Port Canaveral, Florida-based Victory Casino Cruises recently announced after just four years of operations, it expects to welcome its 1 millionth passenger this week. The milestone will be greeted with celebrations and a chance to win ,000–the equivalent of 1 million pennies. Victory Casino Cruises Chief Executive Officer Lester Bullock said reaching 1 million passengers “shows that this product has a place in Central Florida and Port Canaveral. People have been voting with their attendance.”
Bullock said the company has been “building the brand” since its first gambling cruise from Port Canaveral in July 2011. “When you see our casino floor, I’ll put it up against anyone’s,” Bullock said, including the land-based casinos in Florida and Nevada.
The Port Canaveral ship offers 620 slot machines and soon will add 60 more. It also features 27 table games, including offerings as craps, roulette and blackjack, plus bingo and sports betting.
Recently Bullock said the company has spent $2-$3 million a year in comprehensive advertising. It also offers shuttle bus services to the port from a number of locations in Florida. In addition, the operation has upgraded the quality of onboard food and entertainment, and has emphasized a personalized approach to customer service, Bullock added.
Bullock said he manages the gambling ship as a value to customers. He charges $10 per ticket, as opposed to free boarding, because he said the fee allows him to offer patrons a higher quality experience. .
The Victory ship also benefits Port Canaveral, Bullock said. Company records show about 80 percent of patrons come to Port Canaveral from more than 50 miles away. The port also has received $10.4 million in passenger, parking and other fees from Victory since the ship began sailing from there.
