

In this special interview, URComped CEO Craig Shacklett sits down with Vince Lentini, VP of Casino for Margaritaville at Sea, to uncover everything casino players need to know about sailing with this tropical-themed cruise line. Vince dives into the exciting details of the new Players Club loyalty program, including the exclusive Tide Rollers benefit, how players can qualify for offers, and how to book future casino cruises. The conversation also touches on what makes Margaritaville at Sea unique, new ship renovations, casino perks, sports betting, and more. If you're a casino player looking to maximize your experience at sea, this interview is packed with valuable insights. Listen to podcast version here.
What are the new itineraries like on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise?
Originally, The Paradise offered 2-night round trips to a single Bahamas port. Now, it's expanded to 4-day cruises that include sea days and stops like Nassau. There's also a 2025 itinerary planned with an overnight in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.
What is it like working for Margaritaville at Sea? Vince Lentini, coming from a land-based casino background, praised the passionate and growth-driven culture of the team. He emphasized the brand's appeal and the commitment of staff to providing great guest experiences.
What makes Margaritaville at Sea unique from other cruise lines? The cruise line emphasizes hospitality and a laid-back vibe. Guests are encouraged to relax and enjoy themselves—casual dress is welcome even in specialty restaurants. The environment attracts a younger, fun-loving crowd.
What are some of the new renovations onboard Margaritaville at Sea? Upgrades include: - Fluorescent lighting in the casino pit - Pizza added to the all-inclusive dining options - Refreshed slot machines (new Wheel of Fortune just added) - Ongoing aesthetic and functional upgrades, especially on The Paradise - The Islander is a newly retrofitted ship with more balcony rooms and expanded itineraries
What is the casino like on Margaritaville at Sea? Both ships feature: - 11 table games (blackjack, roulette, craps, full-ring poker) - Around 200 slot machines - New and popular games like Lightning Link and Wheel of Fortune - A focus on upgrading and refreshing machines - A full-ring poker table (rare at sea)
Is there sports betting on Margaritaville at Sea? Not yet, but they plan to introduce sports betting and daily fantasy sports by football season (around September). Being in international waters allows flexibility in gaming offerings.
Discuss the new Players Club Loyalty Program on Margaritaville at Sea? Launching July 1st, the program features four tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. It aims to be the most rewarding program at sea with low thresholds and strong benefits. Guests are already earning points toward their tier.
What is the Tide Rollers benefit? Exclusive to Platinum tier players, "Tide Rollers" lets high-tier members comp their friends with certificates for free balcony rooms. It's a way for players to feel like VIPs and share the experience.
How to book future casino offers with Margaritaville at Sea? Guests can: - Book future cruises onboard through casino hosts (now trained on the booking system) - Contact URComped after receiving mail offers - Work with URComped for rebooking and to ensure proper tier/offer access
What are the casino hours on Margaritaville at Sea? Casinos open when the ship reaches international waters (about 10 miles offshore) and usually close between 2:00–3:00 AM. Earlier closures may happen if the casino is quiet.
What perks can casino players look forward to on Margaritaville at Sea? - Free drinks while gambling - Onboard credits ($100 for Gold tier) - Shore excursion credits ($100 for Gold tier) - Future mail offers - Access to exclusive offers through URComped and casino hosts
Do points combine across ships for the Players Club on Margaritaville at Sea? Currently, they’re working on merging point systems across The Paradise and The Islander. Until it’s automated, staff will manually review points from both ships to ensure proper tier placement.
How do players know what they qualify for on Margaritaville at Sea? Players can: - Speak with onboard hosts - Use rebooking services - Contact URComped - Hosts are being trained to assist in real-time bookings and provide feedback on loyalty tier and qualification status.
Can you win in the casino on Margaritaville at Sea? Yes—many players hit jackpots regularly. Wins range from $6,000 to $15,000+. The team is improving communication around wins, including social media shoutouts and oversized check photo ops.
What does the casino look like and is it smoking or nonsmoking? The casino is clean, air-conditioned, and fully non-smoking. Renovations include improved lighting and floor layout. Vince showed off the casino in the interview and emphasized its comfortable and fresh atmosphere.