Changes - Casino at Sea Program

[wallygator21015]

Two buddies, as well as myself, have very recently been eliminated from the CAS program?

 

Although, we each incurred sufficient losses in the casino, we were informed that we were no longer qualified for the CAS program. I am aware that there are many recent cutbacks by NCL overall.

 

Is this just another cutback?

Anyone else experiencing this problem?

 

 

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[Moby0215]

Isn't just the CAS program the card you use to be tracked in the casinos? I'm guessing you mean they won't currently give you a comp?

 

 

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[rochelle_s]

Two buddies, as well as myself, have very recently been eliminated from the CAS program?

 

Although, we each incurred sufficient losses in the casino, we were informed that we were no longer qualified for the CAS program. I am aware that there are many recent cutbacks by NCL overall.

 

Is this just another cutback?

Anyone else experiencing this problem?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Were those losses incurred prior to April 1, 2014?

 

April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 determined your tier status for this current year but in the same breath all points reset to zero which was not the case in the past.

 

I did a B2B on the Jade. I played heavy at the beginning of the 14 days and my play tapered off as the cruise progressed as I had absolutely no luck whatsoever. When I called the regular CAS line I was told I did not qualify for much because of my play on my "technically' last cruise. I said I got over $5000 points in the first week and he said they did not count..only my last cruise did. Afterwards I called back and spoke directly with the rep I have booked with in the past and she was much more obliging, or so it seemed. She did state though that things have changed.

 

Perhaps if you were to call and speak with someone else you might get a completely different and a more favourable response. Better yet if you had someone with whom you have dealt before.

 

Best of luck.

 

 

Rochelle

[NLH Arizona]

Two buddies, as well as myself, have very recently been eliminated from the CAS program?

 

Although, we each incurred sufficient losses in the casino, we were informed that we were no longer qualified for the CAS program. I am aware that there are many recent cutbacks by NCL overall.

 

Is this just another cutback?

Anyone else experiencing this problem?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Just wondering. How long has it been since your last NCL cruise? Did they say why you and your buddies were being eliminated? Do you currently have a cruise booked through CAS or were you trying to book a cruise?

[Moby0215]

Can someone tell me what it means to be eliminated? I'm assuming OP just means not eligible for a comp but would like to confirm.

 

 

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[wallygator21015]

Sorry, I stand corrected. Rather than eliminated, I should have said not eligible. We actually loss more on out last cruise on the Breakaway than any other cruise, nonetheless, we are not eligible for another discounted cruise? More cutbacks by FDR.

 

 

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[Moby0215]

Sorry, I stand corrected. Rather than eliminated, I should have said not eligible. We actually loss more on out last cruise on the Breakaway than any other cruise, nonetheless, we are not eligible for another discounted cruise? More cutbacks by FDR.

 

 

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I'm sure it's possible due to some cutbacks but you do realize that comps are not based on your losses right?

 

 

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[SuiteCruiser]

I'm sure it's possible due to some cutbacks but you do realize that comps are not based on your losses right?

 

 

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According to my CAS rep, I didn't qualify for a certain cabin because I didn't lose enough. I know it really is how much you put through the slots or onto the tables, but I can understand why they would think that.

[Moby0215]

According to my CAS rep, I didn't qualify for a certain cabin because I didn't lose enough. I know it really is how much you put through the slots or onto the tables, but I can understand why they would think that.

 

 

That is correct. I know with CETs Total Rewards comps are based on your ADT (Average Daily Theoretical) loss. I'm guessing CAS has something similar. That being said if you happen to be diamond or higher with Total Rewards then you qualify for 20% off or more with NCL. Still a good deal if you find an already cheap room.

 

 

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[NLH Arizona]

I'm sure it's possible due to some cutbacks but you do realize that comps are not based on your losses right?

 

 

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The last time I booked a CAS cabin, they told me exactly how much my losses were and said they take that into consideration, as well has how many hours you spend gambling (they gave me that number as well).

[SuiteCruiser]

The last time I booked a CAS cabin, they told me exactly how much my losses were and said they take that into consideration, as well has how many hours you spend gambling (they gave me that number as well).

 

It's handled better on the older ships. I did 4 Epic cruises last year and barely got any recognition for the 50-60 hours of play on each 7 day cruise. On the Star with similar bets and less time in the casino, I was rated much higher. I think it has to do with the automatic hand counters on Epic and the change in bets not being properly logged.

[asubaru]

There seems to be some talk about people not receiving the comps they have in the past with the same, or more, play. I am still getting the same class of cabin comped, fortunately, but haven't cruised since February.

 

I have read some rumblings regarding onboard comps being reduced. I had friends return from the Getaway Saturday and they got zero comps this cruise, unlike previous cruises.

 

CAS revamped program reduced benefits at some levels.

 

Do you see a pattern? It's not just you!

 

 

Sorry, I stand corrected. Rather than eliminated, I should have said not eligible. We actually loss more on out last cruise on the Breakaway than any other cruise, nonetheless, we are not eligible for another discounted cruise? More cutbacks by FDR.

 

 

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[CruiseWithUs64]

CAS wants to simply streamline the program. The points are derived from playing time and probably losses though I did not see a difference in points between losses and wins. So I think CAS may put more weight into time spend.

 

I probably could be pissed about the new program as I was just downgraded one level because I was missing 187 points. That's probably like 10 min on the craps table. :D

 

The problem I saw before with the program was that a lot of people received benefits/comp they should not have gotten. By streamlining it and making it fair for everybody I did lose out but that is OK. I just wish they would have a website like myncl.com where you can track points, playing time etc. rather than calling or sending an email.

[CruiseWithUs64]

It's handled better on the older ships. I did 4 Epic cruises last year and barely got any recognition for the 50-60 hours of play on each 7 day cruise. On the Star with similar bets and less time in the casino, I was rated much higher. I think it has to do with the automatic hand counters on Epic and the change in bets not being properly logged.

 

I think it would be a problem of the pit boss not logging your time properly on the Epic. That probably will always be a problem until you can login on the tables automatically like on the slots.

 

Last year I had three exact same cruises, spend the same amount of time and losses were almost identical (couple hundred bucks difference). The difference from the highest point total on one of the cruise to the lowest was almost a 1,000 points.

 

I think it is almost impossible to track changes in bets on the Craps table per say. Unless the pit bosses get the info from the dealers and your changes are obvious (i.e. $10 on the pass line with no odds to $300 on the table) I doubt changes in bets will be noted.

 

The changes are tough no doubt and despite me losing out on the next level it will be a better program hopefully.

[Jane Don]

10 years on the gaming floor and I can tell you a thing or two about rating. Some supervisors are diligent and mark every buy in and calculate average bet fairly. Some are lazy, pay little attention, don't count re-buys and just chat. Sometimes it is too busy or they have too many tables to do a good job. If you bet predictably you are easier to rate. Conversely, if you bet erratically tracking your play is difficult.

 

If you are perceived as a jerk and aren't laying down big cash, your rating may suffer.

 

My advice is be respectful, tip the dealers, bet predictably and it doesn't hurt to make nice with the person doing the rating. Find common ground and build a rapport. The more they enjoy being in your company, the better your play looks on paper.

 

If you are betting huge, you can be a jerk and still make out like a king.

[eynsteinp]

I just booked about a month ago for Sept 26 not he Getaway through CAS. There did not seem to be any difference in my comp compared to the past. They gave me a free Balcony which I upgraded to an aft facing balcony. They also offered the same comp amount towards a suite if I chose to go that route. My wife and I mostly play video poker so maybe tracking is easier but the overall comp seems to be the same to me. Don't know if that helps but the problem may be tied to tracking your play as some others have discussed.

[SuiteCruiser]

10 years on the gaming floor and I can tell you a thing or two about rating. Some supervisors are diligent and mark every buy in and calculate average bet fairly. Some are lazy, pay little attention, don't count re-buys and just chat. Sometimes it is too busy or they have too many tables to do a good job. If you bet predictably you are easier to rate. Conversely, if you bet erratically tracking your play is difficult.

 

If you are perceived as a jerk and aren't laying down big cash, your rating may suffer.

 

My advice is be respectful, tip the dealers, bet predictably and it doesn't hurt to make nice with the person doing the rating. Find common ground and build a rapport. The more they enjoy being in your company, the better your play looks on paper.

 

If you are betting huge, you can be a jerk and still make out like a king.

 

I don't know why that doesn't seem to work on Epic. The dealers put it all into their system and I get along with them all well, always tip and keep my bets the same except for the odd time I play blackjack and play progressively. Less play on the Dawn this past week netted me over 1200 points more than on the Epic. When I call CAS they see I played 60 hours and agree it doesn't make sense that I can't get a comp, but the numbers sent from the Epic don't seem to make sense.

 

I'll get a decent comp off of last week's play, I'm sure of that.

 

It definitely is easier for slots players, too bad I love Epic so keep missing out.

Edited September 9, 2015 by SuiteCruiser

[sjbdtz]

I probably could be pissed about the new program as I was just downgraded one level because I was missing 187 points. That's probably like 10 min on the craps table. :D

 

 

Don't forget, you get a New Tier Bonus when you hit the next tier.... I think it's 5,000 bonus points (don't count toward tier level themselves, but they're worth about $50) if you go from Hot to Golden, and 10,000 points ($100) if you go from Golden to VIP.

 

And they upgrade your drink card right away. It's just the other bennies that you have to wait for.

 

 

Stephen

 

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[SuiteCruiser]

Don't forget, you get a New Tier Bonus when you hit the next tier.... I think it's 5,000 bonus points (don't count toward tier level themselves, but they're worth about $50) if you go from Hot to Golden, and 10,000 points ($100) if you go from Golden to VIP.

 

And they upgrade your drink card right away. It's just the other bennies that you have to wait for.

 

 

Stephen

 

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This is correct, but you start back at zero April 1st and need to re-earn those points in the next year. For instance, I was Golden March 31st and dropped to Hot April 1st as some of my Golden points were from 13-18 months before. I am now still HOT, but need to earn another 15000 points between April 1 to March 31 to become Golden this year, not just the difference that was earned at 13-18 months the year before.

 

I hope I have this wrong, but I believe it's correct.

[rochelle_s]

This is correct, but you start back at zero April 1st and need to re-earn those points in the next year. For instance, I was Golden March 31st and dropped to Hot April 1st as some of my Golden points were from 13-18 months before. I am now still HOT, but need to earn another 15000 points between April 1 to March 31 to become Golden this year, not just the difference that was earned at 13-18 months the year before.

 

I hope I have this wrong, but I believe it's correct.

 

Unfortunately you are correct. It does make it harder to reach and certainly maintain those higher levels. I think for the vast majority who might cruise once or twice a year and gamble a fair bit, it will be still be difficult to reach and maintain above the Hot level.

 

If I am right in my estimation I would hope that CAS would really up the perks at those higher levels making them worth attaining. We have been told about the 'exciting' changes coming to the program for well over a year now. The only changes I have seen are definitely not in favour of the player. Things like the removal of the Cagney's perk or the wine with dinner.

 

I started this year as Golden and on my first cruise of the new year I made my HOT status for next year. Other than a $150 spa credit I see no extra benefits of reaching Golden again. Those additional 10,000 of points require a minimum of $50,000 in slot play, double that for video poker and I can't imagine what it means for play on the tables.

 

That's a lot of play for a spa credit. :eek:

 

 

Rochelle

[SuiteCruiser]

Unfortunately you are correct. It does make it harder to reach and certainly maintain those higher levels. I think for the vast majority who might cruise once or twice a year and gamble a fair bit, it will be still be difficult to reach and maintain above the Hot level.

 

If I am right in my estimation I would hope that CAS would really up the perks at those higher levels making them worth attaining. We have been told about the 'exciting' changes coming to the program for well over a year now. The only changes I have seen are definitely not in favour of the player. Things like the removal of the Cagney's perk or the wine with dinner.

 

I started this year as Golden and on my first cruise of the new year I made my HOT status for next year. Other than a $150 spa credit I see no extra benefits of reaching Golden again. Those additional 10,000 of points require a minimum of $50,000 in slot play, double that for video poker and I can't imagine what it means for play on the tables.

 

That's a lot of play for a spa credit. :eek:

 

 

Rochelle

 

Very true, Rochelle :) I'd hoped that my Golden would last longer than one cruise, since I paid so much for it LOL

[NLH Arizona]

I really wish NCL would adopt Caesar's Total Rewards system. You make your tier in the current year and it is good for the next year. With NCL, I'll probably make Golden on my December cruise and it really won't be good for much of anything. I do appreciate the comped rooms and drink cards and feel that they have been very fair about those, but would like to enjoy a tier a little longer than a few days.

[hpecorari]

I really wish NCL would adopt Caesar's Total Rewards system. You make your tier in the current year and it is good for the next year. With NCL, I'll probably make Golden on my December cruise and it really won't be good for much of anything. I do appreciate the comped rooms and drink cards and feel that they have been very fair about those, but would like to enjoy a tier a little longer than a few days.

 

It used to be good for the year you earned it PLUS the following year. Now, however, come April 1st, .......

 

Harriet

[MaryLS]

Rochelle, could you go into more detail about the dinner at Cagneys and the wine with dinner? I used to be offered dinner for 2 at a restaurant of my choice and receive a bottle of wine. Is that now gone? If so, when did it happen? I most recently received it on the Breakaway in January 2015.

[Sand and Seas]

Just off the Getaway 10 days ago. My current tier is Hot and we got dinner at Cagney's covered, but no bottle of wine. We had the UBP so didn't miss it.