In a bold departure from the conventional lifestyle, Laura Butler, a woman in her mid-50s, has traded the corporate grind for an unconventional life aboard a cruise ship. Remarkably, her new lifestyle costs her just about $AU300 per week. However, her unique strategy may not suit everyone.
Butler shared her story on YouTube, explaining how she leveraged a little-known gambling points program offered by many cruise lines. Her advice to others considering this lifestyle is straightforward: “Make sure you are losing as little money as possible.”
From Blackjack to Free Cruises
Butler, who describes herself as a budget and loyalty program strategist, stumbled upon this opportunity during a 14-night cruise on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam to the Baltic. While visiting picturesque countries like Sweden and Finland, she celebrated her birthday by trying her luck at the casino’s $AU40 minimum-bet Blackjack tables.
“I played Blackjack on this cruise, not knowing anything about the casino point system,” she recounted. “Nothing was posted. It was unclear what it took to earn free cruises. I just gambled because it was fun.”
Her fortunes changed when she received a letter from the cruise company just before the voyage ended, inviting her back due to her frequent Blackjack plays. “I thought, ‘Free cruise? Amazing!’” she said. This prompted her to take another 14-night cruise with her son, starting in Hong Kong and ending in Singapore.
The Strategy Behind the Lifestyle
During a subsequent 7-day cruise, Butler focused on slot machines instead of Blackjack and accumulated the 20,000 points needed to earn a mini-suite offer. Her strategy revolves around maximizing entertainment while minimizing financial loss.
“If you’re going to go into the casino and get into their comped cruise program, you need to make sure you are losing as little money as possible,” she advised. “The casino house will always win. At the end of the day, the more time you spend in the casino, the house will always win.”
Butler warns against relying solely on gambling for free cruise offers. “Do this for entertainment purposes only. If you’re going to the casino banking on getting a certain offer, that’s a dangerous way to start. You win, you lose, you win, you lose.”
The Risks and Realities
Despite her success, Butler acknowledges the risks involved. She once lost more than $AU2300 during a trip. “I could have lost a lot more,” she admitted. “The point systems will vary based on the length of the sailing. So, the longer the cruise, it’s going to take more points to get the same exact offer.”
She emphasizes that offers aren’t necessarily better on longer cruises; they simply require more points. Butler has met people who continued gambling on the last sea day, unaware that the cutoff was midnight. “Be aware of that, even set your alarm maybe for 9pm or 10pm, just to be sure you don’t run out of time if you’re trying to get to a certain level.”
“What are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.”
Implications and Future Considerations
Butler’s story highlights a novel approach to retirement living, one that combines travel with the thrill of casino gaming. However, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of gambling. As more people look for creative retirement solutions, Butler’s experience offers both inspiration and a reminder of the risks involved.
With the cruise industry continually evolving, loyalty programs and gambling incentives may become more prominent. For those considering this lifestyle, it’s crucial to weigh the financial risks against the potential rewards. Butler’s journey underscores the importance of responsible gambling and the need for thorough research before embarking on such an unconventional path.
