First Time Cruiser Need Info on poker cruise

[sixtix]

I just booked my first cruise. I have travelled lots to the Caribbean but never been on a cruise. I am a avid poker player so I decided to book the Royal Caribbean's poker cruise departing October 27, 2012.

What should I expect on this cruise? Are poker cruises different then a normal cruise other then someone hosting poker tournaments on them? I also have two small children under the age of 5 and wondering what the Royal Caribbean cruise line is like for children and activites. We will be at sea over Halloween and wondering if they will have special events.

Also has anyone been on a poker cruise, what is the level of play on these? And are they run well?

Thanks for your help.

[Dave]

I don't gamble but I can tell you that your poker cruise will be on one of the most exciting ships ever built. The Oasis Of The Seas is absolutely amazing. Tons of stuff for you and your children. Great youth program. They will not be bored and neither will you. On cruises over Halloween the ships have the theme in hand, and also if the kids bring costumes they can trick-or-treat all over the public areas. The public lounges and areas will have candy to hand out.

[penny3333]

I've been on one poker cruise. They do have tournaments throughout the cruise. It was $100 to enter the slot tournament, I believe it was $250 for the Texas Hold 'em, and I think it was $500 for the BlackJack. I could be wrong on the table amounts, I played the slots. They do have a host for the event, they keep track of the scores on a board and post the leaders in the casino. Each tournament was another entry fee. Some of the prizes were good, only one grand prize, a cruise. It was a ball, though, since you get to know your fellow passengers entered in the tournaments.