Disappearing Casino Offers on Carnival Cruises
Recently, many Carnival Cruise Line passengers have noticed a sudden disappearance of their casino-based offers. These offers, which often included complimentary cabins and discounted sailings, vanished without any clear explanation from the company. Frequent cruisers, including well-known influencers like Professor Melissa and Cruise With Jenn, have shared their experiences on social media.
Unexpected Changes for Loyal Cruisers
Some passengers reported a drastic change in their offers, going from numerous promotions to none overnight. One cruiser, who had previously won a significant jackpot, found their offers had disappeared earlier this year. When they contacted Carnival, they were informed that their offers were “accurate” and were advised to contact the collections department over an alleged outstanding balance, which the passenger disputes.
Understanding Casino Cruise Offers
Onboard casinos on major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC operate loyalty programmes similar to those in land-based casinos. Passengers earn points based on their wagering and playing time, whether on slot machines or table games. The focus is on metrics like “coin-in” and “theoretical loss” rather than just wins or losses. The higher a player’s theoretical value, the more generous the rewards, which can include free drinks, dining credits, and even complimentary or discounted cruises.
The Business Logic Behind Casino Offers
Cruise lines are willing to subsidise cabins for passengers likely to spend significant time and money in the ship’s casino. While these trips are often described as “free,” passengers usually pay taxes, port fees, gratuities, and extras like drinks packages or WiFi. The business model is straightforward: attract high-value players who will gamble onboard.
No Clear Reason for Offer Removal
Many affected passengers stress that their gambling activity has not decreased, nor have they cancelled cruises or broken any rules. Some still receive strong offers from rival cruise lines, sometimes through “status match” schemes. A few speculate that social media activity or brand criticism might be factors, though there’s no evidence to support this, and Carnival has not indicated this is the case.
Industry-Wide Changes in Casino Rewards
In recent years, the cruise industry has tightened casino rewards as demand for cruises has increased and ships have been sailing at full capacity. This trend might explain the sudden changes in casino offers, though Carnival has yet to provide a clear public explanation. For UK cruise holidaygoers, staying informed about these changes is crucial when planning future sailings.
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