How much will a free cruise cost me?

[justhere]

Like I said I am a mediocre gambler I am NOT a heavy hitter gambler. I play nickel keno at 80 cents max per game. So you tell me I'm spending more than your full price cabin and UBP and UDP and photos and excursions, and I'll tell you your wrong. I would estimate normal everyday non gambling people spend about $3,000 for everything on a cruise (haven suite people excluded) because that would be even more. I'm spending less than that including my casino money I did not spend your $4,000 suggested amount not even close And I'm doing what I enjoy in the process. And why would you think someone would divulge the exact amount of money they gambled or spent on an open internet. That's not gonna happen. I got my first comp cruise certificate from a land based casino.

I used $4000 because I think someone used that number upthread so I just used it as an example. You may be spending less than $3000 or whatever number is realistic for the cost of any given cruise but your last sentence proves my point.

 

Don't get me wrong, it doesn't make a difference to me how you spend your money and you should do with it what makes you happy. I was simply pointing out for other readers who may not fully understand how comps work that you can't just say "I spend less than you and I get to play in the casino". It paints a distorted picture. You had to gamble in a land based casino to get your first comp cruise. I am just pointing out that that first comp cruise cost you something as you had to gamble first. And again, unless you are one of the luckiest people on earth, I would venture a guess that that first "free" cruise cost you more than just paying for the cruise.

 

And there's nothing wrong with that because you enjoy gambling and would have gambled anyway. My point, for those unfamiliar with the free cruise concept, was simply that if you gamble so that you can get a free cruise, it won't be a free cruise. Far from it.

 

What you're not getting is that we don't gamble just to get free cruises. They are an extra added attraction, not the goal.

I do get it. See my explanation above. Sorry if that wasn't clear the first time. When I gamble, I don't think of it as gambling. I think of it as entertainment. That way when I lose, I don't think of it as losing. :)

Edited December 13, 2014 by justhere

[gooch47]

Exactly. We gamble for entertainment. The free cruises are great, but not the reason we do it.

[CasinoCruzGirl]

Exactly. We gamble for entertainment. The free cruises are great, but not the reason we do it.

 

 

 

Exactly!!!!

[hpecorari]

Exactly. We gamble for entertainment. The free cruises are great, but not the reason we do it.

 

 

Harriet

[sjbdtz]

Everything you guys say, i know you are being honest and truthful in your circumstances.

 

The OP asked the cost, which IMHO is everything involved.

 

I'm not a gambler. Maybe $20-$50 total in a week if that. But all the people talking of their "Free" cruise are not telling us how much the are putting in during a weeks long cruise. And I'm. Not asking. I'm not going to earn a few thousand points to get a drink card by spending $20. Do you put in $1000 to get 1000 points. I have no idea, im just sorta asking. So if i put $1000 in gaming and didnt win, then to me the cruise is not free. I hope i said this right.

 

So, nothing is really free. Those that gamble have spent a bit of money. Yes there are perks, but everyone cant be ahead of the game or there wouldnt be a CAS program or casino business

 

 

I'm not a big fish gambler either.... sort of mid-tier. I'll play at one of the table-based poker games (3 Card, Let it Die (I mean...Ride), Ultimate Texas Hold'em).

 

Maybe on average (thanks to sea days) about 4 hours/day. $25 - $50/spot (so on UTH where you play the Ante and Bet wagers on each hand, I'd play $50/$50, and $25 on the Trips. So $125 at play on a hand...before I see the cards. Depending on my cards I may check or play....putting up to another $200 on the table.

 

A hand probably takes about 45 seconds or so... but let's say 1 minute. That means 60 hands / hour. 4 hours average. That's 240 hands per day,

at $125 in play = $ 30,000 / day.

 

NOW... realize that this isn't all my money....it includes pushes, and pair wins & reinvestment of winnings.

 

Whether I'm up or down really depends on when I choose to leave the casino.

 

I try to work within a budget framework of about $500 - $1000 / day (for both of us combined), with the budget of course depending on length of cruise.

 

I'm most frequently in a suite, at an upgrade cost of about $1500 on average. If I sail solo, I pay no supplement.

 

I'll hit VIP level (I'm Golden now) on my next cruise.

 

 

The suite I'm staying in would otherwise cost me about $7,000....and I'd otherwise spend about $750 - $1,000 on Shore Excursions, about $150 on dinners & wine, probably in the region of $600 for booze, and $200 for spa treatments.

 

So if I was paying full price, I'd be spending around $ 9,000 with no gambling.

 

I tend to aim to stay below this number in total losses. The casino then comps everything but tips (not guaranteed, but that's been the standard practice lately), and I'm in for the $1,500 upgrade + my gambling losses. And I get to do something I find enjoyable....and occasionally, I don't lose!

 

 

How's that, for over-sharing? :)

[CasinoCruzGirl]

I'm not a big fish gambler either.... sort of mid-tier. I'll play at one of the table-based poker games (3 Card, Let it Die (I mean...Ride), Ultimate Texas Hold'em).

 

Maybe on average (thanks to sea days) about 4 hours/day. $25 - $50/spot (so on UTH where you play the Ante and Bet wagers on each hand, I'd play $50/$50, and $25 on the Trips. So $125 at play on a hand...before I see the cards. Depending on my cards I may check or play....putting up to another $200 on the table.

 

A hand probably takes about 45 seconds or so... but let's say 1 minute. That means 60 hands / hour. 4 hours average. That's 240 hands per day,

at $125 in play = $ 30,000 / day.

 

NOW... realize that this isn't all my money....it includes pushes, and pair wins & reinvestment of winnings.

 

Whether I'm up or down really depends on when I choose to leave the casino.

 

I try to work within a budget framework of about $500 - $1000 / day (for both of us combined), with the budget of course depending on length of cruise.

 

I'm most frequently in a suite, at an upgrade cost of about $1500 on average. If I sail solo, I pay no supplement.

 

I'll hit VIP level (I'm Golden now) on my next cruise.

 

 

The suite I'm staying in would otherwise cost me about $7,000....and I'd otherwise spend about $750 - $1,000 on Shore Excursions, about $150 on dinners & wine, probably in the region of $600 for booze, and $200 for spa treatments.

 

So if I was paying full price, I'd be spending around $ 9,000 with no gambling.

 

I tend to aim to stay below this number in total losses. The casino then comps everything but tips (not guaranteed, but that's been the standard practice lately), and I'm in for the $1,500 upgrade + my gambling losses. And I get to do something I find enjoyable....and occasionally, I don't lose!

 

 

How's that, for over-sharing? :)

 

 

Perfect

[cruisingcasinos]

A few examples:

 

My CAS cruise in June is going for $4,070.68 for 2 people in an Aft Mini Suite. CAS price for 2 is $340.00 NSF and $352.68 for the two of us for tax/port fees for a total price for 2 people of $692.68. We are going to 3 ports, Canada and New England. In addition I have $273.26 OBC not to mention the CAS perks. (Free drinks in the Casino, free spa days, 2 or 3 specialty restaurant with wine, goodies delivered to my room 3 times during the cruise, of which I always choose a dozen shrimp cocktail, all charges removed from my onboard account except for casino charges and DCS, as well as the 3% fees waived, VIP tender tickets and VIP seating for shows and VIP disembarkation and embarkation on certain ships.)

 

The difference of my CAS price and the full NCL price I will spend in the Casino.

 

My CAS cruise this February is going for $3,987.40 for 2 people in an Aft Mini Suite. CAS price for 2 is $370.00 NSF and $225.96 for the two of us for tax/port fees for a total price for 2 people of $595.96. We are going to 4 ports, Western Caribbean. In addition I have $286.76 OBC not to mention the CAS perks. ((Free drinks in the Casino, free spa days, 2 or 3 specialty restaurant with wine, goodies delivered to my room 3 times during the cruise, of which I always choose a dozen shrimp cocktail, all charges removed from my onboard account except for casino charges and DCS, as well as the 3% fees waived, VIP tender tickets and VIP seating for shows and VIP disembarkation and embarkation on certain ships)

 

 

The difference of my CAS price and the full NCL price I will spend in the Casino.

 

So....as I stated in another post.....IF one is going to gamble it does pay to go through CAS.

 

Harriet

 

This is by far the best explanation! I couldn't agree more. All of our cruise are compliments of CAS. We enjoy Gambling and we would gamble on any vacation. So it's nice to enjoy the perks!

[djmess]

I'm not a big fish gambler either.... sort of mid-tier. I'll play at one of the table-based poker games (3 Card, Let it Die (I mean...Ride), Ultimate Texas Hold'em).

 

Maybe on average (thanks to sea days) about 4 hours/day. $25 - $50/spot (so on UTH where you play the Ante and Bet wagers on each hand, I'd play $50/$50, and $25 on the Trips. So $125 at play on a hand...before I see the cards. Depending on my cards I may check or play....putting up to another $200 on the table.

 

A hand probably takes about 45 seconds or so... but let's say 1 minute. That means 60 hands / hour. 4 hours average. That's 240 hands per day,

at $125 in play = $ 30,000 / day.

 

NOW... realize that this isn't all my money....it includes pushes, and pair wins & reinvestment of winnings.

 

Whether I'm up or down really depends on when I choose to leave the casino.

 

I try to work within a budget framework of about $500 - $1000 / day (for both of us combined), with the budget of course depending on length of cruise.

 

I'm most frequently in a suite, at an upgrade cost of about $1500 on average. If I sail solo, I pay no supplement.

 

I'll hit VIP level (I'm Golden now) on my next cruise.

 

 

The suite I'm staying in would otherwise cost me about $7,000....and I'd otherwise spend about $750 - $1,000 on Shore Excursions, about $150 on dinners & wine, probably in the region of $600 for booze, and $200 for spa treatments.

 

So if I was paying full price, I'd be spending around $ 9,000 with no gambling.

 

I tend to aim to stay below this number in total losses. The casino then comps everything but tips (not guaranteed, but that's been the standard practice lately), and I'm in for the $1,500 upgrade + my gambling losses. And I get to do something I find enjoyable....and occasionally, I don't lose!

 

 

How's that, for over-sharing? :)

 

Wow, you definitely shared and I applaud your honesty and frankness.

 

Now, I travel alone with my now 11 y/o son. What you allow for your per day is definitely more than I generally spend for my inside cabins for a week.

 

You definitely deserve all the perks of CAS or any other casino. And that is the point I was trying to make for others. You are definitely spending money, although it may not be for a specific cabin, unless you upgrade like you said.

 

I must admit, I do understand a tiny bit about the program as I have a friend who is IMO a very high roller. Myself and some friends have benefited from her benefits. When we were on the Oasis a few years ago, her benefits covered the cost for 3 cabins, one of which was a suite for her. Also on the first night of the cruise, she hit a $100 slot machine on her 3rd pull for over $125k. Needless to say, all of us were treated like royalty on that particular cruise. special dinners, drink cards.

 

I also understand a little of the concept you must play big to win big. Or at least some of the time.

 

Everyone that benefits from CAS, congratulations to you. I truly think you deserve it!

[Mrs. Squirrel]

Will have someone drive me to port in NYC

No hotel needed

Pet sitter - sons friend throw him $50

Baggage porter tip $20 (both ways)

Tips $100 give or take a few bucks for meals, bartenders, cabin steward, etc.

DSC $86

No shuttles needed

I don't get insurance

Don't buy souvenirs

Never did a paying excursion

No need to park

No rental cars needed

Meals are included got specialty and wine from casino

 

Aren't YOU also paying for these things PLUS full cost for your cabin? So what you spend on your cabin I'm playing with in the casino doing exactly what I like to do with MY money...rest my case.

 

Again, I was responding to the OP in answer to the question how much would their 'free' cruise cost.

Edited December 15, 2014 by Mrs. Squirrel

[gmasters]

Well if like the cruise idea after returning.... Alot

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[3DBeach]

Exactly. We gamble for entertainment. The free cruises are great, but not the reason we do it.

 

Same for us! Our next "free" cruise is costing us $1055 for 3 people in an inside. Priced on the website the same exact cabin is going for almost $2400 for 3 people.

The cruise prior (the one they rated our play on) we lost less than $1000 between the 2 of us, drank free while in the casino as well as had $300 in charges removed from our account (bought a nice MK watch). For us it's a no brainer!!

 

 

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[Jdfireman]

Lot of good information here

 

I am going on my "Free Cruise" that I received from Golden Nugget in AC

 

I gamble because I can and like too.

 

Its you life live it like you want to and let the haters keep hating

[rdmurray]

My mum got a free cruise cert from a casino in Rhode island. We went there over Easter and she said she gambled around three hundred dollars, and won a fair amount back.

 

You don't have to be a high roller, we won't get super free stuff on board, but we get the drink card and the cost turned out to equal buy one get one free.

 

I think sometimes it's the day you were there.

[margie1221]

This thread was a fun read!!! Wow - a lot of opinions on "free"... and gambling!!

 

Here's my thoughts:

If you enjoy gambling and you earn a "free" cruise, you're gonna take it and gamble some more on the cruise!! If you were planning to go on a cruise anyway, it's a wonderful "discount"!!

 

All true gamblers know that the "house" has the advantage!! That's one of the reasons why we play craps - for the best odds! But, mostly because we enjoy it.

 

Others may prefer smoking, sunbathing, nightclubbing, zip-lining, and/or encounters with dolphins!! All these things have cost AND risk. In any case, go for it - life's too short to NOT pursue what you enjoy... just be sensible with your money and your health!!

 

Happy Holidays to all :)

[tel2]

Good morning to you too! This was something new to me as well. It wasn't always this way but was for my last two cruises I took. The first time was May 2014 and then again September 2014. When I was at the Casino the Host gave me a card that had different options for 'goodies' to be delivered 3 times during that cruise. One of the options was shrimp cocktail. I was told to fill out what I'd like delivered and return the card to her. I checked off 'shrimp cocktail' and beside it wrote "3 times, please". Both cruises it was delivered 3 times. I, also, rather have this than some of the other options. If the host does not approach you......go to her and ask her for the card!

 

Harriet

 

Wow! I didnt get that on breakway in June or on Gem in October. On Dawn next month - I will definitely track down that card.....

[Nola26]

On all the CAS cruises I have taken it averages out to around $300/ person, unless you upgrade to a better stateroom and that will vary by cruise.

 

We have a similar offer and the $300pp is spot on for us. I'm able to use the current promotion to bring a third person free and their taxes are about $120. If you decide to buy the trip insurance that's $89pp for the first two people.

 

Just call the number on the certificate. I called many times with questions prior to booking.

[NMLady]

Yep, approximately $300 pp is a good estimate.

 

We just booked CAS 7 night Western Caribbean on Jewel the other day. The port charges/fees etc were $87.33 pp for a total of $174.66. But they also charged a guest fare of $185 each even though we did not upgrade from inside cabin. We accepted NCL insurance @$29 each so final total for both of us was $602.66

 

This does not include DSC of $168 for two of us for the 7 days. We'll also have airfare to Houston, pre-cruise hotel and transfer to/from port.

 

 

I'm not sure how I rated the invitation since I'm not a big gambler. About $50-100 per day is my limit. Our last cruise was 28 days with lots of sea days so casino was open and I don't think I gambled $1000 over the entire time.

Edited February 9, 2015 by NMLady

[NMLady]

Delete

Edited February 9, 2015 by NMLady

[Nola26]

On all the CAS cruises I have taken it averages out to around $300/ person, unless you upgrade to a better stateroom and that will vary by cruise.

 

We have a similar offer and the $300pp is spot on for us. I'm able to use the current promotion to bring a third person free and their taxes are about $120. If you decide to buy the trip insurance that's $89pp for the first two people.

 

What was a welcome surprise is I took the 3 night Sky trip solo with an offer and assumed I'd be charged for two people, nope just paid for me. I felt lucky already.

 

Just call the number on the certificate. I called many times with questions prior to booking.

[Sand and Seas]

Just booked my 'free' balcony on the Escape today for next January. You can use the 250 Cruise Reward towards your fees. My total was 620 for two people less the 250 Cruise Reward for a $370 total cost today. (Cruise Rewards are bought on a prior cruise for 250 with 100 returned to you on that cruise towards anything you have charged to room) And of course we love the Freestyle Choice plus that is going on right now and is a wonderful extra bonus for our trip:)

[Calitexar]

The value we each, independently, place on things will drive our buying decisions. As long as we think we've received a good value for our vacation dollar - it's all good! In answer to the OP's question - a figure of about $300pp is fair (port charges/taxes/fees).

[Family Travel Story]

So how much do they actually make you gamble to get this free cruise? I know several people who like to cruise and gamble a problem as it's very difficult to walk away sometimes.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

[MaryZ]

Hi MaryKay & Joe!!! Glad to see you are still cruising and having fun! Are you still sweeping too?

MaryZ

[NMLady]

So how much do they actually make you gamble to get this free cruise? I know several people who like to cruise and gamble a problem as it's very difficult to walk away sometimes.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

 

They don't make you gamble any certain amount. Cruises with high level perks are point based, but not these basic invitations.

[NMLady]

Hi MaryKay & Joe!!! Glad to see you are still cruising and having fun! Are you still sweeping too?

MaryZ

 

Hi, MaryZ, what a surprise to run into you here. :)

We aren't cruising as often due to budget so was glad to get the CAS discount.

Yep, still sweeping but not winning much. I'll email you.

Mary Kay in NM