Being my third URComped Grand Classica trip, I was very well taken care of by the crew: in fact, I believe that I have been, the best looked after, in any of my my 20+ prior cruises!
The New casino manager Svetoslav Antonov (sveto.antonov@gmail.com) is among the best i have come across in cruising. Sveto, has had more then a decade in the casino business, including on three MSC ships. The casino staff are wonderful and the drink service first class. Some casino observations: The New Player's Club
1. Slot Tier points are now $5.00 and Video poker/Keno & Electronic Roulette is $10.00 per session.
2. Ruby Card 5,000 points.
3. Emerald Card 15,000 points.
4. Annual tier levels.
5. Ruby & Emerald, get you free drinks while playing, as well as the following.
a. VIP Express Check-in.
b. Casino Rate Cabins.
c Suite upgrades* This is the best benefit.
6. Emerald Perks, in addition to above.
a Priory Disembarkation.
b VIP Entertainment Tickets.
c Comped Premium Drinks in Casino.
d Comped Internet Access.
e Cabin Service Charges Waived.* Best Emerald Benefit.
7 **BIG TIP** PLAY BETWEEN MIDNIGHT & 3:AM, BOTH NIGHTS, TO GET **TRIPLE STATUS POINTS***.
Casino games continue to be poor; but Casino manager insists, that big things are happening soon, with major additions.
Poor Awards Chart: $5.00/$10.00 point: Examples
1,000 for $10.00 Free Play
2,800 for Admiralty Club Dinner
8,000 for $100 Gift Shop Certificate
Outstanding dining in the Admiralty Club Steakhouse for both Dinner and Breakfasts! Delmonico* Steak, was among the best I have ever had. The steaks* are from a 150 year old family ranch, in Wisconsin.
The main dining room for Concierge Guests is wonderful as well.
Remember to try the great barbecue, at 3:pm, day two.
Drink coupons are a good buy, on day one.
Now onto the Best Deal in Cruising: THE CONCIERGE PACKAGE:
1. $125 for one, or $250 per couple.
2. VIP Port Curbside Check-in, and Personal Guide to Main Check-in, than individual escort directly on-board, to the Concierge. (she can be very annoying & obsessively bureaucratic!).
3. 3:pm Wine and Pizza Tasting (8 wines to taste).
4. Sail Away Cocktail Party, with appraisers. (unlimited drinks, off menu)
5. Specialty Dinner at Admiral's Steakhouse.
6. Specialty Breakfasts (2) at Admiral's Steakhouse.
7. Special Concierge Dining Room.
8. A $100 massage or Spa treatment per person.
9. Mock-tail drinks and appraisers, on the Bridge.
10. In Cabin Amenities:
a French Champagne
b Chocolate Dipped Strawberry's
c Robe & Slippers
d VIP Clarins Paris, Shampoo/Conditioner/etc. Bottles.
e Fresh Fruit basket.
f Sometimes* Chocolates.
If your a regular guest, Tip Well, buy Concierge Package, be comped Casino Guest (URComped): you are treated regally! This is simply the best experience (port, on-board, dining, stateroom, spa, bars, casino), I have seen in cruising!