Poker cruise ready to set sail
20th January, 2008
The inaugural cruise of the Carnival Elation ship - a poker-themed vessel - is to take place next Saturday (January 26th).
Departing from San Diego, California the ship will be calling in at Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada in Mexico before returning up the Pacific coast and docking again in the States some five days later.
While cruises revolving around poker tournaments are nothing new to America's tourism industry, the Sunshine Players Group which is behind the new service says that a number of features set it apart from the competition.
Price and frequency are two significant factors. Not only do the cruises cost from as little as $400 (£204) including all fees and taxes but they are also running at least 37 times per year, significantly more than the six to ten services operated by most other companies.
According to director of operations Bob Corona, the uniquely friendly and non-confrontational atmosphere at each poker table on the Carnival Elation is another significant drawing point.
"What we're looking for is different than the casinos and the poker rooms," pokerlistings.com reported him as saying. "What we're really doing is finding people that enjoy other people and enjoy poker."
