Free NCL cruise from Twin River Casino?

[pokerpro5]

"Taxes and fees" aren't what you think they are. That part is somewhat of a trick.

 

You are actually paying taxes and a discounted fare, known in the cruise industry as NCF (non-commissioned fare). NCF was originally invented to screw travel agents out of commission, but it also morphed to become a legal way to charge people for "free" cruises.

 

NCF is also a baseline for the bottom possible fare they will charge the general public. You will never see a fare for less than NCF + taxes.

 

So what you're getting with that certificate is a room for taxes + NCF, which is a good deal, but far from free.

 

Also be aware that you might be able to purchase the exact same room (without the certificate) for about $50-100 per person more when they dump rooms between the 14-55 day period before the cruise. So you may not be saving as much as you think. These certificates are most valuable for popular itineraries that usually sell out. For example, a friend of mine used a Caesars one for the Dawn Canada cruise, and saved a lot (because those fares are never discounted).

 

The NCF and taxes vary from itinerary to itinerary. I paid $890 for two people on my Alaska cruise on the Sun last year.

[emmak8]

Sounds like a great deal. How long do you have to play in the casino?

[pokerpro5]

Also, when cruising on these certificates, DO NOT feel obligated to play in the NCL casino.

 

The odds and payouts in that casino are substantially worse than the ones you will find on land.

 

Failure to play in the NCL casino will not affect your status/comps on land, nor will you be excluded from similar cruise offers in the future from that land casino.

[fstuff1]

The odds and payouts in that casino are substantially worse than the ones you will find on land.

 

except for craps, baccarat, and blackjack (3:2 version). :p

 

that's exactly the same as on land although the minimum for baccarat/blackjack is high. $25 vs $10 at my land casino.

Edited July 29, 2015 by fstuff1

[Korlad]

My hubby rec'd a Passport for a free NCL cruise from our local casino. Went to receive it, spoke to one of the reps there from NCL. It is a free cruise for 2, inside cabin. We chose a 7 day Alaska cruise. We are responsible for port taxes, fees. We called to book today, and were told that the cost would be $990. Sure seems a bit high for a free cruise? any thoughts please. I'm a new poster, would appreciate any feedback. Thanks,

 

This sounds just right. We are taking our 3rd "free" cruise that we got from Caesars at the end of this month. My first free cruise was for a balcony cabin which I loved. Since then they've only give me an inside so I "have" to upgrade to balcony. We are on the Sun to Alaska in a few weeks and our cost was $245 Guest Fare, $171.21 govt tax/port/fees, and $540 balcony upgrade. Total $956/person. At the time I booked it came to 52% off what I would have gotten booking myself. Since then the prices came down but I'm still saving 30% off the price if I booked today. Also, when I booked they had a promo of on-board credit so I'm getting $125 OBC. Also it comes with a Free Drink card whenever you gamble in the casino. We are occasional drinkers so this is perfect for us. We go in & sit down at a slot- by the 2nd day the servers know you/your drink- they see me across the room, I nod, they bring the drink. I love it. I do tip a dollar or two each time. Then sometimes we just get up and go do whatever- we were just there for the drink and enjoyed gambling for a few minutes (some will say the gambling cost more than paying full price at a bar but since we are gamblers, that thinking doesn't work on us).

 

Enjoy your cruise- forget that $900+ "sounds" high. Would you have gotten a 7 night Alaska cruise for 2 for that price any other time? Start packing :)

[Silvernanny]

Thank you everyone for your replies....I guess it does sound like a pretty good deal, HOWEVER, our cruise is free for 2 people, so really, all we are supposed to pay is port fees and taxes, and yes, that NCF was in the breakdown. Plus obviously, our airfare. So, I'm trying not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but, it still seems awful high for a free cruise. No upgrades, no beverage package, no nada, just a inside cabin, nothing special. After checking prices, inside cabins start around $550/pp, for Alaskan cruises. I might just call Norwegian again, and just confirm everything....thanks again for all of your responses. :)

[pokerpro5]

Thank you everyone for your replies....I guess it does sound like a pretty good deal, HOWEVER, our cruise is free for 2 people, so really, all we are supposed to pay is port fees and taxes, and yes, that NCF was in the breakdown. Plus obviously, our airfare. So, I'm trying not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but, it still seems awful high for a free cruise. No upgrades, no beverage package, no nada, just a inside cabin, nothing special. After checking prices, inside cabins start around $550/pp, for Alaskan cruises. I might just call Norwegian again, and just confirm everything....thanks again for all of your responses. :)

 

You've got it correct. It's not a free cruise. Don't fall for the "port taxes and fees" nonsense. You are indeed paying a fare, as well!

 

And yes, you can have inside cabins fairly cheaply if you book between 14 and 55 days before many cruises (see the thread in my signature for more details).

 

So it's a good deal to use one of these certificates (that is, it's better than nothing), but don't feel obligated to go because it's "free".

[NMLady]

Got this last year and used it, it is legitimate. You'll pay taxes and fees, around $300pp total for a 7 day cruise, less for 3/4 day. You'll be given a list of cruises to select from and a deadline to choose or lose the deal. Definitely go pick up your certificate.

 

I really appreciated the offer and loved my NCL experience.

 

You are answering a post that is four years old!!

[willoww123]

Hi All. I just received a card for a free cruise from Mohegan Sun on RC. I can pick up the voucher next Wed. Does anyone know how long they give you to take the cruise? I would like to use it next summer for my parents 50th Anniversary Family Cruise. Hoping I will get a year to take the cruise... Any info is appreciated!

[esm54687]

Hi All. I just received a card for a free cruise from Mohegan Sun on RC. I can pick up the voucher next Wed. Does anyone know how long they give you to take the cruise? I would like to use it next summer for my parents 50th Anniversary Family Cruise. Hoping I will get a year to take the cruise... Any info is appreciated!

 

hi, you resurrected a thread that was started in 2011 and also NCL not RC.... if you read through the thread, a lot of questions will be generally answered (just change NCL to RC).....

 

Typically, land based casino cruise offers require travel within approx 8 months..... you may want to check on RC to see if anyone has specifics for that

[willoww123]

Thanks, I read the entire thread for answers to my question and there are posts as late as 2015 in this thread. I read several threads in fact and could not find the answer. I think it is easy to tag on to an existing thread then start my own, but thanks for your advice and help.

[Kellydollblue]

Willow123. Just go claim voucher, they will give you a package listing dates and ships. No loss if you can't use voucher, they might return this time next year with more offers.

[Nola26]

I have booked a few of these, including one from Twin River. All have been comp inside for 2 people. Choices are 7 nights or less duration. My cost has been $200- 325 per person for 1 or 2. You are considered a travel agent customer as you manage the trip through a separate number, not main NCL line.

 

1. Inside 3Night on Sky, solo.

2. Balcony by paid upgrade, 3 passengers with 3rd sailing free promo and $25 OBC as promotion matched inside cabin offer.

3. Inside 7 night on Dawn with excursions credit promotion.

 

Casino drink card offered with each trip.

[esm54687]

I have booked a few of these, including one from Twin River. All have been comp inside for 2 people. Choices are 7 nights or less duration. My cost has been $200- 325 per person for 1 or 2. You are considered a travel agent customer as you manage the trip through a separate number, not main NCL line.

 

1. Inside 3Night on Sky, solo.

2. Balcony by paid upgrade, 3 passengers with 3rd sailing free promo and $25 OBC as promotion matched inside cabin offer.

3. Inside 7 night on Dawn with excursions credit promotion.

 

Casino drink card offered with each trip.

 

willoww is seeking answers for a RC certificate so their offer will be completely different

[kmn1001]

I have received these offers many times from both Twin Rivers and NCL. They are not a scam. I have been on quite of few of these cruises after being offered this promotion from Twin Rivers. You will need to RSVP and go to TwinRivers on the day on the promotion. They will give you a certificate explaining what cruises you are eligible for and a number to contact NCL to book a cruise.

 

Enjoy and have fun.

[apietros]

I received same one. And my husband did also. It is given out based on casino play.

 

 

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[ALS1214]

Read the small print you can use it for credit on any cruise . Based on. Play and many blackout dates I used my last one fir $500 off a cruise. I'm hoping the one I get I can actually fully use.

 

 

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[esm54687]

Read the small print you can use it for credit on any cruise . Based on. Play and many blackout dates I used my last one fir $500 off a cruise. I'm hoping the one I get I can actually fully use.

 

 

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can you use the voucher for $500 credit on an existing reservation or must it be for a new one? I have a trip in March already on the books and the new voucher may not be used because of time constraints. TIA

[Shidah]

Got one as well from Twin Rivers this week. What doesn't make sense is that I have been there once in two years. I do play heavily at a neighboring casino, and just received a NCL voucher, plus qualify for 2 cruises a year from them (saved me $2400 on my next cruise). So I thought maybe NCL shared their list with Twin Rivers? Not sure, but it does not make sense. The casino I go to only gives them out to certain level players. The Twin River one seems to go to everyone. The mailer even says VIP, and I am definitely not a VIP at Twin Rivers. Just odd.

[ALS1214]

can you use the voucher for $500 credit on an existing reservation or must it be for a new one? I have a trip in March already on the books and the new voucher may not be used because of time constraints. TIA

I am not sure. It wouldn't hurt to ask.

But my thought would be on new bookings only.

[ALS1214]

Got one as well from Twin Rivers this week. What doesn't make sense is that I have been there once in two years. I do play heavily at a neighboring casino, and just received a NCL voucher, plus qualify for 2 cruises a year from them (saved me $2400 on my next cruise). So I thought maybe NCL shared their list with Twin Rivers? Not sure, but it does not make sense. The casino I go to only gives them out to certain level players. The Twin River one seems to go to everyone. The mailer even says VIP, and I am definitely not a VIP at Twin Rivers. Just odd.

I play a lot a Foxwoods and never got a voucher from them, only twin river. I visit twin river maybe twice a year.

[Hiddenball2]

I got a card in the mail yesterday from Twin River Casino in Rhode Island for a free cruise on NCL. Did anyone else get this? At first I thought it might be one of the time share type "free cruise" scams. But, those never actually list the cruise line and this says there will be reps from NCL on hand to make reservations. The card said that the only fees I need to pay are the government taxes. Has anyone ever gotten one of these from a casino players club? Was it legit?

 

 

I, personally, have never received this offer, but my father in law has received it several times including this week. They have taken advantage of the offer at least 3 times, paying only taxes and port fees (as well as a flight/hotel obviously).

 

The options they provide you, in terms of destinations and dates, is contingent with how much you play at the casino. The more money you (per hand/per spin average) the greater variety of choices you have.

[meh56]

I have been reading your post and thought you might be able to answer a question. My husband and I are sailing on the Pearl - Panama Canal - in Oct. I am a Total reward member thru Harrahs so I called them before booking but they said they could not offer me anything. I also checked with NCL. A few years ago I call CAS and they gave me a gift in my cabin. I sailed NCL last Sept and Princess Jan 2017 and spent time in the casino on both. We are already booked so I am not looking for cruise discount but does CAS offer a OBC and should I contact them?

[jethrojam]

I have received these offers many times from both Twin Rivers and NCL. They are not a scam. I have been on quite of few of these cruises after being offered this promotion from Twin Rivers. You will need to RSVP and go to TwinRivers on the day on the promotion. They will give you a certificate explaining what cruises you are eligible for and a number to contact NCL to book a cruise.

 

 

 

Enjoy and have fun.

 

 

 

Sorry this is a year old and all but you or someone wouldn’t happen to know if you can use a ncl cruise next voucher to help cover the taxes and fees? Or is it just good for normal booking? Tia.

 

 

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[DZcreature]

Sorry this is a year old and all but you or someone wouldn’t happen to know if you can use a ncl cruise next voucher to help cover the taxes and fees? Or is it just good for normal booking? Tia.

 

 

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Yes, you can use a cruise next certificate when booking this cruise. I just picked up a voucher at Twin River Casino yesterday. I was so excited to have the Boston to Bermuda trip as a choice that I booked while we were still at the casino, and used a cruise next certificate.