Question for experienced Gamblers with Casino Offers

[MC_GTP]

So because of all these shut downs and limited entertainment I have decided to book some cruises as I am going stir crazy at home. My question offer then the listed benefits is there any down side to one type of casino offer versus another?  I have only sailed on carnival once and it was on a paid ticket and not on a Casino offer so any information on the casino offers is helpful.

 

I have 6 US offers including Getaway, Premier, Premier Special Edition, Elite plus some with no obvious level like one listed as Hot Streak Bonus. The ones with levels seem to be restricted on sailings and offer a variety of benefits; different amounts of FunPlay, DOU in Casino/Everywhere, all at least free Balcony some are free Suite. While the ones with no levels seem to apply to all sailings and offer the same benefits but is half the price except for the Elite sailing of course as it offers Platinum VIFP status.

 

Are the ones with levels listed better than the ones without?

If one offer has the benefits I want but it is a lower level then another offer is there any downside?

Are the Casinos during the lower level offers packed? I would assume this is the case cause more people qualify for them?

Are Casino Tournaments offered on all levels, and ones without levels?

 

Also thinking of using one of my Australia offers, same questions on these? I only have 3 of these; Premier, Elite and one with no level.

 

Thanks in Advance for the info.

 

MC

[May1cruiser]

The better offers are usually packed. From premier and up. This may be different in the future. 

Those better offers used to include more events, but truly unknown for the future. 

We usually just choose the ship/itinerary that appeals and not get lured into the casino offer as much.

[MC_GTP]

Thank you for your input. In your experience are the offers that are open to all cruises and do not have any level like premier or elite less packed when it comes to the casino?

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, MC_GTP said:

Thank you for your input. In your experience are the offers that are open to all cruises and do not have any level like premier or elite less packed when it comes to the casino?

I'm not a gambler but my last cruise I think was elite, whatever the top one is that you have to do other ones to qualify for.

 

My roomie couldn't find open slot machines. People were getting up in the middle of the night to gamble. They had these crazy drawings like every 3 hours seemed like around the clock and a lot won prizes but you had to be in the casino ever 3 or 4 hours in person. 

 

To me to get in their gambling quotas they missed the cruise itself. I personally enjoy sitting out by a pool with a book and I eat slow and if I was trying to qualify I wouldnt have seen any shows or the past guest party. They had prizes i saw like new tablets, new keyboards, lots of big stuff sticking out of their bags during disembarking and a lady told me she won 3 nice prizes already during the cruise.

 

If I knew ahead of time I would have picked another date.

 

Another example. Gamblers cruise a lot so there were a crazy amount who were diamond and platinum all trying to board early. Like over 700 to 800. Filled up the little room for early boarding and another huge room and were working and a 3rd room when we finally started to board. Lol it's hardly a perk to board early with 700 or 800 others. We had a port that was a tender port. Those who booked excursions with carnival first, then all those with priority. Crazy.

 

You had to be a dedicated gambler imo to do the top cruise that has all the big prizes. 

 

I know you just asked for gamblers to respond. I responded because I'm beginning to feel like carnival was turning into casino cruises and getting too crazy. Handling almost 1000 priority crazy. There is a special line at guest services. Was as long or longer than regular. This was a December cruise at the end of the year after everyone qualified to go.

[my kids mama]

I agree. For premiere and up, expect the casino to be packed. Probably less crowded if you do one of the other offers. 

[May1cruiser]

6 hours ago, MC_GTP said:

Thank you for your input. In your experience are the offers that are open to all cruises and do not have any level like premier or elite less packed when it comes to the casino?

Correct, casino base offers have less of a draw than premier and up. The new casino owners have definitely overbooked these higher tier offers.

[MC_GTP]

Thank you everyone. I did not mean to restrict the responses to just gamblers but figured those would be the people that could offer the info, but in reality any one with helpful advice is welcome. 

 

I appreciate the info. I think based in what you have said I will book cruises that do not have a level name like premier for both USA and Australia.  The offers with no level pretty much offer the same but if I can avoid an over crowded casino that would limit the time I need to out in to maintain my play level that is a plus.

 

[clhayes]

I have been on each of the offers that you mention. The elite in the US or AU are the best, in my opinion.  The benefits of the elite cruise are clearly outlined in the offer.  AU will cost you more in airfare.   But I travel for my job and use my miles for first class. Or I use my systemwide upgrades by booking the cheapest seat in economy and then upgrade RT to business class.  
 

My experience with the elite cruise is that the invite is to a smaller group of people.  However, that doesn’t mean that the casino won’t be crowded.  The difference is that there are prizes that are exclusive to only the elite group.

 

This is the only offer that you are contacted by the casino host prior to your cruise to make comped customized arrangements; car service to and from airport or hotel, selection of excursion, specialty dining, embarkation drinks waiting for you in your room,  plus a few others.  You will also receive several unique gifts from the casino daily.  I really like the ‘no up charge’ on any item from the room service menu.  When I come rolling into my room at 2:00 a.m., I like my quesadillas! 

Most, if not all of the casino offers convert your deposit to an onboard credit.  I hope sharing my experience helps with your decision making.  Which ever cruise or offer you select, I hope you have a fantastic time!  Win BIG!

 

 

 

[lazydayz]

I generally decide by what ship I want to sail, then compare the offers.   My best deals are usually on the Elite or Premier Special Editions.  While the casino is busier, I have always been able to play when I wanted.  And there is no need to sacrifice your cruise for casino drawings.  Just play when you want, and if you miss a couple of drawings, no big deal.  

 

If you do the Australia cruise, I would recommend the Elite.  You will treated very well. 

[MC_GTP]

Thank you both. I may book the ones with no casino level and an Elite just to try to out. I got 3 offers that do not have a level on them so I have a variety and two Elites one for US and one for AU so definitely have enough to keep myself busy for Sept-Feb as ships start sailing. Also just got an email that I will have an Ultra offer in 6 days.

 

@lazydayz Thank you that is what I was most concerned about is getting table time. It was luck both on the tables and my schedule that allowed me to put in 4-6 hours a day and get me to this level of offers so I do not want to lose it.

[PigsCanFly]

My casino experience is mainly on Holland America and Royal Caribbean.  We (family of 3) play some slots, but mostly table games.  On HAL, I usually receive a new cruise discount based on previous play.  On RCCL, I have always received free cruises based on my previous play.  I admit that I spend many hours at the 3-card tables when there is a seat available, but my Wife and Son play some slots and table games and they also receive offers.  We do all attend entertainment and meals and (at least in the past) visit most ports for excursions and shopping.  The tier benefits at Royal provide us with free drinks in the casino and free internet in our room.

 

[Sue Do-Over]

We have seen a shift from 'casino cash' to 'fun chips'.  The cash was exactly that, cash... paid out in real money at the cage.  The chips are silly over-sized chips that can only be used to make 1x1 bets and represent the 'bet'.

 

Can't use on roulette, for example, because the odds are 35x1, not 1x1.  At other tables, when the bet wins, the player gets a (red) chip for the win, and the yellow fun chip is removed.  It doesn't push, but is cleared even when the hand itself is a winner.

 

If offered fun chips, you may be more satisfied in the end to get slot play, and be able to choose the machine.

[samiam0403]

I've sailed on all of the various casino cruises, and Elite was by far the best and least crowded. Elite cruises only allow for 50 invited guests and the service from casino staff is fantastic. The last Ultra I was on (the last sailing of Breeze before the shutdown this year) was insanely packed - and I have heard similar complaints about other Ultra sailings. I don't know that I'll do another Ultra. Premier and Special Edition Premiers were crowded, but not awful. I won a ton of the drawings on my first Premier, but had an overall much better time on the Elite - the black car service to/from the ship, free dinners in the steakhouse, free shore excursions or spa credit, free Cheers package, free wifi, etc - all very well done. 

 

I just booked two of the offers a few days ago - combined an Australia Elite in 2022 with a free balcony plus cash South Pacific cruise for a nice back to back. If I'm going to fly to Australia (finally!) I may as well make an 18 day cruise out of it! And happily, it was far enough out that I was able to nab one of the L-shaped balcony cabins with the extra long balcony. Now to wait 600+ days. 

[lazydayz]

20 hours ago, samiam0403 said:

I just booked two of the offers a few days ago - combined an Australia Elite in 2022 with a free balcony plus cash South Pacific cruise for a nice back to back. If I'm going to fly to Australia (finally!) I may as well make an 18 day cruise out of it! And happily, it was far enough out that I was able to nab one of the L-shaped balcony cabins with the extra long balcony. Now to wait 600+ days. 

 

Congrats on those bookings.  I just can't convince myself to fly that far.  But once you get there, I am sure you will have a great time.  

[Circlt]

On 8/30/2020 at 6:12 PM, samiam0403 said:

I've sailed on all of the various casino cruises, and Elite was by far the best and least crowded. Elite cruises only allow for 50 invited guests and the service from casino staff is fantastic. The last Ultra I was on (the last sailing of Breeze before the shutdown this year) was insanely packed - and I have heard similar complaints about other Ultra sailings. I don't know that I'll do another Ultra. Premier and Special Edition Premiers were crowded, but not awful. I won a ton of the drawings on my first Premier, but had an overall much better time on the Elite - the black car service to/from the ship, free dinners in the steakhouse, free shore excursions or spa credit, free Cheers package, free wifi, etc - all very well done. 

 

I just booked two of the offers a few days ago - combined an Australia Elite in 2022 with a free balcony plus cash South Pacific cruise for a nice back to back. If I'm going to fly to Australia (finally!) I may as well make an 18 day cruise out of it! And happily, it was far enough out that I was able to nab one of the L-shaped balcony cabins with the extra long balcony. Now to wait 600+ days. 

Wow Sam, you and I think alike.  I just booked a B2B with the same itinerary in May 2022 for the same reason!  If I’m going to fly down under, I need to stay down under!  I did upgrade to a spa suite on Splendor though, luckily same room both legs.  I’ve sailed Splendor twice, great ship.  One thing I wondered:  I was able to book the Elite offer code on the Australia portion which included $4000 AUD casino cash, and on the South Pacific leg I used the “All In Australia” offer which also included $4000 AUD casino cash.  But I also have Echo offers.  I read right on my offer for Echo that they can be used on Elite, Premiere, etc. cruises, giving me the impression you can stack the offers.  I wondered if anyone has tried it.  I forgot to ask my PVP when I booked.  Has anyone stacked an Echo offer on top of another Casino offer and if so, do you get both piles of money?  (since essentially many of the other perks are duplicative).  If so it would be awesome.

[samiam0403]

7 hours ago, Circlt said:

Wow Sam, you and I think alike.  I just booked a B2B with the same itinerary in May 2022 for the same reason!  If I’m going to fly down under, I need to stay down under!  I did upgrade to a spa suite on Splendor though, luckily same room both legs.  I’ve sailed Splendor twice, great ship.  One thing I wondered:  I was able to book the Elite offer code on the Australia portion which included $4000 AUD casino cash, and on the South Pacific leg I used the “All In Australia” offer which also included $4000 AUD casino cash.  But I also have Echo offers.  I read right on my offer for Echo that they can be used on Elite, Premiere, etc. cruises, giving me the impression you can stack the offers.  I wondered if anyone has tried it.  I forgot to ask my PVP when I booked.  Has anyone stacked an Echo offer on top of another Casino offer and if so, do you get both piles of money?  (since essentially many of the other perks are duplicative).  If so it would be awesome.

 

Maybe we'll see you on board! I added a 3rd leg for a total of 29 days (with a 3 day break between the first two). Haven't sailed on Splendor yet, so I'm looking forward to it! Happy to see someone get an Echo offer - I've heard about them, but haven't received one - yet. Looking forward to seeing if you get any good answers.