It has been about 10 months since the World Poker Tour first broke the news about the WPT Voyage, poker’s all-new Spring Break event. As the months have gone by, excitement has grown throughout the poker world for the excursion, with the Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady to set sail full of poker players from March 31-April 6.
Here at Cardplayer Lifestyle, we’ve not only promoted the WPT Voyage and previewed what you can expect on board, we’ve also had the privilege of giving away a prize package for it as part of our sixth Mixed Game Festival proceedings. The inaugural WPT Voyage promises to be action packed, and based on the buzz – which is reaching a fever pitch as embarkation day approaches – we wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up becoming a “must-attend” event on the yearly poker calendar.
Just daydreaming about how in 2.5 weeks’ time I’ll be cruising the Caribbean is an incredible feeling, but there’s plenty more that I’m specifically looking forward to. In fact, there are at least 10 things!
Home life is great, but it’s always a little tough coming down from the high of a poker trip.
That’s why having “that next thing” to look forward to is SO huge and mentally helpful.
And, dang, the @WPT Voyage is going to be special.
Can’t wait! 😃🔥https://t.co/QubJTTWTQh
— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) March 8, 2024
1. A Little Touring Time in Miami
I’ll have a few hours post-flight before boarding the WPT Voyage, so that means there’s time to do a little sightseeing in Miami. The city is full of plenty of possibilities for exploration. I’m thinking a hop-on-hop off tour bus might do the trick and expose me to many of the popular areas and neighborhoods. That’ll be a nice warm-up to the week-long adventure that awaits.
2. Pajama Party Meet-Up Game
Kicking off the festivities aboard the Valiant Lady, the World Poker Tour has scheduled a Pajama Party Meet-Up Game. Anyone who has attended a WPT-hosted MUG knows that they’re dreamy affairs, and I expect this upcoming one to be no different. Except, of course, that everyone will be in their pajamas.
What better way to get everyone acclimated onboard a poker cruise than getting into your coziest sleepwear and gathering around the felt for an evening of $1/3 and $2/5 cash games?!
Plus, win or lose during your cash game session, everyone playing will have the chance to win a seat into the $5K WPT Voyage Championship event!
3. A Vast Array of Off-Felt Entertainment
From musical sets by world-renown DJs to stand-up sets by multiple popular comedians and even a mentalist act, the World Poker Tour has arranged for a bevy of talented performing artists to join us aboard the ship. I’m admittedly not much of a party animal, but I’m all-in on comedy routines and I’m eager to hear new material and laugh until my sides hurt.
And for those of you who prefer to get your groove on at the dance floor, it’s a no-brainer that popping music will be the soundtrack to your WPT Voyage.
4. Low-Stakes Mixed Game Poker
Sure, No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha are great, but you know what’s even greater? Mixed games! 😊 All kidding aside, anyone who knows me or has followed my work in the poker world knows of my deep affection for mixed game poker.
I’ve asked around among some of my poker media buddies who will also be onboard the ship and they’ve expressed a shared desire to get a low-stakes mixed game going. So, folks, it’s going to happen (hopefully on multiple occasions)! And if you’re a mixed game lover like me who will also be on the WPT Voyage, please search out our cash game table and join us; we’d love to meet you!
5. The WPT Voyage is My First Ever “Mega Cruise”
I’ve been on a Mediterranean cruise once before, but it was a smaller vessel, accommodating a couple hundred passengers. This is the first time I’ll ever be on one of those “mega cruises” and from everything I’ve heard about Virgin Voyages, the ship and everything it has to offer will be absolutely spectacular.
While in the strictest sense, the ship is the mode of transportation, the Valiant Lady is the destination in and of itself. From all-inclusive gourmet dining and luxurious accommodations to thrilling activities and breathtaking views, every moment onboard is sure to be an adventure. I’m eager to discover all the wonders that await.
6. Lots of Vegan Food!
Prior to any poker trip, I always make the appropriate preparations for being able to maintain my kosher diet. Unfortunately, this isn’t offered by Virgin Voyages, but pretty much every dining outlet onboard – there are almost two dozen of them, and ALL are included in the cost of the cruise! – has vegan options available. That basically gets you 98% of the way there if you keep kosher, like me. So, I’ll be venturing slightly out of my comfort zone, and am looking forward to trying an abundance of vegan dishes.
7. Playing in the $660 HORSE
I still have many items I need to check off my poker bucket list. For instance, in part because I rarely play tournaments (under 20 lifetime), I unfortunately still haven’t cashed in one and, as such, have no HendonMob profile. It’s time to change that.
Plus, while I’ve attended many WPT events in a media capacity, I’ve never had the good fortune of actually playing in a WPT tournament. It’s time to change that, too.
Looking at the tournament schedule, I see the $660 HORSE event calling my name… Giddy-up, it’s time to snag myself a winner’s photo!
8. Amazing Weather, Visiting the Caribbean
I can’t wait to soak up the sun and enjoy the tropical paradise that awaits us on the WPT Voyage. I’m not yet sure if I’ll be partaking in any official excursions on shore, but I certainly plan to disembark at the two ports of call — George Town in the Cayman Islands, and the Bimini Beach Club in the Bahamas. Warm sunrises and sunsets, with every color of the rainbow greeting me from dawn to dusk… Yeah, I’m ready for it; bring it on!
9. Hanging out with Bunches of Poker Friends
One of the highlights of any big poker event is the opportunity to reconnect with friends from around the world who share a passion for the game. Whether it’s swapping stories about past tournaments, discussing strategy over drinks, or simply enjoying each other’s company, there’s nothing quite like the camaraderie of the poker community.
On the WPT Voyage, I’m looking forward to catching up with familiar faces and making new friends — perhaps some people who’ve won their trip aboard via ClubWPT or WPT Global — as we embark on this unforgettable journey together. From late-night poker sessions to leisurely strolls on deck to fun-filled beach/pool parties and and shared meals, I can’t wait to share in the WPT Voyage experience with the amazing people who make this community so special.
10. Documenting My 2024 WPT Voyage Experience
Is the WPT Voyage all fun and games? Well, yeah! But for me that comes with a teeny asterisk, as it’ll be a working vacation. For those of you unable to join us onboard but eager to participate vicariously, I’ll be sharing some of my own experiences via social media, and will be writing up a couple of features that I hope capture your imagination.
All that’s left to do is pack my bag and get ready for the poker spring break of a lifetime. Bon voyage!
