Beyond Vegas – Cruising with Brian Christopher – CDC Gaming

A few months ago, I was invited by Brian Christopher to join him and his family on a seven-day cruise on board the Carnival Jubilee. Of course, I immediately said, “Abso-freaking-lutely!”
After months of anticipation, the day arrived just as the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention ended. A relaxing cruise was just what the doctor ordered after a very busy week. I flew from San Diego to Houston where I met my friend Tina, who would be my cabin-mate for the next week.
The next morning, we boarded the ship at the Port of Galveston and the vacation began! From the start, everything was perfect. The ship was beautiful, our balcony cabin felt roomy, and the itinerary was spaced out with just the right amount of port days and sea days.
Being my first Brian Christopher Cruise, I didn’t really know what to expect. This cruise had over 300 of Brian’s fans onboard, which made for some extra excitement. It was nice to see him in his element, surrounded by his community, taking photos, and genuinely enjoying it. Throughout the cruise, people  lined up to chat with him or just watch him play in the casino. It was fun to observe.
I was shocked by how many people also recognized me and wanted pictures! I even met some viewers at ports who weren’t on our ship. Talk about surreal!
Speaking of ports, we did manage to do a couple of excursions while on land. My favorite was in Roatán, Honduras. We visited a refuge for sloths, monkeys, and macaws. There is something about having a couple of monkeys jump on your head that makes everything feel right in the world.

Back on the ship, there was a lot to keep me busy. I did a couple of cooking classes in Carnival Kitchen (I highly recommend it) and even rode a roller coaster on the top deck of the ship. And because my agenda was relaxation, I booked three separate spa visits.
Of course, we spent plenty of time in the casino, which is huge, by the way. I managed to win the slot tournament and a whopping $1,500 in free play! There’s nothing better than playing with house money, especially in the middle of the ocean.
Looking back, what made this trip special wasn’t just one thing. It was the mix of everything: new friends, casino time, good food, and just being able to step away from the usual Vegas scene for a bit.
It’s easy to think you have to choose between a trip to the casino or a vacation. This is proof that you don’t.
Kelly Koffler is a slot influencer. She can be reached at kellykoffler@gmail.com. Follow Kelly on YouTube at CasinoKelly (@CasinoKelly).
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