Revamped NCL Casinos at Sea program benefits

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

Does anyone know how to see how many points you have?  We have done a couple of cruises, and I haven't used my casino points for freeplay at the end.  I was planning to use them on my next cruise in January, as they used to carryover for 18 months.  Now I'm thinking I may be SOL, especially if I don't qualify as Pearl.  (But maybe I do....how would I know?  They no longer give you card to play at the tables, you use your ship card.)  I have received free rooms in the past, but I think I was only Jade at that time....

[Bliss1]

7 minutes ago, Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin said:

Does anyone know how to see how many points you have?  We have done a couple of cruises, and I haven't used my casino points for freeplay at the end.  I was planning to use them on my next cruise in January, as they used to carryover for 18 months.  Now I'm thinking I may be SOL, especially if I don't qualify as Pearl.  (But maybe I do....how would I know?  They no longer give you card to play at the tables, you use your ship card.)  I have received free rooms in the past, but I think I was only Jade at that time....

Call cas

On machine

 

[UKstages]

i received an email from CAS today.

 

what a joke. it's a rather effusive announcement promising an "all new" program "loaded with even more premium perks" and an elevated gaming experience. i'll tell ya... that takes a lot of cajones... for a copywriter to promise an elevated experience when all players have now been stripped of the program's foundation benefit. 

 

and it's apparently one email for all program participants, which is just lazy marketing. they know which level every player has achieved... they should be sending out customized emails for each tier level. 

 

instead, they sent an email to an "elite" player touting a new benefit of absolutely no relevance... "become a pearl member by earning 4,000 points." no mention of the drink program upgrade!

 

there is also no explanation of how the new benefits are provided, there is no mention of drinks being eliminated for all, there's no way to provide feedback, there is no contact info provided (other than the general CAS phone number)  and when you "click here for more information," you're taken to the standard CAS web page, which hasn't been updated and which still shows a jade loyalty level. and when you click through that to see a list of benefits by tier level, it still shows "complimentary house drinks while playing in the casino" as a core benefit.

 

sloppy, sloppy marketing.

 

i've said this before about other aspects of the NCL experience, but it's as if the casino organization is run by a couple of kids taking time off from their lemonade stand.

 

Edited March 22 by UKstages

[UKstages]

i just spoke to NCL's AI assistant.

 

i encourage you to do so, too.

 

i asked why NCL had decimated the casinos at sea loyalty program.

 

the response i got:

 

I'm sorry for any confusion, but as a team member, I must clarify that we have not decimated the Casinos at Sea program. In fact, we continuously strive to enhance our offerings to provide the best possible experience for our guests.

 

Our "Free at Sea Plus" package is an upgraded version of the standard "Free at Sea" promotion, designed to elevate your cruise experience with a wider array of benefits and amenities. This upgraded package includes the following key features:

 

Premium Plus Beverage Package: Enjoy top-shelf cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, Champagne, soft drinks, juices, bottled water, Starbucks® coffee, energy drinks, and more.

 

More Specialty Dining: Access additional meals at the ship's specialty dining venues for a diverse and upscale dining experience.

 

Unlimited Wi-Fi: Stay connected with unlimited internet access throughout your cruise.

 

Additional Shore Excursion Credits: Receive extra credits to enhance your shore excursion experiences at various ports.

 

Free Unlimited Open Bar: The popular Free Unlimited Open Bar option is still included in the "Free at Sea Plus" package, offering a variety of beverages.

 

then i asked, "so, as an 'elite' player in the casinos at sea program, i still have free drinks?"

 

the bot responded...

 

As an elite player in the Casinos at Sea program, you may still be eligible for complimentary drinks while gaming in the casino. Our loyalty program is designed to reward our valued players with various benefits, including perks like free drinks for qualified participants. We understand the importance of providing a premium experience for our elite members, and complimentary drinks may be one of the benefits extended to you as part of the program. For specific details regarding the availability of free drinks for elite players in the Casinos at Sea program, we recommend reaching out to our customer service team or visiting our website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that our loyal players receive the benefits they deserve and can provide you with comprehensive details about the perks associated with your elite status in the program.

 

so, there you have it! it could not possibly be more clear. the casino will provide free drinks for qualified players!

 

just kidding. the bot was clueless and kept telling me i was invited to a cocktail party. i had to explain that party was a latitudes/cruise next event and had nothing to do with the casino.

 

anyway, if you want some giggles and kicks, i recommend you engage the AI assistant in a spirited conversation about reduced benefits in the CAS loyalty program. if the conversation goes on long enough, the transcript will be provided to the AI team, so they can review the responses and train the assistant to answer casino questions properly. and the they will send them on to the casino team.

[smillerholmes]

57 minutes ago, UKstages said:

i received an email from CAS today.

 

what a joke. it's a rather effusive announcement promising an "all new" program "loaded with even more premium perks" and an elevated gaming experience. i'll tell ya... that takes a lot of cajones... for a copywriter to promise an elevated experience when all players have now been stripped of the program's foundation benefit. 

 

and it's apparently one email for all program participants, which is just lazy marketing. they know which level every player has achieved... they should be sending out customized emails for each tier level. 

 

instead, they sent an email to an "elite" player touting a new benefit of absolutely no relevance... "become a pearl member by earning 4,000 points." no mention of the drink program upgrade!

 

there is also no explanation of how the new benefits are provided, there is no mention of drinks being eliminated for all, there's no way to provide feedback, there is no contact info provided (other than the general CAS phone number)  and when you "click here for more information," you're taken to the standard CAS web page, which hasn't been updated and which still shows a jade loyalty level. and when you click through that to see a list of benefits by tier level, it still shows "complimentary house drinks while playing in the casino" as a core benefit.

 

sloppy, sloppy marketing.

 

i've said this before about other aspects of the NCL experience, but it's as if the casino organization is run by a couple of kids taking time off from their lemonade stand.

 

 

59 minutes ago, UKstages said:

i received an email from CAS today.

 

what a joke. it's a rather effusive announcement promising an "all new" program "loaded with even more premium perks" and an elevated gaming experience. i'll tell ya... that takes a lot of cajones... for a copywriter to promise an elevated experience when all players have now been stripped of the program's foundation benefit. 

 

and it's apparently one email for all program participants, which is just lazy marketing. they know which level every player has achieved... they should be sending out customized emails for each tier level. 

 

instead, they sent an email to an "elite" player touting a new benefit of absolutely no relevance... "become a pearl member by earning 4,000 points." no mention of the drink program upgrade!

 

there is also no explanation of how the new benefits are provided, there is no mention of drinks being eliminated for all, there's no way to provide feedback, there is no contact info provided (other than the general CAS phone number)  and when you "click here for more information," you're taken to the standard CAS web page, which hasn't been updated and which still shows a jade loyalty level. and when you click through that to see a list of benefits by tier level, it still shows "complimentary house drinks while playing in the casino" as a core benefit.

 

sloppy, sloppy marketing.

 

i've said this before about other aspects of the NCL experience, but it's as if the casino organization is run by a couple of kids taking time off from their lemonade stand.

 

At least you got an email.  I am still waiting for some sort of notification other than CC 😁

 

I am hoping somone will post their experience after April 1 - I am especially interested in those that did not select the FAS package and the mechanics of allowing an upgrade for those that may/may not have realized there has been a change to the program.  Let the chaos begin!

[BrewsterNC]

1 hour ago, UKstages said:

and it's apparently one email for all program participants, which is just lazy marketing. they know which level every player has achieved... they should be sending out customized emails for each tier level. 

I believe this is incapable under their IT. They even can't show a player's points.

[dbrown84]

I'm picking up two cruise certificates this weekend from two different casinos.  I'm going to ask the NCL reps about drinks for land based casino comps.

[beau11]

Since they are watering down/eliminating perks for us loyal gamblers, I wonder if they will give out more/higher value cabins to compensate for this "wonderful news".

 

OK.....a girl can dream.

[dbrown84]

4 minutes ago, beau11 said:

Since they are watering down/eliminating perks for us loyal gamblers, I wonder if they will give out more/higher value cabins to compensate for this "wonderful news".

 

OK.....a girl can dream.

They will, but it will be NCL's definition of higher value 😆. For our convenience 

[Beach Life 1]

I received an Email also.  It's interesting that the mailer that was sent out does not show an OBC for Pearl,  but the email does.  So which is it?   Are they changing things as they go along,  maybe because they have received such a backlash from Casino players?  They should give more details of these "enticing" amenities,  instead of keeping everyone guessing, because,  so far,  I don't see any thing that has been improved. 

[JGmf]

@Beach Life 1 I received the mailer, but no email.

 

If possible, can you share with us the details (screenshot) of whatever contradicts the mailer?

 

Thanks.

[Beach Life 1]

2 hours ago, JGmf said:

@Beach Life 1 I received the mailer, but no email.

 

If possible, can you share with us the details (screenshot) of whatever contradicts the mailer?

 

Thanks.

 

[Beach Life 1]

The above shows the Email,  On Board Credit for Pearl.  

[JGmf]

29 minutes ago, Beach Life 1 said:

The above shows the Email,  On Board Credit for Pearl.  

 

Well, not shocked, as this roll-out is sloppy and clunky, but the mailer I shared says one thing (no OBC for Pearl); @UKstages phone call to CAS corroborated it; and then the email you shared says something different.

 

Well, if true, that's a good thing.

[UKstages]

1 hour ago, JGmf said:

the mailer I shared says one thing (no OBC for Pearl); @UKstages phone call to CAS corroborated it; and then the email you shared says something different.

 

 

well, yes, but when you click through to the site, it still shows that all CAS player levels, including "jade," still get free drinks! of course, there is no longer a jade level and there are no longer any free drinks!

 

i encourage everybody to call, to write, to chat with the bot.

[cruiseny4life]

2 hours ago, UKstages said:

 

well, yes, but when you click through to the site, it still shows that all CAS player levels, including "jade," still get free drinks! of course, there is no longer a jade level and there are no longer any free drinks!

 

i encourage everybody to call, to write, to chat with the bot.

The bot is fun to mess with! I couldn't get too crazy, cuz I was trying it out on my work computer, but someday I'll remember at home...and probably get banned from the NCL.com site for bot abuse.

[Russiamomm]

4 hours ago, Beach Life 1 said:

The above shows the Email,  On Board Credit for Pearl.  

That’s good news anyway, if it doesn’t change again.

 

i have a question about the OBC.  My April cruise will be the first since I made Pearl in December.   Does the casino OBC show up in your account online like the shareholder credit, or does it only post to your folio when you get on the ship?

[UKstages]

typically, OBC from the casino shows up after you board. you'll get a packet in your room containing your player's card, your drink card (oops!) and a card detailing any amenities you have from the casino.

 

the card is just for show... the OBC will have been added to your folio. it's invisible (you won't see the credit on your TV screen when viewing your folio), but your charges will draw down against it.

[Beach Life 1]

2 hours ago, Russiamomm said:

That’s good news anyway, if it doesn’t change again.

 

i have a question about the OBC.  My April cruise will be the first since I made Pearl in December.   Does the casino OBC show up in your account online like the shareholder credit, or does it only post to your folio when you get on the ship?

You should receive an envelope in your cabin from CAS.  It will tell you your OBC,  and it will have your players card, and drink card (if they are still giving that).   You will see the OBC when you sign in onto your account on the TV.

[Russiamomm]

Thank you @UKstages and @Beach Life 1!

[SlipperyP]

19 hours ago, dbrown84 said:

I'm picking up two cruise certificates this weekend from two different casinos.  I'm going to ask the NCL reps about drinks for land based casino comps.

 I was wondering about this and would love to hear their answer.

[dbrown84]

I picked up my first certificate.  I was told that I would still have free drinks while playing.  It's just that you won't get a physical drink card anymore.  I'll see if this is the same answer I get on Sunday when I pick up my other certificate.  I guess this would stop you from just going back and forth to the bar without playing.  I didn't ask if you'd still be able to walk to the bar yourself or if you have to use a server 

[UKstages]

unless NCL does a reversal, i'm pretty damn sure free drinks as we have come to know them, will no longer be available. no drink cards for anybody, no free drinks for CAS guests, no free drinks for those traveling on land-based casino certificates. (do we really expect them to treat other casino's customers better than their own? that makes no sense.)

 

look, this is a horrible terrible mean and nasty thing they've done, but in practical terms, it affects very few people, since most people buy the drink package anyway, so they can have drinks outside the casino. what they've done is remove water and energy drinks on demand.

[IAcruising]

34 minutes ago, UKstages said:

look, this is a horrible terrible mean and nasty thing they've done, but in practical terms, it affects very few people, since most people buy the drink package anyway, so they can have drinks outside the casino. what they've done is remove water and energy drinks on demand.

 

Yep. Horrible, terrible, mean and nasty. But yeah, it affects very few people. Sucks to be those few people though. Water is tough to find.

 

 

[ometauru]

6 hours ago, dbrown84 said:

I picked up my first certificate.  I was told that I would still have free drinks while playing.  It's just that you won't get a physical drink card anymore.

I don't know how that would even work. Not to say it's impossible, but based on what I know about NCL, I'm pretty sure they lied to you. The way it works now, if you don't show your card, you get charged. They're trying to say they figured out a way to make some secret list that noone knows about that will automatically comp your drinks in the casino, but only if you are specifically booked under a land casino's reservation?