Has anyone taken one of Harrahs comped NCL cruises?

I've never taken a cruise before, in part because I have concerns about motion sickness and I don't like the feeling that I'm trapped on a ship and can't leave when I want to.

I happened to be at Rincon this past weekend for a cruise offer. They don't really make it very easy to use, it has to be booked by the end of May and taken by the end of September. I think the majority of the cruises offered were 7 days.

Has anyone taken on of these cruises and did you think it was worth it? How much are the extra fees that have to be paid for taxes etc...?

We were thinking of taking one of the Alaska cruises, but then when you factor in airline tickets, possibly hotels and extra travel days, it's starts getting costly and I would have to take almost 2 weeks off of work. I'm just not sure if it's worth it?

I have taken two NCL "comped" courtesy the connection with Ceasars. It was worth it. Both of our cruises were in the Eastern Mediterranian: 7-DAY ADRIATIC, GREECE & TURKEY FROM VENICE. We had a balcony cabin each time in the middle of the ship. My wife and I paid $300 each person port fees. I recall they also charge $12 per day (per room) service fees which they used to pay the room attendants, waiters ect.

We loved waking up in different ports, sight seeing and then going to a show each night. Some shows were great, other not so much but the price was right and since the Mrs. and I are middle aged, we were able to do things like dancing we havent done in years.

The service was great, the employees were wonderful and we had such a good time, we went back the next year and took our two teenaged kids who had a blast with the supervised Teen Center. We got a discount on the second room but we put the kids in a cheaper interior cabin.

We did take different excursions the second year. Excursions on shore can be expensive so look carefully at the excursion options. It was the best way for us to see Europe because we were able to see many countries without having to unpack and it was a lot cheaper to get good (but not great) food as it was on the ship. Since we got the offer from Ceasars, we automatically got a pass for free drinks at the Casino -- as long as you were apparently playing. This can save a lot of money on the cruise if you are so inclined.

We did not go to Alaska so I cannot help you about that cruise. Also only you can decide whether it is worth the air fare and vacation days.

There were no disappointing surprises and we look forward to going on a cruise again.

We took advantage of my husband's offer for a June 2012 cruise to Alaska. We had a standard inside cabin which was adequate for our needs.
Be prepared for a lot of extra fees. Want to eat in the steakhouse? Extra charge per person. Want to enjoy the Sunday jazz brunch? Extra. Italian dining? Extra.
Of course all shore excursions are extra as well.
We enjoyed exploring all the port stops rxcept Prince Rupert--what a joke.
We were glad we went because now we can say we have been to Alaska. We would have preferred a Caribbean cruise, but at the time we were limited by my work schdule (school calendar).

Joy

I really appreciate all the info provided!

The european cruises look awesome, I just couldn't handle the flight from the W. Coast over to Europe, then getting on the ship etc... I really hate flying, so a W. Coast cruise is more in line with what we are interested in. I wanted to try the Mexican Riviera, but they didn't have any available during out limited time period.

Wow, the govt fees, along with the extra fees, airfare etc... may not make it worth it for us. I was offered an ocean view room and would want to upgrade to a balcony, so there would be another added expense.

My fiancee's family lives in Alaska, so we can fly up there and stay with them and see some of the sights, though I've heard the cruise is beautiful.

We are still debating about it, but will probably end up skipping it. Their evil plan worked though, I went up to Rincon to take the offer and blew a lot of money, lol.

I just booked our 3rd free cruise for next February. Lo and behold Caesars Windsor notified me that I have another certificate coming in May, so we will be using that one as well. All have been Caribbean cruises in the winter. Don't see how I can turn them down. Pay taxes and port fees, upgrade to balcony and away we go!