Savannah will get another chance to go gambling when a new casino boat sets sail from Wilmington Island next month.
Tradewinds Cruise Lines of Madeira Beach, Fla., has brought its 425-passenger, 200-foot casino boat Escapade to the old Williams Seafood docks and is readying the ship for its first Savannah cruise in early June.
“We’re excited to be coming to the coastal Georgia market,” said Roger Humphreys, Tradewinds vice president for operations in Savannah. “This is a great area, and our research indicates there is a market with both locals and tourists for a legitimate casino ship operation.”
The company will continue to operate in Florida, with a new boat on the way, Humphreys said.
Meanwhile, the Escapade has just returned from dry dock maintenance in Charleston and is undergoing cosmetic updates at the dock while Tradewinds’ management is wrapping up all permitting and regulatory requirements.
Humphreys said his company is aware of the problems Savannah has had with casino cruises in the past, including the 2012 indictment of Marine Charters LLC and Diamond Casino Cruise LLC for illegal gambling in Georgia and South Carolina waters.
“We have been operating in the St. Petersburg area for two years and have maintained a good relationship with state and federal entities there,” Humphreys said. “You can be sure there will be no gambling on our boat until we are in international waters.”
The Escapade’s five-hour cruises will feature three decks of Vegas-style gaming, including 220 slots, 12 blackjack tables, a double-sided roulette wheel, craps and poker. Two of the levels will be designated as non-smoking.
A light meal, served on the way out, is included in the boarding fee, as is a snack served on the way back to port. Three full bars are also available.
Humphreys said hiring has just begun for the approximately 75 people needed to staff the ship. Anyone interested in applying should email him at savtradewinds@gmail.com.