For (casino) players, Carnival has been upping their game of late!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Since our first Carnival cruise I've spent an inordinate amount of time (just ask Cheryl) and money (again, you know who to ask ;)) in the casino. The staff in there has almost without exception been very friendly and accommodating... yet something was, in my mind, missing.

 

In 2008 we took our first Celebrity cruise - a 4 night sailing on the Century. I played the way I had been for years on Carnival (green and black chip betting at blackjack) and managed to "donate" close to four grand. That level of loss (or win) and then some had occurred many times on Carnival, where they took no notice. By that I am simply comparing the response to my play with that which occurs out in Vegas, Atlantic City, or Biloxi. Not fair comparisons admittedly - when at sea, there is little competition - indeed little need for them to "comp" much at all!

 

Well, a couple/few months following that Valentine's Day Century sailing I received an email from the Blue Chip Club (the casino division of Celebrity). They offered me a FREE (less port fees/taxes) ten night Thanksgiving sailing on the Constellation in a Concierge Class balcony cabin. Did I take them up on that? YOU BET !

 

A good portion of our ten Celebrity sailings have been thanks to the Blue Chip Club. We've had some very good cruises with them. But, as I seem to recall, none of those cruises ended up being "free", owing to lady luck not coming along for the ride... :eek: (good "bet" on the part of Celebrity)!

 

We've had similar experiences on NCL - after our first sailing with them (3 night Sky in 2010) I was able to get something like $2,000 off our next cruise with them. After that sailing, I managed $3,000 off our return trip (on the Epic). Our next cruise with them, on the Breakaway next month represents the "best" deal we've had yet. We're in an aft corner penthouse (which go for 6-7 grand) paying only port fees/taxes.

 

So - I've been the recipient of many good offers from a couple of Carnival's big competitors after very few times on their ships, and Carnival is "nowhere to be seen".

 

Fast forward to our Legend sailing last fall. On the last night of the cruise (I think my 52nd with Carnival) I was given a letter in the casino which was good for a FREE cruise and $300 in cash. I had two weeks to pick a sailing that left within the following six months. A 3-5 night cruise would be in a suite, 6 nights or more would earn a balcony. We opted for a 6 night sailing on the Breeze in March of this year.

 

I'll be the first to admit that the decor change on the Breeze was a breath of fresh air, but it was not a "great cruise", and I never see us returning to the Breeze - but that's another (previous) thread! I put in a good amount of play time in the casino and thought that was probably all there was to that (no letter on the last night this time)!

 

Within a couple of months I received something from their casino department (players club) in the mail. Several dates were listed from which to pick a "Premier Casino Cruise". Included with that was $1,000 in cage cash (actually ended up a bit sweeter than that), drinks cards for the two of us, a cocktail reception for those booking the deal, daily drawings, special gifts, etc.

 

We picked the Freedom for 8/10/13, and just returned on Sunday. We had a VERY good time on that ship. The first night in the casino I was up several thousand... just the way I like to start! The level of my play, since it was "their" money (I know, that's the gambler in me talking) was higher than it had historically been, now black and purple, and the casino staff was taking notice - unusual for Carnival I thought! The luck continued as well as multiple steakhouse meals comped, bottles of wine each evening ($50 range), a day where Cheryl could receive any treatment in the spa -- they were really not holding back! Their generosity was most appreciated, and I kept giving them strong play. In retrospect, I wish I had NOT gone back to the casino the last 3/4 days of that 8 night cruise, as I manged to give a fair percentage of my winnings back. Still, I left a "winner" - enough to pay off our S&S card and plenty more.

 

Also, on that last night, another letter found its way to me. So... at this point the two week clock is ticking to find a cruise over the next six months.

 

Though I really enjoyed the "fun" associated with the Premier sailing, if I can't swing another one of those, there are plenty of others - even if just a weekend - that I'd be happy to enjoy on their dime. I know that their goal is to have me be a loser in the long run, and they'll likely get their wish. I do at least though really appreciate the fact that they've finally stepped back and taken notice of myself and others who help out their bottom line. It seems that many people are getting offers now - plenty even for lower level ($50-100/day) play. I think that's great! Not sure if they'll be able to continue being that generous across the board as time passes, but there's no telling. My guess is that they're giving this a close look and will be fine tuning things over time.

 

Thanks Carnival - you arrived late to "the game" but you're doing an admirable job of "catch up"! :)

 

Tom

 

btw - Cheryl should be boarding the Sensation right about now -- leaving me behind for the weekend to enjoy a "girls' cruise. I can almost bet (there I go again) that she won't spend any money in the casino... save, perhaps, $25 to use her BOGO tournament entry so that they can press the spin button like crazy in the slot tournament. Maybe she can bring home a trophy! :)

[ExFed drvr]

Glad you had a great time Tom, we enjoyed our casino cruise last Jan. on the Dream. I don't bet like you do but my wife seems to spend lots of time on the slot machines. They were really nice to the people traveling with the gamblers. Headed over next Monday for our Legend cruises and will spend some time in the casino I'm sure. It seems lately we are too far ahead of Carnival with our bookings and can't seem to work in another casino cruise. We are now booked on the Legend Panama Canal cruise out of Tampa next August...Hope to see you soon...Dennis

[Sargent_Schultz]

Perhaps just late in your case?

 

Last year on Conquest there was a couple with a comped cruise and I don't think they were particularly high rollers nor frequent cruisers with Carnival. In fact, it had been years since they had cruised on Carnival.

 

There must be a connection between a land based casino in Mississippi and Carnival because that's the only thing that makes sense for why they got a comped cruise. On land, they are in one casino or another almost every night.

 

On maybe that was part of a pilot program.

 

Not sure about Carnival, but it seems like most casinos at sea are outsourced to someone else, so not sure how much you are contributing to Carnival's bottom line, but certainly the casino's, and it sounds like they can afford to keep you coming back.

 

I sometimes rack up some frequent loser points, but usually not at sea. I do wish the casino's were smoke free.

[ccruisequeen]

I got a discount letter from Carnival for a cruise and $25 casino cash. I booked a solo cruise with a lower rate but I was able to keep the casino cash.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Glad you had a great time Tom, we enjoyed our casino cruise last Jan. on the Dream. I don't bet like you do but my wife seems to spend lots of time on the slot machines. They were really nice to the people traveling with the gamblers. Headed over next Monday for our Legend cruises and will spend some time in the casino I'm sure. It seems lately we are too far ahead of Carnival with our bookings and can't seem to work in another casino cruise. We are now booked on the Legend Panama Canal cruise out of Tampa next August...Hope to see you soon...Dennis

 

Thanks Dennis - I'm sure we'll cross paths again. Have a great time (how can you not)!!

 

Perhaps just late in your case?

 

Last year on Conquest there was a couple with a comped cruise and I don't think they were particularly high rollers nor frequent cruisers with Carnival. In fact, it had been years since they had cruised on Carnival.

 

There must be a connection between a land based casino in Mississippi and Carnival because that's the only thing that makes sense for why they got a comped cruise. On land, they are in one casino or another almost every night.

 

On maybe that was part of a pilot program.

 

Not sure about Carnival, but it seems like most casinos at sea are outsourced to someone else, so not sure how much you are contributing to Carnival's bottom line, but certainly the casino's, and it sounds like they can afford to keep you coming back.

 

I sometimes rack up some frequent loser points, but usually not at sea. I do wish the casino's were smoke free.

 

I LOVE the fact that the casinos on Celebrity are smoke free! They weren't when we started sailing with them, but they came around. Boy did that upset the vocal minority!! :eek:

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I got a discount letter from Carnival for a cruise and $25 casino cash. I booked a solo cruise with a lower rate but I was able to keep the casino cash.

 

So, you start $25 "up" - way to go! :)

 

Tom

[TampaBayGirl]

This week I received an offer for a complimentary cruise for two with the Carnival Players Club. It's been a while since I sailed on Carnival opting for RCI instead.

But who could pass that offer up?

And guess what? I took them up on it! :)

I'm booked on the November 3rd sailing on the Legend out of Tampa - how convenient!

It's really nice that the Carnival Player's Club is recognizing the contributions that casino guests offer.

By the way, my favorite experience in a casino was on the western transatlantic out of the UK headed back to Lauderdale. There was no smoking due to the UK regulations. I spent more time in the casino on that transatlantic sailing than ever. No smoke, lots of sea days - it was so much fun! My bankroll took a hit, but oh well. :D

[nodogkisses]

Congratulations! I hardly frequent the casinos since the smoky air is so overwhelming. Maybe that's a good thing, though. Now get cracking on getting that next one booked.

[Rochesterboatingdotcom]

Very nice Tom! We discovered NCL by accident, same as you they started comping us cruises after our first Sky cruise. We are not high rollers by any means, but they would always give us a comped balcony. However, this year it seems that they have upped their ante, we called and they told us no more long cruises and no Breakaway. And no balcony, we only rated for an OV.

 

So we are going to try Carnival again next month, the new 2.0 stuff seems pretty neat. Not looking to get anything big in comps, but if they come that would be great!

[mikel24m]

Since our first Carnival cruise I've spent an inordinate amount of time (just ask Cheryl) and money (again, you know who to ask ;)) in the casino. The staff in there has almost without exception been very friendly and accommodating... yet something was, in my mind, missing.

 

In 2008 we took our first Celebrity cruise - a 4 night sailing on the Century. I played the way I had been for years on Carnival (green and black chip betting at blackjack) and managed to "donate" close to four grand. That level of loss (or win) and then some had occurred many times on Carnival, where they took no notice. By that I am simply comparing the response to my play with that which occurs out in Vegas, Atlantic City, or Biloxi. Not fair comparisons admittedly - when at sea, there is little competition - indeed little need for them to "comp" much at all!

 

Well, a couple/few months following that Valentine's Day Century sailing I received an email from the Blue Chip Club (the casino division of Celebrity). They offered me a FREE (less port fees/taxes) ten night Thanksgiving sailing on the Constellation in a Concierge Class balcony cabin. Did I take them up on that? YOU BET !

 

A good portion of our ten Celebrity sailings have been thanks to the Blue Chip Club. We've had some very good cruises with them. But, as I seem to recall, none of those cruises ended up being "free", owing to lady luck not coming along for the ride... :eek: (good "bet" on the part of Celebrity)!

 

We've had similar experiences on NCL - after our first sailing with them (3 night Sky in 2010) I was able to get something like $2,000 off our next cruise with them. After that sailing, I managed $3,000 off our return trip (on the Epic). Our next cruise with them, on the Breakaway next month represents the "best" deal we've had yet. We're in an aft corner penthouse (which go for 6-7 grand) paying only port fees/taxes.

 

So - I've been the recipient of many good offers from a couple of Carnival's big competitors after very few times on their ships, and Carnival is "nowhere to be seen".

 

Fast forward to our Legend sailing last fall. On the last night of the cruise (I think my 52nd with Carnival) I was given a letter in the casino which was good for a FREE cruise and $300 in cash. I had two weeks to pick a sailing that left within the following six months. A 3-5 night cruise would be in a suite, 6 nights or more would earn a balcony. We opted for a 6 night sailing on the Breeze in March of this year.

 

I'll be the first to admit that the decor change on the Breeze was a breath of fresh air, but it was not a "great cruise", and I never see us returning to the Breeze - but that's another (previous) thread! I put in a good amount of play time in the casino and thought that was probably all there was to that (no letter on the last night this time)!

 

Within a couple of months I received something from their casino department (players club) in the mail. Several dates were listed from which to pick a "Premier Casino Cruise". Included with that was $1,000 in cage cash (actually ended up a bit sweeter than that), drinks cards for the two of us, a cocktail reception for those booking the deal, daily drawings, special gifts, etc.

 

We picked the Freedom for 8/10/13, and just returned on Sunday. We had a VERY good time on that ship. The first night in the casino I was up several thousand... just the way I like to start! The level of my play, since it was "their" money (I know, that's the gambler in me talking) was higher than it had historically been, now black and purple, and the casino staff was taking notice - unusual for Carnival I thought! The luck continued as well as multiple steakhouse meals comped, bottles of wine each evening ($50 range), a day where Cheryl could receive any treatment in the spa -- they were really not holding back! Their generosity was most appreciated, and I kept giving them strong play. In retrospect, I wish I had NOT gone back to the casino the last 3/4 days of that 8 night cruise, as I manged to give a fair percentage of my winnings back. Still, I left a "winner" - enough to pay off our S&S card and plenty more.

 

Also, on that last night, another letter found its way to me. So... at this point the two week clock is ticking to find a cruise over the next six months.

 

Though I really enjoyed the "fun" associated with the Premier sailing, if I can't swing another one of those, there are plenty of others - even if just a weekend - that I'd be happy to enjoy on their dime. I know that their goal is to have me be a loser in the long run, and they'll likely get their wish. I do at least though really appreciate the fact that they've finally stepped back and taken notice of myself and others who help out their bottom line. It seems that many people are getting offers now - plenty even for lower level ($50-100/day) play. I think that's great! Not sure if they'll be able to continue being that generous across the board as time passes, but there's no telling. My guess is that they're giving this a close look and will be fine tuning things over time.

 

Thanks Carnival - you arrived late to "the game" but you're doing an admirable job of "catch up"! :)

 

Tom

 

btw - Cheryl should be boarding the Sensation right about now -- leaving me behind for the weekend to enjoy a "girls' cruise. I can almost bet (there I go again) that she won't spend any money in the casino... save, perhaps, $25 to use her BOGO tournament entry so that they can press the spin button like crazy in the slot tournament. Maybe she can bring home a trophy! :)

 

Glad you had a good trip Tom .I was hoping the cruise line would catch up with their competition and realizing us gamblers give a good amount of revenue and a steakhouse dinner or two and a spa day for our wife makes us happy gamblers :)

 

We cruise in a few weeks and I wasn't planning on playing much ,when I called we qualified for $75 each and not even a fruit basket.I was told that anything we were qualified for the casino host or casino manager would let us know and that really turned me off.I mean I can buy that fruit basket from BV for $50 but its the thought that counts .My guy who we always email even referred me to a toll free number to see what we qualify for.I do think (and hope) things are changing in the casino dept. hopefully for the better

[huntm]

That's awesome Tom! There is hope for me yet :)

My hubby usually gets the free drinks card early on. Once we got a 50% off casino cruise offer with $750 credit, but we were booked for a sailing the week before already and couldn't get out of it :(

 

The next cruise we received a 25% off offer which we took them up on. Maybe one day we'll get one of those free cruises!

 

This little wifey is hopeful! Lol

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Very nice Tom! We discovered NCL by accident, same as you they started comping us cruises after our first Sky cruise. We are not high rollers by any means, but they would always give us a comped balcony. However, this year it seems that they have upped their ante, we called and they told us no more long cruises and no Breakaway. And no balcony, we only rated for an OV.

 

So we are going to try Carnival again next month, the new 2.0 stuff seems pretty neat. Not looking to get anything big in comps, but if they come that would be great!

 

I've definitely picked up on NCL getting tighter. Not in our case, but that comp occurred over a year ago - so I might have "lucked out" timing wise. There's been a lot of talk on the NCL board regarding issues people are having tracking their credits from ship to ship - often never getting the same answer twice. Since the level of card you hold (Lucky, Hot, Golden, or VIP) are determined by total credits, and those cards determine your perks... when they have problems getting their credits it hits your perks.

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Glad you had a good trip Tom .I was hoping the cruise line would catch up with their competition and realizing us gamblers give a good amount of revenue and a steakhouse dinner or two and a spa day for our wife makes us happy gamblers :)

 

We cruise in a few weeks and I wasn't planning on playing much ,when I called we qualified for $75 each and not even a fruit basket.I was told that anything we were qualified for the casino host or casino manager would let us know and that really turned me off.I mean I can buy that fruit basket from BV for $50 but its the thought that counts .My guy who we always email even referred me to a toll free number to see what we qualify for.I do think (and hope) things are changing in the casino dept. hopefully for the better

 

Change is definitely afoot at the Circle-K (weak film reference, but what the heck)!

 

Keep a positive attitude. From what you've mentioned about your play on other threads - you'll get on the radar soon enough. If nothing else... take 'em for a couple stacks of Benjamins! :D

 

Tom

[winddawn]

Since our first Carnival cruise I've spent an inordinate amount of time (just ask Cheryl) and money (again, you know who to ask ;)) in the casino. The staff in there has almost without exception been very friendly and accommodating... yet something was, in my mind, missing.

 

In 2008 we took our first Celebrity cruise - a 4 night sailing on the Century. I played the way I had been for years on Carnival (green and black chip betting at blackjack) and managed to "donate" close to four grand. That level of loss (or win) and then some had occurred many times on Carnival, where they took no notice. By that I am simply comparing the response to my play with that which occurs out in Vegas, Atlantic City, or Biloxi. Not fair comparisons admittedly - when at sea, there is little competition - indeed little need for them to "comp" much at all!

 

Well, a couple/few months following that Valentine's Day Century sailing I received an email from the Blue Chip Club (the casino division of Celebrity). They offered me a FREE (less port fees/taxes) ten night Thanksgiving sailing on the Constellation in a Concierge Class balcony cabin. Did I take them up on that? YOU BET !

 

A good portion of our ten Celebrity sailings have been thanks to the Blue Chip Club. We've had some very good cruises with them. But, as I seem to recall, none of those cruises ended up being "free", owing to lady luck not coming along for the ride... :eek: (good "bet" on the part of Celebrity)!

 

We've had similar experiences on NCL - after our first sailing with them (3 night Sky in 2010) I was able to get something like $2,000 off our next cruise with them. After that sailing, I managed $3,000 off our return trip (on the Epic). Our next cruise with them, on the Breakaway next month represents the "best" deal we've had yet. We're in an aft corner penthouse (which go for 6-7 grand) paying only port fees/taxes.

 

So - I've been the recipient of many good offers from a couple of Carnival's big competitors after very few times on their ships, and Carnival is "nowhere to be seen".

 

Fast forward to our Legend sailing last fall. On the last night of the cruise (I think my 52nd with Carnival) I was given a letter in the casino which was good for a FREE cruise and $300 in cash. I had two weeks to pick a sailing that left within the following six months. A 3-5 night cruise would be in a suite, 6 nights or more would earn a balcony. We opted for a 6 night sailing on the Breeze in March of this year.

 

I'll be the first to admit that the decor change on the Breeze was a breath of fresh air, but it was not a "great cruise", and I never see us returning to the Breeze - but that's another (previous) thread! I put in a good amount of play time in the casino and thought that was probably all there was to that (no letter on the last night this time)!

 

Within a couple of months I received something from their casino department (players club) in the mail. Several dates were listed from which to pick a "Premier Casino Cruise". Included with that was $1,000 in cage cash (actually ended up a bit sweeter than that), drinks cards for the two of us, a cocktail reception for those booking the deal, daily drawings, special gifts, etc.

 

We picked the Freedom for 8/10/13, and just returned on Sunday. We had a VERY good time on that ship. The first night in the casino I was up several thousand... just the way I like to start! The level of my play, since it was "their" money (I know, that's the gambler in me talking) was higher than it had historically been, now black and purple, and the casino staff was taking notice - unusual for Carnival I thought! The luck continued as well as multiple steakhouse meals comped, bottles of wine each evening ($50 range), a day where Cheryl could receive any treatment in the spa -- they were really not holding back! Their generosity was most appreciated, and I kept giving them strong play. In retrospect, I wish I had NOT gone back to the casino the last 3/4 days of that 8 night cruise, as I manged to give a fair percentage of my winnings back. Still, I left a "winner" - enough to pay off our S&S card and plenty more.

 

Also, on that last night, another letter found its way to me. So... at this point the two week clock is ticking to find a cruise over the next six months.

 

Though I really enjoyed the "fun" associated with the Premier sailing, if I can't swing another one of those, there are plenty of others - even if just a weekend - that I'd be happy to enjoy on their dime. I know that their goal is to have me be a loser in the long run, and they'll likely get their wish. I do at least though really appreciate the fact that they've finally stepped back and taken notice of myself and others who help out their bottom line. It seems that many people are getting offers now - plenty even for lower level ($50-100/day) play. I think that's great! Not sure if they'll be able to continue being that generous across the board as time passes, but there's no telling. My guess is that they're giving this a close look and will be fine tuning things over time.

 

Thanks Carnival - you arrived late to "the game" but you're doing an admirable job of "catch up"! :)

 

Tom

 

btw - Cheryl should be boarding the Sensation right about now -- leaving me behind for the weekend to enjoy a "girls' cruise. I can almost bet (there I go again) that she won't spend any money in the casino... save, perhaps, $25 to use her BOGO tournament entry so that they can press the spin button like crazy in the slot tournament. Maybe she can bring home a trophy! :)

Hi, Tom. I'm so glad you had a great time on your Premiere cruise! I was hoping you'd come tell us about it. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. If you get time, can you tell us about what activities they offered as part of the Premier experience? I booked one of these for November. Thanks!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Hi, Tom. I'm so glad you had a great time on your Premiere cruise! I was hoping you'd come tell us about it. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. If you get time, can you tell us about what activities they offered as part of the Premier experience? I booked one of these for November. Thanks!

 

When we arrived in our cabin there was an envelope in the room for us. In it were two casino/vip lanyards (saw a lot of those red lanyards all week, but we don't wear one - perhaps as we're not slot players). There was also a card for each of us in there to show in the casino for our free drinks (while playing) - after the first drink or two, it was not needed the rest of the week (thanks to Pavel, bar waiter)! The invitation to the cocktail reception (5 pm that afternoon), and two "snowball" raffle tickets with our names on them.

 

 

They collect the tickets in a jar when you enter the aft lounge for the reception. We then spied Claudia (Casino Manager) who we've sailed with a few times. Her and Cheryl are always talking shoes and such... lol ... We also then met Robert, one of two (as I understand it - I think Martin is the other) Executive Casino Hosts. It's his job to come along on a Premier sailing and manage the activities and such. He was a very nice fellow - friendly and player oriented.

 

 

There is a drawing from that jar each day - starting that evening. The winner received $100. On the second day, the winner receives $200, on the 3rd - $300 (you get the idea). On any day that someone is not present when their name is called that amount rolls over and adds to the next days regularly scheduled amount. I think we were only at 4 of the 8 drawings (and no, our name was not called on those days or the others). Two of those 4 times the winner was not present... so make sure you show up! Each day they'll tell you when the next drawing will be.

 

 

Here's another card we received in our cabin on Sunday night, for a drawing the next day (stayed up WAY too late, and never made that drawing... :o ):

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were treats delivered to the cabin a couple of times. Some chocolate covered strawberries, and later a nice plate of large cookies. We returned to our cabin one day to find two surprisingly nice quality beach towels:

 

 

Not sure if those were part of the standard Premier gifts or not - they were giving one away later in the week.

 

For Premier cruisers on this sailing the service fee to purchase chips at the table was waived. Additionally the daily limit (for those purchases) was $5,000 each. I think their standard limit is something like $2,000 ??

 

On the last evening there was a drawing for a free cruise. For every 1,000 points earned during the previous 7 nights you earned one entry. Being a table games player I've never really paid attention to points - whereas slot players definitely are aware (I suppose it's displayed on the machine)? At any rate, I earned twenty tickets in that drawing... but my name was not pulled (there were A LOT of tickets in there)!

 

We enjoyed the Steakhouse each evening - having the same great table each night. I opted for a view of the open kitchen to observe all the magic! The Chef treated us to a few special (off menu) dishes as he became aware how much we enjoyed "his" restaurant! Aside from some nice wins at the table, this place was the highlight of our cruise!

 

 

 

 

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I'll add that I've never seen as many people playing at the $25 BJ table. They had one smoking, and one non-smoking (where we stayed). Several times all the spots were in use - I play two at a time to begin with. They were also bringing out their purple ($500) chips. This is only the second time I've seen that on Carnival. The other lines regularly have them at the table. At least half a dozen times they would bring FORTY to the table. On the last night a fellow there, who had been down about ten grand for the entire week, won it all back and was betting big. He had easily 20-30G in chips when I left - above his break even point. Not sure where he ended up.. but I hope he took most of those to the cage!!

 

In spite of all the action that week, I was still surprised how few people were tipping the dealer (or even the drink servers). I witnessed one guy, out of a dozen, who would regularly tip. When these people have several thousand in front of them, don't they realize how it looks to stiff the dealer or the waiter?? :confused:

 

Tom

Edited August 22, 2013 by Tom-n-Cheryl

[winddawn]

Thank you so much for sharing these details, Tom. I can see why you had such a good time. I'm glad the Player's Club staff took good care of you and Cheryl. I hope lots of other CC members start saying the same thing. That steak looks delicious. And the gifts look great too. I've never heard anyone say that they got roses!

 

I can't wait until my Premiere cruise in November. I hope my luck is as good as yours. Maybe Cheryl will come home with news that she won the slot tournament this week on her girlfriend cruise!

Edited August 22, 2013 by winddawn

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Thank you so much for sharing these details, Tom. I can see why you had such a good time. I'm glad the Player's Club staff took good care of you and Cheryl. I hope lots of other CC members start saying the same thing. That steak looks delicious. And the gifts look great too. I've never heard anyone say that they got roses!

 

I can't wait until my Premiere cruise in November. I hope my luck is as good as yours. Maybe Cheryl will come home with news that she won the slot tournament this week on her girlfriend cruise!

 

I enjoy sharing good news so much more than relating negative things (something I will do, as it does occur)!

 

Another thing I recall - this post I made on another thread:

 

If you went to the past guest party, you probably saw us up on stage -- I have a public speaking phobia, so I tried to say as little as possible. I was taken aback when the CD asked if I was "winning big" in the casino. I slowly uttered "yes" as if it was a set up question. Obviously he had been speaking to someone in the casino department!

 

Tom

 

Tom

[ExFed drvr]

I'll add that I've never seen as many people playing at the $25 BJ table. They had one smoking, and one non-smoking (where we stayed). Several times all the spots were in use - I play two at a time to begin with. They were also bringing out their purple ($500) chips. This is only the second time I've seen that on Carnival. The other lines regularly have them at the table. At least half a dozen times they would bring FORTY to the table. On the last night a fellow there, who had been down about ten grand for the entire week, won it all back and was betting big. He had easily 20-30G in chips when I left - above his break even point. Not sure where he ended up.. but I hope he took most of those to the cage!!

 

In spite of all the action that week, I was still surprised how few people were tipping the dealer (or even the drink servers). I witnessed one guy, out of a dozen, who would regularly tip. When these people have several thousand in front of them, don't they realize how it looks to stiff the dealer or the waiter?? :confused:

 

Tom

 

I too hate it when people are winning and not betting for the dealer. But sometimes I win more for them than I do. I always tip my casino waiter $1 for every drink and he checks on me about every 30 minutes..When we were on our casino cruise I didn't even have to order drinks....Dennis

[winddawn]

I enjoy sharing good news so much more than relating negative things (something I will do, as it does occur)!

 

Another thing I recall - this post I made on another thread:

 

 

 

Tom

Well hopefully some of the negativity will pay off if Carnival starts making changes based on the feedback. I'm not one to sugar coat things, but I also believe in giving credit where credit is due. Even though I've been disappointed by Carnival the past couple of years, I'm still holding out hope that positive changes are coming along with the management change. I saw on JH's blog the other day an invitation to respond to a poll about the preferred temperature onboard. That is another positive indication I've seen lately that Carnival is listening to it's guests.

 

I'm old enough and been cruising with Carnival long enough to remember the good old days. I can still remember when they used to scrape the crumbs off the tablecloth in the dining room between each course! LOL. I miss some of those special touches that were part of Carnival yesteryear. The steakhouse experience today is more like the dining room used to be years ago.

 

I see you will be on the Breakaway in a couple of weeks! Can't keep a good man down. Hope you have as much luck on that cruise as you just did on Carnival. Thanks again, Tom, for taking the time to share. I'll bet you were a hoot on stage with the CD!

Edited August 23, 2013 by winddawn

[mikel24m]

I too hate it when people are winning and not betting for the dealer. But sometimes I win more for them than I do. I always tip my casino waiter $1 for every drink and he checks on me about every 30 minutes..When we were on our casino cruise I didn't even have to order drinks....Dennis

 

I always.. especially while im winning play for the dealers. That little pat(and smile) of karma they show works wonders

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

 

I see you will be on the Breakaway in a couple of weeks! Can't keep a good man down. Hope you have as much luck on that cruise as you just did on Carnival. Thanks again, Tom, for taking the time to share. I'll bet you were a hoot on stage with the CD!

 

Looking forward to it!

 

(yep... a HOOT... let's just call it that, LOL)

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I always.. especially while im winning play for the dealers. That little pat(and smile) of karma they show works wonders

 

I recall 3-4 times during the week when I was really pushing it. I had two purples up (one in each spot) and a green chip side bet on each for the dealer. They got less than half of those bets... which means unfortunately, so (didn't) I ! :eek:

 

Still, overall, I made out well - as did the dealers.

 

I plan to keep thinking that things work out "how they should" (Karma)! :)

 

Tom

[Davey Wavey]

I was still surprised how few people were tipping the dealer (or even the drink servers).

 

I have sat at roulette all day long on a sea day and would bet that the dealers received less than $50 tips all day. At at typical 2 hour rotation they would cash out 3 or so $1 tips plus my 15. My wife and I were just aghast to watch people come through and play out a few hundred and not even toss a $1 chip to the dealer. But I guess tipping is a personal thing...

[kerrytens]

Gee, methinks I need to take up this thing called gambling on cruises;);)

 

Glad to hear that Carnival is comping now too, Tom. Welcome back btw!