NCL Star - Casinos at Sea Experience

[bayview97]

Hello Everyone,

 

We were on the Star last week and wanted to share our experience with fellow CCers.

 

We received an offer in June 2011 for a “free” NCL cruise from Hollywood Casino outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. It would be our first NCL cruise. The offer was for an oceanview or lower category room and cruise had to be taken within 12 months of the offer. After reviewing itineraries, our timing and preferences, we decided on the Star and contacted Casinos at Sea. The CAS rep was competent and helpful. We decided to upgrade to a mini suite for an additional $600 and booked it. The total cost including all fees, charges, insurance was $1,258 for the cruise.

 

I pre-applied online for a line of credit and received approval a few weeks before our cruise. The advantage of having a line of credit to me was not having to carry a large amount of cash on board and avoiding the 3% fee for charging cash on my card to my room. You will need a blank check to set up your account on board and must reconcile it by Saturday night before the end of the cruise.

 

Prior to our cruise, we purchased the $50 certificates for $25 from slotplaycoupons dot com. We also purchased the $20 slot play certificates for $10 and the $100 and $50 casino credits from NCL before our cruise. All worked fine as advertised without any problems.

 

We attended the Welcome Aboard get together for CAS members on the first night. There were light snacks and we received our free drink cards. We met the casino manager who was making his rounds and talked for a while. He was nice guy and made a point to let us know NCL wanted feedback from their patrons so they could improve their services. I did not meet any hosts (there were three listed) at the get together.

 

The casino had a decent variety of games for its size. There were blackjack, slot and Texas Hold ‘em tournaments throughout the week. Anyone could enter the tournaments and CAS members could enter for a reduced fee. We participated in one of the qualifying rounds of the slot tourney but didn’t do any good. First prize for winning the final round on Saturday was $500 but not much in the way of prizes for if you didn’t win it all.

 

I play a lot of video poker in the states and played a lot on the cruise. My better half spent limited time playing penny and 2-cent slots. I knew going in that video poker pay schedules on cruise ships were weak and the Star casino was no different. The best pay schedule I found was Jacks or Better 8-5 (97.3% return) on the Game King machines. Unfortunately, it costs $5 or $25 a hand playing max coin for this cruise ship “premium” pay schedule, which was beyond my gaming budget. I decided to play dollar JoB 7-5 (96.1%) for the week. There were also Bonus, Deuces Wild and other games on these machines.

 

We didn’t win any jackpots during the week but did see others win which is always a good sign. I ended up with about 5,300 points ($10 thru = 1 point) for the week. I’m not sure what other cruise lines would do for this action. NCL provided some complimentary snacks (cookies and such) delivered to our cabin a few nights and a bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberries (when I specifically requested it). The main comp we received was a $150 credit off our final bill.

 

We had fun playing in the casino. The employees and crowd seemed upbeat for the most part. I didn’t find it as smoky as I’d heard but that was probably due to the locations of the video poker machines being near the casino entrance which is a more open area. Because of the free drink card and frequent tipping, I was on a first name basis with the entire bar service crew by the end of the cruise!

 

Good luck on your cruise and Royals to all!

[LaCal]

Thanks for your review....And Glad you had fun....

 

Were sailing on the Pearl in May, Our 2nd NCL Cruise and Cant Wait.....

 

We Spend alot of time in the Casino as well....Last year on our first NCL Cruise the DW hit a $4,000 Video Poker Jackpot at one of the machines at the bar....:D

 

We Also Love the Free Drink Card and little items like the Cookies, Strawberrys and Wine they send up to the room....

 

Maybe We'll either Win enough or play enough to get some Comped Speciallty Dinners....:).......Have read where people get this comp but even though We played everyday and the DW won it wasnt offered....

 

Did read on one post that after the third day of gambling one person ASKED the Host for a Comped Dinner and Got It.....Maybe thats the Trick, IF THEY DONT OFFER IT, ASK FOR IT....

[bayview97]

Hi LaCal,

 

First, congratulations for the jackpot won during your last cruise!

 

I think you are exactly right about asking the hosts for additional comps and I should have done that. We ate at both the French and Italian specialty restaurants. I'm guessing they would have comped them if I'd asked.

 

One other casino-related perk that may be of interest to you and your DW involves the NCL $250 future cruise credit. If you purchase it while onboard, they will give you an immediate $100 credit to your account. In addition, if you decide to use this $100 credit for casino play during the cruise, which we did, they will add another $25 to it.

 

Have fun on the Pearl in May and good luck!

[klbaker]

how did you get the drink card?

[Dicenator]

I'll be sailing on the Star to Bermuda on 6/17. I only play craps and the last ship I was on was the Norwegian Gem last November and the craps table was excellent. I set a personal record with a hand of 54 throws. I was on a sister ship the Jewel last June and their craps table on that ship was one of the worst I've run across.

 

 

Dicenator

[bayview97]

how did you get the drink card?

 

We received the drink cards as part of the cruise offer from Casinos at Sea. You can also become eligible for the drink card once you accumulate 1,500 points in the casino.

[nickib983]

We will be on the Star sailing out of Tampa on 4/1/12. We are looking forward to playing with CAS and seeing if there are any perks (we get a substantial amount playing with Harrah's). We decided not to upgrade our room, as we won't be spending much time in it (we are bringing our kids). Hope the pennies and higher slots are not TOO tight!

[bayview97]

I'll be sailing on the Star to Bermuda on 6/17. I only play craps and the last ship I was on was the Norwegian Gem last November and the craps table was excellent. I set a personal record with a hand of 54 throws. I was on a sister ship the Jewel last June and their craps table on that ship was one of the worst I've run across.

 

 

Dicenator

 

Wow, 54 throws?!?! Impressive and congratulations! A lot of money to be made when you're rolling like that. I think the most I've seen while playing was in the low 20's. Maybe you can confirm this but I heard the record was over 100. I'm guessing by your handle that you are dice control person. Just curious because I don't play craps that much, what makes a bad craps table?

[bayview97]

We will be on the Star sailing out of Tampa on 4/1/12. We are looking forward to playing with CAS and seeing if there are any perks (we get a substantial amount playing with Harrah's). We decided not to upgrade our room, as we won't be spending much time in it (we are bringing our kids). Hope the pennies and higher slots are not TOO tight!

 

We really enjoyed the Star and had a positive experience with CAS. DW played 2 cent slots and got a lot of play for the money. I spent most of my time playing video poker by the casino entrance and saw three different jackpots in the range of $800-$1,500 hit on the bank of 2 cent machines behind them.

 

The one thing I will do differently on NCL next time is to seek out a host and introduce myself early in the week. Then, after a reasonable amount of action, ask for comps for specialty restaurants, spa, shore excursions...etc. The worst that can happen is they will say "No".

 

Good luck and have fun on the Star!

[klbaker]

nickib983

Also sailing on the Star on 4/1/12. See you at the craps table.

[nickib983]

nickib983

Also sailing on the Star on 4/1/12. See you at the craps table.

We actually just returned from AC, where my husband mentioned he may start playing craps soon (he is a little confused by it but got a mini-lesson from someone at his flop poker table this trip). See you there!

 

Also - bayview thank you for the advice. I believe we will introduce ourself to a host first thing, also, as it seems they do not just come up to the players most of the time.

[VideoTech]

...........I play a lot of video poker in the states and played a lot on the cruise. My better half spent limited time playing penny and 2-cent slots. I knew going in that video poker pay schedules on cruise ships were weak and the Star casino was no different. The best pay schedule I found was Jacks or Better 8-5 (97.3% return) on the Game King machines. Unfortunately, it costs $5 or $25 a hand playing max coin for this cruise ship “premium” pay schedule, which was beyond my gaming budget. I decided to play dollar JoB 7-5 (96.1%) for the week. There were also Bonus, Deuces Wild and other games on these machines.

 

Welcome Bayview; glad to meet another VP player on the board. It's my game of choice, but as you say, the paytables on board ships are so bad that most of the time I try to stay away...although I never can resist entirely.

 

Like yours, my better half is the penny & 2cent slot player. She has an uncanny ability to find the machines that keep her playing over the course of the cruise, and she racks up the points.

 

Since the name of the game with CAS is getting those points, on our last cruise I decided to try playing her way and made myself play the slots a lot more, even though I find it much less interesting play. Something must have been working in my favor, though, because I hit a 2k hand pay on a "Lucky Mon" slot and then 4aces & kicker on VP for $1200. Both of these on the last day of the cruise...first time I've come off a cruise ship more or less even.

 

It would be nice if the cruise casinos would make their VP paytables a little more player friendly, particularly on the $1 and higher machines - you'd think they'd wonder why their $5 VP gets no action when they only offer 8-5 or 7-5 JoB on it! But they're just following the trend...try finding good VP at land based casinos now; it used to be everywhere, now you have to really hunt to find it.

 

As for casino hosts, it certainly never hurts to introduce yourself and ask for comps. Even if your play doesn't rate it yet when you do, you'll get them to pay attention to your play as the cruise goes on. It's been our experience, though, that they are very aware of their better players, and are quick to introduce themselves when they see the kind of action they like!

[bayview97]

Hi VideoTech,

 

Congratulations on your wins on the last day of your cruise! Always nice to hit something decent near the end of a trip. Eventhough we didn't hit anything this time, we had fun. We are looking forward to cruising again with NCL and hopefully will hit a Royal or something big next time.

 

I couldn't agree with you more about the trend occurring in VP pay tables. I'm sure NCL is following along with rest of the cruise lines. And, we will most likely continue to see a decline at land-based casinos as well.

[Nightengale212]

Thanks for the great Star Casino review :) Hubby and I will be heading out on the Star on 3/11. This cruise was a comp from Twin Rivers Casino in R.I.. I received an inside cabin comp but upgraded to a minisuite for about the same price as you got. Thought the price was pretty good as I have paid that fare for one person on Princess on similar itineraries in minisuites.

 

Looking forward to playing in the Star Casino to see if I have as good luck as I have had on Princess.

[Dicenator]

The worlds record for throws in one hand at a craps table is 154 throws and it was done at the Borgata in Atlantic City 2 or 3 years ago.

 

What makes a craps table bad is if it is extemely bouncy. If you are a dice controller it takes away most of what you are trying to do and tends to make you just a random roller. I do not play on extremely bouncy tables if I can help it.

 

On the Norwegian Jewel, the table height was somewhat low and it was very bouncy. It took me 4 days before I finally got my throwing to work the way I planned but I did really well the last 3 days and ended up winning maybe $400.

 

 

Dicenator

[bayview97]

Thanks for the great Star Casino review :) Hubby and I will be heading out on the Star on 3/11. This cruise was a comp from Twin Rivers Casino in R.I.. I received an inside cabin comp but upgraded to a minisuite for about the same price as you got. Thought the price was pretty good as I have paid that fare for one person on Princess on similar itineraries in minisuites.

 

Looking forward to playing in the Star Casino to see if I have as good luck as I have had on Princess.

 

We liked the Star a lot. I have another review of the Star under the Member Reviews section if interested. Good luck and have fun!

[bayview97]

The worlds record for throws in one hand at a craps table is 154 throws and it was done at the Borgata in Atlantic City 2 or 3 years ago.

 

What makes a craps table bad is if it is extemely bouncy. If you are a dice controller it takes away most of what you are trying to do and tends to make you just a random roller. I do not play on extremely bouncy tables if I can help it.

 

On the Norwegian Jewel, the table height was somewhat low and it was very bouncy. It took me 4 days before I finally got my throwing to work the way I planned but I did really well the last 3 days and ended up winning maybe $400.

 

 

Dicenator

 

Congrats on your win and thanks for the info and explanation. Good luck at the tables!

[dmp2010]

I've only been on one cruise with a casino (Disney was the one without) which was the Jewel. We are going on the Star May 6. Are the points everyone is talking about refer to the money you spend? 1,500 points for a drink card is that $1,500? Sorry I know its probably a silly question. Thanks for your help!

[bayview97]

I've only been on one cruise with a casino (Disney was the one without) which was the Jewel. We are going on the Star May 6. Are the points everyone is talking about refer to the money you spend? 1,500 points for a drink card is that $1,500? Sorry I know its probably a silly question. Thanks for your help!

 

No, its not a silly question. And yes, the points that everyone is talking about refers to money spent in the casino. More specifically, points are accumulated and based on the amount of money run through a slot machine or bet at table games. The NCL point formula for slot machines is 1 point for every $5 bet playing regular slots or 1 point for every $10 bet playing video poker. I am unsure of the exact formula for table games but it would be based on the specific game (blackjack, 3 card poker...etc.) being played, average bet and amount of time played.

 

As far as the "free" drink card goes, you would need to run $7,500 through a regular slot machine (or $15,000 through a video poker machine) to accumulate the 1,500 points necessary to qualify for it. We usually play a lot in the casino so wagering this amount of money was within our cruise budget (eventhough we had already received the drink cards as part of our cruise offer when booking through Casinos at Sea). However, if the required gaming action, and the risk associated with it to qualify for the card is outside of your cruise budget, you would probably be better off just purchasing drinks as you go, or asking a host or pit boss to comp an occasional drink for you while playing in the casino.

 

We really enjoyed the Star. Have fun and good luck on your cruise!

[joshef]

First of all congratulation for your winning on the last day of your cruise and thanks for the great star casino reviews. As betting on casino odds is itself very exciting and if we wins the game then there is no limit of happiness.

[munchkin002]

Hello Everyone,

 

We were on the Star last week and wanted to share our experience with fellow CCers.

 

We received an offer in June 2011 for a “free” NCL cruise from Hollywood Casino outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. It would be our first NCL cruise. The offer was for an oceanview or lower category room and cruise had to be taken within 12 months of the offer. After reviewing itineraries, our timing and preferences, we decided on the Star and contacted Casinos at Sea. The CAS rep was competent and helpful. We decided to upgrade to a mini suite for an additional $600 and booked it. The total cost including all fees, charges, insurance was $1,258 for the cruise.

 

I pre-applied online for a line of credit and received approval a few weeks before our cruise. The advantage of having a line of credit to me was not having to carry a large amount of cash on board and avoiding the 3% fee for charging cash on my card to my room. You will need a blank check to set up your account on board and must reconcile it by Saturday night before the end of the cruise.

 

Prior to our cruise, we purchased the $50 certificates for $25 from slotplaycoupons dot com. We also purchased the $20 slot play certificates for $10 and the $100 and $50 casino credits from NCL before our cruise. All worked fine as advertised without any problems.

 

We attended the Welcome Aboard get together for CAS members on the first night. There were light snacks and we received our free drink cards. We met the casino manager who was making his rounds and talked for a while. He was nice guy and made a point to let us know NCL wanted feedback from their patrons so they could improve their services. I did not meet any hosts (there were three listed) at the get together.

 

The casino had a decent variety of games for its size. There were blackjack, slot and Texas Hold ‘em tournaments throughout the week. Anyone could enter the tournaments and CAS members could enter for a reduced fee. We participated in one of the qualifying rounds of the slot tourney but didn’t do any good. First prize for winning the final round on Saturday was $500 but not much in the way of prizes for if you didn’t win it all.

 

I play a lot of video poker in the states and played a lot on the cruise. My better half spent limited time playing penny and 2-cent slots. I knew going in that video poker pay schedules on cruise ships were weak and the Star casino was no different. The best pay schedule I found was Jacks or Better 8-5 (97.3% return) on the Game King machines. Unfortunately, it costs $5 or $25 a hand playing max coin for this cruise ship “premium” pay schedule, which was beyond my gaming budget. I decided to play dollar JoB 7-5 (96.1%) for the week. There were also Bonus, Deuces Wild and other games on these machines.

 

We didn’t win any jackpots during the week but did see others win which is always a good sign. I ended up with about 5,300 points ($10 thru = 1 point) for the week. I’m not sure what other cruise lines would do for this action. NCL provided some complimentary snacks (cookies and such) delivered to our cabin a few nights and a bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberries (when I specifically requested it). The main comp we received was a $150 credit off our final bill.

 

We had fun playing in the casino. The employees and crowd seemed upbeat for the most part. I didn’t find it as smoky as I’d heard but that was probably due to the locations of the video poker machines being near the casino entrance which is a more open area. Because of the free drink card and frequent tipping, I was on a first name basis with the entire bar service crew by the end of the cruise!

 

Good luck on your cruise and Royals to all!

 

Can you tell me what the 50 and 100$ casino credits are that you purchased.

Thanks in advance!

[LaCal]

Can you tell me what the 50 and 100$ casino credits are that you purchased.

Thanks in advance!

 

The ones that say Promotional Gaming Chips $25, $50 and $100 are the ones I purchased for our Alaska Cruise...

 

When I got onboard they just gave me Cash instead of chips which was MUCH BETTER...

 

GOOD LUCK...