This week, the popular Carnival Cruise Lines announced that it would be hosting a No-Limit Hold ‘em poker satellite tournaments on many of its Fun Ship voyages this year.

The latest destination for players looking for poker action in a fun environment is cruise ships.

Poker tournaments of late are taking on a different kind of atmosphere, allowing players to enjoy a relaxing holiday – sometimes even taking their families along – and still playing serious poker for significant cash prizes.

Players can try their luck and pitch their skills at satellite events on board these cruises until June 30^th, 2008. According to Carnival Cruise Lines, guests can register onboard on the first night of their voyage (naturally subject to availability). Entry fee and buyin for these events are set at $150, plus a $15 per entry. First place winners of these satellite tournaments will win $750 in cash as well as entry into the Grand Final Playoff of the 2008 Carnival ProPoker Challenge. Winners of these events will get a $100 discount for the main event cruise if they book within one month of qualifying.  

The final event is planned to take place on the Carnival Fantasy on October 4^th, 2008. The lucky winner of this event stands to win $45,000 in cash and the title of champion of the 2008 Carnival ProPoker Challenge.

Rodney Dofort, the Vice President of Casino Operations at Carnival Corporation said: "With the increasing popularity of No Limit Texas Hold'em poker tournaments throughout the gaming community, these events not only combine the excitement of a high stakes casino tournament, but also provide guests the opportunity to experience a fun and memorable cruise vacation. We are particularly pleased that we are able to hold the Grand Final Playoff on board the Carnival Fantasy following the implementation of her full Evolutions of Fun upgrades later this year."

Players at these fun tournaments will be playing around the newly installed electronic PokerPro tables that are becoming so popular at land casinos in Vegas and Macau. These dealerless tables are the last word in fast, action-packed poker fun, allowing players to see the pot amount, community cards, commitments, table stakes and other vital information.