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

[fstuff1]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

I am having a hard time posting. Internet issues. I will keep trying.

Breakaway has Elon Musk's new Starlink internet.

run a speed test and see what server it connects to.

it should say starlink no matter where you are at sea

[Sthrngary]

December 3, 2022: Travel Day. 

·        Drive: 6 hours to New Orleans, LA. 

·        Activity: Watched TikTok video’s the whole way. 

·        Pre-Cruise Shopping: Then, we went to the Mall to the official Lego’s Store.  This was a special request of my wife.  She was completely thrilled.

·        Hotel Drop Off: Dropped my wife and luggage off at the hotel and parked the car at the port with an Uber back to the hotel.

·        Pre-Cruise Dinner/Drinks: Mumba New Orleans, LA Fare.

 

December 4, 2022: Embarkment Day

·        Breakfast: At Hotel and average at best as normal

·        Ground Transportation:  HINT #1:  Order an Uber and ask to go the back way to the port.  From hotel, less than five minutes.

·        Luggage Check-In:  No issue, you must show your passport.  Four bags and a $10.00 tip.

·        Check In Security:  There was no 09:00 AM check in which now makes sense.  The ship was filled, and they needed some extra time unloading.  Security opened at 09:30 AM on the dot.  Uneventful.

·        Check In for Suite:  We are not in the Haven this time but for those that are, when you exit security, look for the Haven Sign on the wall.  For us, no wait, boarding group #1.  Vibe Beach Cabana wrist bands, explanation, and boarding cards in an envelope. HINT #2: Don’t put your Vibe Cabana Wristband on to tight.  Once you meet the staff, they won’t need to see it again.

·        Seating In the Waiting Lounge:  Move forward to the closest seats to the wall for

·        11:15 Boarding:  We were group #1.  Part of my plan.  The line to go on the ship and the people crowding to get on was a bit overwhelming.  I pulled my wife’s hand until we go to open area to board. 

·        Headliners:  This is the place you go to for changing or making reservations for specialty restaurants. I had to change one to accommodate the slot pull tournament.

·        O’Sheeehan’s: We got a seat right away at 11:30 AM.  I had the Ruben, and my wife had the fish & chips.  The Fish & Chips were great.  The chicken wings were great.  The Ruben was OK.

·        Vibe Beach Club:  The staff was amazing as always.  I tip the folks on day one and thank them for their hospitality. 

·        04:00 PM: Cocktail Party for the Slot Tournament.  There are 200 folks in the Tournament.  Round one 50 folks move on.  Round two later this week 10 folks move on.  The last sea day is the finals. 

·        07:00 PM: Cagney’s Steak House.  The food was good but not great.  Oysters Rockefeller was not fully hot; Lobster soup was good; Wedge Salad was great.  Both my wife’s rib eye and my prime rib were over cooked.  The Crème B was below average, and the Chocolate Cake was outstanding. The meal was a B-.

 

We went to bed early and it was just want the doctor ordered. 

 

·        NOTE: HINT #3: Always look at your boarding card for codes:

o   2D: This is two Specialty Dining Dinners

o   2UP: This is another specialty Dining Dinners

o   P+: This is the Premium PLUS Beverage Package.

 

Conclusion of Initial Embarkment:  Uneventful and nicer than I thought it would be.  I sat for about an hour and fifteen minutes and did this blog post.  Therefore, I get to the port early.  The waiting area fills quick especially when the ship is almost sold out.

 

Questions asked of Me: 

1.      Shooters: Will they make shooters like B52’s.  Answer is yes but you have to pay extra for them unless you are on the Premium Plus Beverage Package.  Seems some of the ingredients on Shooters have gone up.  My thoughts on this matter is NCL is just raising prices and needs to make back a profit so these kinds of items will cost the consumer more. 

2.      Free At Sea Plus Program:  You can upgrade to this program when you get on the ship.  Go to Guest Services.

3.      Reservations for Specialty Restaurants:  You can find better days and times when you get on the ship.  On the Breakaway, just go to “Headliners” and see what is available. 

4.      Muster Drill:  It is e-drill.  You go to your station to check in.  That takes a minute.  When you get to your cabin, you can’t watch TV until you watch the Safety Video. No more standing y a lifeboat or in a crowded place.  Simple and short time invested.   

 

The ship is really crowded but with a little planning, you can navigate around the crowds. 

 

Cruise Well and Enjoy Every Moment.

[Sthrngary]

13 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

Internet issues?  You found the the Tequila 1942, didn't  you?

Not yet, but I am on the hunt.  They might be out of Patron though.  This Brand loses money on the drink package with me and I don't drink that much.  You must have faith and believe your price is somewhere.  I sense it.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Juncti]

Question if you have the day 1 and 2 daily, what time is or was the rock show at Syd Normans?

 

How is the Vibe going? Any unique items you've found there to leverage the plus package?

 

I'm sure as I type this you might be lounging out in the Vibe, have fun and can't wait to hear about the tournament. 

[diver21]

3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

   Check In Security:  There was no 09:00 AM check in which now makes sense.  The ship was filled, and they needed some extra time unloading.  Security opened at 09:30 AM on the dot.  Uneventful.

Thank you for the tremendous amount of detail in your posts:)

 

What time did you arrive for your 9:30 check in?

 

I saw you went to headliners to change/add specialty dining, do you know if that was available to do in the app once onboard? 

[Sthrngary]

30 minutes ago, diver21 said:

Thank you for the tremendous amount of detail in your posts:)

 

What time did you arrive for your 9:30 check in?

 

I saw you went to headliners to change/add specialty dining, do you know if that was available to do in the app once onboard? 

I got to the port at 9 o’clock, I didn’t want to challenge the system so I went directly to a person to help me make the change in our reservation for our specialty restaurants

 

Cruise well and enjoy every momentCruise well and enjoy every moment

[Sand and Seas]

Gary, can you tell us what groups boarded before Boarding Group 1?

Also, can you tell us who the Hosts are in the Casino?

 

Thanks for sharing!  Loving your review😎

[Sthrngary]

29 minutes ago, Sand and Seas said:

Gary, can you tell us what groups boarded before Boarding Group 1?

Also, can you tell us who the Hosts are in the Casino?

 

Thanks for sharing!  Loving your review😎

Handy capped, high level rewards member

[stefmaia]

@Sthrngary, ok spill it, the anxious masses need to know if Mrs Sthrn got through to the next round?

[Sthrngary]

7 hours ago, stefmaia said:

@Sthrngary, ok spill it, the anxious masses need to know if Mrs Sthrn got through to the next round?

My wife lost the first round so she is out. The re-buy-in was $150.00 and she said “No”. She actually was happy the stress was over. 
 

Cruise Well and Enjoy Every Moment

[fstuff1]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

My wife lost the first round so she is out. The re-buy-in was $150.00 and she said “No”. She actually was happy the stress was over. 
 

Cruise Well and Enjoy Every Moment

It was just 1 shot?

Would have figured twice with the best score going forward for 1st round?

 

1 and out seems disappointing for such a huge build up event, especially if you had to buy the cruise. 😞

Is final round multiple rounds?

 

for my last free $10k slot tournament cruise:

3 free rounds with the option of 2 extra rounds (1 max per day) for $50/each.

top 3 of the possible 5 are used.

but then again, that tourney paid top 10.

(I came in 4th and got $1200 Freeplay.)

 

I would have done the $150 rebuy for a shot at the $100k winner take all.

 

sorry to hear your wife's loss but glad she's ok with it

 

Edited December 6, 2022 by fstuff1

[fstuff1]

So the slot tourneys used to be $25 for $500 prize. (I never played.)

Then it went up to $30 and I thought even worse value.

 

Then they added this free $100k super tournament for those winners.

Ahh.. so that's where the extra $5 went to. Cool

Edited December 6, 2022 by fstuff1

[Juncti]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

My wife lost the first round so she is out. The re-buy-in was $150.00 and she said “No”. She actually was happy the stress was over. 
 

Cruise Well and Enjoy Every Moment

That's a bummer, but I totally understand her sentiment. Now she can just relax and cruise without worrying about making it to the next round

 

How is the trip going overall? Have you all found any good uses for plus in the Vibe? Or any other unique places to grab a plus drink like bar near the steakhouse?

 

Saw another post saying Breakaway might be tendering to Roatan and Cozumel. Hope that's not happening, last time NCL tendered us in Roatan they used the lifeboats as tenders, not a fun experience. 

[fstuff1]

2 hours ago, Juncti said:

Saw another post saying Breakaway might be tendering to Roatan and Cozumel. Hope that's not happening, last time NCL tendered us in Roatan they used the lifeboats as tenders, not a fun experience. 

 

tendering in cozumel?

all 7 piers are occupied?

so at least 8 cruise ships in port that day? 😮

[bundtkate]

On 12/5/2022 at 9:37 AM, Sthrngary said:

Muster Drill:  It is e-drill.  You go to your station to check in

Reporting in from the Joy just to say we had the same. And I think we stole your embarkation problems. Computer issues meant it was a giant mess, but a few drinks and lunch at the Haven restaurant and it was all okay. I hope y'all are having a great time!

[cruiseny4life]

8 hours ago, bundtkate said:

Reporting in from the Joy just to say we had the same. And I think we stole your embarkation problems. Computer issues meant it was a giant mess, but a few drinks and lunch at the Haven restaurant and it was all okay. I hope y'all are having a great time!

Happy wedding cruise! I'm glad you're onboard and enjoying. 

[Sthrngary]

Sorry folks, the internet is not cooperating with me. 

 

December 5, 2022: Sea Day

·        Early Morning Coffee:  Time for two large Starbucks Coffee.  As usual, the two folks in front of me are shocked that the Premium Drink Package does not include Starbucks.  In the past I would say something, but I learned to simply stay out of it.  One person got so angry they did not take their coffee.  I took both of mine and went back to the cabin.  My lovely bride was very appreciative.

·        08:05 AM-Taste for Breakfast:  I just want to say the coffee in Taste was excellent.  I had the Eggs Benedict, link pork sausage and home fries.  It was done perfectly, hot, and great.  My wife had Raisin French Toast.  She said it was good but not great. No line but when we left, there was a wait.  I highly recommend the MDR for Breakfast.

·        09:30 AM: The Vibe Beach Club and this morning was GREAT.  When you have a Cabana, they provide you with Containers of Water.  Two a day. 

·        11:00 AM: Round One of the Slot Tournament Finals.  My wife was dead last.  Well, at least we got that out of the way.  We played a few more slots to contribute to the Casino Staff.  That did not last long.  Back to the Vibe for a Mudslide and it was great.

·        1:00 PM:  Buffet which was not bad.  Like most buffets you must be selective.  My burger was great, and my wife had Pizza and Mac & Cheese. 

·        02:00 PM: Nap in the room.

·        03:00 PM: Bar “Check Off the Box” Game—First we did some shots at the Vibe (Check); than we did a Martini at the Martini Bar (Check); than we did a Mixed Drink at the Mix Bar (Check).  Our goal is to have a drink in all the bars with the exception of the Haven Bar (Not in the Haven) by end of cruise.

·        06:00 PM: Main Dining Room—The food is good but not outstanding.  My steak was very nice and had a nice sauce over it.  My wife’s baked Ziti was also very nice.  She also had the Cheese Ravioli as an appetizer, and I had a c. salad.  Both were very nice.

o   Hint #4: Check your bill when you go to any restaurant when you have the Premium Plus Beverage Package. I order bottles water all the time and they attempt to charge me.  I have to correct them. 

·        07:30 PM: The Show “Six”—Don’t miss it.  About 90 minutes. 

o   Hint #5: Six is the Second and Third night of the cruise.  The shows are at 07:30 PM and 10:00 PM.  They are packed. 

Questions asked of me today:

1.      What time did I get to the Port?  09:00 AM

2.      Who is the Casino Host?  I will find out but there are several because of the tournament.

3.      Can we get a Mini Beer and a shot? Yes, only shooters are now not allowed unless you have the Premium Plus Beverage Package.  Another reason for this new rule for the Shooters is the time it takes to make them and once one person gets one, everyone starts to order them. 

4.      How is the Club Balcony Suite? Small but nice.  The cabin was not as clean as I am used to and the glass in the bathroom was not washed. It had a film on it from tooth paste and a toothbrush.  The balcony is tiny.  Please remember, I am used to the Haven Suites, so this is much smaller.

5.      Do they have Tequila 1942?  Not so far.  I will keep looking.  Patron does not suck though.  The lesson here is on a cruise, “It is what it is! Be flexible and just have a good time.”

6.      Can I post Dailies?  I will attempt to do this when I get home and can use my scanner.

Conclusion:  Nice Sea day.  Drink lots of water all day especially if you are drinking.  The internet is horrible and even when you upgrade to Streaming Unlimited from the Free At Sea PLUS program, it is ONLY FOR ONE DEVICE and it is hard to coordinate at time. 

[Sand and Seas]

As your wife was in the Slot Tournament, did they have a CAS welcome packet in your cabin?   This usually has a 'free drinks' while in the casino card which lets you get free bottled waters and cans of Coke/Diet Coke to take back to your room.  (Perhaps not needed with your PPlus packet, but cans of Coke are nice to have.)     If they left you that CAS packet, the letter with it would show the names of the CAS Exec and regular Hosts.   

 

I love that you bring your wife Starbucks before she has to leave the cabin.  My DH spoils me that way too☺️

[Juncti]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Sorry folks, the internet is not cooperating with me. 

Surprising that the top tier internet isn't working well. When I was on here last year I got that package and while not amazing it was functional enough. That really stinks, especially with them testing Starlink on top of whatever they normally use.

 

Question, have you found much to use the plus drink package on? I know you haven't found 1942 but that wasn't even on the official list apparently. Any luck with Veuve or other upper tier plus items? Does the vibe have anything in stock from plus you've found a nice go to drink?

 

We're probably adding plus next week, I just hope it's usable for plus drinks and everything isn't out of stock.

 

Although your post has me reconsidering the streaming internet upgrade this time

[GALSews]

On 12/5/2022 at 8:37 AM, Sthrngary said:

December 3, 2022: Travel Day. 

 

 

Questions asked of Me: 

1.      Shooters: Will they make shooters like B52’s.  Answer is yes but you have to pay extra for them unless you are on the Premium Plus Beverage Package.  Seems some of the ingredients on Shooters have gone up.  My thoughts on this matter is NCL is just raising prices and needs to make back a profit so these kinds of items will cost the consumer more. 

 

Later in queue: Post 177

   Can we get a Mini Beer and a shot? Yes, only shooters are now not allowed unless you have the Premium Plus Beverage Package.  Another reason for this new rule for the Shooters is the time it takes to make them and once one person gets one, everyone starts to order them. 

 

Gary, these 2 seem to be in opposition. So is it:

a) Nobody gets shooters

b) You can get them, but you'll pay something (be it full if no package, difference if a base package or nada if premium plus

c) You can only get them if you have the premium package.

 

I'm asking as my husband discoverer the B52 on our last cruise. 

 

Thanks and enjoy your cruise.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, GALSews said:

Later in queue: Post 177

   Can we get a Mini Beer and a shot? Yes, only shooters are now not allowed unless you have the Premium Plus Beverage Package.  Another reason for this new rule for the Shooters is the time it takes to make them and once one person gets one, everyone starts to order them. 

 

Gary, these 2 seem to be in opposition. So is it:

a) Nobody gets shooters

b) You can get them, but you'll pay something (be it full if no package, difference if a base package or nada if premium plus

c) You can only get them if you have the premium package.

 

I'm asking as my husband discoverer the B52 on our last cruise. 

 

Thanks and enjoy your cruise.

I am taking your question very seriously.  It is not easy to answer which you will find out. 

 

Part of the strategy I give when cruising is to attempt to have a relationship with your favorite Bar and Bartender.  I did this in the Vibe Bar and gave everyone a $20.00 tip the first day.  Three folks working this bar.  I also engaged with them.  My way of nicely getting everything I want.

 

The bar tender said, Classic Shooters like B52's were no longer being served fleet wide because of A) Cost; B) Supply Chain and C) They were too time consuming.  The next words out of their mouth was but we will do them for you because you have a Premium Plus Package.  I found out later it did not matter, it was really the "Time It Took".  

 

I purposefully asked for a B52 and they made it for me not questions asked was a wink.  I believe they do it from time to time depending on how crowded the bar is knowing it is against the rules.  That is as clear as "MUD" I know but it is all the facts I have.  NCL is sometime very confusing especially when they change policies. 

 

Cruise well and Enjoy Every Moment. 

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, Juncti said:

Surprising that the top tier internet isn't working well. When I was on here last year I got that package and while not amazing it was functional enough. That really stinks, especially with them testing Starlink on top of whatever they normally use.

 

Question, have you found much to use the plus drink package on? I know you haven't found 1942 but that wasn't even on the official list apparently. Any luck with Veuve or other upper tier plus items? Does the vibe have anything in stock from plus you've found a nice go to drink?

 

We're probably adding plus next week, I just hope it's usable for plus drinks and everything isn't out of stock.

 

Although your post has me reconsidering the streaming internet upgrade this time

I am drinking the top of the line Patron which is $25.00 per shot.  My wife is having the top of the line Wine at $25.00 a glass.  My wife got a full bottle (Under the Program) and brought it back to the suite for balcony.  We do bottle waters at every meal and Starbucks twice a day.  Do I think it is worth it, yes.  For one week a year, you get to be treated like a rock star.

 

The challenge on the Internet was going from my wifes phone, to her computer to my phone to my computer.  One device at a time.  I was going to purchase the $10.00 per phone package that lets me text, message and call my wife on the ship but the Internet Guy just gave me an extra unlimited Internet.  Again, not the policy but he did it for me without asking.  

 

Hope that helps. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[New2cruise2022]

7 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Hint #4: Check your bill when you go to any restaurant when you have the Premium Plus Beverage Package. I order bottles water all the time and they attempt to charge me.  I have to correct them. 

@Sthrngary Thanks for this great hint. 

 

17 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I also engaged with them.  My way of nicely getting everything I want.

Show kindness without expectations and it’s amazing the unexpected things that happen. 
 

Class act. 

[diver21]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

.  I was going to purchase the $10.00 per phone package that lets me text, message and call my wife on the ship

 

We’ll be on the the ship in a few weeks and exactly what we are looking for. We didn’t see this under internet options, but is it correct that 4 phones $40 all can text/message each other?  Just go to internet desk once on ship?  Thanks!

 

[Sthrngary]

December 6, 2022: Costa Maya, Mexico

·        07:00 AM:  My daily Starbucks run.  We like to have coffee on our balcony.  Just something we look forward to.

·        08:00 AM:  Breakfast at the Buffet.  OK, I am not a buffet fan however if you play it right, it is excellent.  I went to the egg station and ordered the eggs the way I like them.  I watched the cook them, PERFECT.  The link pork sausages is just what I like.  They taste like Brown & Serve which for what ever reason is my favorite.  Coffee is well, HORRIBLE!!!!!!  Get Starbucks and bring it in. 

·        10:00 AM: The Vibe Beach Club.  We did not even get off the ship.  We have been to this port before an it is just OK.  This will be the day we explore the ship and chill. 

·        12:00 PM: Ping Pong Tournament which the only players were my wife and I.  I have not done this in years.  We had a ball and were making so much noise we brought in a crowd.  We tend to be completive.

·        01:00 PM: Lunch in O’Sheeehan’s—I had a burger and I will tell you the ones in the Buffet are better.  My wife had fish sandwich and LOVE IT.  We played Gin for about an hour and she toasted me.

·        07:00 PM: Dinner in the Noodle Bar—This was a great evening.  They sat us at the bar so we watched the chef making all the food.  Everything was tasty and this is a complementary dining experience.  We will do it again.

·        08:00 PM: Drinks in the atrium with live band that was great. We would have stayed longer but they were going from Music to “Deal or No Deal”.

Conclusion:  More than any time in the past sailings.  It sure seems like NCL is doing everything they can to get every dollar they can gain.  Whether it is Bingo, Deal or No Deal, and the list goes on.  Where before, it was there; now it seems to be there a lot more.  My reason for bringing this up is to set realistic expectations.  Like Nancy Regan said some decades ago, “Just Say No.”

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.