Adventures on the Texas Treasure

Well, at long last, I am finally getting around to posting a blog on the casino ship Texas Treasure. We took this tour about two months ago. I guess it is about time that I post this one.

She is 420 feet long and is now a casino & day cruise ship. She is 38 years old and cruises at 21 knots. The Texas Treasure has quite a history and not always was she used for her current purpose or had the same name. In fact she has had at least seven names prior to her current moniker. She was built on the River Tyne in the UK in 1968 and was known then as St. George. Her position then was to carry cars and passengers and was later renamed The Sea Link. She ran under the British flag for approximately 15 years and was then purchased by Greece and renamed The Patra Express. She sailed under the Greek flag for 7 years and was purchased by a company called Sea Escape and renamed again. Her new title was Scandinavian Sky II. She was remodeled by this company, which eventually went bankrupt and sold her to Discover........ her new name then was Discover Cruise Line......renamed again by the same owner, Discover Dawn. Finally, she was purchased again and named Island Dawn and to her present name.......The Texas Treasure.

The day we took our trip was a cold cloudy day. Once on board the gambling cannot commence until at least 12 miles off the Texas coast. I am not sure how far out they actually go until they turn around and head back, but the trip took approximately 6 hours from what I can recollect. Once you enter the ship you are directed to the dining area and if you can't find what you want to eat.....then you just are not hungry. There is also entertainment in the form of audience participitory karaoke, singing and dancing. This is how you while away your time until the proper position is obtained by the ship to enable opening of the slots and blackjack tables. You may also spend time out on deck, but being cold and blustery on this day, time outside was kept to a minimum. Not to worry as no large sums of money were won by anyone but a few in our party broke even. All in all a cheap ($7.00 tickets) fun way to spend a day without going too broke.