SOLD NCL Poker Challenge Prize Package (1 Viewer)

[JDPoker]

For sale is a Main Event entry ($1150 entry fee) plus a $1,250 cruise fare credit for the 2025 Norwegian Cruise Line Poker Challenge, to be held November 8-16 on the Norwegian Gem, sailing out of Jacksonville Florida. More information about the event is HERE. Total package can be yours for $1400.

This year's main event (2024) had around 700 entries. I forget the top prize, but the final four chopped for $100K each, and played for an extra $27K (and nice trophy) for the winner. There are several other tournaments throughout the week (a $500 Freeze Out, a $200 Re-buy, a $2,500 High Roller and many Satellites). Many 2-5NL Cash games run almost constantly, and some 5-10NL, as well as 5-5PLO. Tons of poker action.

These packages can be won in Satellite tournaments that are held on NCL ships throughout the year. I won one earlier this year (which I'll be using) and won another one at the 2024 Poker Challenge (which was just held Oct 27- Nov3).

I've gone on the last two Poker Challenge cruises. Feel free to ask any questions.

 

[Carnth]

Wow, talk about last minute!

GLWS

 

[JDPoker]

Just to be clear, it's Nov 8-16, 2025. This time next year.

 

[Carnth]

Just to be clear, it's Nov 8-16, 2025. This time next year.

Oh! I totally missed the year part of the date.

 

[KingWithTheAxe]

Those satellite tournaments are rebuy bonanzas. 10BB starting stacks?

 

[JDPoker]

Yeah, 10 BB (maybe 20 for the first level, I forget). The Super Satellites at the Poker Challenge were a little better (30BB starting stack).

The tournaments at the Poker Challenge were much better. The Main Event had 30K starting stacks, 30 minute levels, and started at 100/100 blinds.

 

[chkmte]

My wife has been bugging me to go on a cruise, but I have no interest. That said… is the cost of the cruise $1,250? Is that per person? I couldn’t figure it out by looking at the NCL website.

 

[ekricket]

@k9dr
@MrCastro127

 

[JDPoker]

That said… is the cost of the cruise $1,250? Is that per person? I couldn’t figure it out by looking at the NCL website.

You get a $1250 credit towards the cruise fare. It should be enough to cover an inside cabin for 2, maybe an ocean view. You can get a better cabin and pay the difference. In any event, you will still need to pay taxes and port fees, an administrative fee, and gratuities, etc.

I booked a solo balcony cabin and it covered the entire fare. I had to pay $573 for admin fees, taxes and port expenses, and gratuities on open bar/dining package. You'll also need to pay gratuities on the ship, which I think is something like $17-20 a day.

They have these things called "Cruise Next" certificates that you can buy on board. Each certificate is worth $250 and acts as your security deposit for a future cruise (on a cruise you can buy them for $125). If anyone is interested, I can sell you one of mine for $150, so you'll save another $100.

 

[chkmte]

So is this a certificate/voucher you’re selling? How do you go about arranging the actual purchase of the cruise? Feel free to post here or DM me.

 

[JDPoker]

To book the cruise you need to call NCL Casinos at Sea (their casino division)...1-877-752-9625. You can probably get pricing info from them. I'll need to sign a transfer form (which I have) but it should be pretty easy. If your interested we can try to call them together.

 

[ekricket]

Do you have any info on the ports the ship will travel to? On their website we can’t find the ship sailing out if Jacksonville. You can’t select Jacksonville as a port and when you select the ship there are only three posts available, non of them Jacksonville.

 

[JDPoker]

Yeah, I think this sailing will be only their first or second cruise out of Jacksonville, and it is not a usual itinerary (and it's not on their website because it's a casino charter). If you click on "Schedule of Events" you can see the ports (and tournament schedule). It's Jacksonville, Sea Day, Nassau, GSC(Private Island), Freeport, Key West, Sea Day, Sea Day. 8 days.

 

[ekricket]

@moose

 

[moose]

Do you have any info on the ports the ship will travel to? On their website we can’t find the ship sailing out if Jacksonville. You can’t select Jacksonville as a port and when you select the ship there are only three posts available, non of them Jacksonville.

You can't find it through the main site, I think because they want to be able to guarantee the satellite winners a cabin. The cruise we went on in Oct was already giving seats out for 2025.

The info is in the link in the OP.

 

[travelgirl]

I’m looking at the cruises in the link… does the main event end and pay out of the Nov 8th sailing? And do I have to call to get a quote on the cabin prices?

 

[JDPoker]

Yes, the full schedule of events is in the link above. Day 2 of the Main is on the Friday Sea Day, and the Final Table is on Saturday. To get pricing you would need to call Casino at Seas (1-877-752-9625). Explain to them that your thinking about buying a prize package and see what the net cost would be for various stateroom options.

 

[JDPoker]

When pricing out the cruise, many people get confused about the "free" specialty dining and open bar packages. There are sometimes significant costs involved in taking these options, and you can decline them.

I'm generally a big fan of the specialty dining but on this year's Challenge I found it hard to use, since many days had tournaments starting at 6:00.
The open bar is great too, but you need to buy it for all adults in the same cabin, and it can get pricy if one or both of them is not a big drinking.

 

[JDPoker]

Bump. If anyone is interested, I'll be away for a few days but will get back to you early next week.