CAS Comp Cruise

[Sheils65]

Once upon a time it was possible to combine points from a previous cruise in order to obtain a drink card. That ended a little over a year ago, and then earlier this year a whole new program was introduced. The new program actually provides a lot more rewards, and is organized in such a way that it's clear who gets what, based on their play.

 

If you haven't seen it yet, the entire program is outlined and explained here: http://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/casinos-at-sea/players-club

 

It's very confusing at first, but so don't hesitate to ask questions.

;)

 

It would be nice if they would grandfather in my points seeing as how I earned them during the "old way"! :D

[pokerpro5]

I received "free" cruise from taj in Atlantic city there were many cruises to choose from. Deal was pay taxes and fees for inside cabin pay no extra $$$. We booked breakaway for 3/23/14 and upgraded to a balcony. Total for 2 $1309. I did a mock cruise for same cabin level same date total was $25008 for 2. We also are told we get drink cards waiting in our cabin upon arrival so I think we got a great deal.

 

Well, maybe, maybe not.

 

I don't want to be a kiljoy here, but March 23 is not a high-demand sailing date (unless I'm missing something), and the prices will drop dramatically as you get closer to sail date. Prices are always high several months out, as they want to take advantage of people who want their travel plans set in stone.

 

Let's look at your exact cruise (NYC to Bahamas/Florida, 7-day on Breakaway) for November 17. Oddly enough, the cheapest inside cabin is $499, while the cheapest balcony stateroom is $549 -- only a $50 difference!

 

So your $1309 fare might be what you would have paid anyway for 2 people (or very close to it) had you just booked very late.

 

Of course, it's great to lock in the same deal much earlier, so in that sense you probably did well. I'm just saying that there will probably be people with identical rooms to yours aboard who booked at the last minute and got the same deal as you, WITHOUT a voucher. (You'll have the drink card and they won't, though!)

[pokerpro5]

All 4 of us are in one 2 bed. suite. We are also traveling over the Holidays. When I booked I was only 49 and not 50 so I could not use AARP. They were not offering AAA discount at that time. When I called back to see about discount they told me it was not combinable. I would have to cancel res. and start over which I would have but all 2 bed. suites were sold out. They said there was a waiting list for our cabin.

I have learned a lot about CAS, NCL, and the whole procedure in general and will do things a little different next time. (After all I have had a whole year to research).

So in conclusion we are booked in the suite of our dreams for our 1st cruise. I may not know a lot about cruising but have traveled extensively land based and I do know how the casino wits and wagers game is played as it is the same everywhere.

 

Hmmm.. did you look at the possibility of putting only 2 people "officially" in the 2-bedroom suite, and then booking the other 2 in a cheap inside cabin that you'll actually never use?

 

I'm not sure if NCL works this way, but this trick definitely worked for me on Princess two years ago.

 

I had a family of 6 going, and initially we were all going to stay in a big suite there.

 

But it was incredibly expensive, to the point where it seemed just outrageous to pay that kind of money. Instead of giving up on the idea, I researched more and realized something.

 

It was FAR CHEAPER to book two cheapo inside cabins for 4 of the people, and to have the other two of us "officially" in the suite. Where we actually stayed, of course, was up to us. Let's just say that very little time was spent in the inside staterooms (though the 4 people did sleep there, as they did end up liking their privacy for that). The amount of money saved was staggering.

 

I joked to my family, "I almost paid Princess thousands of dollars NOT to take two extra staterooms!"

 

This happens because Princess charges the extra people (beyond 2) in cabins a huge premium if they are staying in more expensive cabins. I assume they do this because they probably realized that a lot of rich people don't care, and will pay pretty much whatever is quoted.

 

Anyway, since you're sailing in December, it's probably too late, but it's worth looking into for next time. Maybe this won't work for NCL, though.

[pokerpro5]

The blackjack tournament works like this:

You buy in for anywhere from $20-$50 and get $1500 in tournament chips.

The dealer deals 7 hands, with everyone at the table having a turn at 1st base.

After 7 hands, the 2 players at the table with the most tournament chips get put on the list for the final table.

People are allowed to re-buy as many times as there are rounds.

Players on the final table list can be bumped by those who re-buy.

The final table is run just like the preliminary rounds. After 7 hands, he who has the most chips wins the entry pot.

 

I was top dog in the Majesty Of The Seas tournament, and won $225. I finished 5th on the Norwegian Dawn and won a bottle of wine.

 

It is really luck as much as skill to win the prize.

 

Ah, exactly what they ran on Princess.

 

There is actually a strategy you can use to get a HUGE edge in this.

 

Yes, there is still a lot of luck and variance, but it's relatively easy to make the final table.

 

First, do not play until the second-to-last round. You want to wait for the leaderboard to get "stable" so you know who to beat. Since you don't keep the chips you won in the first round, all you're shooting for is the bottom spot on the leaderboard.

 

When you start playing (again, NOT earlier than second-to-last round), look at the leaderboard and structure your betting to catch up to the 7th place person. If the 7th place person is relatively close to the starting stack, then just bet very conservatively. If they are pretty high, you will have to do some gambling. (In fact, you might want to start playing on the third-to-last round if the 7th place guy has a lot of chips, but this won't happen often unless the field is huge.)

 

Once you make 7th place, bet as low as possible to guarantee yourself to remain in that spot. Do NOT play the last round if you have already made 7th place. Do NOT worry about someone beating you on the last round. If it happens, it happens.

 

If you bust, then rebuy in the final round and do the same thing. If you fail to make it, don't fret. Just play the next tournament.

 

However, you will make it a fair number of times to the final table using this strategy. In the one tournament I played last cruise, I made it to the final table on the first try (2nd-to-last round), and my place barely held on to the people attempting to beat me in the last round.

 

 

Now, once you're at the final table, the strategy is different. You will be doing min-betting until someone breaks out to a lead. This is because the dealer has the edge in blackjack, and also an unlimited bankroll. Therefore, there is a fair chance that everyone will bet stupidly and bust themselves, leaving you as the last man standing without you even winning any chips.

 

If someone does get ahead, of course you can't sit there and let yourself stagnate with min-betting. Then you have to bet whatever you need to catch up to them. There is some strategy involved here that you'll have to compute on the fly. For example, if you have $995 after min-betting $5 and losing, and the guy next to you has the lead after betting $300 and going up to $1300 from a win, do you bet $300 next round, or do you stand pat and hope he loses it back? It depends if he bets first. If you bet first, you need to bet enough to catch up to him, or at least get close. If he bets first, if it's similar to his previous bet, it's safe to let him bet again, and see if he falls back. The closer it gets to the last hand, the more gambling you have to do as far as catching up.

 

If you have the lead, then just seek to bet enough to keep ahead of everyone else (who has bet first) in case they win. If you bet first (or near first), bet very conservatively (min-bet) if you have the lead.

 

The final table is indeed a lot of luck, but getting there you have a huge edge with the first part of my strategy, and the min-bet-then-catch-up strategy will also give you an edge at the final table.

 

On the cruise I last took, I finished 3rd -- sadly one spot below what they paid (1st and 2nd), so I got nothing. But obviously my $20 entry got stretched pretty far, and it was far from all luck.

[SASA13]

Read my post above for an explanation as to why the upgrade is so expensive.

 

 

 

What games do you play?

 

Do you realize that you are likely playing at significantly worse odds in their casino than you would in Vegas or basically anywhere else? (This is true for their machines -- not sure about table games.)

 

Just curious, how much do they charge you per person to upgrade to balcony? And how much is the balcony at that time if you just buy it outright?

 

Hi Pokerpro5, We play 80% slots, and 20% roulette. We do realize that the odds are worse than Vegas/Atlantic City, but we do not gamble on a ship to win. We gamble to have fun. We always go cruising with a certain amount of cash, and we expect to lose it all. If we come home with any cash, we are WINNERS.

 

We upgraded to a Family balcony for $600 more, which was a total savings of $800 at that time.

 

We love to cruise, we love to gamble ( on ships and in Vegas and Atlantic City) , but our main objective is to have a good time. NOTE: DH will not go on a cruise if there is no gambling--so that leaves Hawaii out. OH WELL. Can't wait to board the Epic next month

[sjbdtz]

By the way, you keep saying CAS blocks rooms. I did not experience this.

 

I had a Seven Stars balcony certificate. When I booked, I could pick any room available in the cheapest balcony category. I ended up grabbing one that was just on the border of being considered mid ship, but still was technically in the cheapest category. No rooms were blocked for CAS specifically. Perhaps you mean a total allocation, and not blocked rooms?

 

 

Yes...semantics issue... I do mean allocation. They take an allocation of rooms at a set value, and once those are gone, they're gone.

 

 

Looking forward to your Seven Stars note. :)

 

 

.

[Fishbait17]

Hmmm.. did you look at the possibility of putting only 2 people "officially" in the 2-bedroom suite, and then booking the other 2 in a cheap inside cabin that you'll actually never use?

 

I'm not sure if NCL works this way, but this trick definitely worked for me on Princess two years ago.

 

I had a family of 6 going, and initially we were all going to stay in a big suite there.

 

But it was incredibly expensive, to the point where it seemed just outrageous to pay that kind of money. Instead of giving up on the idea, I researched more and realized something.

 

It was FAR CHEAPER to book two cheapo inside cabins for 4 of the people, and to have the other two of us "officially" in the suite. Where we actually stayed, of course, was up to us. Let's just say that very little time was spent in the inside staterooms (though the 4 people did sleep there, as they did end up liking their privacy for that). The amount of money saved was staggering.

 

I joked to my family, "I almost paid Princess thousands of dollars NOT to take two extra staterooms!"

 

This happens because Princess charges the extra people (beyond 2) in cabins a huge premium if they are staying in more expensive cabins. I assume they do this because they probably realized that a lot of rich people don't care, and will pay pretty much whatever is quoted.

 

Anyway, since you're sailing in December, it's probably too late, but it's worth looking into for next time. Maybe this won't work for NCL, though.

 

You have a lot to learn about NCL and cruising in general. This premise won't work without the extra passengers (those booked in the insides instead of the suite) giving up their suite perks - usually the main reason people book NCL suites.

 

Also, on NCL Third through Eighth passengers on NCL almost always pay the same amount no matter what category they are booked.

 

And third, anytime in March is an extremely high demand cruise season, second to the holidays, because of school (all levels) Spring Breaks.

 

There are a lot of us on this board who double up with high status in both Total Rewards (or other programs) and CAS. Those of us that do rarely use the freebies provided by TR, as they are pretty much worthless compared to the comps from CAS directly. CAS direct does a pretty magnificent job for me, although their record keeping is beyond atrocious. Caesar's treats me well on land, CAS at sea.

 

Robin

Edited November 6, 2013 by Fishbait17

[pokerpro5]

You have a lot to learn about NCL and cruising in general. This premise won't work without the extra passengers (those booked in the insides instead of the suite) giving up their suite perks - usually the main reason people book NCL suites.

 

Also, on NCL Third through Eighth passengers on NCL almost always pay the same amount no matter what category they are booked.

 

And third, anytime in March is an extremely high demand cruise season, second to the holidays, because of school (all levels) Spring Breaks.

 

There are a lot of us on this board who double up with high status in both Total Rewards (or other programs) and CAS. Those of us that do rarely use the freebies provided by TR, as they are pretty much worthless compared to the comps from CAS directly. CAS direct does a pretty magnificent job for me, although their record keeping is beyond atrocious. Caesar's treats me well on land, CAS at sea.

 

Robin

 

 

I have a hard time believing that the "main reason people book suites" are the perks.

 

The #1 reason people book suites (especially the really large ones) has got to be the vast amount of extra space and luxurious accommodations.

 

One of the biggest criticisms of cruising is the tiny, closet-like stateroom you're stuck living in for a week. If you want anything that even resembles the size of a typical Holiday Inn Express room, you pay through the nose. To say that people are mainly paying thousands extra "for the perks", and that the extra room is somehow just a nice thing that comes along with it, is extremely out of touch.

 

You are correct that I am unfamiliar with NCL. That's why I came to this forum. I am very familiar with Princess, and have cruised a lot with them, but I realize there are a lot of differences between lines. I'm trying to learn them before I go. However, sometimes I have a possibly helpful suggestion that would work if the two lines have certain things in common, so I mention it with a disclaimer that I'm not sure if it's the same on NCL.

 

In this case, if NCL charges the same for all 3rd-8th passengers, whether in inside cabins or top-level suites, then my suggestion wouldn't work. It personally saved me thousands on a Princess cruise two years ago, so I thought I would suggest it out here.

 

Regarding CAS, I simply said that you aren't getting good comp value for your gambling dollar. If you absolutely have to gamble on board (to where it really increases your enjoyment, despite poor odds on the games), then by all means it's better to have rewards over no rewards. I was advising the average traveler not to shoot for comps through the CAS program, because it won't be worth it. If you're going to gamble anyway, and are aware of the poor odds on the ship, obviously you'd be a fool not to take what CAS offers you. In that case, the TR certificates would be garbage to you. I even trashed all of my TR certificates, as they were inferior to the one I got from the Seven Stars program.

[peg013]

I have a hard time believing that the "main reason people book suites" are the perks.

 

The #1 reason people book suites (especially the really large ones) has got to be the vast amount of extra space and luxurious accommodations.

 

One of the biggest criticisms of cruising is the tiny, closet-like stateroom you're stuck living in for a week. If you want anything that even resembles the size of a typical Holiday Inn Express room, you pay through the nose. To say that people are mainly paying thousands extra "for the perks", and that the extra room is somehow just a nice thing that comes along with it, is extremely out of touch.

 

You are correct that I am unfamiliar with NCL. That's why I came to this forum. I am very familiar with Princess, and have cruised a lot with them, but I realize there are a lot of differences between lines. I'm trying to learn them before I go. However, sometimes I have a possibly helpful suggestion that would work if the two lines have certain things in common, so I mention it with a disclaimer that I'm not sure if it's the same on NCL.

 

In this case, if NCL charges the same for all 3rd-8th passengers, whether in inside cabins or top-level suites, then my suggestion wouldn't work. It personally saved me thousands on a Princess cruise two years ago, so I thought I would suggest it out here.

 

Regarding CAS, I simply said that you aren't getting good comp value for your gambling dollar. If you absolutely have to gamble on board (to where it really increases your enjoyment, despite poor odds on the games), then by all means it's better to have rewards over no rewards. I was advising the average traveler not to shoot for comps through the CAS program, because it won't be worth it. If you're going to gamble anyway, and are aware of the poor odds on the ship, obviously you'd be a fool not to take what CAS offers you. In that case, the TR certificates would be garbage to you. I even trashed all of my TR certificates, as they were inferior to the one I got from the Seven Stars program.

 

You might want to actually cruise on NCL before you keep comparing it to Princess. Do you have any idea what the suite perks even are? Most of us know how NCL works and your ideas are so far off it's not even funny. You would be much better served to do some research before giving advice that is just plain wrong.

Edited November 7, 2013 by peg013

[cruisingcasinos]

Hi Pokerpro5, We play 80% slots, and 20% roulette. We do realize that the odds are worse than Vegas/Atlantic City, but we do not gamble on a ship to win. We gamble to have fun. We always go cruising with a certain amount of cash, and we expect to lose it all. If we come home with any cash, we are WINNERS.

 

We upgraded to a Family balcony for $600 more, which was a total savings of $800 at that time.

 

We love to cruise, we love to gamble ( on ships and in Vegas and Atlantic City) , but our main objective is to have a good time. NOTE: DH will not go on a cruise if there is no gambling--so that leaves Hawaii out. OH WELL. Can't wait to board the Epic next month

 

Same holds true for my DH and I - For the past couple of years we have been comped PH Suites with haven access! We both love to gamble - same as you- Vegas, AC, and especially cruises in the winter months. We, too, bring money to have fun- if we have any left at end of vacation we consider ourselves winners and will usually plan another weekend in AC.

Last year the slots on Epic were Hot- especially to one gentleman (I was fairly lucky But he hit a jackpot (over 1200) at least 8 times in the one week.)

Only difference I see with us is- I think i talked my DH into taking the hawaii cruise- told him we could stop in vegas on the way home!

Enjoy your cruise and may the luck be with you!

[hpecorari]

Same holds true for my DH and I - For the past couple of years we have been comped PH Suites with haven access! We both love to gamble - same as you- Vegas, AC, and especially cruises in the winter months. We, too, bring money to have fun- if we have any left at end of vacation we consider ourselves winners and will usually plan another weekend in AC.

 

Last year the slots on Epic were Hot- especially to one gentleman (I was fairly lucky But he hit a jackpot (over 1200) at least 8 times in the one week.)

 

Only difference I see with us is- I think i talked my DH into taking the hawaii cruise- told him we could stop in vegas on the way home!

 

Enjoy your cruise and may the luck be with you!

 

 

Ahhhhh, but CAS doesn't comp the Hawaii cruise since there's no casino on board.

 

Harriet

[pokerpro5]

You might want to actually cruise on NCL before you keep comparing it to Princess. Do you have any idea what the suite perks even are? Most of us know how NCL works and your ideas are so far off it's not even funny. You would be much better served to do some research before giving advice that is just plain wrong.

 

I don't care if the suite perks involve the captain following you around the ship and acting as your personal errand boy.

 

There's no way that the majority of suite passengers are booking them instead of inside/balcony rooms primarily for the perks.

 

The perks might keep passengers coming back to NCL suites rather than other competing cruise lines, but to say that the majority of people buying suites (especially the nicest ones) are doing so for the perks and not the room is just laughable. I don't have to know any details about NCL specifically to safely say that.

 

If they sold inside cabins with suite perks and made them just a little bit cheaper than suites, how many do you think would sell? I'm guessing about zero.

 

This is a needless argument, and I'm not on this board to argue, so I'm going to end it here.

[boopsahoy]

I don't care if the suite perks involve the captain following you around the ship and acting as your personal errand boy.

 

There's no way that the majority of suite passengers are booking them instead of inside/balcony rooms primarily for the perks.

 

The perks might keep passengers coming back to NCL suites rather than other competing cruise lines, but to say that the majority of people buying suites (especially the nicest ones) are doing so for the perks and not the room is just laughable. I don't have to know any details about NCL specifically to safely say that.

 

If they sold inside cabins with suite perks and made them just a little bit cheaper than suites, how many do you think would sell? I'm guessing about zero.

 

This is a needless argument, and I'm not on this board to argue, so I'm going to end it here.

 

I book a suite for both reasons-i wouldnt book it for JUST the larger room but I would for just the perks. Cagnesy for breakfast and lunch and the butler is way worth the extra money.

[Fishbait17]

I don't care if the suite perks involve the captain following you around the ship and acting as your personal errand boy.

 

There's no way that the majority of suite passengers are booking them instead of inside/balcony rooms primarily for the perks.

 

The perks might keep passengers coming back to NCL suites rather than other competing cruise lines, but to say that the majority of people buying suites (especially the nicest ones) are doing so for the perks and not the room is just laughable. I don't have to know any details about NCL specifically to safely say that.

 

If they sold inside cabins with suite perks and made them just a little bit cheaper than suites, how many do you think would sell? I'm guessing about zero.

 

This is a needless argument, and I'm not on this board to argue, so I'm going to end it here.

 

This isn't an argument, it's simply an education. There would actually be a good demand for inside cabins that include suite perks on NCL - you see it almost every day on this board, when people want to put their children or family in nearby inside or balcony cabins and pay extra for the perks.. NCL is a different animal, their suite perks are pretty outstanding, and they are the reason I pay for a separate suite for my own children rather than put them in a perfectly suitable non-suite cabin. I have sailed in NCL suites from the largest to the smallest, and some of them are barely larger than a mini suite, but the perks are what keep me booking them. Of course, there are some that have tried the suites and don't care for the perks that come along with them, but most generally don't pay to book a suite again, and stick with less expensive cabins. Yes, there are some who book suites only for the cabin but I would bet they are in the vast minority. If there is one thing NCL knows how to do, it's suites...

 

Robin

Edited November 7, 2013 by Fishbait17

[coocooforshoes]

I booked our suite because there are 4 adults traveling and we are getting 2 beds/2baths + suite perks! I plan to check out the other categories while we are onboard during the cabin crawl. After all the research I have done this will suit us best. Our 3rd & 4th person were $399 each. The suite perks are awesome. 46 days to go!!!!:)

[cabincop]

I always upgrade to suites with cas, I love suites and the perks. Sure I can get an inside for free but CAS makes me an offer I can't refuse. I am going to gamble anyway so anything CAS gives me is icing on the cake

[Coastalbreezes]

This isn't an argument, it's simply an education. There would actually be a good demand for inside cabins that include suite perks on NCL - you see it almost every day on this board, when people want to put their children or family in nearby inside or balcony cabins and pay extra for the perks.. NCL is a different animal, their suite perks are pretty outstanding, and they are the reason I pay for a separate suite for my own children rather than put them in a perfectly suitable non-suite cabin. I have sailed in NCL suites from the largest to the smallest, and some of them are barely larger than a mini suite, but the perks are what keep me booking them. Of course, there are some that have tried the suites and don't care for the perks that come along with them, but most generally don't pay to book a suite again, and stick with less expensive cabins. Yes, there are some who book suites only for the cabin but I would bet they are in the vast minority. If there is one thing NCL knows how to do, it's suites...

 

Robin

 

 

Amen, Robin. I too have been in various types of cabins but I am now and forever a suite fan solely for the great perks NCL offers.

 

Tracy

[luvcruzing]

Interesting thread. I've taken several cruises offered by Total Rewards and always upgrade to a balcony. Impossible to figure out how they come up with the price. My 7-day cruise next week is $614, the 7-day in April is $299, and the 4-day on the Sky in May is $401. Since I'm a solo cruiser, I could never cruise this cheaply by booking through NCL or any TA or on-line agency.

 

I have been offered cruises directly through CAS, too, but have never accepted, because they've been for either slot tournaments or golf tournaments. I don't do either. A couple of them have been for cruises on three different sailings. Great if you have the time. My concern on one was that it was for 11 days. I wondered how much I could lose in the casino in 11 days. But, one thing that struck me in this thread is that I shouldn't feel that i have to gamble just because I was on a comped cruise. I always felt that I did. Doesn't really matter anyway, because I'll be in the casino right after dinner or a show.

[WaldosPepper]

I don't care if the suite perks involve the captain following you around the ship and acting as your personal errand boy.

Not the Captain, but once you've sailed in an NCL suite and experienced the level of service from your Concierge and Butler, you'll discover that throughout your sailing you actually enjoyed the service of two personal "errand boys" although that term is rather insulting.

 

There's no way that the majority of suite passengers are booking them instead of inside/balcony rooms primarily for the perks.

 

The perks might keep passengers coming back to NCL suites rather than other competing cruise lines, but to say that the majority of people buying suites (especially the nicest ones) are doing so for the perks and not the room is just laughable. I don't have to know any details about NCL specifically to safely say that.

 

Oh, but you DO have to know the details, because the suite perks on NCL are so far and away superior to the suite perks on all the other mainstream lines. Since you have not yet sailed in an NCL suite, and you have not yet spent enough time here on the NCL board, you cannot possibly know how truly misinformed you are regarding not just the perks, but how strongly people feel about them. Do we book the suites for just the extra room? No way in hell! The extra space is lovely, and the upgraded bedding and linens is nice. Having larger balconies and cushy sitting areas is also a bonus, but the perks are what take the experience over the top, and THAT is what most are booking for.

 

If they sold inside cabins with suite perks and made them just a little bit cheaper than suites, how many do you think would sell? I'm guessing about zero.

 

ALL of them. Not just some - ALL.

 

This is a needless argument, and I'm not on this board to argue, so I'm going to end it here.

 

This is not an argument. It's a response to help you get up to speed with what NCL offers. As a newbie here, you must understand that although you have a vast knowledge and understanding of the lay-of-the-land on land-based casinos, and on another cruise line, your knowledge of NCL is minimal. Please understand that those of us who are responding are doing so simply to ensure that all the facts are presented, in order to help you and other readers. ;)

[sjbdtz]

I have a hard time believing that the "main reason people book suites" are the perks.

 

That's unfortunate that you're having this hard time. I'd wager that the perks outweigh the added space. I'm with Robin on this.

 

... I'm trying to learn them before I go.

 

That's great. And those of us responding, who already understand how things work on NCL are trying to share with you.

 

Regarding CAS, I simply said that you aren't getting good comp value for your gambling dollar.

 

Exactly. You're making statements that sound authoritative, and yet many of us here are telling you that you are wrong.

You do not know what comp value we are getting (though I've been pretty clear about mine).

Let me lay out a scenario. 12 day cruise (upgrade to suite was $1500. Value of suite was $8,000....net CAS benefit $6500). Estimated value of drinks for two: $ 800. Comps during the cruise $ 100. Comps at end of cruise (charge-offs against on-board spend): $800. Net CAS value: 8,200.

Total casino losses: $ 8,000.

Oh, and I earned another free cabin whenever I want it.

So remind me how this is not good comp value?

 

 

 

I was advising the average traveler not to shoot for comps through the CAS program, because it won't be worth it.

 

See above. You are making sweeping generalizations about something with which you are considerably ill-informed.

 

 

I have been offered cruises directly through CAS, too, but have never accepted, because they've been for either slot tournaments or golf tournaments. .

 

Just phone CAS and ask what they would offer you based on your prior ship-board play. You pick the sailing, and they provide their offer.

 

 

 

Stephen

 

 

.

[SASA13]

Same holds true for my DH and I - For the past couple of years we have been comped PH Suites with haven access! We both love to gamble - same as you- Vegas, AC, and especially cruises in the winter months. We, too, bring money to have fun- if we have any left at end of vacation we consider ourselves winners and will usually plan another weekend in AC.

 

Last year the slots on Epic were Hot- especially to one gentleman (I was fairly lucky But he hit a jackpot (over 1200) at least 8 times in the one week.)

 

Only difference I see with us is- I think i talked my DH into taking the hawaii cruise- told him we could stop in vegas on the way home!

 

Enjoy your cruise and may the luck be with you!

 

***EXCELLENT PLAN, stopping in Vegas after a Hawaiian cruise. I LOVE IT. Thanks for the suggestion ;)

[WaldosPepper]

This isn't an argument, it's simply an education. There would actually be a good demand for inside cabins that include suite perks on NCL - you see it almost every day on this board, when people want to put their children or family in nearby inside or balcony cabins and pay extra for the perks.. NCL is a different animal, their suite perks are pretty outstanding, and they are the reason I pay for a separate suite for my own children rather than put them in a perfectly suitable non-suite cabin. I have sailed in NCL suites from the largest to the smallest, and some of them are barely larger than a mini suite, but the perks are what keep me booking them. Of course, there are some that have tried the suites and don't care for the perks that come along with them, but most generally don't pay to book a suite again, and stick with less expensive cabins. Yes, there are some who book suites only for the cabin but I would bet they are in the vast minority. If there is one thing NCL knows how to do, it's suites...

 

Robin

 

I agree completely. In the interests of clarity ---

 

A comparison of suite perks on Norwegian, vs. Princess, (see Princess info in red)

• Haven suites have access to the Haven regardless of where they are situated on the ship. The Haven has its own pool, hot tub, sauna, and sundeck. Some have their own restaurant and bar within the Haven complex. Some Haven's also have a retractable roof over the central area. Haven configuration varies based on ship class/generation (Could not discern anything similar to a Haven on the Princess ships. They do list access to the Lotus spa, however)

• All suites have access to a private restaurant for breakfast and lunch. (Princess offers breakfast only, at Sabatini’s, on select ships only. They also list ONE complimentary dinner at a specialty restaurant)

• All suites have Butler and Concierge service. (Princess lists neither Butler nor Concierge service, nor any level of service which could compare to the duties performed by these positions)

• All suites receive invitations to a special cocktail reception with the Captain and other Officers. (Princess does not list anything similar)

 

• All suites receive priority embarkation {including express through security and check-in, as well as a private lounge with various amenities to enjoy while awaiting escort aboard} and disembarkation {which includes a private area to gather, and escort off the ship & directly to the VIP Luggage area and Porter Services}, as well as priority tendering. (Princess lists priority at tender ports, as well as a special lounge on disembarkation day – No special treatment listed at embarkation)

• All suites receive one bottle of Sparkling Wine, one large bottle of water, a bowl of fresh fruit (replenished upon consumption) and a fresh flower arrangement in their suite, along with treats delivered daily by the Butler. (Note: Garden Villas, Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites receive Champagne instead of Sparkling Wine) (Princess offers fresh flowers, as well as a complimentary corsage & boutonniere on Formal night. They also list one welcome treat from the chef, however one must request delivery of any daily treats. Presumably they are delivered by the Steward or a member of Room Service staff)

• Garden Villa's receive 6 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water, while Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites each receive 3 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water. (Princess has nothing to equate to the GV, and only roughly to the OS/DOS – their largest suite is 924 sq. ft. They do list a complimentary mini-bar in their suites, but no details regarding contents)

• All suites are provided with a variety of Elemis brand toiletries. (Princess lists similar)

 

• All suites are equipped with a Coffee/Cappuccino/Espresso Machine (Most are Lavazza pod-style machines), however the Sun has Lavazza machines in the Owner’s Suites, but drip-style coffee brewers in all other suites (these suites cannot accommodate these devices). (Princess does not specifically indicate any coffee in the suite, so I cannot say whether they have anything similar or not)

 

• All suites have access to the Pre-Cruise Concierge service, which helps to coordinate your individual selections on pillow types, coffee and tea preferences, and a variety of special requests. (Princess does not offer this service)

 

• All suites (except the SG and SJ suites on Deck 12 of the Star and some suites on the Sun) have a portable phone, which can be used throughout the ship. (Princess does not provide phones)

 

• All suites are equipped with the "Bliss Bed" which truly lives up to its name. (Princess lists similar)

 

• All suites have an expanded Room Service menu. Essentially, order whatever you want, and if it is available on the ship you will have it. (Princess lists and exclusive menu, but no details)

Princess also lists complimentary laundry (a Platinum perk on NCL) as well as complimentary pressing and shoe shining (a service performed by the Butler on NCL). Princess does not list reserved seating in the theatre, which is available to several levels of NCL suites

 

Princess lists a priority service line at the customer service desk as well as priority reservations to chef’s table and other venues (all services performed by the Concierge on NCL)

[cabincop]

If they sold inside cabins with suite perks and made them just a little bit cheaper than suites, how many do you think would sell? I'm guessing about zero.

 

This is a needless argument, and I'm not on this board to argue, so I'm going to end it here.

 

Ok so I am also a platinum member, they have similar benefits as a suite guest, except dining. I could stay in an inside as a CAS guest with almost the same benefits but I love suites. Tracy and Stephen and anyone who stayed in suites understands, so yes I upgrade but if you wanted to go cheap you coud. Ok wait just reread your post I am a lil confused

[sjbdtz]

If they sold inside cabins with suite perks and made them just a little bit cheaper than suites, how many do you think would sell? I'm guessing about zero.

 

This is a needless argument, and I'm not on this board to argue, so I'm going to end it here.

 

Ok so I am also a platinum member, they have similar benefits as a suite guest, except dining. I could stay in an inside as a CAS guest with almost the same benefits but I love suites. Tracy and Stephen and anyone who stayed in suites understands, so yes I upgrade but if you wanted to go cheap you coud. Ok wait just reread your post I am a lil confused

 

 

Maria, I think you are a little confused! :)

 

 

As Platinum NCL and Golden CAS, I get almost all of the VIP services a suite would, except for the butler service, and the suite itself.

 

On the BA, the Spa Suite also comes with spa access, which I wouldn't have otherwise.

 

BUT... because this is the BA (and the EPIC & Getaway are the same), the Suite B & L is only offered in the Haven Restaurant and therefore not available to CAS Golden.

 

The Cagneys B&L only applies on the older ships for CAS Golden.

 

 

Are you less confused now? ;)

 

 

 

Stephen

 

 

.

[cabincop]

lol Stephen I think maybe I might be less confused, but nt sure. All I know is my suite is amost triple what s was when I booked last March. I also know CAS gave me an amazing deal and I love CAS and love how great they are to us. Even before using CAS for my cabins the staff was so great to me. They always took good care of me and if it is possible they now treat me even better. I canNOT wait to play with you:rolleyes: lol muah