Ocean Players Club is Pathetic!

[Huddler]

I have cruised many lines including Cunard, Oceania, RCCL, Princess,

Disney, etc. And let me say that I have thoroughly enjoyed every cruise I have ever taken. I typically cruise 1 or 2 times per year. We sailed on the Princess Star exactly 2 weeks before she caught fire and burned. For that cruise, I called the Ocean Players Club who apparently run the Princess casino's to establish a credit line with them. They emailed me a credit application which I executed and faxed back to them. After a couple weeks, I hadnt heard anything so I called them back. They said they had received my application but had misplaced it so I re-sent it. I called them again a few days later and they confirmed that I would have a credit line in the casino and I was good to go. They said I simply had to go to the casino cage and they would know all about it.

 

So, the first night of the cruise I head down to the casino and they dont have any record of me, my credit line, and have no idea what I am even talking about. I like to gamble so this wasnt good. The casino manager said he would contact Miami and see what the deal was. I returned the following night and he still hadnt contacted anyone and had a really bad attitude. He finally got around to my credit app issue around the 5th day of the cruise. Of course, he didnt notify me, but I had to go to the casino to check on my status. By then I was a VERY unhappy camper. Dont get me wrong, I LOVED the cruise and Princess did a wonderful job all the way around. But I had a VERY poor experience with the casino managers and the Ocean Players Club. My job is VERY high stress and I cruise to be in that inexplicable "cruise mode" where I am hyper-relaxed. The annoyance with the casino took away some of my joy from an otherwise fantastic experience. I left a detailed explanation of this issue on the comment card and wrote a letter to Princess telling them how much I loved the product but hated the company managing their casino. I never heard a word back and havent sailed on Princess since.

 

That is the backdrop for my story today. I will be sailing on the Eurodam on December 26th out of Ft Lauderdale. This will be my first HAL cruise and I am very excited to say the least. My Aunt has a couple dozen HAL cruises under her belt and she has begged me to try them for years. So, I am finally doing so and will be sailing with my wife, bil, and sil, all of whom also like casino gambling. I looked up the casino at the HAL site and it shows that Oceans Players Club also runs their casino's. My heart sank! I immediately called Oceans and told them that I had established a credit line with them on Princess. I told them I would be happy to fill out another application, but was told that wasnt necessary. She told me that she would just look my account up and would notify the Eurodam casino. I explained the previous issue I had on Princess. She told me that she would call me if there was any problem. I told her that I wanted her to call me back as soon as she located my account, and wanted to verify that I would not have the issue I had previously. She assured me that she would call me within 24 hours. That was 2 weeks ago and I havent heard a word.

 

Again, I love to cruise because it relaxes me. Gambling relaxes me. I dont know if I want to go through the stress of dealing with this clearly incompetent company that these ships allow to run their casinos. I went to the HAL site and it lets you send a gift of chips to your account but it only goes up to $990. I need more than that. Is there a better way to get money into your casino account without having to pay 3%? What I am doing wrong to get such miserable service from these folks? Anybody have any experience with Oceans Players Club? I plan to call them back tomorrow and it might be an unpleasant conversation. Thanks for letting me vent!

[iceman93]

Well, a couple of thoughts come to mind.

 

First, you're screwed. OPC does indeed run the casinos on HAL ships, and if you've got bad karma with them then there's not much that can be done. It would be like asking how to get a better spa experience without Steiner--they run the HAL spas, so you're stuck.

 

That being said, if you're as big a high roller as you imply, then the 3% hit shouldn't really faze you at all. Just go to the casino manager as soon as you board and explain the situation to him. Don't bitch about your Princess experience but say that you've had trouble with OPC handling a gambler of your caliber in the past, and that you intend to be a very good customer during your cruise. At this point having an American Express Centurion card, Visa Signature card, or World Mastercard might help. Tell him that you don't mind paying the 3% fee for your first $5,000 of chips (or whatever), but that after that you want a 1-for-1 exchange. Dollar signs should now be flashing in his eyes.

 

And then of course you have to live up to this expectation you've established for yourself. After a couple of nights of heavy gambling (which will almost certainly mean heavy losses--come on, be realistic), you will have made a name for yourself as a high roller on board and shouldn't have any more problems.

[DFD1]

HAL needs and wants your business.

 

If it were me, I would make some calls to HAL's Seattle headquarters and persist until I talked with someone who could handle this for me....and reply in such a way that you have some confidence that the matter has actually been taken care of.

 

I doubt that you will get satisfaction from the first person who answers the phone, but i believe that someone in the organization will want to help you with this.

[SwissMyst]

Adrenalin rushes when gambling are exciting; not relaxing. Spa massages are relaxing. Listening to music can be relaxing. Peak experiences when the world falls away requiring 100% concentration are a whole 'nuther thing. Like extreme sports.

 

High stakes gambling would be one of those 100% concentration experiences. But again, not "relaxing". Just trying to bring some facts to the discussion.

 

Gambling you will get your line of credit just adds some pre-fun to the equation. Same thing. So it should be relaxing not knowing how this will come out, right?

[hammybee]

There are high rollers and then there are HIGH ROLLERS. I know nothing about gaming but have shared a dinner table or two with HIGH ROLLERS who cruise the same intinerary, most of the summer. For them, it was all about onboard relaxing and gaming, after dinner. They went through $ thousands each day.

 

Anyway, why not purchase multiple gift chips for yourself and be done with it. That should also help you earn some points with your credit card provider. It's OP's loss that they will have to pay a fee for the transaction, instead of taking a check. Oh well.

[Huddler]

Well, a couple of thoughts come to mind.

 

First, you're screwed. OPC does indeed run the casinos on HAL ships, and if you've got bad karma with them then there's not much that can be done. It would be like asking how to get a better spa experience without Steiner--they run the HAL spas, so you're stuck.

 

That being said, if you're as big a high roller as you imply, then the 3% hit shouldn't really faze you at all. Just go to the casino manager as soon as you board and explain the situation to him. Don't bitch about your Princess experience but say that you've had trouble with OPC handling a gambler of your caliber in the past, and that you intend to be a very good customer during your cruise. At this point having an American Express Centurion card, Visa Signature card, or World Mastercard might help. Tell him that you don't mind paying the 3% fee for your first $5,000 of chips (or whatever), but that after that you want a 1-for-1 exchange. Dollar signs should now be flashing in his eyes.

 

And then of course you have to live up to this expectation you've established for yourself. After a couple of nights of heavy gambling (which will almost certainly mean heavy losses--come on, be realistic), you will have made a name for yourself as a high roller on board and shouldn't have any more problems.

Thanks Iceman! That actually sounds like a decent plan. Can I take my Am Ex card and just buy chips right at the cage on HAL? That would certainly help me avoid having to go through OPC to get a credit line or bringing alot of cash onboard which is what I have been doing on all my previous cruises. In regard to your comment about 3% not fazing me, you have to understand that I dont want to start off at the table already down. Its like these folks who will play 6-5 blackjack when a 3-2 table is available. It doesnt make sense to give the house an even greater edge than necessary from the start. Can I afford to pay 3% on my money just for the privilege of buying chips? Sure, we all could. But why would I want to if other options are available? And I am not implying that I am a "high roller"(a relative term if ever there was one) but Ive had casino managers on a couple of ships come up and introduce themselves to me because they say I spend more time in the casino than they do!!:D

[Huddler]

Adrenalin rushes when gambling are exciting; not relaxing. Spa massages are relaxing. Listening to music can be relaxing. Peak experiences when the world falls away requiring 100% concentration are a whole 'nuther thing. Like extreme sports.

 

High stakes gambling would be one of those 100% concentration experiences. But again, not "relaxing". Just trying to bring some facts to the discussion.

 

Gambling you will get your line of credit just adds some pre-fun to the equation. Same thing. So it should be relaxing not knowing how this will come out, right?

Contrary to your attempt to "bring some facts to the discucssion" gambling absolutely relaxes me like no other activity. Listening to music doesnt relax me at all. Spa experiences can sometimes be relaxing but I really dont enjoy them that much. Obviously, your experience is quite different than mine. But that doesnt make my experience any less "factual" than yours. But thanks for the unwarranted attack upon someone whom you have no clue whatsoever the affect gaming has on them....

[askworldtraveler]

I just simply buy "chips" online (max is 99 x $10 on the HAL Site) and just keep doing that until you have your spending cash for the trip. I do it "several" times using my trusty AA Citi Card - get the miles and the cash (no additional fees - just make sure you click that you want your credit at sea - not in your cabin - no tax). Easy and a great double dip....

[SwissMyst]

Contrary to your attempt to "bring some facts to the discucssion" gambling absolutely relaxes me like no other activity. Listening to music doesnt relax me at all. Spa experiences can sometimes be relaxing but I really dont enjoy them that much. Obviously, your experience is quite different than mine. But that doesnt make my experience any less "factual" than yours. But thanks for the unwarranted attack upon someone whom you have no clue whatsoever the affect gaming has on them....

 

I gamble too. The fish bit. :cool:

[Huddler]

I just simply buy "chips" online (max is 99 x $10 on the HAL Site) and just keep doing that until you have your spending cash for the trip. I do it "several" times using my trusty AA Citi Card - get the miles and the cash (no additional fees - just make sure you click that you want your credit at sea - not in your cabin - no tax). Easy and a great double dip....

When you order chips to be delivered at sea, how do you get them? Do you simply go to the casino cage or do they bring a gift card for chips to your room that you then take to the cage? if so, when do they deliver your gift card/receipt for chips? Thanks in advance.

[Huddler]

I gamble too. The fish bit. :cool:

Sorry but its a bad habit of mine when folks spout ignorant, incendiary commentary designed to be a personal attack on me. I didnt realize the HAL board had posters who enjoy baiting and attacking people for no reason other than to be a *****. But, hey thanks brother for letting me know what you are about! I am sure you are a great guy and sound like the type who would be a real joy at a blackjack table.:cool:

[IRL_Joanie]

Huddler,

 

I am sorry you are having this problem and the tensions are high for you at this time, trying to get this resolved before you get on line.

 

Let me start by saying that I am a compulsive gambler. BUT, I have not touched my vice, slot machines in over 10 years. Not since the onset of PC Slot and to me it is beating the odds without costing me $$. I make millions, if only play $$ !!

 

Be that as it may, What you see as relaxing is you and only you can feel what is totally relaxing to you. Nothing anyone else feels should deter you from the past time that makes you happy. If gambling does that, and no one suffers because of it, then go for it.

 

I'd say do what the other poster said (sorry I cannot remember the CC name right now) and do the chips x99 until you've built up, what to you is a comfortable start.

 

Enjoy your cruise, no matter where you are!!

 

Joanie

[Boytjie]

If cash worked for you before, I'd say go the stress-free way and take cash! :)

[askworldtraveler]

When you order chips to be delivered at sea, how do you get them? Do you simply go to the casino cage or do they bring a gift card for chips to your room that you then take to the cage? if so, when do they deliver your gift card/receipt for chips? Thanks in advance.

 

Card to the room and cash at the cage...... how it's been before.... easy and I am a mileage junkie.... (makes up in the air look like a light weight :-) )

[askworldtraveler]

If cash worked for you before, I'd say go the stress-free way and take cash! :)

 

Cash brings up interesting questions - and lines I don't care to cross - the good ol IRS 10,000 question - if you leave or enter the country with above this amount (any currency or equalivants) you need to fill out a easy form.... I rarely leave with over the limit - more then once come home with more.... Always declare it.... life's too short.

 

I do a fair amount of international air travel and often (especially on the Japan/Hong Kong/ Singapore flights the Treasury agents are standing right at the door to the plan asking questions and occasionally pulling someone aside for not declaring what they are leaving with.... doesn't matter your nationality..... as LAX is a gateway to Vegas and points across the pacific.

 

I've rarely seen big players on HAL - Crystal yes, Silverseas/Regent on occasion, I'm sure HAL get's it's share.....

 

Good Luck Huddler - I'm in a playing mood too for next week when I leave...

[NMLady]

I don't blame you for not wanting to pay the 3%. If you don't want to carry that much cash, what about taking Travelers Checks. The casino cage will take those for chips and there's no finance charge.

 

Or as others have suggested, get several sets of the $990 worth of chips for yourself online.

 

Good luck. I understand perfectly how gambling can be relaxing. I've often enjoyed the camaraderie and challenge at the tables (haven't enjoyed the lossess though).

[Halfmoonfan]

I agree that the Ocean Players Club is amateur hour. But it is what it is at sea, most people can not even get a drink comped by those people. But I think the casino manager on each ship makes all the difference in the world. I have had good ones and I have had bad ones. I also think the term “high roller” on a cruise ship is very different than in say Las Vegas. If one plays $25-$50 a hand for 3-4 hours a day, you would be in the top 2% of players on the ship, in Vegas that level of play will not even rate you a comp in the coffee shop on a weekend. That being said do not expect too much other than comped drinks, maybe a Pinnacle Grill dinner, etc.

 

One bit of advice I read on this thread, which I do not think is true, is that you can use your credit card in the cage for chips. I think you can only use your ship card, which of course is secured by your credit card, but I think the limit is $1000 per day. I have never tried using a credit card at the cage, so I may be wrong. Of course you are right about the credit application and you can secure that with a credit card, but you have to do that before you get on the ship. I have seen where you can send a cashier’s check to Ocean Players Club with the credit app. This will work.

 

Also FYI, I have never seen an ATM machine on a HAL ship.

[bob brown]

I read somewhere that "high rollers" get everything comped, up to and sometimes even including a cruise. Not being a gambler myself, I don't really know just how much you must gamble to attain that status, but I was just curious.

[bob brown]

I don't know about HAL, but I did find this. http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/cruiser/cmsPages.html?pageId=CasinosAtSea

[SwissMyst]

What a way to launder dirty money. Gamble in cash and get comps for cruises. But yeah, you can't take more than $10K cash. Darn it, there goes the owners suite.

[BruceMuzz]

Ocean Players Club belongs to Carnival Casinos - not HAL.

 

Real High rollers aren't required to fill out any forms or chase employees on the telephone.

Real High rollers are chased by Carnival Casinos.

They get free cruises and flights. They have comped suites and bar bills.

 

The Ship's Hotel Manager is pre-briefed on them and usually escorts then onboard and to their cabins.

Ship's Management is instructed to give them pretty much whatever they want.

 

It seems that none of these things happened to you??????

[Huddler]

Ocean Players Club belongs to Carnival Casinos - not HAL.

 

Real High rollers aren't required to fill out any forms or chase employees on the telephone.

Real High rollers are chased by Carnival Casinos.

They get free cruises and flights. They have comped suites and bar bills.

 

The Ship's Hotel Manager is pre-briefed on them and usually escorts then onboard and to their cabins.

Ship's Management is instructed to give them pretty much whatever they want.

 

It seems that none of these things happened to you??????

Nope. Nor have I ever claimed to be a "Real high roller", whatever that means. But I dont have any record of play with OPC either to my knowledge so how would they even have a rating on my play? The only OPC ship I was ever on was that Princess Star cruise, and I never got to use the credit line I was promised. Again, I am not quite sure why these snarky comments are directed toward me by a couple posters. Is there some anti-gambling bias at this board about which I am unaware? If so, I wont ever bring up the subject again. I am just displeased with the lack of service that I have received from OPC in the past and now trying to get a credit line. Does this somehow offend some users on this board that I am complaining about this contractor of HAL?

 

Regarding "Real High Rollers" as you put it, I can assure you that in order to sign markers at casino's, at least in Vegas and Tunica, you absolutely DO have to fill out forms to establish a credit line. There is no getting around that requirement to my knowledge. I have the ability to sign markers at a number of properties and each one, even within the same family of casino's, MGM or Harrahs for example, require you to execute their own seperate document. After that you are golden. They rate your play and then the offers come pouring in. I go to Vegas 3 or 4 times per year and never pay for anything. My next trip is for Superbowl weekend and I am staying at the Aria in City Center. Again, I am not claiming to be a "Real High Roller" but I do meet the requirements established to receive RFB at a number of properties. Ok?

[kakalina]

Huddler, with the new card system in the casinos I don't see where you would have a problem.

Your cruise card goes in a slot, you have a choice of using cash or drawing from your cruise account. The cruise account is the CC you have registered when you boarded. There is no % fee to use this card or access the cash.

Although it may not be available for the table games here is what I would do. I would put my card in a slot machine, I would then take out whatever amount of money I wanted. Once it is transferred to the machine I would cash out and then use the cash at the table. No muss, no fuss and no need to carrry cash around.