Gambling Cruises
June 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured, Types of Cruises
Gambling Cruises have been popular with gamblers for many years and even today large cruise ships cannot open their casinos until the boat has sailed three miles offshore and is considered to be in international waters. The interesting way that this ‘three-mile rule’ came into being dates back to the 19th century, when 3 miles was considered the maximum distance that cannons from the shore could actually reach!
Apart from Las Vegas and Atlantic City, most US gambling continues to be enjoyed aboard a gambling cruise, which often lasts for a day or just for the evening. These ‘cruises to nowhere’ usually offer a pleasant trip with barbecue buffets and excellent meals coupled with the opportunity to try your luck at one of the gaming tables or pump the slot machines.
A whole host of casino cruises operate from the ports of Florida, particularly from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Key Largo and Port Canaveral. Companies such as Discovery Cruise line sail to the Bahamas daily at 7.45am and return at 10pm. The low cost includes an all-you-can-eat breakfast, pool deck entertainment for all the family, bars, music and a Las Vegas rules Casino with the usual assortment of slots and gaming tables. There is a three hour stop at Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island, and then a return trip including a buffet dinner. These gambling cruises continue to be popular with families, groups and couples looking for a fun day out with a little cruise ship gambling too. Longer cruises on larger cruise ships can be from one to three days and again offer onboard nighttime entertainment and cabins while days can be spent ashore in Nassau or Freeport.
In Georgia, the Emerald Princess Casino offers snacks and a fully stocked bar as well as slots, poker and roulette. The cruise director keeps the party in full swing with Bonanza Bingo. Day trips sail from 11am to 4pm and evening cruises are from 7pm to midnight. Luxury gaming yachts fro gambling cruises are based in Myrtle Beach and Big M offers an upmarket casino cruise with food, gambling and live entertainment.
