Gamblers in St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas can visit legal casinos. However, these clubs are not in the city. They are located on comfortable ferries, Princess Maria and Princess Anastasia, that sail between St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Tallinn, and Stockholm.
The idea, as you know, is not new. You must have heard about river steamers with casinos on board. In the nineteenth to early twentieth century, numerous vessels sailed down the United States' rivers.
The main idea of Princess Maria and Princess Anastasia is that the authorities can not prevent this type of gambling, as bets on ferries can be made only in neutral waters.
About the Cruise Ferries
Princess Maria and Princess Anastasia belong to St. Peter Line.
Passengers can enjoy numerous services:
- bars,
- restaurants,
- comfortable cabins of various classes,
- an aqua area,
- a cinema,
- a kids' club,
- a duty-free shop,
- The Captain Nemo casino.
The famous PAF opened the casino more than forty years ago. Its land-based casino is located on the Åland Islands. It is more a respectable gaming company worldwide. Most of its profits go to charity.
Now, let's discuss the ferries and the locations of the casinos.
Princess Anastasia
It was built in one of the Finnish shipyards in 1986 and was launched as Olympia. Later, it was renamed the Pride of Bilbao.
In 2010, the ferry was purchased by St. Peter Line and became Princess Anastasia, named in honor of the Grand Duchess Anastasia, the youngest daughter of Emperor Nicholas II.
Since March 2011, the Princess Anastasia ferry has operated in two directions: on Mondays from Stockholm to St. Petersburg, and on Thursdays on the route from St. Petersburg to Helsinki, Stockholm, Tallinn, and back to St. Petersburg.
Princess Maria
The ship was built in the same shipyard as Princess Anastasia, but five years earlier. At first, it was called Finlandia and cruised from Helsinki to Stockholm. It was then purchased by another company, renamed Queen of Scandinavia. In 2000, the ship was rebuilt in Poland. Several routes were changed, and it was even on loan to the Danish police.
St. Peter Line bought the ferry in 2010 and called it Princess Mary (in honor of the Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna, the third daughter of Nicholas II). It cruises from St. Petersburg to Helsinki and back.
Recently, the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation and St. Peter Line agreed that ferries would be used as floating hotels during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
On-board Casinos
Game tours of Princess Anastasia and Princess Maria are a little different from each other, though in general, they are very similar. Both casinos have the same betting limits, starting from €1 at roulette and €10 in card games. Only Princess Mary has arcades, and the coins' denomination begins with one, two, or five euro cents.
Players can purchase special tours on ferries. Depending on the client's deposit, they can enjoy the casino or other services. It costs from 5,000 to 1,000 euros at Mary. At Anastasia, the program costs range from € 1,000 to € 7,000.
| Name | Return to player | Max payout | Variance | Soft | ||
| 99.07% | x1000 | Low |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 99% | x12075 | High |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 98.98% | x3843 | Middle |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 98.72% | — | — |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 98.67% | — | — |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 98.6% | x670 | Low |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 98.18% | — | Low |
|
||
| 98.13% | x15000 | High |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 98.12% | x10000 | High |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 98.12% | x500 | Low |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 98.11% | x1500 | High |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 98.11% | x7500 | — |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 98.1% | x2500 | — |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 98.1% | x2500 | — |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
|
| 98.08% | x10000 | High |
|
Play
T&C applies, 18+
|
High rollers enjoy a luxurious cabin, as well as breakfast and dinner in the restaurant, and receive a complimentary transfer to the ship. It is noteworthy that participants in the program at any level should hold the game for at least four hours.
Fans of the sport of poker can participate in Texas Hold 'em tournaments or play for cash.
Casino customers can join the Captain's Club. Its membership entitles you to receive bonuses, participate in promotions, discounts at restaurants and bars, as well as other privileges.
Both ferries regularly offer valuable prizes, including tours, sightseeing, and dining at a restaurant, among others.
More Information
You can find all news about ferries Princess Maria and Princess Anastasia on the official website of St. Peter Line. The casino has its internet resources: Princess Maria and Princess Anastasia.
