Cruising is a lot like timeshare travel

[Timeshare Von]

I've only been cruising 15 months, all on Royal Caribbean . . . but as I'm learning quickly, things change with how the cruise industry operates and how guests can best use "the system" to their advantage and needs. I just returned from a successful NE/Canada cruise where I was able to parlay that 7 night cruise into a comped 13 night transatlantic cruise next October plus free beverages in the casino through at least this casino program year. I say "at least" because it should also be for the next program year (4/1/25-3/31/26) as well . . . but things may be changing with how Royal Caribbean is administered several of their loyalty programs. There should also be an "annual 7-night cruise certificate" awarded to all Prime and higher, casino players in April 2025. I really hope that perk remains too! More will be known in the coming months.

My point is this . . . when I entered timeshare ownership back in the early 1980's it was a very different industry. Over the 40 years there were several changes that were VERY good for me as an owner (like how Wyndham & RCI provided added trading value within the Wyndham brands) . . . but also not so good for me like devaluing thru TPUs some of the fixed week Fairfield/Wyndham ownership I had used as great traders in RCI. In order to maximize my personal utilization of timeshares, I had to stay on top of what was going on and learn from others (mainly here on TUG and the Fairfield/Wyndham Yahoo Group) how to best use what I had . . . and divest myself of those timeshare resorts no longer working for me. Ultimately, it was this realization that has me where I am today, exiting my final timeshare ownership.

Vacationing via cruise ships is going to be the same. I also know being new to the game, the old timers will continue to lament "the good ole days" when (fill in the blank) used to be the standard. For me today, I'm still pretty happy and don't have regrets because of things I never experienced. It's the same in timeshare ownership. I hope that since I only recently discovered cruising, and have found I enjoy it, I will be able to continue to have it as an affordable means to travel, as long as my health and physical abilities allow it.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

As someone who used to cruise and now timeshares (and I enjoyed both), I will say that the major difference is that your average cruise ship cabin can fit inside your average timeshare closet.

 

[Timeshare Von]

As someone who used to cruise and now timeshares (and I enjoyed both), I will say that the major difference is that your average cruise ship cabin can fit inside your average timeshare closet.

Perhaps . . . but 162 sq ft is much larger than car camping (my other preferred modes of vacationing) . . . and it has a toilet & shower

 

[PamMo]

I haven’t cruised in years, but just booked a RCCL cruise with our kids/grands. It wasn’t cheap! How on earth do you get comped a 13-night cruise, @Timeshare Von?

 

[Timeshare Von]

I haven’t cruised in years, but just booked a RCCL cruise with our kids/grands. It wasn’t cheap! How on earth do you get comped a 13-night cruise, @Timeshare Von?

Basically through gambling in their casino during my most recent 7 night cruise in October. Here is a link to my TUG post sharing that story.

Not only did I earn the comped 13 night transatlantic cruise next October, but there should also be another freebie coming in April for making Prime in the casino (unless they change the program benefits and eliminate it or some other change).

Many will say "nothing is free" when they comp cruises, and they are correct. I did have to gamble and risk money in the casino. In my case, I lost $650 over 7 nights . . . far below the booking rate for that same cruise. Even during the Black Friday sales, that cruise was nearly $3,000 for two. My only cost (and I'm going solo) was $398 for port fees, taxes and gratuities.

If you're interested in learning more about casino comps and play, I'd suggest you join one of the many Facebook groups. I studied and watched a lot of YouTube videos the month before my trip in October to maximize the opportunity to get a couple of comped cruises.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

Many will say "nothing is free" when they comp cruises, and they are correct. I did have to gamble and risk money in the casino. In my case, I lost $650 over 7 nights . . . far below the booking rate for that same cruise. Even during the Black Friday sales, that cruise was nearly $3,000 for two. My only cost (and I'm going solo) was $398 for port fees, taxes and gratuities.

I guess the way to do this analysis would be to figure out your expected value/loss of the hours you played and compare it to the cost of the comped cruise. There's obviously an "intangible" quality to the additional expected utility you get from the enjoyment of the gambling in the first place that would need to go into the ultimate decision here on whether or not this makes sense for someone on an individual basis.

 

[easyrider]

As someone who used to cruise and now timeshares (and I enjoyed both), I will say that the major difference is that your average cruise ship cabin can fit inside your average timeshare closet.

Our room attendant would go into our room almost every time we left. I know this because I placed a string on the top of the door that would fall off when the door opened. I asked him what was going on. He said he checks the garbage container because the rooms are small and garbage piles up quickly. Mystery solved.

Bill

 

[Timeshare Von]

I guess the way to do this analysis would be to figure out your expected value/loss of the hours you played and compare it to the cost of the comped cruise. There's obviously an "intangible" quality to the additional expected utility you get from the enjoyment of the gambling in the first place that would need to go into the ultimate decision here on whether or not this makes sense for someone on an individual basis.

Pretty much, which was what I had done prior to even starting on this game plan. And yes, it is entertainment and should be viewed as such . . . and gambling where there are no sure things.

 

[Timeshare Von]

Our room attendant would go into our room almost every time we left. I know this because I placed a string on the top of the door that would fall off when the door opened. I asked him what was going on. He said he checks the garbage container because the rooms are small and garbage piles up quickly. Mystery solved.

Bill

We set up our daily service to happen in the evening while we're out to dinner & the show. It's very convenient that way, especially if we're on the ship and not sure day-to-day when we might be in the cabin or out exploring, etc.

 

[easyrider]

We set up our daily service to happen in the evening while we're out to dinner & the show. It's very convenient that way, especially if we're on the ship and not sure day-to-day when we might be in the cabin or out exploring, etc.

I've only been on the NCL Pride of Aloha. It was a lot of fun. There was a newly wed group from Iran on our cruise. At the night club our friend Noah and the groom got into a spontaneous dance off. Both dudes had moves with the Iranian doing angular type moves while Noah did the Seattle hip hop. Every night was something fun. Every day was busy checking out the local areas.

Bill

 

[SmithOp]

I just got back from my free balcony casino offer, plus $600 free play. We enjoyed a 7 day Mexico cruise, mostly staying on the ship.

I noticed the offer I received was not as good this time, only an inside cabin and $400 free play. It's still a decent discount even if you upgrade cabin type.

Here is the latest Princess offers based on casino play points.

 

[jp10558]

Please continue to share any tips and tricks, I'm not at all familiar with cruises, and they always look very expensive to me.

 

[SmithOp]

Please continue to share any tips and tricks, I'm not at all familiar with cruises, and they always look very expensive to me.

When you consider it's all inclusive it's not more expensive than a timeshare vacation. It helps if you have a major port nearby to reduce travel costs, I'm a $50 Uber from Long Beach CA port.

If you like to gamble at land casinos then you will get free cruise offers, they like gamblers. When you gamble at the ship casino you will get offers to cruise again.

I also use my casino comps for casino hotel stays, I'm going out of town for XMas and have six free nights in a casino hotel, two on the way and four at my destination.

 

[jp10558]

Ahh, yea, every time I see AI my eyes water at those fees for timeshare locations. Though this trip to Florida, the restaurant costs have been so fricken high I can see where AI might be a wash, but we still eat many times frozen dinners or stuff we cook to keep costs down a bit.

 

[rapmarks]

I could start a thread, cruising is a lot like being in the Wisconsin Dells. I have come to the conclusion that business owners in the Dells go on cruises and scope out the attractions that might be incorporated in the Dells.
zip lines, flow riders, escape rooms, water slides, casinos, photographs for every experience, performance venues, , entertainment. Expensive cabanas and huts over the water, and you can get $14 drinks at the waterparks in the Dells and on a cruise.

 

[Timeshare Von]

Please continue to share any tips and tricks, I'm not at all familiar with cruises, and they always look very expensive to me.

They can be, for sure. I think once you decide you want to give it a try, it will be after your first or second that you may start receiving casino offers . . . but only if you're playing. Slots as a general rule, earn more towards their loyalty program and comps. Table games, not so much, as I learned after my first 2 cruises.

 

[Timeshare Von]

When you consider it's all inclusive it's not more expensive than a timeshare vacation. It helps if you have a major port nearby to reduce travel costs, I'm a $50 Uber from Long Beach CA port.

If you like to gamble at land casinos then you will get free cruise offers, they like gamblers. When you gamble at the ship casino you will get offers to cruise again.

I also use my casino comps for casino hotel stays, I'm going out of town for XMas and have six free nights in a casino hotel, two on the way and four at my destination.

I don't know about others, but Royal Caribbean does charge for the beverage packages . . . refreshment package includes sodas & juices while the deluxe package includes alcohol. They run around $25 & $80 per day respectfully (and you have to buy for all days) not just for a couple of them).

 

[Timeshare Von]

I could start a thread, cruising is a lot like being in the Wisconsin Dells. I have come to the conclusion that business owners in the Dells go on cruises and scope out the attractions that might be incorporated in the Dells.
zip lines, flow riders, escape rooms, water slides, casinos, photographs for every experience, performance venues, , entertainment. Expensive cabanas and huts over the water, and you can get $14 drinks at the waterparks in the Dells and on a cruise.

And here, I thought the Dells was a lot like Branson My first time there (back around 2000) I couldn't believe my eyes!

 

[rapmarks]

And here, I thought the Dells was a lot like Branson My first time there (back around 2000) I couldn't believe my eyes!

We went to Branson the first time in 1991, although I think we stayed there overnight in 1971 on our way home from Arizona.
Branson has multiples of Dells shows, but can’t compete with the amount of waterparks and mindless attractions in the Dells. The Dells had a tourist industry in the 1880s and I don’t think branson did.

 

[Timeshare Von]

We went to Branson the first time in 1991, although I think we stayed there overnight in 1971 on our way home from Arizona.
Branson has multiples of Dells shows, but can’t compete with the amount of waterparks and mindless attractions in the Dells. The Dells had a tourist industry in the 1880s and I don’t think branson did.

Well I don't care much for either, regardless of which came first.

 

[rapmarks]

Well I don't care much for either, regardless of which came first.

There are beautiful sites in the Dells area like Devil Lake and a mirror a
Lake and things to see like the International Crane Foundation, but people drive down the strip and think that’s all the Dells have to offer.

 

[Timeshare Von]

There are beautiful sites in the Dells area like Devil Lake and a mirror a
Lake and things to see like the International Crane Foundation, but people drive down the strip and think that’s all the Dells have to offer.

I live here in Wisconsin and have spent a fair amount of time in the Dells. I know there's a lot beyond THE Dells . . . thanks. My personal choice/recommendation include the HH Bennett Studio and Chalet Lanes.

 

[rapmarks]

I live here in Wisconsin and have spent a fair amount of time in the Dells. I know there's a lot beyond THE Dells . . . thanks. My personal choice/recommendation include the HH Bennett Studio and Chalet Lanes.

Yes to both. Pretty nice specials at chalet lanes.

 

[WinniWoman]

Only did one cruise when we were young, though fun, preferred being off ship sightseeing. Done tours also staying in hotels. Not crazy about hotels. Done VRBO’s, but not crazy being in another person's home.

Timeshares are my favorite, especially the fixed units and weeks in the resorts we owned.

Now will only do resorts with condos or villas and our timeshare.

I like being at a resort.

 

[beejaybee]

Similarities between cruising and timesharing:
Unpack once
Pools and hot tubs
Bingo (for sure at Wyndham National Harbor- free and frequently on cruises- $$ per card)