Casino Royale's Wine of Shame
Royal Caribbean's Casino Royale offers a quirky perk known as the "Wine of Shame", a complimentary bottle of basic wine for loyal players. While the options are budget-friendly reds, whites, or sweets, they can still enhance your cruise experience!
If you've cruised with Royal Caribbean and spent any time in the ship's casino, you might be familiar with their player rewards program, Casino Royale. Among the perks for frequent players is the infamous "Wine of Shame", a complimentary bottle of wine awarded to casino patrons who qualify through their gambling activities. While it sounds fancy, this "reward" has sparked a mix of humor and curiosity among passengers. It's often referred to as "the most expensive cheap wine you'll every buy." Is it worth it? What's the catch? And how do you even qualify for it? Let's dive into the process, the quirks, and what you need to know about Casino Royale's "complimentary" wine.
How Does Casino Royale Work?
Casino Royale is Royal Caribbean's loyalty program for gamblers. It operates on a tiered system, where points earned from playing games like slots, blackjack, and poker determine your benefits. You earn points based on the money you wager:
- Slots: 1 point for every $5 wagered.
- Video Poker: 1 point for every $10 wagered.
- Table Games: Points vary depending on the game and betting amounts but are typically very low. (i.e. 10 points per hour at $10/$15 Blackjack)
Players who meet certain thresholds in points during a cruise are eligible for rewards like free drinks while gambling, onboard credit, and, of course, the bottle of wine.
The "Wine of Shame" Defined
The complimentary bottle of wine you receive is humorously dubbed the "Wine of Shame" by seasoned cruisers. Why?
- The Quality: These wines are often low-cost bottles from the ship's inventory, something you'd likely find in the $8–$10 range at your local grocery store. Think bottom-shelf Merlot or a questionable Chardonnay.
- The Presentation: The wine is handed to you with little fanfare or delivered straight to your stateroom. It's not a glamorous presentation, which makes the experience feel comically underwhelming.
- The Implication: Some guests joke that receiving the wine is a consolation prize, a cheeky reminder of how much you spent in the casino to "earn" it.
How to Qualify for the Free Wine
Earning the "Wine of Shame" is fairly straightforward:
- Reach the Points Threshold: You'll typically need to accumulate at least 1,000 Casino Royale points during your cruise. This translates to roughly $5,000 wagered on slots or varying amounts at table games.
- Check with the Casino Host: Once you've hit the threshold, the casino host will notify you of your reward.
- Redeem Your Bottle: You can collect your bottle from the casino or have it delivered to your stateroom.
Trends and Observations
While the wine itself might not be exceptional, the gesture is appreciated by some cruisers, especially those who enjoy a lighthearted perk after a night of gambling. However, trends among seasoned Casino Royale participants include:
- Re-Gifting the Wine: Many passengers end up giving the wine away to fellow cruisers or crew members.
- Bragging Rights: Posting photos of the infamous wine on social media.
- Collecting It as a Trophy: Some cruisers enjoy keeping the bottles as quirky souvenirs of their casino experience.
Is It Worth It?
The "Wine of Shame" isn't a dealbreaker or a major selling point for most Casino Royale participants. It's more of a humorous cherry on top of the rewards you earn. If you're a casual gambler, don't expect the wine to justify the money spent to qualify. For high rollers, it's just another small perk in a suite of benefits.
Maximizing Casino Royale Benefits
While the free bottle of wine might feel a bit underwhelming, it's not entirely a wash. There are ways to maximize your Casino Royale benefits without feeling like you've gambled away more than what's coming back to you. If you're aiming to make the most out of your casino experience, here are some tips:
- Stick to a Budget: Play responsibly and know your limits. The goal should be entertainment, not chasing rewards.
- Ask About Perks: Casino Royale hosts can provide details on free play, complimentary drinks, and other perks you might qualify for.
- Track Your Points: Keep an eye on your progress during the cruise to know what rewards you're earning.
- Focus on Future Cruises: The best rewards from Casino Royale are future cruise offers. Once you reach a certain tier, you can receive offers for significantly discounted or even complimentary cruises, making your casino play far more worthwhile.
Conclusion
The "Wine of Shame" has become a quirky tongue-in-cheek part of the Casino Royale experience for regulars on Royal Caribbean cruises. While it may not be the grandest of rewards, it's still a symbol of your time spent gambling at sea. However, if you're hoping for more than a simple bottle of wine for your loyalty, focus on the bigger perks, discounted cruises, free drinks, and onboard credits, that Casino Royale offers.
For those who want to stretch their gambling dollar, make sure to keep an eye on your Club Royale offers. And if you do get that complimentary bottle of wine, just enjoy it with a laugh, knowing you're part of a special club of Casino Royale insiders.
