Casinos at Sea Program

[grancayman]

Hi Rochelle,

You are my idol on these blogs! Question for you...is there still a check in line at embarkation for CAS.

[Sand and Seas]

I know a lot of the items are minor but when looked at all together it adds up and would be a lot to take in for someone who is only finding out about them after having boarded the ship.

 

 

 

Rochelle

 

Very well stated Rochelle! And you're so right....do they think we won't be exploring other options for our future travel? At least those of us that keep up on Cruise Critic won't be totally blindsided.

[jackson bernard]

Yes I agree with you.

 

We here on CC have a bit of an advantage because we know when things are coming. Had I not been on here keeping up with things I too would have been perturbed to find out as I am boarding that;

 

• there is no VIP boarding for CAS
  
• smaller box of chocolates from Latitudes
  
• small plate of strawberries from Latitudes
  
• drink prices have increased (7%)
  
• the gratuity on drinks has increased (3%)
  
• no Cagney's breakfast for Golden & VIP
  
• no Cagney's lunch for Golden & VIP
  
• only the lowest level of comp drinks allowed in the casino
  
• no bottle of wine with CAS comped dinner
  
• extra specialty restaurant, booked and paid by guest now incurs an 18% auto gratuity
  
• depending on ship, room services orders now incur a $7.95 service charge
  
• ordering anything at the coffee bar incurs an 18% gratuity
  
• ordering anything from Carlos bakery incurs an 18% gratuity
  
• ordering sushi incurs an 18% gratuity
  
• ordering OceanBlue on the Waterfront incurs an 18% gratuity
  
• more points required in regards to getting future comped cruises
  
• CAS no longer discounts suites
  

 

I know a lot of the items are minor but when looked at all together it adds up and would be a lot to take in for someone who is only finding out about them after having boarded the ship.

 

I completely understand the gambler mentality especially when it comes to the perks. The tier level perks are rewards for previous play. Almost as a thank you for our prior patronage. When they take it away, it's like saying they do not appreciate us. Which is a slap in the face. It's like they are saying, "You've earned your dinner for two but lets see if you can earn a drink to go with it." The same will be felt by players at the Hot level inside the casino. Those folks have played a minimum of $25,000 up to $74,999 in the casino in the past year and to now ask them to pay a sub charge on simple drinks like a glass of White Zinfandel is insulting to the player and frankly cheap on behalf of the casino.

 

Increases have been made across the board to all passengers. Cut backs have been made to loyal Latitudes and Casino players. The least affected passengers are those who have booked in the last 5 months and are suite passengers. They have only experienced the increase to the DSC. But there is only a limited number of suite passengers. What is NCL doing to keep the majority of passengers happy? Those are the folks who make sure the ship sails full and they are the ones who they will need to keep all the new builds sailing full too.

 

Time will tell...

 

 

Rochelle

 

On a brighter note, there will now be more open seats for pretend gamblers to smoke! Sit there pretend to read the slot machine instructions and puff away!

[monkeybone]

Great post Rochelle!

 

Don't forget starting in July, no more free Cirque Dreams dinner show with the UDP.

Edited April 20, 2015 by monkeybone

[Solararc]

Great post Rochelle!

 

 

 

Don't forget as of July, no more free Cirque Dreams dinner show with the UDP.

 

 

Happy to see you around monkeybone, you set off the alarms

 

 

*Living Large*

[rochelle_s]

Hi Rochelle,

You are my idol on these blogs! Question for you...is there still a check in line at embarkation for CAS.

 

Thanks for the compliment. The dog hardly listens to me on these topics so I come to CC instead. ;)

 

 

Yes as far as I know there are still CAS check in lines, but the VIP check in status (similar to suites) awarded to Golden and above is apparently gone.

 

 

Rochelle

[monkeybone]

Thanks for the compliment. The dog hardly listens to me on these topics so I come to CC instead. ;)

 

 

Yes as far as I know there are still CAS check in lines, but the VIP check in status (similar to suites) awarded to Golden and above is apparently gone.

 

 

Rochelle

 

I was Golden on my NYE BA cruise and did not get to board with suite guest so that may have been done away with for a while.

 

I am very happy we still get CAS check in!

[rochelle_s]

Great post Rochelle!

 

Don't forget starting in July, no more free Cirque Dreams dinner show with the UDP.

 

Oh Yes..How could I have missed that one ??(too late to amend my post) That one affected me personally and I made a change for my Epic trip. I know you have kids with you for your cruise and mine will be just my mother and myself but I would not have wanted to go through want you did to get it set right.

 

 

Rochelle

[Odesitka70]

I only read 1 and last page of this topic, but just want to share my experience. I been going on cruises through CAS the last 5 years at least 2-3 times a year. For the past 4 years I was golden, until my cruise in February on the epic. I was short of golden by 657 points and was told that ones I go on the spirit in April, I will start with hot and as soon as I reach 15000 they will ones again give me golden. Of course between February and april a lot has changed in the CAS rules. So, first day in my cabin I had a hot card and certificate for diner for 2. Ones casino was open, I saw executive casino host that we knew very well from past cruises. She remembered us and gave us very warm welcome. She explained that they no longer allowed to give drinks with diner, but said not to worry and get whatever we want and she will take care of it later. Unfortunately after first night and 1000 points I ask her if I'll be getting my golden status back and she said no. This year I'll have to stay hot and if I earn enough points this year, then I'll be golden again next year. No more mid year changes of status. They will give you bonus points to play in the casino instead. That was 10 day cruise with 4 sea days and I spend a lot of time in the casino. Also, there was only 24 invited casino guest on the cruise. Throughout the cruise she treat us to 2 more diners with bottle of wine each time. And then she took a good care of our final bill. Casino was very tough to win. Only one $1400 jackpot for the whole casino. But knowing the host definitely made our experience better.

[rochelle_s]

I only read 1 and last page of this topic, but just want to share my experience. I been going on cruises through CAS the last 5 years at least 2-3 times a year. For the past 4 years I was golden, until my cruise in February on the epic. I was short of golden by 657 points and was told that ones I go on the spirit in April, I will start with hot and as soon as I reach 15000 they will ones again give me golden. Of course between February and april a lot has changed in the CAS rules. So, first day in my cabin I had a hot card and certificate for diner for 2. Ones casino was open, I saw executive casino host that we knew very well from past cruises. She remembered us and gave us very warm welcome. She explained that they no longer allowed to give drinks with diner, but said not to worry and get whatever we want and she will take care of it later. Unfortunately after first night and 1000 points I ask her if I'll be getting my golden status back and she said no. This year I'll have to stay hot and if I earn enough points this year, then I'll be golden again next year. No more mid year changes of status. They will give you bonus points to play in the casino instead. That was 10 day cruise with 4 sea days and I spend a lot of time in the casino. Also, there was only 24 invited casino guest on the cruise. Throughout the cruise she treat us to 2 more diners with bottle of wine each time. And then she took a good care of our final bill. Casino was very tough to win. Only one $1400 jackpot for the whole casino. But knowing the host definitely made our experience better.

 

Good to hear the host treated you well, that is what they should do with their frequent players. I am very interested in how hard it is to reach and maintain the higher levels now. I do have a couple of questions. So you were told that you do not move up levels within the tiers until next year. If you have three cruises booked in this playing year and you reach Golden on the second cruise you will not actually get to experience any of the tier benefits until April 1, 2016? So even though you have enough points for Golden your third cruise for the year you remain at Hot?

 

In the past they have always given bonus points when you change tier levels. Are they now going to give bonus points on every cruise?

 

 

Rochelle

[Odesitka70]

Good to hear the host treated you well, that is what they should do with their frequent players. I am very interested in how hard it is to reach and maintain the higher levels now. I do have a couple of questions. So you were told that you do not move up levels within the tiers until next year. If you have three cruises booked in this playing year and you reach Golden on the second cruise you will not actually get to experience any of the tier benefits until April 1, 2016? So even though you have enough points for Golden your third cruise for the year you remain at Hot?

 

In the past they have always given bonus points when you change tier levels. Are they now going to give bonus points on every cruise?

 

 

Rochelle

 

Rochelle I don't know the answer to your question. And my feeling was that even casino people don't know yet. It's all new and only started on April 1 2015. Like I said before, after my cruise in February I was told that I should start my cruise as hot and as soon as I earn 15001, I should be getting golden. Maybe and I hope it will be when you reach next level during the CAS year, they will change your status and we will get some more perks. I ask that question many times through out this cruise and no one had answer for me. Guess will wait and see. I am half way to reaching golden

[rochelle_s]

Rochelle I don't know the answer to your question. And my feeling was that even casino people don't know yet. It's all new and only started on April 1 2015. Like I said before, after my cruise in February I was told that I should start my cruise as hot and as soon as I earn 15001, I should be getting golden. Maybe and I hope it will be when you reach next level during the CAS year, they will change your status and we will get some more perks. I ask that question many times through out this cruise and no one had answer for me. Guess will wait and see. I am half way to reaching golden

 

Thanks for the response and I hope you make it there on your next cruise. I will be asking a few questions myself when I am on the Jade next month. Hopefully at some point someone will be able to explain exactly how the new program works!

 

 

Rochelle

[MaryLS]

All of these posts are exactly why I posted a week or so ago that they have an NCL and CAS liasion to read and reply to make clarifications on these boards. It would make it so much easier than having everyone speculate what is actual policy.

 

I was on the Breakaway in January as HOT. I could get a Rum and Coke but couldn't get a Martini unless I paid $3+. I could get Perrier but couldn't get Pellagrino. I could get Merlot but couldn't get Pinot Noir. I finally asked the bartender for a list but he wouldn't provide one.

 

I also found that I could get different items depending on the server and the bartender. It was all quite inconsistent.

[wallygator21015]

Yes I agree with you.

 

We here on CC have a bit of an advantage because we know when things are coming. Had I not been on here keeping up with things I too would have been perturbed to find out as I am boarding that;

 

• there is no VIP boarding for CAS
  
• smaller box of chocolates from Latitudes
  
• small plate of strawberries from Latitudes
  
• drink prices have increased (7%)
  
• the gratuity on drinks has increased (3%)
  
• no Cagney's breakfast for Golden & VIP
  
• no Cagney's lunch for Golden & VIP
  
• only the lowest level of comp drinks allowed in the casino
  
• no bottle of wine with CAS comped dinner
  
• extra specialty restaurant, booked and paid by guest now incurs an 18% auto gratuity
  
• depending on ship, room services orders now incur a $7.95 service charge
  
• ordering anything at the coffee bar incurs an 18% gratuity
  
• ordering anything from Carlos bakery incurs an 18% gratuity
  
• ordering sushi incurs an 18% gratuity
  
• ordering OceanBlue on the Waterfront incurs an 18% gratuity
  
• more points required in regards to getting future comped cruises
  
• CAS no longer discounts suites
  

 

I know a lot of the items are minor but when looked at all together it adds up and would be a lot to take in for someone who is only finding out about them after having boarded the ship.

 

I completely understand the gambler mentality especially when it comes to the perks. The tier level perks are rewards for previous play. Almost as a thank you for our prior patronage. When they take it away, it's like saying they do not appreciate us. Which is a slap in the face. It's like they are saying, "You've earned your dinner for two but lets see if you can earn a drink to go with it." The same will be felt by players at the Hot level inside the casino. Those folks have played a minimum of $25,000 up to $74,999 in the casino in the past year and to now ask them to pay a sub charge on simple drinks like a glass of White Zinfandel is insulting to the player and frankly cheap on behalf of the casino.

 

Increases have been made across the board to all passengers. Cut backs have been made to loyal Latitudes and Casino players. The least affected passengers are those who have booked in the last 5 months and are suite passengers. They have only experienced the increase to the DSC. But there is only a limited number of suite passengers. What is NCL doing to keep the majority of passengers happy? Those are the folks who make sure the ship sails full and they are the ones who they will need to keep all the new builds sailing full too.

 

Time will tell...

Rochelle

 

Rochelle, good job collecting all of the above changes.

 

I would like to add a few more::mad:

 

* Platinum members

 

Two Platinum members in same cabin, only one small box of chocolates per cabin

 

Two Platinum members in same cabin, only one bottle of champagne per cabin

 

Two Platinum members in same cabin, only one voucher for a specialty restaurant, but it is for both latitudes members :mad:

 

Wallygator

[Odesitka70]

Rochelle, good job collecting all of the above changes.

 

I would like to add a few more::mad:

 

* Platinum members

 

Two Platinum members in same cabin, only one small box of chocolates per cabin

 

Two Platinum members in same cabin, only one bottle of champagne per cabin

 

Two Platinum members in same cabin, only one voucher for a specialty restaurant, but it is for both latitudes members :mad:

 

Wallygator

Not necessarily. Again from my experience last week. I became platinum before my cruise in February and had all the perks. My husband became one after February and so both of us were platinum this cruise. 2 very small boxes of Godiva chocolate in room, 2 bottles of champagne, 2 vouchers for diner in any restaurant with a bottle of wine and finally 2 bags of laundry. Maybe because it was a longer cruise, or maybe it's older ship and don't have much to offer compared to new ships. We will be on breakaway in August and will see if the same apply there.

[rochelle_s]

All of these posts are exactly why I posted a week or so ago that they have an NCL and CAS liasion to read and reply to make clarifications on these boards. It would make it so much easier than having everyone speculate what is actual policy.

 

I was on the Breakaway in January as HOT. I could get a Rum and Coke but couldn't get a Martini unless I paid $3+. I could get Perrier but couldn't get Pellagrino. I could get Merlot but couldn't get Pinot Noir. I finally asked the bartender for a list but he wouldn't provide one.

 

I also found that I could get different items depending on the server and the bartender. It was all quite inconsistent.

 

 

Mary I agree and think your idea is brilliant!

 

I really don't understand why they want everyone to be so confused about the program. If they would just come out and state everything matter of fact and to the point then we could all have a little hissy fit if we like and decide to either play, play more, play less, or not play at all. But at least we could make an informed choice about what we are doing.

 

I'm sure that would be welcomed by the CAS folks on the other end of the phone and the poor folks on board who have to answer to all the questions and complaints from people who are not finding anything about changes in the program until after they have boarded the ship.

 

They can also cut it out with the carrot on the stick they have been dangling for over a year now. All the wonderful changes that are coming. What wonderful changes? The only thing they have done is take things away. There has not been a single thing added to the program in any way shape or form that could be considered a benefit to the players.

 

I do like the CAS program and I like it a whole lot better when I know what is what. I enjoy playing in the casino but I also enjoy a good rewards program that awards me with nice perks for the time and money I play and for the levels I achieve. You don't reach the various levels without spending a fair few $$$. A casino program that appreciates a player for their time and money spent is one that I will return to again and again.

 

 

Rochelle

[rochelle_s]

Not necessarily. Again from my experience last week. I became platinum before my cruise in February and had all the perks. My husband became one after February and so both of us were platinum this cruise. 2 very small boxes of Godiva chocolate in room, 2 bottles of champagne, 2 vouchers for diner in any restaurant with a bottle of wine and finally 2 bags of laundry. Maybe because it was a longer cruise, or maybe it's older ship and don't have much to offer compared to new ships. We will be on breakaway in August and will see if the same apply there.

 

Wow I think you hit the jackpot in terms of Platinum amenities. That is almost unheard of. Way to go!! :)

 

 

Rochelle

[jaja]

As usual NCL/CAS is displaying a total lack of respect for their customers by not communicating officially (and directly to the customers ) changes in benefits . We all must again rely on 2nd hand information and info given by reps/employees who (probably ) have no knowledge of what is happening themselves.:( .

Edited April 21, 2015 by jaja

[rochelle_s]

As usual NCL/CAS is displaying a total lack of respect for their customers by not communicating officially (and directly to the customers ) changes in benefits . We all must again rely on 2nd hand information and info given by reps/employees who (probably ) have no knowledge of what is happening themselves.:( .

 

So true and you have to feel sorry for them in that situation. They probably dislike it as much or more than we do seeing as they are getting it from both sides.

 

 

Rochelle

[Sand and Seas]

Not necessarily. Again from my experience last week. I became platinum before my cruise in February and had all the perks. My husband became one after February and so both of us were platinum this cruise. 2 very small boxes of Godiva chocolate in room, 2 bottles of champagne, 2 vouchers for diner in any restaurant with a bottle of wine and finally 2 bags of laundry. Maybe because it was a longer cruise, or maybe it's older ship and don't have much to offer compared to new ships. We will be on breakaway in August and will see if the same apply there.

 

It was a 10 day cruise? I ask because my husband and I are both Platinum and have sailed on a couple of 7 day cruises in the last few months. On each our cabin got 1 box of Godiva, 1 bottle of champagne, but 2 vouchers for dinners with wine. It's getting kind of confusing as different ships seem to be giving things in different quantities. (And lets don't get started on laundry bags....very confusing!)

[pokerpro5]

For those complaining about the machines in the shipboard casino being "tough to win" or "tight", I have news for you:

 

You're right.

 

The odds of winning on cruise ship casino machines are FAR less than their land based counterparts.

 

You should know this before spending your money on any shipboard casino. (Truth be told, NCL is no worse than any others, though.)

[dexddd]

It was a 10 day cruise? I ask because my husband and I are both Platinum and have sailed on a couple of 7 day cruises in the last few months. On each our cabin got 1 box of Godiva, 1 bottle of champagne, but 2 vouchers for dinners with wine. It's getting kind of confusing as different ships seem to be giving things in different quantities. (And lets don't get started on laundry bags....very confusing!)

 

That is how it was for us on BA last year - one box of chocs, 1 bottle of sparkling wine (not champagne), 2 dinner vouchers with two bottles of wine (i.e. 4 free dinners and 2 bottles total), and 2 laundry bags free but then again, that was a long time ago in terms of all the recent changes.

[NMLady]

Just returned from the NCL Getaway. April 11 - 18, 2015.

I have been a member of CAS for five years. Two years at the Hot level.

Two major changes: the CAS free drink card can only get you a drink valued at five dollars or less. My wife & I both had the Free drink cards but were unable to find anything that was very tasteful. We ended up getting bottles of water to drink in the casino:(

Another big change in the CAS program is the free dinner for two in the specialty restaurant no longer includes drinks or a bottle of wine. We ordered a bottle of wine anyway and had to pay an additional 18% connivence fee:(

Not happy with all of the cutbacks and additional fees on NCL!

 

I'm the lowest of the low and with my drink card had on the Jewel 11-18 i had no trouble getting vodka tonic, screwdriver, Chardonnay wine. Are those all less than $5?

[hpecorari]

FYI - Some keep saying what they got/received on their last cruise HOWEVER, if your cruise was PRIOR to April 1st, 2015 it doesn't matter.

 

New rules as of April 1, 2015.

 

Also, as a side note.....Lucky receives NO drinks unless it's a perk from CAS for booking a room through them. If you just go to the host and sign up you are lucky....and will get no drinks until you reach HOT.

 

Harriet

[tumblew467]

rochelle mentioned in her list about no more discounts for suites. Can some one explain that to me. what they did in the past. thanks