Help with Cabin Crawl

[lilmamadee]

Calling all experienced cruisers:

 

I'm hoping someone can help me with organizing a cabin crawl for my roll call group. I've read about these on the boards but I've never done one. I am a little clueless how to go about starting it. Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

 

Also, I've heard of pub crawls and poker pub crawls, and would enjoy hearing about yours if you've done one.

 

Lastly, does anyone know how a group slot pull works? Is this something the cruise line organizes, like the Connections party or is there someone we need to contact?

 

Thanks for any help you can provide!:D

[BCguy100]

Re the 'cabin crawl', I'm assuming you agree to meet somewhere and go from there.

 

For the 'group pull', probably easiest for everyone to put in the same amount of money and watch while someone plays the machine. Agree on how many 'pulls' and everyone splits the (hopefully) winnings. That's how we do it in Vegas.

 

M

[kenevenpar]

We've done a couple, and we just posted on our roll call asking who would be interested. Then we try to get as many different cabin types as possible, and set a time and agree on a cabin to start with. Some do it as a kind of open house; I like going from cabin to cabin so all can participate. It is great if one of your ranks is in a Penthouse Suite:cool:

 

Slot pull - I never organized one, but I understand if you have enough people, the casino manager can help. Sorry, not grest help on that one.

 

Pub Crawl - I have never done an organized pub crawl on board, which isn't to say I haven't crawled back from a Pub:o:D:eek:

 

Ken

[cle-guy]

I;d recommend a "shotgun" start to the crawl, have small groups start out in each cabin type and then rotate, eventually meeting in a fixed spot, be that a penthouse if you get lucky, or a bar on the ship someplace. It makes the log jam a lot easier and a lot less like a giant conga line where you really can't check out the details. Have everyone meet in a bar that's little used (avoid reflection or sky lounge, as it's often closed for special or elite events, as happened on this year's) Recommend ensemble lounge on M class or passport bar if on S class.

 

I gave my Royal suite to one last year, and my Penthouse this year, (both on transatlantics) and the ship graciously catered the party with canapés, tea sandwiches, deserts, juices, water, tea and coffee.

 

Last year they made it a poker run as well, people interested paid $5 each and they got cards from specific cabins to make a hand (in sealed envelopes to make sure no cheating happened - only to be opened in final cabin) to get the pot.

 

Last year it was shotgun, this year was conga line, I preferred the shotgun start. Allow about 2 hours time for the full event start to finish and final wrap up gathering. And try tp schedule avoiding popular events and entertainment. Id advertise in the roll call 2 or 3 probable dates and times, then make sure you get full names and cabin numbers, and send out a final invite the night before once you know what the daily events will be, discuss in roll call, many will have a good feel for what day will have what activity planned. And ask the Cruise director when you board for a best time option.

[lilmamadee]

Thanks to all of you for your fast responses. Curt, I LOVE the idea of this poker run/cabin crawl! The shotgun style start is a clever idea too.

Thanks again for everyone's helpful advice. CC rocks!

[kathynorth]

Thanks to all of you for your fast responses. Curt, I LOVE the idea of this poker run/cabin crawl! The shotgun style start is a clever idea too.

Thanks again for everyone's helpful advice. CC rocks!

 

We've participated in group slot pulls on past cruises. Names and cabin #s were collected on the roll call, but others were added during the cruise. The organizer typically notifies the Casino manager of the roll calls desire to hold a group slot pull and they identify a good date/time. I believe it was left up to the group to leave phone messages so we knew when the slot pull would take place. There was an agreed amount of $ (cash) that each participant brought with them to the casino on the date/time of the pull. Someone made a list of all participants as the $ was collected. The group then selects which machine they'd like to pull. The casino manager took the $ and set the machine with the appropriate # of credits. (If 10 people played $10 and you selected a $1 machine then there would be 100 credits.) The casino manager then explained a typical set of rules that other groups have applied during slot pulls. This gives the group the chance to voice agreement or suggest changes. The casino manager also typically gives the group prizes that can be distributed however the group wishes. Examples of prizes included a Celebrity t-shirt, Celebrity key chain, drink coupons, and $5 match play coupons.

 

In all the pulls we've participated in each person took a turn at the machine. Given the example above, the first person would pull 10xs, then the next, ... If any of the pulls resulted in a win the value was recorded next to their name on the list. When the 100th pull was taken the pulls stop and the machine is cashed out. Any winnings area equally distributed to all the participants. The prizes were distributed by giving the top winner first pick, second highest next pick, and so on.

 

We've never left as big winners in a slot pull, but we did have lots of fun and would gladly participate while on future cruises.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

My thoughts on cabin crawls:

 

This is an excellent way to learn about the different types of cabins. Only allow people to participate if they volunteer to show their cabin (whether or not you select their cabin). This will avoid huge crowds of gawkers. Once people have volunteered their cabins, pare down the list so you only have one of each type, unless there is some special feature of a particular cabin. Start at the top of the ship and work your way down so people can use the stairs if they wish. I think two hours is way too long unless you're ending up with a party in a royal suite or a penthouse. You can arrange with the dining room to have lunch together in the dining room after the crawl.

 

[TeaBag]

We, all except the people hosting their cabins, met in a designated room and were divided into groups, maybe 10 or so. It was a big crawl. The first group left at a certain time, the second, 15 mins later etc so two groups were not in any cabin at the same time. We all followed the same route. When the last group came through, the people in the first cabin viewed, joined them and on to the next one where they were joined by those people etc. This way the volunteers got to see all the cabins also. We all paid $5 and got a ticket. The winner got to have dinner in the Penthouse (yes, we were lucky to have the PH on the crawl) with the ships officers and the money went to their favorite charity. We really enjoyed it and ended up booking one of the cabins we saw, on a later cruise.

[Bluebury]

We participated in a poker pub crawl when we were on the Silhouette. As a group we went from one bar to another, at each bar we sat for about 20 minutes, chatting and finding out about each other, also suggestions for future cruises. At each bar you could choose whether to get a drink or not.

 

Some people would get a drink, not finish it in that bar so take it with them to the next bar. We got some odd looks!

 

At each bar you would choose one envelope, this was sealed and contained a card. When we got to the final bar we each had 5 sealed envelopes. We then opened our envelopes, one person at a time.

 

We had each paid $5 and the person with the best poker hand got first prize, I cannot remember whether there were 2 or 3 winners.

 

It was really great fun.

 

The person organising just needs to make sure that there are enough cards in sealed envelopes

[Lois R]

Cabin Crawl...normally you would do this with folks from the roll call

for your sailing. Not much to organize....people need to offer their

cabin for others to see. 1)Inside, 2) Window 3) balcony.....different

levels.....AQ balcony, CC balcony.......suite. You walk to each to

each cabin and take a look and go to the next cabin.

 

It only works if you have enough people offering different cabin

categories.

[miched]

Look at the roll calls for the other sailings like yours of the ship that you will be on. Look at those that are completed and those that are being planned. You will see how they have done it, what days they were scheduled and etc.

 

Normally the best times and days will be the same to avoid conflict with other activities.

 

🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[kathynorth]

We participated in a poker pub crawl when we were on the Silhouette. As a group we went from one bar to another, at each bar we sat for about 20 minutes, chatting and finding out about each other, also suggestions for future cruises. At each bar you could choose whether to get a drink or not.

 

Some people would get a drink, not finish it in that bar so take it with them to the next bar. We got some odd looks!

 

At each bar you would choose one envelope, this was sealed and contained a card. When we got to the final bar we each had 5 sealed envelopes. We then opened our envelopes, one person at a time.

 

We had each paid $5 and the person with the best poker hand got first prize, I cannot remember whether there were 2 or 3 winners.

 

It was really great fun.

 

The person organising just needs to make sure that there are enough cards in sealed envelopes

 

This sounds like a fun variation for a pub crawl. Plus it keeps the group together because they'd want to get their next playing card to try to win the poker hand.

[Jane2357]

We started our cabin crawl right from the Cruise Critic party. Everyone who had signed up on the roll call just hung back and we all went off together. This way everyone got to see each cabin - the organizer mapped out the route and we ended up in my S1 aft wrap.

 

We had notified the steward to please have the cabin made up early and had notified our butler the day before. The butler took it upon himself to get his supervisor to approve providing us with champagne and mimosas and snacks, so you don't have to be in a high suite to have this happen but we never asked for it and yes we tipped him very well.

[dkjretired]

We've participated in group slot pulls on past cruises. Names and cabin #s were collected on the roll call, but others were added during the cruise. The organizer typically notifies the Casino manager of the roll calls desire to hold a group slot pull and they identify a good date/time. I believe it was left up to the group to leave phone messages so we knew when the slot pull would take place. There was an agreed amount of $ (cash) that each participant brought with them to the casino on the date/time of the pull. Someone made a list of all participants as the $ was collected. The group then selects which machine they'd like to pull. The casino manager took the $ and set the machine with the appropriate # of credits. (If 10 people played $10 and you selected a $1 machine then there would be 100 credits.) The casino manager then explained a typical set of rules that other groups have applied during slot pulls. This gives the group the chance to voice agreement or suggest changes. The casino manager also typically gives the group prizes that can be distributed however the group wishes. Examples of prizes included a Celebrity t-shirt, Celebrity key chain, drink coupons, and $5 match play coupons.

 

In all the pulls we've participated in each person took a turn at the machine. Given the example above, the first person would pull 10xs, then the next, ... If any of the pulls resulted in a win the value was recorded next to their name on the list. When the 100th pull was taken the pulls stop and the machine is cashed out. Any winnings area equally distributed to all the participants. The prizes were distributed by giving the top winner first pick, second highest next pick, and so on.

 

We've never left as big winners in a slot pull, but we did have lots of fun and would gladly participate while on future cruises.

 

We had a great slot pull last year on the Summit, arrangements were made with the slot manager and we had about two dozen people join in. We each just put $20 in the same machine taking turns and it turned out the max bet was divisible into the $20. It was easy we just each had x number of spins. We did well and each of us went home with over $150 because one person hit a hand pay (over $1200) on one spin. This brings up a couple of points which you should follow. First, after the hand pay was hit, people who were watching tried to join in so you must make sure no one is allowed to join after the first person starts. The second point is check prior to the start and find out how the cruise line you are on handles hand pays. What most people from the US are not aware of is if they hit big in the casino they are liable to pay income taxes on those winnings. If your ship requires that they fill out a W2G you have a problem if someone hits a hand pay, if they don't you should be okay.

[A1A]

Here are some of the things we have done as a cruise critic group, the possibilities are endless.

 

Cabin Crawl - As outlined in the previous post, this is your opportunity to see different cabins in different areas of the ship. You have probably wondered what other cabins from an inside to a suite looked like and here is your chance to chek them out. Willing members of the roll call offer up their cabin for a glimpse at what others may like to see. trinkets or drinks in the room are not necessary but sometimes are offered by members of the roll call for each type of room. Usually no more than 2 types of cabin classes are seen in different locations of the ship as not to visit everyone's room!

 

Slot Pull - As outlined previously, everyone that participates contributes a designated amount of money, you meet at the casino and each contributor to the pool gets to take an equal turn at pulling the handle of the slot, all winnings are equally distributed, if any remain! Some say not to notify the casino before hand, as your odds may decrease if they know you are going to be there! This is usually held on a sea day, sometimes in conjunction with a cabin crawl. Some say you should never tell the Casino Manager you are coming to do this, others say you should. Earlier this year we doubled our money on a slot pull and never advised the casino of our presence. I really doubt it matters though.

 

Poker Run - (Optional and not required to attend or participate) Sometimes held during the cabin crawl, where each participant or couple contributes a set amount of money ($5) and the cabins that have the Cabin Crawl have a cheap deck of cards within the room. Each paid participant takes one card from each room and at the end of the cabin crawl, (sometimes just before the slot pull in the casino) each paid participant reveals their best 5 cards to make a poker hand and the winning hand collects the pot! Some times a minimal second or even third prize is offered depending on the number of participants! You do not have to be part of the poker run to participate in the cabin crawl, totally optional!

 

All these events should be organized on your roll call, throw the idea out there and see who wants to participate!

 

Cheers!

Ken

[dkjretired]

Here are some of the things we have done as a cruise critic group, the possibilities are endless.

 

Cabin Crawl - As outlined in the previous post, this is your opportunity to see different cabins in different areas of the ship. You have probably wondered what other cabins from an inside to a suite looked like and here is your chance to chek them out. Willing members of the roll call offer up their cabin for a glimpse at what others may like to see. trinkets or drinks in the room are not necessary but sometimes are offered by members of the roll call for each type of room. Usually no more than 2 types of cabin classes are seen in different locations of the ship as not to visit everyone's room!

 

Slot Pull - As outlined previously, everyone that participates contributes a designated amount of money, you meet at the casino and each contributor to the pool gets to take an equal turn at pulling the handle of the slot, all winnings are equally distributed, if any remain! Some say not to notify the casino before hand, as your odds may decrease if they know you are going to be there! This is usually held on a sea day, sometimes in conjunction with a cabin crawl. Some say you should never tell the Casino Manager you are coming to do this, others say you should. Earlier this year we doubled our money on a slot pull and never advised the casino of our presence. I really doubt it matters though.

 

Poker Run - (Optional and not required to attend or participate) Sometimes held during the cabin crawl, where each participant or couple contributes a set amount of money ($5) and the cabins that have the Cabin Crawl have a cheap deck of cards within the room. Each paid participant takes one card from each room and at the end of the cabin crawl, (sometimes just before the slot pull in the casino) each paid participant reveals their best 5 cards to make a poker hand and the winning hand collects the pot! Some times a minimal second or even third prize is offered depending on the number of participants! You do not have to be part of the poker run to participate in the cabin crawl, totally optional!

 

All these events should be organized on your roll call, throw the idea out there and see who wants to participate!

 

Cheers!

Ken

 

Just so you are aware, the casino does not have the ability to change the payouts on the machines, they are set at the factory. This is the number 1 myth of slot machines, they don't have to change them, they are set to win in the long run.

[LetsGetWet!]

Just so you are aware, the casino does not have the ability to change the payouts on the machines, they are set at the factory. This is the number 1 myth of slot machines, they don't have to change them, they are set to win in the long run.

I can't specifically vouch for the machines on RCI ships, but in general you're flat wrong. Casinos absolutely do have the ability to adjust payouts on their machines.

 

Sent from my Galaxy S4 via Tapatalk

[dkjretired]

I can't specifically vouch for the machines on RCI ships, but in general you're flat wrong. Casinos absolutely do have the ability to adjust payouts on their machines.

 

Sent from my Galaxy S4 via Tapatalk

 

I am not wrong, under current technology the machines are set at the factory and are not changed for the life of the machine. This applies to those on cruise ships and in Casino's in land based casino's. The RNG is a very expensive guts of the machine and is only changed if it breaks. As a matter of fact if for some reason a land based casino has to change the RNG, it must be done with permission of the local Casino Commission. Do any independent search you want and you will find this to be true. Both Simply Slots magazine and Computer Player magazine have placed this as the number 1 myth of slot machines. Suggest you look up the Random Number Generator and you will find out the truth about slot machines. The only change that can be made on some machines is a switch to go to tournament mode which no casino would ever allow their machines to operate under except during a tournament.

[LetsGetWet!]

I am not wrong, under current technology the machines are set at the factory and are not changed for the life of the machine. This applies to those on cruise ships and in Casino's in land based casino's. The RNG is a very expensive guts of the machine and is only changed if it breaks. As a matter of fact if for some reason a land based casino has to change the RNG, it must be done with permission of the local Casino Commission. Do any independent search you want and you will find this to be true. Both Simply Slots magazine and Computer Player magazine have placed this as the number 1 myth of slot machines. Suggest you look up the Random Number Generator and you will find out the truth about slot machines. The only change that can be made on some machines is a switch to go to tournament mode which no casino would ever allow their machines to operate under except during a tournament.

For now, I think I'm going to go with what I've been told by a Vegas senior casino management employee, rather than conflicting information from an anonymous poster on an Internet forum, thanks...

 

Sent from my Galaxy S4 via Tapatalk

[dkjretired]

For now, I think I'm going to go with what I've been told by a Vegas senior casino management employee, rather than conflicting information from an anonymous poster on an Internet forum, thanks...

 

Sent from my Galaxy S4 via Tapatalk

 

All you have to do is go on the internet and do your own research and you will find out that with current technology, you either misunderstood the casino management employee or he was pulling your leg. It is all readily available, I have researched it quite thoroughly in the past.

 

Here's one of many web sites that explains things.

 

http://casinogambling.about.com/od/slots/a/slotmyth.htm

 

From about the third paragraph..

 

Casinos can loosen or tighten the slot machines with the flip of a switch.

False. The slot machines have a computer chip in them that determines the pay back percentage. These are preset at the factory. In order for a casino to change the pay back, they would have to change the chip. In most jurisdictions there is paper work that has to be filled and submitted to the Casino Control Commission for each machine if the chip is changed. It is time consuming and the chips are very expensive. For this reason, it is more economical to decide on the pay back percentages before purchasing the machines and having the factory ship them with the proper chip.

Edited June 16, 2014 by dkjretired

[activelady]

From what was done on a recent Liberty cruise, the cabin crawl was organized as follows:

 

Volunteers from each category of cabin, from suites to interior, volunteered to show their cabins. Those who were interested in seeing those cabins signed up for the tour at the Meet and Mingle gathering.

 

I hope this helps you.

 

Active Lady

 

June 21, 2014

[cruisestitch]

Sometimes the cabin crawl gets split up so that only people interested in seeing inside cabins visit those cabins, the people interested in seeing OV go to OV, etc. Almost everyone is curious about the high end suites, so if you have a passenger with any of them, expect more people to want to see them.