No More $25 Casino Credit

[mz-s]

I can definitely attest to the fact that Carnival is ramping up their casino rate code offers post-restart. So I think they make a good case that the $25 freebie - while a nice bonus - is really not necessary these days. Those that gamble are likely already on some sort of casino rate that is certainly worth more than $25 anyway.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

2 minutes ago, mz-s said:

I can definitely attest to the fact that Carnival is ramping up their casino rate code offers post-restart. So I think they make a good case that the $25 freebie - while a nice bonus - is really not necessary these days. Those that gamble are likely already on some sort of casino rate that is certainly worth more than $25 anyway.

 

Agreed - though I'll add that there's some "special feeling" when you take the $25 they give you (well, $50 - Cheryl gives me hers) and run it up to $500-$1,000+ at BJ. Now, if one could just walk away at that point... if only...

 

Tom

[mz-s]

Just now, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Agreed - though I'll add that there's some "special feeling" when you take the $25 they give you (well, $50 - Cheryl gives me hers) and run it up to $500-$1,000+ at BJ. Now, if one could just walk away at that point... if only...

 

Tom

 

The free $25 is special, yes - even if it's gone after 1 or 2 hands haha. Another special touch gone and that always stings to a degree. But I personally am not up in arms over this one because like I said, I think Carnival is doing a good job with the casino rate code offers and that is enough to make up for the loss of this.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

18 minutes ago, mz-s said:

 

The free $25 is special, yes - even if it's gone after 1 or 2 hands haha. Another special touch gone and that always stings to a degree. But I personally am not up in arms over this one because like I said, I think Carnival is doing a good job with the casino rate code offers and that is enough to make up for the loss of this.

 

Carnival is, by far, the most generous of the lines we've sailed in terms of casino/cruise offers. Since COVID, they've really upped their "game". Other lines, have pulled back. I used to get 60% off suites on Celebrity (sailing of my choice), now I'm getting something like 5% off... rather pathetic. 

 

Tom

 

 

[mz-s]

Just now, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Carnival is, by far, the most generous of the lines we've sailed in terms of casino/cruise offers. Since COVID, they've really upped their "game". Other lines, have pulled back. I used to get 60% off suites on Celebrity (sailing of my choice), now I'm getting something like 5% off... rather pathetic. 

 

Tom

 

 

 

Couldn't agree more, better than land casinos too...

[BlerkOne]

1 hour ago, mz-s said:

Those that gamble are likely already on some sort of casino rate that is certainly worth more than $25 anyway.

I'd bet a most aren't unless perhaps one of the casino party cruises.

 

But the $25 credit, like the tournaments, were just promotions. Promotions come and go. I will be interesting to see what comes from the agreement with Bally's. Personally, I'm kind of curious what Bally's is going to offer Diamonds.

 

I'm glad that Carnival has finally figured out many gamblers are no shows and are adding penalties for that.

[dallasdan]

1 hour ago, BlerkOne said:

I'd bet a most aren't unless perhaps one of the casino party cruises.

 

But the $25 credit, like the tournaments, were just promotions. Promotions come and go. I will be interesting to see what comes from the agreement with Bally's. Personally, I'm kind of curious what Bally's is going to offer Diamonds.

 

I'm glad that Carnival has finally figured out many gamblers are no shows and are adding penalties for that.

I never played any of the tournaments so the $25 was a bonus.  Surprised it lasted this long.  

 

Also, I don't understand how many gamblers are a no show.  What do you mean by that?

[BlerkOne]

44 minutes ago, dallasdan said:

 

Also, I don't understand how many gamblers are a no show.  What do you mean by that?

$100 or $200 deposits seem to be all that was risked. Book all the cruises you think you might be interested in, and later just don't show up if you don't want to. Normal cruisers risk thousands if they don't show up.

 

Carnival seems to have added wording to the offers of a penalty for no shows. Why would they do that?

 

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

28 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

$100 or $200 deposits seem to be all that was risked. Book all the cruises you think you might be interested in, and later just don't show up if you don't want to. Normal cruisers risk thousands if they don't show up.

 

Carnival seems to have added wording to the offers of a penalty for no shows. Why would they do that?

 

 

I'm confused a bit. I've booked several of the low deposit casino offers and, if memory serves, I must pay in full by the final payment date (a couple months prior to sailing) or the booking is cancelled.

 

How are people making it to embarkation day with only a deposit at risk ??

 

Tom

[dallasdan]

27 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

$100 or $200 deposits seem to be all that was risked. Book all the cruises you think you might be interested in, and later just don't show up if you don't want to. Normal cruisers risk thousands if they don't show up.

 

Carnival seems to have added wording to the offers of a penalty for no shows. Why would they do that?

 

I understand now what you are saying.  I would never do that, so I didn't think that people would do it.

Edited June 12 by dallasdan

[pe4all]

12 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

I'm confused a bit. I've booked several of the low deposit casino offers and, if memory serves, I must pay in full by the final payment date (a couple months prior to sailing) or the booking is cancelled.

 

How are people making it to embarkation day with only a deposit at risk ??

 

Tom

This. 

[mz-s]

15 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

I'm confused a bit. I've booked several of the low deposit casino offers and, if memory serves, I must pay in full by the final payment date (a couple months prior to sailing) or the booking is cancelled.

 

How are people making it to embarkation day with only a deposit at risk ??

 

Tom

 

In some cases, the deposit is all you're paying for the room.

 

(Plus taxes and fees - nonpayment of those before final payment would result in cancellation however)...

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

11 minutes ago, mz-s said:

 

In some cases, the deposit is all you're paying for the room.

 

(Plus taxes and fees - nonpayment of those before final payment would result in cancellation however)...

 

Ah - you're right. I'm clouded by my booking history... usually paying a few thousand to upgrade to Excel suites (aft corner or presidential) ! 

[BlerkOne]

4 hours ago, mz-s said:

 

In some cases, the deposit is all you're paying for the room.

 

(Plus taxes and fees - nonpayment of those before final payment would result in cancellation however)...

Taxes and fees aren't at risk.

[cynt]

12 hours ago, mz-s said:

I can definitely attest to the fact that Carnival is ramping up their casino rate code offers post-restart. So I think they make a good case that the $25 freebie - while a nice bonus - is really not necessary these days. Those that gamble are likely already on some sort of casino rate that is certainly worth more than $25 anyway.

 

THIS^^^^

We have cruised the last 12 months on casino offers. $100 per person plus drinks including companion. Carnival has the best casino offers as far rates, dates, ship, region and perks. I'll take this any day over a $25 credit. What other cruise line allows you to use a casino offer on MULTIPLE cruises. My husband is going to gamble regardless whether it's @ Choctaw or the cruise casino. I love the perks!

[ChinaShrek]

On 6/7/2024 at 3:15 PM, VentureMan_2000 said:

 

I think the larger change that Carnival is considering is replacing the levels from one that is based on the number of nights sailed, with a spend-based system.

I'm okay with that as long my casino losses or bets (hundreds of dollars) count each cruise.

[mz-s]

1 hour ago, ChinaShrek said:

I'm okay with that as long my casino losses or bets (hundreds of dollars) count each cruise.

 

Carnival is not going to piss off their casino cabal. Remember back during COVID you had to sip and cover unless you were smoking in the casino. They went to a non-smoking casino for about 2 cruises. They know where their bread is buttered.

[BlerkOne]

14 minutes ago, mz-s said:

 

Carnival is not going to piss off their casino cabal. Remember back during COVID you had to sip and cover unless you were smoking in the casino. They went to a non-smoking casino for about 2 cruises. They know where their bread is buttered.

Carnival knew if they lowered cruise prices enough, people would cruise even with the plague. Gamblers already expect to lose and were a natural target to get cash flow going. That jump start is no longer needed. Overdue to cut the flotsam loose.

 

Novice cruisers have always been what floats Carnivals boats and than hasn't changed.

[ChinaShrek]

1 minute ago, BlerkOne said:

Carnival knew if they lowered cruise prices enough, people would cruise even with the plague. Gamblers already expect to lose and were a natural target to get cash flow going. That jump start is no longer needed. Overdue to cut the flotsam loose.

 

Novice cruisers have always been what floats Carnivals boats and than hasn't changed.

Didn't Carnival always offer promotions to gamblers even before Covid? Or are the free cruises something new?

[BlerkOne]

1 minute ago, ChinaShrek said:

Didn't Carnival always offer promotions to gamblers even before Covid? Or are the free cruises something new?

They have had promotions for some time, but Covid brought them to a new level.

[mz-s]

11 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

Carnival knew if they lowered cruise prices enough, people would cruise even with the plague. Gamblers already expect to lose and were a natural target to get cash flow going. That jump start is no longer needed. Overdue to cut the flotsam loose.

 

Novice cruisers have always been what floats Carnivals boats and than hasn't changed.

 

They have had plenty of time to change strategy if they wished to. This is long past being a fluke. This is the new business model - casino boats where bacon is on vacation forever. Change is constant, isn't that what someone said on this thread?

[BlerkOne]

2 minutes ago, mz-s said:

 

They have had plenty of time to change strategy if they wished to. This is long past being a fluke. This is the new business model - casino boats where bacon is on vacation forever. Change is constant, isn't that what someone said on this thread?

The saying is the only constant is change. Kowtowing to gamblers will also pass.

 

There is always Margaritaville Lines.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

13 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

The saying is the only constant is change. Kowtowing to gamblers will also pass.

 

There is always Margaritaville Lines.

Eat your cake and have it too... or have your cake and eat it too ?   

 

Tom

[Colorado Beach Bum]

15 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

The saying is the only constant is change. Kowtowing to gamblers will also pass.

 

There is always Margaritaville Lines.

Only when they find something that generates more revenue.  Offers are still coming so it hasn’t happened yet. 

[jimbo5544]

2 hours ago, ChinaShrek said:

I'm okay with that as long my casino losses or bets (hundreds of dollars) count each cruise.

Would not bet on that…..hahahaha