Ncl Casinos At Sea Free Cruise

1. Norwegian Cruise Line's 'Free at Sea' deal is one of the most appealing cruise line offers out there. While cruise passengers have gotten used to shelling out plenty of cash for extras on the ship after they board, this offer aims to provide many of the extras included in your cruise.
2. As a member of our Casinos At Sea rewards program, you can play and earn points across all our brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The more you play, the more.

• Ncl Cruise Casino Offers
• Ncl Casinos At Sea Promotions
• Is Ncl Free At Sea Really Free

.Must call Norwegian Cruise Line’s Casino Reservation Center to book at 877-742-9519. Fares shown are in U.S. Offers apply to select sailing(s). Fares are cruise only, per person, based on double. Casinos at Sea: Win Big with Free Cruises and Perks From Cruise Ship Play. Casino Royale on Harmony of the Seas (Photo: Cruise Critic) Erica Silverstein. On Norwegian Cruise Line (and sister.

Saga Cruises Coronavirus update

Saga Ocean Cruises suspended its fleet's passenger shipping operations by cancelling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 15, 2020, through July 2021. Operations are currently planned to resume in 2021 with Spirit of Adventure (July 26/Maiden Voyage) and Spirit of Discovery (August 2).

All affected bookings received full monetary refund (100% of the fare paid) or 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) with rebooking made within 24 months. Saga UK's 'Cruise Price Promise' allows penalty-free cancellation up to 14 days prior departure.

Saga Cruises fleet

• Spirit of Adventure

  Saga Ocean Cruises

  Year built	2021 new ship
  Passengers	999
  Homeports	Southampton Dover

• Spirit of Discovery

  Saga Ocean Cruises

  Year built	2019 / Age : 2
  Passengers	999
  Homeports	Southampton Dover

• Spirit of the Danube

  Saga River Cruises

  Year built	2022 new ship
  Passengers	192

• Spirit of the Rhine

  Saga River Cruises

  Year built	2021 new ship
  Passengers	192

• MS Douro Queen

  Saga River Cruises

  Year built	2005 / Age : 16
  Passengers	130

• MS Carmen

  Saga River Cruises

  Year built	2001 / Age : 20
  Passengers	136

• MS Dutch Melody

  Saga River Cruises

  Year built	1999 / Age : 22
  Passengers	140

• MS Filia Rheni II

  Saga River Cruises

  Year built	1999 / Age : 22
  Passengers	154

• MS Johannes Brahms

  Saga River Cruises

  Year built	1998 / Age : 23
  Passengers	84

• MS Rex Rheni

  Saga River Cruises

  Year built	1979 / Age : 42
  Passengers	151

Review of Saga Cruises

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, Saga Ocean Cruises suspended its fleet's passenger shipping operations by cancelling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 15, 2020, through July 2021. Operations are currently planned to resume in 2021 with Spirit of Adventure (July 26/Maiden Voyage) and Spirit of Discovery (August 2).

All affected bookings received full monetary refund (100% of the fare paid) or 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) with rebooking made within 24 months. Saga UK's 'Cruise Price Promise' allows penalty-free cancellation up to 14 days prior departure. All shipboard employees (fleetwide) remained on the docked vessels. Both SAGA ships' berthing location (during the no-sail period) is London-Tilbury Port.

Saga Cruises (Saga Shipping, website) is a British company, luxury cruise brand and division of Saga Group (CEO Euan Sutherland). With the purchase of Saga Rose (former NCL ship MS Sagafjord), in 1997 the company started passenger shipping operations under the brand name 'Saga Cruises'. Saga Rose was the flagship until 2004 when Saga Ruby was bought from Cunard Line (previously named MS Caronia). Saga Travel's CEO is Nick Stace.

For summer 2003, Saga Holidays chartered Minerva (1989-built) which sailed as Saga Pearl. Saga Rose was retired in 2009 after a final 37-night Mediterranean voyage. Subsequently, the ship was laid up in Gibraltar and in 2010 scrapped in China. In 2014 was acquired Saga Ruby (former NCL ship MS Vistafjord, currently hotel-ship Saga Ruby), with the last voyage for Saga in January 2014.

Company history

While on its final cruise in the Caribbean, Saga Ruby had one of its generators fail which disabled vessel's air-conditioning plant. Then it was decided to cancel the sailing and head for a Western Mediterranean itinerary. Saga Ruby returned to Southampton on Jan. 9, 2014 due to bad weather. While in Funchal Madeira, the ship met up with Saga Sapphire for New Year's Eve fireworks display. Saga Ruby then departed for Gibraltar out of Southampton for the last time on January 10 and was handed over to her new owners on Jan 13, 2014.

In 2005, Saga Cruises introduced the 'Spirit of Adventure Cruises' brand. In March 2006, MV Spirit of Adventure (former Orange Melody) entered into service. In 2013, Saga sold the brand.

Until 2020, Saga Holidays operated two ships under charter - Saga Sapphire and Saga Pearl 2. The former fleetmate Saga Ruby was built and launched under the name Vistafjord for the Norwegian America Line. In 1983, the ship was sold to Cunard, and in 1999 was renamed to Caronia. In 2004, Cunard sold it to Saga. It was operated as 'Saga Ruby' until 2014 when was sold to a Chinese company, renamed Oasia, operated as a hotel ship until 2017, then scrapped at Alang India.

Earlier in 2009, Saga UK acquired Astoria (Saga Pearl 2). Followed a GBP 14 million drydock refurbishment of the 1981-built vessel. The upgrades included new Veranda Restaurant; new balcony cabins; new Library Lounge; redesigned Spa, renovations to both swimming pools. The ship has 126 twin-bed cabins, 25 twin or king-bed cabins, 42 double-bed cabins. Of all staterooms, 20 are with balconies and 9 with French balconies. Saga Pearl 2 has 60 single cabins (almost 1/4 of all staterooms). Among Saga's signature trademarks are the shipboard Afternoon Tea service and ballroom dancing. Saga ships departure from UK ports (Southampton and Dover) on cruises to the Canaries, Baltic, and the Mediterranean. Itineraries range between 7- and 24-days in length.

IMPORTANT: Saga Sapphire and Saga Pearl 2 were both withdrawn from service (left the fleet) after the two new Saga ships - Spirit of Discovery (2019) and Spirit of Adventure (2020) - were delivered. In August 2019 was announced that Saga Sapphire will be acquired by ANEX Tours (Turkey's largest travel agency/tour operator), starting operations for ANEX Tour in mid-2020. However, due to the Coronavirus crisis in 2020, the 39-year-old liner was officially sold to ANEX Tours in July 2020. Renamed to 'Blue Sapphire', it starts operations for ANEX Tours in 2021, with roundtrips from homeport Antalya Turkey to Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea ports.

• In November 2019, after acquiring Thomas Cook Group's subsidiaries in Germany (Oger Tours, Bucher Reisen and Neckermann) and Russia (Intourist, 1929-founded USSR-Russia travel brand privatized in the 1990s by Vladimir Yevtushenkov), ANEX Tours became the world's second-largest tour operator - after TUI Group. The company's Chairman (Neset Kockar) commented that expects the annual passenger volume to increase to 8 million and the turnover to reach ~EUR 10 billion (~USD 11 B).
• Thomas Cook Group plc (2007-founded / 2019-defunct) was a British travel group formed by the merger of Thomas Cook AG (British-German, 2001-founded) and MyTravel Group plc (British, 1972-founded). Neset Kockar (ANEX Tours) was the second-largest shareholder in Thomas Cook Group plc - after Fosun International China.

New ships

In 2017, Saga UK ordered two new cruise ships with capacity under 1000 passengers, each vessel with a total of 540 cabins and suites. The shipbuilder is Meyer Werft (Papenburg Germany). Unlike all previous Saga ships, these two are fully-owned by the company.

The vessels were scheduled for deliveries in 2019 July (Spirit of Discovery) and 2020 August (Spirit of Adventure). This is a new series of polar expedition ships with ice-strengthened hulls. Each vessel costs USD 350 million and has a total of 540 staterooms (cabins and suites), of 100 are single cabins (designed for solo travelers, no single supplement required), which is approx 20% of all cabins. The other staterooms are in categories Standard Balcony, Deluxe Balcony, Mid-Ship Suite and larger suites.

Among the signature venues onboard are the Britannia Lounge (2-level Atrium bar lounge), The Verandah (specialty restaurant) and an outdoor (alfresco dining) restaurant. Each vessel has two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor).

At the end of March 2017 was announced the name selected for the first ship - 'Spirit of Discovery' (scheduled delivery June 2019). The second vessel was ordered in September 2017 - 'Spirit of Adventure' (scheduled delivery August 2020).

In mid-September 2018 was announced that starting January 2020, Saga's new ships deals will be all-inclusive. Fares include unlimited (shipboard served) house spirits, beers, wines (by the glass) and soft drinks. Company's packages also include:

• UK travel package (to/from departure port), Shuttle bus transfer (to the nearest downtown from the port)
• Onboard gratuities, Porterage
• Onboard Welcome cocktail party
• All onboard meals, afternoon tea, live entertainment
• Unlimited tea and coffee (selected ship venues)
• Free Wi-Fi
• 24-hour room service
• premium service (2 staff members for 3 passengers)

In early-March 2019, Saga announced that company's both newbuilds (the sisterships Adventure and Discovery) are all-inclusive cruise liners. This means that Saga cruise fares are inclusive of specialty restaurant dining, drinks (wine, beer, house spirits, soft drinks), 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, gratuities, transfer (chauffeur service to/from homeport for cruise passengers based within 250 ml / 402 km distance). Shore excursions remain optional and at additional cost. The cruise company offers complimentary shuttle bus services in all ports where the town/city is over 0,5 km from the ship.

In early-November 2019 was announced the shipbuilding order for Spirit of the Rhine - a 192-passenger riverboat debuting in 2021 May. The boat cruises on the rivers Danube-Main-Rhine-Moselle and the Dutch waterways. In early-February 2021 started the construction of a second newbuild riverboat - the sistership Spirit of the Danube (2022 May).

Saga Holidays ocean- and river cruising experience

Saga Cruises offers both Ocean and River cruise travel vacations. All the company's vessels are chartered. The cruising experience is classic, elegant and comfortable. Passengers are able to choose from today’s amenities such as modern spas, Internet cafes, alternative dining in intimate restaurants. Do not expect shopping centers, casino or lustrous shows - Saga passengers like the relaxed and good-mannered social life. Traditional English tea is served each afternoon; ballroom dancing is presented nightly.

Saga passengers are more adventurous than it might be imagined. They seek a high level of comfort and service while they are careful not to squander pensions on gambling (the reason why there are no casinos on Saga’s ships). They also demand fine food, that is well-prepared, from varied menus. Some of the mainstream cruise lines may get away with fortnightly or weekly menu cycles. That wouldn’t be welcomed by Saga Cruises customers who are free to stay onboard for back-to-back cruises.

When you are not out or it is one of those lazy days at sea onboard Saga’s ships, you will be surprised by the great number of onboard activities. You will have the opportunity to join painting or computer classes, keep fit with Pilates and yoga, enjoy swimming, attend a talk from guest speakers. Relax with new and old friends, or look for some quiet time in ships' cozy areas. Other diversions include the beauty salon and spa - go for a pampering treatment or a massage or try the gym - go for a refreshing yoga course. A well-stocked library with thousands of books is also provided. Another choice is using one of the computers and keep in touch with family and friends.

In the evening onboard Saga ships, while heading to the next destination before dining, enjoy an aperitif in ships’ bars, or work up with pre-dinner dance classes. At formal nights (one for a week-long cruise, two for a 14-night cruise) enjoy the feeling of occasion. Later take your seat for a show, go dancing, watch a film or socialize with friends - you may even enjoy a nightcap accompanied with live music in the inviting lounges and bars.

On select cruise itineraries, you will be entertained by celebrities. But the best part of all is that with no children on board, kids’ games arcades or clubs taking up space, everything aboard is designed for your pleasure.

No matter which Saga ship you choose (ocean or river), each mealtime is going to be an exciting dining experience. Good breakfast is essential when you have a day full of activities - plenty of choices await for you for the day ahead. Choose from a waiter-served meal, the buffet onboard Saga Ruby, or eat out on deck. Opt for full English breakfast brought to the cabin. There are plenty of things to tempt you at lunchtime: choose from the buffet or enjoy a cooked-to-order lunch in the main restaurant.

Afternoon tea is a cruising tradition on Saga cruise ships with tempting cakes, pastries, sandwiches… really hard to resist. Dinner is usually the highlight of the day - it is always waiter served, one sitting, sometimes offering six courses - distinctly refined. A talented team led by Executive Chef is available onboard Saga cruise ships, so you can look forward to tempting meals prepared with the finest ingredients.

Delicious wines from well-stocked ‘cellars’ are recommended from sommeliers who are also on hand. Main courses, including game, fish, meat, vegetarian dishes, are followed with desserts from a selection of soufflés, tarts, pavlovas, exquisite petits fours. The best of all is that you will never feel rushed to end your meals or have to wait for guests, as flexible arrangements make sure you dine at any time between 7 - 9 pm.

Saga Cruises customers

The Saga cruise line targets 50-and-older customers and is kids-free. The company sells directly to the public, not counting on travel agents. Allowing traveling companions who are 40+ years old is beneficial to couples who want to cruise together with grown-up families and in-laws, and also to those who need assistance and personal care. Saga's customers are elderly and almost exclusively British, with occasional passengers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, rarely Japan. Saga provides free chauffeur service (door-to-door) for passengers who live within 75 mi (120 km) of cruise departure ports, and also shared chauffeur for up to 250 ml (400 km) homeport distances. Alternatives include coach and rail transportation, or domestic flights (from the UK) which can be fare-included. Saga also offers free parking to all its cruise passengers.

Saga Cruises enjoys a high repeat booking rate (about 75%). To attract first-timer cruisers, since 2016 Saga offers 'Love it First Time'. By this initiative, a full cruise full refund is guaranteed to anyone who doesn't enjoy the company's cruising vacation product. The cruise line guarantees that if passengers find that the experience is not for them, they can leave the cruise ship at the next available call port. The 'Love it First Time' offer applies only to new bookings and first-time customers.

Saga Holidays fly-cruise deals

For the end of 2017 (November and December), Saga Cruises offered 3 fly-cruises. The 8-, 11- and 12-night itineraries were available for booking with all-inclusive prices starting from around GBP 114 per person. Saga's 'flight and cruise' deals are inclusive of airport and seaport transfers, all onboard meals, alcohol (wine by the glass / at lunch and dinner, house-brand spirits, cocktails, draught beers, lager), also soft drinks, afternoon tea, free Wi-Fi and, all onboard gratuities.

Saga Sapphire ship's 8-night 'Canary Island Medley' cruise (prices from GBP 897) departed from Southampton on December 8, 2017.

The Saga Pearl 2 ship's 11-night 'Jewels of the Canary Islands' cruise (prices from GBP 1516) departed from Southampton on November 20, 2017.

The Saga Pearl II ship's 12-night 'Contrasts of the Canary Islands and Cape Verde' cruise (prices from GBP 1980) departed from Southampton on November 1, 2017.

The Nov 1st voyage included a flight from the UK to Funchal (Madeira), boarding there Saga Pearl 2, and home flight from Lisbon back to the UK.

Itinerary of Saga Cruises

Saga Holidays cruise Itineraries are specialized in travel for the over 50s. The company has more than 60 years’ holiday travel experience in Europe.

Saga free shuttle bus service is available if you want to explore independently - the shuttle will take you to the nearest city center or town. The service is offered if the distance between Saga ship and the city is over 500 yards. At ports of call, you will have a choice of exciting optional excursions. Saga representatives accompany cruisers on the coach. Saga Cruises company is sending a detailed booklet a few weeks before the cruise which gives the chance for pre-booking. If you prefer so, you can also visit the Tours and Travel Office onboard and Saga staff will book the preferred tours for you, if available.

The organized tours are a great way to see the sights. Saga excursions include transport, entrance fees, services of English-speaking guides. Lunch and refreshments are sometimes also included, so you will enjoy without worrying about costs. All excursions are optional, an additional cost will be added to your account. They are subject to change and availability. Among the highlights detailed on Saga cruises, are some that may be seen only by exploring independently or on optional excursions.

'Discovering St James’ Way' itinerary

A discovery of ancient pilgrims’ route is the highlight of one of Saga’s holidays - it runs from southern France over the Pyrenees, ending in Santiago de Compostela. Discover St James (Camino de Santiago) way with Saga. Along the Way, visit ancient cities and villages; do not do the hard work, walking in pilgrims’ footsteps. Look out for highlights as Gaudi’s fairytale Episcopal Palace; stay in Pamplona - evoked by Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises; taste wine in La Rioja’s bodega; see the cathedral cities of Logroño, Burgos, León. For 12 nights, prices start at GBP 899. Among the many inclusions are additional cancellation cover and travel insurance, all breakfasts, ten dinners. You will be accompanied by experienced Saga manager throughout.

Naples to Apulia itinerary

Saga Cruises offer is colors of the South 90-night tour. You will travel from Naples to olive groves of Puglia; stay on Ischia island with subtropical foliage. Discover the beautiful scenery of towns along the way; gain a wonderful insight into the Italian way of life. You will stay in four throughout the tour - five-star hotels on a half-board basis. Enjoy the glorious views of the bay while in Naples; visit Unesco World Heritage; listed dwellings in the Apulia region; enjoy naturally heated spa thermal waters at Ischia hotel. As on many Saga holidays, prices start at GBP 949 and single staterooms – available on selected dates – no extra cost! Join Saga Cruises’ team and enjoy tours of Romania, Portugal, the Baltic; go shopping in Greece; join a tour in Croatia; discover Italian Lakes… Additional cancellation cover and travel insurance are one of the money-saving elements that are included in the Saga holidays.

Saga Cruises tours in USA, Mozambique, and Japan

Let your year to embark on one of the most memorable journeys with Saga Cruises experts. The chances Saga Cruises has the right trip you have been looking for, are quite big. Wherever you want to go into the world and however you want to travel, there’s a good chance that Saga Cruises will help. Unlock Japan’s mysteries. Stay in Mozambique’s authentic bush camps, dare to look over the edge of South Rim in Grand Canyon. Saga Holidays seeks for new destinations and new experiences for the over 50s audience - such are these exciting new tours.

Trans-frontier Trail – Mozambique to Kruger

This 12-night tour will make you discover Greater Limpopo Trans-frontier Park and the rich Portuguese. The three national parks in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique are protected and form a territory of 36,000 square miles. Mozambique's most beautiful beaches on the Indian Ocean are the place you could swim off, stay in comfortable bush camps and venture bush walks and safaris- for unrivalled opportunities for spotting wildlife. The size of the group is limited to twenty people. Of course, you will be fed well too - seven lunches, all breakfasts, and dinners are price included.

South West Iconic Parks of America

Wide-open spaces, fresh air and relax. Each of the national parks is more spectacular than the last one; the rock formations are impossibly beautiful and multi-colored. Experience Mother Road and what was left of Las Vegas Route 66 - The Strip is the one place to stay if you travel through Nevada. The best way to experience the Grand Canyon is to stay in the park, close to South Rim. Since you will be in the Wild West, probably you will wish to experience the badlands of Painted Desert; see the Sedona formations of red rocks; enjoy scenic cruising along Antelope Canyon; see the limestone spires in Monument Valley.

Saga Mystery Cruise 2018

Captain Horne's Mystery Cruise surprises up to 720 passengers every day for 3 weeks. The intriguing cruise aboard Saga Sapphire left Southampton UK in November 2018 with Captain Stuart Horne promising to keep 'everyone guessing as long as possible.' He added he would only tell his engineers and navigation team as much as they need to know for fuel management and route planning.

No guarantee where the captain sails but there are all-inclusive drinks and tours as well as entertainment from Syd Lawrence Orchestra on 6 nights. VIP Chauffeur service is guaranteed to and from the port, all included in the fare, along with travel insurance. Another surprise is the array of mystery celebrities/VIP guests on Saga Sapphire.

Ports of call are announced once the ship is berthed, but there is a shore trip included in every port.

The adventure is the last mystery cruise aboard Saga Sapphire and features a choice of table wines at lunch and dinner, as well as house-branded spirits, soft drinks, draught beer, and lager. Afternoon tea, unlimited tea, and coffee in selected venues, welcome cocktail party, free wifi, onboard gratuities, and 24-hour room service are also included.

Saga Sapphire departed Southampton on November 27, 2018. Prices for the 21-night cruise started from GBP 3090 pp (based on double occupancy / 2 people sharing a Twin Cabin).

Saga itineraries 2021

Saga Cruises' 7 new itineraries for early-2021 include the 83-night around South America itinerary 'Grand Voyage' visiting the Amazon Delta, Punta Arenas, Cape Horn, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Montevideo on MS Spirit of Discovery. This world cruise is the ship’s longest yet and departs from Southampton on January 6, 2021. Prices include chauffeur service to the homeport, balcony cabin, all-inclusive meals and drinks, daily afternoon tea, free wifi, onboard gratuities. The clockwise South America circumnavigation itinerary begins with a Transatlantic crossing to Brazil, follows cruising through the Amazon Delta, Patagonia, Panama Canal, Ecuador, Colombia. From Callao Peru are offered optional tours to Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands. Overnights are in Rio and Manaus, as well as Stanley (Falklands).

MS Spirit of Adventure cruises in Europe on 6 itineraries (January through March 2021) including

• 14-night 'Constellations of the Canaries'
• 16-night 'A Norwegian Aurora' (Northern Lights cruise) with included Aurora Borealis shore excursion, Rauma Railway through ‘Troll Wall, overnight in Sorrisniva Igloo hotel)
• 15-night 'Taste of the Mediterranean' visits Barcelona, Cartagena, and Valencia and includes flamenco dancing, horse show, paella and tapas-making, chocolate and wine tastings.
• 8-night 'Scandinavian Rhythms' visits Copenhagen, Frederikshavn, Gothenburg, Odderoya, Kristiansand.

The wellness-themed 16-night 'Exotic Morocco and the Canary islands' itinerary features outdoor yoga classes and guided hikes and visits Lisbon and Madeira Island.

• 83-night South America: A Grand Voyage, from GBP 17,324 pp, departs from Southampton UK on January 6, 2021.

• 14-night Constellations of the Canaries, from GBP 2,449 pp, departs January 5, 2021.
• 16-night Exotic Morocco and the Canaries, from GBP 3,024 pp, departs January 19, 2021.
• 15-night The Beautiful Canaries, from GBP 2,892 pp, departs February 4, 2021.
• 16-night A Norwegian Aurora, from GBP 3,117 pp, departs February 19, 2021.
• 15-night A Taste of the Mediterranean, from GBP 2,799 pp, departs March 7, 2021.
• 8-night Scandinavian Rhythms, from GBP 1,475 pp, departs March 22, 2021.

The list of Saga UK-operated (chartered) riverboats includes Filia Rheni 2, Amadeus Royal, Amadeus Symphony, Douro Queen (Douro River, Portugal), Johannes Brahms, Rex Rheni, and Dutch Melody (fka River Melody, since 2020). Saga owns two newbuild riverboats - Spirit of the Rhine (2021) and Spirit of the Danube (2022)

Saga Cruises related cruise news

• Saga extends cruise suspension until June 27

  Saga UK has written to its Cruise and Holidays guests in order to inform them of the company's decision to extend the current suspension of travel...

  March 5, 2021
  Cruise Industry

• Which cruise lines require COVID vaccinations for passengers and crew?

  A number of cruise lines announced vaccination requirements for passengers and crew as the industry looks to restart after the Coronavirus/COVID...

  February 24, 2021
  Cruise Industry

• RCG-Royal Caribbean Group requires crew to receive COVID-19 vaccine

  RCI-Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, and Silversea Cruises will require the crew to receive the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine before...

  February 12, 2021
  Cruise Industry

• Keel laid for Saga Cruises’ new riverboat Spirit of the Danube

  Saga Cruises revealed it is adding a second riverboat - Spirit of the Danube, to its fleet in 2022. The 190-passenger river cruise ship feature 2...

  February 10, 2021
  Cruise Industry

• Saga Cruises UK requires all passengers to have COVID vaccination

  Saga Cruises UK, part of Saga Group targeting the over-50s travellers, will become the world's first cruise shipping company to require all of its...

  January 20, 2021
  Cruise Industry

• Saga boasts increased interest in ‘once in a lifetime’ adventures

  Saga UK has experienced a surge in interest from customers looking for travel holidays. During the week following the news of successful trials of...

  December 12, 2020
  Cruise Industry

• Almaco provides catering solutions for Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Adventure

  In January 2017, Meyer Werft contracted Almaco Group to provide catering solutions for Saga Cruises’ ship Spirit of Adventure. The scope of...

  December 1, 2020
  Cruise Industry

• SAGA is the first cruise operator awarded COVID-19 health assurance accreditation

  Saga Cruises UK moved closer to restarting passenger shipping operations with the award of new COVID safety accreditation and becoming the first...

  November 28, 2020
  Cruise Industry

• UK government allows cruises to resume from late-January 2021

  The UK government is working on a package of measures that include the restart of cruises from the UK in late-January 2021. The measures include the...

  November 14, 2020
  Cruise Industry

• CLIA cruise lines voluntarily extend ex-USA cruise suspension through 2021

  CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), which represents 95% of the world's ocean-going cruise shipping capacity, announced on Tuesday...

  November 4, 2020
  Cruise Industry

We’ve cruised with Norwegian three times in the past couple of years, and number four is coming up in September on the new Norwegian Breakaway. The first one of them was a paid ticket, on the Norwegian Gem, and since then we have cruised for free (other than Taxes and Fees), with a number of great perks along the way. I estimate that our comps have come in at over $7000 thus far from these guys, and I am very excited to be cruising from New York again, and hopefully making it to Bermuda this time around.

Norwegian Cruise Lines Latitudes Rewards

Latitudes is NCL’s loyalty program, available to all guests and interestingly based upon a combination of cruise duration and revenue dollars. It might be something we see in the future with Airline programs. The good thing with this is that you can quickly rack up good points with them on discounted cruises, but should you be cruising in a higher category of stateroom (suites and above) you earn additional points. In Venice we upgraded from an Inside Cabin to a Penthouse Suite (quite the bump up let me tell you) and earned double Latitudes points for our troubles.

Once you achieve status with NCL their perks are quite attractive, we are currently at the Silver Level, and I think the really good things start from Gold, and get a lot better at Platinum.

Some of the things that don’t seem so obvious but are really quite nice is the ‘Exclusive Gathering with Ships Officers’ which is 30mins-1hr of complimentary drinks and passed canapes whilst you get to sit and chat with the officers about whatever tickles your fancy, we typically have quite a lot to talk about since I spent many years at sea myself during my youth. Also, the cocktail reception (that apparently isn’t happening on the Breakaway, boo!) means that you get two free evenings of drinks and socializing which are both pleasant experiences and a good way to save on your bar tab.

Casinos at Sea: Players Club

Casinos as Sea is the Gambling Loyalty Program of Norwegian Cruise Lines; without a doubt it is the most generous of all the Cruise Ship Gambling Programs. They track both slot and table play, and based upon how much you Play, not how much you win or lose, you gain status with them. I am at their lowest Tier; Lucky! But I have also experienced things beyond that such as unlimited drinks of any kind in the Casino, multiple free dinners at any of the Paid Restaurants such as Cagney’s the Steakhouse. This is because I was a Table Player, they have more of a fluffy rule for Table Players than Slot Players, and tend to give more when you are nice to the staff and are generous with your tips. On one occasion after leaving a particularly generous tip the Manager comped my dinner at Cagney’s two nights running, along with whatever I wanted to drink from the bar.

Stacking the Bonuses and Benefits of Casinos at Sea and Latitudes Rewards

By being a member of both Latitudes and Casinos at Sea you can earn benefits above your tier level – some things that only a Latitudes Platinum would receive, such as Wine in Stateroom, comes as Standard with Casinos at Sea, so as a lowly Latitudes Silver I get the free booze. Also, some things double up, such as the Meet and Greet events, since you get invited as a Latitudes member for one type of event, and as a Casino VIP for others.

Ncl Cruise Casino Offers

Free Cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line

Firstly, Free means $25 per person per day plus taxes, and there is a group tipping charge of $12 per person per day. So you will still be paying something for the ‘free’ cruise, but even with these fees its a fantastic bargain!

I’d love to share with you the level that you get a comped cruise at, but unfortunately it is a secret – I do know that I am currently regarded as their lowest level of player as a Casinos at Sea Lucky Level, and I get comped, but I do really play. So don’t expect that if you just put $5 in a slot machine you will be comped for life.

Ncl Casinos At Sea Promotions

However, and this is just a guess, I would imagine if you can reach Tier 2 play, the Hot! Level, you should be good for Free cruises. It is worth noting that the type of cabin you get for free will vary based upon your importance to the cruise-line and the popularity of the vessel. That said, you can upgrade at a reasonable price. For example, we cruised on the Norwegian Epic for New Years Eve, and we would only be offered an Inside Stateroom. I upgraded us to an exceptional Balcony Cabin (rear facing) for $600 prior to departure.

For our cruise to Bermuda on the Norwegian Breakaway this year they offered us a Balcony Cabin for free, which I actually paid another $50 to double the size of the Balcony, since there will be lots of Sea Days on this cruise and I wanted to be able to sit outside on a lounge chair.

Also, you will notice that I highlighted the Payment line of $250 by Voucher. This is a great offer that NCL has to retain customers: if you purchase a voucher for $250 onboard your current cruise you can use it as payment against any 6 day or longer cruise in the next 4 years. In doing so they credit your account with $100 for the current cruise. So basically you are getting $100 off the already reduced ‘free’ cruise price. You can use this voucher with Casinos at Sea, or any other form of booking, I believe that includes third parties also, though please double check onboard.

Upgrading Onboard

We did this on the NCL Jade last year, went from an Inside Cabin to a Penthouse Suite. In doing so we earned Suite level perks, which further stacked on top of the Casinos at Sea and Latitudes Silver, basically filling in the blanks – they included: Priority Tender, Concierge, Priority Dining/Shows. So in essence once we were in the Penthouse, even as the lowest level Casinos at Sea, and second lowest Latitudes we had full Top Tier benefits of the Latitudes program! The total cost to upgrade was $1400 onboard, the cruise originally cost $600 so we paid $2000, for an itinerary that had a book price of $6000 and a discounted third party price of $5200. Very pleased indeed.

Is Ncl Free At Sea Really Free

If you want to upgrade onboard please be nice about it – the typical first night of the cruise is like the Gate at an airline, swamped with people asking for a free upgrade. It isn’t going to happen! Don’t be a PITA about it. Your best bet is to ask to be put on a paid upgrade list, they will contact you on night two of the cruise. They will not typically assign upgrades on night one just in case regular cabin swaps are required due to problems with the paid cabin a person has. Secondarily they don’t know how many no-shows there are until a while after embarkation, so let them figure out all the details and get back to you.