120+ Days of Casino Cruise Ship Sailing
October 1st, 2023 at 10:06:36 AM
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radiation dissipated at Hiroshima?Quote: JohnnyQWe are pulling into the Hiroshima harbor right now (5:54 Sunday morning), so will get off the ship later this morning and work our way over to the Atomic Dome Memorial.
We do have FOX college football coverage again sortof, the signal comes and goes on the cabin TV. (Spoke too quickly, the signal for that has been lost now).
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wonder how soon we can tour Fukushima and Chernobyl?
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
October 2nd, 2023 at 3:13:21 PM
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Well I hope so !Quote: 100xOddsradiation dissipated at Hiroshima?
We are pulling into port in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, right now.
Our scheduled next stop in the Philippines has been cancelled due to a storm/cyclone.
We booked some more cruises for next year a couple of days ago.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 2nd, 2023 at 5:33:46 PM
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There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 2nd, 2023 at 5:44:48 PM
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Did the people on your cruise end up getting anything extra because of all the missed Alaska ports?
BTW, just booked my first ever Alaskan cruise for next August on NCL.
BTW, just booked my first ever Alaskan cruise for next August on NCL.
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
October 3rd, 2023 at 12:28:35 AM
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Regarding the cancellation of the Alaskan leg of our trip, each stateroom was given a $ 200 on board credit. That seems pretty cheap of them.
I suspect those extra days with not much to do onboard was a boon for the casino.
They added one port in Japan.
And then due to the storm somewhere in the area, our upcoming port stop in the Phillipines was cancelled.
Hopefully we will still get to Indonesia for a port visit.
The captain comes on the ship wide intercom once in a while for weather updates, and he has a thick Italian accent. If the announcement was important, the cruise director comes on the speaker a few minutes later, repeating almost verbatim what the captain said, so everyone can understand it.
I suspect those extra days with not much to do onboard was a boon for the casino.
They added one port in Japan.
And then due to the storm somewhere in the area, our upcoming port stop in the Phillipines was cancelled.
Hopefully we will still get to Indonesia for a port visit.
The captain comes on the ship wide intercom once in a while for weather updates, and he has a thick Italian accent. If the announcement was important, the cruise director comes on the speaker a few minutes later, repeating almost verbatim what the captain said, so everyone can understand it.
Last edited by: JohnnyQ on Oct 3, 2023
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 3rd, 2023 at 1:00:24 AM
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To be fair I’ve had two cancelled ports before and didn’t receive any compensation so $200 is better than nothing I guess lol.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
October 3rd, 2023 at 1:49:11 AM
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Yep, but that is NOT fair.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 3rd, 2023 at 1:52:29 AM
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The casino is laid out pretty nicely overall:
Two roulette tables:
One craps table:
Two banks of VP, some have Ult X, I mostly play 6:5 Bonus Poker on a Spin Poker game:
Two roulette tables:
One craps table:
Two banks of VP, some have Ult X, I mostly play 6:5 Bonus Poker on a Spin Poker game:
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 3rd, 2023 at 1:59:04 AM
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There are 10 tables for card games in the casino AND 3 more set-up in an overflow area. Blackjack is 3:2 at the $ 25 and 100 min tables:
And drops to 6:5 at the $ 10 table:
And drops to 6:5 at the $ 10 table:
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 3rd, 2023 at 4:46:49 AM
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Quote: JohnnyQ
"Here is an exterior view of our 5-star luxury hotel. Our room was just beneath the "Sky View" dome."
JohnnyQ,
You forgot the caption for your photo ;-)
Dog Hand
P.S. I've been enjoying this thread!
October 3rd, 2023 at 5:25:52 AM
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I'm wondering if they would also refund the port charges. Have you checked your portfolio lately? I've seen unspecified 'adjustments' to the portfolio before when my itinerary has changed.Quote: JohnnyQYep, but that is NOT fair.
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It looks like there are a total of 2 Game Kings and 6 Super Stars? I like the ratio, but not the quantity. The ships I have been on lately (Freedom, Liberty, Elation) have more VP machines total, but fewer Super Stars.Quote:Two banks of VP, some have Ult X, I mostly play 6:5 Bonus Poker on a Spin Poker game:
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
October 3rd, 2023 at 6:35:43 AM
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Quote: JoemanI'm wondering if they would also refund the port charges. Have you checked your portfolio lately? I've seen unspecified 'adjustments' to the portfolio before when my itinerary has changed.Quote: JohnnyQYep, but that is NOT fair.
link to original postIt looks like there are a total of 2 Game Kings and 6 Super Stars? I like the ratio, but not the quantity. The ships I have been on lately (Freedom, Liberty, Elation) have more VP machines total, but fewer Super Stars.Quote:Two banks of VP, some have Ult X, I mostly play 6:5 Bonus Poker on a Spin Poker game:
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Something similar happened to me. Yes, port charges for the port not visited were refunded in full.
Great thread. I’m sort of jealous. I like each individual port you are visiting. But am not jealous of being on a boat for that long.
October 7th, 2023 at 1:07:03 AM
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Yes, port charges were refunded for Alaska’s 2 ports we missed. It was $ 53.55 per person. And they gave us a $ 100 pp on-board credit as a small gesture of goodwill (too small imho). Of course I would much rather have been able to go back to Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan.Quote: SOOPOOSomething similar happened to me. Yes, port charges for the port not visited were refunded in full.
Great thread. I’m sort of jealous. I like each individual port you are visiting. But am not jealous of being on a boat for that long.
I was also worried about so many days at sea, and brought a couple books which I have barely started. So we find activities like ballroom dance lessons, and have also played cards with people we have met. We have the waaaay overpriced internet package and I keep up with news and our daughters using that.
There is also a pretty good show of some kind in the big theatre on most nights, and they have an excellent 9 member band playing in one of the lounges most nights (it has a 3 piece horn section which is cool to see and hear). The first juggling show I saw a week or so ago was just OK, but the juggler/comedian gentleman last night was very entertaining. A magician is on the schedule for tonight.
After a full day in a port, it is actually nice to have a day at sea to rest and relax. We will have a stretch of sea days after BITUNG and before BRISBANE.
Last edited by: JohnnyQ on Oct 7, 2023
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 7th, 2023 at 1:32:01 AM
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Some casino anecdotes/stories:
I was playing Video Poker and it was hard not to notice that the man next to me wasn’t saving any cards at all (pair of Kings, etc). I figured he was going for a RF or something ??? A short bit later an opening for conversation presented itself and I shared that you had to SELECT the cards you want to keep before the draw. Apparently he thought there was an auto-hold feature. Anyways, I got him straightened out.
A woman at the VP machines told me she worked in surveillance at an Indian casino and saw a man past-posting chips at one of the ship’s tables (BJ if I recall correctly). She said she told the guy she had seen him do it. I think a better approach to avoid a potential confrontation would have been to cash-out and tell the casino manager as a professional courtesy. I guess this is a grey area.
I get some strange looks at FUN 21 when I follow the WIZARD’s strategy table and, for example, hit my 13 against a dealer up card of 4. No one has said anything (yet).
I did not see this first-hand, but was told that there was an argument in the casino one morning at 2:00 am between a couple. The man was apparently irate that his wife had lost 6K on the slots. And when security came, he hit one of them. So he was kicked off the ship in Tokyo and I assume he has to find his own way back home from there.
I was playing Video Poker and it was hard not to notice that the man next to me wasn’t saving any cards at all (pair of Kings, etc). I figured he was going for a RF or something ??? A short bit later an opening for conversation presented itself and I shared that you had to SELECT the cards you want to keep before the draw. Apparently he thought there was an auto-hold feature. Anyways, I got him straightened out.
A woman at the VP machines told me she worked in surveillance at an Indian casino and saw a man past-posting chips at one of the ship’s tables (BJ if I recall correctly). She said she told the guy she had seen him do it. I think a better approach to avoid a potential confrontation would have been to cash-out and tell the casino manager as a professional courtesy. I guess this is a grey area.
I get some strange looks at FUN 21 when I follow the WIZARD’s strategy table and, for example, hit my 13 against a dealer up card of 4. No one has said anything (yet).
I did not see this first-hand, but was told that there was an argument in the casino one morning at 2:00 am between a couple. The man was apparently irate that his wife had lost 6K on the slots. And when security came, he hit one of them. So he was kicked off the ship in Tokyo and I assume he has to find his own way back home from there.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 7th, 2023 at 5:23:25 AM
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Quote: PokerGrinderTo be fair I’ve had two cancelled ports before and didn’t receive any compensation so $200 is better than nothing I guess lol.
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I have been compensated for missed ports when it was a cruise line problem but not for weather.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
October 8th, 2023 at 1:47:25 AM
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Bitung, Indonesia:
The casino is closed while we are in port.
We got off the ship last night after sunset and didn’t end up with a very favorable overall impression. Long poorly lit walk out of the port area towards town, still hot and humid, no sidewalk, and then a major street to cross with a zillion cars and motorcycles coming from all directions. At least there were numerous police (?) stopping traffic so we could cross over in relative safety.
But today we had a much better experience. In the port building, we booked a 4 hour private car tour of various attractions for just Mrs Q and me, plus an English speaking guide and a driver.
The locals market and the shrine were my favorites. Having a little trouble with pix, will post this part and try again.
The casino is closed while we are in port.
We got off the ship last night after sunset and didn’t end up with a very favorable overall impression. Long poorly lit walk out of the port area towards town, still hot and humid, no sidewalk, and then a major street to cross with a zillion cars and motorcycles coming from all directions. At least there were numerous police (?) stopping traffic so we could cross over in relative safety.
But today we had a much better experience. In the port building, we booked a 4 hour private car tour of various attractions for just Mrs Q and me, plus an English speaking guide and a driver.
The locals market and the shrine were my favorites. Having a little trouble with pix, will post this part and try again.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 8th, 2023 at 1:55:29 AM
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There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 8th, 2023 at 3:12:40 AM
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We are pulling out of Bitung shortly, so that will be it for awhile for updates as we will be at sea until Brisbane.
Fixer upper:
Fixer upper:
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 8th, 2023 at 3:22:29 AM
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Wonderful reception and send-off from Bitung. I must have taken my picture with a dozen or more schoolkids and families when we got back to the port after the tour.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 11th, 2023 at 7:34:51 AM
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Had a good night at Fun 21 last night. Bought in for $ 100, lost several hands early and was hovering around $ 50 before making a long and slow comeback.
So I was eventually able to cash out $ 305 ahead for the night (well early morning). ok, yeah not exactly MDAWG territory, but I am happy with it.
Right now we are going around the north pointy part of Australia, so I have my T-mobile coverage. But we could go out of range at any time.
So I was eventually able to cash out $ 305 ahead for the night (well early morning). ok, yeah not exactly MDAWG territory, but I am happy with it.
Right now we are going around the north pointy part of Australia, so I have my T-mobile coverage. But we could go out of range at any time.
Last edited by: JohnnyQ on Oct 11, 2023
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 11th, 2023 at 1:04:12 PM
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So close and yet so far. Nice positive variance
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
October 14th, 2023 at 2:27:07 PM
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Docked an hour or so ago in Brisbane.
We have to get off the ship to clear customs, and then we “could” get back on around 11:30. BUT Mrs Q wants to go shopping, and there is nothing within walking distance.
Aaaarrrggghhh.
We have to get off the ship to clear customs, and then we “could” get back on around 11:30. BUT Mrs Q wants to go shopping, and there is nothing within walking distance.
Aaaarrrggghhh.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 14th, 2023 at 3:00:51 PM
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Why would you be getting back on? Is the cruise not over?
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
October 14th, 2023 at 4:13:33 PM
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Yes, this cruise is indeed over. But this ship will set sail again this afternoon, and we have that one booked. And the one after that, too.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 14th, 2023 at 5:16:24 PM
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Changing the felt from FUN 21 to PONTOON.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 14th, 2023 at 7:45:47 PM
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Typical scene on Carnival - lineup with a hundred or more other people (along the far wall) to get your new cabin key.
And then after 45 minutes make an announcement that we will just drop off your card keys at the cabin. Really ??? Why not just do that in the first place ???
YIKES !!! - - - >
And then after 45 minutes make an announcement that we will just drop off your card keys at the cabin. Really ??? Why not just do that in the first place ???
YIKES !!! - - - >
Last edited by: JohnnyQ on Oct 14, 2023
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 14th, 2023 at 10:12:24 PM
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Quote: JohnnyQYes, this cruise is indeed over. But this ship will set sail again this afternoon, and we have that one booked. And the one after that, too.
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What are the next two itineraries?
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
October 14th, 2023 at 10:51:07 PM
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Carnival:
A) Great Barrier Reef
B) South Pacifc
Fly to Sydney…..
C) Tasmania
D) Melbourne Cup
Holland America:
E) New Zealand
And that’s how we get to 120+ days of Casino cruising !
For sure this is not something everyone would enjoy, but so far so good for us. We are seeing ports that are new to us, meeting nice people, and having unique experiences that will make for good stories once we get back home.
I had to buy a new full size suitcase today to hold all the gifts Mrs Q has been purchasing.
We have a few cruises planned already for 2024 with the deep casino discount.
Fill ‘er up and check under the hood !
Brisbane is an industrial port, so had to purchase a shuttle bus ticket to go shopping.
A) Great Barrier Reef
B) South Pacifc
Fly to Sydney…..
C) Tasmania
D) Melbourne Cup
Holland America:
E) New Zealand
And that’s how we get to 120+ days of Casino cruising !
For sure this is not something everyone would enjoy, but so far so good for us. We are seeing ports that are new to us, meeting nice people, and having unique experiences that will make for good stories once we get back home.
I had to buy a new full size suitcase today to hold all the gifts Mrs Q has been purchasing.
We have a few cruises planned already for 2024 with the deep casino discount.
Fill ‘er up and check under the hood !
Brisbane is an industrial port, so had to purchase a shuttle bus ticket to go shopping.
Last edited by: JohnnyQ on Oct 14, 2023
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 14th, 2023 at 11:50:34 PM
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Lol that extra suitcase is going to cost you to buy, to fill and then to check on your plane ride home.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
October 15th, 2023 at 12:21:12 AM
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;-(Quote: PokerGrinderLol that extra suitcase is going to cost you to buy, to fill and then to check on your plane ride home.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 15th, 2023 at 7:29:35 AM
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I just did a 9-day cruise of the western Mediterranean Sea. Won first place in a blackjack tournament and was the only vulture on board. Overall, a win of about $1200. I write more about it in my Oct 12 2023 Newsletter.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
October 15th, 2023 at 1:29:36 PM
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Wiz,
"Celebrity Reflections Review
I recently return from an eight-night cruise of the western Caribbean on the Celebrity Reflections."
Since when does "Western Caribbean" include Corsica? ;-)
I think you meant Western Mediterranean.
Otherwise, good report!
Dog Hand
"Celebrity Reflections Review
I recently return from an eight-night cruise of the western Caribbean on the Celebrity Reflections."
Since when does "Western Caribbean" include Corsica? ;-)
I think you meant Western Mediterranean.
Otherwise, good report!
Dog Hand
October 15th, 2023 at 2:14:27 PM
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Quote: DogHandSince when does "Western Caribbean" include Corsica? ;-)
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Thanks. That was embarrassing.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
October 15th, 2023 at 3:41:20 PM
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Quote: WizardI just did a 9-day cruise of the western Mediterranean Sea. Won first place in a blackjack tournament and was the only vulture on board. Overall, a win of about $1200. I write more about it in my Oct 12 2023 Newsletter.
link to original post
I was on Celebrity Reflection (it’s not plural) this January.
It was my first cruise on Celebrity. My friends and I were shocked at how old the median guest was, but we really enjoyed it.
I actually have another quick 3 night cruise booked on Reflection next May.
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
October 15th, 2023 at 5:24:32 PM
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Quote: ams288Quote: WizardI just did a 9-day cruise of the western Mediterranean Sea. Won first place in a blackjack tournament and was the only vulture on board. Overall, a win of about $1200. I write more about it in my Oct 12 2023 Newsletter.
link to original post
I was on Celebrity Reflection (it’s not plural) this January.
It was my first cruise on Celebrity. My friends and I were shocked at how old the median guest was, but we really enjoyed it.
I actually have another quick 3 night cruise booked on Reflection next May.
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I have always assumed you are still a young man so I am surprised you liked Celebrity. Usually it is just us old people that prefer it.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
October 15th, 2023 at 5:38:16 PM
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Quote: DRichQuote: ams288Quote: WizardI just did a 9-day cruise of the western Mediterranean Sea. Won first place in a blackjack tournament and was the only vulture on board. Overall, a win of about $1200. I write more about it in my Oct 12 2023 Newsletter.
link to original post
I was on Celebrity Reflection (it’s not plural) this January.
It was my first cruise on Celebrity. My friends and I were shocked at how old the median guest was, but we really enjoyed it.
I actually have another quick 3 night cruise booked on Reflection next May.
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I have always assumed you are still a young man so I am surprised you liked Celebrity. Usually it is just us old people that prefer it.
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Service and food were excellent. Ship was well taken care of. Drink package was included in the fare. What’s not to like?
I have an 8 day Aruba Bonaire Curaçao cruise booked on the Celebrity Beyond next year as well. That is probably my most anticipated cruise of the year.
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
October 15th, 2023 at 9:39:01 PM
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Congrats.Quote: WizardI just did a 9-day cruise of the western Mediterranean Sea. Won first place in a blackjack tournament and was the only vulture on board. Overall, a win of about $1200. I write more about it in my Oct 12 2023 Newsletter.
link to original post
I remember one Celebrity cruise this year where i was the only Vulture and only won $300.
Celebrity has a reputation of setting their slots to the lowest possible return.
The amount of times i just hit the Blue pig was ridiculous. (And I lost $ every time that happened)
And one time i got Blue (20) and yellow pigs but never hit the maxi or major. On land, i've never NOT hit the major at least twice with 20 Blue.
Also, on my ship, both roulette tables had 00.
Last edited by: 100xOdds on Oct 15, 2023
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
October 16th, 2023 at 7:41:41 AM
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We have certificates for two free cruises on Celebrity. We don't plan on using them because the itinerary choices are restricted and the only itinerary we would even consider leaves from San Juan so makes it pretty expensive for 'free'. We might have done Celebrity if we did not get two 'free' balcony cabins from NCL every year.
We have sailed for 214 nights on NCL and we like the itineraries and the entertainment. The food keeps getting worse every year. On NCL, we typically have a six person show band, a four person party band, two duos, and a solo pianist. We also have a production cast of about 20 people for shows in the theater. The larger NCL ships also have a comedy club. We had five different comics on a 15 day cruise on the Epic. The musicians and comedy range from adequate to excellent.
I would be interested in hearing how the number and quality of entertainers stacks up against other cruise lines.
We ran into Bob Dancer on two different cruises. We also took two Seven Stars cruises. Other than those cruises, there are seldom any competing vultures onboard.
We have sailed for 214 nights on NCL and we like the itineraries and the entertainment. The food keeps getting worse every year. On NCL, we typically have a six person show band, a four person party band, two duos, and a solo pianist. We also have a production cast of about 20 people for shows in the theater. The larger NCL ships also have a comedy club. We had five different comics on a 15 day cruise on the Epic. The musicians and comedy range from adequate to excellent.
I would be interested in hearing how the number and quality of entertainers stacks up against other cruise lines.
We ran into Bob Dancer on two different cruises. We also took two Seven Stars cruises. Other than those cruises, there are seldom any competing vultures onboard.
This forum is more enjoyable after I learned how to use the 'Block this user' button.
October 16th, 2023 at 11:43:26 AM
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Ncl free cruises aren't exactly free. On top of the port fees/taxes that every cruiseline charges, they also charge a $20 a day admin fee. (Maybe not 7star free cruises.)Quote: MentalWe have sailed for 214 nights on NCL and we like the itineraries and the entertainment. The food keeps getting worse every year.
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So their 'free' cruises are actually $20/day.
It is still cheaper than their 'last minute' rate of $50 a day on some unpopular sailings but still not free.
And yes food is getting bad for celebrity as well.
As for entertainment, ncl has cut back the number of production shows to save $. :(
Smaller ships had 3 production shows, it now has 2.
Mega ships had 2, it's now 1.
Now it's more guest entertainers: singers, comedians, jugglers, magicians
They can be hit or miss.
I prefer celebrity for duo or solo small venue musical acts. It usually involves a violin or harp or flute... Something classical.
Last edited by: 100xOdds on Oct 16, 2023
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
October 16th, 2023 at 11:49:20 AM
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Quote: 100xOddsncl free cruises aren't free. On top of the port fees/taxes that every cruiseline charges, they also charge a $20 a day admin fee.Quote: MentalWe have sailed for 214 nights on NCL and we like the itineraries and the entertainment. The food keeps getting worse every year.
link to original post
So their 'free' cruises are actually $20/day.
It is still cheaper than their 'last minute' rate of $50 a day but still not free
link to original post
Is that $20 fee above and beyond the included tips or is that included in the $20?
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
October 16th, 2023 at 11:54:17 AM
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no, that $20/day admin fee is in addition to the $20/day cabin tips.Quote: DRichQuote: 100xOddsncl free cruises aren't free. On top of the port fees/taxes that every cruiseline charges, they also charge a $20 a day admin fee.Quote: MentalWe have sailed for 214 nights on NCL and we like the itineraries and the entertainment. The food keeps getting worse every year.
link to original post
So their 'free' cruises are actually $20/day.
It is still cheaper than their 'last minute' rate of $50 a day but still not free
link to original post
Is that $20 fee above and beyond the included tips or is that included in the $20?
link to original post
Ncl charges the highest for cabin tips out of the major cruise lines. :(
Note: the admin fee is only for free cruises. The casino program handles the booking for these
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
October 16th, 2023 at 12:15:58 PM
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The $20/day admin fee is per person. I believe the money goes to Casinos at Sea, not NCL, but I am not certain of the business relationship between CAS and NCL. Here is the cost of our last 7-day cruise on NCL in Europe:Quote: 100xOddsno, that $20/day admin fee is in addition to the $20/day cabin tips.Quote: DRichQuote: 100xOddsncl free cruises aren't free. On top of the port fees/taxes that every cruiseline charges, they also charge a $20 a day admin fee.Quote: MentalWe have sailed for 214 nights on NCL and we like the itineraries and the entertainment. The food keeps getting worse every year.
link to original post
So their 'free' cruises are actually $20/day.
It is still cheaper than their 'last minute' rate of $50 a day but still not free
link to original post
Is that $20 fee above and beyond the included tips or is that included in the $20?
link to original post
Ncl charges the highest for cabin tips out of the major cruise lines. :(
link to original post
Admin Fees 280.00 140.00 140.00
Gov Tax/Port Exp/Fees 354.62 177.31 177.31
Adding in $280 of tips for a couple, and it comes out to $131 per day for the 'free' balcony cabin. I am fine with that. You cannot get a decent motel and meals for that anywhere. This same cabin might cost $500-600 per day on rack rates. You can sail somewhat cheaper on crappy itineraries like the Bahamas, but we would rather stay home.
This forum is more enjoyable after I learned how to use the 'Block this user' button.
October 16th, 2023 at 4:57:13 PM
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I actually like Bahamas.Quote: MentalThe $20/day admin fee is per person. I believe the money goes to Casinos at Sea, not NCL, but I am not certain of the business relationship between CAS and NCL. Here is the cost of our last 7-day cruise on NCL in Europe:
Admin Fees 280.00 140.00 140.00
Gov Tax/Port Exp/Fees 354.62 177.31 177.31
Adding in $280 of tips for a couple, and it comes out to $131 per day for the 'free' balcony cabin. I am fine with that. You cannot get a decent motel and meals for that anywhere. This same cabin might cost $500-600 per day on rack rates. You can sail somewhat cheaper on crappy itineraries like the Bahamas, but we would rather stay home.
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I don't like the Bermuda 7days where you're there for 3days overnight. But i've taken it for 'free' because there was nothing else better for the time frame of the free cruise offering
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
October 16th, 2023 at 5:14:49 PM
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Quote: MentalThe $20/day admin fee is per person. I believe the money goes to Casinos at Sea, not NCL, but I am not certain of the business relationship between CAS and NCL. Here is the cost of our last 7-day cruise on NCL in Europe:Quote: 100xOddsno, that $20/day admin fee is in addition to the $20/day cabin tips.Quote: DRichQuote: 100xOddsncl free cruises aren't free. On top of the port fees/taxes that every cruiseline charges, they also charge a $20 a day admin fee.Quote: MentalWe have sailed for 214 nights on NCL and we like the itineraries and the entertainment. The food keeps getting worse every year.
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So their 'free' cruises are actually $20/day.
It is still cheaper than their 'last minute' rate of $50 a day but still not free
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Is that $20 fee above and beyond the included tips or is that included in the $20?
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Ncl charges the highest for cabin tips out of the major cruise lines. :(
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Admin Fees 280.00 140.00 140.00
Gov Tax/Port Exp/Fees 354.62 177.31 177.31
Adding in $280 of tips for a couple, and it comes out to $131 per day for the 'free' balcony cabin. I am fine with that. You cannot get a decent motel and meals for that anywhere. This same cabin might cost $500-600 per day on rack rates. You can sail somewhat cheaper on crappy itineraries like the Bahamas, but we would rather stay home.
link to original post
I had one offer for a free NCL cruise last May, but the dates didn’t work for me and my cat ended up being very sick at the time so I’m glad I didn’t end up taking it.
Does NCL’s “free at sea” program apply to casino cruises?
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
October 16th, 2023 at 6:35:44 PM
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On this Carnival cruise, we have an excellent 9 person party/show/dance band with a 3 piece horn section.Quote: MentalOn NCL, we typically have a six person show band…
So did our last European Holland America cruise. But our current ship has an excellent venue for them, nice and open with plenty of seating.
They get to play in the main theatre occasionally.
Last edited by: JohnnyQ on Oct 16, 2023
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 16th, 2023 at 6:37:43 PM
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yes.Quote: ams288I had one offer for a free NCL cruise last May, but the dates didn’t work for me and my cat ended up being very sick at the time so I’m glad I didn’t end up taking it.
Does NCL’s “free at sea” program apply to casino cruises?
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But I turn down the alcohol package because I get a free drink card at casino bar. I tip $1/alcoholic drink at casino bar because I didn't pay tips on the casino drink card.
For dinner, I visit the casino bar and get a glass of wine first
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
October 16th, 2023 at 6:57:30 PM
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Here is the ship’s Captain helping people get onto one of the smaller ships that is taking passengers to shore today. Pretty cool !
It was bobbing up and down a bit, so it would be easy for someone to bump their head, even though “most” of it was padded.
It was bobbing up and down a bit, so it would be easy for someone to bump their head, even though “most” of it was padded.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 16th, 2023 at 7:00:43 PM
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;-(
The Fun21 table was replaced with PONTOON between cruises and downgraded to 6:5 for blackjack.
The Fun21 table was replaced with PONTOON between cruises and downgraded to 6:5 for blackjack.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 16th, 2023 at 11:12:01 PM
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I thought this was an interesting ship in Brisbane yesterday, it appears to be transporting wind turbine blades:
And according to vessel finder.com, it is now on its way to Melbourne:
Our new cabin balcony has a good view of the “flying bridge”. The gentleman on the right with the binoculars is the Captain:
And according to vessel finder.com, it is now on its way to Melbourne:
Our new cabin balcony has a good view of the “flying bridge”. The gentleman on the right with the binoculars is the Captain:
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
October 17th, 2023 at 3:42:15 AM
permalink
Just to be clear, Free at Sea is an NCL promotional program open to anyone who purchases a cabin above the lowest grades. We have never booked directly through NCL.Quote: ams288Quote: MentalThe $20/day admin fee is per person. I believe the money goes to Casinos at Sea, not NCL, but I am not certain of the business relationship between CAS and NCL. Here is the cost of our last 7-day cruise on NCL in Europe:Quote: 100xOddsno, that $20/day admin fee is in addition to the $20/day cabin tips.Quote: DRichQuote: 100xOddsncl free cruises aren't free. On top of the port fees/taxes that every cruiseline charges, they also charge a $20 a day admin fee.Quote: MentalWe have sailed for 214 nights on NCL and we like the itineraries and the entertainment. The food keeps getting worse every year.
link to original post
So their 'free' cruises are actually $20/day.
It is still cheaper than their 'last minute' rate of $50 a day but still not free
link to original post
Is that $20 fee above and beyond the included tips or is that included in the $20?
link to original post
Ncl charges the highest for cabin tips out of the major cruise lines. :(
link to original post
Admin Fees 280.00 140.00 140.00
Gov Tax/Port Exp/Fees 354.62 177.31 177.31
Adding in $280 of tips for a couple, and it comes out to $131 per day for the 'free' balcony cabin. I am fine with that. You cannot get a decent motel and meals for that anywhere. This same cabin might cost $500-600 per day on rack rates. You can sail somewhat cheaper on crappy itineraries like the Bahamas, but we would rather stay home.
link to original post
I had one offer for a free NCL cruise last May, but the dates didn’t work for me and my cat ended up being very sick at the time so I’m glad I didn’t end up taking it.
Does NCL’s “free at sea” program apply to casino cruises?
link to original post
Casinos at Sea is the office that you contact to book your CZR Seven Stars annual cruise and to get your 30% Seven Stars discounts for other cruises. CAS charges an Admin Fee for booking 'free' cruises. We have booked 3 cruises that were two weeks in duration. CZR certificates will not cover anything over seven nights, but 7* status will still get you a 30% discount on the fare portion. We took a two-week NCL cruise where the fare portion was only $150 pp, so we only got a $90 discount. The rest of the mandatory charges were around $1000.
This forum is more enjoyable after I learned how to use the 'Block this user' button.
