Pride of Texas casino ship
January 20th, 2015 at 9:44:56 AM
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Hi WoV community! I'm mostly content to lurk, but I haven't seen the new Pride of Texas casino ship mentioned on here, and I thought I'd bring it to your attention. This casino ship will be launching from Port Aransas and Corpus Christi, TX starting this April, and I'm very optimistic that this option will trump driving to Winstar in Oklahoma or L'Auberge in Louisiana for all of us in central Texas. The boat will host up to 1,200 passengers on 2-a-day trips out to international waters, open the casino for six hours, and then sail back. The $30 ticket gives you access to the free buffet as well. They advertise blackjack, poker and 650 slot machines, but no details on the casino particulars. I suppose we'll have to wait until a member of this forum embarks to get the scoop on the blackjack situation (action, min, limits, rules, etc). Here's a link to the information-sparse website:
http://tgn777.com/
Do you share my optimism for this new blackjack venue? I know that another ship, the Texas Treasure, sailed from 2000-08 with limited success, but I'm just ready for Texans to have a closer blackjack option that keeps the jobs and taxes in the state. To be sure, I am in no way affiliated with this ship or the parenting company, Viva Cruises.
http://tgn777.com/
Do you share my optimism for this new blackjack venue? I know that another ship, the Texas Treasure, sailed from 2000-08 with limited success, but I'm just ready for Texans to have a closer blackjack option that keeps the jobs and taxes in the state. To be sure, I am in no way affiliated with this ship or the parenting company, Viva Cruises.
January 20th, 2015 at 10:33:24 AM
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Quote: studmuffnHere's a link to the information-sparse website:
http://tgn777.com/
By information-sparse, do you mean broken?
Quote:Error! Please, contact our technical support.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
January 20th, 2015 at 10:54:09 AM
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January 20th, 2015 at 11:16:03 AM
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I believe this was the company that was trying to pre-sell tickets to the casino months ago. Sounded rather suspicious to me. I would be surprised if this actually happens. anytime soon.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
January 20th, 2015 at 11:57:17 AM
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Website's a little odd - the first voyage is delayed from this week to April. Looks like they're blaming both slot manufacturers and the delayed arrival of the vessel. I would have thought that getting TX to permit a gambling cruise would have been the most likely hold-up...
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
January 20th, 2015 at 12:09:58 PM
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Quote: rdw4potusI would have thought that getting TX to permit a gambling cruise would have been the most likely hold-up...
Actually not. Because the gambling will only be permitted in international waters the state has almost no say about it and does not regulate it. As far as the state is concerned it is basically just a business that takes people for boat rides. The biggest hurdles are the Coast Guard and maritime rules.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
January 20th, 2015 at 12:25:15 PM
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This is the Texas ship that I am very familiar with. It is scheduled to sail in March from the same city as the one in the original post.
http://www.kristv.com/news/aransas-pass-welcomes-new-casino-ship/
http://www.kristv.com/news/aransas-pass-welcomes-new-casino-ship/
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
January 20th, 2015 at 1:15:05 PM
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I don't know what's normal for casino cruises like this or the Texan market, but a few things jump out at me:
The site's... not very professional looking.
According to the ticket site, the maiden voyage tickets cost 30$. With the delay, it's now being refunded as FP, plus a free buffet (included with boarding) and 10$FP daily. Seems a bit generous.
The URL ownership is obfuscated.
A distinct lack of anything that looks like it isn't stock photography.
The guy in charge also evidently runs bus tours to Kickapoo casinos, though that site has 2% of the hits this cruise ship has. Near identical layout though.
The site's... not very professional looking.
According to the ticket site, the maiden voyage tickets cost 30$. With the delay, it's now being refunded as FP, plus a free buffet (included with boarding) and 10$FP daily. Seems a bit generous.
The URL ownership is obfuscated.
A distinct lack of anything that looks like it isn't stock photography.
The guy in charge also evidently runs bus tours to Kickapoo casinos, though that site has 2% of the hits this cruise ship has. Near identical layout though.
January 21st, 2015 at 8:25:56 AM
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These are all good points guys, thanks for talking some sense into me following my initial excitement. I have some friends and family in the area that the boats will operate from, perhaps I can get the local word from them. In the meantime, let's remain skeptical until there is more proof of validity.
January 22nd, 2015 at 9:46:01 AM
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Quote: studmuffnThese are all good points guys, thanks for talking some sense into me following my initial excitement. I have some friends and family in the area that the boats will operate from, perhaps I can get the local word from them. In the meantime, let's remain skeptical until there is more proof of validity.
As a person that has a vested interest, I can tell you that although the Aransas Queen is a much smaller vessel it is owned and managed by a group out of Las Vegas so you can expect fair games that meet Nevada standards. The company also runs multiple casinos and has deep pockets.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
January 25th, 2015 at 2:39:10 PM
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delete
"Onward Thru the Fog"
January 25th, 2015 at 2:39:11 PM
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Quote: DRichAs a person that has a vested interest, I can tell you that although the Aransas Queen is a much smaller vessel it is owned and managed by a group out of Las Vegas so you can expect fair games that meet Nevada standards. The company also runs multiple casinos and has deep pockets.
Any forward thinking as to when this will happen with the "Aransas Queen"?? vested interest??? owner/promoter for upcoming offshore gaming? Just curious.
JZ
"Onward Thru the Fog"
January 25th, 2015 at 3:06:19 PM
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Quote: Zviking17Any forward thinking as to when this will happen with the "Aransas Queen"??
According to the Aransas newspaper "Present plans are for a maiden voyage for civic leaders and media the first of March with regular cruise operations beginning mid to late March." Link
Quote: Zviking17vested interest??? owner/promoter for upcoming offshore gaming? Just curious.
I do some work for the company and will be spending time there around opening.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
January 25th, 2015 at 3:54:23 PM
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Quote: DRichAccording to the Aransas newspaper "Present plans are for a maiden voyage for civic leaders and media the first of March with regular cruise operations beginning mid to late March." Link
I do some work for the company and will be spending time there around opening.
Thank You for the quick follow up.
"Onward Thru the Fog"
May 11th, 2015 at 7:23:47 PM
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Aransas Queen Casino ship in Texas is now open.
http://aransasqueencasino.com/index.php
If anyone has any questions I can probably answer them.
http://aransasqueencasino.com/index.php
If anyone has any questions I can probably answer them.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
May 11th, 2015 at 7:35:56 PM
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Quote: DRichAransas Queen Casino ship in Texas is now open.
http://aransasqueencasino.com/index.php
If anyone has any questions I can probably answer them.
Initial thoughts, approximately 3 seconds apart: 1. Yay! 2. Oh, (suspension word)! Now I have to go back to (suspension-wording) Texas...
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
May 11th, 2015 at 8:25:27 PM
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Quote: rdw4potusNow I have to go back to (suspension-wording) Texas...
Perhaps we need to have DRich verify some of the reality before you plan your trip. Take a look at the linked web site and click on "The Ship." Then compare a few of the things that describe the layout:
(1) The Ship Layout Casino Deck 2 diagram shows a craps table (the only one in the entire layout) at the end of a double row of table games. Immediately adjacent to that table, and perpendicular to it, are the two roulette tables followed by some card games.
(2) The first of the Ship Photos (far left) does indeed show the craps table at the end of two rows of table games, but only one of the adjacent games is roulette, while the other is a card game.
(3) The seventh of the Ship Photos also shows a craps table, but it looks like a different table -- note the difference in the enclosure around the box man's supply of chips. Also, the table appears to have been rotated 90° and is now back-to-back with a roulette table.
How many times do you think they will rearrange the furniture before they feel they have it right? It's not quite like advertising a casino with just artist's renderings, but it doesn't really appear that they were fully ready for the maiden voyage then sent the photographer out to document the place.
May 11th, 2015 at 8:32:50 PM
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Also, the Reservations page shows a single cruise available each of the next six days, then no more. Ever.
May 11th, 2015 at 8:41:03 PM
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Quote: DocAlso, the Reservations page shows a single cruise available each of the next six days, then no more. Ever.
Maybe they're just forward thinking. I mean, the weather HAS been somewhat unusual over the last few weeks.
May 11th, 2015 at 10:24:46 PM
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Quote: DRichAransas Queen Casino ship in Texas is now open.
http://aransasqueencasino.com/index.php
If anyone has any questions I can probably answer them.
That's great news, DRich! Hope they have many happy sailings and good seas.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
May 12th, 2015 at 7:14:41 AM
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If I remember correctly, there are 10 BJ tables each 8 deck, H17, DAS, Two Roulette double zero tables, 1 full size craps 3x, 4x, 5x odds, 1 Let-it-Ride, 1 3 Card Poker. Approximately 200 slots.
This week they are doing limited sailings with limited tickets available because they are trying to break in slowly and refine procedures. The regular schedule will probably start next week with cruises at 11am and 7pm Tuesday thru Sunday. Monday's are dark. Tickets are $27 and will include a meal.
The weather has been pretty poor the last few days with all of the bad weather systems currently hitting Texas.
This week they are doing limited sailings with limited tickets available because they are trying to break in slowly and refine procedures. The regular schedule will probably start next week with cruises at 11am and 7pm Tuesday thru Sunday. Monday's are dark. Tickets are $27 and will include a meal.
The weather has been pretty poor the last few days with all of the bad weather systems currently hitting Texas.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
May 12th, 2015 at 7:16:53 AM
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Quote: DocPerhaps we need to have DRich verify some of the reality before you plan your trip. Take a look at the linked web site and click on "The Ship." Then compare a few of the things that describe the layout:
I believe a few of those photos are old and should be updated shortly. If there are any specific requests, let me know and I will take some pictures.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
May 12th, 2015 at 8:44:33 AM
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If this ship works out, it should do well out of the San Antonio market. They have a 5-6 hour drive to the Lake Charles casinos.
From the Houston are, this is about the same distance as Lake Charles on the south side of the city and further away as you move north. I don't think it will be as big of a hit in the Houston market. There are three casinos within 2-2 1/2 hours and a fourth another 30 minutes up the road from Houston.
We'll see how it goes!
From the Houston are, this is about the same distance as Lake Charles on the south side of the city and further away as you move north. I don't think it will be as big of a hit in the Houston market. There are three casinos within 2-2 1/2 hours and a fourth another 30 minutes up the road from Houston.
We'll see how it goes!
May 12th, 2015 at 9:53:16 AM
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Corpus Christi / Port Aransas (The coastal bend) are popular vacation destinations. They should be able to tap into that market pretty well.
It's just a few hours from Austin and two hours from San Antonio. I hope it works out.
They had a gambling ship down there in the past. It may have left out of Ingleside. I wonder what happened to it? I remember seeing it when fishing and it wasn't very big.
It's just a few hours from Austin and two hours from San Antonio. I hope it works out.
They had a gambling ship down there in the past. It may have left out of Ingleside. I wonder what happened to it? I remember seeing it when fishing and it wasn't very big.
Stupid is a choice
May 12th, 2015 at 1:38:05 PM
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Congrats on the gig DRich! How long is the sail out to international waters? Are there limits on buy-in's and cash-outs? Is it non-smoking throughout?
EDIT: I note on the website that the gaming areas appear to be non-smoking.
EDIT: I note on the website that the gaming areas appear to be non-smoking.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
