Virgin Voyages teams up with World Poker Tour for ‘industry first’

Virgin Voyages has teamed up with the World Poker Tour (WPT) to secure “an industry first” on Scarlet Lady.

The ship, which offers four and five-night cruises from Miami, now boasts a poker venue with eight tables and professional dealers.

WPT’s chief executive officer Adam Pliska said: “Scarlet Lady provides the perfect residence for WPT at Sea, which will bring the WPT poker experience to the high seas.”

Buy-ins will range from $80 to $320, with the main event on board each sailing potentially offering a WPT prize package worth $5,000. This will depend on the number of participants.

Winners will be able to use the prize on any future voyage or WPT event, according to Virgin Voyages.

The brand says it has achieved “another first” by offering cashless participation in the ‘WPT at Sea Poker Room’. All transactions will be handled on guests’ wearable devices.

Tom McAlpin, Virgin Voyages chief executive officer, said: “As a new brand with an innovative spirit, we’ve been fortunate to introduce many industry firsts, including our partnership with the World Poker Tour and WPT at Sea.

“Our adult-only, premium experience offers an incredible backdrop, not only for a great vacation, but also as an oasis for the WPT in a way never seen before.”

The poker room will offer beginner training, cash games and satellites.

Pliska, of the WPT, added: “After witnessing the magic of cruise-line poker with Virgin Voyages last season, we instantly sought to establish a permanent fixture.”