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PRESS RELEASE written for Las Vegas Casino Lines
The sleek 300-foot-long “Liquid Vegas” is decked out with a marble landing, crystal chandeliers, elegant columns and other luxurious trappings that will remind high rollers of Caesar’s Palace. Liquid Vegas will run free gaming cruises twice daily with an additional late night cruise in the wee hours Saturday and Sunday morning. The ship, which will hold up to 800 passengers and 100 crew on its four decks, will cater to the convention market and other groups for events such as family reunions, weddings and company parties. As Las Vegas is a top convention destination, the addition of Vegas-style entertainment easily accessible over the Beach Line bodes well for the Orlando convention market. “Orlando meeting planners are always looking for great entertainment for conventions. We’re here to help provide it,” says Larry Mullin, president and chief executive officer of the new company. Mullin has more than a decade of experience in gaming vessels out of Port Canaveral, and has become a popular and widely recognized leader in the regional tourism industry. He’s spearheaded efforts including the renaming of S.R. 528 to the “Beach Line” and the S.R. 528 and Interstate 95 interchange landscape beautification project. Mullin is partnering with long-time Space Coast entrepreneur and community leader Rick Stottler to create a cruise line with area roots and allegiances. Stottler, president of Stottler Stagg and Associates, owns the famous Cocoa Beach Pier and Cocoa Expo. “We want to create a locally owned cruise line that will help boost the area economy and lead to further economic development,” Stottler says. The new company plans to collaborate with area hotels and restaurants to offer entertainment packages. Late night cruises on the weekend will encourage visitors to spend more time in the county with overnight stays. “I think that Las Vegas Casino Lines out of Port Canaveral will be a tremendous addition to our entertainment portfolio here in Brevard,” said Rob Varley, executive director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism. “With Rick, Giles and Larry behind it, it is sure to be a hit.” Liquid Vegas will be the fastest of all the gaming vessels at the port, running at up to 16 knots at sea, allowing the ship to depart later and return earlier than other gaming vessels. It will also offer the most open-air space on its top deck, the entertainment deck. Roll-down acrylic flaps will be used in case of rain or cold winds. “Part of the draw of a gaming cruise is to be able to enjoy your time out on the water, taking in the sights and sounds of the port and the open ocean,” Mullin says. The ship’s 500 coin-less slot machines will be operated with smart cards. Games offered aboard Liquid Vegas will include Baccarat, Blackjack, Let It Ride, Roulette, Texas Hold ‘Em, Craps, Caribbean Stud Poker and Big Six Wheel. Passengers can enjoy a free hot-and-cold buffet during their voyage, free drinks when gaming, and live musical entertainment. Standards will be played during the day and classic rock n roll hits during the evening cruises. Special catering and entertainment will be available in the VIP room for conventions and events. Las Vegas Casino Lines will operate out of Terminal 4, 240 Christopher Columbus Dr., which is directly adjacent to Jetty Park. The location will allow conventions and other groups to have festive outdoor tented dinners and parties with the option of catering by famous Tommy Bahama. Themes include Hawaiian Luau, Beach Party, Cajun Festival or Texas Bar-B-Que. More than 14,000 square feet of inside meeting space is being developed using a former baggage area with additional space available for groups within the 31,000-square-feet Terminal 4 complex. A welcoming entertainment deck with umbrellas and tables is being created just outside the terminal entryway. Parking will never be an issue because there are more than 2,500 parking spaces in the terminal area. Las Vegas Casino Lines plans to foster local nonprofits with fundraisers and other support. The environmentally conscious company will have the first gaming vessel to use waste off-loading facilities built by the Port Authority. The boat, originally built in Spain in 1985, had been used for gaming in South Florida before being acquired by Las Vegas Casino Lines in October. It was upgraded in dry dock in the Jacksonville area and had the finishing touches put on at Port Canaveral. Work was provided by Space Coast contractors, including nationally known Cocoa Beach interior designer Clay Stephens. Plans for the christening and inaugural cruise of Liquid Vegas are still in the making but will include celebrities, government officials and big-name entertainers. “Of course we want to make a big splash as we launch the Liquid Vegas. This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship with the community,” Mullin says. Liquid Vegas will sail 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. seven days a week. Evening cruises are 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Late night weekend cruises are Saturday and Sunday mornings from 1:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. Reservations should be made in advance. For more information, visit www.lasvegascasinolines.com
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