For many years now cruises have been a popular casino give-away. Some of these can be a benefit anyone could have if they earn a specified number of points during a specified period. Others can be “comps” given to a casino’s “best” customers, with the exact requirements unknown. 

However, if you can earn or are offered one of these “free” cruises, the definition of “free” is something you must investigate. Some include “everything,” including airfare to and from the casino city and the embarkation port, tips, ground transportation, port charges, government taxes and fees, and even on-board credit for such things as alcoholic drinks. On the other hand, some of these comped cruises don't cover any of these things and your “free” cruise might cost you more than it is worth to you. Or, you might be able to book a cruise at some online bargain rate that would be cheaper in the long run. 

Brad and I have been on 14 cruises since we met in 1984 and 5 of those, in the last 7 years, have been sponsored by casinos. It has varied considerably how much the casinos provided beyond the basic cruise cost, but one thing every experienced cruiser knows is that you better plan on extra expenses. There are shore excursions that sound so interesting, photographers at every turn who want to sell you expensive pictures, and daily specials on cute tropical drinks that look so refreshing.  

One frugal hint for cruisers: I just read in the newspaper today that ships make most of their profit through gambling and alcohol. It helps to be a non-drinker and able to shun the bad-payoff machines that are so common in shipboard casinos.

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