Casino Operator Confirms Cruise Ship Deal

Cruise operator to use Century Casinos for on-board gaming

Century Casinos has signed an agreement to provide gambling venues for TUI Cruises, a new cruise ship operator based in Germany.

The US firm, which has its headquarters in Colorado but also runs casinos in Canada, Czech Republic and South Africa, will operate gaming venues on three vessels for TUI Cruises between now and the end of 2012.

A joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises, TUI Cruises is scheduled to launch its first ship for passenger cruises in May next year.

Century has promised an "exceptional casino experience" for holidaymakers on board the vessel, claiming that the gaming area will "perfectly blend in with the overall concept of TUI Cruises".

The 13-deck ship will accommodate nearly 2,000 passengers, with many restaurants, bars and sun decks on offer as well as the casino.

Last week, Century announced plans to sell its casino in Prague to the majority shareholder of Viva Casino Group, which operates gaming venues in Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus.