Southampton - Opus Casino Cruise Lines launched in July 2010, and if you like free food, free drinks, free entertainment, beautiful scenery, being on the water, being treated like a special and welcomed guest, and - of course - betting, gaming, winning (and sometimes losing!) then this is the place to be. This is the only live casino on Long Island, offering exciting gaming on three levels aboard a 200 foot vessel.

Make no mistake about it - the Opus Casino Cruise is just that - a casino on water, and is the only casino with live table games and slots in the New York metro area. At less than an hour from New York City or about 15 minutes from JFK on the beautiful south Shore of Long Island, Opus Casino Cruise Lines offers an exciting and convenient alternative to traveling to Atlantic City, Foxwoods, Las Vegas or any other land-locked casino.

Embarking from Nautical Mile in Freeport (home to Guy Lombardo), the beautiful setting makes for instant excitement as the Nautical Mile pier offers plenty in the way of fantastic restaurants and shops to keep you engaged either before or after venturing on the casino cruise.



The brainchild of Michael Kaminsky, Casino Operations Director for Opus Casino Cruise Lines, along with a number of private investors Kaminsky was discreet enough not to name, Opus has it all - Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, Mini-Baccarat, Video and Reel slot machines, Spanish 21, Three-card poker, Texas Hold 'Em Poker and Blackjack tournaments, and along with free parking, free drinks, free hot/cold buffet, DJ, entertainment, light snacks for return trip, free dessert and coffee, and a nominal $35 boarding fee and photo ID, this is an adventure not to be missed, whether you are a gaming novice or a heavy hitter.

The cruises leave port twice a day, Tuesday through Sunday, at 11 a.m. to 5:20 p.m., and again at 7:15 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (1:20 a.m. on Friday and Saturday), year-round. Sailing 14 times a week, seven days a week, you will have up to six hours to test your gaming knowledge and luck.

The casino officially opens after the vessel has reached the three mile mark off shore (about 40 minutes), but while waiting guests can indulge in the hot/cold buffet offering meat, pasta, and fish dishes, along with an extensive salad bar and a cash bar (drinks are complimentary once the casino opens). There is a DJ playing great tunes, dancing, with Karaoke available at times, and plenty of comfortable seating with black linen tablecloths and fantastic views. There are large flat screen televisions offering numerous channels for those who want to simply sit, relax and enjoy the trip.

Immediately upon boarding guests enter the three-level vessel (no elevator) on the first level where the more than 200 slot machines are located, and where they are greeted by staff lined up on either side bidding them hello with trays of drinks. Welcome aboard!



Taking the evening outing, boarding began at 6 p.m., the ship departed at 7:15 p.m. and after a lovely meal, some fresh air, and relaxation the casino opened at 8:15 p.m. - let the games begin.

The vessel itself was refitted in Florida under the scrutiny of Kaminsky, and with a capacity for over 500 guests (and approximately 60 crew), this large ship can accommodate 200 guests on just its outside decks. Kaminsky takes great pride in the attractive decor and spatial design elements incorporated on the vessel.

Sitting down with Kaminsky - not so easy to do as this man never stops moving - and who is undoubtedly one of the hardest working men in the gaming business, he explained that the vessel is 1,500 tons, and was purchased in April 2010 by a "very lucrative, private equity firm." Refitted for maximum value per square foot according to detailed design specifications contributed by Kaminsky, the Opus has been filled to full or near capacity on every outing since its maiden launch.

With a long career in gaming, and after having spent many years at the Mirage in Las Vegas, Kaminsky rightfully eludes obvious pride at the accomplishments Opus has achieved, explaining "There is more of a family among the gamblers, where the $25 player gets treated the same as the $100 player." Since there is no sectioned off VIP areas as "Everybody here plays in the VIP pitch" many returning guests get to know each other and the staff quickly, such as "Eddie the Jeweler" who has made more than 180 trips since the casino cruise began, and who proudly revealed that he had won $5,000 a few nights prior, and the gang of young adults (you must be 21 years or older to board), who were having a great time at the slot machines, celebrating a birthday - Happy Birthday Dennis.



The ages of the guests varied from young adult to obvious seasoned gamblers who were there to stay focused and seated at the Texas Hold 'Em tournament and the Blackjack tables, or the Roulette wheel. Winning big money sometimes requires betting big and concentration, and the fellas at the poker tournament never took their eyes off each other or the dealer. Kaminsky explained that this is the only table where the drinks are not free.

The casino line offers Player Club cards, gaming cards, and rewards cards (free trips, cash, i.e., 45 points = $1) and does not use a cashless system as is found in many casinos - if you win it - you get to hold those greenbacks! There are a few ATM machines conveniently located on the vessel.

Not once in more than six hours did I witness one non-smiling face among the staff, who are hand-picked by Kaminsky for their skills and personality. Attired in attractive black slacks with black vests and purple shirts, the staff name tags only indicate a first name and initial of the last name - a clever way to make guests immediately feel at ease.

From the dealers to the wait staff to the cage operator (although everyone should be happy to see her - she has the money!), the whole crew and staff are to be commended for their attentiveness and assistance, including, but certainly not limited to, Customer Service Assistants Sandy Anderson, Hailey Malbon, and Samantha Mandracchia; under the supervision of Customer Services Manager Christine Deweil; Karen Welby, Human Resources; Shaunna Mann, Cage Manager; Peter, Director of Slots, and the Craps dealers: Juan, Sandor, and Dana, who was thrilled when one guest amassed $14,000 in one evening.


If you need a little help or clarification on some of the rules for the various games you can attend "Opus U" - a nifty idea that allows players who may be too uncomfortable to ask, or don't possess enough knowledge of the rules, to be taught the basics by a gaming professional.

Allen Willinsky, well-known for his marketing and public relations skills, acts as a spokesperson for Opus, and explained "This is a great way for people to enjoy gaming without having to travel for hours. It is a self-contained environment offering all the amenities of any other casino, plus great views, and you have a set time limit which allows guests to focus on where and what they want to play during the length of the cruise." Willinsky, who certainly knows his way around a Craps table, was more than happy to jump in and offer instructions on how to play the complicated game.

Making sure all guests are safe and the journey is smooth, the vessel rotates four captains, a first officer and one chief engineer. According to Kaminsky, "There are no double shifts, and the captains can only work six consecutive days. We adhere to the International Safety Maritime Code, and have chosen seasoned maritime crew members." Our voyage was ably helmed by Captain Chris Gables, along with 1st Officer Bill McGinn.

Reservations are strongly recommended April through October. Opus Casino Cruise Lines is located at 395 Woodcleft Avenue, Freeport, NY.

For reservations and/or more information call 877-321-OPUS, or click here and GOOD LUCK!