A casino cruise ship now sailing out of Brunswick, Ga., "very soon'' might be on its way to the Port of Pensacola, City Manager Tom Bonfield said Wednesday.
The Emerald Princess, a 190-foot vessel with on-board gambling and dining facilities, would be moored at the port's Commendencia Slip in downtown, providing that city officials iron out a few remaining details.
In addition to slot machines and full-course dining, the ship offers roulette, blackjack, craps table and poker table gaming.
"We're encouraged by the negotiations," Bonfield said after a conference call with the ship's owners. "It's not a done deal yet, but we're getting close.''
Port staff will work with Grand Isle Casino Cruise Lines executives over the next few days on the final details of a month-to-month lease arrangement, Bonfield said. A definite date for the ship to arrive has not been discussed, he said.
Port Director Leon Walker said cruise line officials, who recently added a new casino ship to their inventory, began discussing the possible move shortly after Hurricane Katrina wiped out major casinos along the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Aug. 29. They saw an opportunity to test the Pensacola market for offshore gambling, he said.
Under federal maritime law, a ship may open gaming tables once it is 12 miles off shore. While the cruise ship is in port, all gaming devices would remain under lock and key.
The Emerald Princess makes five-hour trips to sea seven days a week. Ticket prices vary from $10 to $20 per passenger.