The History of Backgammon
Five thousand years of dice, from a Mesopotamian palace to a coffee shop in Athens, and one small cube that turned a parlor game into a sport.
GammonFrog
Cruise and casino work, from people who've done both. Hiring, ports, contracts. Audio on every article, and weekly podcast.
What Jobs to Look for After the Ships
The certificates you collected on cruise ships felt like paperwork at the time. On land, they become one of the more marketable parts of your professional profile.
Hawaii, Five Sea Days and a Closed Casino
Five days across the Hawaiian Islands with the casino closed the entire time. The only stop on the schedule where crew get something close to a week off.
Stressed Dealers Lose Money
Why stressed dealers cost the casino money, and what happens when management forgets that.
Management and People Skills
The part of the job they do not teach you in training, and the part that determines whether your team performs.
The History of Playing Cards
A thousand year history of 52 small rectangles, one of which could get you hanged.
Shuffling the Deck, Trading Land Casino for the Sea
Three years on land, then one contract at sea that taught me more than the years before put together.
Becoming a Croupier
You don't need special skills to become a dealer. Practice at home and a few cheap tools will take you most of the way there.
Watch Shopping in the Caribbean
Caribbean ports are full of luxury watch shops offering tax free prices and crew discounts. Some crew turn that into a modest side income.
Alicante, Fewer Crowds Than You'd Expect
A historic Mediterranean port city defined by its dramatic hilltop fortress, its iconic wave patterned promenade, and the easy accessibility of its central districts.
Palma de Mallorca and Its Cathedral
The capital of the Balearic Islands offers a mix of Gothic architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and a unique atmospheric shift as the sun begins to set over the harbor.
Cannes Beyond the Film Festival
The jewel of the French Riviera, Cannes is a city defined by its cinematic history, its Mediterranean luxury, and a unique maritime arrival process.
Manaus, Opera and Pink Dolphins
A journey deep into the Amazon rainforest to reach a city defined by its opulent past and its role as the gateway to the largest tropical forest on earth.
Key West, One Day Done Right
The southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West is a destination defined by its wooden architecture, maritime history, and a uniquely relaxed subtropical pace.
Madeira, the Atlantic’s Most Overlooked Island
A volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic, Madeira offers a unique blend of Portuguese heritage, dramatic mountain landscapes, and a surprisingly sophisticated urban center in Funchal.
Which Hawaii Island Deserves Your Time
Spanning five islands and featuring active volcanoes, historic landmarks, and world class natural wonders, Hawaii offers a travel experience that is as diverse as it is vast.
Copenhagen Without Regret
Consistently ranked as the most liveable city in the world, Copenhagen offers a masterclass in urban design, sustainable living, and understated Scandinavian elegance.
Barcelona, What to Skip and What to Wander
A deep dive into the Mediterranean capital of Catalonia, exploring its unique urban planning, architectural heritage, and the logistical flow of a city that lives outdoors.
New York, a Better Itinerary
A comprehensive guide to navigating one of the most complex and rewarding cities in the world, focusing on the logistics of a day trip and the character of its famous districts.
Macau and the Asian Gaming Scene
Macau generates more casino revenue than the entire Las Vegas Strip, more than twice as much. Understanding the Asian gaming market means starting there, and then understanding why the rest of the region is rapidly catching up.
