SunCruz Casinos was one of many cruise lines that offered 'cruises to nowhere,' legally transporting passengers into international waters beyond the reach of federal and state gambling laws.
Private (Owned by Ocean Casino Cruises) | |
Industry | Transportation |
---|---|
Founded | 1994 |
Defunct | 2009 |
Area served
|
Florida, Myrtle Beach, SC |
Robert Weisberg, Chairman & CEO | |
Products | Cruises |
Number of employees
|
1,000 |
Website | http://www.suncruzcasino.com |
![Casino Casino](https://static.reservedirect.com/media/product/gallery/original/SunCruz_Casino_(003).jpg)
In order to clear the security check point and ensure the prompt departure of each cruise, the parking lot & ticket office close 5 minutes prior to each departure from our docks in Little River, SC just minutes from Myrtle Beach. SC just minutes from Myrtle Beach. The Big 'M' Casino - 4491 Mineola Ave, Little River, SC 29566 - Rated 4.3 based on 175 Reviews 'I wasn't impressed. The food was not hot, and there. The Big M Casino invites you to a New Year’s Eve Casino Cruise from Little River. Set sail from 6:30 p.m. Aboard Ship I for $75/person, which includes your port taxes and fees. Festivities aboard the ship include casino action, live entertainment by DJ an percussionist Corey Holden plus a full buffet, a variety of hors-d’oeuvres, champagne toast at midnight and live entertainment. Casino Gambling Boats. There are two Las Vegas style casino gambling boats in the Myrtle Beach area, docked at the historic waterfront in Little River, a quaint, unincorporated village on the northern end of the Grand Strand. The boats take their passengers on infamous 'cruises to nowhere' a few miles off the coast, into international waters, outside the USA jurisdiction, where it's legal to gamble. A dinner cruise was the perfect way to end my visit to Mrytle Beach. I cruised on October 11, 2017 on the 4:30 to 6:30 dinner cruise. The boat cruises down the intra coastal water way and it's a very nice cruise.
Four ships operated out of four ports including Jacksonville (SunCruz VII), Key Largo (SunCruz I), Myrtle Beach (SunCruz VIII), and Port Canaveral (SunCruz XII).[1]
On December 16, 2009, SunCruz Casinos was reported to be closing amid reports of owing $300,000 to the Canaveral Port Authority.[2] Parent company Ocean Casino Cruises filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy December 28.[3]
At the time of the filing of bankruptcy, there were about 300 full-time and part-time employees.[4]
History[edit]
In 1994 Gus Boulis, already a multi-millionaire by founding the Miami Subs sandwich shop franchise, bought a number of luxury yachts. He remodeled the yachts as casinos, and began to operate his 'cruises to nowhere,' sailing three miles from the Florida coast into what was then considered international waters.[5] There, out on the sea, passengers would gamble on poker, blackjack and slot machines. Boulis called his fleet of 11 ships the SunCruz Casino line. By the time he sold the company in 2000, SunCruz Casinos was earning tens of millions of dollars in annual profits, and employed over 2,000 people.
In September 2007, SunCruz discontinued operation at Palm Beach.[6] Service was subsequently discontinued at Daytona and Treasure Island.
Investigation[edit]
In the 2000s, lobbyists such as Jack Abramoff became involved illegally with the sale of the line. Boulis was murdered in 2001.
See also[edit]
Footnotes[edit]
- ^'SunCruz website'. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
- ^NBC News
- ^http://www.cfnews13.com/Business/LocalBusinessHeadlines/2009/12/29/suncruzs_parent_company_files_for_bankruptcy.html
- ^Price, Wayne T. (11 January 2010). 'SunCruz offers apologies'. Florida Today. Melbourne, Florida: Florida Today. pp. 14A.
- ^New York Times retrieved June 8, 2008
- ^'Port of Palm Beach statement'. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=SunCruz_Casinos&oldid=926791985'
South Carolina is home to some of the most crystal-clear beaches and exciting nightlife in the country, but unfortunately, there aren’t many gambling options for the millions of tourists who wish to test their luck each year. South Carolina’s gambling laws are somewhat old-fashioned, and gaming houses, facilities, and gaming devices are banned. However, guests can have a great casino experience including thrilling games, fine dining, and live entertainment on one of the cruise ship casinos near Myrtle Beach! These gambling boats allow you to play your favorite games on the seas and are 100% legal, safe, and tons of fun for locals and visitors alike.
Take a Ride on a Casino Boat
Whether you’re hoping for a chance to win the big bucks or simply looking for a good time on your next trip to the Grand Strand, the Big “M” Casino Ship is ideal for a fun night out on the water. This luxurious 168-foot yacht offers fun-filled gambling cruises where guests can enjoy Las Vegas-style gaming including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, Texas Hold’em Poker, and slots. All cruises have a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet and depart from Little River, SC, just minutes from Myrtle Beach.
The Big M offers six cruises per week including morning and evening rides. The boat heads out each Thursday through Monday from 10 AM to 3:30 PM and on Saturdays from 5:30 PM to 11 PM. You’ll enjoy a scrumptious breakfast buffet in the morning and a hearty Italian buffet on the evening cruise. The cost for hours of fun is just $20 per person, so you can save some of your cash for the games!
The Big M offers six cruises per week including morning and evening rides. The boat heads out each Thursday through Monday from 10 AM to 3:30 PM and on Saturdays from 5:30 PM to 11 PM. You’ll enjoy a scrumptious breakfast buffet in the morning and a hearty Italian buffet on the evening cruise. The cost for hours of fun is just $20 per person, so you can save some of your cash for the games!
Upcoming Events
The Big M ship offers multiple events throughout the year, and this year, you can ring in 2016 the Myrtle Beach way on their fabulous New Year’s Eve Cruise. On December 31st, take a celebratory cruise where you’ll have access to the best casino games, a cash bar, complimentary drinks while gaming, and a champagne toast at midnight. You can enjoy snacks and hors d’oeuvres as well as an elaborate buffet, complete with delicacies like Thai coconut soup, teriyaki chicken shish kabobs, and a New York strip carving station. Throughout the evening, a fantastic DJ will be playing all of the best tunes from the 60’s and today, so you can dance the night away. Cruise time is from 6:30 PM to 12:30 AM and tickets are just $75, so be sure to reserve your spot today!
Bet On Seaside Vacations!
While it’s fun to take some risks on the high seas, you never want to take a gamble when it comes to comfort. When planning your next visit to casinos near Myrtle Beach, be sure to book your stay with Seaside Vacations for a perfect homestead on the Grand Strand! Our beautiful oceanfront homes and vacation rentals have all of the amenities you’ll need after a day of thrills, including spectacular views, spacious bedrooms, and close proximity to all of the fun. We wish you the best of luck!
Casino Cruise Myrtle Beach Sc
For more information on fun things to do in South Carolina, download our free Myrtle Beach vacation guide.