An Open Letter To The Ocean Jewel(Saint Petersburg,FL)-NoPokerContent

[toddw217]

My apologies to the board if this is anappropriate. As stated in the title, there is no poker content. However, as the Ocean Jewel does offer poker and is mentioned on occasion on this board, I felt this would be relevant and could offer insight to those considering making the trip.

For those that are unaware, the Ocean Jewel is a ship out of Saint Petersburg, Florida, anchored some distance off shore where gambling is legal. Shuttles 'run' patrons from shore out to the ship itself.



July 5, 2005

Titan Cruise Lines, Inc.
100 First Avenue South, Box 2006
Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701

Re: An Open Letter Regarding My Experience with the Ocean Jewel – July 3, 2005

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I cannot recall encountering a business as poorly run as your operation was on July 3, 2005. Based on this experience, I assure you, I will not patronize your operation again and will suggest others avoid your business.

Arriving at John’s Pass at approximately 5:30 in an effort to board the 6:00 shuttle, a friend and I were disappointed to find a free for all dash of pushing and shoving was required to determine the order for boarding the shuttle. Those that were not as fast or strong, or perhaps impolite is a better description, were left behind and told simply to wait to catch the 8:00 shuttle. As we had high hopes for a fun filled evening, my friend and I did just that, returning to the staging area an hour ahead of the shuttle’s expected 8:00 departure. After standing in the uncovered, un-fanned staging area for the next 90 minutes, every person waiting was drenched in sweat. The shuttles eventual arrival at 8:30 was a welcome relief. My friend and I were fortunate to board this shuttle now aware of the battle strategies required.

The one positive of the evening revolves around the speed in which the shuttles are able to move passengers to the Ocean Jewel. We were out to the ship in no more than 30 minutes. Unfortunately, with the shuttle arriving at the Pass at 8:30 and going through the unloading & loading process, we arrived at the Ocean Jewel at approximately 9:30.

The enthusiasm of our arrival was quickly dashed as we were greeted with the tables that were open, being filled with players in every direction. As this was the night before a Holiday, a crowd could reasonably be expected. Unfortunately, Management of the Ocean Jewel did not seem to have this foresight as many tables sat unopened.

Eventually, we were able to find a seat at a Blackjack table. The dealers and waitresses we encountered were adequate. Being charged for a drink is rather disappointing in a casino, but this is an insignificant part of your firm’s problems at this time.

Unfortunately, we found the process for departing the Ocean Jewel to be perhaps more poorly planned than the process to get to the ship. Needless to say, after attempting to leave at 11:30 (which was scheduled for 10:30), we boarded the shuttle back to shore at 2:00 in the morning. Frankly, my friend and I had to buy ‘club-style’ bracelets from a couple on board in order to make it on to this 2 a.m. shuttle. We paid a ridiculous price, but had we not done so, it easily would have been 4 or 5 in the morning before we got back to shore. Through the process of attempting to depart the Ocean Jewel, your employees were completely disrespectful and were outright yelling at your patrons.

My friend and I spent 9 hours (5:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.) of our time dealing with the Ocean Jewel and her myriad of problems. For that, we were able to enjoy perhaps 2 hours of gaming entertainment.

The sheer number of areas in which service from the management and staff of the Ocean Jewel fell completely short of any reasonable expectation is mind-boggling. I have undoubtedly rambled at points here, but I also have no doubt that I have not adequately conveyed the severity of the poor service provided by your operation.

One can only hope that a competitor who understands not only the gaming industry, but a service industry in general, will park a ship next to yours. Should that competitor appear, Titan Cruise Lines and the Ocean Jewel will easily be defeated. Until that time, there are many places to choose from that offer superior service, superior facilities, and a superior value that will attract my business.

For those that continue to patronize your operation, I wish you good luck in improving any and all aspects of the way in which you do business. Regardless of any changes you make, I will not be a customer again. As such, no response to this letter is expected or required. Please remove my name from any and all mailing lists.

Regards,



J. Todd Wilson


Cc: Electronic posting at www.twoplustwo.com under B&M Cardrooms