Casino cruise a fun bachelor party

CORRESPONDENT

Wanna have one last fling before tying the knot? How about hosting a bachelor or bachelorette party on a gambling boat?

Horizon’s Edge Cruise Ship Line, 74 Marine Blvd., Lynn, runs luxury casino boats out of Lynn and Gloucester every day and night during the season.

For $20 to $35 per person, you and your buddies or girl friends have the run of the ship, including an unlimited buffet and bars, musical entertainment, dancing plus the entire gambling experience, from slot machines to black jack, three-card poker and roulette; everything you would find at Las Vegas casinos.

Of course, cruise guests must be 21 or older. Or, if you wanted a really unique wedding, you could rent the entire boat. The only possible problem might be that some guests could be distracted during the ceremony, waiting for the craps tables to open.

Both boats were custom built for the company with luxurious accommodations, according to Tom Groom, one of the owners.

This is Horizon’s Edge’s fifth season. “They are mini cruise ships. Horizon’s Edge, which sails from Lynn accommodates 599 passengers,” he said.

“Star Dancer, leaving from Gloucester, holds 400 people.”

Ships sail twice daily from each location. Gloucester sails at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Lynn sails at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekends. The cruise from Lynn costs $25 weekdays; $35 weekends.

It takes longer to reach federal waters from Lynn. The trip is five hours long.

Gloucester is closer to the three-mile limit so the ride on the Star Dancer is shorter and cheaper — 4 1/2 hours and $20 for all trips.

Parking is free at both locations. Since Massachusetts prohibits gambling, the ships must cruise three miles out into federal waters before the gaming tables open.

It takes about one hour to reach the three-mile limit from Gloucester; longer from Lynn. Reservations are necessary for the weekend because cruises sell out. You can make reservations by calling 1-800-Lucky32 or on the web at www.horizonsedge.com.

There is much to do on the five-hour trip, but if you want to do nothing but enjoy the salt air, that’s OK too. “There are outdoor seating areas, bars, satellite TV, three working decks. You can listen to the bands or do nothing,” Broom said. “We even see the occasional whale. We play bingo on the way back. Or you can just eat, drink and be merry.” For more information, go to www.Horizonsedge.com.