Economic Development & Industrial Corporation of Lynn

Aquasino puts into Lynn port, to launch in June

May 16, 2013
By Thor Jourgensen/The Daily Item

It’s here: The gambling ship Aquasino sailed into Lynn Harbor Tuesday night, and its local owners said they have plenty of work to do before opening for business in mid-June.

The 225-foot-long blue and white ship, with a blue spade painted on its upper deck, needs cleaning and preparation work, said General Manager Lisa Walsh, before Aquasino sets sail with 600 passengers and 60 to 80 crew members.

The Aquasino is tied up to the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation pier located on Marine Boulevard off the Lynnway. Walsh said fence installation work required to keep the ship’s docking area along the pier secure still needs to be done.

A 225-foot-ship 'Aquasino,' a gambling boat, docked in Lynn Wednesday as it prepares for a launch date in June to set sail with gambling customers. (Item Photo / Owen O'Rourke)

She said training is under way for casino, restaurant, bar and ship workers, and the Aquasino is being stocked with all the supplies it needs.

In addition to an open top deck, the ship features a third deck with entertainment and a dance floor; a second deck for dining as well as 250 slot machines, and a first deck outfitted as a casino.

Casino games include 12 blackjack tables, two roulette tables, two craps tables, three poker tables and a full bar, said Walsh. Food service aboard Aquasino will include a carving station and pasta bar.

“It’s going to be hours of fun, great food and excitement: Lynn can’t wait for it to come,” Walsh said.

She said the ship’s base ticket price will be $13 per person with $20 additional for buffet dining. Group rates and other ship ticket packages will be available.

Anne Maria Curtin drove from her Chelsea home Wednesday to look over the ship and said she hopes to become an Aquasino regular.

“I mostly play slots, but I’ll do a Bingo night,” she said.

She said Wednesday Aquasino sailings geared to seniors will attract her friends to the ship. Lynn Firefighter Timothy Lawrence’s wife, Joan, and Walsh are friends, and Lawrence sailed up from Florida aboard Aquasino, assisting the crew with chores during the cruise.

“The ride’s so smooth you don’t even know it’s moving,” Lawrence said.

The ship’s sailing times will be Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Walsh said one extended sailing is scheduled for Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Walsh said plans for parking adjacent to the pier are being completed, and parking will include passenger drop off and valet parking.

Thor Jourgensen can be reached at tjourgensen@itemlive.com.

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