Questions About Booking Casino Rates

[[Big Z]]

I recently received some very nice discounted casino rates for cruises that go well into next year. I am considering booking at least one of them but I have a couple of questions. 

 

1. Is it treated like a typical booking, where I pay a deposit and then pay the remainder 3 months before voyage or do I have to pay it in full at the time of booking?  

 

2. I have a future cruise deposit - will that satisfy the deposit portion or can that not be applied on discounted rates?

 

Thank you in advance. 

[CHOPPERTESTER]

Depends on the rate being offered. Some only require a deposit, some you have to pay say $200 for OBC up front, some it is pay in full at booking. Our 21 night in Nov 23 S Caribe/Canal was a deposit type booking. Our 21 night Iceland/British Isles in June 2024 was a pay in full at booking.

Edited October 22, 2023 by CHOPPERTESTER

[Mary229]

You can use your FCD.  If it is a discount, such as 5 - 30% then you pay on the normal schedule.  If it is a strongly discounted cruise such as free or $99 interior stateroom you will pay all upfront.   

[Banditswife]

We have booked several of the "free" OV or inside guarantee casino offers.  We had to pay the full amount at booking.  Free, for us, meant about $700 -$900 for 2 passengers depending on length of cruise, itinerary.  We had to pay port fees & taxes + the $200 you get back as OBC or casino credit. But be prepared to book & pay upon calling or using a TA, sometimes the offers disappear quickly.

[Haljo1935]

The "fine print" details in the terms at the end of the offer will let you know if you can pay a deposit with balance due at a final due date or if it has to be paid in full.

If it qualifies for a deposit, you can use a FCD.

Safe travels  - enjoy your cruise! 

[Mary229]

10 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

The "fine print" details in the terms at the end of the offer will let you know if you can pay a deposit with balance due at a final due date or if it has to be paid in full.

If it qualifies for a deposit, you can use a FCD.

Safe travels  - enjoy your cruise! 

I was allowed to use FCD on a complimentary cruise for the $100 booking fee.  I chose not to as it was my last FCD but it was offered 

[DaveOKC]

There are two types of casino deals:

 

1. The famous "free" or deeply discounted (like to $199) offer.  This one requires full payment at time of booking and is non-refundable (unless you purchase the cruise insurance).  Except for the FCD one, the onboard credits from other HAL promotions are generally not allowed.

 

2. The casino "rate" deal.  It is a discount of 5 to 30% off the regular fare.  This one is handled like a normal booking, with refundable fares (most of the time) and qualifying for stockholder, AARP, Thank you For Sailing and other onboard credits.

 

What I have found is that you really have to do your homework to decide which fare is the best for you.  It depends alot on the cabin category you are in.