Cruise casino advice

[alpogi8]

We love to cruise and my wife likes the occasional stops at the casino. She has not reached the points necessary for offers to a "bounce back" cruise . So on our next cruise in June my plan is to set aside our Cheers budget and get her shot at the casino slots to earn points and hopefully an offer. She don't drink but a drink and a cruise for me is my "fun". Will this work ? Is she going to play long hours and miss on doing our excursions? What are the number points to reach before any offerings? Are casino players has tiered groups like The Carnival's VIFP loyalty program? Any advice is greatly appreciated and hope everyone has a nice cruise vacation! By the way I'm asking this advice while I'm in a coffee shop at our local indian casino[emoji4][emoji12]

 

 

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[BillieUnik]

I have been on 3 Princess cruises and gamble, usually winning, each nite on 10 day cruises. I recently recieved a brochure offering a significant discount on a 6 day southern Carribbean balcony for $599 pp + $75 one tome casino cash, which I booked. That's it. The hosts will buy you a drink after you have gambled a few nites in a row.

[bobkat12]

I don't think slots machines can do it you, but they will rate you at the tables.

 

 

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[riddle]

Sorry but I really don't understand your questions. I am assuming Carnival but you did not specify. I don't cruise Carnival so I cannot help you there. She will not miss excursions due to gambling as the casinos are not open while a ship is in port. Perhaps you meant you will use excursion money toward gambling?

 

Anyway with a comped cruise remember there are other expenses such as taxes, port fees, gratuities, airfare. Just some things to keep in mind.

[mistycruiser]

Hello fellow Tracyite. My husband and I spend a lot of time at the casino on cruises. Usually just slots but sometimes hubby plays craps and poker. Depending on the length of the cruise you can earn a Drinks on Us card from the Casino but that only allows her to order drinks while she's actively playing in the casino. On a 7 day cruise that is 1500 points. In the past in order to qualify for a Bounce Back offer it is usually 5000 points on up. We've received several BB offers in the past but I've heard that they are not going to be offering Bounce Back offers in the future but I have no confirmation of that.

 

We get offers every few months or so for Premier offers where we get casino cash, reduced rates and special events through out the cruise. It's possible that she might start receiving those offers in the future depending on her play. After she returns from her cruise have her keep logging into carnival using her user ID which will have her VIFP number associated to it and then she can check for any special offers she may qualify for.

[VideoTech]

We love to cruise and my wife likes the occasional stops at the casino. She has not reached the points necessary for offers to a "bounce back" cruise . So on our next cruise in June my plan is to set aside our Cheers budget and get her shot at the casino slots to earn points and hopefully an offer. She don't drink but a drink and a cruise for me is my "fun". Will this work ? Is she going to play long hours and miss on doing our excursions? What are the number points to reach before any offerings? Are casino players has tiered groups like The Carnival's VIFP loyalty program? Any advice is greatly appreciated and hope everyone has a nice cruise vacation! By the way I'm asking this advice while I'm in a coffee shop at our local indian casino[emoji4][emoji12]

 

 

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You didn't specify a cruise line, but judging from your sig you are Carnival cruisers. We haven't cruised Carnival in a long time so I'll just make a few points based on our long history of gambling and being members of NCL's Casino's at Sea program.

 

First, it's unlikely that on any cruise line, "occasional" stops in the casino will earn you enough to even begin to get casino cruise offers. But you are aware of this, and planning for at least one of your party to spend a lot of time in the casino.

 

The most obvious rule is: get a casino club card and use it EVERY time you play. I disagree with the poster who felt that slot play wouldn't get you anything...in fact, I think slot play is the best way to make sure you get your credits, because your card in the slot machine insures that every $1 you spend is registered with the system. Neither my DW or I are table games players - we both play slots - and all our cruises begin with a casino comp from NCL CAS.

 

So how much time will you need to spend in the casino? That depends on how many credits you get for each $1 played. You should be able to get this information from Carnival, or at the casino manager's desk on the ship. For NCL, the slot rate is $5 = 1 point (note that video poker players are penalized with a rate of $10 = 1 point, and I'm sure this is true on Carnival too).

 

An important note here is that this $ amount is "Coin in" which is actually the number of spins of the reels x the value of the bet. It is NOT a counting of each and every $ you put in (that is "Coin Drop"). I mention this because if you put $20 in a slot machine, and play away on that original $20 sometimes winning and sometimes losing, your "Coin In" value is actually higher than your original $20...you will likely press the spin button more times than a strict accounting of your $20 bet would lead you to believe...unless of course you happen to hit a really bad string of continuous losing spins.

 

So, what will you get for, say $1500 played? How about for $3000? Well, that information is something the Casino programs will not share with you. They use a number of other factors to determine your value as a player to the program. if you'd like a detailed explanation of how they do this, please read this article.

 

However, you can gain some insight from other things. For instance, after you have earned 1500 points in the casino on your first NCL gambling cruise, you will be given a "free drink" card. At absolute worse, assuming you lost every single spin of the slot machine, your free drink card would cost you 1500 x $5 or $7,500. And that's for "well" drinks only! But the fact of the matter is that your free drink card will not cost you that...you will win a reasonable percentage of your bets (whatever payback % the machine is set to).

 

Going further, after you have earned 2500 points on an NCL cruise, you are eligible to have your credit value applied to your final bill. This can result in some substantial discounts to your bill. We have had cruises where we walked off the ship owing nothing on our final bill.

 

But getting to those points ($0 final bills, comp cruises) requires substantial time in the casino. We play every day the casino is open, usually for many hours. For us, it's part of the entertainment on the cruise.

 

So I think the important point here is: Don't obsess with getting casino comps. Play as much as you want, and gamble only the money you can afford to gamble. If your play is getting good ratings, and the casino staff is on the ball, you'll know it soon enough. They'll be over to introduce themselves, to see if they can get you anything, and perhaps to offer you comped specialty restaurant dinners or spa treatments. You'll find goodies like cookies or a bottle of wine delivered to your room - at least, these are things that the casino staff on NCL does for their well rated players.

 

And most importantly, don't give up on doing the other things you'd like to do, just to play in the casino.

 

Edit to add: Yes, the casino club (at least on NCL) is tiered. That information is available here

Edited January 23, 2017 by VideoTech

[Jeffffffs]

If your going to gamble in the casino, always use your players card. If your playing table games, there are some tips to make sure your play is being properly recorded by the pit boss, but ultimately your comps are based on your play.

 

Never play for comps. It is a losers game. The amount you are risking with each bet will far exceed the value of your comps.

[lazydayz]

Agree with Jeffs. Play for fun and if you get 1500 points, free drinks. After that, you might qualify for some comps on the ship or a BB offer.

[Casino Player]

Agree with Jeffs. Play for fun and if you get 1500 points, free drinks. After that, you might qualify for some comps on the ship or a BB offer.

 

HHHHHEEEEELLLLLLLLLLOOOOO Alpogi8:Agree with Jeffs and lazydayz. Never play to impress anyone. Play because you enjoy the game and maybe you will get some good luck. Some of those comped cruises, from what I've read about some, don't seem to be worth it. Many expect you to play for many hours and tables are crowded. No choices on slot machines.

[AggieB]

Hiya! New to the thread here and have a few casino questions... i have been on 10 various cruise and have never really set foot in one of the casinos, its just not my thing.

 

In 80days, my BF and I sail (his first cruise ever) and he enjoys a little casino action. So I know we'll make a visit in there. Here are my questions, does he need to bring cash? Is there an ATM available? Do you only use your sail card to access money for play?

 

 

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[cmurchake]

Hiya! New to the thread here and have a few casino questions... i have been on 10 various cruise and have never really set foot in one of the casinos, its just not my thing.

 

In 80days, my BF and I sail (his first cruise ever) and he enjoys a little casino action. So I know we'll make a visit in there. Here are my questions, does he need to bring cash? Is there an ATM available? Do you only use your sail card to access money for play?

 

 

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Not sure what line you are on, but Norwegian takes cash, has an ATM, and allows you to use your card which they then add a 3% fee to.

[Honolulu Blue]

Norwegian takes cash, has an ATM, and allows you to use your card which they then add a 3% fee to.

 

Carnival is the same, with a couple of minor notes:

 

* The slots don't take coins

* They don't charge a fee for billing your account through the machines

[Tutontow]

This is just my experience on Carnival YMMV.

 

First and foremost DO NOT change your gambling style to chase comps. Gamble like you normally do and if comps come your way, great.

 

On CCL (Carnival) I pretty much play only table games. My wife and I always play blackjack and sit side by side. We always buy in for $500.00. This seems to be the minimum number to get a little attention.

 

When the pit critters come over to check it out when I get chips I joke, get to know them and let them know ever so politely I like to drink and can't wait until I get the free drink card. Believe me, being nice to the casino workers and tipping goes a long way to getting comps. Many times we have gotten free drinks just because the pit boss or casino host did it as a favor.

 

CCL is the only casino I have ever been in where your losses actually count towards a bounce back offer. I have been told this more than once in correspondence with their players club. I have also been told if you lose 5k on a 7 night cruise you will get a bounce back offer.

 

I also had a cruise where I gambled more and at a higher level than I normally play because I was winning like crazy, and I never got a bounce back offer on that trip. I guess they figure I won enough to pay for my next cruise. Ha Ha.

 

Like I said, don't change your gambling to chase comps but if you are so inclined get separate players cards. Go to a roulette table. You bet $25.00 on red and your wife bet $25.00 on black. Hopefully the zeros won't come up to often. You should wind up being able to play long enough to get some type of comps.

 

I say different strokes for different folks but I like table games and I really feel that being able to interact with the pit critters and tipping the dealers goes a long way to comps.

[Jeffffffs]

Go to a roulette table. You bet $25.00 on red and your wife bet $25.00 on black. Hopefully the zeros won't come up to often. You should wind up being able to play long enough to get some type of comps.

 

 

This is just giving your money to the casino. You have no chance to win, and will surely lose all your money (at an average rate of about $2.50 per spin).

 

I had friend who once decided that he would watch roulette and whenever black or red would come up three times in a row, he would bet on the opposite. If he lost, he would double his bet, and so on until the opposite color finally hit. The first time I watched him play his system he was on fire. Every bet he made won. He started randomly betting on numbers, and they would hit too. It was incredible. The system worked great for him for a while (a few trips), until it didn't...and he gave back all his winnings. But his system (as incredibly flawed as it is) at least had a chance to get lucky.

 

Unless you are a very skillful card counter, there is no system or strategy to beat the casino (even after factoring in comps). Every gambler needs to understand this. Personally, I try to focus on money management and taking advantage of streaks...but I fully understand that the house has the edge on every bet I make.

[Tutontow]

This is just giving your money to the casino. You have no chance to win, and will surely lose all your money (at an average rate of about $2.50 per spin).

 

 

 

I think you missed my point. The majority of time either red or black will come up. If the wife loses the husband will win and vice versa unless the zeros come up.

 

Of course they will lose money doing this but the original post was about playing enough to get comps.

[vp1]

I understand the intent of having two people essentially betting against each other with the expectation that, most of the time, they'll break even and they're hoping to play long enough for a free drink card or some other "comp". Personally, I enjoy gambling with the hope that, sometimes, I'll end up ahead. The roulette players will NEVER end up ahead, even if they get "lucky" and few zeros come up, they will certainly lose more over the course of a hour than the cost of a free couple of drinks - but that's certainly their choice.

 

I would reiterate what others have said about "chasing" the comps - if you get a free drink card or a free bottle or a free meal - great. Just don't bet more than you can with the hopes of getting something from the casino. I would also concur that the ships have manipulated a number of the table games over the past 5-10 years to increase the house edge. At one point European cruises would have the single zero roulette wheel to mimic the game that many of the (european) patrons knew - that's no longer the case as the house edge is doubled on roulette by adding a double zero. Also, the pay tables on other table games (3-card poker, let it ride, caribbean stud [if even offered], etc. are often far less generous than land-based casinos. Blackjack is going more an more to 6-5 BJ payouts on lower limit tables and having the dealer hit a soft 17 also adds to the casino edge…

 

My game of choice is craps because (as of yet) the ship hasn't messed with the payouts. With the added blackjack changes, craps is by far the best game in the room for the gambler. Ship slot machines will have a casino edge that can approach 10% (or possibly more…), roulette and other table games have a house edge that is often in the 5- 10% range, but a "basic" pass line craps bet (with even 2X odds) has a house edge of less than 1%. If you don't know the game, the staff will be happy to explain it to you - it's fun, exciting, and you will probably lose your money far more slowly (and might even win a bit as well…)

 

My last 4 Carnival cruises were all comped cruises (with free drinks) and I almost exclusively play craps. Sometimes I come home with their money, sometimes they keep my money, but I do have a lot of fun and only bet what I can afford.

 

Just something to think about - the dice game can look very intimidating, but it's really not hard to learn the basics and, with a house edge of less than 1%, your money can often last a long time…

 

~Bob

[AggieB]

Thanks for the advice Tutontow and Cmurchake

 

We are going on Celebrity. Neither of us are big gamblers. Especially not me. More just play for fun. We have a comp beverage package, so free drinks aren't a big deal. But totally get the shmooze with casino crew idea.

 

If we happen to win a little extra spending $$ fantastic, we won.

 

 

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[CasinoCruzGirl]

On 1/21/2017 at 2:11 PM, bobkat12 said:

I don't think slots machines can do it you, but they will rate you at the tables.

 

 

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How can u say it’s better to play tBles than slots. Table games are notorious for giving terrible points vs slots

[Casino Comp Chick]

On 6/11/2019 at 12:06 PM, CasinoCruzGirl said:

How can u say it’s better to play tBles than slots. Table games are notorious for giving terrible points vs slots

 

Not everyone plays low limit tables or table minimums. Lots of table players will only play high limit games because of the shoes and hand shuffles. They would be rated as such.

[CruiseMomTX]

We cruised Carnival quite a bit the last few years on regular cruises or as Getaway, Premier & Ultra guests.  The rates were discounted some, got free drinks in casino, sometimes cash/casino cash and then there would be the possibility of special drawings or games with prizes.  Well in Jan we sailed RCCL Harmony and so far wont look back! lol.  We both earned Prime in the casino so for the next year get free drinks in the casino and some other perks.  We didn't gamble any more that we ever did on Carnival but since that Jan sailing the offers have been nonstop.  Mostly free (you pay port fees & taxes) balcony or occasionally Jr Suite cabins or up to $1000 off, we both get the offers so either combine for a better room or take our teens and get two rooms.  

 

For example were sailing on RCCL Liberty out of Galveston in July, we got 2 balcony cabins and for 4 people the total was under $500!!  We booked another sailing on the Liberty in Aug with 2 balcony cabins, 5 people total was $1200.  If you can give Royal Caribbean a try and see what happens.  

[proggieus]

On ‎1‎/‎26‎/‎2017 at 12:48 PM, Tutontow said:

 

 

I think you missed my point. The majority of time either red or black will come up. If the wife loses the husband will win and vice versa unless the zeros come up.

 

Of course they will lose money doing this but the original post was about playing enough to get comps.

yes, but the amount of times that the zeros will come will equal a house edge of over 5% on both red and black so-

 

 

for every spin you will betting $50-

 

25 on red 

 

25 on black

 

so every two spins you will have played exactly $100.00 against a house advantage of 5.26% so you can expect to lose $5.26 per two rolls.

 

 

now of course you will break even alot but as soon as a zero hits you will lose your $50.

 

the worst part of this plan is you cant even get lucky-

 

your absolute best outcome is to break even on a "winning spin". the only other alternative is to lose.

 

and by the way-

 

I would be surprised if they even gave you credit for those wagers, they are not dumb and would likely catch on quick, plus the table in general have horrible point systems in general.

 

this is actually worse then the martingale system, which at least allows for luck to provide a win here or there

 

 

[Tutontow]

22 hours ago, proggieus said:

yes, but the amount of times that the zeros will come will equal a house edge of over 5% on both red and black so-

 

 

for every spin you will betting $50-

 

25 on red 

 

25 on black

 

so every two spins you will have played exactly $100.00 against a house advantage of 5.26% so you can expect to lose $5.26 per two rolls.

 

 

now of course you will break even alot but as soon as a zero hits you will lose your $50.

 

the worst part of this plan is you cant even get lucky-

 

your absolute best outcome is to break even on a "winning spin". the only other alternative is to lose.

 

and by the way-

 

I would be surprised if they even gave you credit for those wagers, they are not dumb and would likely catch on quick, plus the table in general have horrible point systems in general.

 

this is actually worse then the martingale system, which at least allows for luck to provide a win here or there

 

 

I agree with you and must admit two things.  Playing the way I mentioned you have absolutely NO chance of winning and it would be boring as all get out.

 

Having reconsidered maybe playing the pass line in craps with full odds would be a better solution and a whole lot more exciting.

[clo]

I'll confess I only skimmed this thread.  We live in Nevada and "make our donation to the local economy" fairly regularly.  We will rarely go to an Indian casino when traveling because their slots - we like video poker - seem tighter than NV.  And the very few cruises it seems even more so.  I look upon them as having a captive audience.  Any thoughts on this.  TIA>

[marden1970]

Hi Clo,  we too live in Nevada (Spanish Springs) and have been know to donate as well; usually at the Atlantis.  You're right, the video poker machines on board (we usually cruise Princess) have lower pay tables and I don't think I've seen any multi game (3,5,10 , or 100 play).  Their slots are very tight as well.  Also, comped drinks are really hard to come by, you would think they would want you to stay longer. 

[c-boy]

Hmmmm.... we have partaken in casino shenanigans on numerous ships and lines, I might add with good fortune . I'll sit at the tables while my wife runs the gambit on the machines. Both of us have done  well enough to pay forward for another cruise (s).