Definitely like Vegas at sea.

Except there is no need to stuff food in pockets or bags, as the cabins don't have refrigerators, and there is never a shortage of food.

The ships don't charge you enough for the food, upkeep and fuel. They make their money in drinks, tours, and especially the casino. The musicians room near the rest of the staff, and a casino dealer once told me, "They come in with a certain amount of cash to lose, and they won't stop gambling until they lose it all."

As a non-casino staff member (musician) I wasn't allowed to gamble in the casino, or even go in there. But that's OK with me, as I am not fond of gambling anyway. I know the odds are in the "house's" favor and they will give you 4 and take away 5. I went on the ship to make money.

I could have gambled in port, but I didn't. Instead I saw the sights and met other musicians. I learned a lot about how to play Salsa music from guys in Puerto Rico and I returned the favor helping them with North American music.

Before COVID I had occasional gigs in one of those Native American Reservation gambling casinos. The casino staff was really always nice to us, went out of their way to help us, and it paid well. But playing in a small, open bar with a dozen chairs around us but surrounded by beeping, clanging, flashing slot machines is a bit surrealistic.

We mostly entertained guests who didn't really gamble but their spouses did.

We found out quickly that the gamblers are also listening and even applaud after songs they like, but it's still weird. I hope we get to go back after COVID.

Oh, back on the thread.

The casino also feeds the staff. We don't eat when we perform, for vocals and wind instruments it's an air space thing. So they send us home with uncooked steaks. Mmmm they are good too.

So the money and the steak, what is it all for? To feed my food addiction. I can't live without it.

Bob