Palm Beach Princess: Mutiny on a Gambling Ship
It was just a few weeks ago that Gambling911.com's Senior International Correspondent, Jenny Woo, boarded the Palm Beach Princess. It's a cruise to nowhere that features casino games and sports betting.
"My experience was wonderful!" Woo tells us.
But something went awry since her 7 hour voyage.
The ship lost its license, regained it back after officials determined it was now "sea worthy", and last Thursday the owners filed for bankruptcy. That was just the tip of the iceberg so to speak.
On Christmas Day with around 300 scheduled to board for a gambling excursion, a mutiny had been organized by the vessel's crew. That forced the Palm Beach Princess to cancel all voyages the past few days including Christmas. Management fired those responsible for orchestrating the work stoppage. General Manager Greg Karan said those fired Saturday were ring-leaders of Friday's mayhem, which he called "a conspiracy, mutiny and a strike."
Whether the Palm Beach Princess plans to sail again remains to be seen as their website appeared to be down Monday morning. Management had previously expected normal operations to resume on Tuesday.
All other employees were issued an ultimatum: Behave or go home!
"I can't believe what is happening," said Woo. "It's crazy!"
Ms. Woo had been invited back to the ship just before the Christmas holiday but declined for the time being as she awaits further developments.
Payton O'Brien, Gambling911.com Senior Editor
