Update: July 13
No firm date has yet been set for the maiden voyage, however a representative has informed us that it looks like an “all clear” to sail by July 17th.
Also in a previous version of this story we mentioned Texas Hold’em poker games. At present poker will not be offered except possibly “by invitation only.”
A new name has come to the Port of Palm Beach, Florida and the U.S. flag will will fly on Blue Horizon Casino Cruise this weekend or early next week. This will be the sixth attempt at a successful casino cruise out of Riviera Beach and it looks like the operators are planning to offer everything lacking from previous failed ventures including free drinks, live entertainment, and a fresh buffet.
The 160′ long, three level, former Island Breeze (previous to that, Black Diamond) carries up to 600 passengers and will cruise to various locations after entering international waters. The only thing that seems to be holding up the maiden voyage is a liquor license that could be approved at any time.
Tickets to board for those 18 and older will be $25 and guests will receive a credit of at least $5.
The ship will sail six days a week with Mondays off. Morning and evening cruises are offered Tuesday through Saturday with a single champagne brunch cruise on Sunday from 11am until 6pm. Departures are 11am and 4pm with completion at midnight (12:30am Friday and Saturday).
PB Gaming was approved in May by the port commission for 63 months of operations. A partner in PB Gaming, Robert Weisberg, is also a partner in a private equity firm from Puerto Rico who was the largest creditor of the previous operation. IBI Palm Beach filed for bankruptcy in November and Sourcepoint LLC took over the ship’s charter earlier this year. IBI sailed about 100 times between March and June 2014 and carried over 10,000 passengers in that time.
In addition to entertainment and enhanced hospitality the casino cruise will offer gamblers in South Florida their only legal opportunity to play craps, roulette, and to bet on sports.
PB Gaming, LLC filed as a Foreign Limited Liability company in the State of Florida on Thursday, March 19, 2015 as recorded in documents filed with Florida Department of State, and probably should not be confused with a Nevada gaming company called PB Gaming that lists Andre Agassi among its owners.