What’s the Big Deal?

Poker seems to be the answer.  More and more cruise lines are adding Texas Hold ‘em poker to their casinos.  Unlike other games on board, poker players compete against each other and the house takes a percentage of the pot also known as the “rake”.  Most of the contemporary cruise ships of moderate size and larger feature at least one live poker table or an automated game that does not require a live dealer.  The tables are generally open in the evening for cash games and often one or more tournaments are offered during a cruise.

Carnival Cruise Lines, known for large, action packed casinos, recently announced the PokerPro Challenge, a series of No Limit Texas Hold’em poker tournaments that will take place on the 22-ship fleet now through October. The winners of the preliminary tournaments will face off for a cash prize of $25,000 in the Grand Final during Carnival Freedom’s Jan. 24 six-day voyage from Fort Lauderdale.  First place winners of the preliminary tournaments will be automatically entered to participate in the Grand Final and will receive a certificate toward the Jan. 24 cruise. The tournament entry fee is $150. Your cruise specialist can provide information on the initial tournament schedule.