Book a Cruise, Go to Vegas?

[melissa@cruisecritic]

Throughout March 2009, guests who book a European cruise with Costa will automatically receive a two-night complimentary stay at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino -- in Las Vegas. Costa is also giving away two-night pre-cruise stays in Europe with the purchase of select Europe cruises. (Restrictions apply; click here for the full story.)

We want to know: Would either of these promotions encourage you to book a cruise to Europe? Vote in our poll and be sure to post your opinion below!

[kitty9]

I wouldn't go back on Costa for a free cruise, much less a free stay in Vegas.

[GottaLuvCruising]

I'm not interested in sailing on Costa, particularly in Europe. I prefer a more "Americanized" cruise with English the predominant language and better restrictions on smoking.

[cb at sea]

That's not even on the "strip"! No thanks!

[noeldog]

hmm what happened to it.
it was on the strip in Feb

[shelbyz]

No thanks. We'll stick with Princess. So far every cruise with them has been great.

[Sundagger]

No, the freebie (either one) wouldn't be enough to entice me to book a cruise on Costa.

[And Planet Hollywood IS on the strip - 3663 Las Vegas Blvd S - across the strip from the fountains]

And I didn't enter the contest for the free cruise on MSC either.

[Happy ks]

On rare occasion we have to go to Las Vegas, usually a family trip that we don't plan. Our relatives from New England want to meet up there, since they can get affordable flight/hotel packages and we can drive there in about 4 hours. Or to attend a wedding of someone we care for, it has to be someone pretty darn close to us to make us go. We have skipped invitations for Las Vegas weddings of people we don't know all that well, we send our regrets.

If I never had to go to Las Vegas again it would be fine with me, I can't stand it there.

So, the incentive would mean nothing for us.

[beachchick]

It's not going to be a "free" trip if you have to get yourself to Las Vegas and pay for all your expenses except the hotel room. Besides, the hotels in LV are practically giving away rooms these days because of the downturn in tourism. It's absolutely no incentive for us to book.

beachchick

[cruiserbryce]

I cant say that I am really interested in sailing Costa...but if I were given the choice I would choose the pre cruise stay...Vegas hotels can be had for so cheap at the moment that the value isnt there as much as the alternative

[98Charlie]

I don't see it as much incentive for either or both.

As mentioned, hotels in Vegas are generally inexpensive now. Plus you have the air to pay for.

The European deal is only if you book air through Costa and there is no mention of the name(s)/type/quality of hotel that you would get.

Costa isn't really on our radar for a cruise. When & if we try Costa it will be for a Caribbean trip first before we would consider a European with them.

Charlie

[mmemichele]

Perhaps if airfare were reduced I would be tempted .I like Costa but Europe with its powerful Euro is not for me just yet .Plus I like long cruises .I cannot see myself shlepping Transat for 1 week only .I need a longer cruise and DEFINITELY cheaper air or inclusive air
I agree with the poster who says Vegas without a flight to get there is not much of a bargain .Hotels there are suffering and not that expensive
Another Great incentive would be CHEAPER tours .I really like what Regent is offering -FREE included tours .Of course they are more expensive to start with but free tours is a plus esp when you really don't want to go off on your own in some regions of Europe due to VERY high crime rate.

[RetireeWannabee]

If I were already eyeing a trip to Europe, I might consider it for some savings, but it is quite unlikely that a couple free hotel nights would tip the scales.

If they throw in air, too, then we'll talk