Two of the more high profile poker tours in the United States will head out on the ocean in the near future, with the smaller tour’s event arguably making the bigger splash.
For the first time in the history of the organization, the Heartland Poker Tour will hold an event outside of the United States when it hits the open seas. From January 19-26, 2013, the HPT will hold its first event of its ninth season aboard the MSC Poesia, sailing from Fort Lauderdale, FL, for a week long journey that will include stops in Cozumel, Mexico, Honduras, the Grand Cayman Islands and Jamaica. The HPT trip is a partnership with Cardplayer Cruises, long a popular travel outlet for poker players.
The “HPT on the High Seas” event will offer several amenities for those who travel aboard the MSC Poesia. Besides welcome and farewell parties, the HPT will take over the 40-seat poker room aboard the ship, offering cash games, qualifiers and seminars for those aboard. The crowning event, however, will be the $1100 Main Event that will be held on the ship. Two episodes of the popular HPT syndicated series will be filmed during the trip for broadcast in 2013.
“This event will be legendary,” said HPT announcer and producer Fred Bevill during the announcement of the upcoming tour stop, “especially for the passenger who walks off the ship with life-changing money as the HPT’s first champion of season nine.”
The HPT will be holding satellite events, called “The Sunday Ship It,” for the “HPT on the High Seas” tournament throughout the remainder of its schedule in 2012. These satellites, with a $100 buy in, will award the winner with a $2000 package for two people good for the trip in January. The first of these satellites will take place on April 15 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas during the HPT’s normal tour stop.
Later this year, the World Poker Tour will head out to the Caribbean, albeit not with an official tour stop on the schedule. Teaming up with Cruise Authority, the WPT will present its “WPT Cruise” aboard the Royal Caribbean ship Freedom of the Seas. This trip is scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 7 and will allow participants access to some of the people responsible for the WPT.
Expected to take part in the cruise (pending availability) are the longtime hosts of the venerable series, Poker Hall of Fame member Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten. The Royal Flush Girls will bring their energy to the festivities as well, making for an entertaining trip. Poker players will be able to take part in cash games, sit and gos, a ladies tournament and a freeroll event during the span of the cruise.
For those who want to take a break from the tables, the Freedom of the Seas will hit ports of call such as Mexico, Jamaica, the Grand Cayman Islands and Royal Caribbean’s private beach in Haiti. For those who will be traveling with their family, there are plenty of entertainment options for children, including an on-board waterpark and a rock-wall. The adults will be able to hit the Vitality Spa and other more adult-themed entertainment choices.
If you’re looking for a vacation option – and would like to play some cards at the same time – the HPT and the WPT would like to take care of that! For more information on the HPT event in January, including potentially booking a trip or viewing the list of satellite events for the “HPT on the High Seas,” visit hptpoker.com; for the WPT trip, all information can be found by visiting wptcruise.com.
