This article explores how engaging in casino play on Royal Caribbean ships can result in earning complimentary cruises. While I am not a habitual gambler, my curiosity led me to investigate how playing slots in Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale could lead to a “free” cruise. It is important to note that individual results may vary, and responsible gambling is advised.
Understanding Casino Comps on Royal Caribbean
Casino comps are rewards provided by casinos to encourage continued play. To earn these rewards on a Royal Caribbean cruise, one must engage in gambling activities in the Casino Royale and use the Sea Pass cruise card to track gameplay. This tracking system rates players within the Club Royale casino loyalty program, which offers perks and comps based on accumulated points. It is crucial to note that these tiers are distinct from Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor loyalty program for frequent cruisers.
Points are awarded at varying rates depending on the game played. Slot machines earn points at a rate of 1 per $5 wagered, including replayed winnings; video poker machines earn $1 per $10 played; and table games award points based on the average bet and time spent at the table. The points accumulated within a 12-month period from April 1 through March 31 determine the tier level for the following year.
Each tier level provides specific perks and discounts. Upon reaching the second tier, Prime, and higher levels, players receive a complimentary cruise at the end of the program year. For instance, Prime members receive a complimentary inside cabin and complimentary drinks at the casino bar upon reaching this tier.
A complimentary Royal Caribbean cruise includes fare for two passengers, but taxes and port fees must still be paid. Upgrades to higher category staterooms are available by paying the price difference between the awarded category and the desired category.
In addition to tier-based rewards, instant reward certificates can be earned on board. These certificates are based on points accumulated during the current cruise. The specific points required for each reward level are available at the Casino Host desk.
Instant rewards typically include a discount on a cruise or a complimentary cruise when booking from a select list of cruises within a specified timeframe. Additionally, a bonus reward is available if a cruise is booked through the Next Cruise future cruise-booking program while still on board.
For example, earning 800 points on a single cruise may result in a $250 discount on select cruises and an onboard booking bonus of a complimentary interior cabin. Higher point levels offer more substantial rewards, such as a complimentary cruise and free play (casino credit).
It is important to note that the bonus is only activated if a cruise is booked or a deposit is paid while still on board. Walking off the ship without booking results in the loss of the bonus offer, although the instant reward certificate can still be redeemed within the specified time.
Earning a Complimentary Casino Cruise
To qualify for a complimentary casino cruise, one must first participate in a cruise and engage in casino play. My objective was to maintain a budget, so I selected a five-night sailing on Quantum of the Seas during a period of low Alaska prices. Utilizing Southwest Airline points for flights to Seattle helped reduce initial costs.
Each evening, my husband played blackjack while I played slot machines. I allocated a budget of $200 for slots, maintaining an average bet of $1 per spin. My husband set a blackjack budget of $500, with bets ranging from $10 to $25 per hand.
At the end of the cruise, I retained my $200 and had earned 291 Club Royale points. My husband had $300 remaining and accumulated 139 points. Despite breaking even, my points required $1,455 in wagers (at $5 per point).
A week after the cruise, our points were reflected on the Club Royale Offers website. Two weeks later, I received my first marketing offer of $100 off a cruise. Over time, I have received 20 such offers, while my husband has received none.
Two months post-cruise, I received an offer for a complimentary inside cabin for two, followed by another offer for a complimentary interior stateroom. Both offers were for fall sailings ranging from three to eight nights.
Maximizing a Complimentary Vacation
The booking window for these offers is limited, and rooms for casino comps can quickly become unavailable. Therefore, it is advisable to start the search for a cruise immediately upon receiving an offer.
I logged into the Royal Caribbean website to review the specific cruises offered, analyzing taxes, port fees, and potential upgrade costs. Departure ports within driving distance or those involving affordable flights were prioritized.
I successfully booked a four-night sailing on Grandeur of the Seas from Galveston, upgrading to an ocean view cabin for an additional $33 per person. The total charges, including taxes, fees, and prepaid gratuities, amounted to $354.84, compared to the standard $1,036.84 for an outside cabin, resulting in a savings of $682.
Additional expenses included $104 for fuel, 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points for an overnight stay in Galveston, $70 for port parking, and $79 per person for an excursion. To offset costs, I utilized 5,000 My Cruise Rewards points from my Bank of America Royal Caribbean credit card for $50 in onboard credit.
As a Diamond Crown and Anchor member, I benefited from four complimentary drinks per day and one free 24-hour period of Wi-Fi per person. Royal Caribbean also provided complimentary Wi-Fi for the entire cruise, a courtesy sometimes extended to media members.
Overall, our total cost for the four-night cruise was $636.84, averaging less than $80 per person, per day.
A Costly Lesson Learned
On our comped cruise, we aimed to accumulate more points for better offers. I increased my budget to $400, while my husband also budgeted $400, opting to play slots as well. We learned that slot players generally earn points faster.
I earned 318 points, breaking even with my $400 budget, while my husband earned 136 points on slots and retained his original $400. However, we made a mistake by not checking his table game points with the casino host, resulting in missed rewards.
Upon returning home, we discovered that my husband had earned an instant reward certificate for $250 off a cruise. Unfortunately, we missed the onboard booking bonus for a complimentary interior cabin due to our oversight.
Tips for Earning Casino Comps on Cruises
From my research and personal experience, here are some useful tips to help you maximize your onboard casino play and related bonuses:
- Combine Offers: Two people in one household with matching offers can combine them for a single upgraded room without an added fee.
- Act Quickly: Rooms for casino comps can disappear fast. Start searching for a cruise as soon as you receive an offer.
- Check Points Regularly: Always verify your point totals and potential rewards with the casino host before the cruise ends.
- Use Free Play: Casino points can be exchanged for free play. Wait until the final day of the cruise to cash them out.
- Choose Wisely: Opt for older, smaller ships to keep taxes and fees lower. For more comfortable cabins, choose newer, larger ships.
- Introduce Yourself: Early in the cruise, introduce yourself to the casino host. Club Royale members report receiving unofficial comps like free play, specialty dinners, and onboard credit.
Conclusion
For the average cruiser, fully benefiting from Royal Caribbean’s casino rewards program requires some flexibility and strategy. Those with flexible travel schedules and proximity to a cruise port benefit the most. Combining these comps with other loyalty programs and sales can significantly reduce vacation costs.
Using comped cruises is more challenging for families, but there are opportunities to combine offers with sales like Royal Caribbean’s Kids Sail Free. Some cruisers report upgrading to suites large enough for families, maximizing their savings.
Ultimately, if you enjoy gambling in the ship’s casino, checking point totals, engaging with the casino host, and watching for offers can lead to significant rewards. If gambling isn’t your preference, shopping for cruise sales might be a better route to an affordable vacation.
