Casino in Hawaiian waters

[AndyPanda]

Booked Tahitian Princess 7/19/07 (Tahiti to Hawaii).

Love to spend time in the casino.

Does anyone KNOW if the casino will be open in the evenings between Hawiian islands?

Need to figure how much $$$ to bring !

Thanks, Andy

[Hulagirl]

We just did this same cruise on July 12. When we got to Hawaii the casino was closed before we got to Hilo and during the time in the Hawaiian Islands. So no, it does not open at all during your time there, just in Tahiti and on the cruise back to Hawaii.

 

Hulagirl

[raydon]

Same on the 15 night LA-Hawaii-LA cruise. Casino was open 5 nights over and 5 night back. Closed all 5 while in Hawaii. Save some $$$$!:)

[Ka Honu]

Welcome to one of the only two states with absolutely no form of legal gambling (The other is Utah).

When NCL started their interisland cruises several years ago, they proposed operating their casinos between islands (outside the 3-mile limit). The then governor said they could do that but they wouldn't be allowed back to any port in Hawaii.

They were also subject to the Jones Act and had, at the time, to take a "side trip" to Fanning Island so they could visit more than one port in Hawaii. That part has been resolved but the gambling hasn't.

As a result, once you approach your first stop in Hawaii, casinos are closed and aren't allowed to reopen until you depart the state. NCL has taken the casinos out of the interisland cruise ships - they reinstall them when they reposition from Hawaii to other itineraries (usually Alaska).

I've been here for over 30 years and can't think of anyplace I'd rather live but sometimes I wish someone would drag us forward into the 19th century.

[Pam in CA]

No. The casino is not open while in Hawaii.

[unforgettable]

We just returned home from TP's July 24th sailing and, while the casino is closed in Hawaii, you won't be missing much. The casino is the size of a postage stamp and doesn't have the same caliber of gaming that you find on the larger Princess ships. We're not necessarily gamblers by any means but we were completely taken aback by the diminutive size of the casino on the TP when we compared it to the casino we had on the Star in January.

[Toto2Kansas]

We just returned home from TP's July 24th sailing and, while the casino is closed in Hawaii, you won't be missing much. The casino is the size of a postage stamp and doesn't have the same caliber of gaming that you find on the larger Princess ships. We're not necessarily gamblers by any means but we were completely taken aback by the diminutive size of the casino on the TP when we compared it to the casino we had on the Star in January.

 

I am glad to read that you posted this. I was tempted earlier, but since it has been some time since we sailed on the TP, thought someone who might have just returned would take care of it for me.

I totally have to agree. It was almost a waste to put a casino onboard it is so tiny and if crowded, you can't even breathe. Not much of an assortment of games as there just isn't enough room. They really should have put it upstairs where the beauitful and large library is and put the library where the casino is. Lots of great views up there and probably a lot more space too.

 

We sailed on the Hawaii to Tahiti cruise many years ago, in fact we sailed three times on this route with Princess. I see that Hawaiian waters haven't changed much, the casino was always closed until we left the Hawaiian Islands, and again when we returned. :(

[CroozBlooz]

Curious, though, why is gambling permitted during Alaska cruises? I would think that the Inside Passage is part of Alaska proper and therefore gambling should be prohibited.

[SingerEsq]

Because, as another poster stated, virtually every state in the US now permits some form of legalized gambling, including Alaska.

[Pam in CA]

Because, as another poster stated, virtually every state in the US now permits some form of legalized gambling, including Alaska.

Although that might change very soon if the Alaska voters approve the new law that would significantly tax the profits from cruiseline casinos.

[SingerEsq]

Although that might change very soon if the Alaska voters approve the new law that would significantly tax the profits from cruiseline casinos.

 

My guess, even if this happens, they'll just adjust the odds to cover the tax (although I've learned the hard way it's already hard to win on at cruiseline casino :( )

[Pam in CA]

My guess, even if this happens, they'll just adjust the odds to cover the tax (although I've learned the hard way it's already hard to win on at cruiseline casino :( )

Of course. Princess (or any cruiseline) will just pass along the taxes and increased fees to the passengers if this bill passes. I've seen estimates of up to $200/pp in increased fares if the bill passes to cover the additional fees and taxes that Alaska would put into place. That's pretty darned significant. The voters apparently seem to think that the fees would come directly from the cruiselines. Well, technically they will because the passengers will be charged the extra amounts.

[Hulagirl]

Toto: I started to write something about the size of the casino also, but took it out. This is the smallest casino and doesn't have much room. We only went once. Sat down at a slot machine and it ate up my $10 so fast that I just had no desire to try again. No, I'm not much of a gambler, but do like it to have a little play. This was worse than going to the Indian Casino not far from here.

 

On our first cruise that was r/t Cook Island itinerary, there were a lot of honeymooners on the cruise. The casino was pretty empty for the entire cruise. I'm sure they had better things to do than gamble. The second cruise that sailed back to Hawaii, a much more diverse group in ages. The casino was much busier, but it never looked packed either when we would walk by.

 

Like the others said, I doubt you will miss much when it is closed while in Hawaii.

 

Hulagirl

[flamomo]

Welcome to one of the only two states with absolutely no form of legal gambling (The other is Utah).

 

When NCL started their interisland cruises several years ago, they proposed operating their casinos between islands (outside the 3-mile limit). The then governor said they could do that but they wouldn't be allowed back to any port in Hawaii.

 

They were also subject to the Jones Act and had, at the time, to take a "side trip" to Fanning Island so they could visit more than one port in Hawaii. That part has been resolved but the gambling hasn't.

 

As a result, once you approach your first stop in Hawaii, casinos are closed and aren't allowed to reopen until you depart the state. NCL has taken the casinos out of the interisland cruise ships - they reinstall them when they reposition from Hawaii to other itineraries (usually Alaska).

 

I've been here for over 30 years and can't think of anyplace I'd rather live but sometimes I wish someone would drag us forward into the 19th century.

 

Don't feel like you are alone, Ka Honu. I live in Florida, and we still have not moved forward from the dark ages when it comes to slot machines. The only legal ones on land are in the Indian casinos, and they are the stupid kind that are glorified bingo games rigged to look like a real slot. Consequently, Floridians that like to gamble have to go to Mississippi, Vegas, etc. I keep thinking of all the potential tax revenue this state could garner, if the Governor and the legislature would let us be a "grown-up state" and permit real slot machines, as well as the assorted table games that are found in real casinos. . Floridians are taking a lot of $$$ out of the state to go gambling in other states. I know that Hawaiians travel to Vegas to gamble - we saw quite a few at the California Club in Vegas the other day.

[AndyPanda]

Well, thanks to all of you who responded.

NO...this is NOT what I wanted to hear, but I guess I'll go anyway(& love every minute of it).

At least I can adjust my budget accordingly.

Thanks again, Andy