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Casino Royale for dummies!


CHRIS WONG

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On 7/27/2022 at 2:11 PM, USCG Teacher said:

I'm not sure if it's still a "thing," but I remember on a number of past cruises there were lessons given in the casino a various times throughout the week.  It cost a few bucks (maybe $20?), but they would walk players through how to play blackjack, roulette and craps, and even do a few simulated games everyone got play in.  At the end, you ended up getting what you paid for the class in free play to come back and try for real.  My wife enjoyed it immensely, and she ended up trying craps for the first time by the end of the cruise.  She promptly lost her $20, but she had a good time!

On most of our ships now, if not all, gaming lessons are the first 2 days of the cruise - 30 minutes before the casino opens.

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On my first visit to the casino, I usually go to the host desk to see if there are any rewards promotions posted for the cruise…and to check the current points reward levels. They very rarely change, but I like to make sure. Plus, I like to say Hi to the host on duty. Always a pleasure!

I usually do slots. This is the easiest way to keep track of my points. Five dollars in equals one point. Sometimes I am lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time at a machine without having to put in much money. Win some, lose some…balance goes up, balance goes down…but I accumulate points every time I press that button. If the machine doesn’t give me much play for my money, I’ll move on to another. Plus, there’s always the possibility of getting a nice win each time I spin. I like the entertainment and the anticipation. I usually just charge to my room (credit card on file) on the slot machine’s keypad because there is no fee either from Royal or my credit card. Sometimes when I get a nice payout, I go to guest services and apply my winnings back to my room account.

I always make sure my card is registered and my play is accumulating. It seems sometimes during a long bonus play or free spin period, the card times out. At the end of my play time, I check my points before leaving the machine. Occasionally, prior to leaving the casino, I’ll go to the host desk and confirm my points have registered. Usually, a certificate will be delivered to my cabin offering money off my next cruise. Sometimes, I’ll just check my offers online when I get home. Either way, I never had a problem applying the certificates to any new or existing reservation. Good luck!

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On 7/24/2022 at 8:56 AM, Steve C said:

So how much would you need to spend to get to 2500 points please?

It looks like $500 on slots but how much would be needed on roulette? 

On the slots - every $5 you play is 1 point, win or lose.

Tables - your rating is worked out on you average size bet, and your time at the table. Each table game will have a different rating system.

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16 hours ago, CHRIS WONG said:

On the slots - every $5 you play is 1 point, win or lose.

Tables - your rating is worked out on you average size bet, and your time at the table. Each table game will have a different rating system.

Chris, so if you have $100 OBC on your seapass card, that can be used up first, correct?  is that considered part of Room Account or Cash?

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On 7/23/2022 at 8:33 AM, EmptyNestTravels said:

Excellent video @CHRIS WONG.  Watched it on YouTube yesterday.  Will the casino staff provide any guidance/help on how to play the various games and gamble onboard so we can give Royal more of our money? 😀   Do the experienced gamblers get frustrated with the newbees who are trying to learn?  Any thoughts or recommendations for how to best get started playing in Casino Royale?   Thanks!

Generally, during sea days in the middle of the afternnon like 3pm-6pm, I would say this is the quietest time in the casino. This is the best time to find less busy, or even empty tables. This would be the best time play if you are new, and you can ask the dealer questions without worrying about other players.

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Thank goodness for this forum. I had no idea how the casino points worked--I knew about the tiers, but I didn't know about the use-it-or-lose-it points accrued each cruise. Not sure whether redemption values for freeplay are the same on every ship, but I just got off the Independence, where 1000 points was the minimum to receive freeplay ($20 worth, which I was miraculously able to leverage into leaving the casino up a few dollars for the whole cruise). Now that I have a better understanding, I really hope to get to Prime status this year--I earned 1011 points on this last cruise, but I'm not sure how since I only play tables and I usually don't bet too far over the minimum.

(An anecdote: I sat next to someone at the single deck table who was betting $490 per hand, won at least 15 hands in a row, and doubled 4-5 of them. Two of the hosts came over to watch. It was pretty amazing!)

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Good Morning!

Thank you for your videos.  I am an American sailing Vision through the Med in August.  Is it true I can exchange currency through the ATMs?  I need several hundreds of dollars for tip money (a couple Private Journeys excursions in addition to crew tips).  I am afraid ATM withdrawal limits won't make that option possible for the amount I need.  Possible approaches:  1) Deposit cash into my bank account and use slot machines to withdraw Euros from my onboard account.  2) Carry a BUNCH of dollars, deposit them into my onboard account, and use slot machines for withdrawals.  3) Deposit cash into my bank account, max daily ATM withdrawals, and get nailed with ATM fees.  Thoughts?

Also, I will be starting from scratch with the goal of becoming Prime.  Suggestions for the most effective strategy?  I will immediately introduce myself to the host and my main gaming will be slots, although I have been trying to learn Craps.

THANK YOU again for your information!!

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4 hours ago, Cyber Girl said:

and use slot machines for withdrawals.

Slots are going to be in USD even for the European cruises. They should have ATMs by Guest Services that will be able to dispense Euros, but I would just use an ATM on land in the ports as needed and deal with the ATM fees. I use a no foreign transaction fee credit card when I'm out of the US for most purchases so I don't have to deal with much currency exchange.

Also, crew tips will be fine in USD. 

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On 7/29/2022 at 7:59 PM, CHRIS WONG said:

 

Please note: the points structure will slightly change for some tiers beginning next month (August)

 

I understand you would not be at liberty to share information before it is within the public domain @CHRIS WONG but any info on the up coming changes as soon as you are able too I’m sure would be much appreciated by all us loyal to Club Royale cruisers.

I like I’m sure others do enjoy your updates and insights and you social content is very informative and entertaining.

I look forward to one day crossing paths in the future in a Casino on the Seas. 

 

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On 7/31/2022 at 1:30 PM, FLTraveler said:

Thank goodness for this forum. I had no idea how the casino points worked--I knew about the tiers, but I didn't know about the use-it-or-lose-it points accrued each cruise. Not sure whether redemption values for freeplay are the same on every ship, but I just got off the Independence, where 1000 points was the minimum to receive freeplay ($20 worth, which I was miraculously able to leverage into leaving the casino up a few dollars for the whole cruise). Now that I have a better understanding, I really hope to get to Prime status this year--I earned 1011 points on this last cruise, but I'm not sure how since I only play tables and I usually don't bet too far over the minimum.

(An anecdote: I sat next to someone at the single deck table who was betting $490 per hand, won at least 15 hands in a row, and doubled 4-5 of them. Two of the hosts came over to watch. It was pretty amazing!)

For the tables, yes 1000 points is $20 of freeplay.

 

On the slots, you can redeem your freeplay whenever you like:

1000 points = $20 freeplay

500 points = $10 freeplay

250 points = $5 freeplay

50 points = $1 freeplay

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On 8/1/2022 at 2:15 AM, Cyber Girl said:

Good Morning!

Thank you for your videos.  I am an American sailing Vision through the Med in August.  Is it true I can exchange currency through the ATMs?  I need several hundreds of dollars for tip money (a couple Private Journeys excursions in addition to crew tips).  I am afraid ATM withdrawal limits won't make that option possible for the amount I need.  Possible approaches:  1) Deposit cash into my bank account and use slot machines to withdraw Euros from my onboard account.  2) Carry a BUNCH of dollars, deposit them into my onboard account, and use slot machines for withdrawals.  3) Deposit cash into my bank account, max daily ATM withdrawals, and get nailed with ATM fees.  Thoughts?

Also, I will be starting from scratch with the goal of becoming Prime.  Suggestions for the most effective strategy?  I will immediately introduce myself to the host and my main gaming will be slots, although I have been trying to learn Craps.

THANK YOU again for your information!!

Play on the slots to get points quickly.

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On 8/2/2022 at 2:52 PM, Oli said:

I understand you would not be at liberty to share information before it is within the public domain @CHRIS WONG but any info on the up coming changes as soon as you are able too I’m sure would be much appreciated by all us loyal to Club Royale cruisers.

I like I’m sure others do enjoy your updates and insights and you social content is very informative and entertaining.

I look forward to one day crossing paths in the future in a Casino on the Seas. 

 

It's not something I can talk about in my videos as of right now, but is something I am constantly trying to get approval for. Stay tuned!

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Hi Chris,

I have a question, What's the internet discount for the Prime?  I heard is 30% is that correct?  And how do I sign up thru the casino offer?  When I sign up, is it for the whole length of the trip, or can I just get couple days of service?

Thanks,

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24 minutes ago, KevinK said:

Hi Chris,

I have a question, What's the internet discount for the Prime?  I heard is 30% is that correct?  And how do I sign up thru the casino offer?  When I sign up, is it for the whole length of the trip, or can I just get couple days of service?

Thanks,

It 30% but you must do this onboard. I believe you can do it at guest services and maybe through the app. It will be for however many days you signup. I.e. if you wait until day 2 out of 7, then you will pay for days 2-7 with 30% off. 

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On 8/1/2022 at 2:15 AM, Cyber Girl said:

Also, I will be starting from scratch with the goal of becoming Prime.  Suggestions for the most effective strategy?  I will immediately introduce myself to the host and my main gaming will be slots, although I have been trying to learn Craps.

 

To be Prime, you need to earn 2500 points within our 12 month cycle (April 1 - March 31). Doesn't matter if you do this in one cruise or ten. Just as long as you earn within the 12 months.

Fastest way to achieve this is playing on the slots. Every $5 you play is 1 point.

Craps is fun! But you will not earn too many points from this game.

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On 8/9/2022 at 6:04 AM, KevinK said:

Hi Chris,

I have a question, What's the internet discount for the Prime?  I heard is 30% is that correct?  And how do I sign up thru the casino offer?  When I sign up, is it for the whole length of the trip, or can I just get couple days of service?

Thanks,

If you are Prime, you will get up to a 30% discount on your internet package - as long as your cruise is booked through Casino Royale (a cruise booked through your casino rewards/offers).

 

You will see the discount applied at the end of the cruise.

 

 

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2 hours ago, CHRIS WONG said:

If you are Prime, you will get up to a 30% discount on your internet package - as long as your cruise is booked through Casino Royale (a cruise booked through your casino rewards/offers).

 

You will see the discount applied at the end of the cruise.

 

 

So when I call to Casino Royale to book the cruise, I will need to tell them I want internet service so that they book it with the room?  Or can I either first day or second day while on board goto the casino host and have them add the internet service for me.  Will that work also?

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On 8/11/2022 at 4:28 PM, KevinK said:

So when I call to Casino Royale to book the cruise, I will need to tell them I want internet service so that they book it with the room?  Or can I either first day or second day while on board goto the casino host and have them add the internet service for me.  Will that work also?

Your Prime discount will be applied automatically. But you can always double-check with the Casino Host when you are onboard.

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  • 2 weeks later...
On 8/1/2022 at 1:19 PM, CHRIS WONG said:

Correct, and OBC is not cash.

I saw you can trade in your OBC to play in the casino “If you would like to use your onboard credit in the casino, please note that you will only receive promotional chips or slot play, which you will not be able to cash in” but,can you cash in your winnings once you’ve spent the amount of the OBC? For instance you have $20 OBC and you’ve spent that but are now up. Can that be cashed out? 

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On 8/29/2022 at 1:03 PM, SFaz said:

I saw you can trade in your OBC to play in the casino “If you would like to use your onboard credit in the casino, please note that you will only receive promotional chips or slot play, which you will not be able to cash in” but,can you cash in your winnings once you’ve spent the amount of the OBC? For instance you have $20 OBC and you’ve spent that but are now up. Can that be cashed out? 

Absolutely!

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On 7/29/2022 at 9:10 AM, BrianB said:

On my first visit to the casino, I usually go to the host desk to see if there are any rewards promotions posted for the cruise…and to check the current points reward levels. They very rarely change, but I like to make sure. Plus, I like to say Hi to the host on duty. Always a pleasure!

I usually do slots. This is the easiest way to keep track of my points. Five dollars in equals one point. Sometimes I am lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time at a machine without having to put in much money. Win some, lose some…balance goes up, balance goes down…but I accumulate points every time I press that button. If the machine doesn’t give me much play for my money, I’ll move on to another. Plus, there’s always the possibility of getting a nice win each time I spin. I like the entertainment and the anticipation. I usually just charge to my room (credit card on file) on the slot machine’s keypad because there is no fee either from Royal or my credit card. Sometimes when I get a nice payout, I go to guest services and apply my winnings back to my room account.

I always make sure my card is registered and my play is accumulating. It seems sometimes during a long bonus play or free spin period, the card times out. At the end of my play time, I check my points before leaving the machine. Occasionally, prior to leaving the casino, I’ll go to the host desk and confirm my points have registered. Usually, a certificate will be delivered to my cabin offering money off my next cruise. Sometimes, I’ll just check my offers online when I get home. Either way, I never had a problem applying the certificates to any new or existing reservation. Good luck!

@BrianBVery nice summary. 

My wife playing only slot machines reached magic 2500 points by spending total of $1500. So not bad at all :).

Now quick question to @CHRIS WONG (or anyone in the know). If prime sails solo on casino offer is he/she awarded double CAS points ? 

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That brings me to another question. Since both my wife and I are prime, and we are receiving the same offers, it would be advantages for each of us to book separate cabins. No extra expenses and double CAS points. Any downside on this approach? Is it frowned upon to do it?

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2 hours ago, Cez said:

That brings me to another question. Since both my wife and I are prime, and we are receiving the same offers, it would be advantages for each of us to book separate cabins. No extra expenses and double CAS points. Any downside on this approach? Is it frowned upon to do it?

I don’t see a downside since there is no added expense.

 If you could do a back to back and do shared cabins you get a longer time cruising for your 14 points (assuming a 7 day cruise) for the cost of the additional week of port fees and taxes and gratuities for two….of course that probably also means additional days of gambling too! 😂

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  • 1 month later...
  • 1 year later...

If my wife and I both have the same offers are we able to book one cabin for us and another cabin for another couple travelling with us? Or would we be required to split and myself and one from the other couple in one cabin and my wife and the other in another cabin? I realize we could just switch room physically ourselves but wondering if anyone knows if RCL will allow to book it so that my wife and I are in the same cabin and the other couple is in another cabin?

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