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Blue Chip Club - Free Play based on Prior Sailing’s Gaming Activity?


SoFlaAtty
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Fairly new to Celebrity’s Blue Chip Club. Read the explanation of BCC benefits on Celebrity website, and came across terms providing for free play that will be provided based upon your BCC tier level, at the greater of a flat $$$ amount or a percentage of a player’s gaming activity.

 

Question: How do we determine our gaming activity level on our previous sailing? Is that the same as the number of tier points earned? If not, we would appreciate an explanation.

 

Thank you in advance for any clarification that you can provide.

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Yes, free play is calculated using your tier points earned the prior sailing. The only way that I know of to get that info is to call the Blue Chip Club at 866-461-7170. There was a time when I could just contact them at BlueChipClub@celebrity.com, but they haven't answered any emails I've sent to them in the past 6 months. Be prepared for long hold times if you call, normally about an hour, once I waited for 2 hours.

FWIW, Blue Chip Club used to be an outstanding program when it first launched the tiers a few years ago. It has been slowly going down hill ever since. 

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Amhere219, THANK YOU!

 

I figured that tier points might be the answer, however, the host onboard my July sailing provided me both my tier points (slots and table games played) as well as what was termed, "Play Onboard Points". I suspect that measurement used some formula for converting table games points to overall tier points earned.

 

As for your other observation regarding an apparent downgrade in the BCC program, I hear you regarding the quality of casino loyalty programs. However, I know from personal experience with another cruise line (since the resumption of sailing) that its casino loyalty program seems to provide slightly less generous benefits/perks to its members.

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On 10/9/2021 at 1:10 PM, SoFlaAtty said:

Amhere219, THANK YOU!

 

I figured that tier points might be the answer, however, the host onboard my July sailing provided me both my tier points (slots and table games played) as well as what was termed, "Play Onboard Points". I suspect that measurement used some formula for converting table games points to overall tier points earned.

 

As for your other observation regarding an apparent downgrade in the BCC program, I hear you regarding the quality of casino loyalty programs. However, I know from personal experience with another cruise line (since the resumption of sailing) that its casino loyalty program seems to provide slightly less generous benefits/perks to its members.

 

The "Play Onboard Points" that your host was referring to might have been the amount of points that you could convert into casino credit during your present cruise. If you don't use those on that cruise you lose them. Hope that makes sense. 🙂

 

Celebrity may have better comps than other cruises (I don't sail with anyone other than Celebrity), but there was a time when they were way better. In July of 2018 they took the following away from us:

 

For those in Amethyst

Free play went from $175 to a $100 guaranteed

and the removal of the free specialty dinner

 

For those in Sapphire tier

Free play went from $1000 to $500 guaranteed

Removal of the friends and family discount

Removal of the free specialty dinner

Removal of the $50 dollar laundry credit

Removal of the $100 spa credit

Removal of the welcome aboard amenity

Added casino host event

 

For those in Ruby tier

Free play went from $5000 to $2500 guaranteed

Removal of the friends and family discount

Removal of the free specialty dinner

Removal of the $100 dollar laundry credit

Removal of the $250 spa credit

Removal of the welcome aboard amenity

Added casino host event

 

That was the first time they cut our benefits. My Sapphire benefits technically went down again this year. I sailed just this past August and it was a cruise that was not comped, so the rate I paid was the "Always Included" price. This means I paid for my drinks that should have been comped. I also only received the "surf" Internet package (which I paid for) instead of the "stream". There was no priority check in either, I even asked the crew member that was going through the line and pulling out the suite guests and he said "We're not doing Blue Chip now".  There were no Casino Host events and we weren't allowed inside the Retreat (VIP) lounge. So basically the only thing I received for being a Sapphire player was my $500 free play. 

In my opinion, Celebrity is not the best when it comes to informing all of their crew (or even the players) about Blue Chip benefits. It seems mileage varies depending on the cruise. 

 

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The “Play Onboard Points” amount provided me during that cruise by the casino host did not equal my tier points, the redeemable (those that were usable for free play on that cruise) points, nor equal to the amount of my tier points divided by the number of nights on that cruise.

 

So, that reference by the host was not attributable to my ADW (avg. daily worth).

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16 hours ago, SoFlaAtty said:

The “Play Onboard Points” amount provided me during that cruise by the casino host did not equal my tier points, the redeemable (those that were usable for free play on that cruise) points, nor equal to the amount of my tier points divided by the number of nights on that cruise.

 

So, that reference by the host was not attributable to my ADW (avg. daily worth).

Hmmm...I have no idea what "Play on Board" points would be used for then. Hopefully someone else will come along and clarify. 🙂

 

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Yes the benefits are going away, also the last Celebrity Cruise we were on was December 30, 2019 at the end of the cruise the casino host gave us a rough total of points that we earned and I had a total of over 400,000. still had 6 months to earn more for the new Sapphire Plus tier. Received a few emails offering free cruise with a balcony cabin, I did book one for November.

At the bottom of the email in small print it gives you your tier status and also your Blue Chip Club Points, it says that I only have 11,336. The question is now what happen to my 400,000 points???

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4 hours ago, winslow050 said:

 

At the bottom of the email in small print it gives you your tier status and also your Blue Chip Club Points, it says that I only have 11,336. The question is now what happen to my 400,000 points???

I too cruised in Dec of 2019 and most recently in July this year. The host onboard Edge confirmed that points earned prior to the restart of cruising in June 2021 were reset to zero however your status was maintained. I was told we keep our same status until the end of 2022. 

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1 hour ago, janbear said:

I too cruised in Dec of 2019 and most recently in July this year. The host onboard Edge confirmed that points earned prior to the restart of cruising in June 2021 were reset to zero however your status was maintained. I was told we keep our same status until the end of 2022. 

Thanks for the info..

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I have been fortunate to have sailed on the first Millennium cruise out of St. Marteen in June ( I’m still in therapy for the airport experience) and a Summit cruise in September. According to BCC rep I earned about 22K tier points on first cruise and 15K tier points on Summit. No points for any previous cruises but that makes sense because my last pre C19 cruise was December 2019. Will be interesting to see how much $$$ in “ promotional” gambling benefits ( chips or slot credits ) I receive in 2 days when I board the Edge. I agree with an earlier poster that BCC benefits have been significantly reduced. However the casino staff continue to be very welcoming.

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To Winslow050 I would not rely upon any point totals that the on board staff estimate. After a cruise wait about 2 weeks and call a BCC rep who will report to you on what has been reported to them. It sounds like you are pretty active in the casino and I hope you are given recognition by being given Sapphire Plus status. I have talked to “Jacob” at BCC. He is some kind of supervisor. Ask the BCC phone rep how you can be put in touch with him. He can review your history. On two occasions he has favorably resolved issues for me.  I do not have a clear memory on the 6 month extension you referenced for earning a higher tier status but having gone through this C19 nightmare I agree with you that it was highly probable it was in effect. But since there where no cruises occurring in that early C19 period you should certainly inquire. Good luck.

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On 10/13/2021 at 6:18 PM, winslow050 said:

Yes the benefits are going away, also the last Celebrity Cruise we were on was December 30, 2019 at the end of the cruise the casino host gave us a rough total of points that we earned and I had a total of over 400,000. still had 6 months to earn more for the new Sapphire Plus tier. Received a few emails offering free cruise with a balcony cabin, I did book one for November.

At the bottom of the email in small print it gives you your tier status and also your Blue Chip Club Points, it says that I only have 11,336. The question is now what happen to my 400,000 points???

 

Around April of 2020 Blue Chip had sent out an email that read like this:


As a valued Blue Chip Club member, you are always eligible for benefits, rewards, and exclusive offers towards your next vacation. We’ve extended your Blue Chip Club earning period. Your ability to earn a new tier will now end on December 31, 2021 (extended from July 31, 2021). This gives you more time to play and earn a higher tier level. Call in and we’ll be happy to go over the details. 

 

So it looks like originally they were going to extend the earning period for 6 months, which would have given you time to achieve that last 100K in points. Then because the cruising suspension lasted so long they decided to just start a new 18 month earning period and let everyone keep their prior status. This is probably acceptable to most people, but those who were close to earning the next tier ended up losing out. I'd definitely give them a call like FastandFurious said. Maybe they can do something to help?

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On 10/13/2021 at 6:18 PM, winslow050 said:

Yes the benefits are going away, also the last Celebrity Cruise we were on was December 30, 2019 at the end of the cruise the casino host gave us a rough total of points that we earned and I had a total of over 400,000. still had 6 months to earn more for the new Sapphire Plus tier. Received a few emails offering free cruise with a balcony cabin, I did book one for November.

At the bottom of the email in small print it gives you your tier status and also your Blue Chip Club Points, it says that I only have 11,336. The question is now what happen to my 400,000 points???

Just found the flyer that showed they were extending the earning period to December 2021. Maybe it will help in your case.07-17-sp-casino-bcc flyer-update.pdf

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There is a YouTube video posted this week by a certain travel agency that ensures that you are comped. It is an interview with the head of Celebrity's Blue Chip Club, and goes over some of the questions in this thread. 

 

You should be able to find it by searching for "Patrick Jacjquot" on YouTube. 

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  • 4 weeks later...

Dollydish Thanxs for posting the benefits tier chart but I do not think it is accurate. VIP lounge access is currently being denied and I am not aware of any hosted events taking place ( 3 cruises since June ). I wrote previously on my tragic initial  🥶denial of access to the Michael’s Club/Retreat. The only reason I was able to get in on the June Millennium cruise was the fact I could show the chart you posted. I have not tried on cruises #2 or #3. Next cruise is January. I hope my understanding is incorrect and someone more knowledgeable can post here.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi all. I earned Amethyst status after my last cruise in July. I am cruising again in January. Is it correct that I am now entitled to S100 free play? How do I access it? Do I call Blue Chip ahead of time or do that onboard? Do I go to Guest Services once on board or do I go to the casino Host or cashier? Thanks!

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2 hours ago, dleahy4444 said:

Hi all. I earned Amethyst status after my last cruise in July. I am cruising again in January. Is it correct that I am now entitled to S100 free play? How do I access it? Do I call Blue Chip ahead of time or do that onboard? Do I go to Guest Services once on board or do I go to the casino Host or cashier? Thanks!


You need to go to the casino cage and they will set you up with your free play and anything else you are entitled to.  

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On 11/24/2021 at 7:16 PM, CTSandy said:


You need to go to the casino cage and they will set you up with your free play and anything else you are entitled to.  

Just got off the Millennium yesterday. Cashier’s cage provided me $360 in free play, read from their computer. Unfortunately, they had no idea how it was calculated.

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On 11/30/2021 at 7:05 PM, SoFlaAtty said:

Just got off the Millennium yesterday. Cashier’s cage provided me $360 in free play, read from their computer. Unfortunately, they had no idea how it was calculated.

It's based on your last cruise's ADT, 5% or your tier minimum, whichever is higher. 

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On 12/3/2021 at 11:06 PM, kwokpot said:

It's based on your last cruise's ADT, 5% or your tier minimum, whichever is higher. 

Actually, BCC and URComped explained that it is not based upon ADT (as term is typically used in land-based casinos), but rather on your ADW (avg. daily worth; Semantics?).

 

$360 time 20 (5% = 0.05), is $7,200. I know I bet far more than that on Slots, Craps and Blackjack.

 

I will be interested in amount of my free play to be awarded on December 2021 Reflection sailing, based upon amount played during Nov. 25 Millennium sailing.

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9 hours ago, SoFlaAtty said:

Actually, BCC and URComped explained that it is not based upon ADT (as term is typically used in land-based casinos), but rather on your ADW (avg. daily worth; Semantics?).

 

$360 time 20 (5% = 0.05), is $7,200. I know I bet far more than that on Slots, Craps and Blackjack.

 

I will be interested in amount of my free play to be awarded on December 2021 Reflection sailing, based upon amount played during Nov. 25 Millennium sailing.

I’m completely confused. So I might be awarded more free play besides the $100 free play for being Amethyst? I don’t know how much I played on my last cruise but I know I started out with no points but wound up with enough points to become Amethyst.  Can anyone tell me how I can figure this out? Thanks

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dleahy4444 - You can check with BCC, but they will likely only be able to tell you how many tier points you earned. Someone might get back to you later to advise as to your ADW (average daily worth, similar to ADT). Understand that is calculated by a non-telephone agent.

 

You can definitely find out how much free play you earned once the casino opens on your next sailing, by asking the cashiers. They can check their computer.

 

At Amethyst, you earn a minimum of $100 free play, or 5% of your ADW, whichever is greater.

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