Cruisers Are Using These Casino Tricks for Free Carnival Cruises

Some cruisers are sailing on Carnival Cruises for free, thanks to a clever casino trick. It’s real—and surprisingly doable if you understand the system. From free cruises to onboard perks, many travellers are reaping the rewards of their time in the casino.

I’ll admit I haven’t managed to pull this off myself, but I’ve done the research for you. I’ve scoured forums, chatted with cruisers on Facebook, and watched countless YouTube videos to piece together how it all works. That said, it’s important to gamble responsibly. Set a budget, stick to it, and make sure your time on board stays fun and financially sound.

Ready to learn how it works and whether it’s worth a spin? Let’s dive in!

How Does It Work?

Earning free cruises through Carnival’s casino system boils down to accumulating points while gambling onboard. The process isn’t straightforward, and the specifics can vary based on factors like the ship, itinerary, and even how much money you cycle through the machines. Here’s what I’ve discovered from my research:

1. Points System

Carnival uses a points-based system to determine rewards. For every $2 spent on slot machines, you earn 1 point. This is a recent change from the previous rate of $2.50 per point. Table games, on the other hand, earn far fewer points because gameplay is slower. While a $10 minimum bet might seem significant, the points earned pale in comparison to those racked up on slot machines, where rapid button-pushing allows you to accumulate points more quickly.

2. Thresholds for Rewards

Different rewards require different levels of points:

• 4,000 points: Typically unlocks smaller perks, such as free sushi, steakhouse dinners, or discounted spa treatments. Achieving this would require $8,000 cycled through the slot machines.
• 7,000 points: The general threshold for earning a free cruise. This means $14,000 in gambling activity. However, it’s worth noting that this doesn’t mean losing $14,000 outright—you’re recycling winnings and reusing them to play, which helps reduce the net cost.
• 2,000 points: Qualifies you for the “Drinks on Us” programme, offering free beverages in the casino for the rest of the cruise.

3. Recycling Money

Many gamblers emphasise that earning points doesn’t necessarily mean losing the full amount. For example, if you put $100 into a machine and win back $80, you can continue playing with your winnings. This process of recycling money allows you to accumulate points without consistently losing your initial bankroll. However, it’s crucial to manage your spending and know when to stop.

4. Free Cruise Offers

Once you hit the 7,000-point mark, you may qualify for a free cruise offer. These offers typically cover the cost of an interior room for the player but still require payment for port fees, taxes, and gratuities. Bringing a companion will cost extra unless explicitly included in the offer. Some players also choose to pay for room upgrades to enjoy balconies or suites, which, while an additional expense, are significantly cheaper than booking at full price.

5. Player’s Club Cruises

Player’s Club cruises are special sailings offered to casino guests, where many passengers are taking advantage of similar casino perks. These cruises often have busier casinos, with some gamblers reporting long waits for machines and less frequent payouts. If you’re planning to take advantage of a Player’s Club cruise, consider gambling during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.

6. Unclear Algorithms

One of the most perplexing aspects of the casino programme is the seemingly inconsistent rewards system. Some players report earning free cruises with relatively few points or smaller gambling budgets, while others who spend more receive only modest discounts. This inconsistency could be influenced by factors like total losses, frequency of cruises, or even marketing strategies targeting specific demographics.

For example:

• One gambler reported earning 7,000 points on a single cruise with $300 out-of-pocket and receiving multiple free cruise offers afterward.
• Another reported earning 21,000 points but receiving a disappointing 50% discount offer, while others with fewer points received free rooms.

7. Special Promotions and Free Play Offers

Occasionally, casino hosts or mailers will provide targeted promotions. For example, some guests receive offers for free play or additional perks if they earn a certain number of points within a specific timeframe during the cruise. These promotions often have tight deadlines, requiring gamblers to act quickly to qualify.

8. Status Matching and First-Time Offers

Some travellers reported earning free cruises through Carnival’s status match programme, which matches loyalty statuses from other casino or cruise programmes. First-time players who gamble moderately on their initial cruise often find themselves receiving an avalanche of free cruise offers for future sailings.

The Catch: It’s Not Totally Free

Before you start dreaming of sailing the high seas on the house, remember there are still costs involved. Obviously, there’s the money you’ve gambled to get a “free” cruise to cover the room, but you’ll still need to pay port fees, taxes, and gratuities. Additionally, if you bring a companion, you’ll have to pay their fare unless the offer specifies otherwise.

Some cruisers also opt to pay for room upgrades. A free interior cabin might be upgraded to a balcony or suite for a fee. While this adds to the cost, it’s still a significant saving compared to booking the full fare.

Real-Life Examples and Their Experiences

To give you a better idea of how cruisers are using the casino trick to sail for free, here are some real-life stories from people who’ve mastered the system:

1. The Frequent Gambler

One cruiser shared that all 45 of their cruises over the last three years were earned through casino play. They currently have 11 more free cruises booked, including international itineraries like a 7-day Alaskan cruise and an 11-day journey to the Pacific Islands. They noted that while they still pay port fees, taxes, and gratuities, these costs are often covered by onboard credit or additional free play bonuses. In their words, “I’m going back in January and April, and we usually get a balcony room, but Carnival gave us a suite for our next cruise.”

2. Low-Stakes Gambler Success

Another cruiser revealed they only gambled around $700 on a cruise and earned 7,000 points. They received a free interior room offer on their next cruise, along with complimentary drinks in the casino. Despite not being a high roller, they managed to leverage their modest casino play into significant rewards.

3. First-Time Luck

A traveller who matched their casino status with Carnival earned a free cruise on their very first sailing. By gambling moderately during that trip—mostly on slots—they accumulated 4,000 points and received an “avalanche of offers” afterwards, ranging from free interior cabins to heavily discounted balcony rooms. They’re now booked on five more cruises through 2025, all thanks to this initial leap into Carnival’s casino programme.

4. The Upgrade Strategy

Several cruisers shared stories of using their free cruise offers to upgrade their experience. One traveller said they received a free interior cabin but paid to upgrade to a balcony on two cruises and a semi-suite on three others. This strategy allowed them to enjoy more luxurious accommodations while still saving significantly on overall costs.

5. The High Roller Disappointment

Not all stories are about success. One gambler shared that they earned an impressive 21,000 points on a cruise, expecting significant perks, but only received a 50% discount offer on their next sailing. Meanwhile, others with far fewer points received free cruise offers. This discrepancy highlights the unpredictable nature of Carnival’s reward system.

6. Players Club Cruise Realities

For those attending Player’s Club cruises, experiences are mixed. While the atmosphere is exciting, some cruisers reported crowded casinos and fewer payouts. One gambler said, “The casino was packed, and I had to play early in the morning or late at night to get to my favourite slot machine.” Another noted that the payouts on Player’s Club cruises seemed “noticeably less frequent and in smaller amounts” compared to standard cruises.

Is It Worth It?

Whether this casino trick is worth it depends on your perspective. For frequent gamblers who already enjoy spending time in the casino, it’s a fun way to earn rewards and discounts. For others, the costs and time commitment may outweigh the benefits.

The system can be lucrative for savvy players who enjoy the thrill of gambling, but it’s far from predictable. Whether you aim for the 7,000 points to snag a free cruise or stick to smaller goals like free drinks.

Ultimately, the key is to gamble responsibly and focus on the enjoyment of the experience. If you play smart and stick to your budget, you might just find yourself cruising for free—or at least with a few perks along the way.

What do you think? Would you give this strategy a try? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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