Blue Chip offer

[kwokpot]

5 hours ago, grandgeezer said:

We don’t eat three meals a day for seven days, 90% of the time it’s a light lunch and normal dinner. How do I categorize the $1,000+ we pay for air, the $200 for the hotel, or the $100 for the shuttles and one extra meal. At home I pay $2.33 a day for lightning fast internet, unlimited devices. Rough estimate for drinks for the two of us for a week is about $25. Since there are no tips, we pay a little over $41 for our Always Included.

So you are telling me that taking the comped cruise, and adding the $1,300 it cost of getting there, and back is cheaper than staying home? That’s almost laughable.

You’re all excited about paying $.35 for one egg at home? What about paying $9+, tip included, on a ship but only $.56, AZ state tax included, where I live.

Based on our experiences before the pandemic, a completely free cruise would be overpriced. 

Have a nice day!

 

I think when people say that's it's cheaper than staying home you're factoring in going out at local restaurants where you still have to pay gratuities. It's a vacation. I'm on my 102 cruise right now, Virgin Valiant Lady, and yes it's a comped casino cruise. Day 6 of an 8 nt cruise Caribbean cruise and I haven't gotten off the ship. I'm enjoying the entertainment onboard and the beautiful surroundings, sunning  pool side, and just relaxing. If the pandemic has taught me anything it's that being social and having a change of scenery is good for the mind and the soul. And since I'm retired it's not even about getting away from work. I enjoy my retirement at home but I also enjoy being away. 

[Momperson3]

Well I called Blue Chip— can not add all inclusive— only can pay for packages individually.   ☹️.   Also per another person suggestion called Celebrity direct (was told they could add it) -Nope.   
Well I guess we will skip WiFi (no big deal) take a couple of bottles of wine with us.  And pay as we go on drinks 😞

But, for what we are paying for the cruise (port charge/tax & tips) that’s ok

Really wishing we could of paid for all inclusive for a fee

[retird]

6 hours ago, grandgeezer said:

We don’t eat three meals a day for seven days, 90% of the time it’s a light lunch and normal dinner. How do I categorize the $1,000+ we pay for air, the $200 for the hotel, or the $100 for the shuttles and one extra meal. At home I pay $2.33 a day for lightning fast internet, unlimited devices. Rough estimate for drinks for the two of us for a week is about $25. Since there are no tips, we pay a little over $41 for our Always Included.

So you are telling me that taking the comped cruise, and adding the $1,300 it cost of getting there, and back is cheaper than staying home? That’s almost laughable.

You’re all excited about paying $.35 for one egg at home? What about paying $9+, tip included, on a ship but only $.56, AZ state tax included, where I live.

Based on our experiences before the pandemic, a completely free cruise would be overpriced. 

Have a nice day!

 

For someone who doesnt cruise any more, you must still have the urge. Why else would you be on the forum

[CTSandy]

7 hours ago, sdnich said:

That is amazing! Did you get them all as free cruises or discounted cruises?? We did the Boston Canada cruise in September and paid full price for a sky suite .Unfortunately Hurricane Fiona changed the whole itinerary!! 
We do have two free veranda cruises one 7 Mexico (upgraded to aqua for $20 more per day ) and one 10 day southern Caribbean ended up getting a sunset veranda for just taxes and gratuity! 

They are all free, but I do spend time in the casino so free is a relative term😆.  I tried to book the New England cruise last year as a comp but they were sold out of everything but a few inside cabins.  I love that itinerary and have done it several times on Celebrity and Royal.  Looking forward to PEI as none of the prior cruises have stopped there.  This time we’ll be in Aqua, I enjoy Blu, but we’ll see if the changes have impacted their dining room.

 

One of the cruises is Solstice Mexican Riviera in April - wasn’t planning on that, but my niece got one of the offers they were pretty much mass mailing, and talked me into booking.  They offered Aqua but I turned it down because she and her husband will be in a regular veranda and we want to dine together.  I did get a very nice concierge cabin on the bump with a large balcony.

[kelleyd]

9 hours ago, CTSandy said:

I’m booked on 5 BCC cruises this year - the one I’m most looking forward to is an 11 night New England/Canada one out of Boston in Aqua class.  I love sailing out of Boston or Cape Liberty - both just a couple of hours away so no air or hotel, just drive to port early on cruise day.  As Kwokpot said above, it’s cheaper 

Jealous of your 5! We were able to book 3 so far.  Sailed 1 in November.  We have 1 in Feb and a 4 night in March. 

 

November and February we were able to get 4 people per room.  The March I was only able to get the rate for 2 per room. I am worried that it's the start of my less to no offers. 

 

I really hoped I would get another so I could cancel March and book in April for husband's 60th, but it seems the well has dried up. Crossing fingers is just the holidays that slowed them down and an April offer will roll in!

[NutsAboutGolf]

1 hour ago, Momperson3 said:

Well I called Blue Chip— can not add all inclusive— only can pay for packages individually.   ☹️.   Also per another person suggestion called Celebrity direct (was told they could add it) -Nope.   
Well I guess we will skip WiFi (no big deal) take a couple of bottles of wine with us.  And pay as we go on drinks 😞

But, for what we are paying for the cruise (port charge/tax & tips) that’s ok

Really wishing we could of paid for all inclusive for a fee

It’s all a la carte, you could add all three.  Big savings is if you can get away with not having to buy the alcohol package.  Also remember you can purchase both the drink package and internet mid sailing and pay the prorated amount.  If you do that, be advised once you start something you get it for the rest of the cruise 

[kayehall]

I finally received the offer on my email but it was addressed to my Sister-in-law!!!!  Who loves to play the slots.

[poffles]

10 hours ago, kelleyd said:

Jealous of your 5! We were able to book 3 so far.  Sailed 1 in November.  We have 1 in Feb and a 4 night in March. 

 

November and February we were able to get 4 people per room.  The March I was only able to get the rate for 2 per room. I am worried that it's the start of my less to no offers. 

 

I really hoped I would get another so I could cancel March and book in April for husband's 60th, but it seems the well has dried up. Crossing fingers is just the holidays that slowed them down and an April offer will roll in!

 

I just got an email offer for complimentary concierge stateroom.. with many sailings to pick from AND it includes Classic Drinks Package and Basic WiFi ... just pay taxes.  Just booked Edge 10 night Caribbean in April total cost for two people $331.70 US !!!  First time one with drinks included so very appreciative and that it's a veranda (infinite but I don't care).  I sailed Edge before with BCC offer (pre pandemic) but it was an inside cabin and room only so this will be a treat.

 

So maybe the well is not fully dried up.

Edited January 20, 2023 by poffles

[NutsAboutGolf]

14 minutes ago, poffles said:

 

I just got an email offer for complimentary concierge stateroom.. with many sailings to pick from AND it includes Classic Drinks Package and Basic WiFi ... just pay taxes.  Just booked Edge 10 night Caribbean in April total cost for two people $331.70 US !!!  First time one with drinks included so very appreciative and that it's a veranda (infinite but I don't care).  I sailed Edge before with BCC offer (pre pandemic) but it was an inside cabin and room only so this will be a treat.

 

So maybe the well is not fully dried up.

If you’ receive an offer for a comped CC/AQ, you simply have more play than those of us who are only receiving comped Sail-only balconies.  In the past we could upgrade to a CC/AQ for $10/$20 which was a tremendous value

[poffles]

2 hours ago, kayehall said:

I finally received the offer on my email but it was addressed to my Sister-in-law!!!!  Who loves to play the slots.

 

My offers alway goes to my travel buddy ... seems to stem from the way they cross reference emails.  She has received 'my' offers for a long time now, also gets my Power Up emails too.  I called about it once, they 'fixed' it and here we are, so now I'm just good with it until my travel partner stops talking to me 🙂  The irony is my travel partner typically has the same offers when calling to enquire with BCC.  Too exhausting to chase it down LOL

 

[poffles]

11 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

If you’ receive an offer for a comped CC/AQ, you simply have more play than those of us who are only receiving comped Sail-only balconies.  In the past we could upgrade to a CC/AQ for $10/$20 which was a tremendous value

 

I know.  I was not suggesting otherwise or saying others should get the same. I will add however my tier suggests my play has not changed from getting cabin only vs better offer.  Even with play, the promotions can be a crap shoot.  Last year I was only getting % off and now veranda with drinks ... I haven't sailed since 2019 so nothing changed.  There is a method to their madness that is not fully transparent but at the moment I'm running towards the light.

Edited January 20, 2023 by poffles

[grandgeezer]

14 hours ago, kwokpot said:

I think when people say that's it's cheaper than staying home you're factoring in going out at local restaurants where you still have to pay gratuities. It's a vacation. I'm on my 102 cruise right now, Virgin Valiant Lady, and yes it's a comped casino cruise. Day 6 of an 8 nt cruise Caribbean cruise and I haven't gotten off the ship. I'm enjoying the entertainment onboard and the beautiful surroundings, sunning  pool side, and just relaxing. If the pandemic has taught me anything it's that being social and having a change of scenery is good for the mind and the soul. And since I'm retired it's not even about getting away from work. I enjoy my retirement at home but I also enjoy being away. 

I posted based on what the post actually said as I’m not a mind reader. I too am retired so getting away from it isn’t a factor. I live in AZ so weather isn’t a factor. I have a pool, so that isn’t a factor. We used to go, just to get away, and see different parts of the world, eat great food and service and enjoy the entertainment. Based on our last cruises, the only thing left is seeing different parts of the world.

[grandgeezer]

13 hours ago, retird said:

For someone who doesnt cruise any more, you must still have the urge. Why else would you be on the forum

With the current product offered there is no urge to cruise again. I check the boards hoping that the cruise lines see the light, turn back the clock and offer the product of ten years ago. I don’t hold out much hope, but you never know. Just like sports, politics and religion, I reserve my rights to voice my opinions. At least on cruises, they are based on my actual experiences not what I read or heard, or think I know.

[read2learn]

2 hours ago, poffles said:

 

My offers alway goes to my travel buddy ... seems to stem from the way they cross reference emails.  She has received 'my' offers for a long time now, also gets my Power Up emails too.  I called about it once, they 'fixed' it and here we are, so now I'm just good with it until my travel partner stops talking to me 🙂  The irony is my travel partner typically has the same offers when calling to enquire with BCC.  Too exhausting to chase it down LOL

 

My sistr and I get them but the first offer I called using mine. The only cabins available were connecting and when I mentioned it the rep said I see your sister has the same offer. He booked us in connecting cabins and we each paid the taxes for our cabins. It was wonderful~she likes warm and I like cool so it was perfectl Felt like a college dorm going back and forth to each other's room. So,when checking next time have her CC# available and try for connecting cabins! 

[poffles]

4 minutes ago, read2learn said:

My sistr and I get them but the first offer I called using mine. The only cabins available were connecting and when I mentioned it the rep said I see your sister has the same offer. He booked us in connecting cabins and we each paid the taxes for our cabins. It was wonderful~she likes warm and I like cool so it was perfectl Felt like a college dorm going back and forth to each other's room. So,when checking next time have her CC# available and try for connecting cabins! 

 

We've used both in the past for a back to back cruise.  They even kept us in the same balcony!   So you are both in your own stateroom?  How would that work for gratuities, never did solo, do you have to cover as if 2 in one room similar to a single supplement?  Sounds like an interesting idea.  Maybe you are not sailing alone so ignore if I assuming wrong 🙂

[cdn_tbird]

DW & I aren't big gamblers, maybe play $50 each on a cruise if that. I follow these comp'd cabin threads longingly awaiting the BCC Fairy to grace my inbox with an offer. So far no luck just like in the casino 😆

[kayehall]

I received a blue chip offer.  1 option is Alaska.  I already have the Solstice confirmed for June 2024.  This offer is for June 2023 and is a concierge cabin.  I would have to give up Skagway (and the train) and Dawes Glacier but would pick up Hubbard Glacier.  Do you think I could still get an aft veranda cabin?  What exactly would I have to pay for?  Would like to hear your thoughts please?

[poffles]

5 minutes ago, kayehall said:

I received a blue chip offer.  1 option is Alaska.  I already have the Solstice confirmed for June 2024.  This offer is for June 2023 and is a concierge cabin.  I would have to give up Skagway (and the train) and Dawes Glacier but would pick up Hubbard Glacier.  Do you think I could still get an aft veranda cabin?  What exactly would I have to pay for?  Would like to hear your thoughts please?

 

Taxes, fees and port expenses.   My 10 day was $331 US for two.  Did you look at the fine print in the bottom to see if yours has the drinks and wifi included?  It won't necessarily say this as the top and one might think it's cruise only like I did. At the top it only said

 

 

 

Then way at the bottom in the fine print ... 🙂

 

*Offer is valid for the Blue Chip Club Member named on sailings stated in this mailing only. This offer includes a Complimentary Concierge Class stateroom, a Classic Drinks Package and Basic Wifi. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional. 

Edited January 20, 2023 by poffles

[NutsAboutGolf]

7 minutes ago, kayehall said:

I received a blue chip offer.  1 option is Alaska.  I already have the Solstice confirmed for June 2024.  This offer is for June 2023 and is a concierge cabin.  I would have to give up Skagway (and the train) and Dawes Glacier but would pick up Hubbard Glacier.  Do you think I could still get an aft veranda cabin?  What exactly would I have to pay for?  Would like to hear your thoughts please?

call as soon as possible as they only have a certain number of rooms for the casino and best ones go first

[kelleyd]

7 hours ago, poffles said:

 

I just got an email offer for complimentary concierge stateroom.. with many sailings to pick from AND it includes Classic Drinks Package and Basic WiFi ... just pay taxes.  Just booked Edge 10 night Caribbean in April total cost for two people $331.70 US !!!  First time one with drinks included so very appreciative and that it's a veranda (infinite but I don't care).  I sailed Edge before with BCC offer (pre pandemic) but it was an inside cabin and room only so this will be a treat.

 

So maybe the well is not fully dried up.

Dang!! Scrolling through my email I see nothing.  But will keep checking! Great offer!

[kayehall]

Mine also included drinks and wi-fi, however my TA says it is non transferable and it is addressed to my sister-in-law but sent to my email.  Any thoughts?  I will call in the morning.

[read2learn]

7 hours ago, poffles said:

 

We've used both in the past for a back to back cruise.  They even kept us in the same balcony!   So you are both in your own stateroom?  How would that work for gratuities, never did solo, do you have to cover as if 2 in one room similar to a single supplement?  Sounds like an interesting idea.  Maybe you are not sailing alone so ignore if I assuming wrong 🙂

No single supplements. We each paid our own gratutities and taxes etc for one. A balcony cabin for one was $131 each!  I doubt I will ever get a deal like that again. I paid more for the dogsitter.   

[tonyinoc]

I got a 12 day Scandinavian trip in May for just port fees and taxes. its a Balcony room. I did not get free drinks and I noticed on there blue chip page that if you have 100,000 points you get Classic free . I only have 39,000 points and drinks where not included. So perhaps your offers depend on your status. It does say i get 100 free play and digital picture package. It was offered to me as I was 3 days into a transatlantic crossing on the Beyond.

[crusinthrough]

On 1/19/2023 at 5:49 PM, taylortime05 said:

I called today with this offer and the agent said it’s the rate with  adding the drinks, tips and wifi and then 10% off.   It wasn’t a deal at all.  If you find out different please let me know and I’ll call back.

The offer says 10% off plus drinks, tips and wifi.  What you were told is different. If it's the AI then it should be 10% off of everything including drinks, tips and wifi or something similar.