Carnival Players Club Elite Cruise offer!

[wikoffclan]

On 1/12/2022 at 10:52 AM, Brkintx said:

 

Outside of CC, I describe them as "Prepaid" cruises...  And when friends who travel ask how to get such offers, I tell them to begin by simply taking what they spend on the cruise and donate it to the casino over several hours / days... and see where that lands them... 😉

Despite playing blackjack fairly regularly (and losing mildly) for probably 5 or 6 cruises, I didn't get casino offers until i started playing the slots. I now get $0 - $25 p/p cruise offers with free drinks in the casino. I do as Brkintx suggests and plan on about what the cruise would have cost and plug that into the slot machine. I usually come out close to even (over the past 3 cruises) but if I lose a bit, at least I got to cruise--- someone cooked and cleaned for me and I got a few "free" drinks. I like the "Pre-paid cruise" analog --- So true!

[Colorado Beach Bum]

We’re going to gamble anyway, so to get the cruise and drinks paid allows us to spend more in the casino and enjoy our form of entertainment a little bit more. 

[VASOXFANN]

I received several of these offers, with DOU, and have maybe spend $20 total in CCL casinos (slots).  Unfortunately, I can't coordinate our schedules to take advantage.

Edited January 31, 2022 by VASOXFANN

[WKUTopperFan]

On 1/12/2022 at 10:53 AM, Alekezam said:

Finally, a sensible response to this topic. Nothing is for free and it baffles me how so many don't get it. These are not "offers" in the sense that most people define....these are "offers" meant to bait those individuals that have a history of gambling large amounts of money.

 

Thanks for telling it like it is and putting things in perspective!

That post is spot on. It's based on your dollars played. I got my first Elite offer a few weeks ago. I rebooked a  sailing in March for a later one on the Mardi Gras to sail on the Elite trip.

 

I had been getting offers for free balconies and other perks the last few years from the casino but upped my spending my last two sailings since the resumption and have been getting offers for suites and now Elite cruises. I went from spending around $7500 per cruise (17,500 to 20,000 points) to $12500+ (30 000 + points). The increase in spending upped the room offerings to now suites and  Elite offers with free balcony vs Premier/Ultra with free balcony. Obviously they all come with Free Drinks Everywhere, Free Play, Priority Boarding, etc.

 

I get annoyed by posters that complain about the free rooms and drinks they don't get. I didn't get anything for "free" from the casino. Gambling is part of my entertainment on a cruise and the money that I lose is my choice. However,  I know that some of the money I lose on that cruise will be recouped in a free room (suite = $4000), free play($500 to $1000), free drinks everywhere package ($500) and other amenities on my next cruise by the casino. It's a symbiotic relationship.  

 

Start spending some cash in the casino... they'll pay you back in nice comps.  The countdown to my first Elite Cruise is on! 

[CruisingFamily2005]

I was able to booked November 2022 Elite Cruise ( Nov 21-Nov 27/22 on Carnival Celebration ) I do have a couple of questions, pls.

1) How many times can I use the Elite offers?

2) What if there's 3 of us? Can I just pay for extra for the pick up to/from airport? or the excursions?

Thanks a lot!

Marivic

[ToddlerMom2016]

On 1/11/2022 at 11:57 AM, canes20 said:

There is no Plat embark right now, only suites are getting on early from what I have been reading.

 

Platinum gets access to the check in appts two days before others. 

[canes20]

7 hours ago, ToddlerMom2016 said:

Platinum gets access to the check in appts two days before others. 

You are correct. I was talking about walking on the ship. 

[seaman11]

On 9/6/2019 at 6:51 AM, blyle said:

After over 40+ Carnival cruises I'd say I've spent enough to get an offer.   I buy excursions,  food, drinks, gamble, souvenirs , jewelry etc.

Gamblers get more, i get good offers and im only a red level on carnival.  

[dallasdan]

On 2/1/2022 at 2:33 PM, CruisingFamily2005 said:

I was able to booked November 2022 Elite Cruise ( Nov 21-Nov 27/22 on Carnival Celebration ) I do have a couple of questions, pls.

1) How many times can I use the Elite offers?

2) What if there's 3 of us? Can I just pay for extra for the pick up to/from airport? or the excursions?

Thanks a lot!

Marivic

If there are 3 of you, they will not extend the elite offers to the third person.  You pay the 3rd person rate for the cruise.  This was my experience. 

[CruisingFamily2005]

2 hours ago, dallasdan said:

If there are 3 of you, they will not extend the elite offers to the third person.  You pay the 3rd person rate for the cruise.  This was my experience. 

Thanks so much. I really don't mind because with the deal that I've got it's worth it.

 

Marivic

[UserAndCruiser]

We just got back from a cruise. I only had about 2,000 points but my boyfriend had about 17,000.  Is that even close to the amount of points you had when you qualified for the elite offer? I’m asking anyone on this thread who got an elite offer, not just OP. 

[weezal]

avg ~3k points per day

[mz-s]

20 minutes ago, UserAndCruiser said:

We just got back from a cruise. I only had about 2,000 points but my boyfriend had about 17,000.  Is that even close to the amount of points you had when you qualified for the elite offer? I’m asking anyone on this thread who got an elite offer, not just OP. 

 

Generally you're not going to qualify for Elite after one cruise. Anything is possible, especially since Carnival's casino doesn't follow a set formula for comps. But it's unlikely.

[UserAndCruiser]

1 hour ago, mz-s said:

 

Generally you're not going to qualify for Elite after one cruise. Anything is possible, especially since Carnival's casino doesn't follow a set formula for comps. But it's unlikely.

Thank you for the reply!  Let me add, this was our third cruise in about 14 months, and the last one was an ultra. 

[def0715]

Do you have to do an Ultra cruise before you can get an Elite offer? I went on an Ultra cruise two years ago, I think, and haven’t gotten an Elite offer for many, many years. (Didn’t book that Elite cruise.) Thanks.

[weezal]

25 minutes ago, def0715 said:

Do you have to do an Ultra cruise before you can get an Elite offer? I went on an Ultra cruise two years ago, I think, and haven’t gotten an Elite offer for many, many years. (Didn’t book that Elite cruise.) Thanks.

 

no, i've never been on premier nor ultra (although those were available), and i got elite offers for first time recently.

[def0715]

Thanks, and good for you. 🙂 

[Teresa T. C.]

On 5/24/2023 at 4:31 PM, UserAndCruiser said:

We just got back from a cruise. I only had about 2,000 points but my boyfriend had about 17,000.  Is that even close to the amount of points you had when you qualified for the elite offer? I’m asking anyone on this thread who got an elite offer, not just OP. 

It depends on the number of days of your cruise.  I usually have between 17,000 and 20,000 casino points for a four day and for a five day+ then 20,000 plus.  The very first cruise I did with Carnival I had over 19,000 and received an Elite, Ultra and Premiere all at the same time.  I also received an offer the night before debarkation for free balcony, free drinks, etc.  It is also nice that usually on my second day of my cruise, the casino host comes to me and offers a night in the steakhouse and bottles of wine -which he knows by now are my favorite.  
I agree with the person who posted earlier in this thread.  You pay for your cruise through gambling.  If you are a super lucky person (which I am not but I do win occasionally) then you come out ahead, if not, then you pay for all those cruise things like your suite, cash, free drinks and meals through gambling.  It is a trade off.  

I am sure if your gambling decreases, then offers will decrease as well.  Just my thoughts, but I think that would be true.  So gamble one cruise and spend the money gambling, then you can book bunches with the free offers.  But know that if you don't keep it up, then your offers will go down.

 

T

[Teresa T. C.]

On 5/24/2023 at 4:52 PM, mz-s said:

 

Generally you're not going to qualify for Elite after one cruise. Anything is possible, especially since Carnival's casino doesn't follow a set formula for comps. But it's unlikely.

Actually, you can.  I did.  I not only got an Elite, but also an Ultra and Premier.  Even the booking agent didn't believe me when I called them to book the second cruise for me.  I also got a free balcony and drinks in an offer left in my door the night before debarkation on my very first carnival cruise.  However, I play a LOT.  I have been going on Carnival now for the last year and a few month.  I will be Gold this coming cruise (next week) - a testament to how many free cruises I have gotten.  I mainly get free suite deals now but I am going on an Elite cruise in August.  The free suite, free drinks, and free casino money is a hard deal to pass up.

[mz-s]

13 hours ago, Teresa T. C. said:

Actually, you can.  I did.  I not only got an Elite, but also an Ultra and Premier.  Even the booking agent didn't believe me when I called them to book the second cruise for me.  I also got a free balcony and drinks in an offer left in my door the night before debarkation on my very first carnival cruise.  However, I play a LOT.  I have been going on Carnival now for the last year and a few month.  I will be Gold this coming cruise (next week) - a testament to how many free cruises I have gotten.  I mainly get free suite deals now but I am going on an Elite cruise in August.  The free suite, free drinks, and free casino money is a hard deal to pass up.

 

I didn't say it was impossible. Reading is fundamental.

[jjdmom8]

On 9/5/2019 at 4:39 PM, bnbeyer said:

I just got a Carnival Players Club Elite Cruise offer in email!  It includes:

 

• Free balcony room for 2
• Free drink packages for 2 (everywhere on ship, not just casino)
• $500 casino money
• Free parking or airport pick-up/drop-off
• Platinum status during cruise with priority boarding, debarkation, luggage, etc
• Invitations to welcome aboard and sailaway cocktail parties
• Early room access with our preferred alcohol and non-alcohol bottles waiting
• Complimentary shore excursion for 2
• Treats and gifts delivered to room
• Free social wi-fi plan
• Waived room-service fees

 

It doesn't include gratuities and port fees/taxes.  

 

What a fantastic deal!

 

I booked the April cruise to Eastern Caribbean on the Carnival Breeze, and my sister is coming with me. Happy dance!!!

I got that same offer in the mail but I cannot see it online yet.

[Teresa T. C.]

3 minutes ago, jjdmom8 said:

I got that same offer in the mail but I cannot see it online yet.

That may be because the last Elite offer expired on July 3rd.  They will send out new offers in probably the next week or so.

 

[lazydayz]

6 hours ago, Teresa T. C. said:

That may be because the last Elite offer expired on July 3rd.  They will send out new offers in probably the next week or so.

 

Just received postcard in the mail.  Next round will be available in mid July.  I think our early opportunity starts on the 11th.  

[UserAndCruiser]

On 7/4/2023 at 6:37 PM, Teresa T. C. said:

It depends on the number of days of your cruise.  I usually have between 17,000 and 20,000 casino points for a four day and for a five day+ then 20,000 plus.  The very first cruise I did with Carnival I had over 19,000 and received an Elite, Ultra and Premiere all at the same time.  I also received an offer the night before debarkation for free balcony, free drinks, etc.  It is also nice that usually on my second day of my cruise, the casino host comes to me and offers a night in the steakhouse and bottles of wine -which he knows by now are my favorite.  
I agree with the person who posted earlier in this thread.  You pay for your cruise through gambling.  If you are a super lucky person (which I am not but I do win occasionally) then you come out ahead, if not, then you pay for all those cruise things like your suite, cash, free drinks and meals through gambling.  It is a trade off.  

I am sure if your gambling decreases, then offers will decrease as well.  Just my thoughts, but I think that would be true.  So gamble one cruise and spend the money gambling, then you can book bunches with the free offers.  But know that if you don't keep it up, then your offers will go down.

 

T

Thank you, this was quite a helpful response. We like to gamble, so we definitely plan for plenty of that on our cruises, and I usually try to look at the comps (or whatever you want to call them) as a bonus, not something I’m trying to earn.

 

But I like this idea of looking at it as basically paying for the next cruise even better, because that’s more in line with how I feel. I would hate to gamble enough to get 17,000 points, then come home and find out we only needed 19,000 to get the elite offer because budget wasn’t the issue. We didn’t gamble nearly as much as we usually would have because the casino was so crowded and small - I won’t do another cruise on the Vista for that reason. And the lack of casino bar sucks.

 

We got the certificate for a free balcony with drinks all over the ship for two on the last night of the cruise, and that was nice. 
 

You said “The very first cruise I did with Carnival I had over 19,000 and received an Elite, Ultra and Premiere all at the same time.”

 

 How long was that cruise? 

[Teresa T. C.]

On 7/5/2023 at 10:17 PM, UserAndCruiser said:

Thank you, this was quite a helpful response. We like to gamble, so we definitely plan for plenty of that on our cruises, and I usually try to look at the comps (or whatever you want to call them) as a bonus, not something I’m trying to earn.

 

But I like this idea of looking at it as basically paying for the next cruise even better, because that’s more in line with how I feel. I would hate to gamble enough to get 17,000 points, then come home and find out we only needed 19,000 to get the elite offer because budget wasn’t the issue. We didn’t gamble nearly as much as we usually would have because the casino was so crowded and small - I won’t do another cruise on the Vista for that reason. And the lack of casino bar sucks.

 

We got the certificate for a free balcony with drinks all over the ship for two on the last night of the cruise, and that was nice. 
 

You said “The very first cruise I did with Carnival I had over 19,000 and received an Elite, Ultra and Premiere all at the same time.”

 

 How long was that cruise? 

Thank you for responding.  That was a four day cruise.  I won a small jackpot on that cruise.  What typically happens is I win and then lose a lot of it back.  Now I have gotten a bit smarter and bought a gambling bank.  The gambling bank is a metal bank with a slot that you stick a percentage of your money in so that you don't lose it all back. The bank has two keys to it.  Leave them at home!  Another tip is to cash out when you get to a larger amount.  For me that is 800 - 1,000.  When I cash out, I put 200 of the 1,000 in the bank, then use the rest to play more.  It truly is entertainment for me but I also don't want to be a dummy about my spending.  With a gambling bank, you guarantee yourself to go home with some money.

Now, here is a tip for that slow casino bar.  Remember to tip cash or chips to your server.  I usually tip 2-5 dollars.  If there are fewer servers, then I tip 5 dollars the first time, then 1-2 each time I get a drink.  Your server will learn your name and will be coming back to you a LOT faster!  They appreciate cash instead of putting it on your account (as tax is taken out of their check and I am sure they have to split with everyone - so be kind to your personal server by giving him/her cash).  I take a small bundle of dollar bills with me to tip in cash.  I usually bring around 20-30 dollars in ones.  If you win a Jackpot, don't forget your server and the host, give them 10-20.  I am telling you, it makes a big difference.  Those folks don't make as much as you think they do.  They truly appreciate everything you give them.

Hope that helps,

Teresa