Video Poker Games in NCL Jewel Class Casinos

[cruisingchemist]

Happy Holidays to Everyone

 

I am interested in any recent information on the overall Video Poker (VP) game selection available on the different NCL Jewel class ships.

 

Responses with a rough number of total VP games, type of games, denominations, paytables, single vs. multi-line games, and if the ship had progressive VP jackpots would be appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance. Looking forward to hearing from other NCL video poker players.

[elruth]

Was just on the Pearl and I would say roughly there were 2 rows of VP machines, 8 in each row when you entered the casino. Near the back were a group of 6 ( 3 on each side ) and only 2 of those machines had multi play. I think it was 3 rows or 5 rows. Smallest bet was .25. One lady monopolized one of those machines. She played it for hrs every night and on sailing days. It was almost humorous as she would get her free wine....many glasses...and be kind of falling over on the machine with her eyes at half mast but she'd be darned if she would give up that machine! She would just have a waiter etc. watch the machine when she had to leave to use the restroom. All the machines were .25 .50 1.00 and you had a choice of the usual games that you see in LV, A City etc. There may have been some $ 5.00 machines ( not sure ) since I never use those. We actually were pretty impressed with the Pearl Casino and we booked through Casinos at Sea so had the free drink card. The waiters would ask you right away if you wanted a drink. Very nice even though I just drank Coke. Any special game on VP that you are interested in? I always play the Double Double Bonus Poker.

[gralin]

Very poor payouts - less for 4 of a kind etc. than I have had in any real casinos. best it gives is your bet back most of the time if you win anything that is.

 

Next to impossible (my time) to walk away with any money. Biggest I had was 120 coin but it quickly gave zip back. They have them set at a VERY high house take all.

[cruisingchemist]

Thanks for your responses. I am scheduled to go on the Jewel in March through a CAS booking and was trying to get an idea of what to expect in the casino.

 

We have sailed on NCL Star and NCL Sun before - their casinos were similar to what you described. From memory - the game inventory was something like:

 

3 banks of 3 or 4 machines VP "Game-King type" (multiple game selection) with $ 1, $ 2, or $ 5 denomination choices. I think even at $5 level they had poor paytables due to having the captive audience.

 

2 banks of 4 or 5 machines at $ 0.25 denomination which were tied as a progressive jackpot link (from what I remember progressive didn't hit too frequently even though the machines got steady play).

 

A few $0.50 denomination "Multi-Strike" machines and another handful of $1, $2, $5 casino bar multi-games.

 

It is tough to score a net win on a cruise with the VP paytables that they offer - but still it is fun to play.

Best to set a budget and stick to it - any luck and wins are a bonus in addition to having fun on the cruise.