Please be honest about your casino offers. I am curious.

[tunafish]

I had an interesting change of events. Was getting those emails just as they restarted cruising. Monthly. Different offers, some free Outside some even Verandah, different lists of sailings also. So we booked 3 separate sailings with these offers and emails just stopped. My gamble level is the same, I got offers while on board for $750 in free play and last one was free inside with $50 in free play also while on board with pretty much any cruise except Asia voyages but emails are gone. Go figure. I only (almost) play table games and play rather significant 

[Florida_gal_50]

10 minutes ago, Laminator said:

You need to understand something. NCL, Celebrity, Carnival, Princess are all sending out offers like HAL is. 

Absolutely they are.  As a matter of fact I’ve started to see some from Princess.  Some of the deals I see are quite good, not free but good. I’m not a person that spends time in the casino but on one cruise I did.  I can’t tell you one thing,  not once have I ever started a thread to say look at me, I’m getting an almost free cruise. Why do that? It’s going to cause some resentment with at least a few people that are paying top dollar.  Worse than that are people that get the casino offers asking when they might see upsells.  Would be nice if the full price customers saw those first.

[Brentt_M]

1 hour ago, kangforpres said:

Does Club 21 have your email?

No clue how to validate that. I know my email is on my hal profile and I have opted-in to all of the email communications.

Edited April 27, 2022 by Brentt_M

[tunafish]

6 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Absolutely they are.  As a matter of fact I’ve started to see some from Princess.  Some of the deals I see are quite good, not free but good. I’m not a person that spends time in the casino but on one cruise I did.  I can’t tell you one thing,  not once have I ever started a thread to say look at me, I’m getting an almost free cruise. Why do that? It’s going to cause some resentment with at least a few people that are paying top dollar.  Worse than that are people that get the casino offers asking when they might see upsells.  Would be nice if the full price customers saw those first.

I do not know, maybe there are some people who really gamble nothing and get these offers, but I do not think it is norm, at least not norm for onboard promotions. If you cruise and play, the end game and grand total would usually favor casino. you can do "hit and run" once and yes sometimes you get ahead, but from my experience I end up losing money, so those offers are a small offset for the money spent. The philosophy is that ok, I am 3K behind on a 10 day cruise, but they offered me a free one (not really free factoring more than 2 pax), bought me some drinks etc.

[BigMattT]

Our on-board spending (including gaming buy-in) always exceeds the “fare” portion of our cruises by a significant amount. I’m guessing that’s why we receive the offers for “free” cabins.
 

They want profitable customers onboard.

 

Across the hospitality sector, the most “loyal” customers in rewards programs pay the MOST, not the least. The companies talk openly about how their “members” command a higher rate than “non-members” on their earnings calls… if you're into that sort of thing.

[kangforpres]

4 minutes ago, Brentt_M said:

No clue how to validate that. I know my email is on my hal profile and I have lived-in to all of the email communications.

Next time you are in the Casino on a HAL ship ask a manager, they also have a separate 1-800 # you can call.

[Florida_gal_50]

6 minutes ago, tunafish said:

I do not know, maybe there are some people who really gamble nothing and get these offers, but I do not think it is norm, at least not norm for onboard promotions. If you cruise and play, the end game and grand total would usually favor casino. you can do "hit and run" once and yes sometimes you get ahead, but from my experience I end up losing money, so those offers are a small offset for the money spent. The philosophy is that ok, I am 3K behind on a 10 day cruise, but they offered me a free one (not really free factoring more than 2 pax), bought me some drinks etc.

Judging from a lot of post on this board most people are not dropping $3k.  It sounds to me like they are not dropping large sums of money.  I can tell you the amount of time I spent in the Princess casino was not days and I didn’t even drop $100.

[albingirl]

1 hour ago, kazu said:

 

You SHOULD but you don’t always.  I used to get snail mail casino offers but never for an itinerary I would want to do.

 

Since they stopped snail mailing the offers, I have never received one and yes, like the poster you are quoting, I’ve received the offers if I book within 30 days and sail within the year on board.  

Now the offers are for cruises I would like to do but they have stopped snail mail and I never get email offers (I do have email checked with HAL).  My friend whom I introduced to the casino does.  Weird (and no, she didn’t book with HAL)

 

I do however get the casino discount which I do appreciate in most cases (some cruises don’t qualify).

 

We all pay a pretty penny for our cruises but I have no resentment to those that have the casino offers.  I’m stymied why I don’t get them but it is what it is. 

 

there’s no point in worrying about what other people are paying.  If you are  willing to pay the price for your cruise go and enjoy and if not, don’t book the itinerary.  JMO - I have bigger things to worry about in life than what everyone else is paying .

Well, it's easy to say don't worry about what other people are paying and that there are bigger things in life to worry about, yes, agree, but paying thousands and others pay zero leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  I'm not made of money and have worked very hard for what I have and will go forward with zero dollars toward a losing battle.

[Florida_gal_50]

9 minutes ago, BigMattT said:

Our on-board spending (including gaming buy-in) always exceeds the “fare” portion of our cruises by a significant amount. I’m guessing that’s why we receive the offers for “free” cabins.
 

They want profitable customers onboard.

 

Across the hospitality sector, the most “loyal” customers in rewards programs pay the MOST, not the least. The companies talk openly about how their “members” command a higher rate than “non-members” on their earnings calls… if you're into that sort of thing.

I can tell you I spend plenty on board, probably 1/2 what I spend for the cruise.  This is all sunk money.  I’m not getting free cruises out of it.

[Florida_gal_50]

1 minute ago, albingirl said:

Well, it's easy to say don't worry about what other people are paying and that there are bigger things in life to worry about, yes, agree, but paying thousands and others pay zero leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  I'm not made of money and have worked very hard for what I have and will go forward with zero dollars toward a losing battle.

Exactly.  If a person doesn’t worry about what they pay so be it.  It’s the put downs of others that do that are a bit much but not surprising.  I’m sure back up will be showing up shortly to dispute everything I say.  I can hear the emails flying as we speak 😛😉.

[OlsSalt]

I am reminded of the very first Maasdam EXC In Depth cruise a few years ago - FLL to Papeete - via Easter Islands - several weeks long - fantastic enrichment programs - a real  team of experts offering a variety classes, talks and discussions all day and evening long. 

 

However, during the entire cruise, while the casino was fully staffed, I don't think I ever saw a single person gambling the entire cruise.  

 

The casino staff were there at their respective tables for full shifts, just standing and smiling always ready to welcome someone. But other than nodding smiles back, never saw anyone play.  

 

Since this was the very first In HAL EXC Depth cruise,t here was obviously a mismatch between what this special group of InDepth passengers wanted from this unique cruise experience, and what is more normal on other cruises. 

 

After this first group of InDepth passengers disembarked in Papeete, the ship went on to more of a regular two week run in French Polynesia. Later reports on this segment did indicate the casinos were full again,  since many passengers had not come on board especially for the InDepth offerings. 

 

EXC InDepth cruising was a short-lived HAL  experiment, but we loved the two cruises we were able to take and miss them a lot. Then the Maasdam was sold, and I wonder how these enrichment cruises ever penciled out - or if the casino crew ever signed up for them again.

 

A short chapter in HAL's history. 

[albingirl]

13 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Exactly.  If a person doesn’t worry about what they pay so be it.  It’s the put downs of others that do that are a bit much but not surprising.  I’m sure back up will be showing up shortly to dispute everything I say.  I can hear the emails flying as we speak 😛😉.

Truth.  I don't need people putting me down for being concerned about what I'm paying for a cruise.  I asked a legitimate question, since I've seen alot of casino deals floating around on this board.  Not needing to be told I'm concerned about the Great Unwashed or otherwise on this board,  and I sure don't need people standing on their throne telling me how to feel.  I never act superior on these threads and I would like to ask for the same respect I give others.

[Florida_gal_50]

1 minute ago, albingirl said:

Truth.  I don't need people putting me down for being concerned about what I'm paying for a cruise.  I asked a legitimate question, since I've seen alot of casino deals floating around on this board.  Not needing to be told I'm concerned about the Great Unwashed or otherwise on this board,  and I sure don't need people standing on their throne telling me how to feel.  I never act superior on these threads and I would like to ask for the same respect I give others.

Same.  I’m sure that was a dig at me because it’s constant and unrelenting.  Day in, day out. It’s sad really.  

[albingirl]

1 minute ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Same.  I’m sure that was a dig at me because it’s constant and unrelenting.  Day in, day out. It’s sad really.  

Just get sick of the negativity.  It is sad.

[tunafish]

21 minutes ago, albingirl said:

Well, it's easy to say don't worry about what other people are paying and that there are bigger things in life to worry about, yes, agree, but paying thousands and others pay zero leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  I'm not made of money and have worked very hard for what I have and will go forward with zero dollars toward a losing battle.

I do not know what are you trying to say here. Life is not fair. Being club 21 member before covid I can attest that dropping a $100 in a casino during a cruise buys you absolutely nothing in perks. My wife does not gamble and this is her level of play and she gets nothing from them. I also find it strange that HAL is offering free cruises to casual $50 bucks before dinner players but my only guess is this was the only list of people HAL had that they could market to return to cruising as they were/are? sailing at 50% capacity at best. I actually attribute lack of new email offers exactly to this: in their eyes they do not need to convince me to go back to cruising...

 

[Brentt_M]

41 minutes ago, kangforpres said:

Next time you are in the Casino on a HAL ship ask a manager, they also have a separate 1-800 # you can call.

I will ask onboard in July and see if they are able provide any insight. Not a huge deal either way. I am still going to continue cruising and still going to continue gambling when I do.

 

If others are getting great deals they can take advantage of I am truly happy for them. I still have years and years of working ahead of me so the number of cruises I can take each year is limited anyways.

[Laminator]

2 minutes ago, Brentt_M said:

I will ask onboard in July and see if they are able provide any insight. Not a huge deal either way. I am still going to continue cruising and still going to continue gambling when I do.

 

If others are getting great deals they can take advantage of I am truly happy for them. I still have years and years of working ahead of me so the number of cruises I can take each year is limited anyways.

Don't waste your time with the casino manager. Talk to the casino host. 

[BermudaBound2014]

45 minutes ago, albingirl said:

........ I never act superior on these threads and I would like to ask for the same respect I give others.

 

It's clear that the casino offers are a serious thorn in your side.

 

I have never obtained a free casino offer, but if someone sat down at a bar and told me about their good fortune in getting a free cruise I would be genuinely happy for them.

 

Being genuinely happy for others increases happiness all the way around. Another's good fortune does not threaten me in anyway. Supporting another's success does not reduce mine. 

 

Phrases like ... "Makes me Sick", "Tear my hair out", "Irksome" indicate a strong degree of emotional investment. I think some of us are just suggesting that it may not be worth getting quite that worked up over. I don't think anyone in this thread is being mean to you, we are just offering a different perspective which you are free to accept or reject. Either way, I genuinely wish you happy sailing. 

 

To all those who are fortunate enought to get free casino offers while I pay full price, meet me in the bar. You're buying the first round :). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 28, 2022 by BermudaBound2014

[albingirl]

22 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

It's clear that the casino offers are a serious thorn in your side.

 

I have never obtained a free casino offer, but if someone sat down at a bar and told me about their good fortune in getting a free cruise I would be genuinely happy for them.

 

Being genuinely happy for others increases happiness all the way around. Another's good fortune does not threaten me in anyway. Supporting another's success does not reduce mine. 

 

Phrases like ... "Makes me Sick", "Tear my hair out", "Irksome" indicate a strong degree of emotional investment. I think some of us are just suggesting that it may not be worth getting quite that worked up over. I don't think anyone in this thread is being mean to you, we are just offering a different perspective which you are free to accept or reject. Either way, I genuinely wish you happy sailing. 

 

To all those who are fortunate enought to get free casino offers while I pay full price, meet me in the bar. You're buying the first round :). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Such a happy sailor.  Usually people aren't quite that obsessed with me that they reach for past quotes, but so be it.  You've made your point.  

 

 

 

[BermudaBound2014]

11 minutes ago, albingirl said:

Such a happy sailor.  Usually people aren't quite that obsessed with me that they reach for past quotes, but so be it.  You've made your point.

 

Sometimes it helps us all to look in the rear view mirror :).

 

Next sailing I am going to seek out the free casino people so they can teach me the game!! 

Edited April 28, 2022 by BermudaBound2014

[kangforpres]

In Summary those of us who cruise regularly and gamble get offers. Those who cruise often and don't gamble, don't get offers. 

 

You don't get cruise night credits toward Mariner status by gambling. All of my 382 credits are from cruising, some double suite points and onboard spending. It's the same for Laminator and all the other cruising gamblers who have posted.

 

Buddha said jealousy kills your soul, there's no reason to be mad at the gamblers on your cruise for the deals they get. They take a risk by gambling and sometimes get rewarded.

 

-Paul

Edited April 28, 2022 by kangforpres

[Florida_gal_50]

9 minutes ago, kangforpres said:

In Summary those of us who cruise regularly and gamble get offers. Those who cruise often and don't gamble, don't get offers. 

 

You don't get cruise night credits toward Mariner status by gambling. All of my 382 credits are from cruising, some double suite points and onboard spending. It's the same for Laminator and all the other cruising gamblers who have posted.

 

Buddha said jealousy kills your soul, there's no reason to be mad at the gamblers on your cruise for the deals they get. They take a risk by gambling and sometimes get rewarded.

 

-Paul

Thank you for straightening that out in your first paragraph. The second paragraph doesn’t make sense.  You are on the cruise via a free cruise offer.  Gaslighting isn’t really an effective way of persuading someone although it’s rampant thru this thread.

[Andi Land]

I have a cruise booked for November with family. The ones who initiated the cruise picked the itinerary because it was a free casino offer for them. They then sent out a message to the family Facebook page and asked if anyone wanted to join. We joined. We paid full price. We are excited that they get to go for free even though we paid full price. We’ve now had another family group join in and we are up to 6 confirmed with another 5 as maybes. All because of one free casino offer. And everyone else is paying full fare. 
 

On another note, I have never received a free or reduced casino offer. I gamble a bit on each cruise but only around $100. My husband has received free cruise offers for an inside room and he never gambles. The first time we got one the casino hotline people said they’d never seen an offer like ours before because it wasn’t tied to the casino even though that’s the phone number we had to call to book. The had to escalate to a supervisor just to get us booked. Since then we have gotten one other free offer and we still can’t figure out why. I don’t know if they take on board spending into account or the fact that we cruise often but I do know that I’ve paid for many, many cruises at full price to be able to take advantage of 2 free cruises in an inside room. 
 

I’m thrilled for everyone to get their free cruises and when I’m paying full price I’ll be ecstatic that at least I get free laundry. 

[kangforpres]

29 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Thank you for straightening that out in your first paragraph. The second paragraph doesn’t make sense.  You are on the cruise via a free cruise offer.  Gaslighting isn’t really an effective way of persuading someone although it’s rampant thru this thread.

Man oh Man I've never been on a "free Cruise" I have gotten a complimentary cabin, paid the taxes and fees and then paid for shore excursions, specialty dinners and drinks. I hope the moderator ends this Thread. You have issues about people living and enjoying their lives differently then you do.

Edited April 28, 2022 by kangforpres

[BermudaBound2014]

11 minutes ago, kangforpres said:

I hope the moderator ends this Thread. You have issues about people living and enjoying their lives differently then you do.

 

I actually appreciate this thread and hope it remains. Although there are disagreements, for the most part everyone appears civil.

 

I would truly like to learn more about specific details for how to get the casino offers.

 

For example, I play slots, but my casino fund is usually just a few hundred dollars. When I lose that, I'm done. Am I better off playing for a longer time at each machine (betting less money) or does that come into play? In other words, do they track time spent or $$ spent??

 

 

 

Edited April 28, 2022 by BermudaBound2014