Points/or Perks fat the Casino on Solstice

[ladyeight]

I read somewhere about points being earned in the Casino. We will be going on the Solstice this Sunday (1/11/09). We go to the Casino everynight. Just wondering if anybody knows about these points which can be redeemed for specialty restaurants, gifts, etc.

 

For years I have wondered why the cruise lines did not offer anything-other than a match play coupon for going to a "how to play" demo in the casino in the afternoon. The only time we ever got anything was Princess...and that was because my husband embarrassed the casino host one night. After 4-5 nights of playing Roulette, and we sat with the same people everynight, my husband suggested it would be nice if we atleast got a complimentary cocktail after playing 5-6 hours a night.

 

I wonder if there is a lack of players since smoking is now prohibited in the Casino.

 

Any info would be appreciated.

[Ma Bell]

There were more people in the casino on Solstice than I have ever seen in any of the others. I think there are more people who wouldn't come in before because of the smoke who are frequenting the casino now.

 

You insert your card in the machine or ask to be rated by the pit staff and you will receive points which can be redeemed for a number of things including specialty restaurants and wine. There is a list posted at the cashier or just ask one of casino employess.

[ladyeight]

Thank you for the information. Is this something new on all the Celebrity ships or just on Solstice?

 

If there were a lot of people in the Casino, was it hard to get a seat at the tables or the machines. Did you go Holiday week where it may have been more crowded because there were more passangers?

 

Also, did they stay open late. Just wondering if the night we leave PR at 11 pm, will they open when we get out to sea?

 

Did you play the machines (are they the Vegas type) or the tables?

 

Thanks again,

[kitty9]

The whole card thing is only on Solstice for now. They have Vegas-type slots and table games and the casino is generally open until 2 or 3am.

 

If you gamble a lot, there are some perks, such as dinners in the alternate restaurants, wine, and if you're a really big gambler, a free cruise now and again.

[Ma Bell]

The older ships do not have the card slots for machines but if you check in with the manager and ask to be rated they will do so. All the new ships coming on line will have the new card slot machines. It is possible to get discounts or on board credits and as Kitty says, even an occasional free cruise if you are a player.

 

On Solstice there are lots of machines and there were plenty available We sailed on December 7 and the casino was doing a good business but there were always machines available.

[ladyeight]

It's for sure that I won't get a Free Cruise. But it is nice to get some perks. Ofcourse, not being able to smoke, I don't know how long I'll sit. Is there any "corner" in the casino for those of us who still have this awful habit?

[Andy]

It's for sure that I won't get a Free Cruise. But it is nice to get some perks. Ofcourse, not being able to smoke, I don't know how long I'll sit. Is there any "corner" in the casino for those of us who still have this awful habit?

 

Hi Ladyeight !

 

I believe the entire Casino is non-smoking at this point.

[ladyeight]

I guess if I am winning...I'll suffer!! If not it will be a good excuse to leave.

[cruzmaven]

You have to be a pretty solid slot player to accumulate enough points to get anything substantial. By the end of the week, playing a little everyday, I just reached the minimum level or awards (250 points) which entitled me to a keychain or a free gellato or specialty coffee. The value of the gellato or coffee was about $5.00 and the key chain nill, so not much of an award. I don't remember exactly how the points are awarded but I don't beleive its a point for each dollar, maybe a point for every $5.00? I'm sure someone else will know for sure.

[Andy]

You have to be a pretty solid slot player to accumulate enough points to get anything substantial. By the end of the week, playing a little everyday, I just reached the minimum level or awards (250 points) which entitled me to a keychain or a free gellato or specialty coffee. The value of the gellato or coffee was about $5.00 and the key chain nill, so not much of an award. I don't remember exactly how the points are awarded but I don't beleive its a point for each dollar, maybe a point for every $5.00? I'm sure someone else will know for sure.

 

Hi Cruzmaven !

 

I have to agree. Some Family Members who are Slot Players were active at the Dollar Machines, and the points didnt get them very far. I believe that after a week, they had enough for a T-Shirt or 2. I hope that Celebrity will sample the data, and look to tweak the program and make it a little more rewarding.

 

I am a Table player, and unless I am mistaken, there is no point generation by sitting at the Tables, though I wish there were. I may not be a "High Roller", but a Polo Shirt or a complimentary Specialty Dinner would be much appreciated. Heck, anything with the Celebrity logo is much appreciated :)

[alfiemom]

It took me a couple of times to understand that I wasn't supposed to swipe the card and pull it out. Played the slots every night but never made it to the keychain level. However, I wasn't playing for a keychain but for the fun of it....and to make my contribution to whatever company is now running the casino...how nice of me.

 

I also wasn't sure about the ticket system, but found it really nice not to have to deal with all the coins...dirty or not.

 

Bobbie

[BurgerBits]

I am a Table player, and unless I am mistaken, there is no point generation by sitting at the Tables, though I wish there were.

 

What?? That's not right. If bettors are able to gain 'points,' then ALL bettors should be able to gain 'points.'

 

Like you, I'm a table player (Blackjack, Baby!!), and DH is a Craps fan (yes, yes, lots of opportunities for bad jokes/puns here - go ahead... :rolleyes:).

 

When I'm aboard next month I'll ask the pit boss how points are tabulated for table players. Not IF, but HOW.

 

I will be certain to sweetly smile when I enquire... and will report back! :D:D

[Ma Bell]

The points on board are just a small part of what you can earn. You may have a discount on your next cruise or an onboard credit. Just ask to join the blue-chip club. You do have to play at least a moderate amount so it's not for everyone.

[50cruiser]

last year I was on the Grandprincess. Princess had a program where you use your cruise card in the machines just like our local cassinos . I racked up 3000 points , . 3000 points equeled $30 . The money was put in my cruise acct. which I used in the specialty restrante . Im suprised all the cruise ships dont do the same . CARL

[Cruzin Canucks]

I just returned from the May 16th sailing on the Solstice. On a 7 day cruise I accumulated over 9,000 points during my casino play. Granted I do play dollars, and although I didn't hit any "big" jackpots, the slots did pay enough to keep me playing. The last day of the cruise I cashed in my points for cash. I believe it was $20 for every 1,000 points :confused:.

 

I was notified on the third day of the cruise I had reached "Blue Chip" status. From then on, all my drinks were free at the casino bar and I also enjoyed a free spa treatment, bottles of wine at dinner etc.

 

Today I received my first "free cruise" offer by e-mail. There is a huge list of cruises to choose from for 2010 - 2011. Everything from a 3 day Bahamas cruise to the 12 day Barcelona.

 

Their offer states:

 

What's Included?

Top of the line Stateroom

Delicious Cuisine (with the exception of the specialty restaurant's)

Fabulous entertainment aboard the vessel

Private Blue Chip Club Casino VIP Welcoming Cocktail Reception

 

What’s not included?

Air transportation

Transfers

Shore excursions

Gratuities

 

My question is: Has anyone else taken advantage of Celebrity's free cruise offer? If so, were there hidden charges etc.

 

I would appreciate any feedback prior to calling the number provided for the Casino Operations Dept.

[lobster129]

I asked the pit boss about "rating" my table play (to accumulate points or credits). I was told that unless I averaged $50/hand for blackjack (or more) that they didn't keep track. Similar bet amounts for Craps. This was both on Summit and Soltice within a 3 month period last year. So I play for fun (and hopefully profit)...but not points.:(

 

If anyone can tell me how to accumulate credit for table play, I am interested!:p

[orknot2be]

I just returned from the May 16th sailing on the Solstice. On a 7 day cruise I accumulated over 9,000 points during my casino play. Granted I do play dollars, and although I didn't hit any "big" jackpots, the slots did pay enough to keep me playing. The last day of the cruise I cashed in my points for cash. I believe it was $20 for every 1,000 points :confused:.

 

My question is: Has anyone else taken advantage of Celebrity's free cruise offer? If so, were there hidden charges etc.

 

I would appreciate any feedback prior to calling the number provided for the Casino Operations Dept.

 

Hi there

Congratulations on being asked to join the club.

 

I have booked a cruise through casino operations. If you contact me at orknot2be at aol.com, I can tell you what my experience has been.