The MS Freedom of the Seas

The 2008 Caribbean Poker Classic will be much, much more than a poker tournament – it will be an adventure of dazzling proportions. For the first time in its history, the popular poker tour will leave the confines of a Caribbean island and move on board one of the most extraordinary sailing vessels the world has ever seen – the 1111.5 foot long MS Freedom of the Seas.

Owned by Royal Caribbean International, the Freedom of the Seas, together with two sister ships, are currently classified the largest passenger vessels in the world. This honour will soon be surpassed by RCI’s new Genesis class which is due to be launched in 2009.

The Freedom of the Seas is effectively a city plying the oceans – virtually all amenities have been included in her design, and the sheer volume of this 15 deck cruise ship is quite astounding. Over 4 000 passengers, more than double that of the ill-fated Titanic, and 1300 crew are easily accommodated aboard this colossus.

Quick Facts

She weighs in at over 154 000 gross tonnes
She is over 1000 ft long
She is 200 ft high
She cost $800 million to build
She has 30 lifeboats
Her operating costs are $1million per day
She uses 28 000 pounds of fuel per hour. To appreciate the gas-guzzling ability of this enormous craft, the fuel consumed per hour could refill a 13 gallon petrol tank in a motor car at one tank per week for over six years!

On Board Amenities

Possibly the single most important area to CPC gurus is, of course, the on-board casino. Named after a James Bond movie, the Casino Royale is as opulent as any land-based casino, and there are two separate gaming pits offering the tried and tested favourites including single and multi-deck Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Texas Holdem and Roulette. On traditional sea days the casino opens at 1pm, but during the CPC, the poker room will be permanently open. Please note that the CPC will not take place in the casino, but in the conference centre on deck 2.
There are three separate swimming zones – the adult pool, the main pool and an interactive water park, plus there are two whirlpools which jut out 12 ft over the ocean
There is a dedicated sports area which includes a rock climbing wall, a mini golf course and a FlowRider which facilitates waves for surfing.