Carnival Cruise Line 'poker rooms'

jamby · #1 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 08:04 AM

The Carnival website advertises Texas Hold 'em and Poker Tournaments taking place in their ship's casinos. I returned in the past week from a cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy and can report that the poker they're referring to (at least on that ship) is 100% electronic. The tables are electronic with no dealers, chips or cards. It's a very impersonal setup and not one given to any exchanges with your fellow players. I was VERY disappointed. I played heads-up and full table cash as well as a sit-n-go while onboard and the experience left a lot to be desired. It's also one that I probably won't take part in again. The user interface was a problem for many too so play didn't proceed smoothly at all and the casino personnel were nowhere to be found when players needed help. All in all, it was a blah experience. Craps took most of my time and money as a result.

Matthew · #2 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 08:40 AM

Interesting.

I've been asking questions on a cruise forum on poker games on cruises - not a lot of info attained.

One person did mention these electronic tables.

We're taking a cruise on Holland America in Feb 2009. Looks like I need to bring my chips and start my own game.

Matthew

BMFD · #3 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 09:24 AM

NCL has live poker. Cash and tournament (tourneys during the day while at sea only). Last year cash was $4/8 limit w/ 5% rake. This year it was $1/2 NL w/ 10% rake, capped at $25....ouch!

I have only done 1 tournament because they start you with basically a short stack and blinds are 15 min. After the dealer said I string raised because I used 2 hands to put in the chips even though I announced my exact raise before making any motion, I won't play them again.

jamby · #4 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 10:21 AM

This is promising news since I'm booked on the NCL Gem for a Mediterranean cruise in summer 2009. I hope they don't switch to e-poker in the interim like Carnival has.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMFD

NCL has live poker.

Matthew · #5 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 10:33 AM

Carnival Corporation owns Carnival (obviously), Holland America, Cunard, Princess, Costa, P&O and Seabourn. I would imagine all the casinos on these lines will have the Poker Pro tables and not live poker.

jamby · #6 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 10:37 AM

I'm sure you're correct Matthew and if they haven't already converted to PokerPro tables these lines are probably in the process of doing so. I believe that it's a relatively recent change on Carnival based on conversations with the casino manager - within the past 7-8 months or so on the Ecstasy at least. Such a drag.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew

Carnival Corporation owns Carnival (obviously), Holland America, Cunard, Princess, Costa, P&O and Seabourn. I would imagine all the casinos on these lines will have the Poker Pro tables and not live poker.

BMFD · #7 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 12:48 PM

I was on NCL Jewel and Pearl the last 2 years. Pearl is the sister ship of Gem, all in the Jewel line.

The Jewel had 1 poker table and the Pearl had 2, but they didn't use the 2nd one very much.

Of other interest, the Pearl had blackjack by the pool during the day. It was the only $5 table they had.

There was also a sports betting machine in the casino. I hardly noticed it and they didn't advertise it.

NanaBanana · #8 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 01:36 PM

I'm booked on a NCL Cruise to Hawaii on the Pride of America in early July. The only information that I've found is that "While you're in the casino, enjoy all the gaming tables you're used to". Can't wait to see if they actually have "live poker" tables.....

. Be nice if they have roulette tables, but probably not. I have played electronic roulette though, and actually like it. Hard to find any electronic roulette anymore......

jamby · #9 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 06:48 PM

Ooh, can't wait for your trip report Nana. I'm pretty sure you won't have any trouble finding a live roulette table on board. The Ecstasy had one and a full size craps table too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NanaBanana

I'm booked on a NCL Cruise to Hawaii on the Pride of America in early July. ...Be nice if they have roulette tables, but probably not.

That's great news. BJ by the pool sounds awesome too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMFD

I was on NCL Jewel and Pearl the last 2 years. Pearl is the sister ship of Gem, all in the Jewel line.

The Jewel had 1 poker table and the Pearl had 2,...Pearl had blackjack by the pool during the day. It was the only $5 table they had.