Revamped NCL Casinos at Sea program benefits

[JS_Cruising]

Ruby status here, and I have the Free at Sea Plus under the booked items Summary Tab.  I chose the Free at Sea option when I booked the cruises (3) previously.  I am sailing with a sapphire on 2 and on the 3rd cruise, 2 sapphires and all 3 of us show with the FAS Plus.

[texascane]

I've seen posts with people stating they are losing their casino host.  I never communicated with a host before my trips but got a few emails last fall and this spring about a "NEW VIP Concierge Service".  Is that the same thing as a casino host with NCL?

[UKstages]

54 minutes ago, Bliss1 said:

Changes don't take effect till Mon the 1st

That's when and if we'll see them

 

thanks!

 

i know full well when the the new program goes into effect. in fact, i'm the poster who first alerted cruise critic to the forthcoming changes and i included the april 1st date in the title of the thread!

 

if you check post #146 you will see that another poster has reported changes to three booked reservations, presumably made because of their CAS ruby status.

 

and again in post #151.

 

18 minutes ago, JS_Cruising said:

Ruby status here, and I have the Free at Sea Plus under the booked items Summary Tab.  I chose the Free at Sea option when I booked the cruises (3) previously.  I am sailing with a sapphire on 2 and on the 3rd cruise, 2 sapphires and all 3 of us show with the FAS Plus.

 

this would suggest that they are "upgrading" ruby and elite to FAS+, meaning that you would first have to have paid the gratuities on the baseline drinks package. my personal data point, as mentioned previously, is that i opted not to take the drink package and that may be why i show no chnage in my reservation.

 

as for why FAS+ across the board and not simply the premium plus drinks package... kudos to them if they've made a conscious decision to do this. my spidey sense tells me it has more to do with wonky IT and they can't figure out how to do a complimentary upgrade to just the drinks package, so they upgrade to FAS+. just a hunch.

 

 

Edited March 31 by UKstages

[Russiamomm]

I agree that they appear to have listened to all the complaints and are maki g changes.  If indeed this is an upgrade to FAS+ it is indeed a major improvement for Ruby and Elite.  
 

I’m only a lowly Pearl.  I just earned it in December after several cruises during the year. It’s unlikely I’ll retain the status this year.  I’m not that heavy of a gambler and only have two NCL/Oceania cruises booked this year and no time on the calendar for any more.  My question is that it appears that only Pearl and above qualify for any kind of discount of any kind on new bookings.  Jade is gone.  This is a change.  Even though I’ve never reached Pearl before last year, I have received at least a discount, and the occasional comp, through CAS for years.  It looks to me like that’s gone.  We’ll see.  

[Sand and Seas]

@cygnets, thanks for posting about your upgrades on your summary page.  I'm Ruby, but nothing showing on my summary page for my 3 booked cruises.

 

As changes to program were still being made yesterday (per agent I spoke with), I would suggest you keep an eye on that summary page.  It could take awhile for them to sort out the Tier promos.

[JS_Cruising]

To clarify, while I show FAS+ on the booked summary tab, I purchased shore excursions and only I received the $50.00 discount and both of us received the lattitudes % discount. The meals and internet minutes that came with FAS option are all that show (add on).  I did purchase an additional  dining package and it shows above the FAS+ on the booked summary tab.

[Bliss1]

Accounts have not been updated from what I've seen nor official we have to cruise consultants add 

[Wvshimmy]

All my bookings have FAS, which I always add, including 2 past FP. 

Dropping them from other bookings wouldn't be an issue before FP if they're automatically adding the pkg for Ruby up. 

 The adding "at time of bookings " per info I've seen is also interesting as my bookings started back in June 2023.

No changes to my wifi,  either. 

 We shall see the procedures soon, hopefully. 

Unfortunately,  the little guys; reps and onboard hosts will be dealing with the muck and likely not so pleasant pax/customers. 

Typical higher up decisions,  implementation in most businesses. 

Stay tuned,; Paul Harvey,  the rest of the story. 🙃

[Bliss1]

its here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!\

\

https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/casino-cruise/players-club its official

 

 

[goldmom]

I wish there was something between Pearl and Sapphire, especially now that you only need 4,000 points for Pearl.  I normally earn about 10,000-12,000 points a year.  I just can't seem to get to that 15,000.  However, on my last cruise I probably cut back on my gambling as I figured there was no way I was making Sapphire so I might as well save my money.

Basically I earned enough points to get a CAS Next certificate and then cut back.  There's just no real incentive to keep gambling once you get your 4,000 points if you know there's no chance of making Sapphire.  Unless you're winning and/or having fun!

[smillerholmes]

I'll add my info for another data point.  I am Ruby and I always decline the FAS package, and I always add at least the two package specialty dining depending upon length of the cruise.

 

I have 5 cruises booked.  No changes as of this morning.  I sail 04/22 so looking forward to NCL working out the kinks.  According to the latest CAS structure Ruby does not get the Premium Beverage Package???  And there is no mention of FAS+???

 

I gotta admit I thought this thread would be longer after yesterday.  Hmmm....

[Wvshimmy]

12 hours ago, smillerholmes said:

I'll add my info for another data point.  I am Ruby and I always decline the FAS package, and I always add at least the two package specialty dining depending upon length of the cruise.

 

I have 5 cruises booked.  No changes as of this morning.  I sail 04/22 so looking forward to NCL working out the kinks.  According to the latest CAS structure Ruby does not get the Premium Beverage Package???  And there is no mention of FAS+???

 

I gotta admit I thought this thread would be longer after yesterday.  Hmmm....

New updated website lists UBP (formerly called PBP) For Ruby and PPBP for elite. 

 How/when those will be applied is unknown at this juncture. 

Some have called and been told "onboard ".

Others have indicated things appearing on their bookings. 

Always purchase the FAS and currently have 2 after FP,  one PIF, and one farther out comped cruises. 

Additional ones with just deposits,  currently. 

 Lots of details to work out and implement. 

I'll wait till the onslaught of calls has died down,  and hopefully get more consistent information and details. 

Pax on the sailings where changes have been implemented will likely share their experiences. 

Several cruises now started before April 1st.

Next up isn't until May for me.

 

[dbrown84]

A question I have is will I still be able to use the CAS check-in line?  I'm not pearl, never been anything other than Jade, which doesn't exist anymore.  I'd be interested in reading about everyone's experiences now that the changes have been implemented.  My next NCL cruise is not until next January. 

[dbrown84]

just booked my next cruise.  This will be the first time I'll pay more than $500 for a cruise since I'm now taking the FAS drink package.  ahhhh, first world problems 🤣

[Bliss1]

Drink pkg will be added as per level

Wi fi will be available upon log insider level

 

Wi fi will be in choices when logging in

On 3/31/2024 at 4:20 PM, Bliss1 said:

Accounts have not been updated from what I've seen nor official we have to cruise consultants add 

Tomorrow is gonna be a zoo

[goldmom]

13 hours ago, dbrown84 said:

A question I have is will I still be able to use the CAS check-in line?  I'm not pearl, never been anything other than Jade, which doesn't exist anymore.  I'd be interested in reading about everyone's experiences now that the changes have been implemented.  My next NCL cruise is not until next January. 

I would think that if you booked the cruise through CAS, then you can use the CAS check-in.  

[dbrown84]

56 minutes ago, goldmom said:

I would think that if you booked the cruise through CAS, then you can use the CAS check-in.  

I'm hoping this is the case.  although I like to arrive at the port around Noon and I'm also platinum, so I should find a nice short check in line either way.  I've just become used to the CAS line being totally empty when I show up

[Alegeeter]

CAS was the only thing keeping me with NCL. Despite all the changes NCL has made recently to decrease service and guest experience, the discounts (while small) offered through CAS and the perks still made my cruises worth it. Now, with this new program all CAS will offer me is 10% off (which I can get by calling NCL directly) and no other perks even thought my play has only increased over my past cruises. I played less on Virgin Voyages in January and was offered a comped balcony up to 7 days, drinks in the casino included. You'll find me in Greece and Croatia later this spring, distancing myself from NCL.

 

I may do one more NCL since I have a Cruise Next and have been wanting to do South America but after that I think it's time to build loyalty elsewhere.

[Bliss1]

28 minutes ago, Alegeeter said:

CAS was the only thing keeping me with NCL. Despite all the changes NCL has made recently to decrease service and guest experience, the discounts (while small) offered through CAS and the perks still made my cruises worth it. Now, with this new program all CAS will offer me is 10% off (which I can get by calling NCL directly) and no other perks even thought my play has only increased over my past cruises. I played less on Virgin Voyages in January and was offered a comped balcony up to 7 days, drinks in the casino included. You'll find me in Greece and Croatia later this spring, distancing myself from NCL.

 

I may do one more NCL since I have a Cruise Next and have been wanting to do South America but after that I think it's time to build loyalty elsewhere.

see ya   enjoy

 

[Red-Sol]

22 minutes ago, Alegeeter said:

CAS was the only thing keeping me with NCL. Despite all the changes NCL has made recently to decrease service and guest experience, the discounts (while small) offered through CAS and the perks still made my cruises worth it. Now, with this new program all CAS will offer me is 10% off (which I can get by calling NCL directly) and no other perks even thought my play has only increased over my past cruises. I played less on Virgin Voyages in January and was offered a comped balcony up to 7 days, drinks in the casino included. You'll find me in Greece and Croatia later this spring, distancing myself from NCL.

 

I may do one more NCL since I have a Cruise Next and have been wanting to do South America but after that I think it's time to build loyalty elsewhere.

I hear you....I have one more cruise that I booked through CAS 12 day on Escape early next year. When I booked it in March I was already extremely disappointed in what the CAS offer to me was..but booked it anyways. 

Since then I have been pricing 10 or more day cruises out of NYC on MSC Meraviglia and Carnival Venezia both of those cruises are substantially less with more benefits than I am recieving now from CAS for Escape.

I will wait a little longer until the mad rush against CAS starts to slow down a little but then will call my casino rep and let him know they must do significantly better than what my current offer is from them or I will need to cancel.

I have always enjoyed NCL but what they are now doing makes them no longer worth it to me. All of their advantages and selling points to me (and others I'm sure as well) are sadly now gone.

[BirdTravels]

39 minutes ago, Alegeeter said:

CAS was the only thing keeping me with NCL. Despite all the changes NCL has made recently to decrease service and guest experience, the discounts (while small) offered through CAS and the perks still made my cruises worth it. Now, with this new program all CAS will offer me is 10% off (which I can get by calling NCL directly) and no other perks even thought my play has only increased over my past cruises. I played less on Virgin Voyages in January and was offered a comped balcony up to 7 days, drinks in the casino included. You'll find me in Greece and Croatia later this spring, distancing myself from NCL.

 

I may do one more NCL since I have a Cruise Next and have been wanting to do South America but after that I think it's time to build loyalty elsewhere.

Have a great time on Virgin. 

[Lively_Sea_Turtle]

On 4/2/2024 at 4:56 PM, dbrown84 said:

A question I have is will I still be able to use the CAS check-in line?  I'm not pearl, never been anything other than Jade, 

They told me Monday we can still use the cas line if below Pearl. I leave in just over a week. 

[zqvol]

On 4/3/2024 at 11:09 AM, Red-Sol said:

I hear you....I have one more cruise that I booked through CAS 12 day on Escape early next year. When I booked it in March I was already extremely disappointed in what the CAS offer to me was..but booked it anyways. 

Since then I have been pricing 10 or more day cruises out of NYC on MSC Meraviglia and Carnival Venezia both of those cruises are substantially less with more benefits than I am recieving now from CAS for Escape.

I will wait a little longer until the mad rush against CAS starts to slow down a little but then will call my casino rep and let him know they must do significantly better than what my current offer is from them or I will need to cancel.

I have always enjoyed NCL but what they are now doing makes them no longer worth it to me. All of their advantages and selling points to me (and others I'm sure as well) are sadly now gone.

Bye

[Bliss1]

8 minutes ago, zqvol said:

Bye

make sure you cancel early to avoid penalty     what level are you that they dont offer anything

 

[dbrown84]

As a jade player, I lost free drinks.  it sucks, but I'm not ready to write off NCL because of it.  That being said, I am give MSC and Carnival a try on my next two cruises.  All of my previous 8 cruises have been with NCL.  Maybe I'll be impressed enough to make the switch permanent, maybe not.  Especially with MSC since they don't even charge port fees and taxes for their comp cruise.  And it doesn't look like anyone else charges the mysterious admin fee.  I do have a NCL cruise booked for next year and I just went ahead and added the drink package.  I had never paid $500 for a NCL cruise before (including service charges).  Now it will be $150 - $200 more.  Still a great deal