Ocean Bar Slot Machines...the rest of the story

[Hlitner]

22 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Well, there has never been a "Casinodam" in the fleet.  Some of us were surprised when the good ships Eurodam and Koningsdam received their names with so many historic HAL ship names from which to choose. 

 

Why the HAL marketing for gamblers?  Oh, income from these people, I realize.  These good folks ought to book a Carnival Cruise Line ship.  Such an excessive ambiance of gambling does not belong on a ship of Holland America Line.  

It is certainly understandable that many long time HAL cruisers/fans want to keep things "as they were."  But the reality is that HAL has never done especially well at generating onboard revenue.  Many HAL cruisers are well seasoned travelers who are not spending money on photos, in the casino, the bars, etc.  But the mass market lines all use business plans that call for "maximizing onboard revenue."  It is no secret that those who gamble tend to be big spenders (just look at Las Vegas or Macao) and perhaps the "suits" have decided to push HAL into the realm of a line that focuses on gambling....especially slots which offer the worst odds in most casinos.    It actually sounds like a pretty good idea (in terms of the bottom line).  And if it rids HAL of some "dead wood" passengers and replaces them with free spending gamblers then it should give a nice boost to the bottom line.  I know this all sounds cruel and not fair to HAL's many loyal cruisers, but we should not forget that cruise lines are simply businesses that exist to contribute to the bottom line.

 

Hank

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

5 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

It is certainly understandable that many long time HAL cruisers/fans want to keep things "as they were."  But the reality is that HAL has never done especially well at generating onboard revenue.  Many HAL cruisers are well seasoned travelers who are not spending money on photos, in the casino, the bars, etc.  But the mass market lines all use business plans that call for "maximizing onboard revenue."  It is no secret that those who gamble tend to be big spenders (just look at Las Vegas or Macao) and perhaps the "suits" have decided to push HAL into the realm of a line that focuses on gambling....especially slots which offer the worst odds in most casinos.    It actually sounds like a pretty good idea (in terms of the bottom line).  And if it rids HAL of some "dead wood" passengers and replaces them with free spending gamblers then it should give a nice boost to the bottom line.  I know this all sounds cruel and not fair to HAL's many loyal cruisers, but we should not forget that cruise lines are simply businesses that exist to contribute to the bottom line.

 

Hank

I agree with you ...

[cruisemom42]

19 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

It is no secret that those who gamble tend to be big spenders (just look at Las Vegas or Macao) and perhaps the "suits" have decided to push HAL into the realm of a line that focuses on gambling....especially slots which offer the worst odds in most casinos.    It actually sounds like a pretty good idea (in terms of the bottom line).

 

Fine, but since gamblers seem to be willing to gamble in large areas with no windows or connection to the rest of world, why cede them such prime real estate?  

 

Bars at least make some profit. It's not like they are putting the slots in the library. (Now there is a thought....)  😈

 

Seriously, just pack 'em in down in the hold somewhere. 

[VennDiagram]

A question for people who get casino offers.  Is everything comped, including HSC*, or do you pay HSC*?

 

*HSC/crew incentive fund or whatever the current name is.

[Laminator]

21 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Fine, but since gamblers seem to be willing to gamble in large areas with no windows or connection to the rest of world, why cede them such prime real estate?  

 

Bars at least make some profit. It's not like they are putting the slots in the library. (Now there is a thought....)  😈

 

Seriously, just pack 'em in down in the hold somewhere. 

Really?...those slot machines in the Ocean Bar will make more profit on that cruise than the Ocean Bar will make in 6 months. 

[Laminator]

18 minutes ago, VennDiagram said:

A question for people who get casino offers.  Is everything comped, including HSC*, or do you pay HSC*?

 

*HSC/crew incentive fund or whatever the current name is.

Everyone receives different offers. You need to see what your offer says is included.

[cruisemom42]

2 minutes ago, Laminator said:

Really?...those slot machines in the Ocean Bar will make more profit on that cruise than the Ocean Bar will make in 6 months. 

 

Not saying yea or nay to the above -- although no one seems to have the numbers handy....

 

All I am saying is there are areas of the ship that produce LESS revenue than bars. Put the slots there and its a win-win.

[VennDiagram]

19 minutes ago, Laminator said:

Everyone receives different offers. You need to see what your offer says is included.

 

I am pretty sure I'll never get an offer though I do play slots when I'm onboard.

I was mostly wondering if the offers are for times of the year that are less-booked, and part of the "payoff" to HAL is having more people onboard to pay the HSC.

Trust me, if I *ever* get an offer, I will read it v-e-r-y carefully, just to ensure it was intended for me 😉

[rkacruiser]

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

And if it rids HAL of some "dead wood" passengers and replaces them with free spending gamblers then it should give a nice boost to the bottom line.

 

I am now "dead wood" because I don't gamble?  I had a student who once accused me of being so old that I fornicated with dinosaurs.  I will wear my new "description" with pride just as the ill thought of that student.  

 

When I sail, HAL earns much profit from what I spend on their wines, at the various lounges, on shore excursions, and at the spa.  As a patron, from time to time, I pay for specialty restaurant meals that range from "why did I ever decide to dine here" to "this was a memorable dinner"!  

[oaktreerb]

Due to the smoking allowed in the huge, centrally located official casino, I would think there must  be gamblers who would welcome slots in non smoking areas like the Ocean Bar area.  I think the slots will be there forever.  

[Cruzmama]

13 minutes ago, oaktreerb said:

Due to the smoking allowed in the huge, centrally located official casino, I would think there must  be gamblers who would welcome slots in non smoking areas like the Ocean Bar area.  I think the slots will be there forever.  

Keeping my fingers crossed that there will be some non smoking nights in the casino, because I am one who likes to sit down at a slot machine and play for awhile.  I won't go if it's too smoky.  Some people like fine wines, some like fancy dining, some like spa treatments.  Isn't that why we cruise?  There's something for everyone!  Believe me, if I really wanted to gamble all night, I'd go to Vegas. 

[Laminator]

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Not saying yea or nay to the above -- although no one seems to have the numbers handy....

 

All I am saying is there are areas of the ship that produce LESS revenue than bars. Put the slots there and its a win-win.

I can assure you on a VIP cruise with 600 gamblers and only 150 machines each of those machines will have a minimum of $30,000 rolled thru them daily. On sea days significantly more. Please explain to me why those players should be relegated to other areas of the ship.

[Hlitner]

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

I am now "dead wood" because I don't gamble?  I had a student who once accused me of being so old that I fornicated with dinosaurs.  I will wear my new "description" with pride just as the ill thought of that student.  

 

When I sail, HAL earns much profit from what I spend on their wines, at the various lounges, on shore excursions, and at the spa.  As a patron, from time to time, I pay for specialty restaurant meals that range from "why did I ever decide to dine here" to "this was a memorable dinner"!  

LOL!  I will admittingly join you as "dead wood" because you could not get me into a HAL casino with a shoehorn.  I am a gambler who plays the odds which means there is no way I would drop even a nickel in a slot machine.  Although I have been known to happily play either Craps or Blackjack (the two games with the best odds in any casino) I will not do it on any cruise line that allows smoking in a casino.  To me it would be like sitting inside a dirty ashtray.  While I do not whine about HAL's antiquated smoking policy I also go out of my way to avoid walking through that stinky room.  While setting up a casino in a smoke free bar might actually get my business, since it is only slots is sufficient for me to keep my money in my pocket.  

 

As to the specialty restaurants we have now reached the level where we get some free meals and also quality for 50% off of the ones we might purchase.   I assume that DW and I are among those who HAL would be happy to lose as customers...and since we have tried Seabourn and realized what we were missing...HAL may get their wish.

 

Hank

[cruisemom42]

43 minutes ago, Laminator said:

I can assure you on a VIP cruise with 600 gamblers and only 150 machines each of those machines will have a minimum of $30,000 rolled thru them daily. On sea days significantly more. Please explain to me why those players should be relegated to other areas of the ship.

 

Because it is a cruise ship and not a casino in its entirety. 

 

If they want to turn it into a strictly gambling line, then fine. But if they are still trying to sell the "Savor the Journey" slogan, they need to make it attractive to all cruisers.

 

[Hlitner]

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Because it is a cruise ship and not a casino in its entirety. 

 

If they want to turn it into a strictly gambling line, then fine. But if they are still trying to sell the "Savor the Journey" slogan, they need to make it attractive to all cruisers.

 

 

[Laminator]

3 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Because it is a cruise ship and not a casino in its entirety. 

 

If they want to turn it into a strictly gambling line, then fine. But if they are still trying to sell the "Savor the Journey" slogan, they need to make it attractive to all cruisers.

 

They may hold tournaments of this magnitude 4 weeks out of the year on their 3 Pinnacle class ships. There is plenty of time for "Savor the Journey". How many weeks a year are HAL's ships chartered? 

@Hlitner hit the nail on the head. HAL to survive needs to change their demographic. They need a younger demographic with more disposable income to spend money on the ship. 

[Laminator]

6 hours ago, VennDiagram said:

 

I am pretty sure I'll never get an offer though I do play slots when I'm onboard.

I was mostly wondering if the offers are for times of the year that are less-booked, and part of the "payoff" to HAL is having more people onboard to pay the HSC.

Trust me, if I *ever* get an offer, I will read it v-e-r-y carefully, just to ensure it was intended for me 😉

They have been sending offers for all times of the year including Holiday cruises. Most of the offers are not for tournament cruises. Just a way of getting pax onboard.

[Laminator]

5 hours ago, oaktreerb said:

Due to the smoking allowed in the huge, centrally located official casino, I would think there must  be gamblers who would welcome slots in non smoking areas like the Ocean Bar area.  I think the slots will be there forever.  

They insist they will be removed by mid December. We will see

 

[Laminator]

10 hours ago, tompeter said:

Quick question, are you able to get your free casino drinks while playing in the Ocean Bar area or is it just while playing in actual casino? We will be on next week and trying to get an idea for my family members....Thanks!

I talked to the casino host. If you have the free drinks in your casino offer you need to let a host know that you will be playing down there so they can inform the Ocean Bar staff.

Edited November 17, 2021 by Laminator

[Boatdrill]

On 11/15/2021 at 7:08 AM, Laminator said:

As an FYI the casino is now open at Half Moon Cay. 

It never occurred to me that a casino was needed on HMC. 🤕

[InTheWASide]

On 11/15/2021 at 10:08 AM, Laminator said:

As an FYI the casino is now open at Half Moon Cay. 

 

I was just there last month... where is it located on HMC? And do you happen to know if you can use your room card or do you have no choice other than to bring cash?

[Laminator]

24 minutes ago, Boatdrill said:

It never occurred to me that a casino was needed on HMC. 🤕

I apologize for not being clear. The casino on the ship is now open when we are at HMC.

[Laminator]

17 minutes ago, InTheWASide said:

 

I was just there last month... where is it located on HMC? And do you happen to know if you can use your room card or do you have no choice other than to bring cash?

I was not clear. The casino on the ship is now open while at HMC. You are allowed to charge a certain amount to your room card everyday. I know for invited Club 21 members it is $3000 a day. I will check if it is the same for everyone today and let you know.

[InTheWASide]

43 minutes ago, Laminator said:

I was not clear. The casino on the ship is now open while at HMC. You are allowed to charge a certain amount to your room card everyday. I know for invited Club 21 members it is $3000 a day. I will check if it is the same for everyone today and let you know.

That's fine, I thought you were saying there was a casino ON the island and I was curious how all that was set up. Love that it can be open on HMC day. I'll still be out on the island most of the day but good to know it's open if I come back before last call.

[MisterBill99]

FYI, I was on the Rotterdam last week. They were removing the slots on the last night of the cruise, and they were totally gone by the morning when we disembarked. I never used them, but with the terrible smoke situation in the casino, they were handy to have there, although many would have preferred to have the bar seating area.

 

 

 

 

Edited December 13, 2021 by MisterBill99