/Port Exp/Fees including prepaying the services charges brought our total on the November Getaway cruise we are doing to $468.38 for two. Have since got others through Casino At Sea promotion and they were more expensive. If we wanted to upgrade to a balcony on this trip it would almost be $1,000 each more. We are sticking with inside. Also you are correct in you do not get any of the perks when you win the bingo raffle cruise (drink package, shore credit, dining package) and the cruise does not get added to the number of cruises/days you have taken. Stinks if you are close to the next tier.

 

Glad you were able to use it!! 7 days more options, 5 or less the options get slim

[JamieLogical]

The should start calling it $1200 credit toward a future cruise instead of a "free cruise" I guess.

[NLH Arizona]

The should start calling it $1200 credit toward a future cruise instead of a "free cruise" I guess.

Great idea, hopefully someone will suggest this to NCL.

[UFMOM]

Ehh she and hubbie can use for a booze cruise to Bahamas or Cuba where it's free drinks as NO promotions, UBP, Specialty dining etc can be used on free bingo win

 

 

I agree, use it for a 4 day Cuba cruise with the drinks already included. Fun cruise! If she needs to fly, combine it with another cruise or FL land vacation to make it more cost effective.

 

 

 

Mary Ann

[njkate]

I agree, use it for a 4 day Cuba cruise with the drinks already included. Fun cruise! If she needs to fly, combine it with another cruise or FL land vacation to make it more cost effective.

 

 

 

Mary Ann

 

I agree, going to suggest that to her :)

[njkate]

The should start calling it $1200 credit toward a future cruise instead of a "free cruise" I guess.

 

 

Agree

[PTC DAWG]

Is it transferable? I’ll take it for free, I need tissue.

[njkate]

Is it transferable? I’ll take it for free, I need tissue.

 

 

Non transferable

[SeaShark]

Are you sure about the options? I found a dozen different 5 day cruises that met the price point and did not go to the Bahamas.

[zqvol]

You'll like it even more when the 1099 shows up next spring, just in time for tax season.

[lamo0050]

I won the “free” cruise as well. As long as the cruise meets the requirements it is free (port taxes/fees and gratuities are still charged)...there is not a limit. (Caribbean or Bahamas, 5 or less nights, not during any blackout dates) If you would rather take a different cruise, the certificate is worth $600 towards any cruise.

 

We had no intention of using it because we would spend too much money traveling to FL from CA just for a 3 or 4 night cruise. Plus, we’d have to pay extra for the kiddos and the thought of 4 of us in an inside room is crazy and the Sky really isn’t my first choice of ship. We would have had to plan and spend money on a whole trip we really weren’t planning on taking just to take advantage of a free cruise.

 

But, I earned another cruise from my company and the timing worked out that we can get off that ship and get on a Norwegian Cruise that qualifies as “free” so we figured that as long as we are going to be there, we may as well use it!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Newleno]

My daughter won the "free cruise" at Bingo, it's only for 5 nights or less max $600 PP. Hard pressed to find a cruise for that unless you want to do a booze cruise to Bahamas in an inside cabin.

 

Well she thought maybe we could apply to TA we are booked on, so called. Would have to cancel and rebook, of which this cruise is now $750 more pp then when we booked so no saving/bonus there, can not combine with other offers, so I'm assuming this means free beverage package. We would have been happy if they gave half of it as an OBC. It is very easy for them to apply the credit they just refuse.

 

I'm so peeved I may just cancel the TA with NCL and do a land based vacation.

 

So beware if you win one of these you are very limited how you can use it.

sorry that happened to you, ah the olde standard procedure of the bingo win cruise

[Newleno]

the should start calling it $1200 credit toward a future cruise instead of a "free cruise" i guess.

word

[david_sobe]

The Sky is a great ship. However if you don't want to sail the Sky there is a wonderful 5 night from Miami on the Jade (western Caribbean). I am thinking of booking that one myself. I sailed other NCL 5 night cruises.

Think of the glass half full. Even if you use the credit for a future cruise, its something you did not have. Even better is how lucky you are. The chances of winning this at bingo is pretty lucky. I think only one person wins this prize. I think all of us would gladly switch places with you.

[sanger727]

There are many many options besides the sky and sun cruises.

 

Look at the jade in feb 19, the epic in March 19, the dawn in April 19, the breakaway in nov 19 and spring of 20, and the getaway dec 19

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Nola26]

The should start calling it $1200 credit toward a future cruise instead of a "free cruise" I guess.

 

Marketing 101: Free always sounds better than discounted, so changing the name wouldn't actually be better

 

It is indeed a free cruise, the OP just wants what he/she wants rather than select from the options, albeit thinner than preferred.

 

I generally sail using CAS offers via land based casino. I am given a specific list of sailings to select from. I would not suggest my offer is "butt" worthy. My offers are always for an inside cabin and I can upgrade at a cost or try the bidding process, I have done both. My family and I have had some amazing cruise experiences and most importantly made great family memories with those offers.

 

I used my first offer on a solo 3 day sailing on the Sky as I didn't have much vacation time and the offer came late in the year so I was able to use it over Thanksgiving weekend. Since then we have selected a 6 day Escape and others have been 7 day as I have more vacation time and I know this option may come up.

 

The fact that they'll allow you to use it on any cruise at less than $600pp really does open up options. You can likely select an Oceanview for that price, get two at sea promos and bid or upgrade to a balcony or minisuite.

 

It may take a bit of research and flexibility, but there are great vacations to be had with that certificate.

 

By the way the OP seems to less than a fan of inside cabins and I can understand the preference. My mother has cruised quite a lot over the years. I upgraded our Getaway cabin to a balcony it was her first balcony experience, she loved it saying it is the only way to cruise. I've been able to keep her in balconies, but on our upcoming cruise on the Bliss if we don't win a bid, we will be in an inside with 3 people and we'll figure it out.

 

I hope your daughter finds some friends to join her on the cruise and they have a good time. I have some fun memories of a New Orleans trip that included 5 of us in a hotel room. Approaching 25yrs later that trip still brings out laughs for us.

[njkate]

Marketing 101: Free always sounds better than discounted, so changing the name wouldn't actually be better

 

It is indeed a free cruise, the OP just wants what he/she wants rather than select from the options, albeit thinner than preferred.

 

I generally sail using CAS offers via land based casino. I am given a specific list of sailings to select from. I would not suggest my offer is "butt" worthy. My offers are always for an inside cabin and I can upgrade at a cost or try the bidding process, I have done both. My family and I have had some amazing cruise experiences and most importantly made great family memories with those offers.

 

I used my first offer on a solo 3 day sailing on the Sky as I didn't have much vacation time and the offer came late in the year so I was able to use it over Thanksgiving weekend. Since then we have selected a 6 day Escape and others have been 7 day as I have more vacation time and I know this option may come up.

 

The fact that they'll allow you to use it on any cruise at less than $600pp really does open up options. You can likely select an Oceanview for that price, get two at sea promos and bid or upgrade to a balcony or minisuite.

 

It may take a bit of research and flexibility, but there are great vacations to be had with that certificate.

 

By the way the OP seems to less than a fan of inside cabins and I can understand the preference. My mother has cruised quite a lot over the years. I upgraded our Getaway cabin to a balcony it was her first balcony experience, she loved it saying it is the only way to cruise. I've been able to keep her in balconies, but on our upcoming cruise on the Bliss if we don't win a bid, we will be in an inside with 3 people and we'll figure it out.

 

I hope your daughter finds some friends to join her on the cruise and they have a good time. I have some fun memories of a New Orleans trip that included 5 of us in a hotel room. Approaching 25yrs later that trip still brings out laughs for us.

 

No promos with the bingo cruise win, none, nada. That is why I suggested daughter do a Cuba cruise where the alcohol is included.

[Maniacal Cruiser]

You'll like it even more when the 1099 shows up next spring, just in time for tax season.

 

 

All gambling winnings are fully taxable as earned income at the federal level whether one gets a 1099 or not. The 1009 is merely a reporting responsibility of the entity awarding the prize.