Please be honest about your casino offers. I am curious.

[Laminator]

7 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

I actually appreciate this thread and hope it remains. Although there are disagreements, for the most part everyone appears civil.

 

I would truly like to learn more about specific details for how to get the casino offers.

 

For example, I play slots, but my casino fund is usually just a few hundred dollars. When I lose that, I'm done. Am I better off playing for a longer time at each machine (betting less money) or does that come into play? In other words, do they track time spent or $$ spent??

 

 

 

They track both. I know it goes against your set casino limit take a flyer and bump your play up on your next cruise and see if that will get you an offer. 

[BermudaBound2014]

1 minute ago, Laminator said:

They track both. I know it goes against your set casino limit take a flyer and bump your play up on your next cruise and see if that will get you an offer. 

TY!! This is probably a ridiculous question, but what do you mean by “flyer”??

 

no laughing lol 

[Laminator]

Just now, BermudaBound2014 said:

TY!! This is probably a ridiculous question, but what do you mean by “flyer”??

 

no laughing lol 

Take a chance!

[BermudaBound2014]

2 minutes ago, Laminator said:

Take a chance!

I’ve never heard that expression before but I like it!! 

 

ty again 

[tunafish]

15 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

I actually appreciate this thread and hope it remains. Although there are disagreements, for the most part everyone appears civil.

 

I would truly like to learn more about specific details for how to get the casino offers.

 

For example, I play slots, but my casino fund is usually just a few hundred dollars. When I lose that, I'm done. Am I better off playing for a longer time at each machine (betting less money) or does that come into play? In other words, do they track time spent or $$ spent??

 

 

 

universal principle is how much money you risk in the game. so your bet x your time.  you win or you lose pretty much doesn't matter. more often if you win they want you back to play more and may throw an extra comp which may seem strange but it is not, if you back they have a great chance to take their money back. Playing for comps only is stupid - it is cheaper to "buy"

[Wendy-Europe]

Just my 2 Cents "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch"

 

Of course, the shipping companies are now trying to slowly fill the ships again - and before a ship sails empty, they at least offer the cabins to casino customers for little or no money.

 

Supply and demand....

 

There are port fees to pay and on board revenue is made on the ship.

In the past, buffets and rooms were also cheap in Las Vegas, so that the turnover is made in the casino.
That changed when customers changed and traveled to Las Vegas even without gambling because of the entertainment, shows, etc.
And so the casino deals will also become less again as regular bookings become more.

And the offers get guests who play in the casino and usually also lose money - so in one way or another the shipping companies get money. And the statistics say - in the end the casino always wins - at least to a high percentage. If someone gets pleasure from gambling - great - then it's a win-win situation.
I don't like to spend my time and money in the casino - as if I would have to force myself to spend the necessary time there to get a free casino cruise - my time would be too precious for that.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[Suncoastsailors]

16 hours ago, Brentt_M said:

Just to add my experience to this. I generally gamble enough (a lot?) on a HAL cruise to receive a come back and play offer while still on board.  That offer has to be booked within 30 days of the current  trip and must sail within the next year.  The offer is usually for at least a  verandah cabin on cruises up to 14 nights and comes with $500 or more in free play.

 

However, I have never ever received an email or regular mail offer that shows a list of free or reduced rate casino cruises like I see shared on the board regularly.

We have the same problem. We don't get the e-mails. Only find discounted fares and private fares by going through all cruises search. Very frustrating. 

Edited April 28, 2022 by Suncoastsailors

[DaveOKC]

9 hours ago, tunafish said:

universal principle is how much money you risk in the game. so your bet x your time.  you win or you lose pretty much doesn't matter. more often if you win they want you back to play more and may throw an extra comp which may seem strange but it is not, if you back they have a great chance to take their money back. Playing for comps only is stupid - it is cheaper to "buy"

In general, you are correct - it is cheaper to buy your comps.  HOWEVER, there are times when business is very slow that the casinos comps are so generous that you can get more back in comps than you lose in gambling.  I know that this does not make sense and is hard to believe, but it is true.  We saw this in Vegas post 9-11 and now on the cruise ships post Covid.  It will not last IMO, but take advantage of it while you can.  

 

We used to go to Vegas overy 2 months since it was a fun time and the comps we received covered most of our expenses.  Then over the course of several years, the casinos changed the gambling odds, decreased the comps and increased the cost of other things (like meals, parking, resort fees, show tickets, etc.).  We started going less and less and now we avoid Vegas all together.

 

Same thing will happen to these cruise deals IMO, so we will take advantage while we can and when they go away, so will we.  

 

 

[Mosaic]

I certainly wonder how these offers work also.  I play BJ, know the some players by name, often.  Know the casino staff by name, they recognize me.  I play a couple times day often. I play with more money than most. I have won the BJ tournament many times.

 

I have received ONE offer for a "free" cruise and used it---by email.  Very nice. I think I should get more offers, lol.

[grest]

4 minutes ago, Mosaic said:

I certainly wonder how these offers work also.  I play BJ, know the some players by name, often.  Know the casino staff by name, they recognize me.  I play a couple times day often. I play with more money than most. I have won the BJ tournament many times.

 

I have received ONE offer for a "free" cruise and used it---by email.  Very nice. I think I should get more offers, lol.

I think you should too!!

[silversneakers]

11 hours ago, kangforpres said:

Man oh Man I've never been on a "free Cruise" I have gotten a complimentary cabin, paid the taxes and fees and then paid for shore excursions, specialty dinners and drinks. I hope the moderator ends this Thread. You have issues about people living and enjoying their lives differently then you do.

Remember....nothng is "free"

[travelnap]

I don't know for sure how they decide who gets the offers and who doesn't, but I have received and taken multiple "casino cruises" through the years, so I can give you just my experiences.  I am primarily a slot player, and usually the smaller denomination slots, although I do occasionally play the larger denomination slots from time to time.  I limit myself to how much I spend each day for gambling and other items, so I am definitely not a high roller.  I do spend a couple hours in the casino each day that they are open but if the machines are running cold, I may be there for shorter time periods, and if they are running better, I may be there longer.  

 

Before covid, I would usually receive 3 or 4 offers a year, usually for a free inside cabin, with just the port charges as the cost of the cruise.  In the last year, I have been receiving offers much more often, and the staterooms are either ocean view or a free veranda cabin with just port charges so better offers than before.  I do think they are trying to fill ships more than looking for casino seats filled.  I do also spend on ship excursions and specialty dining and shopping, so I don't know if that is part of their equation or not.

 

I know that comments have been made about people bragging about being on a free cruise, but that just seems strange to me, as I don't talk to anyone to see what they paid for a cruise as that just seems very rude, as that is no one's business but theirs.   If someone asked me what I paid for my cruise I would simply tell them that is none of their business, and drop the subject, and hopefully they would take the hint.

 

I certainly don't cruise to gamble in the casino, I cruise for the relaxation of the cruise itself, and for hopefully an interesting itinerary.  To me, it is a no brainer to take a free cruise offer if I am lucky enough to get one, but why I get the offers, I honestly don't know for sure.  That said, because of Covid, I have not cruised since November of 2019 as I have COPD, and don't want to wish the chance of exposure to Covid.  Yes, I will get back out there again, but I am not yet comfortable enough to do that now.

[seatrial]

15 hours ago, albingirl said:

Well, it's easy to say don't worry about what other people are paying and that there are bigger things in life to worry about, yes, agree, but paying thousands and others pay zero leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  I'm not made of money and have worked very hard for what I have and will go forward with zero dollars toward a losing battle.

albingirl,

 

I just wanted to say thank you for bringing this up. I am bothered by this as well. On my last cruise in March the topic did come up with a fellow passenger announcing that their cruise was almost free. I'm sure that HAL wishes that this kind of information would stay quiet. 

[Laminator]

Even with all of these free or discounted room offers they are having trouble filling up the ships. From HAL's perspective Carnival Casino Corp is paying them for these rooms. So maybe you should not be taking this out on HAL. HAL is not giving anything away to these pax.

[HAL4NOW]

1 hour ago, travelnap said:

I know that comments have been made about people bragging about being on a free cruise, but that just seems strange to me, as I don't talk to anyone to see what they paid for a cruise as that just seems very rude, as that is no one's business but theirs.   If someone asked me what I paid for my cruise I would simply tell them that is none of their business, and drop the subject, and hopefully they would take the hint.

On my first ever cruise I booked a balcony for a pretty good rate on NCL. It was a guaranteed cabin, since I didn't know anything about cruising. Prior to boarding, I noticed the cabin number kept changing to different decks. When we checked in at the pier there was one more change. We ended up with a mini-suite and loved the location and service. 

On one of our excursions, we got to talking with a couple that had also booked a balcony. He asked what we had paid for what ended up being a mini-suite and I told him. The look on both of their faces told me I should have kept my mouth shut. They revealed they had paid more than three times what we had booked the balcony cabin for, and they didn't get any upgrades. 

Lesson learned: enjoy the special deals, but don't go bragging about them. I went from feeling good about our deal to feeling like a heel for making another couple enjoy their cruise a little less because of the comparison.

[OlsSalt]

A way to compound travel miseries is to ask what each airline passenger paid (or not) for the flight to get to the ship itself. Agree, once paid that should be the end of it for any later buyers remorse. Though nothing wrong with getting tips how to get the best deals ...... next time.

[BermudaBound2014]

56 minutes ago, seatrial said:

. I'm sure that HAL wishes that this kind of information would stay quiet. 

 

I respectfully disagree. The casino is a MEGA cash cow for cruise lines. I suspect HAL appreciates any news that drives more people into said casino in the hopes of receiving future offers. 

 

22 minutes ago, HAL4NOW said:

Lesson learned: enjoy the special deals, but don't go bragging about them. I went from feeling good about our deal to feeling like a heel for making another couple enjoy their cruise a little less because of the comparison.

 

While we all can agree that 'bragging' is in poor taste, why would you feel bad about answering a question? And better yet, why would the couple feel bad for your good fortune? 

 

In this case, I believe the more mature response for the couple would have been to inquire about your booking strategy  :). 

 

I choose to live a life free of envy. 

 

 

 

[Laminator]

3 minutes ago, OlsSalt said:

A way to compound travel miseries is to ask what each airline passenger paid (or not) for the flight to get to the ship itself. Agree, once paid that should be the end of it for any later buyers remorse. Though nothing wrong with getting tips how to get the best deals ...... next time.

I agree 100%. 

[Laminator]

9 minutes ago, OlsSalt said:

A way to compound travel miseries is to ask what each airline passenger paid (or not) for the flight to get to the ship itself. Agree, once paid that should be the end of it for any later buyers remorse. Though nothing wrong with getting tips how to get the best deals ...... next time.

You sir bring up an excellent point. The last few times we went to Europe I had enough miles to get booked in business class. Now that I don't fly as often we did not have enough miles for business class. On United's site they wanted $3600 per pax. Flight Ease was $1700 per pax. Huge difference there that someone on that flight wound up paying.

Edited April 28, 2022 by Laminator

[RynoWally]

32 minutes ago, HAL4NOW said:

On my first ever cruise I booked a balcony for a pretty good rate on NCL. It was a guaranteed cabin, since I didn't know anything about cruising. Prior to boarding, I noticed the cabin number kept changing to different decks. When we checked in at the pier there was one more change. We ended up with a mini-suite and loved the location and service. 

On one of our excursions, we got to talking with a couple that had also booked a balcony. He asked what we had paid for what ended up being a mini-suite and I told him. The look on both of their faces told me I should have kept my mouth shut. They revealed they had paid more than three times what we had booked the balcony cabin for, and they didn't get any upgrades. 

Lesson learned: enjoy the special deals, but don't go bragging about them. I went from feeling good about our deal to feeling like a heel for making another couple enjoy their cruise a little less because of the comparison.

The shame should not lie within your answer, it should lie in the person who asked you. I could give 2 toilet seats what anyone thinks about the deals I get, and or if they think it's braggadoshish, I'm not afraid to tell anyone, how they choose to process that info is on them, they can take it and use it to their advantage, or they can whine and complain about it, either way they choose, I will still enjoy my life and my cruise. Maybe buy BermudaBound 4-5 rounds in the process. 

[BermudaBound2014]

1 minute ago, RynoWally said:

Maybe buy BermudaBound 4-5 rounds in the process. 

 

Sign me up!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 

 

 

[kangforpres]

"Take a Flyer" means take a chance. Usually a $2 bet on a long shot in horse racing or in professional sports claiming a player off the waiver wire.

 

-Paul

[kangforpres]

I got a cold car from Princess this morning asking me if I has heard about their latest Casino offer. I said well I did get a mailer yesterday. He said no this was new today and it was up to 40% off fares and $400 casino cash. Yesterday's mail piece was up to 35% off fares and $400 casino cash.

 

I've only sailed on Princess once. I think all lines are eager to fill up ships as much as possible this Summer Season.

 

-Paul

[RynoWally]

13 minutes ago, kangforpres said:

I got a cold car from Princess this morning asking me if I has heard about their latest Casino offer. I said well I did get a mailer yesterday. He said no this was new today and it was up to 40% off fares and $400 casino cash. Yesterday's mail piece was up to 35% off fares and $400 casino cash.

 

I've only sailed on Princess once. I think all lines are eager to fill up ships as much as possible this Summer Season.

 

-Paul

Never been on Princess, we have tried Viking, Regent, and Seabourn, we have found HAL to be a great line for what we want, but are thinking of branching out to Princess, more so Celebrity. They seem like they are somewhat similar in the reviews that we have read in comparison. But you are right everyone is doing what they can to pack them in, don't even get me started on the calls and mailers I have received from Viking, but after 4 cruises with them we realized we wanted something different. 

Paul, have you been on Celebrity? If so what are your thoughts?

[OlsSalt]

Oceania could have given us a free cruise for what they have paid for postage and heavy mailings to us often several times a week.

 

One draw back a lot of these other ships have is no glass covered Lido/pool zone like on HAL ships,  which lets you enjoy feeling like you are "outside" when the weather outside is frankly wretched.  Plus HAL's wrap around walking decks make HAL ships our continued first choice.

 

I feel most at sea on HAL ships due to their wide use of outside view windows and deck traffic plans,  but still with enough comforts of home when the sea has other intentions to not be so welcoming.

 

 

 

Edited April 28, 2022 by OlsSalt