NyYankees2k3

44 minutes ago, scar4711 said:

click on the cruise, and then it will tell you what ship on the info page.

Oh thanks.. I didn't see this before. I appreciate it!

1 hour ago, 603NHCruiser said:

No kidding about the number of Loyalty points required. that is a lot for just a four day cruise. But I feel like they are likely trying to charge a premium because it is a VIP meetup rather than just a regular cruise. In my opinion at least, with so many new players and the fact that with six games and the changes to android rules you can essentially farm close to a million points a month, they just keep raising the redemption cost to see how many points players are willing to spend. 

 

The fees however are all being charged by NCL and match a mock booking when you break them down. You can decline the Free Bev package if you don't drink (but at only $21 per day why would you😁) as well as remove the daily service charge if you prefer to tip individually. This will reduce the fees by a fairly large amount.

Govt, port, tax = $215.84pp

Open Bar Grat = $87.20pp

Spec. Dining Grat = $10.00pp

Daily Service Charge = $80.00pp

Casino Admin Fee = $80.00pp

that is the same $473.04 they are quoting

 

myVegas has thrown in a few small extra things which are nice. The welcome breakfast the morning of the cruise. Transportation from the breakfast to the port. Priority embarkation. $50.00 OBC per person & entry to a slot tournament.

 

If it didn't mean that I would have to fly in, I would look at it for sure!!

 

Thanks also for your help too. How do you know what ship that cruise is.. the prices you posted are what you should expect to pay for the "free 7 day?" is a balcony? at least.  I'm wondering if the $750 is a better value for me, I don't have nearly enough points yet, but just planning ahead.

8 hours ago, mistertomatoe said:

Looks like they are throwing in big with NCL. They also have a group cruise offered to certain players along with some contests. 

 

Three million points for a 4 day cruise?!?! No airfare. They’re making it sound like it’s a lot better than a regular free cruise.

 

They do throw in airfare for some of the contests but the fees they have you pay for winning are a joke: https://www.playstudios.com/rules/ I wonder how many winners actually go through with it.

 

I already used the $750 off reward so it looks like I have to wait 180 days to get another one. By then I should have plenty of points. I might go for a “free” cruise as long as I can pile on a $500 CruiseFirst, Shareholder OBC, and even an Amex offer.

Thanks for all your tips and suggestions.  You are the man! I only started doing this three days ago.  I'm running Android emulator on my PC and checking it a few times a day.  Only some of the apps will "time out", so I got a macro mouse recorder.  The only problem is sometimes they will randomly crash.  But maybe 15 minutes worth of work a day for about 30,000 points.  I travel with NCL a lot and I don't gamble so this is a money saver for me.  I just went on one in Feb and had Amex Promo + Stock credit, so the cruise it self was decent deal.  I also got another in May, which was decent. I did the cruisefirst several months ago.  Funny too, been on like 12 NCL cruises and never have done cruisenext.  Anyway, thanks again.. keep me posted on your bookings, I am curious how the process goes.  I was thinking of just doing doing the $750 off, but some of the free cruises seem to align with my  / wife work schedule.. so will see.

On 2/28/2023 at 11:36 AM, scar4711 said:

The admin fee is for the "free" cruises. there are no admin fees for the 250/500/750 off vouchers.

 

For the free cruises, how do you know which ship its on? I see the dates.. do you know? Just wondering. 

16 hours ago, 603NHCruiser said:

@NyYankees2k3 see @gsalbato's response from the same question that you posted last month.

There are six games in total that collect loyalty points (LPs) through myVEGAS. you can earn LPs in various ways in the different games, however the primary way is through playing, or by having the games open and allowing the game timers to run if you use an android smart device.

 

The six games are:

myVEGAS Classic (available through FB), my KONAMI Slots (available through FB and mobile), myVEGAS Bingo (mobile), myVEGAS Blackjack (mobile) POP! Slots (mobile), and MGM Slots Live (mobile)

 

There is a maximum number of LPs that can be earned in each game, with different re-set times for each game as well as different re-sets if you are on PC, iPhone, or an Android device. There are a ton of FB groups as well as how to groups available on the internet. my best suggestion is to read a lot about it and if you are a regular cruiser look into ways to maximize the number of points that you earn each day. this can me done by running a program on your computer that mimics android phones and you can have all six games running at once collecting points.

 

If done correctly, you can easily earn the 35K LPs that gsalbato referenced. the max with level ups and bonuses is actually closer to 48.5K, but that takes constant work.

 

I can manage just under a million LPs a month. This has translated to tons of free cruises on Royal, MSC, & NCL. not to mention free rooms in Vegas as well as tons of other discounts and rewards.

 

Thanks I totally missed that, last night I was reading and working on my own strategy.  This is super helpful.  Thank you!

11 hours ago, Cannotwaitocruise said:

Thinking about snatching the $750, but concerned about this administration fee.  Anybody have the correct info?  I do not have any other vouchers to redeem.  

 

How did you get so many points?

On 1/23/2023 at 11:15 PM, timberframe!!! said:

My wife and I each bought the 750.00 off coupon hoping to use both coupons on the same cruise. NCL casino said no today. They say we would have to buy two separate cruises. Bummer, this could get expensive.

How long is it taking you to get that many points? Any tips/tricks?  I don't gamble, but a $750 off with some effort, seems like a no brainer.

1 hour ago, Laszlo said:

Looks like they crammed in so more loungers in Vibe. Never seen that many there

Have you bought Vibe in past? Do you know where do purchase once you get on board? Thanks.

On 2/12/2023 at 12:15 AM, devinelaw said:

CAPTAINS LOG, STAR DATE 2/11/2023 😂. It’s late.  

NCL ESCAPE LIVE REVIEW…..

 

Saturday Evening, Day One:

 

Dinner:  Dinner was in Savor’s at 8:45pm.  It was very good!!  See pics!

 

Guest Services:  Had to stop by, had $410 in onboard credit’s but only info on $270 dropped by room but got it resolved.  Also didn’t have our Thermal Spa passes dropped in room but learned you get those taken care of in Spa, checked that box off.  We’re supposed to have 12 bottled waters with FAS Plus, still working on that.

 

Shows: We attended the Dazzling Deceptions Magic Show with Brian Ledbetter from Seattle in the Theater at 9pm.  Great show!!  He starts in Branson Missouri in March through December.

At 11pm we watched the Comedy Night with Vince Acevedo at Headliners.  Very very funny, was an equal opportunity offender.  

 

Vibe Beach Club:  We have sailed NCL three times and got passes for the Vibe BC each time.  It’s one of our favorite places.  One piece of advice for NCL.  In the past we had to purchase passes online and got the entrance card or band once you purchased allowing access on the day we boarded.  This time they we purchased online and were put in our cabins which were not ready until late so this kept us from going to the Vibe BC to hangout on Saturday.  We found other things to do but would’ve been nice to have access since we paid a premium for it.

 

Starbucks:  Stopped by SB and got my Hot Venti White Chocolate Mocha with whipped cream & 5x shots ☕️, maybe that’ll keep me awake.  Wife got same but iced w/o shots and whipped cream.

 

Luggage & Misc.:  Some had asked specifically about usb fan we packed being confiscated, it made it to room and case of mini cokes and sprites we packed they made it to room too as well as all our room snacks!  Actually everything we packed was there.  Did use TSA approved locks, not sure if that made a difference or not.  Also with cokes, they have Coke Zero and just about every time we order a Coke they give us a can.

 

Editors Note 😂:  Excuse any typos in the posts, spell correct and fast typing may happen from time to time.  My sweetheart 🥰 is monitoring my posts and lovingly pointed them out.  She’s an accountant, very particular, I’m an attorney and go for accuracy but also move fast, I’ve usually got people for catching things in review, but she wouldn’t volunteer for that on the cruise 😜😂

 

It’s midnight and we’re tired and going to bed 😴😴😴😴

It looks like you are enjoying your cruise, do you know where to buy Vibe on the ship.  I didn't realize they were selling it in advance.  I have priority boarding with platinum status.  So hoping to get it when we get on the ship, thank you in advance.  Enjoy!

3 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

I check them myself. With MSC, the age of the guest has an impact on the price. I'm booking for a family of 4 so it isn't as simple as $xxx per person when those prices are usually for guests #1&#2.

 

There is also the Voyager's Club discount which in the past has been 5%, 5%+5%, 5%+10%, or 5%+15%. Those discounts can come and go at any time but it's possible to add a discount months after booking if a better discount comes along. For example, let's say I book and the total price after 5% discount is $5,000. Even if the price goes up months later but the discount is then 5%+5%, I can get the better discount applied to the original lower price. It can be tricky (MSC will often mess up a booking if changes are made) but so far, everything has worked for me with MSC.....eventually. 

 Okay thanks.  I have two kids 5 and 2.  We went on Carnival with my son this year (my last choice of cruise lines), but it was drivable.  We are flying to Florida with him in a few months to go on NCL.  Daughter is staying home.  I think we will wait to take everyone on a cruise, when daughter turns 4.  Right now I couldn't imagine all of us staying in the same cabin, but when you look at 2, costs go $$.  Thanks again.  Just wondering to you use TA for MSC, or you book directly?

5 minutes ago, MsTabbyKats said:

I've been on MSC twice....with the general population and I loved it.  We're doing YC this time because of what I said about my husband.  But, when I saw it was cheaper to do YC than NCL "balcony guarantee"...booking MSC was a "no brainer".

 

I'm platinum on NCL....been in every kind of cabin they have, except Haven.  And the prices have gone wild!

 

We are really low key people...."buffet people"....because as a general rule, I've never cared for MDR food.  I even skip the specialty restaurants we're entitle to....because I like the NCL buffet so much.

 

My last cruise on MSC was a 7 day pizza party!  I did not like the buffet or the MDR.  But you can't beat the pizza (I'm a pizza snob).  I'm hoping to like YC food...but if not, there's pizza delivery.

Okay thanks. I agree there was a period of time we didn't go on NCL for about 1.5 years because of price hikes, however, we just went in November, have one next month, and May also.  The prices are higher, but we did get some pretty good deals on all of them.  Looking now for future ones, seems like prices are back up again, so that's why I was thinking about MSC.  I'm not very particular myself, when it comes to food, but I do try to avoid the buffets.  Thanks again for your feedback.

15 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

I've done both Haven and Yacht Club on several occasions. Whether NCL or MSC, the ship choice can make a big difference. 

 

There are some things that NCL Haven does better. 

There are some things that MSC Yacht Club does better. 

Neither is perfect. 

 

Generally, MSC butlers have been better but I've never had a bad butler on either line. I'd give the NCL concierges a better grade than the MSC concierges. Haven concierges seem to have a bit more influence over other parts of the ship in order to get things done for the Haven guests vs. what Yacht Club concierges can get done. 

 

 

 

Again, ship choice makes a difference. I haven't sailed Divina but I have sailed Seaside, Seashore and Meraviglia. There is shade on all three (Seaside eventually learned to put loungers in the shaded area) but we also had a cabana/pergola every time. The buffet/food options and bar service right on the sundeck give MSC the advantage over NCL. The option to cover the pool in bad weather on most BA/BA Plus Haven ships is an advantage for NCL. Some people like the "indoor" feel of the Haven pool (except for Getaway) and some people like the view of the ocean from the Yacht Club pool. Yacht Club pools tend to be deeper (more than 6ft) but that also depends on the ship. 

 

Included Spa access, wi-fi,  and included drink package is a Yacht Club advantage but with NCL promos and options, Haven guests can basically get the same things. 

 

Stateroom options are more abundant on NCL. It is very rare to have 2 bathrooms even with MSC's largest suites. A DOS or Garden Villa on NCL is larger/more impressive than an Owner's Suite or Royal Suite on MSC but NCL will cost much more. A whirlpool on the balcony (looking at you, Prima 😠) is less expensive with MSC Yacht Club options. 

 

Pricing is always part luck, part skill. When prices go up and down like a roller coaster, some people will hop on when the price is low. Some will be shocked when the price is high. I'm one of the people who gets low prices more often than not. One of the Royal Suites that I booked on MSC was only $200 more than what some people paid for a Deluxe Suite on the same cruise. One Haven aft-facing suite that I had was almost $4,000 less than what some other people paid for the same class of suite and their balcony was smaller than mine. These weren't last minute deals. These were cruises that were booked far in advance before prices increased. 

 

I enjoy both Haven and Yacht Club and I prefer that they aren't the same. 

Another question for you.  You are just like me, I am always looking and hunting for deals.  Do you just check them manually yourself.  Or do you use any website? cr.. fish..  I've always thought about even making some scripts to check price and even email myself for drops.

Edit - Didn't realize cru fish doesnt exit anymore but i found another one.

2 minutes ago, MsTabbyKats said:

So....here's my 2 cents.

DH always said "the day he'd need a butler would be the day he couldn't do things for himself".

Life happened and he's recovering (very well I may add) from major surgury....but balance has been an issue.

I didn't want him to stand on long lines or carry his plate in the buffet....so I checked the YCI on Meraviglia.  It was a few dollars less for 8 days than a 7 day "sail away balcony guarantee" on NCL Getaway for the same week.

To me, worth the price if only to avoid "standing, walking, waiting issues".  The bar, the spa, the dining, the butler.....all bonuses.

I think that Ocean Cay as a YC passenger will far surpasses NCL's GSC, where you have to tendar even if you're in the Haven.

I've checked Haven prices....and although I can afford it....it just isn't "cost effective".

I feel the same as you, we could book Haven, but rather not.  We upgrade and paid to do Haven for first time this year it was great.  I love all the upgraded amenities, but honestly we never really "used" our butler.   I couldn't tell from your comment if you have actually been on MSC? Wasn't sure how you compared it overall to Norwegian. 

21 minutes ago, gmbhardy said:

We’ve sailed more than 10 times in the Haven and six times in the YC. Service is generally better in the YC (Butler service is hit and miss on both). The sun/pool deck on the YC has a bar and buffet restaurant (open breakfast and lunch) making it far superior to the Haven. The included YC drink package offers more top shelf liquors. The Haven bartenders are mixologists and much better than their counterparts in the YC. We actually prefer the smaller portion sizes in the YC restaurant (you still have the option of ordering as much as you want). The Top Sail Lounge in the YC has nightly entertainment with pretty consistent waiter service as opposed to the Horizon Lounge in the Haven. NCL’s loyalty program is better than MSC’s. NCL entertainment is better.  The Haven has more cabin choices. YC includes Spa access. If you’re doing a Caribbean cruise, the one major inclusion that sets the YC apart from the Haven is MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, where cruisers in the YC have their own private restaurant and beach area. The price difference between the two experiences was quite substantial a few years back but the YC prices are increasing to the point that some sailings are priced not that far apart. We are sailing in the Haven in two weeks on the Joy and have also booked a B2B on the Seascape in November. We enjoy both experiences but if I had to choose one I’d pick the YC because it’s still better value.

How do you like MSC in General.  I'm platinum on NCL, pretty close to next status.  I have never been on MSC before, but I am gold, because of a Status match years ago.  Not sure if that means much.  I've only done NCL Haven 1 time, this year, and we paid to upgrade.  Personally, I'd rather go on 3 balcony cruises than do 1 haven (give or take..).  However, in General, MSC has always been tempting to try.  I have not heard good things above food and just the people on the ship, being a little rude in general.  Thought's?  Thank you!

1 hour ago, rxlowry said:

Did the haven on Joy in February and YC on Grandiosa in October.  I think msc was better with exception of food.  There were some hits and misses with the menu that does change daily.  Haven did a nice consistent job though.   Service on MSC was far superior.  Butler was amazing.  Nice having minibar included.  Enjoyed the sun deck buffet and having pool in addition to hot tubs.  Lounge better with snacks available and live music at night.  Escorts available to take you everywhere.   I blogged about both Alpacamybagsblog dot com if you want lots of details and photos.  

What are you thoughts on the ship clientele on MSC?  I've always thought to try in general, and even do Yacht club. However, I've heard such mixed things about Food + rude passengers. Thought's?

1 hour ago, scar4711 said:

here's my experience:

 

Sunday I "bought" the $250 voucher from the Konomi app.  

Monday - called the Casinos at Sea Number. Waiting about 10 mins until I got connected to a great agent.  I was apparently her first redemption, and she was happy that I was patient through the whole thing.   She had a problem bringing up the code, but after she entered my Latitudes number, the voucher was already attached to my account. 

I then threw a spanner into everything and got the Free at Sea Plus - yet another thing she never booked before.

 

but it all got done.  just the strange thing on the invoice under requests was for a Congratulations cake... 🙂

 

 

See my above posts.. Just wondering, so is it a legit $250 off a cruise?  Let's say you find a 2 person, balcony cruise for like $2,300 off peak these days.. plus their fees, etc, would you expect pretty much $250 off?

2 hours ago, gsalbato said:

The $750 off award was the only one not offered this morning. Dang it.  More hunting tomorrow.

How long did it take you to get enough points.  I've heard of this app before, I don't gamble really,  but $750 off a cruise would be nice.  At first, I thought you could redeem right away, but looked at the wrong points.  Looks like the millions of points you get for free get converted to the premium ones, then you use those premium ones.  But man.. 750,000 points, that's a lot of playing slots on a game.. ha.

On 12/19/2021 at 6:16 PM, LGW59 said:

Me thinks the future is here.

Ive been on 17 cruises and the first time I ever bought insurance was for the cruise we have coming up in February.  I didn't get cancel for any reason, because they only cover 75% of trip and you must use 2 days before you leave.  Anyway I did buy the regular insurance, what covers you basically if I got covid before I left.  What good is the insurance then? If the cruise line gives you FCC for the same.  I think I could still get a refund.  Don't want to waste $100 for no reason.

6 minutes ago, ColeThornton said:

 

 

What is it now?

 

How about now?  lol

I'm down so much on cruise stocks. Expecting to loss everything.

I hope NCL makes it. I bought 100 shares last year.  I own 300 now, bought more too early.  I'm down more money on cruise stocks than all of my 19 cruises cost.  

17 minutes ago, Laszlo said:

Did you book directly with NCL? Check your email also

I did .. nothing got text last night . That's it. It's 3pm... Nothing!!

6 minutes ago, dales wife said:

 

We were thinking the same thing! Lol.

Still waiting my friend.. NCL site is slow to update.  Ive been refreshing and the "130pm" update came live way after 2pm.. we got 30 minutes till 3pm.

11 minutes ago, dales wife said:

 

I was going to ask if you could check with someone there onboard. I agree with you that it doesn’t make sense not to load up the passengers who are obviously already here in Miami, since the ship will be heading out anyway. Like I said, the MSC Seaside is heading back out (later today) with passengers onboard.

 

If any are wondering, for us, this is not all about the cruise. I live in Myrtle Beach and my family takes hurricanes seriously, evacuating when told to do so. At this point, to us the safest  thing would be to board the passengers tomorrow, even departing early if need be, rather than all of us figuring out another means of evacuating. 

 

I also just called the number on the card that NCL’s rep handed me. The person I got said there is no word  that the cruise is cancelled, but like you said, she said check the website, and we should know by three today. Meanwhile, we are sitting here in the Airport’s rental car area, waiting.

Good luck I'm on the beach in Miami , waiting.

We are from North Carolina. Understand.

Hope for the best.

Hopefully not a conspiracy theory by NCL to not do the last full all inclusive on Sky. Lololol hahah.

14 minutes ago, Mightyjoey1 said:

Also...the space on that ship is probably reserved more for the people already on the ship; most likely, that ship will be long gone by 5 pm tomorrow.  I hope I am wrong, but I'm kinda leaning towards us being cancelled unfortunately

 

The people on the ship must depart by 7am tomorrow... It will be crew only if they leave with no passengers

8 minutes ago, Mightyjoey1 said:

I'm on this ship too, and as much as I want it not to be true, it just makes too much sense; there are mandatory evacuations starting to take place down there, and there is a place much more at risk than the port.  I was hoping we might sneak on by the hair of our chinny chin chins, but it isn't looking good

 

Why do you say that.. I'm thinking the storm has slowed down.. there's no reason. For them to loose 1.5 million in revenue, when the boat is already there... They can load up everyone and leave early.. the storm won't even be close.