NCL Poker Challenge - First Timer Review

[QuadraCatLady]

After a few months of research, I decided to book a cruise for my husband Fred and myself on the NCL Getaway. We had never considered cruising before but had a hefty stock of Visa airmiles to use and Fred loves Texas Hold ’Em—he usually plays at least one or two big tournaments in Vegas every year and has spent a decade playing cash games and smaller tournaments. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for him to play and for me to relax in a new location.

 

I booked our trip and entered Fred in the Poker Challenge based on the few tidbits I could find online and some information provided by a Casinos at Sea representative. It was difficult to get much detailed information about the tournaments until the day we boarded (thanks to the folks here who helped me out!). I hope this review will help anyone who is thinking about participating in future NCL Poker Challenge cruises.

 

SHORT VERSION: The poker experience on this cruise was disappointing, to say the least. Chaotic, disorganized, cramped, loud, and lacking the level of professionalism experienced players should expect from an event of this size. We will never cruise with NCL again for a variety of reasons but this tournament, particularly, soured us on the cruise line. If you’re not interested in serious, well-run poker tournaments, don’t mind playing in a hectic, loud and uncomfortable environment, and you aren’t paying the main event entry fee out of pocket, then you’ll probably be fine with it. Everyone else? You’ll be much happier at a professional event in an established poker room in Vegas.

 

Read on if you want details. I have also attached photos of the various tournament formats for reference.

 

1. SMOKING – My husband does not smoke and the smell of cigarette smoke makes him feel sick. When I spoke with a Casinos at Sea representative about the NCL Poker Challenge, he assured me that the tournament was held in a room separate from the casino and that the entire poker area would be non-smoking. When we arrived, we learned that the tables would be divided between the Bliss lounge (a separate, completely smoke-free room) and a section of the casino that they had cleared for the event—a section that was open to all the smoke from surrounding slot machines and tables. This open area was every bit as smoky as the rest of the casino and the casino reeked of smoke. It was disgusting. ***We paid in full for our cruise and Fred’s tournament entry. I would never have done so if we had been told that he would be playing in these conditions.*** (I have other thoughts about NCL’s smoking policies and the health risks to their staff but I’ll save that for my general review on this forum).

 

2. TOURNAMENT SIGN UP – The term clusterf**k applies here. Lines were random and players would finally get to the front only to discover that they were in the wrong line, though there was no signage to indicate which line to stand in and no one directing the players who were trying to sign up. (This should have been a red flag for all that followed)

 

3. FORMAT – Until we boarded the ship, we could only find a rough outline of the tournament schedule and no explanation of the tournament(s) format. Considering this tournament has been running for a few years now, I’m not sure why more information could not be made available earlier? In any case, as it turns out, the format was VERY fast for a large buy-in (probably why they don’t share that info earlier). Though it was not technically a “turbo” format, the fast blind structure made it close enough to being one. The $500 Freezeout tournament was a turbo format and the $200 Rebuy tournament was super turbo with a ridiculous format that allowed players to rebuy before play had even started (??).

 

4. THE SPACE – Whether seated inside or outside of the Bliss lounge, the tables were super crowded together, with players’ chairs bumping into each other and no room to manoeuvre around the tables. Chairs were uncomfortable—not great when you are sitting for hours. Outside of the Bliss lounge it was even worse, with all the noise, crowding, and smoke from the surrounding casino. As an example, while the main event was on, the casino was trying to get cash games going (as tables freed up) and the casino host shouted non-stop over the PA system calling names for cash games—really loudly. The tournament players were frustrated and annoyed at the disturbance during tournament play.

 

5. SERVICE – Or more accurately “lack of service”. Drink service was practically non-existent. At one of the tables where Fred was playing, it took three hours for players to get any drinks at all, even juice or water. At one point, Fred shouted loudly to a nearby server to get drinks…and was ignored. Likewise, signing up for cash games was a joke. It didn’t matter where you were on the list, you had to stand close and wait to see an empty seat and then bug the casino host until she sat you, otherwise you would never get to play.

 

6. DRUNKS – I get the sense from what we saw and what other guests shared with us, that NCL does not regulate over-consumption of alcohol in general, the poker rooms being no exception. I spoke at length with a woman who was playing in the main event with a very drunk man at her table. He was so intoxicated and slow that it would take an entire level to make one orbit of the table (sometimes he even nodded off). None of the staff did anything about this and so one player ruined the game for the rest of the table. (Just like three drunks ruined our first dinner aboard).

 

7. CHEATING – Security protocols were non-existent for table breaks or table moves. For example, it would be laughably easy to cheat, for a friend to slip another friend chips during a table move or table break.

 

SUMMARY: We do not recommend this tournament. If you’re a serious poker player, do not go into this tournament expecting any of the basic protocols and etiquette of any typical, professional, well-regarded poker room. If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke, don’t even bother playing. I plan on forwarding this information to NCL (for all the good it will do). If you had similar experiences, your complaints might help. And, yes, I'm sure other people had a great experience, but this was my husband's experience, YMMV and all that. 

[Greek Boss]

I would suggest filing a complaint with NCL and see what their response will be. I'm sorry your cruise was less than memorable. I will say I used to play poker more regularly in Vegas and various casinos in Pennsylvania and I always tell people not to hold casinos on a cruise to the same standard as any Vegas casino or tournament in general. I've played texas hold 'em on a cruise two or three times and it is at least in my opinion much more relaxed and less serious than any hold 'em game I have played on land. Cruising isn't for everybody. I am sorry you didn't have a good time. I am curious as to what else happened that got you to never want to sail with NCL again.

[QuadraCatLady]

4 minutes ago, Greek Boss said:

I would suggest filing a complaint with NCL and see what their response will be. I'm sorry your cruise was less than memorable. I will say I used to play poker more regularly in Vegas and various casinos in Pennsylvania and I always tell people not to hold casinos on a cruise to the same standard as any Vegas casino or tournament in general. I've played texas hold 'em on a cruise two or three times and it is at least in my opinion much more relaxed and less serious than any hold 'em game I have played on land. Cruising isn't for everybody. I am sorry you didn't have a good time. I am curious as to what else happened that got you to never want to sail with NCL again.

 

Thanks, Greek Boss. Yes, I do plan on filing a complaint, not that I expect it to go anywhere. I've heard that cruise casinos aren't to Vegas standards but I really thought that a tournament of that size, with such a large pot and attending poker pros would have been much more professional. Really disappointed. I wonder what Joe Cada, Loni Harwood, and Kelly Minkin think about it? 

 

As for why we won't cruise with NCL again, I'll detail that in my general review but the smoking is a big issue. Also, it's partly personal preference. We've been traveling together for 21 years, almost all self-guided, adventure, off-the-beaten-path kind of stuff and that's really more our thing. We avoid big cities and cruise ports when we travel. The only port we got off on was Roatan, because we'd thought of visiting there for years for a dive vacation. We rented scooters from Capt. Van's, which was great, but the island is not really set up for DIY snorkeling and we're not used to dealing with busy beaches and aggressive vendors. On the drive back to the ship, discussing the cruise ships and the crowds, our host said, "I miss the way our island was seven or eight years ago." That depressed me. 😞

[FLAHAM]

These are among the many reasons I play duplicate bridge on the transatlantic cruises, instead. 

[drvmywifecrzy]

How many players were there?  Was it 10 per table?  How were the dealers?  

[QuadraCatLady]

2 hours ago, drvmywifecrzy said:

How many players were there?  Was it 10 per table?  How were the dealers?  

 

There were, I believe, over 400 players. 10 per table. Dealers were average, at best. 

[Mike_DeA]

15 hours ago, QuadraCatLady said:

 

There were, I believe, over 400 players. 10 per table. Dealers were average, at best. 

I was on the cruise as well.  There were actually 560+ players (29 tables were used in my 6.30pm day1A). 

 

I've done the last three poker challenge cruises.  I would have let you know smoke could be an issue, since the 'poker room' aka Bliss Ultra Lounge, was not large enough to hold the entire main event field. Last year on the Escape, the Skyline Bar (which is basically in the same spot as the Bliss Lounge on the Getaway) was used, along with spill over onto the casino floor just like this year, however the Skyline Bar is not enclosed like the Bliss lounge, so smoke would permeate there. (Smoke doesn't really bother me unless I'm next to the cigarette.)

[QuadraCatLady]

11 minutes ago, Mike_DeA said:

I was on the cruise as well.  There were actually 560+ players (29 tables were used in my 6.30pm day1A). 

 

I've done the last three poker challenge cruises.  I would have let you know smoke could be an issue, since the 'poker room' aka Bliss Ultra Lounge, was not large enough to hold the entire main event field. Last year on the Escape, the Skyline Bar (which is basically in the same spot as the Bliss Lounge on the Getaway) was used, along with spill over onto the casino floor just like this year, however the Skyline Bar is not enclosed like the Bliss lounge, so smoke would permeate there. (Smoke doesn't really bother me unless I'm next to the cigarette.)

Thanks Mike. I recieved better information from you than from everyone I spoke with at NCL combined! We're both really sensitive to smoke--Fred more so even than me.  He loves playing at the Venetian because even though the surrounding casino allows smoking the poker room is smoke-free, and the casino is very open and has excellent ventilation. I really feel bad for the NCL staff who have to work in that environment. It should be illegal to expose employees to secondhand smoke. 

Edited December 11, 2019 by QuadraCatLady

[graphicguy]

I usually stick to the cash games on cruise line Hold’Em tournaments...that goes for any cruise line.  These “tournaments” are not the same as you get in Vegas.  You’re right about that.

 

I don’t like “rebuy” tournaments or any of the other “derivatives” they play.  If I’ve beat you, I beat you playing the same number of hands.  To me, that’s the only fair way to play.

 

Drunks?  I’ve seen my fair share, on a ship, and on land.  Unless they’re obnoxious (which some are), I find they’re easier to beat.  Generally, I don’t mind them.  If they disrupt play for stupid (drunk) reasons, then there’s a problem.

 

Smoking?  Depends on the severity.  Some NCL tournaments (both Hold’Em and Blackjack), it’s unbearable.  Other NCL tournaments, no issues at all.  Again, have found the same in Vegas.

 

If you’re getting into any tournaments on any cruise, expect it to be much looser than what you’ll experience in Vegas.  They’re run looser as to get as many people (inexperienced and non-experienced players) playing as possible.  

 

The prizes just aren’t big enough on a cruise tournament for me to play in them.  

 

Cash games?  I’ve done much better with them.  The inexperienced and drunks tend to fall out of cash games much quicker (or give up more money...usually both).

 

Personally, I wouldn’t let a poker tournament make or break my entire cruise.  There’s just too much else to do.

[Mike_DeA]

41 minutes ago, QuadraCatLady said:

Thanks Mike. I recieved better information from you than from everyone I spoke with at NCL combined! We're both really sensitive to smoke--Fred more so even than me.  He loves playing at the Venetian because even though the surrounding casino allows smoking the poker room is smoke-free, and the casino is very open and has excellent ventilation. I really feel bad for the NCL staff who have to work in that environment. It should be illegal to expose employees to secondhand smoke. 

 

Some lad based casinos are smoke free form what I understand, but most are not.  It'll likely change at some point in the future. Most cruise line casinos still allow smoking.

 

All poker rooms on land are smoke free as far as I know.  Players are just too close together to allow it.

[cliffd64]

12 minutes ago, Mike_DeA said:

 

Some lad based casinos are smoke free form what I understand, but most are not.  It'll likely change at some point in the future. Most cruise line casinos still allow smoking.

 

All poker rooms on land are smoke free as far as I know.  Players are just too close together to allow it.

 

Had the pleasure of dining with the Casino Director aboard Breakaway...  Smoking is being addressed on the newest ships, and ships like Encore and Bliss have closed off areas in the casino for smokers, as opposed to the other way around.  Kin d of like a "smoke-aquarium" as he described it.

[Mike_DeA]

21 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I usually stick to the cash games on cruise line Hold’Em tournaments...that goes for any cruise line.  These “tournaments” are not the same as you get in Vegas.  You’re right about that.

 

I don’t like “rebuy” tournaments or any of the other “derivatives” they play.  If I’ve beat you, I beat you playing the same number of hands.  To me, that’s the only fair way to play.

 

Drunks?  I’ve seen my fair share, on a ship, and on land.  Unless they’re obnoxious (which some are), I find they’re easier to beat.  Generally, I don’t mind them.  If they disrupt play for stupid (drunk) reasons, then there’s a problem.

 

Smoking?  Depends on the severity.  Some NCL tournaments (both Hold’Em and Blackjack), it’s unbearable.  Other NCL tournaments, no issues at all.  Again, have found the same in Vegas.

 

If you’re getting into any tournaments on any cruise, expect it to be much looser than what you’ll experience in Vegas.  They’re run looser as to get as many people (inexperienced and non-experienced players) playing as possible.  

 

The prizes just aren’t big enough on a cruise tournament for me to play in them.  

 

Cash games?  I’ve done much better with them.  The inexperienced and drunks tend to fall out of cash games much quicker (or give up more money...usually both).

 

Personally, I wouldn’t let a poker tournament make or break my entire cruise.  There’s just too much else to do.

 

Not sure if you're aware, but this was NCL's Annual Poker Challenge.  Most players won satellites throughout the prior year on other cruises, and got the cruise and an entry into the $1,150 buy in Main Event - first place was $112k.  You could also pay the $1,150 out of pocket to play.  It wasn't the ubiquitous small tournaments held all the time across the fleet.

 

Freeze out tournaments are becoming more rare these days.  They did have a $560 freeze out that got 170+ entrants.

[Deeliteful]

This was my 2nd tournament on a cruise ship, my first was one I won on Royal  Caribbean.

It was much better organised. The tournament was played in a totally separate conference room, non smoking, plenty of room between tables and really well run.

Despite the fact that I won nearly $7k in the $200 rebuy on NCL ( A big win for this low stake amateur! 😂) I would certainly say RCL was miles better.

 

 

Edited December 11, 2019 by Deeliteful

[graphicguy]

20 hours ago, Mike_DeA said:

 

Not sure if you're aware, but this was NCL's Annual Poker Challenge.  Most players won satellites throughout the prior year on other cruises, and got the cruise and an entry into the $1,150 buy in Main Event - first place was $112k.  You could also pay the $1,150 out of pocket to play.  It wasn't the ubiquitous small tournaments held all the time across the fleet.

 

Freeze out tournaments are becoming more rare these days.  They did have a $560 freeze out that got 170+ entrants.

I see.  I thought it was one of the ship’s tournaments.  I’ve played in those.  Wasn’t particularly happy with the way those were run, nor the prizes.  So, I don’t play in them any more.

[graphicguy]

14 hours ago, Deeliteful said:

This was my 2nd tournament on a cruise ship, my first was one I won on Royal  Caribbean.

It was much better organised. The tournament was played in a totally separate conference room, non smoking, plenty of room between tables and really well run.

Despite the fact that I won nearly $7k in the $200 rebuy on NCL ( A big win for this low stake amateur! 😂) I would certainly say RCL was miles better.

 

 

I’ve also played in (and once won) RCCL’s tournaments.  I agree.  RCCL does a much better job with their tournaments.

[Mike_DeA]

14 hours ago, Deeliteful said:

This was my 2nd tournament on a cruise ship, my first was one I won on Royal  Caribbean.

It was much better organised. The tournament was played in a totally separate conference room, non smoking, plenty of room between tables and really well run.

Despite the fact that I won nearly $7k in the $200 rebuy on NCL ( A big win for this low stake amateur! 😂) I would certainly say RCL was miles better.

 

 

 

Congratulations Deelitful!  That's awesome!

 

I only played in the Main Event and ended up busting out early on day 2 (the dreaded KK vs AA all in preflop on a short stack).  I did get to play at Joe Cada's table for three levels to end day 1A, which was pretty cool.

 

Was the Royal Caribbean tournament a regular tournament or a big one like the NCL poker challenge?  I know the also have Card Player magazine events on their ships occassionally.  In fact, Mike Mizrachi was on one last week while we were on the Getaway. He has done the Poker Challenge before.

[Deeliteful]

1 hour ago, Mike_DeA said:

 

Congratulations Deelitful!  That's awesome!

 

I only played in the Main Event and ended up busting out early on day 2 (the dreaded KK vs AA all in preflop on a short stack).  I did get to play at Joe Cada's table for three levels to end day 1A, which was pretty cool.

 

Was the Royal Caribbean tournament a regular tournament or a big one like the NCL poker challenge?  I know the also have Card Player magazine events on their ships occassionally.  In fact, Mike Mizrachi was on one last week while we were on the Getaway. He has done the Poker Challenge before.

I actually took Joe Cada out in the rebuy! 😱 

RCL was the big one like the NCL poker challenge. I made it to day two but no further and cashed in a smaller tourney for $500 so a win’s a win! 😂

[Mike_DeA]

1 hour ago, Deeliteful said:

I actually took Joe Cada out in the rebuy! 😱 

RCL was the big one like the NCL poker challenge. I made it to day two but no further and cashed in a smaller tourney for $500 so a win’s a win! 😂

 

You're a beast!  🦈

[KKB]

We, too, were on this cruise & overall I agree with the OP's post.

The organization was horrid--RCCL did  a much better job (I won a spot in their poker cruise on the Allure a few years back). I had little interest in playing beyond the main event because of the poor organization.

 

I do want to counter one comment. The main even was not a turbo by any means. $30K starting stack, 30 min. blinds, 100/100 w/ 100 BB ante to start. And the levels increased slowly. Blinds were only 300/600/600 after the first break. But I agree the structure on all the other tourneys was horrid--I wouldn't play those for $60 in Vegas.

 

And this was the smokiest casino we have experienced at sea (15 cruises). 

 

I have never seen so much action-focused players on any cruise (DH won us a poker cruise on Princess, I on RCCL). No regard for structure, price, etc. It was insane. 

 

On a good note, DH won us a cruise on next year's poker cruise on Nov. 7 with only a $200 investment (well, $300 including my buy in)

 

We had heard stories about how NCL wasn't as nice as other lines--overall we did not find this AT ALL. Our MDR meals were ALL terrific. Service overall was great. The entertainment was collectively the best we have had on any cruise. And the Waterfront is unparalleled--EVERY ship should have such an area. 

Edited December 15, 2019 by KKB

[QuadraCatLady]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I haven't replied because Hubs and I are on the road. 

 

KKB, I'll just note that, no, the main event was not a turbo, but 30 minutes is a fast format for a big event. Otherwise, yes, seems like you and Hubs agree on everything else. 😉 And congrats on the win! 

[Blitzburggirl]

Interesting comments!

 

We were also on this sailing and my guy played in the main and a couple of the smaller tourney's as well as a good amount of cash games.

 

Echo many of the comments...

1) Smoky.. bugs me, not him, so not really a problem.

2) Horribly slow refreshment service (I delivered more water/soda to him from the bar across the way over the course of his play than the servers.

3) Getting in a cash game was insane... a list where you have to stand around and wait and wait and wait. WTH. Additionally, it was so very crowded and players had no control over where they were placed in alot of cases.. which brings me to

4) there were a bunch of Vegas grinders (cool.. not a problem) however there seemed to be alot of communication. Also a husband/wife "team" that seemed to do very inversely well. The crowded situation and poor execution made it feel as if the games weren't exactly skilled/luck.

5) We were guests of the casino, but he paid his buy in... I cannot believe the waited til the last minute to provide any (vague) information.

6) He "got" the late flight, and that was extremely irritating. I'm sure some folks on the morning flight would have preferred evening and vice versa. Why was there no way to indicate a preference?

7) Ship rake is always nutty.

 

Overall.. we enjoyed the cruise and it was a positive experience, but we likely won't bother with poker tournaments via NCL again. Looking forward to Card Player cruise in Jan on the Symphony. 

[QuadraCatLady]

4 hours ago, Blitzburggirl said:

Interesting comments!

 

We were also on this sailing and my guy played in the main and a couple of the smaller tourney's as well as a good amount of cash games.

 

Echo many of the comments...

1) Smoky.. bugs me, not him, so not really a problem.

2) Horribly slow refreshment service (I delivered more water/soda to him from the bar across the way over the course of his play than the servers.

3) Getting in a cash game was insane... a list where you have to stand around and wait and wait and wait. WTH. Additionally, it was so very crowded and players had no control over where they were placed in alot of cases.. which brings me to

4) there were a bunch of Vegas grinders (cool.. not a problem) however there seemed to be alot of communication. Also a husband/wife "team" that seemed to do very inversely well. The crowded situation and poor execution made it feel as if the games weren't exactly skilled/luck.

5) We were guests of the casino, but he paid his buy in... I cannot believe the waited til the last minute to provide any (vague) information.

6) He "got" the late flight, and that was extremely irritating. I'm sure some folks on the morning flight would have preferred evening and vice versa. Why was there no way to indicate a preference?

7) Ship rake is always nutty.

 

Overall.. we enjoyed the cruise and it was a positive experience, but we likely won't bother with poker tournaments via NCL again. Looking forward to Card Player cruise in Jan on the Symphony. 

Oh yeah, he mentioned the crazy rake!

Have you done a Card Player Cruise before? I was consider a cruise with them instead but didn't know if there would be enough big action to keep Hubs happy.

[VegasMIGolf]

If your husband is a “poker player” then any of the cruise lines general poker games or tourneys will not meet his standards.   Even the WPT and WSOP events in the past were still full of non-players.   This isn’t the Bellagio, Caesars or Aria piker rooms.  Good luck but I never seen NCL Poker Challenge that was in a separate room.   
The Encore is smoke free.  
 

 

[Mike_DeA]

13 hours ago, VegasMIGolf said:

If your husband is a “poker player” then any of the cruise lines general poker games or tourneys will not meet his standards.   Even the WPT and WSOP events in the past were still full of non-players.   This isn’t the Bellagio, Caesars or Aria piker rooms.  Good luck but I never seen NCL Poker Challenge that was in a separate room.   
The Encore is smoke free.  
 

 

 

The 2017 Poker Challenge on the Epic was held entirely in the Bliss Lounge which is a self contained room.  But it only held about 20 poker tables, so it would not be large enough for the event now (there were 29 tables on the Getaway).  I do expect next year's to be smaller though, since they have been rotating December one year, November the next.  Which means this year had about 13 months of cruises to qualify players into the Challenge, 2020's will have about 11 months, so the field could be 10-15% smaller.

[QuadraCatLady]

Update: I wrote an email to NCL about their smoking policy. (I stuck to one topic as that tends to be more effective I've found). I explained that we had been assured more than once that the tournament was smoke free and I also discussed, more generally, the harm of secondhand smoke to guests and staff and expressed my concern that they allowed smoking in public areas. I did not ask for any compensation. I did ask how they planned to address the issue. This was their (non) answer and they also offered us a $100 credit (whatever, not interested). I love the highlighted line. Makes it sounds as if the ship itself decided to let people smoke and that management has no control over it. 

 

Thank you for your letter regarding your voyage aboard the Norwegian Getaway.

After delivering cruises for many years, our goal remains the same: to offer a fantastic cruise experience to all our guests from beginning to end. We are truly sorry to learn that we fell short of your expectations and apologize for the disappointments you experienced.

As the health and well-being of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance, indoor public areas, with the exception of the cigar lounges and the casino, throughout all our ships are smoke- free. Some of our newest ship have a designated smoking room within the Casino. Unfortunately, all our other ships allows guest to smoke in the Casino during game hours. 
 
Feedback from our valued guests is vital to the continued success of our organization. Please be assured the constructive criticism you have offered has been forwarded to the various departments involved, so they may be aware of your impressions. It is by receiving feedback such as yours that we are able to highlight areas that may need closer attention.

As a gesture of goodwill, we have arranged for future cruise credits, valid towards the cruise fare only on one future voyage.