Cruises Gambling

Atlantic City Gambling

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:58:00 +0000

Atlantic City, New Jersey is known for its boardwalk, spas, golf, fine dining, ocean front….and its casino gambling. Second only to Las Vegas, Atlantic City attracts many guests to visit for a weekend or longer to enjoy the fantastic casinos.

During the day, visitors to Atlantic City may enjoy the ocean, boardwalk, shopping, trolley tours, antiques and family amusements. Nearby there are several top wineries to tour. One of the most famous is the Elephant and Renault Winery which offers tours of the vineyard and plant following by a guided wine tasting and the opportunity to buy.

After dark, Atlantic City really excels with its excellent entertainment and casinos. Each casino has its own particular theme and atmosphere but they all combine to provide non-stop action 24/7. There are eleven top casinos in this vibrant city, and much like Las Vegas they are part of big hotel and entertainment complexes by some of the biggest names in the business.

Caesar’s, Bally’s and Harrah’s are joined by Atlantic City Hilton Casino, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Resorts Casino, Tropicana and Showboat which has a great Mardi Gras theme. Three further casinos are owned by Trump – Trump Marina, Trump Plaza and Trump Taj Mahal Casino.

There are thousands of slots to choose from, some with high limits, plus video poker where you play at your own pace against the machine. Fast-moving craps is a skilled game to watch and to play, or sit at a table for Blackjack, Texas Hold’Em and other popular table games.

Caesars Atlantic City features Palace East, an Asian themed casino, decorated with chopstick wall art and featuring 25 Asian table games including Pai Gow Poker and Pai Gow Tiles. Two other specialized games not found onboard cruise casinos is Rapid Roulette, which uses touch-screens and Sic Bo, a game with three dice and an electronic screen. For traditional gambling games or new ideas and variations, Atlantic City is certainly somewhere every gambler will want to visit.

Monte Carlo Casinos

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:56:56 +0000

Monte Carlo is a small town on the French Riviera. Bordering the Mediterranean, it is part of the principality of Monaco which lies on the border between France and Italy. Monte Carlo is synonymous with the rich and famous. Its port is full of multi-million dollar yachts transporting their billionaire owners, royalty and celebrity friends from port to port. Staying in Monte Carlo is very expensive, but as it is just a short distance to the border with France, many visitors to Monte Carlo stay outside Monaco. Other visitors arrive on the many cruise ships which make Monte Carlo a port of call on their Mediterranean itineraries.

Apart from the Grand Prix racing which is held in Monaco once a year, its main claim to fame is the casino gambling. Le Grand Casino is in the center of Monte Carlo. The wonderful architecture of this casino complex makes it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Monaco. It was built between 1858 and 1863, shortly after gambling was legalized by Prince Florestan I in 1854. It includes the Grand Theatre de Monte Carlo, an opera and ballet house and it hosts the annual European Poker Tour Grand Final, a highly prestigious event in the gambling calendar. Interestingly, residents of Monaco are forbidden from entering the gaming rooms at the casino. The gardens surrounding this beautiful casino are also well worth a visit.

Visitors to the Grand Casino will have to show their passport and pay an entrance fee. Inside the Monte Carlo Grand Casino, as you would expect, the interior is opulent and lavishly decorated. There is a special poker room for the ultra wealthy. The Monte Carlo casino offers several types of roulette, stud poker, blackjack, trente et quarante, craps, baccarat, video poker and ample slot machines.

Several cruises make Monte Carlo a port of call including Ocean Village, MSC, Sea Dream, Crystal Cruises, Sovereign, Oceania, and Princess. The Seabourn and the Silversea Cruises actually depart from Monte Carlo, making these excellent cruises for those who enjoy gambling both in Monte Carlo and then at the onboard cruise casino during the remainder of the cruise.

World Cruises

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:53:52 +0000

True round-the-world cruises take approximately three months to circumnavigate the globe, taking in some of the most exotic, remote and desirable ports in the world. Some of the best world cruises are with Cunard out of Southampton, England, but Crystal, Regent, Holland America and Silversea also have excellent world cruise itineraries. You may have noticed these are among the most exclusive and expensive luxury cruise lines, and world cruises are generally pricey.

Many cruisers choose to do one or more ‘legs’ of the cruise so passengers are constantly changing. Other world cruisers take a cabin or suite and stay on for the whole trip. From a world trip you can visit the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the tombs and pyramids of Egypt, the delights of South Africa, Asia and the Far East, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. All these destinations can be enjoyed from a world cruise without having to fly or change hotel rooms once. Your world cruise ship is your floating hotel or home for the whole experience.

World cruises vary from other cruises as the passengers are generally over retirement age. They are usually wealthier and expect to mingle with like minded travelers. Many days during the three month cruises are spent at sea and the entertainment and opportunities on board are quite unmatched. World famous lecturers are invited to talk about their specialized subject during the cruise. It may be about wine, art, the places to be visited, antiques, jewelry and many other subjects. Cruisers also have the opportunity to dance, although it is mainly ballroom dancing rather than discos on board these ships. Cookery demonstrations, flower arranging and learning a new language may all be offered along with the usual spa treatments, library, computer room and endless meals.

Classes are also offered throughout the cruise, teaching cruisers the skills of bridge, mahjong and many gambling games. The onboard casinos offer lessons in each of the games they offer from blackjack and poker to craps. They also may host casino nights for charity when fun can be had playing with chips. Everyone is given a set number, the winner being the holder of the most chips at the end of the evening. For those who enjoy gambling and card games, a world cruise offers a constant supply of companions of all skill levels who will happily gamble from morning to night.

A world cruise is a wonderful way to experience luxury travel to some of the most exotic ports in the world. With trips ashore, cruisers can explore the world from the comfort of their cabin with like-minded friends. For those who are tired of the more predictable cheap and cheerful cruises for the masses, the quality offered on a world cruise will both surprise and delight.

Relocation Cruises

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:51:38 +0000

Most of the major cruise lines ply different cruise routes during the different seasons. The Mediterranean is popular during the summer months, along with many countries in the northern hemisphere. Cruises to Alaska only take place from May to September, when access is easiest and temperatures are more conducive to shore excursions. The Caribbean is popular during the winter months, from November to April, when hurricanes have passed and many guests are looking for winter sunshine to break the long winter months. The southern hemisphere is opposite to the northern hemisphere with its seasons, making it excellent for cruises from November to May. Cruises to South America, Australia and New Zealand will generally take place during the northern hemisphere’s winter months, taking advantage of the southern hemisphere’s summer.

Obviously the major cruise lines move their ships from one area to another twice a year to take advantage of these preferential cruising seasons. During April and May, Carnival, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity, Holland America and other cruise lines will offer one-off relocation cruises as the ships move from the Caribbean to their summer destinations which may be in Alaska, Europe and the Mediterranean. Similarly around November the ships will once again relocate to their winter destinations.

Many of the relocation cruises cross the Atlantic where there are few opportunities for port visits. This puts the emphasis on the onboard entertainment. Many classes are offered to fill the days with card games, dancing, lectures, film shows, beauty demonstrations, art auctions and more. There may be classes to teach common gambling games such as poker, blackjack, craps and roulette. The professional croupiers will teach more advanced play, and who better to learn from than the professionals? For those who enjoy gambling, a relocation cruise offers some of the best opportunities to play, as there are no ports. Cruise ships must close their casinos whilst in port, but with almost ten continuous days at sea, the opportunities abound for making the most of the onboard top class entertainment and gambling.

Relocation cruises represent some of the best value for money round. These cruises are one-offs and are generally priced low to begin with. Add to that the increased amount of entertainment offered during the day, rather than being ashore and you can really get excellent value for money. This advantage, coupled with some unique itineraries to traverse the Panama Canal, cross the Atlantic or sail up the western US coast to Alaska should put these cruises on every serious traveler’s ‘must do’ list.

Gay and Lesbian Cruises

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:49:15 +0000

Gone are the days of discrimination- The days of discrimination against same sex couples is definitely something of the past. Cruise liners have decided to follow the trend by catering specifically for either or both gay and lesbian cruises. No matter what size the liner from small deluxe to large luxury you are guaranteed to find homosexual singles, couples and families on board, each varying in their sexual preference approach, from in-your-face to discreet, depending entirely of course on their personalities.

Hetero mingling- Most homosexuals prefer ordinary cruises to all gay cruises. This can be attributed to the fact that all gay cruises are very limited in terms of itineraries, very high premiums of between 20-40 percent are payable and ships may only sail a couple of times a year which forces homosexuals to plan their trips accordingly. Just like heterosexuals, homosexuals love the luxury of choice and to meet people who are hetero. Friendship should definitely not be linked to sexual orientation. It may be difficult for ordinary cruise shipmates and staff to handle awkward situations. It is however important not allow good spirits to be dampened by such moment or events here and there.

Homo groups- A couple of mixed liners have introduced Gay Groups onboard their ships. These groups offer super rates when compared to all homo liners and anonymity while making new same-sex friends and bonding.

All gay cruises- With the luxury of choice and cruise liners following latest trends, gays and lesbians are now given a chance to skip mixed cruises and to opt for all homosexual cruises. Bonding on these cruises are more intense, parties are harder and new gay friends made easily.

Gay or Lesbian packages- Gay or Lesbian cruise packages may be offered by ordinary travel agencies or focused homosexual cruise agencies. Its recommended that you rather opt for focused cruise agencies as they are more likely to be in tune with your needs. The packages may cost significantly more than ordinary mainstream packages, however these packages include many extra’s in the form of special activities, homo-themed parties and excursions, homosexual entertainers and costume parties to mention but a few.

Online research and resources- The internet has a wealth of information on gay and lesbian travels as well as packages, to fall within the taste of even the fussiest homosexual single or couple. Online budget estimators make calculation of the perfect package quick and easy with the mere click of a mouse. Various homo focused websites give listings on destinations and available accommodation. Its recommended that you sneak a peek at gay bars and get-togethers in the area you are planning to visit.

Popular homosexual charters- It is recommended that guys try Atlantis Events, RSVP Vacations and Pied Piper Travel and girls’ Olivia charters for their same-sex cruising needs. These charters have endless lists of scheduled cruises throughout the year with voyages to destination such as Greek Islands, Hawaii, Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska. It is very important to note that cruises self are not only homosexual welcoming but entertainment is also focused on gay or lesbian preferences.

Homosexual friendly ports- A very important factor to consider when choosing an ordinary cruise instead of a gay or lesbian specific cruise is the fact that some ship port have a very bad reputation of being severely homophobic. These destinations include Turkey, Middle East, Jamaica and Grand Cayman Islands. It is especially the Governments of Islamic countries and Caribbean Islands who reject the homosexual lifestyle. Homo-only cruises totally avoid these ports on cruise schedules.

Gay etiquette- Please remember that these suggestions on gay etiquette only apply to mixed cruises and not all gay or lesbian voyages. Its recommended that drag outfits such as wigs and sequence are left at home. Crew member flirting and sex is a big no-no. Any staff caught in cabins without proper explanation or valid reason will be fired on the spot, with exceptions on meetings during port visits. Kissing and hugging is limited to greetings and celebrations. Hand holding is allowed anytime. Disco as well as slow same-sex dancing is allowed. Same-sex couples are welcome to pose affectionately as much as they want to for close-up onboard photo’s.

Dress codes- The general dress code on your cruise will be casual. However its important to keep in mind that shorts, t-shirts and flip flops are prohibited in the dining rooms. Smaller ships have very few formal nights, so it will be recommended that you pack only one set formal evening attire.

Single Cruises

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:48:12 +0000

Organized or unorganized single cruises?- Organized single cruises are highly recommend especially for first timers. Firstly, you will know without a doubt that there will be plenty other single people on the voyage and secondly, special singles activities will be rive the whole cruise long which include group seated dining, shore adventures and cocktail parties.

Disadvantages of not using a singles cruise agency- Its a fact that booking singles cruises via singles cruise agencies you will cost a lot more than just directly booking with the liner. However the added costs will cover expenses of special planned activities and extra’s such as gift packs, name tags etc. The greatest disadvantage of not using a singles cruise agency will be your restriction to participate in planned singles activities.

Cruise liner attitudes- It is important to realise from the start that not all cruise liners have the same attitude towards singles. On the one hand you will have liners who offers special singles rates and organise special singles events and on the other you will have liners who discourage single travellers totally by making singles packages as unattractive as they possibly can. Ships with larger capacity’s prefer families or couples. These liners also have a tendency to be very overcrowded and lacking in privacy. Luxury liners with a capacity of no more than 300 passengers come highly recommended for singles. Passengers on these smaller liners are more close-knit which makes it easier to meet new people. Some cruise liner try to strike a balance by hosting special singles programmes and supplements on their cruise schedules such as singles cocktail parties.

Rate saving- Single occupancy rates can be saved on by asking your singles cruise agency to find a cabin friend for you to share fare with. It is however important to realise that you are taking a major risk as some cabin friends may not be exactly your cup of tea. You stand the chance of possibly ruining your entire trip if you are couple with the wrong person. Agencies use criterion such as sex, smoking preferences, age, sleeping habits and geographical area when picking your cabin partner for you. There are unfortunately facets which are not considered during the process which include personalities.

Themed cruises- Themed cruises are an extremely popular means to meet singles who share same the interests, hobbies and passions as you do. Usually cruise theme will be a major giveaway of what your shared interests are. The shared-interest camaraderie of these cruises gives a wonderfully relaxed and fun feeling. A major and probably the only disadvantage to themed cruises is very high cost associated with these specially arranged sea voyages.

Packing list- Its essential to compile a packing list well in advance to make sure that you pack according to liner dress codes prescriptions. Casual wear such as shorts, t-shirts and sundresses are suitable for everyday activities on your cruise. Wheeled footwear in any shape or form is totally prohibited. Evenings will be casual code, with exceptions on elegant evening where guests are given the opportunity to dress in formal evening attire. Dining room dress codes vary from casual to elegant. However shorts, jeans, sleeveless shirts, flip-flops, bathing suits, sportswear and baseball hats will not be allowed in the dining area on elegant dinners. For trips to Canada, New England, Alaska, Europe and South America it’s recommended that you pack lots of warm clothing which includes sweaters, raincoats, umbrella’s and lightweight jackets. If you are planning a trip to any religious destination or tourist attraction its important to wear suitable clothing. Some sites prohibit bare legs and shoulders. This is merely a means to show that you have respect for religion.

Age restrictions- Guests are required to be at least 21 years of age on day of embarkation. This should not be a problem as most singles are over the age of 21. Your age will be verified before you are granted access to liner. No exceptions whatsoever. Should you not conform with age restriction policies you will immediately be denied access to the ship and a 100% cancellation penalty levied on any under age chancers who think he or she will get a chance to slip in without being noticed.

Onboard activities- Onboard activities include but are not limited to arts auctions, singles cocktail parties, singles meet and greet, full gambling casino’s, karaoke, midnight and Vegas style shows, nightclubs, guest talent and comedy shows, deck and pool parties, dance classes, spa’s, fitness classes, beauty seminars, Captain’s Dinners, duty-free shopping and pool games.

Hawaiian Cruises

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:46:08 +0000

What better way is there to visit the islands of Hawaii than by cruise ship? The cruise will sail through the beautiful Pacific Ocean to the volcanic islands of Oahu, Big Island, Kauai and Maui where you can see several islands, not just one as with a regular holiday. Cruise lines which specialize in this itinerary include Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Cunard and Princess Cruises. The big advantage of Hawaiian cruises is that they sail all year round enjoying the beautiful sunshine and balmy temperatures which Hawaii is known for.

While some cruises sail from San Francisco, Ensendad in Mexico and Vancouver making continuous round trips, other cruises simply circumnavigate Hawaii and islands further away such as Fanning Island and Christmas island. Cruises from main ports in the USA, Mexico and Canada avoid the additional airfare, but less time is spent actually on the Hawaiian islands. However, starting and finishing in a major city port means that the cruise can be extended with a two or three day vacation in the city before flying home. There are pros and cons to each option. All Hawaiian cruises last at least 7 nights, and many are as long as 15 nights.

Days ashore in one of the ports will include trips to see some of the highlights, and each island is different from the next. The only common shore excursions will be those to the beach, and those visiting a Luau where Hawaiian cultural dance, drumming, fire knife dancing and song is demonstrated and usually traditional floral leis are distributed.

On Hawaii’s Big Island, the Volcanoes National Park has the only two active volcanoes in Hawaii. The Thurston lava tube and the Observatory can be visited. After dark the lava glows orange and steam can be seen as it hits the cool sea water. You can walk to Akaka Falls which drop an impressive 442 feet or visit a coffee plantation.

On Kauai, known as the Garden Isle, cruisers can tour the Botanical Gardens or visit the 10 mile long Waimea Canyon. Maui is known for its pineapple growing. You can fly over the island on a helicopter tour, see the whales nursing their young or visit one of the market places to shop. Oahu is home to Pearl Harbor where there is a memorial and visitor center. This island is known for its surfing competitions and the Kawaiahao church made of coral.

In between ports there is plenty to do on board your cruise ship. Eating, sunbathing, enjoying the spa, attending clubs, lectures and demonstrations are all part of cruise life. The cruise ship casino will also be open when the ship is offshore and is a popular way for those who enjoy gambling to spend their time. The casinos are very professional and cruise ship gambling is a popular pastime with many cruise guests. Slot machines and many gaming tables are offered on most cruise ships.

Cruises around Northern Europe

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:44:53 +0000

Northern Europe has some of the most exciting and exotic destinations which can easily be reached from a cruise. The fairytale castles of Denmark and the spectacular palaces of the Czar of Russia are breathtakingly beautiful. Places such as St Petersburg and Stockholm may be difficult to get to, but on a cruise they are delightful cities to visit for a day. Tours and excursions offered from the cruise ships are expensive but they include door-to-door transport, entrance fees, meals and always the very best of tour guides. Tour the palace of Peter the Great, explore delightful Helsinki or see the blue and white palace of Catherine the Great. The rich history and inheritance of Northern Europe in quite unrivalled and as East meets West, the diversity of the cultures and architecture are wonderful to experience.

Northern European cruises often sail from Southampton or Dover in the UK and the first stop is the canal city of Amsterdam. Further north Bergen in Norway, Copenhagen in Denmark, Hamburg, Oslo, Riga, St Petersburg and Stavanger are just some of the diverse cities which can be visited by cruise boat. The best thing is that this grand tour of Europe does not involve flights, checking in and out of hotels and tiring travel between cities. Cruisers simply sit back in style, are waited on hand and foot and only stir to get off at the next port of call. With very affordable prices, this is surely the most sensible way to see the sights of northern Europe.

On board activities when not in port may include breakfast in your cabin, followed by a mile long walk with other cruisers around the pool deck. Enjoy a buffet lunch, or dine in the main restaurant before maybe a snooze on deck. Work off that afternoon tea in the gym, or pamper yourself in the spa. A read in the library can be followed by a card game with friends before cocktail hour in one of the many bars. Formal dinner is served, then a Broadway-style show in the theatre. Cruisers can try their hand at the onboard casino. With black jack, poker, roulette, craps and slot machines there is something for everyone. Finish the evening in the disco before retiring to your cabin. Cruise life is very relaxed and certainly never boring.

South American Cruises

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:43:43 +0000

One of the best ways to experience a taste of South America is on a South American cruise. Celebrity cruises sail out of Valparaiso, Chile from November to April and offer a great itinerary. Highlights of the trip include visiting Puerto Montt in the Chilean fjords with trips to the beautiful Chilean Lake District; sailing through the Magellan Straits to Punta Arenas and a stop in Ushuaia, the most southerly town in the world nicknamed ‘Fin del Mundo’ – the end of the world. The ship then sails around Cape Horn which is often rough, but on a calm day you can wave to the lighthouse keeper before heading east to the Malvinas (Falkland Islands). These remote islands are like a small English village transported to the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean. The next port of call is Puerto Madryn in Argentina, which offers excellent whale watching tours before a day in Montevideo, Uruguay. The final port is Buenos Aires, which makes a great place to linger for a few days and enjoy this wonderful city. This cruise sometimes detours to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, especially around Carnival time in late February.

This trip is highly recommended and better still, if you book in November, you can also sail on the two week relocation cruise from Miami, across the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal and down to Valparaiso with stops in Cartagena, Colombia; Manta, Ecuador and Lima, Peru. Trips can also be arranged from this cruise to the ruined city of Machu Picchu high in the Andes.

Life onboard these 14 night cruises (28 nights if you sail from Miami) settle into a pleasant routine of dining and entertainment onboard on sea days. The shows and casinos during the evening offer excellent entertainment. The casinos are Las Vegas style in very pleasant surroundings and the casino staff are patient with new players and friendly, particularly as they meet the same guests each evening and get to know them. The cruise has many slot machines in the casino and poker, roulette, craps and other popular gambling tables offering a very pleasant way to spend the evening.

This exceptional South American cruise offers many different ports and experiences from shanty towns to magnificent palaces; snow capped mountains to lakes and a unique chance to see llamas, penguins, seabirds and whales.

Norwegian Cruises

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:42:53 +0000

Some of the best cruises in the world for scenery are those which sail in the Norwegian fjords. Costa Cruises, MSC, Norway Fjord Cruises and Hurtigruten offer some of the best Norwegian cruises. Sailing between snow-capped mountains in mirror-like fjords, the cruise ships pass isolated fishing villages along the coast of Norway which are almost cut off from civilization except by boat. Each port offers a taste of Norwegian history and culture and the opportunity to take trips inland.

The northern part of Norway lies within the Arctic circle, where cruises give passengers a unique chance to visit this sparsely populated land of tundra, glaciers and waterfalls. Tromso is the main city within the Arctic Circle and it has great museums and wildlife. It also offers the chance to experience the ‘midnight sun’ as dusk is swiftly followed by dawn during the summer in these northern areas. During the winter, the sun barely breaks over the horizon, creating almost totally dark days. The northern lights, called the Aurora Borealis, are another wonderful natural phenomenon as brightly colored lights can be seen dancing across the sky. They are caused by electrons colliding with air particles in the earth’s magnetic field.

One of the most popular ports on a Norwegian cruise is Bergen, with its colorful shops along the wharf. The town is full of narrow cobbled streets and quaint shops. Oslo features on some cruises, although the landscape around Oslo is flatter and less dramatic. A Christmas cruise can be particularly beautiful with the opportunity to ride snowmobiles, take a horse drawn sleigh ride, walk on a glacier and ski.

Mail boat cruises along the Norwegian coastline are very popular. They are on smaller ships and call at all the isolated communities delivering essential supplies and mail. Onboard all these cruises the food is legendary with many smorgasbord meals featuring fresh smoked salmon, fish and seafood which Norway is so famous for. Entertainment usually includes a Monte Carlo themed casino onboard which offers traditional gambling on slot machines, at poker tables and playing roulette.

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