How to Win at Slots:
First of all, realize that your odds of winning are typically lower with slots than other casino games.  The odds of a jackpot typically range from anywhere between 1 in 46,656 and 1 in 8,107,500 (and that’s not even counting progressive jackpot machines, which have odds in the tens of millions).

Slots are a great way for casinos to make money, but are not the best way for a player to make money. Playing the casino tables will usually let your money go further, and you get the fun of human interaction as well. Now, that said, you may love playing the slots, and the following tips will help you play longer.

Tip 1: Play the cheapest machines
While the high stakes slot machines at a casino may advertise a higher payout, lower denomination slots will let your money go further. The difference in savings to you can be as much as $15 an hour, generally with a payback more often.

Tip 2: Play the machines with the lowest jackpot
Winning a huge jackpot, such as at the progressive machines, may be very enticing, but you stand to win more often playing machines with small jackpots. While you may not walk away rich, you may have enough to keep playing each day of your vacation without having lost much or any money at the end.

Tip 3: Play specific casinos
While slot machines with “patterns” don’t exist, and payouts from casinos can be inconsistent, some casinos are less stingy than others. While it may take some research to find out which casinos these are, in the long run you’ll stand to lose less money by finding the casinos with a higher average payout. To find out the average win percentages of Las Vegas casinos, check out these reports posted by the Nevada gaming commission. If you want to investigate a particular casino, you can also try contacting them directly.

Tip 4: Get yourself a slot card
A common misconception is that playing with a slot card will inhibit your chances at winning a pot. The real affect it has on your chances? None at all. Though the actual “cashback” rewards of a slot card won’t save you much, the discount mailers and such that casinos send you will.

Tip 5: If it’s not specific, skip it
A common casino trick is to advertise “loose” machines, or use general, vague language like “Up to 97% payout.” As a smart player, you’re much better off seeking out the machines that advertise a specific payout. While a majority of casinos will not label their machines at all, some do, and when you stumble on it, you’ll want to stick to these machines.

While you may not necessarily be able to win more money using these tips, they will enable you to play at casinos longer, and have more fun. Don’t trust any website purporting a special “system” for beating slot machines, especially the ones that charge a substantial sum to tell you. If they’re winning so much from the slots, why do they need to charge you for the trick?

The best advice? Just go, don’t sweat the small stuff, and have a good time.

********************************************************

Casey “Slim” Andrews is a casino slot games reviewer and writer at Real Casino Slots. Visit their website for reviews and more tips on playing…and winning!

********************************************************
Image: flickr:ragingwire

Twenty Six CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) associated cruise lines and member travel professionals are sponsoring special cruise events this week to entice you to book a bargain holiday.  Check your favorite cruise line’s website for all of their one week sale specials.  Here are a few samples of the promotions being offered during National Cruise Vacation Week:

AMA Waterways
Up to Double Savings plus 1 category upgrade & transfers

Azamara Club Cruises
Up to $500 onboard spending credit per stateroom

Celebrity Cruises
Up to $400 per stateroom shipboard credit

Oceania Cruises
2 for 1 cruise fares with free aifare plus up to $5,000 Bonus Savings

Princess Cruises
Onboard discounts worth up to $325 & reduced deposit of $100, per person

You can find a CLIA member travel agency close to you who will have access to all the current promotions by using the Travel Agency Finder.

Happy cruising!

An example of this is the Amazon river cruise in Peru, which offers a very hands-on, up-close experience, taking in the sensational wildlife and scenery. Typically lasting 7-15 days, with a select few lasting a month or longer, river cruises are hugely popular among those who like to approach life at a slower pace, sailing calmly and exploring tranquil riverside towns. A river cruise is generally in common sight of land and there are very frequent stop-offs, giving you new places to explore at regular intervals.

The most common river cruises include trips along the Amazon, the Yangtze, the Rhine, the Seine, the Nile, the Volga, the Danube and the Mekong.

A majority of the cruises have a wide range of onshore/onboard activities, including visiting local landmarks and guided tours to cultural historic sites and museums. Tour guides also offer running commentary whilst you sail the rivers. You will notice that some river ships resemble a 5-star hotel, with excellent entertainment facilities, casinos, saunas, steam rooms, gyms and first class dining options all available onboard. All-inclusive options vary from ship to ship, and with over 30 river cruise operators currently offering voyages along inland waterways, there is a great deal of choice for all different budgets.

Viking River Cruises offer a wide range of elegant, comfortable ships, with spacious accommodations and excellent all-inclusive packages. With Viking, everything from your meals to enrichment lectures are typically included in the initial price. Choose from cruises around Europe and Ukraine or as far afield as China and Vietnam. You will be taken care of by the personally recruited, English speaking staff, with 99.8% of their passengers commenting that Viking’s staff had met or exceeded their personal expectations.

Now you know a bit more about what river cruising is all about, it’s up to you to decide which river you feel suits you best. Whether it’s a stunning safari River Nile cruise or a sumptuous cruise surrounded by vineyards and castles on the River Rhine… The choice is yours!

Happy Cruising!

______________________________________________________________

About the Author: Ellis Green writes on behalf of LoveCruise.co.uk, a London based cruise consultancy offering advice, discounts and 1st hand experience of the cruise industry.                                                                       ______________________________________________________________

Voyages to Antiquity is offering “double discounts” on their Mediterranean Cruise-Tours.
What sets Voyages to Antiquity apart is their dedication to helping voyagers “understand the history, art, myths and architecture of the ancient world”.  They cruise with approximately 350 passengers and have top lecturers and celebrated guest speakers on board.  Their current promotions offer free air, free shore excursions, gratuities, transfers and porterage, and NO single supplements and often pre and/or post cruise city stays! Even more remarkable, their prices are for cruise-tours of two weeks or more.  The 16 day Athens to Rome itinerary in May & August is priced from $3,950 ppd0, 16 days from Rome to Venice in May from $3,695 ppdo, 14 days Istanbul to Athens in June from $3,295 ppdo, and 14 day Athens to Istanbul in July from $3,295 ppdo.  Find all the details at Voyages to Antiquity.com

Mega-Yacht Star Clipper Cruise Line is Offering up to 40% off Greek Isles Cruises
Perhaps you’d prefer to majestically sail into iconic Greek harbors on a 4 masted schooner like adventurers of old… or wealthy tycoons in their mega-million dollar sailboats of today.  Sailing aboard  Star Clipper Cruise Line makes you feel like you’re among the privileged few, and indeed, the ships host only about 200 guests on each sailing.  Their agile ships are able to enter ports and bays frequented by local fishermen and where large cruise ships cannot enter.  Their itineraries for 7 Nights Greek Isles & Turkey, as well as 7 Nights Greek Isles & Northern Turkey are both offering promotions on selected summer sailing dates with savings of 30-40%.  A 7 night cruise in July for instance has cabins starting at $1,245 ppdo.  Your local travel agent will have all the details and pricing available, or visit them online at StarClippers.com

Crystal  Cruises Is Shaking Up The Industry With Standby Fares
Long considered the number one luxury cruise line in the marketplace, Crystal Cruises has a dramatic new program offering last minute standby fares at up to 75% on brochure fares.  The standby fares are offered on 3 itineraries this spring; a 12 day Alaska cruise on May 9, 12 or June 2nd, an 11 day Scandinavia/Russia sailing on May 22nd, or a 14 day North Cape/Artic Circle sailing departing on June 13th.  To secure the standby fare a $500 deposit must accompany the booking with full payment due within 3 days of confirmation.  The discounted fares are cruise only, meaning no air transportation, port, security or handling charges are included in the standby price.  For full details contact your travel agent or visit CrystalCruises.com.

While major ocean cruise lines build ever larger ships so huge that they virtually guarantee long lines, over crowding and an impersonal journey, river cruise lines offer a vacation experience that is congenial, engaging and relaxing.  River cruising is gaining popularity among discerning travelers looking for a relaxed and intimate European vacation.  And since their ports of call are in major cities along notable waterways, it’s convenient to add a short river cruise to any European itinerary.

The Mozart cruise aboard the deluxe Amadeus Royal, is described as ‘a musical odyssey’, visiting cities in Bavaria before making it’s way to Vienna Austria where Mozart lived most of his short adult life.  There will be numerous opportunities to learn about the life and times of Mozart as well as enjoy special performances of his compositions while gliding past magnificent scenery.  This is truly a journey that will lift your spirit and make your heart sing!  Visit eWaterways.com for the full details.

In the past few years two Italian based cruise lines have made a dramatic entry into the Caribbean marketplace with new ships and a continental flair.  MSC and Costa Cruise Lines  have each sailed their sparkling new cruise ships across the Atlantic to offer a unique style of cruising to North American passengers.  To attract your attention, these cruise lines are offering dramatic discounts on their sailings this winter.  You’ll also have the advantage of paying in US dollars rather than the Euro when the ships are in Caribbean and US waters.  Here’s a glimpse of the great deals available on these two European based cruise lines.

MSC – Is the world’s fastest growing cruise line with the youngest and most modern fleet of ships afloat. You may not be familiar with MSC yet, but they are well worth getting to know.  MSC is one of the few family owned cruise lines in existance, and their owners are dedicated to sharing old world Italian ambience.

Until the end of December you can take advantage of their Buy One, Get One at 50% off promotion (which includes President’s week sailings).  This makes for a perfect winter escape for the entire family.  Book one stateroom and get the adjoining room at a 50% discount.  If you all want to be in one room, you’ll be happy to know that kids sail free.  A quick look at Cruise.com shows sailings from $444 per person for a 7 day cruise!

You might also enjoy one of their imaginative theme sailings this winter season.  January 16 and February 6th are Baseball Greats Cruises, January 9th is a Polka cruise, January 23 is for Latin Music lovers, and January 30th is a Comedy Cruise.

Based in Naples, but now owned by Carnival Cruise Line, their fleet of 15 ships sail the world “Italian Style”. They offer sailings to Eastern Canada, Bermuda and the Western Caribbean designed for North American passengers.

Take a look at these prices!!! Sailings this winter have been discounted by up to 73% off brochure listings. Three voyages in January start at a mere $299 per person – incredible! Visit the CostaCruise.com website and click on the Hot Deals tab for the best pricing.

Arrivederci!

The Ice Bar – inspired by the famous ice hotels in Sandanavia, this frozen iced vodka chamber is embedded with LED lights that the glow blue, green and purple to simulate the Northern Lights. A limited group of 25 passengers will be decked out in fur coats, gloves and hats as they experience the ultimate chill at 17 degrees fahrenheit. The room is full of life-size sculptures, bar, walls, tables and stools – all made of ice. But fear not, the place will be red hot with the hottest techno beats.

The Posh Beach Club – Adult passengers will be able to purchase a POSH pass for one day or an entire week of frolicking in this luxurious outdoor entertainment complex. By day, guest will laze on white-cushioned day beds and private cabanas along side a 35 foot cascading waterfall, while funky beach music plays in the background and spiked snow cones are served. At night it’s pure sizzle as guests dance outside under the stars all night long or lounge on a POSH bed with bottle service on silver trays.

The Halo – a heavenly Uber Bar. This bar will be very exclusive, open only to Garden and Courtyard Villa guests. That’s right Villa accommodations on board ship instead of a standard cabin! The Halo will showcase the best of the best the ship has to offer, from fine liquors to dazzling gems. Private gaming tables will offer baccarat and blackjack – all you James Bonds out there, here’s your chance to take part in private gaming without going all the way to Monaco.

Bliss Ultra Nightclub – features NCL’s signature bowling alley at sea and has a decadent Las Vegas nightclub feel. This will be a high-energy ultra lounge with plasma screen showing music videos, shadow dancers and non-stop music. There will also be White Hot Nights where guests are encouraged to wear all white outfits including specially designed “white hot” shirts and feather boas. And if that’s not enough action, there will be gaming tables with dealers.

Spice H2O – a spicy outdoor amphitheater infused with Latin and Asian influences at the back of the ship. There will be a huge LED screen displaying video images of charging bulls, flamenco dancers, and even tap dancing Geishas (that’s a new one on me)! At night the lounge becomes an Ibiza-inspired beach club with thumping live entertainment and dinner served on lounge beds or at tableside.

Phew, I’m exhausted just writing about it. Never mind a cabin….just hang out in all the clubs and catch a wink on those lounge beds. Guests will be able to purchase Beyond the Velvet Rope packages to gain access to all the exclusive clubs on board. Norwegian Cruise Lines is clearly on the cutting edge of cruising with their new F3 series ships. You probably won’t find Grandma and Grandpa anywhere in sight!

So how do you find small group touring or private guiding in a cruise port? Read on to find all the resources you’ll need.

Step 1 – Visit your cruise line’s website and scour their brochures to read all about the cruise excursions they offer and at what price. If you’ve sent away for the Tourist Bureau’s visitor’s guide for the area you’re sailing to, that’s a great place to look for local independent tour companies and guides.

Step 2 – Visit PortReviews.com and get the skinny on what other cruisers have said about the excursions that interest you.

Step 3 – Time for serious research. Visit some of the following private shore excursion websites to read up on excursions available and to comparison shop:

ShoreTrips.com
PortTrips.com
PortPromotions.com
PortSideTours.com
Viator.com
MyExcursions.com

Step 4 - Now that you are well versed in what’s available, choose three excursions that are your ‘must see’ items. Compare those three adventures for price, content and group size among the online sites and the cruise ship offerings and reserve at the best source.

IMPORTANT: If you reserve a shore excursion with anyone but your cruise line YOU are responsible for arriving back to the cruise ship in plenty of time before it’s scheduled departure. Be sure to double check the exact hours you will be in port. If you are delayed, the ship will depart without you and you will have to make your way to it’s next port on your own. You may want to advise the front desk what private guiding company you are out with in case they need to determine your whereabouts.

Step 5 – On days that you haven’t reserved a tour in advance, consider teaming up with some new friends you’ve met on board and hiring a local taxi to take you to the sites that interest you. This works particularly well in the Caribbean where taxi charges are well marked in cruise ports and lines of taxis are waiting to greet each ship.

How ever you decide to explore your cruise ports, I hope you have the opportunity to meet some local citizens and get a glimpse of their lives away from the hubbub of the cruise terminal. After all, that’s really why you traveled all that distance.

#1 Drink Passes – Most cruise lines will offer to sell you drink passes when you go through the check in process (both for soft drinks and/or cocktails). Now, if you’re traveling with children who will be downing sodas and Shirley Temples all day long, the soda pass is probably a no brainer. For everyone else consider your drink consumption carefully and do the math. So with that in mind, I usually wait until I’m on board and see how much my cocktails of choice actually cost and then make my decision at leisure. Typically any waiter or bartender can also sell you a drink pass. You can also save money by taking advantage of free cocktail receptions on the ship. There will always be a Captain’s welcome party, an art preview reception, etc. Forget the shots with dessert – they’re just trying to pad your bill!

#2 Wine and Cocktails – We bring some wine and vodka with us. Many cruise lines allow you to bring wine on board – and I believe in don’t ask don’t tell. I find neoprene bottle pouches make great packing for bottles in the middle of the suitcase and take up no space when empty. I also bring along or buy a thermal travel mug to fill with orange juice at the breakfast buffet (to go with that vodka), or ice tea or whatever. If you’re a beer drinker, you may find it’s less expensive to order a six pack from room service (store in your mini fridge) rather than purchasing bottled beer at the bar. Bring along a zip up coozie for the bottle if you want to tote it around.

#3 Shore Excursions - Do your homework, there’s no excuse for paying too much. You’ll find descriptions and prices for shore excursions on your cruiseline’s website as well as in the final documents. Visit online shore excursion websites to comparison shop. Give these a try: ShoreTrips.com, Viator.com, PortTrips.com, Port Promotions. Alternatively make some friends on board and team up for private excursions. Some cruise lines host a meeting for folks who are members of CruiseCritic.com. When members get together they all compare notes about shore excursions and team up for private excursions. Just be sure that when you go off on your own, return to the ship early so there’s no danger of missing it’s departure – being back on the ship by departure time is entirely your responsibility and they WILL leave without you, so always plan accordingly.

#4 Shopping – Wander through the cruise ship gift shop and take note of the price points. You may find that items on the ship are less expensive than in port tourist shops – smoked salmon in Alaska for example. Read the daily news brief and look for gift shop promotional sales. If you are on a repositioning cruise, you may find that the cruise ship is changing their gift shop stock. For instance when returning from Europe to the Caribbean, all the Europe branded items will be put on sale.

#4 Casino – Suffice to say, the odds of winning on a cruise ship are dramatically less than in an onshore casino. Plan on loosing a predetermined sum of money or don’t go in. If you want to spend some time in the fun casino atmosphere, but not risk loosing your hard earned funds, participate in the group card game lessons.

#6 Technology – Resist the temptation of using your cell phone on the ship. You will likely be paying $3 a minute or more. Look for the fine print in your cabin about pricing. Wait until you get across the gangplank to power up and make your calls. Most cruise lines offer an internet access package – usually costing about $250-$300 for the length of the cruise. Do you really need to read your email that badly while on vacation??? If you want to check it just once or twice, visit an internet cafe (or public library) while in port and you’ll pay far less than on the ship.

#7 Photos – Put your disposable or digital camera in your pocket and snap away all through the ship. Pass it to your waiter and shipmates and ask them to take your picture. Make a deal with each other in advance that you will purchase no picture from the ship’s photo gallery unless you BOTH look wonderful. When leaving and reboarding the ship, we breeze right by those silly photo ops with mascot characters – plleeease!

#8 Dining – One recent trend is to have specialty restaurants on board that require advanced reservations and additional cost. Now, I feel I’ve paid enough for the cruise and the dining room food had better be really good, or I won’t be back with that cruise line again. So for me, paying extra for a fancy Italian meal or steak dinner (which can’t be cooked on open flame) just doesn’t have maximum appeal. My recommendation is to wait until mid-week and see what the reviews are like by your fellow passengers and then make your decision.

Learn to take full advantage of room service which is included free of charge. Put in a standing order for a wake up pot of coffee, order a cheese tray for enjoying the sunset on your balcony, or a late lunch to be waiting for you when you return from your shore excursion.

#9 Spa – Watch for Spa treatment promotions to be announced for days at sea. Many times you can get reduced rate treatments during mid-day hours when most passengers are ashore on shore excursions. Don’t be afraid to ask at the desk if the treatment you want is reduced at a certain time during your cruise. AND don’t buy those spa products – they are just taking advantage of your relaxed and vulnerable state. Many ships now offer teeth whitening as a spa service – so if you’ve always been wanting to have it done, check the cost at home and see if the shipboard service is a bargain.

#10 Art – just say no. Enjoy the art preview cocktail hour, but keep your hand down during the auction unless you have seriously blank walls at home you’re trying to fill. If you think you might want to purchase an art piece, it would probably be worth a stop at the internet cafe to do a quick scan of EBay and see what a similar piece would sell for off the ship. It’s important to remember that on top of the auction price you will pay a 15% buyers premium AND shipping. Then remember, if you get it home and it doesn’t look right – there’s no simple way for a return. Refer to my first bit of advice!

With a little advance planning you can have a truly memorable cruise without being faced with a huge bill at the end. Happy Sailing, and please share some tips with us about how you’ve saved money while cruising.