Not quite sure what you mean by "being offered the chance to win a week long cruise". The offers I've been aware of have been "free" cruise giveaways: usually you have to pay port fees & taxes, although I've heard of some where the casino pays the fees.
Once you get the offer, you just book the cruise & go. These mostly seem to be on Norwegian Cruise Lines which from what I've heard is part of HET. You generally get free drinks while playing, perhaps a gift or two, a reception, and I'm sure they want you to be playing. Based on a reasonable amount of play, you can be offered additional free or discounted cruises by NCL.
As for the machines, you won't find any full pay anything, and probably not the next level down either. I seem to remember 8/5 DDB at the $1 level. The paytables change (in my experience) with the denomination, so at the quarter level the payouts will be even worse. But lightning DOES strike on cruise ships, and on both my cruises I was able to pay for the trips thanks to a RF and 4oakA's with a kicker.
Now as to cruising in general, it can be a truly delightful experience. Your food is all included, sodas & alcohol extra. They usually have a show of some kind each night, dancing, night clubs, just a million things to keep you busy. You can see some great sights, depending on the itineraryThey try to suck you into all kinds of (IMHO unnecessary) extras: photos, videos, jewelry & art sales, and worst of all BINGO.
Here are a couple of websites that give some good info:
http://www.cruisemates.com/articles/firsttime/
http://www.cruisereviews.com/article/7/
If you have the opportunity to go, try it. Just think of the VP as a pleasant diversion, not something that an AP would be jumping at. But lightning DOES strike on cruise ships, and on both my cruises I was
able to pay for the trips thanks to a RF and 4oakA's with a kicker.
Good luck, and enjoy!
···
________________________________
From: "mayda1637@rogers.com" <mayda1637@rogers.com>
To: vpFREE_Online@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, February 4, 2010 11:01:07 PM
Subject: [vpFREE_Online] cruise ship gambling
As a Circus Circus Video poker player, I am being offered the chance to win a week long cruise with other "VIP" gamblers. Based on my existing level of play my host figures I have a good shot. I have never been on a cruise before, let alone alone a casino sponsored one. So many questions.
I assume I would be expected to gamble on the ship? Probably could get away without gambling, but that might wear out my welcome.
Any idea what sort of machines one might find on a cruise ship?
I assume short pay, maybe really short?
Any info appreciated.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]