Finally offered the elusive "Free Cruise" from the casino...

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

It only took FIFTY TWO sailings on Carnival to finally have a "Free" cruise offer come my way. Towards the end of our recent sailing on the Legend I was given an envelope from one of the pit people (I suppose they knew I'd come back to that table, LOL).

 

We've taken a few cruises on both NCL and Celebrity which were complimentary, with more coming later this year and next. I have seen offers in the mail before from Carnival for reduced fare cruises or complimentary cruises on select sailings (never meshed with my schedule). This letter, if acted upon within 14 days of receipt, was good for a "Complimentary Balcony on a 6-day or more cruise" -or- "Complimentary Suite on a 3-day to 5-day cruise" -plus- some free "Casino Cash". The cruise must also occur within the next 6 months.

 

Knowing that any 5 day (or shorter) sailing pretty much meant a Fantasy class ship (no steakhouse), I pictured the suite being one of those small Cat 11 cabins near the lifeboats with an obstructed view and non-private balcony. Thus I started to look at 6+ day cruises, and see if anything coincided with any weeks off in my schedule over the next 6 months. The only week I have open during that time frame (other vacations and cruises already booked during time off) was Spring Break week. My list was further narrowed by what ships had a Guy's Burger Joint... :D

 

We decided on the 6-day Breeze sailing, as it will have us back on a Saturday (never cared for Sunday debarkation) and from what I have seen, the decor of the ship is much easier on the eyes thanks to the absence of Joe Farcus! One of the more significant issues that arises occasionally on Carnival is having someone on the balcony next to us who smokes like a chimney. Thus we decided to go for a Cloud 9 Spa Balcony cabin. That required $170 pp to upgrade from a balcony guarantee (would NEVER book a guarantee, especially on a Dream class ship). We were also responsible for fees/taxes of $111 each. So, for something in the $500 range, we have a nice cabin on a new ship. I had fully expected to have a long hiatus from Carnival, so this offer was well timed on their part. It's my understanding that they started this program in September.

 

Now, if I end up with one hand (against the dealer 6) turning into a monster like this (see below) when we sail on the Breeze, all that I ask for is that the dealer NOT DRAW TO 20 THIS TIME (busting with his 16 would be much more desirable, and certainly less costly)!! Naturally a couple of those ended up being DOUBLED to boot!! :eek: I could not split the last pair of 7's, as they only allow you to split to a maximum of 4 hands...

 

 

Those were ANYTHING BUT "FUN PAIRS" !! Not the way to finish up the last night of our Legend cruise!! :(

 

 

Tom

[sjn911]

Congrats..really a complete dummie on the gambling things you are sharing. like football rules I am afraid,,,but it is great you like it and do it enough to get some perk travel finally on all your different cruise lines even Carnival in situation that suits...Sarah

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Congrats..really a complete dummie on the gambling things you are sharing,,,but it it great you like it and do it enough to get some perk travel finally on all your different cruise lines...Sarah

 

Thanks.

 

Trust me, there are times I wish I did not enjoy playing! ;)

 

Tom

[quickrate]

All I can say, Tom, is it's about time!!

Pat

[BeeBeeCee]

Congrats! :D

[Alliezona09]

Congrats and sorry about that hand~ That sucks!!

[Rena921]

Congrats! All we ever get for our hours at the tables are free drinks! :p Enjoy your free cruise! Wish we were on that one with ya!

[Sh1035]

I feel your pain! Last month on the dream I couldn't get a break. The last night I lost 500 bucks on 4 hands in about 4 minutes. Decided that was it and went and packed! I've learned when I. Double down on a 10 I am going to get a 2! Good news on the free cruise! Well we all know not really free ;) But its a gamble we take and I like to think oh well, I actually didn't lose I just paid for my trip!

[Sparky2]

Congratulations, Tom & Cheryl. Hope to cruise again with you guys.

[campdaan]

Congrats Tom n Cheryl.

 

I hope we can sail with you again, someday.

[GranysT]

Congrats Tom, on the 'almost' free cruise. Carnival owed you big time, so glad they're finally paying up a little. Now, take the extra "free" cash and WIN. Have a wonderful cruise.

[jimbug]

Congrats on the free cruise!

 

This may be a dumb question, but I was just looking at your signature, and I noticed you were Diamond on Royal Caribbean with only one prior cruise with them. How does that work?

[bills blasters]

Congrats on the Free Cruise. I am sure you will have a good time.

Just curious. I remember reading that you had an aft wrap on the Dream a bit ago. Wondering how you liked it compared to the other aft wraps on other ships. We have one booked in Jan. Hoping it is as nice as the ones we have had on the Splendor and the Liberty.

Claudia

[Jimmy Geegitz]

It only took FIFTY TWO sailings on Carnival to finally have a "Free" cruise offer come my way. Towards the end of our recent sailing on the Legend I was given an envelope from one of the pit people (I suppose they knew I'd come back to that table, LOL).

 

We've taken a few cruises on both NCL and Celebrity which were complimentary, with more coming later this year and next. I have seen offers in the mail before from Carnival for reduced fare cruises or complimentary cruises on select sailings (never meshed with my schedule). This letter, if acted upon within 14 days of receipt, was good for a "Complimentary Balcony on a 6-day or more cruise" -or- "Complimentary Suite on a 3-day to 5-day cruise" -plus- some free "Casino Cash". The cruise must also occur within the next 6 months.

 

Knowing that any 5 day (or shorter) sailing pretty much meant a Fantasy class ship (no steakhouse), I pictured the suite being one of those small Cat 11 cabins near the lifeboats with an obstructed view and non-private balcony. Thus I started to look at 6+ day cruises, and see if anything coincided with any weeks off in my schedule over the next 6 months. The only week I have open during that time frame (other vacations and cruises already booked during time off) was Spring Break week. My list was further narrowed by what ships had a Guy's Burger Joint... :D

 

We decided on the 6-day Breeze sailing, as it will have us back on a Saturday (never cared for Sunday debarkation) and from what I have seen, the decor of the ship is much easier on the eyes thanks to the absence of Joe Farcus! One of the more significant issues that arises occasionally on Carnival is having someone on the balcony next to us who smokes like a chimney. Thus we decided to go for a Cloud 9 Spa Balcony cabin. That required $170 pp to upgrade from a balcony guarantee (would NEVER book a guarantee, especially on a Dream class ship). We were also responsible for fees/taxes of $111 each. So, for something in the $500 range, we have a nice cabin on a new ship. I had fully expected to have a long hiatus from Carnival, so this offer was well timed on their part. It's my understanding that they started this program in September.

 

Now, if I end up with one hand (against the dealer 6) turning into a monster like this (see below) when we sail on the Breeze, all that I ask for is that the dealer NOT DRAW TO 20 THIS TIME (busting with his 16 would be much more desirable, and certainly less costly)!! Naturally a couple of those ended up being DOUBLED to boot!! :eek: I could not split the last pair of 7's, as they only allow you to split to a maximum of 4 hands...

 

 

Those were ANYTHING BUT "FUN PAIRS" !! Not the way to finish up the last night of our Legend cruise!! :(

 

 

Tom

 

I guess you losing this 1 hand paid for the "free" cruise they gave you.

[tiggerman101]

Congrats on the free cruise!

 

This may be a dumb question, but I was just looking at your signature, and I noticed you were Diamond on Royal Caribbean with only one prior cruise with them. How does that work?

 

It is not a dumb question. RCCL and Celebrity are under the same company. The company shares loyalty levels between the two line. Tom is "Elite" on Celebrity which corresponds to the "Diamond" level on RCCL. Although they only have one cruise on RCCL, they are considered "Diamond" due to their Celebrity status.

 

I am "Platinum" on RCCL and will be taking my first Celebrity cruise in March. Because of my RCCL status, I am already registered on the Celebrity cruise as "Select" and receive all the perks that go along with it.

 

Anyway, Have fun guys. You earned it!

[Almost Packed]

It only took FIFTY TWO sailings on Carnival to finally have a "Free" cruise offer come my way. Towards the end of our recent sailing on the Legend I was given an envelope from one of the pit people (I suppose they knew I'd come back to that table, LOL).

 

We've taken a few cruises on both NCL and Celebrity which were complimentary, with more coming later this year and next. I have seen offers in the mail before from Carnival for reduced fare cruises or complimentary cruises on select sailings (never meshed with my schedule). This letter, if acted upon within 14 days of receipt, was good for a "Complimentary Balcony on a 6-day or more cruise" -or- "Complimentary Suite on a 3-day to 5-day cruise" -plus- some free "Casino Cash". The cruise must also occur within the next 6 months.

 

Knowing that any 5 day (or shorter) sailing pretty much meant a Fantasy class ship (no steakhouse), I pictured the suite being one of those small Cat 11 cabins near the lifeboats with an obstructed view and non-private balcony. Thus I started to look at 6+ day cruises, and see if anything coincided with any weeks off in my schedule over the next 6 months. The only week I have open during that time frame (other vacations and cruises already booked during time off) was Spring Break week. My list was further narrowed by what ships had a Guy's Burger Joint... :D

 

We decided on the 6-day Breeze sailing, as it will have us back on a Saturday (never cared for Sunday debarkation) and from what I have seen, the decor of the ship is much easier on the eyes thanks to the absence of Joe Farcus! One of the more significant issues that arises occasionally on Carnival is having someone on the balcony next to us who smokes like a chimney. Thus we decided to go for a Cloud 9 Spa Balcony cabin. That required $170 pp to upgrade from a balcony guarantee (would NEVER book a guarantee, especially on a Dream class ship). We were also responsible for fees/taxes of $111 each. So, for something in the $500 range, we have a nice cabin on a new ship. I had fully expected to have a long hiatus from Carnival, so this offer was well timed on their part. It's my understanding that they started this program in September.

 

Now, if I end up with one hand (against the dealer 6) turning into a monster like this (see below) when we sail on the Breeze, all that I ask for is that the dealer NOT DRAW TO 20 THIS TIME (busting with his 16 would be much more desirable, and certainly less costly)!! Naturally a couple of those ended up being DOUBLED to boot!! :eek: I could not split the last pair of 7's, as they only allow you to split to a maximum of 4 hands...

 

 

Those were ANYTHING BUT "FUN PAIRS" !! Not the way to finish up the last night of our Legend cruise!! :(

 

 

Tom

 

Sadly looking at your photo reminds me of exactly what happened to me just a few days ago on the Imagination. I had 8's instead of 7's however, and doubled down on two of them that I caught a 3 on only not to make 21 but the dealer did. lost all of them. :mad: it was not a happy ending to my cruise either.

[mikel24m]

It only took FIFTY TWO sailings on Carnival to finally have a "Free" cruise offer come my way. Towards the end of our recent sailing on the Legend I was given an envelope from one of the pit people (I suppose they knew I'd come back to that table, LOL).

 

We've taken a few cruises on both NCL and Celebrity which were complimentary, with more coming later this year and next. I have seen offers in the mail before from Carnival for reduced fare cruises or complimentary cruises on select sailings (never meshed with my schedule). This letter, if acted upon within 14 days of receipt, was good for a "Complimentary Balcony on a 6-day or more cruise" -or- "Complimentary Suite on a 3-day to 5-day cruise" -plus- some free "Casino Cash". The cruise must also occur within the next 6 months.

 

Knowing that any 5 day (or shorter) sailing pretty much meant a Fantasy class ship (no steakhouse), I pictured the suite being one of those small Cat 11 cabins near the lifeboats with an obstructed view and non-private balcony. Thus I started to look at 6+ day cruises, and see if anything coincided with any weeks off in my schedule over the next 6 months. The only week I have open during that time frame (other vacations and cruises already booked during time off) was Spring Break week. My list was further narrowed by what ships had a Guy's Burger Joint... :D

 

We decided on the 6-day Breeze sailing, as it will have us back on a Saturday (never cared for Sunday debarkation) and from what I have seen, the decor of the ship is much easier on the eyes thanks to the absence of Joe Farcus! One of the more significant issues that arises occasionally on Carnival is having someone on the balcony next to us who smokes like a chimney. Thus we decided to go for a Cloud 9 Spa Balcony cabin. That required $170 pp to upgrade from a balcony guarantee (would NEVER book a guarantee, especially on a Dream class ship). We were also responsible for fees/taxes of $111 each. So, for something in the $500 range, we have a nice cabin on a new ship. I had fully expected to have a long hiatus from Carnival, so this offer was well timed on their part. It's my understanding that they started this program in September.

 

Now, if I end up with one hand (against the dealer 6) turning into a monster like this (see below) when we sail on the Breeze, all that I ask for is that the dealer NOT DRAW TO 20 THIS TIME (busting with his 16 would be much more desirable, and certainly less costly)!! Naturally a couple of those ended up being DOUBLED to boot!! :eek: I could not split the last pair of 7's, as they only allow you to split to a maximum of 4 hands...

 

 

Those were ANYTHING BUT "FUN PAIRS" !! Not the way to finish up the last night of our Legend cruise!! :(

 

 

Tom

 

I feel your pain Tom ,im sure the dealer wanted to bust knowing those reds were for the dealers.My butt would have been puckered ;)

 

Congrats on the cruise though

[cruzn buckeye]

So you say they started this in September? what exactly qualifies a player for the free cruise? Is it after you lose a large hand? Or after accumuatlive (I know I spelled that wrong :rolleyes: ) losses??

[winddawn]

Wow, congratulations, Tom! It's nice to see you back here on the Carnival board. You've been gone a while. Hope you win big on that almost free cruise. Stop back by here after your cruise and let us know how it goes.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...I've learned when I Double down on a 10 I am going to get a 2! ...

 

Sort of like how I almost expect an Ace on my doubled 11 ! :eek:

 

...

Just curious. I remember reading that you had an aft wrap on the Dream a bit ago. Wondering how you liked it compared to the other aft wraps on other ships. We have one booked in Jan. Hoping it is as nice as the ones we have had on the Splendor and the Liberty.

Claudia

 

We've sailed in aft corners (can't really call them that though) on the Dream twice - decks 6 and 7. I have also seen the balcony for deck 8. Deck 6 is the "least bad" of the bunch. The Dream class has the worst aft wrap balconies - small and not private at all. Not only that, but on the largest of them (again, deck 6), you have the promenade right below you which juts out - thus you're watching people walk around more than seeing the wake of the ship... :(

 

We were upgraded on 1 of our three Dream sailings to a mid-ship suite on deck 7. That balcony was very close to the Ocean Plaza - and had a hot tub right below us. On sea days (when we enjoy hanging out on our balcony) it was anything but peaceful. I look forward to being in a non-smoking area and way up high (away from Promenade) on the Breeze!

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I guess you losing this 1 hand paid for the "free" cruise they gave you.

 

Certainly with the pile I would have had if the dealer had busted!!! For this booking they wrote off just over $2,000 of the cruise fare.

 

Sadly looking at your photo reminds me of exactly what happened to me just a few days ago on the Imagination. I had 8's instead of 7's however, and doubled down on two of them that I caught a 3 on only not to make 21 but the dealer did. lost all of them. :mad: it was not a happy ending to my cruise either.

 

It's amazing how those things clump together sometimes! You can see it unfolding (unraveling!) in your mind - knowing that "this is going to be either very good... or very bad". For whatever reason, I seem to lose more often than not when statistically it's in my "favor"... lol!

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I feel your pain Tom ,im sure the dealer wanted to bust knowing those reds were for the dealers.My butt would have been puckered ;)

 

Yes, she felt pretty bad about that. Very nice person ("just the messenger" I tell myself)!

 

 

So you say they started this in September? what exactly qualifies a player for the free cruise? Is it after you lose a large hand? Or after accumuatlive (I know I spelled that wrong :rolleyes: ) losses??

 

No idea regarding the guidelines. Perhaps we'll hear more people talking about it. I saw them give away one other envelope (can only assume it was something similar) to a fellow who appeared at the $25 table on the LAST DAY. He was playing from $50 to $250/hand. I asked him where he had been all cruise (misery loves company after all). He replied that he'd been losing elsewhere!

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Wow, congratulations, Tom! It's nice to see you back here on the Carnival board. You've been gone a while. Hope you win big on that almost free cruise. Stop back by here after your cruise and let us know how it goes.

 

I'll do that!

 

Tom

[LHP]

All I can say is ABOUT TIME CARNIVAL.....

 

congrats!!!!

 

 

(although I do have to wonder how much that "free" cruise will cost you???) LOL

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

All I can say is ABOUT TIME CARNIVAL.....

 

congrats!!!!

 

 

(although I do have to wonder how much that "free" cruise will cost you???) LOL

 

I have broke even on a couple of "Free" cruises, even won a couple of thousand on one. Generally though I end up donating back the "Free" amount or more. Thus, they are smart to make the offer. I, on the other hand, am... :eek: :D

 

Tom