Following more than a year of COVID-related turmoil, Royal Caribbean has launched its cruises again, and will be ramping up activity throughout the summer. Presumably conditions will be monitored closely, and various recommendations and requirements regarding vaccinations may be subject to change. For now though, it looks as if arguably the biggest name in the cruise industry is back in action.
This makes for a lot of fun vacation opportunities for those who are comfortable getting back to traveling — and particularly for people with disabilities. As we’ve discussed already with regard to Royal Caribbean setting sail once more, this particular company provides inclusive features for passengers with a range of different disabilities, all in an effort to make cruises available to all.
A lot of those features — ramps, wide corridors, automatic doors, and so on — are designed to facilitate access and convenience, making the ships easy to navigate for those who may be handicapped in one way or another. But there are also some recreation-related accessibility features on Royal Caribbean ships, including lowered poker tables in the on-board casinos.
This particular perk feels well worth mentioning because poker (and casino activity in general) figures to be a very popular draw this summer. People will be setting off on cruises to relax, escape the grim reality we’ve lived in for 18 months, visit pretty destinations, and so on. But many will also be looking to enjoy activity with other people for the first time in quite a while, and the casino card tables have always provided just this sort of fun. While there are usually a few high-rollers and serious gamblers on board, there’s typically a fun, somewhat carefree vibe to cruise casinos. And how appealing does it sound after so much isolation to wander into one of these casinos with a friend or family member, sit down at a table full of poker players, and start playing cards, chatting, and sipping drinks? It’s the sort of thing we all longed for throughout 2020 and into the earlier months of this year.
For these reasons, beyond the pure fun of the game, accessible poker is an appealing draw on Royal Caribbean’s ships. And for those who agree, and see themselves eyeing the tables later this summer, we have a few handy tips for how to get the most out of them.
Start with a Budget
This is a pretty good rule to have in mind for any activity you might engage in on a cruise. But at the poker tables most of all, go into the evening with a set budget in mind. It’s a simple way to avoid spending too much if you don’t have a good night, but to still allow yourself the flexibility to enjoy some gaming. One nice tip is to think of your poker budget for a given night as a cost of entry. In that sense, it’s what you’re willing to give up in exchange for enjoying some poker time. And of course, if you play well and have some luck, you don’t end up needing to give it up at all!
Know Omaha & Caribbean Stud
Texas Hold’em is the style of poker most people think of when envisioning themselves at the tables. And as with most cruise casinos, the Royal Caribbean facilities host this game. However, Royal Caribbean also makes a point of dabbling in alternatives that are a lot of fun for guests to check out. Many will enjoy playing Omaha, which is a close relative of Hold’em with a few important differences; and some might gravitate toward Caribbean Stud, which is a more distinct variety that — naturally — evokes the spirit of the setting somewhat. At any rate, knowing how these two varieties are played will give you more options when you wander into a Royal Caribbean casino.
Play Online First
Online poker may not seem as trendy as it once was, but it’s actually having something of a resurgence (albeit a COVID-fueled one). Per a recently written guide for novice poker players, 2020 saw a 43% increase in online activity, and a whopping 255% jump in first-time players. So our advice, if you plan on hitting the tables on board your chosen Royal Caribbean vessel this summer, is to join in! Online poker doesn’t have to cost you anything, and it’s a convenient way to hone your skills and get yourself ready to play in person. It won’t guarantee success of course, but a little practice will make you a more confident player.
Remember to Have Fun!
It may be a simple tip, and hopefully an unnecessary one! But above all else, remember to have a good time. It’s true that casino cruises can be a little bit more relaxed than their land-based counterparts, but it’s still easy for some people to let the games become stressful. So do try to remember why you’re there, stick to that budget, and enjoy the ride. It can be a very enjoyable game even when you’re not necessarily winning much — and all kinds of fun if you are!