Notes From
the Poker Deck
Guides, war stories and practical knowledge from nine years of casino events at sea — written by the producers, dealers and chefs who run the nights.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Casino Night
What separates a memorable casino evening from a room full of rented tables — the sequencing, pacing and small production choices most people never notice but everyone feels.
Read the guideHow to Host a Poker Night at Sea
The complete organiser's playbook — guest mix, structure, timing and the mistakes that sink amateur casino nights.
Every Tournament Format, Explained
Freezeout, rebuy, bounty, shootout, team — which structure fits your guests and why it matters more than the buy-in.
Texas Hold'em for Complete Beginners
Everything a first-timer needs before stepping aboard — rules, hands, etiquette and the tells everyone has.
Planning a Bucks Party on the Water
The organiser's checklist — formats that work, budgets that don't blow out, and how to keep the groom alive to the wedding.
Why Corporate Events Belong on a Liner
The case for taking the EOFY party offshore — captive audience, built-in theatre, and a venue people actually RSVP to.
Running a Charity Poker Gala
How buy-ins, rebuys and prize vaults out-raise a dinner — the playbook that took one charity from $40k to $112k.
Australia's Best Ports for Casino Nights
From Station Pier's skyline to Trinity Inlet's sunset — the departure points worth building an event around.
Melbourne Cup Week on the Water
The busiest fortnight in our calendar — why Cup week sells out by August and what to book instead of a crowded marquee.
What to Wear to a Casino Night
Black tie, cocktail, Gatsby or themed — the dress codes we see work, and the ones that quietly don't.