Free NCL Cruise Offer from Foxwoods

[kpark895]

I recently received an offer for a free "up to 7 night" inside cabin cruise on NCL from Foxwoods Casino.  I have to pick up the actual certificate with all of the fine print at the end of November.  Has anyone received one of these certificates lately?  If so, can you tell me if free drinks while in the casino were included?  What were the fees, if any, you had to pay (I understand that port fees/taxes and gratuities are not included).  If you upgraded, what did you upgrade your room to and what did it cost?

 

Thanks for any help!

[tennispretzel]

We received a certificate in June which we were unable to use but did receive the new one as well for Nov. 30.

Yes, free drinks are included in the casino.

Fees: $200/person administrative fee.

Upgrade to a balcony on the two cruises we checked was $400/person.

For example, for a 7 day NYC-Bermuda cruise we were quoted $975/person which included $25/p OBC and a full drink package(ie not just for in the casino)It was hurricane season. Taxes and port included in $975. Saved us about $1K over what was offered on line at the time but we were unable to go anyway.

Good luck.

[Sunseeker810]

I have used a few certificates from Foxwoods.  One good thing about the casino drinks is that you can get water.  I always get one when I leave to take to the beach the next day.  We always up graded to a balcony from an inside cabin.  Last time we tried the inside and it wasn't that bad! 

[kpark895]

Thanks for the responses.  I used a free Celebrity cruise certificate from Foxwoods, headed to Bermuda this past April.  No admin. fee on that one, free drinks were included, but I did buy the bev. package.  Daughter didn't buy, but got most of her drinks in the casino for free.  If casino drinks are included, I'll probably pass on NCL's bev. package, as I saw they recently raised the daily rate to $99 (plus tips, maybe?).  Way too pricey in my opinion.  Plus I'm not sure if NCL has the policy that if one person buys the package, the other person in the same cabin also has to.  Daughter would never get her money's worth out of that.

 

 

[disneysnob]

We just got back last Sunday from NCL Getaway. Husband got the Casinos at sea offer from Foxwoods for an inside cabin.   We upgraded to a balcony (mid-ship) and got the drink package as our perk.  Even though we were in a balcony,  the 'original' booking was inside so we were only allowed the one perk. We ended up paying about $1600 total, all in (fees, port charges...)  In comparison, my parents came along and booked the balcony next to us for $2600 all in.  (they did get extra perks, though because they are also platinum). We thought it wasn't too bad.  We are actually heading to Foxwoods in a couple of weeks to pick up another cruise offer-hopefully there will be more dates/itineraries to choose from. 

[Sunseeker810]

I just got off the phone with NCL. They will not allow the drink package with the air fare benefit for an inside cabin, even though it is clearly stated for the March 24th PEARL sailing from Tampa

[kpark895]

4 hours ago, disneysnob said:

We just got back last Sunday from NCL Getaway. Husband got the Casinos at sea offer from Foxwoods for an inside cabin.   We upgraded to a balcony (mid-ship) and got the drink package as our perk.  Even though we were in a balcony,  the 'original' booking was inside so we were only allowed the one perk. We ended up paying about $1600 total, all in (fees, port charges...)  In comparison, my parents came along and booked the balcony next to us for $2600 all in.  (they did get extra perks, though because they are also platinum). We thought it wasn't too bad.  We are actually heading to Foxwoods in a couple of weeks to pick up another cruise offer-hopefully there will be more dates/itineraries to choose from. 

So if I stay with an inside, does that mean I still get one perk?

[disneysnob]

At the time we booked, the NCL promo was Inside= 1 free at sea, but Oceanview and above received 2.  Even though we upgraded to the balcony, the original cabin was an inside so we were only allowed 1 perk.

[kpark895]

22 minutes ago, disneysnob said:

At the time we booked, the NCL promo was Inside= 1 free at sea, but Oceanview and above received 2.  Even though we upgraded to the balcony, the original cabin was an inside so we were only allowed 1 perk.

I'm just hoping I can get one perk, then I'll get the beverage package.

[Mike_DeA]

On 11/20/2018 at 2:26 PM, kpark895 said:

I'm just hoping I can get one perk, then I'll get the beverage package.

Yes, you will.  You will get whatever promotion is in place at the time, and one perk for an inside has been standard for a while. 

[kpark895]

On 11/28/2018 at 3:32 PM, Mike_DeA said:

Yes, you will.  You will get whatever promotion is in place at the time, and one perk for an inside has been standard for a while. 

Thanks.  The only thing that was giving me second thoughts was paying for a drink package, as I've followed the posts about the increase in price to something like $99 per day.

[Sand and Seas]

1 hour ago, kpark895 said:

Thanks.  The only thing that was giving me second thoughts was paying for a drink package, as I've followed the posts about the increase in price to something like $99 per day.

We used to get the drink package as a perk but have switched to other perks the last couple of cruises.  We don't drink enough to justify paying the convenience fee (19.80 per day) for the UBP.  Now we just save our drinking for the casino (free drinks), or occasionally buy a drink elsewhere using our OBC.  

You need to look at how much you would spend on drinks per day and make a decision.   The $99 per day is the cost to purchase the UBP.  If you get it as a booking promo they charge you just the 20% gratuities fee.

[Sand and Seas]

More thoughts on NCL Casino 'free drinks while playing in the casino' card:

You can get bottled water and energy drinks, 'well' drinks and beer.  Also Pepsi product sodas.

If you are playing enough to get some comps off your bill, or you have OBC, that can easily pay for a few drinks outside of the casino.  I always get myself a 'soda' package ($67?) for my diet pepsi anywhere on the ship.  Then the casino comps that off my final bill along with some other things 🙂

[kpark895]

11 hours ago, Sand and Seas said:

More thoughts on NCL Casino 'free drinks while playing in the casino' card:

You can get bottled water and energy drinks, 'well' drinks and beer.  Also Pepsi product sodas.

If you are playing enough to get some comps off your bill, or you have OBC, that can easily pay for a few drinks outside of the casino.  I always get myself a 'soda' package ($67?) for my diet pepsi anywhere on the ship.  Then the casino comps that off my final bill along with some other things 🙂

 

Thanks for all of your help.  This would be my first NCL cruise, so no idea how much I would have to play to get some comps - don't want to rely on that.  I guess I'll just see what the actual perks are when I book, and make a decision then.  But, my daughter, who will be coming with me, likes fancy drinks when she does drink, and I don't mind a nice frozen drink during the day either.  If I can't get any of those in the casino with the "free drinks while playing" card, it's looking like the beverage perk would be best for us.

[Mike_DeA]

15 hours ago, kpark895 said:

Thanks.  The only thing that was giving me second thoughts was paying for a drink package, as I've followed the posts about the increase in price to something like $99 per day.

Yes, it's $99 + the 20% gratuity, so almost $120pp per day... crazy if you're actually paying for it out of pocket.  Virtually everyone who gets it selects it's as a perk I'm sure.

[kpark895]

1 hour ago, Mike_DeA said:

Yes, it's $99 + the 20% gratuity, so almost $120pp per day... crazy if you're actually paying for it out of pocket.  Virtually everyone who gets it selects it's as a perk I'm sure.

 

Only reason I ever paid attention to that price is that in the future, if I have to pay for a cruise, I'll be cruising solo, and NCL usually has some last minute solo fares with no single supplement.  But they are the cabins that come with no perks.

[Mike_DeA]

21 minutes ago, kpark895 said:

 

Only reason I ever paid attention to that price is that in the future, if I have to pay for a cruise, I'll be cruising solo, and NCL usually has some last minute solo fares with no single supplement.  But they are the cabins that come with no perks.

For sure, I look for the same last minute Sail Away deals.  I'm not much of drinkers so it works well for me.  If I do get a perk I usually select the wifi anyway.  I'll pay for a drink here or there but never enough to justify paying for the UBP outright.

[Sand and Seas]

4 hours ago, kpark895 said:

 

Thanks for all of your help.  This would be my first NCL cruise, so no idea how much I would have to play to get some comps - don't want to rely on that.  I guess I'll just see what the actual perks are when I book, and make a decision then.  But, my daughter, who will be coming with me, likes fancy drinks when she does drink, and I don't mind a nice frozen drink during the day either.  If I can't get any of those in the casino with the "free drinks while playing" card, it's looking like the beverage perk would be best for us.

It is fun to try all the different fancy drinks.    In that case, I definitely recommend you choose the UBP as your promo.  $20 per day per person is pretty cheap if you want to try some some fun drinks.  The UBP covers almost all those onboard and at any bar.  We love Mudslides, BBCs and Mango Meltdowns.   These wouldn't be free with the CAS card unless you earn a higher tier with the casino.    Have a great cruise! 

[Sand and Seas]

1 hour ago, kpark895 said:

 

Only reason I ever paid attention to that price is that in the future, if I have to pay for a cruise, I'll be cruising solo, and NCL usually has some last minute solo fares with no single supplement.  But they are the cabins that come with no perks.

If you get more comped cruises, CAS does not charge you a single supplement.  (Unless something has recently changed.)   My son has gone on several CAS cruises single without paying additional.   You can always call them to ask.....usually very good & friendly agents to talk to at CAS.

[Sue Do-Over]

On ‎11‎/‎30‎/‎2018 at 9:00 AM, kpark895 said:

 

... But, my daughter, who will be coming with me, likes fancy drinks when she does drink, and I don't mind a nice frozen drink during the day either...

Only a couple of frozen drinks are included on the casino drink card -- the super-sweet strawberry margarita and one other, maybe a Pina Colada, as I recall.  Mudslide (chocolate shake with booze) is definitely NOT.  The dairy/chocolate  supplies aren't stocked either at the casino bar or the station where servers fill their orders.

 

Also could not get a diet Mojito, as Diet Sprite/7Up is not available on fountain and canned drinks are not included.  I didn't ask about a (regular) Mojito, which is made with sugar syrup.  They brought me ONE diet one, and told me that this was it on the free card.

 

Did, however, get a steady supply of vodka-cranberry, and they were happy to open the champagne that had been delivered to our cabin, and bring several glasses of orange juice so we could make it palatable. I routinely tip a $1 chip for each round (self and spouse) which keeps service levels up.

 

Note that you have to (appear to) be playing, we've had mixed response when we just walked up to the bar with our Bar Card to grab a drink on the way into a show.  Some served, some scolded, some sent us back to the machines six feet away.

[kpark895]

18 hours ago, Sue Do-Over said:

Only a couple of frozen drinks are included on the casino drink card -- the super-sweet strawberry margarita and one other, maybe a Pina Colada, as I recall.  Mudslide (chocolate shake with booze) is definitely NOT.  The dairy/chocolate  supplies aren't stocked either at the casino bar or the station where servers fill their orders.

 

Also could not get a diet Mojito, as Diet Sprite/7Up is not available on fountain and canned drinks are not included.  I didn't ask about a (regular) Mojito, which is made with sugar syrup.  They brought me ONE diet one, and told me that this was it on the free card.

 

Did, however, get a steady supply of vodka-cranberry, and they were happy to open the champagne that had been delivered to our cabin, and bring several glasses of orange juice so we could make it palatable. I routinely tip a $1 chip for each round (self and spouse) which keeps service levels up.

 

Note that you have to (appear to) be playing, we've had mixed response when we just walked up to the bar with our Bar Card to grab a drink on the way into a show.  Some served, some scolded, some sent us back to the machines six feet away.

 

None of that's a problem anymore, I got us each the drink package as our perk.  And I asked the CAS rep about bottled water, and she thinks I can get that with the player's card, so that would probably be the only drink I would use the free drinks in the casino thing for.

[dznymom]

I just booked my comped Foxwoods cruise, Boston to Bermuda over the 4th of July.  I chose the UBP as my perk even though husband doesn't drink (or gamble).  Since it's Bermuda, the casino isn't open much while in port.  That combined with the fact that I am a wino, and NEED wine with dinner made the decision easy.  I will collect waters while the casino is open, and that should make it work out perfectly.  

 

We paid the $20 pp per day admin fee & $213ish pp in port charges(Bermuda is higher than average I think).  If we chose a different perk, and stayed with our inside we would have been in for $353 each.  But add the $138.60 pp for the beverage package, and an upgrade ($225 for ocean view or $525 for balcony) and you get the total.  When I priced it out with no discounts, we saved close to $2000.  I am happy with that. and I am excited to get back to NCL after several years sailing other lines (I am a comp whore).