The Our Journey to the NCL $100,000.00 Winner Takes All Slot Tournament

[Russiamomm]

I’ll be following this.  I got an offer for a free cabin and entry into the slots tournament on the Joy in March.  We booked it.  Ironically, I don’t really play the slots.  Im more of a Blackjack girl.  But what the heck.  It was cheap.  😂

 

Good luck to your wife and looking forward to your reports!

 

[Casino Comp Chick]

Good luck!

[phillygwm]

On 9/16/2022 at 9:29 PM, UKstages said:

i received an invitation for this, but will probably not go, even though the offer is tempting. (while i enjoy the breakaway, the casino is small and smoking is allowed throughout, which i don't enjoy. i also did this itinerary last december.)

 

I agree completely.  In fact, unless there's a super-compelling itinerary, I'm going to limit myself to Breakaway Plus ships or better going forward.  I'm CAS and have always avoided the casino on other ship categories during peak times because of the smoke.   On the Bliss and Joy, I got a quick whiff as I was walking past the smoking area but otherwise wonderful.

[Sthrngary]

My update for our journey.  We are 32 days until embarkment. My "Journey Document" and "Excel Calendar" are complete except for the bar codes gained from online check-in 21 days out.

 

As it stands, only my wife and I will be cruising the NCL Breakaway on December 4, 2022 for the finals of the slot tournament.  This seems to be a well booked cruise and the Single Supplement will not be offered for solo travelers.  This makes this cruise to expensive for my sister or other friends that are solo.  

 

I offered my adult children that I would pay half of their cruise fare including the Free at Sea.  My son said sure but he did not have the money.  My daughter said she would if my wife would give her $10,000 of her wining, if she won.  OK, folks, take a deep breath on that one.  My wife said, I will tell you what, "I will give you 10% of the money after taxes" and my 31 year old daughter declined.  

 

Last year in late November 2021, I took my two adult children, my wife and I on the NCL Joy for a covid belated long time in coming cruise.  I was fortunate enough to have the H2 Haven Deluxe Owners Suite which was incredible.  First time my children ever cruised in the Haven.  The only one to get spa treatments, three of them to be exact, was my adult daughter.  It was her birthday week and as you can tell, I have spoiled my children because my wife and I came up in poverty.  That was a justification on my part for knowing better and still doing the wrong thing.

 

All that is a true story.  So, with her comment I said to my lovely bride.  Guess we are on our own.  We have so much more fun on cruises with friends and family.  What is funny and I think all you parents will agree.  If my wife is so lucky to win the $100,000.00 in the slot tournament, my children would have participated. Most parents would have shared the wealth.  Now that is in question because at this stage in my life, I don't like the attitude.  Some will agree and other will not.

 

What I hope is if anyone is on the cruise, you will say hello to my wife and I.  We can get a drink or a burger together.  If you are in the Vibe, we will get sunburned together.  If you get up early as I do, we can have a coffee at Starbucks together.  If I can find the Tequila 1942, we will have a tequila together.  If you don't have someone to root for, consider being part of my wife cheering section. The odds of her winning are low however they are better that not having an entry in the first place. 

 

To my Haven friends who read my blog on the Haven.  We will not be in the Haven this time so is you could be so kind, can you sneak me a Almond Croissant one morning.  They are life changing and only in the Haven.  Either way, we are set to go and I will do a live blog on the cruise as I always do.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

 

[uneamie]

On 10/23/2022 at 11:18 AM, Sthrngary said:

This upcoming cruise is effecting my preparation differently then in the past.  I am doing all the same crazy things, just know to the level as I have before.  Part of my issue is I was hoping some friends and family could and would join us for this tournament.  For what ever reason that did not happen.  This cruise is designed as a "Haven Lite" experience and the preparation is pretty easy.  

 

My favorite cruises are the once where you take friends and family that have never cruised before with you.  You show them the ropes if you would.  You watch the look of excitement and adventure when they walk on a huge cruise ship for the first time.  It is kind of like, we are tour guides with all the secrets and we have guests that we see getting the "Cruise Vacation Bug".  

 

This cruise is one of the first I have not pre-booked excursions with the exception of the one that is part of the slot event. One of two things is going to happen.  First, we will have an unbelievable time because we did not clog the vacation up with to many details; two, we will spend most of our time in the Vibe Beach Club chilling and reading a book.    

 

Either way, not to bad a plan.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I thought the same thing about taking someone who never cruised before and seeing the excitement. My brother always wanted to go on a cruise. He lives 3000 miles away in California so going with us meant flying to the East coast. He finally decided to go, yay! Or so I thought. We booked the Breakaway for a 12 day cruise to the Western Caribbean. It turned out that a few thousand people on this ship was not for him. He lives on a mountain in partial seclusion and has very few interactions with people. The Breakaway was just too many people for him. He spent a lot of time in his cabin reading. Moral of the story is....not everyone is going to be into this experience. Best to know who your are inviting. His displeasure kind of ruined some of it for us. I spent too much of my time trying to make him entertained and happy. Live and learn. Thanks for your posts....very informative

[Sthrngary]

Well 18 days away and I have noticed that other than an article about the Slot Pull Financials, for Carnival Cruise lines, very little is published on this one.   My wife who has the chance seems to have a LACK of excitement.  Maybe her strategy is the correct one.  When she won the ship slot tournament on the NCL Joy last November 2021, she did not even want to be in the slot contest.  She said doing it made her nervous. Then she wins the thing.  So what ever she did seem to work for her.  

 

Do we both think she will win.  The answer is "No".  Do we both think she has better odds to win than the lottery.  The Answer is "Yes".  As it gets cold were we life, a little sun, pool, hot tub, dining and drinks sound pretty good.

 

Our ability to upgrade to the Haven is seemingly impossible since it has been sold out for quite some time.  We are thrilled to learn and take advantage of the "Free At Sea Plus" program.  My wife will have her first experience with the Vibe Beach Club which I know already will be a grand slam for her. I just finished my Journey Document with all the crazy details I do when cruising.  The last element was the bar codes for checking in.  Off to the print shop who know me as the cruising guy.

 

I will do a real time overview of the NCL Breakaway with an emphasis on the Slot Tournament to have information for future slot winners.  That is my update for now.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[nhtravels]

Wishing your wife all the luck @Sthrngary!  I'm looking forward to your live, as always!

 

[fethiyeden]

Looking forward to your live & hints & tips.

We are on the breakaway in January, please could you add the dailies. Not sure each cruise will be the same but I’m trying to work out when to book our 2 speciality dining around the entertainment.

Thanks.

[CruzinMel]

18 days!!  I was wondering how close you were- one expects you did online checking already, and without incident?

[Sthrngary]

16 minutes ago, CruzinMel said:

18 days!!  I was wondering how close you were- one expects you did online checking already, and without incident?

Funny story about the online check-in.  I wanted the earliest check in possible which usually is 09:00 AM.  I live in the Central Time Zone so I knew that at exactly 21 days prior to the cruise, the online check in would open up.  So the night before at 11:00 PM It opened up.  I got 1/4 of the way done and NCL shut down their website for servicing until 5:00 AM in the morning.  I woke up early and finished to get a check in at 09:30 AM. My luck they want to service the website when I wanted to us it. 

 

On how close I am I think you mean to Port of New Orleans.  6 hours drive and I love driving instead of flying.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[bundtkate]

3 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I live in the Central Time Zone so I knew that at exactly 21 days prior to the cruise, the online check in would open up.  So the night before at 11:00 PM It opened up.  I got 1/4 of the way done and NCL shut down their website for servicing until 5:00 AM in the morning.

Our cruise on the Joy leaves the same days as yours on the Breakaway. I am also on central time so my experience perfectly mirrored your own. Being a night owl usually works to my advantage in these cases, but alas, I ended up with an 11am check-in when I woke up. Fortunately, I'm in the Haven so it doesn't matter. If our ships pass nearby on our respective journeys, let me know -- I'll toss you a croissant. Best of luck to you and the wife!

[Sthrngary]

4 minutes ago, bundtkate said:

Our cruise on the Joy leaves the same days as yours on the Breakaway. I am also on central time so my experience perfectly mirrored your own. Being a night owl usually works to my advantage in these cases, but alas, I ended up with an 11am check-in when I woke up. Fortunately, I'm in the Haven so it doesn't matter. If our ships pass nearby on our respective journeys, let me know -- I'll toss you a croissant. Best of luck to you and the wife!

I loved the joy. Are you again in the H2 Deluxe Owners Suite.  If so, go to YouTube and search NCL Joy (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite.  I was in in last year end of Nov. it was our Family Vacation and my 43 wedding Anniversary.  In March I went back on as a first time solo.  The Sugar Cane bar entertainment is the best. The Cagney’s was better then most. I loved the Horizon Lounge and the main observation lounge with the Starbucks. I know from reading your posts, you also like to write.  The Haven Library was my secret hide away to write. You will love the Haven crew.  The Vibe Beach Club crew was also awesome.  The Vibe is double the size of most vibes.  
 

Have a great time.  
 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[bundtkate]

2 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Are you again in the H2 Deluxe Owners Suite

I wish! I am in an HI, but truly I am just happy I get to experience the Haven in the first place. Maybe we can give that H2 a try for our 43rd anniversary. Check back in with me in 43 years and we'll see if I made it happen. 🤣

I've read a few posts about the Joy already (including your own, I believe) and have a list of places, drinks, and even buffet food to check out tucked away with my butler letter in my cruise stuff folder. Writing isn't all we have in common -- I'm an obsessive planner too, for sure! Guess I'll have to add the Haven library to the list, too. Looks like it overlooks the Horizon Lounge! Definitely a solid spot to sneak away for a bit.

Thanks, as always, for your thoughtful advice and I hope your Haven Lite experience on the Breakaway is just as relaxing as the Haven itself.

[lostone65]

On 11/16/2022 at 8:03 AM, Sthrngary said:

Well 18 days away and I have noticed that other than an article about the Slot Pull Financials, for Carnival Cruise lines, very little is published on this one.   My wife who has the chance seems to have a LACK of excitement.  Maybe her strategy is the correct one.  When she won the ship slot tournament on the NCL Joy last November 2021, she did not even want to be in the slot contest.  She said doing it made her nervous. Then she wins the thing.  So what ever she did seem to work for her.  

 

Do we both think she will win.  The answer is "No".  Do we both think she has better odds to win than the lottery.  The Answer is "Yes".  As it gets cold were we life, a little sun, pool, hot tub, dining and drinks sound pretty good.

 

Our ability to upgrade to the Haven is seemingly impossible since it has been sold out for quite some time.  We are thrilled to learn and take advantage of the "Free At Sea Plus" program.  My wife will have her first experience with the Vibe Beach Club which I know already will be a grand slam for her. I just finished my Journey Document with all the crazy details I do when cruising.  The last element was the bar codes for checking in.  Off to the print shop who know me as the cruising guy.

 

I will do a real time overview of the NCL Breakaway with an emphasis on the Slot Tournament to have information for future slot winners.  That is my update for now.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

My husband and I are on this sailing booked through Casinos at Sea at a great discount, we are not in the slot tournament but will happily cheer your wife on! 

 

This is our first cruise sailing alone, we normally have at least 4-6 family members sailing with us one of them my sister who we lost to Covid in December 2020 so we decided to go alone and celebrate her in our way as both her birthday and when she passed is during this cruise.  Hope to run in to you and your wife during the cruise!

[Sthrngary]

9 hours ago, lostone65 said:

My husband and I are on this sailing booked through Casinos at Sea at a great discount, we are not in the slot tournament but will happily cheer your wife on! 

 

This is our first cruise sailing alone, we normally have at least 4-6 family members sailing with us one of them my sister who we lost to Covid in December 2020 so we decided to go alone and celebrate her in our way as both her birthday and when she passed is during this cruise.  Hope to run in to you and your wife during the cruise!

@lostone65 I am so sorry for your loss. If I have learned anything, going on a cruise with family and friends is a great way to enjoy a cruise.  My wife and I will also be cruising just the two of us.  We also would have preferred our family to join but for us, different reason, that won't happen this time.

 

We would love to meet up, anytime just reach out.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[fstuff1]

On 11/2/2022 at 5:56 PM, Sthrngary said:

 My daughter said she would if my wife would give her $10,000 of her wining, if she won.  OK, folks, take a deep breath on that one.  My wife said, I will tell you what, "I will give you 10% of the money after taxes" and my 31 year old daughter declined.  

 

If my wife is so lucky to win the $100,000.00 in the slot tournament, my children would have participated. Most parents would have shared the wealth.  Now that is in question because at this stage in my life, I don't like the attitude.  Some will agree and other will not.

 

 

i'm currently on the breakaway (thanksgiving cruise).

Florina (PRETTY blond) is executive host.

also, christina (fleet host, florina's boss) is  here as well because of the 100k tourny.

 

anything you want to know about the ship or casino?

 

Also, sounds like your daughter is a gold digging child?

cut her off financially?

and tell her you're not leaving any $ to her in your will.

 

Edited November 25, 2022 by fstuff1

[Sthrngary]

16 minutes ago, fstuff1 said:

Also, sounds like your daughter is a gold digging child?

cut her off financially?

and tell her you're not leaving any $ to her in your will.

Kids are like luggage, you have them for ever, LOL.  My daughter really does not like cruises even when other pay for them.  I really do not like AirBnB's which she thinks are great.  I want a vacation that allows me not to think about things.  Cruise do that for me.  Her lose.

 

On the ship and the casino question.  At this time I have none.  I know the ship because it is so similar to the getaway.  The Casino will have an instruction document in our cabin when we get their is my understanding.  Just happen to have a better percentage chance for a Jackpot then is normal.  Fun and exciting.

 

Cruise well and enjoy ever moment.  

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

Best of luck to your Wife, Gary!  I hope you have a fabulous cruise, regardless of outcome of tourney and lack of baggage (er, I mean, family members)!  But, I agree, it is usually much more fun with family/friends along.  But, just think!  If your wife wins the tourney, you can treat the cruise like a 2nd honeymoon!  Best wishes!

[ChiefMateJRK]

13 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

Also, sounds like your daughter is a gold digging child?

cut her off financially?

and tell her you're not leaving any $ to her in your will.

Ouch!  I'm guessing that @Sthrngaryloves his daughter and will leverage his maturity to overlook any growing pains (which we all experience our entire lives).

13 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Kids are like luggage, you have them for ever, LOL.

Again, I have to ask.  Was this lifted from that Eddie Murphy comedy routine?  🤣

[Sthrngary]

9 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Ouch!  I'm guessing that @Sthrngaryloves his daughter and will leverage his maturity to overlook any growing pains (which we all experience our entire lives).

Again, I have to ask.  Was this lifted from that Eddie Murphy comedy routine?  🤣

I did not take offence at the comment about my daughter.  I described the situation clearly and accurately.  The poster was making a joke which they never would have done unless I made the statement.  Our children travel a path that is much different than ours.  They have been raised in a world that was quite different than ours.  Where my mom could not give me $5.00 to join my friends at the movies on Saturdays, our children have lived a life of comfort and luxury.  

 

My daughters reaction when we asked her to come join her mother play in the slot tournament, was a reflection much less of her.  It was a reflection much more of my wife and I attempting to provide our children with a life different than we had growing up.  I spoiled my children and if I could do it all over again, I would do the same.  The both grew up to be healthy, independent thinkers that have a great future ahead of them.  Super entitlement is my fault.  The buck stops with me or my daughter if she gets to the dollar first (That was one hell of a setup).  

 

Seriously, young adults have more opportunities and experiences than I had growing up.  The joy of cruising to me is as much about positive memories of an inside cabin, budgeting drinks because their was no drink package as it is staying in an Owners Suite with a butler.  My kids focus on an AirBnB tree house in Austin TX.  Two different worlds and they own the world, we just live in it.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

 

 

[Sthrngary]

10 hours ago, Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin said:

Best of luck to your Wife, Gary!  I hope you have a fabulous cruise, regardless of outcome of tourney and lack of baggage (er, I mean, family members)!  But, I agree, it is usually much more fun with family/friends along.  But, just think!  If your wife wins the tourney, you can treat the cruise like a 2nd honeymoon!  Best wishes!

Thank you for the great post.  I loved your reference of baggage.

 

If my wife wins, it won't be a second honeymoon.  That will be the next cruise we book was a very small part of her winnings.  What I hope about this cruise is my wife enjoys the Vibe Beach Club the way we both enjoyed the Haven Sundeck.  That money (after taxes) will be in a private account for only my wife.  Only she has access to that account.  Every one needs to have a private account just for them.  If this happens, her account will be a sizable one.  She deserves it.  She put up with me for 43 years.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Thomas.Jackson]

Sthrngary, have read your posts, lol, I understand your thoughts.  We will also be in the trny, so perhaps we can share the bar tab, lol. Thought for sure there would be a Breakaway rollcall thread, other NCL cruises there has been, oh well. We are from FL, so we take advantage of 3 ports. I am also waiting on bid upgrades, if it happens- great. Otherwise Spa balcony is relaxing, we also are only doing the tournament excursion, no desire for others, been there/done it attitude. 

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, Thomas.Jackson said:

Sthrngary, have read your posts, lol, I understand your thoughts.  We will also be in the trny, so perhaps we can share the bar tab, lol. Thought for sure there would be a Breakaway rollcall thread, other NCL cruises there has been, oh well. We are from FL, so we take advantage of 3 ports. I am also waiting on bid upgrades, if it happens- great. Otherwise Spa balcony is relaxing, we also are only doing the tournament excursion, no desire for others, been there/done it attitude. 

@Thomas.Jackson There is a Breakaway Rollcall thread.  It is under the CruiseCritic.com roll call area.  Lookup NCL, Breakaway and December 4, 2022.  Lots of posts and a M&G set for over 160 folks.  I hope you get your upgrade because it will free up a Spa Suite.  I think any upgrade bids for the Haven are not going to happen.  They have been sold out for a while on this cruise.  

 

I have been on this itinerary many times and for the most part, I see very little value with the ports. The Slot Tournament excursion and the NCL Private Island is enough for me.  It also opens up the ship pool because most folks will get off the ship.

 

I wish you and your some luck but not to much luck, LOL.  We have no expectations other than to make it an interesting and exciting time.  Happy to have a drink with you folks but I need to find a bar that I can call my "Cheers Bar".  Something tells me it will be the bar in the Vibe Beach Club.  Either way, first round on me (and NCL).

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

November 28, 2022:  6 days to the cruise and my bedroom is filled with my wife's clothing.  She asked me some detailed questions yesterday and I have her the 20-Page Journey Document.  She did what she always does, she rolled her eyes at me as she looked at the index.  For me it is time for final preparations.

 

1. Print Luggage Tags:  I never use the tags sent by the cruise brand.  In this case, I never received them anyway.  I print the ones you can gain after doing your on-line check-in 21 days prior to sailing.  I put them in a clear plastic luggage tag holder with a metal clasp.  This way, I never lose the tags prior to dropping them off at the pier.
2. Plastic Paper Folder:  This is one of those that you can organize your bills in.  The most important papers go upfront like passports and Bar Codes for check in.  In the back are things like Menu's for Specialty Restaurants and my extra "Journey Document". 
3. Luggage from Storage:  We have one of those ceiling storage area's just above the car.  Today we pull down the luggage so we both can pack.  If it seems early, it is.  It provides time for last minute shopping when you realize your shorts or jeans don't fit because you ate to many pizza's already.  
4. Goody Bags:  Every trip, I use a gallon sized ZipLock to hand to each guest. It has USB extra long charger cords, travel power strip with area for usb, Pain Relief meds, USB Chargeable portable fans, q-tips, mouthwash, sunscreen, Lip balm, sunglasses, and a few other items.  When I show it to my wife, she rolls her eyes at me again.  
5. Call Pre-Cruise Hotel:  I am a life time frequent hotel guest from Marriott.  I am the highest status for life.  I call the hotel, remind the front desk of my status and ask for a suite upgrade.  I spent my life living in hotels, this is the small benefit you get from that. 
6. Get Cash:  After cruising so many times, I know the power of bringing some cash.  Because I am a horrible gambler, one envelope is my budget for gambling.  The rest of the case is for tipping on the ship and buying stuff off the ship.  
7. Check Updated Health Requirements:  I know from experience how the requirement for health issues can change.  Better safe than sorry. 
8. Daily Upgrade Checking:  I have a really bad success ration on gaining an upgrade on NCL.  Other cruise lines, I do pretty well.  Just not NCL.  My odds are even worse when the Haven has been sold out for months like this cruise.  The best I can hope for is a Spa Balcony Suite upgrade.  Only one suite available at 6 days out.  

 

When I get myself on the ship, I will do some live updates on the finals for the Casino's at Sea slot Tournament. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

 

[RocketMan275]

On 10/27/2022 at 7:35 PM, Sthrngary said:

Thank you so much.  I is great seeing it is real, lol.  Thanks again.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Gary,  would be interested in your thoughts on boarding at NOLA.

 

Availability of Premium Plus alcohols.

Edited November 28, 2022 by RocketMan275