Take to the seas for the Royal Poker Tournament

The Royal Poker Tournament (RPT) is an in-house Royal Caribbean NLHE tournament. This year there will be two separate events held on board the Allure of the Seas, December 4th and 11th

The Royal Poker Tournament is a perfect way to mix poker with a cruise. The conference rooms are transformed into a fully functional 20 table card room with busy cash games, additional tournaments, and of course the RPT Main Event with a guaranteed prize pool of $100,000, a custom made bracelet and trophy to the winner, and a return package for the following year to defend your title.

Throughout the year most Royal Caribbean ships run qualifying satellites with the winner receiving the RPT package. You can now qualify online for the December 4 event at BetVictor. They are running daily €5 feeders with 2x tickets guaranteed into the bi-weekly final starting Sunday May 1, with one €5,000 RPT package guaranteed. Click here for more information or to play in the satellites.

Satellite schedule

You can satellite your way onto the cruise for as little as €5

• Satellites running on BetVictor – open your account by clicking here 

The cruise

The card room staff and management are carefully selected from the Royal Caribbean fleet. The staff are brought on to the ship specifically for the Royal Poker Tournament event. The selection process for RPT staff is in depth and it is generally recognized as an achievement to be selected for such an event.

The RPT was developed in 2006 by Daniel Samson and the late Stuart Reading (Director of Casino Operations for Royal Caribbean). The first event in 2007 wasn’t actually called the Royal Poker Tournament it was called the Mariner Masters. Only players who had won a satellite on the Mariner of the Seas qualified for the event. The event grew each year and this year they are expecting around 200 players per event.

Some of your questions answered:

What will the prize money be? Prize money will be posted on Day 2 of the tournament. Prize money is estimated at $100,000 and we expect to pay the top 27 players.

How many players will be playing in the RPT Main Event? Estimated 200-250 players for both December 4 and December 11 cruises.

I have not won a satellite can I still play in the RPT? Yes, please contact us for more details. We have Main Event only and full travel packages available.

I have won the package can someone play in my place? This can not be arranged on board and needs to be arranged via the Miami Office.

What poker info can you give me? The RPT Main Event has a 10k starting stack, 30 min clock, blinds start at 25/50, 9 players per table, one entry per player per event, no re entry. Cash games from $1-$2 to $5-$10 plus additional tournaments ranging from $100-$500 throughout the week. The currency used on board is US$. Guests can withdraw funds at the card room cash desk using their SeaPass card issued by the cruise line which needs to be backed by a credit/bank card. Rules for all events will be here

I want to arrange my own cruise and travel – can I buy in directly to the Royal Poker Tournament Main Event? Yes please book now at www.theroyalpokertournament.com.

Itinerary for The Royal Poker Tournament 2016 December 4, Allure of the Seas

Sunday December 4 Fort Lauderdale

• 7:00 pm card room opens located deck 3 forward (conference rooms) Royal Poker Tournament Main Event seating will be posted in the card room from 7pm

Monday December 5 Nassau Bahamas

• RPT Main Event group A 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm (10 x 30 min blind levels, starting stack 10k)
• 9:00 pm 2017 Turbo satellite. $100 entry, 1k starting stack, 10 min blinds, $50 unlimited rebuys for the first 40 min and $50 add-on. All turbo satellites will follow the above structure.

Tuesday December 6 At Sea

• RPT Main Event group B 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm (10 x 30 min blind levels, starting stack 10k)
• 7:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite $100 entry
• 9:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite $100 entry

Wednesday December 7 St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands

• RPT Main Event 7:30pm. All remaining players from groups A&B will play down to 27 players
• 8:30 pm – $200 freeze out cash prizes, 5k starting stack, 20 min blinds, (late reg/ re-entry 1st 3 blind levels)

Thursday December 8 St Maarten

• RPT Main Event 7:30 pm. The remaining 27 players will play down to 6 players
• 8:30 pm – $200 satellite winner receives 2017 RPT Main Event package, 5k starting stack, 20 min blinds (re-entry/late registration 1st 3 levels)
• 10:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite. $100 entry, 1k starting stack, 10 min blinds, $50 rebuys for the first 40 min and $50 add

Friday December 9 At Sea

• 1:00 pm – $500 high roller, 30 min blinds, 5k starting stack, re-entry/late registration 1st 3 blind levels
• 2:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite $100 entry
• 4:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite$100 entry
• 6:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite $100 entry
• 8:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite $100 entry
• 10:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite $100 entry
• 9:00 pm – RPT Main Event final 6 players

Saturday December 10 At Sea

• 12:00 pm – $200 bounty, 5k starting stack, 20 min blinds, re entry, late reg for the 1st 3 levels, receive $25 for each player you knock out
• 2:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite $100 entry
• 4:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite$100 entry
• 6:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite $100 entry
• 8:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite $100 entry
• 10:00 pm – 2017 Turbo satellite $100 entry

Royal Poker Tournament Main Event structure, 30 minute clock. Direct buy in $750 Main Event only, must book own cabin. Please visit www.theroyalpokertournament.com if you would like to arrange your own travel and buy in to the RPT

Some information on the ship.

Allure of the Seas, the newest ship in Royal Caribbean’s awe-inspiring Oasis class, is a captivating adventure unlike any other. Explore seven distinct neighborhoods filled with awesome new features — like the first Starbucks at sea, Broadway hit musical Chicago in the main theater, and favorite moments with Shrek, Po the panda, and more friends in the DreamWorks Experience. Spice up your sailing with margaritas and Mexican-fare favorites at Rita’s Cantina, or with prime cuts straight from the skewer at Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse. And there’s still plenty more Oasis-class WOWs to be had, from the classic carousel on the Boardwalk, to aerial acrobats in the AquaTheater, FlowRider surf simulators, plus zip line views over Central Park — a meandering garden lined with shops and fine restaurants. Learn more about all that Allure of the Seas has to offer.

And information on where you will visit:

Ft. Lauderdale, United States (Days 1, 8)

Known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale has 165 miles of canals that wind through this waterfront city. With plenty of sun and sand, you’ll find the beaches inviting and only minutes from elegant shops and championship golf courses. After dark, the town offers many five-star restaurants and exciting nightclubs, all set in a lush tropical environment.

Ft. Lauderdale, United States – Attractions & Activities

People have been flocking to Fort Lauderdale’s beaches for decades. And with good reason. Fort Lauderdale Beach is a two-mile strip of beautiful beach featuring the recently renovated Promenade, which offers all sorts of bars, restaurants and shops.

Take a 30-minute airboat ride across the Everglades, one of the most breathtaking natural areas in America. Discover a variety of fish and birds that inhabit the area, and perhaps see the most famous Everglades inhabitant – the alligator. Enjoy Sawgrass Reptile Exhibit after your ride and take the opportunity to touch or possibly hold a small alligator. Discover the replica of a Seminole Indian village. See tropical birds, rare snakes, and even the endangered Florida panther.

Take a narrated drive through Port Everglades over the Intercoastal Waterway and along the famous Fort Lauderdale Beach. Explore the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Las Olas Boulevard, the Riverwalk area and more. Stop and see Esplanade Park, the crossroads of the Center for Performing Arts and the Museum of Discovery and Science. Take a 90-minute Intercoastal Waterway cruise, and hear a lively commentary from the boat’s captain on the history of the New River and Fort Lauderdale’s historic sites.

Nassau, Bahamas, The (Day 2)

Witness the world-famous March of the Flamingos at Ardastra Gardens. Visit Coral World Marine Park and Underwater Observatory, a place unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Then you can swim with playful dolphins! Of course there’s the world famous straw market and international duty-free shopping too! Nearly every country of the world is represented here with countless items at great, duty-free prices.

Nassau, Bahamas, The – Attractions & Activities

Take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with a dolphin. Have your picture taken while kissing these loving creatures, learn about their anatomy, and pet and feed them while standing in waist-deep water. All at the wonderful facility that is home to Universal Studios’ Flipper, who starred in the 1996 movie with the same name.

Take a break and relax on your own semi-private island. Located just a short boat ride away from Nassau, Blackbeard’s Cay is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water, sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. Or better yet, check out the Stingray Adventure. This amazing experience could easily be the highlight of your trip.
Relive the swashbuckling past on an exciting pirates and dungeons tour of Fort Charlotte and the Pirates of Nassau Museum. (Eye patches and peg legs not included.)
Go on a glass-bottom-boat tour for a glimpse into the underwater world of the Bahamas. Snorkel with the stingrays at Blue Lagoon Island.

Visit Predator Lagoon where you’ll see sharks, barracuda and many other creatures from the deep. Dance the calypso and sip a refreshing rum punch while sailing aboard the 85-foot Yellowbird. Marvel at the flora and watch the famous “marching” flamingoes at Ardastra Gardens and Conservation Center. For an exciting adventure, hop on the powerboat Thriller, Nassau’s fastest ride. Enjoy Nassau Harbor, Paradise Island and many other amazing spots.

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (Day 4)

There are bargains on just about everything in St. Thomas. In addition to excellent duty-free shopping, St. Thomas boasts some of the loveliest beaches in the Caribbean: Magens Bay, Sapphire Beach, and Coki Point.

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – Attractions & Activities

While the beaches and ocean are beautiful, there is one thing that really sets St. Thomas apart – shopping. Browse through the shop-lined streets of Charlotte Amalie and find out why St. Thomas is called the “duty-free shopping capital of the world.” Shop for duty-free trinkets and bargains on everything from liquor to imported china and crystal. Visitors can bring home $1,200 in merchandise without paying duty – twice the limit of most of the Caribbean.

Take a ride on Skyline Drive and enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Thomas Harbor. Then travel to Mountain Top, the highest point on St. Thomas, and see spectacular views of Magens Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Check out Coral World Marine Park, where you can touch sea stars at the touch pool or explore the mystery of life in a mangrove lagoon off the Coastal Trail. Sit back and enjoy a relaxing half-day sail to Buck Island aboard a large sailing yacht, then snorkel in Turtle Cove. Submerge yourself in a sci-fi adventure. Trek around coral reefs and get up close and personal with the marine life on the Atlantis Submarine. Experience a bird’s-eye view of the beauty of St. Thomas on an exciting helicopter adventure. Travel 700 feet above the sea via skyride to The Paradise Point and see the most fantastic vistas in the Caribbean.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten (Day 5)

An exquisite blend of Dutch and French cultures, St. Martin boasts stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and incredible duty-free shopping. Whether you lunch at a charming French cafe or explore the lively Dutch capital of Philipsburg, you will find the dichotomy of St. Maarten perfectly charming.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten – Attractions & Activities

Compete in an actual race on an America’s Cup shortened course. Grind a winch, trim a sail or just sit back and enjoy. Professional sailors will give you a quick lesson, then you’re off to compete on Stars and Stripes, one of the most famous sailboats in the world.

Rendezvous at one of the newest and trendiest restaurants in French St. Maarten. Explore Orient Bay, the French Riviera of the Caribbean, with over 1 1/2 miles of white-sand beaches.

Admire the delicate nature and dazzling colors of hundreds of butterflies as you tour St. Maarten’s popular Butterfly Farm.

Royal Poker Tournament itinerary December 11 2016

Cozumel, Mexico (Day 3)

The crystal clear water surrounding Cozumel makes it a favorite for divers and sun-seekers from around the world. Found on the Yucatan peninsula, it is the largest of Mexico’s islands and steeped in history, tracing Mayan descendants from 300 A.D. In town, there is shopping for local crafts and dining in colorful restaurants.

Cozumel, Mexico – Attractions & Activities

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tulúm, majestically perched above the turquoise Caribbean. The site was occupied as far back as 600 A.D. However, it was most densely populated around 1200 A.D. You will be struck by the pyramid-shaped El Castillo, which dominates the city from atop a forty-foot cliff. The nearby Temple of the Descending God provides equally excellent insight into the architecture of the Mayan people, who gained considerable achievements in the arts and sciences, only to decline and vanish for no apparent reason.

Explore the underwater world of Chankanaab on a deep-sea adventure aboard the Atlantis Submarine. Discover what makes a dolphin so magical as you play and interact with these amazing creatures in Chankanaab National Marine Park. Sit back, relax, and bury your toes in the white sand of Playa del Sol beach in Cozumel. This destination offers all the food, drinks and activities you can imagine, including relaxing massages on the beach. Take a Jeep-safari adventure through the tropical landscape of Cozumel’s east side. Ride through sand dunes and trails for an unforgettable experience. Join the Fiesta party boat for a fun-filled trip to Playa del Sol, with margaritas, rum punch and a live band setting the mood for fun. Helmet dive in Chankanaab and trek around coral reefs to see the abundant marine life up close.
Escape to the secluded beauty of your own private beach paradise, Passion Island, by a four-person canoe or motorized tender

Falmouth, Jamaica (Day 5)

Step off the ship and step back in time. Time where quaint wooden houses lined the streets, village carpenters hand craft custom furniture, and tavern keepers warmly greet town guests. Falmouth Jamaica is often compared with Colonial Williamsburg, but this particular historic town comes with an advantage – the beautiful Caribbean Sun. You’ll return with sun kissed skin, timeless memories as well as interesting historical tidbits to share with friends, like this one: Falmouth received piped water before New York City.

Falmouth, Jamaica – Attractions & Activities

Take a stroll through Falmouth’s Historic District and explore an impressive collection of nineteenth-century Georgian architecture. Many of the buildings are still intact and renown for their unique gingerbread woodwork. From small wooden houses to brick Georgian mansions to plantation complexes, here you’ll find yourself on a delightful excursion of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Visit the Greenwood Great House museum, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the 19th century. Music and history lovers alike will be enchanted by the Caribbean’s finest antique collection as well as a large and rare collection of musical instruments. Venice may have its gondolas, but Falmouth has 30-foot bamboo rafts that offer romantic and adventurous rides on the Martha Brae River. Sit back and relax as a raft captain guides you through an exceptional view of the island’s tropical scenery. See the Luminous Lagoon. The name might sound like a dance club, but this location is far from your average nightspot. The Lagoon is a natural phenomenon with microscopic organisms that illuminate the water. Evening tour boats can guide you through these waters, or you can take a dip and watch your skin take on a neon glow.

Labadee, Haiti (Day 6)

A secluded spot on the north coast of Haiti, reserved solely for Royal Caribbean guests. Attractions: Floats, aquabikes, banana raft rides, snorkelling and other water sports. Also volleyball, beach barbecues, authentic Haitian art and local craftsmen.

Labadee, Haiti – Attractions & Activities

It’s impossible to choose just one thing that’s special about Labadee. The sandy beach and coral reefs provide a perfect place to relax and have fun. Whether you’re interested in kayaking, snorkelling, parasailing or you just want to lie on the beach and relax, you won’t want to miss Labadee.

Paddle along the gorgeous coastline of Labadee on a relaxing kayaking tour. Your guide will lead you through beautiful coral reefs, where you’ll witness an abundance of exotic marine life. You’ll also pass various fishing villages that have been unchanged for decades. Soak up the sun while you float on the waves on a beach mat. Enjoy the fun-filled floating Aqua Park as you bounce on trampolines and climb and slide on inflatables.