HPT to set sail for televised event

Fargo, N.D. (PRESS RELEASE) – After producing 100 events for national television throughout the United States, Heartland Poker Tour will stage its first event outside the U.S. in January. Partnering with Cardplayer Cruises, "HPT on the High Seas" will launch the tour’s ninth season and include a nationally-televised Main Event on board the ship January 19-26, 2013.

The MSC Poesia will depart from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for a week-long vacation with stops in Cozumel, Mexico, Isla de Roatan, Honduras, Georgetown, Cayman Islands, and Falmouth, Jamaica. MSC Cruise Lines boasts one of the highest safety ratings in the world.

In typical HPT style, players will be treated to a welcome cocktail party, a private beach party, and a farewell party. Additional perks include exclusive concierge service for the HPT group, complimentary food in the poker room, and a custom swag bag. To ensure there is always an open seat at the felt, only HPT players will be allowed access to the 40-table full-service poker room where they will find cash games, seminars, qualifiers, and the nationally-televised $1,100 Main Event.

Cardplayer Cruises (CPC) has a twenty-year history of coordinating poker adventures at sea and reports nearly every passenger books a return trip. CPC representatives recommend passengers reserve their all-inclusive cruise packages early for best cabin availability. Guests can make travel arrangements by phone or online. Booking information is available at HPTpoker.com. A valid passport is required at the time of departure.

Players also have an opportunity to win their way on board by playing "The Sunday Ship It" at select HPT stops throughout 2012. The $100 tournament will provide more action for those eliminated from HPT’s Main Event on Day 2 and a chance to win a coveted $2,000 "HPT on the High Seas" package for two. The Palms Casino Resort will launch the first Sunday Ship It event on Sunday, April 15, 2012. The schedule and structure for the Sunday Ship It tournament is available at HPTpoker.com.

HPT regular Randy Fikki hopes to win one of the packages up for grabs at The Palms. "I can’t wait for the opportunity to win a cruise at The Palms this month. The only thing better than playing HPT is playing HPT on a cruise ship while visiting some of the most exotic places in the Caribbean," said the Kansas man.

Isla de Roatan, located on the second-largest coral reef in the world, attracts visitors with its crystal clear waters, acres of preserved rainforest, vibrant orchids, and exotic monkeys and parrots. While in Honduras, guests may take in the bustling fishing villages of French Harbour and Little Venice, or don some flippers and explore the scenic underworld.

Diving and snorkeling are also widely popular in the Cayman Islands. The world-famous Seven Mile Beach is often hailed as "the loveliest beach in the Caribbean." Located in the British West Indies, George Town is praised for its wide-open blue skies, lush green vegetation, and bright tropical flowers.

While docked in Mexico, guests may relax on Cozumel’s white sand beaches, tour the Mayan ruins, or explore the jungle by ATV, among other local attractions. Jamaica will likely be a popular port as well, with close proximity to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

"This event will be legendary," said HPT producer Fred Bevill, "especially for the passenger who walks off the ship with life-changing money as HPT’s first champion of season nine."

HPT’s production team will film at least two episodes at sea January 19-26th. Over 100 million U.S. households will have the opportunity to watch the adventure via national television syndication. The onboard tournament schedule for "HPT on the High Seas" will be posted soon at HPTpoker.com.