Msc Cruise Poker
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Cruise FAQ
Card Player Cruises - The #1 Poker Cruise Company Card Player Cruises is celebrating its 27th year in business. Watch the video to learn more about what you can expect on your cruise vacation. Join our incredible community and travel the world with us.
What is a poker cruise? A poker cruise is the same as a regular cruise, except that there is an opportunity to play poker while at sea. We turn the conference space on the ship into a fully staffed professional poker room. The poker room is normally closed when in port and during early dining. You can play as much or as little poker as you want. All of the regular shipboard activities are available for your pleasure including all-you-can-eat free food and Broadway style entertainment!
Is a poker cruise expensive, and what is included? No, a poker cruise is not expensive! Some of our recent cruises have had fares starting at less than $550 per person, plus port charges. This includes your cabin, food, and all the cruise amenities that are offered, such as movies, trivia, a spa and fitness center, internet center, dance classes, sports activities, lectures, cooking lessons, poolside games, Ping Pong, shuffleboard, a disco, nightly Las Vegas-style shows, and many other activities to suit everyone's interests. Most Royal Caribbean ships have rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and miniature golf, and some even have Surfriders, zip lines, carousels, Broadway theaters, and Aqua theaters.
The cost of your cruise includes access to our cardroom, plus functions such as our welcome aboard and farewell parties, seminar/s, etc. that are only available to passengers that have booked with us. There really is no cheaper way to travel.
Who goes on a poker cruise? The large majority of passengers are recreational players who enjoy poker and are seeking a fun-filled vacation. We have had players on their honeymoon, celebrating anniversaries or birthdays, and have even had family reunions on board.
I am not an experienced player - will I be intimidated by the poker room atmosphere, and is there instruction and low-limit games for me? The atmosphere in the poker room is very relaxed and jovial. Smoking is not allowed and we have a strict no abuse policy, so everyone has a great time. A very friendly, professional staff is available to insure that you have a good time. Any of our staff will be happy to assist you in any way, so please don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have. We offer beginner lessons to spouses and friends who are not poker players, and a beginners only low-limit game. The beginners game is very popular and a lot of fun!
Why should I book with Card Player Cruises?
In order to play in the poker room, cruise lines dictate that you must book with Card Player Cruises. You will be issued a name tag that you will have to wear whenever you are in the poker room. Another reason to travel with us is that often the Card Player Cruises prices are better than you can find elsewhere.
What perks do I get when I travel with Card Player Cruises?
You get access to an incredible poker room with some of the best poker staff in the world. You get the benefit of traveling with a group and having personal concierges to help and guide you. As a guest of Card Player Cruises, you will be entitled to free cocktail parties, special private excursions (on most cruises), beginners’ lessons, seminars, and poker, poker, poker! You will have access to a delicious food buffet in the poker room.
Who puts on your poker seminars? The poker seminars are taught by the partners of Card Player Cruises; Linda Johnson, and Jan Fisher; renowned poker players, authors, co-hosts of a variety of television programs, and many other accomplishments. Linda is the former owner of Card Player Magazine and a World Series of Poker bracelet winner, as well as the former announcer for the World Poker Tour. Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher are both inductees in to the Women's Poker Hall of Fame. Their seminars are fun and informative.
Are CPC rates comparable to standard cruise rates?
Oftentimes our rates are better than the cruise lines offer. Card Player Cruises signs a contract at least a year ahead of the sailing and rates are locked in at that time. When the sailing is selling well, the rates often go up but if you book early enough, you will still get our early bird rates.
How far in advance do I need to book my cruise?
Selection and availability are best when booked early. Oftentimes certain categories of cabins sell out, so the sooner you can book the better. Once we are within 90 days of the sailing, we have to return our unsold inventory and then we are subject to current cruise line pricing.
In order to secure your cabin we require a deposit (normally $500 per cabin) which is fully refundable up to 90 days prior to sailing. (This applies to all bookings except those fares that are offered at a special non refundable deposit rate)
What are cruise cancellation policies?
Generally you can get a complete refund if you cancel at least 90 days before the cruise. Escalating penalties commence after 90 days prior to the sailing.
I am a solo traveler; do you help with roommates if needed?
We are often able to find you a roommate. The earlier you book, the better your chances will be that we can find you a roommate.
What is included in the cruise fare?
Your accommodation, all you can eat, Las Vegas style entertainment, fun and games such as trivia, Scattegories, name that tune etc., fitness center, full-service casino, enrichment lectures, dance classes, art auctions, housekeeping at least twice a day, pools and Jacuzzis, library, movies, and much more!
What is not included in the cruise fare?
Transportation to and from the ship, gratuities for the shipboard staff, cocktails and soft drinks, shore excursions, photos, poker buy-ins, specialty restaurants, spa and beauty services.
Am I required to play a minimum number of hours of poker during the cruise?
No, you can play as much or as little poker as you want during the cruise.
What hours is the poker room open?
On sea days, we open at 9am. We close during first-seating dinner and when we are in port. On our more popular cruises, we may stay open around the clock, but normally the poker room closes around 3 - 4 a.m.
What kinds of games are played, and are there tournaments? Our poker room is open every day, except when we are in port, and we offer a wide variety of games and limits. A general guideline regarding the games and limits on most cruises is as follows:
No-limit hold'em at blinds of $1-$3, $2-$5 and sometimes higher.
Omaha/8: $4-$8, and often higher Limit Texas hold'em: $2-$4, $4-$8 Mixed games: $4-$8 and sometimes higher If the game or limit you wish to play is not in progress, we'll be glad to start an 'interest' list for most games. All of our cruises offer poker tournaments. Each poker cruise has at least 7 - 10 tournaments per cruise.. These events are some of the most popular aspects of the cruise. Tournaments generally include a no-limit hold'em and occasionally an Omaha high-low event. Buy-ins can be from $80 up to $1,100 HPT main event but each cruise is different. We include a poker schedule link on each of our upcoming published cruises.
What else is there to do besides play poker? Cruise activities include rock-climbing walls, basketball courts, bingo, spa services, Internet, aerobics, movies, ping pong, shuffleboard, trivia contests, disco, karaoke, lectures, dance classes, bridge, golf, volleyball, swimming, parties, and so much more. At night, there are Las Vegas-style shows with singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, Broadway highlights, etc. You won’t be bored! Of course, you can always choose to sleep in, lie around the pool, or read a book and relax. What better way to spend a vacation?
Would my children enjoy cruising? Children love cruising! There are extensive programs for children that provide entertainment for the kids from morning until night. Some of the activities are scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, talent shows, pizza parties, disco parties, trips to the spa/gym, video games, etc. Children are able to sail at reduced rates on most cruise lines.
Is seasickness a problem? Ships are built with great stabilizers and they are so large that you often can’t even tell you are on a ship. Of course it can happen, however there are very good medications available onboard to prevent seasickness.
How old do you have to be to play poker on one of your cruises? You have to be 18 years old to play poker in our poker room.
How do I tip the cruise ship employees? Gratuities for shipboard personnel (waiter, busboy, and cabin attendant) will be automatically charged to your SetSail or other pass during your cruise. A 18% gratuity will automatically be added to your bar bill or wine check when you are served.
About MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises brings the world to you with true Italian hospitality. Their beautiful ships combine European charm with Italian style and elegance. Exciting cruise itineraries will bring you into ports both near and far. Some sailings are highlighted by a fun-filled day at the line's private Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Dining is always a special occasion and one to be savored. Elegant main dining rooms offer multi-course menus. Cuisine is created from fresh ingredients and a different regional specialty is available each evening. International favorites are served at the expansive buffet. MSC Cruises also has specialty restaurants, including those for sushi, Italian and Tex-Mex.
Activities abound onboard MSC's ships. Get your feet wet at the Aqua Park. The youth program will keep kids vacation dreams on track. Family fun includes WII competitions, bowling, 4-D Theater and simulated Formula I racing. As the sun goes down, the fun continues. World-class theater performances, some performed by Cirque du Soleil at Sea, captivate guests each evening. The boutiques feature a variety of beautiful merchandise. Energy levels are high in the bustling casino, dance into the wee hours to live bands and DJ spun music.
Accommodations are spacious, elegant and well-appointed. Step inside and discover large closets, mini-bar, safe, hair dryer, television and more. Choices range from inside, oceanview, verandah, and suites. Many choices feature a private balcony.
Luxury is elevated in MSC Yacht Club, found on many of the line's ships. This private enclave features magnificent accommodations, exclusive amenities, an opulent 24-hour concierge lobby, butler service, a private restaurant, lounge area and pool, complimentary wines and spirits and additional perks.
MSC Cruises gorgeous ships sail to delightful destinations throughout the world.
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MSC Cruise Ship Profiles, Deck Plans and Public Areas
MSC Cruises Highlights
Family Cruising
There is no better family vacation than a cruise. The ease and comfort of cruising cannot be matched and the activities on board an MSC Cruise make it an exciting and enjoyable experience for the entire family. MSC offers many activities for kids and on many sailings, kids even sail free.
Yacht Club
MSC recently introduced a new level of luxury with the exclusive Yacht Club, a private complex within a ship, on their two newest ships, the MSC Splendida and the MSC Fantasia. The MSC Yacht Club is a private haven offering privacy and personalized service, luxury designer suites, exclusive butler and concierge service, complimentary gourmet dining in the Yacht Club's private restaurant, complimentary wine, spirits and other beverages, and luxurious suite amenities.
Dining
There is nothing like La Cucina Italiana, Italian Cuisine or literally and Italian Kitchen and no one knows Italian cuisine like MSC Cruises. A medley of fresh Mediterranean flavors and ingredients are what make Italian gourmet so delectable. The talented chefs will amaze guests with their menus on all meals throughout the cruise. Dining is a true experience on an MSC Cruise.
Unique Itineraries
The ships of MSC travel the globe and reach many unique ports that other ships do not visit. In addition to the Caribbean, Canada and New England, and Europe, MSC also takes guests on cruise adventures in South America, the Middle East and Africa. Imagine cruising to Casablanca, Cape Town or Dubai while experience the comfort of MSC's Italian hospitality. Simply Magnificent!
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