Spades at Sea

About Us

Spades at Sea represents the pinnacle of competitive card gaming combined with luxury travel. Founded by passionate spades players and experienced cruise organizers, our mission is to create an unparalleled experience where skill meets paradise.

Our inaugural cruise in 2026 brings together spades enthusiasts from across the country for five days of professional tournaments, skill-building workshops, and Caribbean adventure. Whether you're a seasoned tournament player or someone who enjoys casual games with friends, Spades at Sea offers something special for every skill level.

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What Makes Us Different

Professional Organization

Our tournaments follow established competitive formats with certified dealers and official scoring. Every game is fair, every victory earned.

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Educational Focus

Beyond competition, we're committed to growing the spades community through tutorials, strategy sessions, and mentorship opportunities.

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Luxury Setting

Why settle for a community center when you can play in paradise? Our cruise setting provides the perfect backdrop for serious competition and relaxation.

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Community Building

Spades at Sea isn't just about winning - it's about connecting with fellow players and building lasting friendships within the spades community.

About the Event

Join us for the ultimate fusion of competitive spades tournaments and luxury Caribbean cruising aboard Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas.

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June 15-20, 2026

•5 Nights Western Caribbean

•Tampa to Cozumel & Costa Maya

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Tournament Structure

Skill Divisions We've carefully designed our tournament structure to ensure fair competition and maximum enjoyment for all skill levels:

Novice Division

•Perfect for beginners and casual players

•Emphasis on learning and fun

•Simplified scoring system

•Dedicated tutorial sessions

Intermediate Division

•For players with solid fundamentals

•Standard tournament rules

•Competitive but welcoming atmosphere

•Strategy workshops included

Advanced Division

•Serious competitive play

•Experienced players only

•Complex bidding strategies

•High-stakes rounds

Championship Division

•Elite-level competition

•Invitation or qualification required

•Professional tournament conditions

•Substantial prize pool

Prize Structure

Total Prize Pool: TBD

Intermediate Division

•1st Place: TBD

•2nd Place: TBD

•3rd Place: TBD

Novice Division

•1st Place: TBD

•2nd Place: TBD

•3rd Place: TBD

Tournament Schedule

Day 1 (Monday)

•Welcome Reception & Registration

•Casual Games & Networking

•Division Placement (Optional)

Day 2 (Tuesday - Sea Day)

•Novice Tournament

•Beginner Tutorials

•Advanced Exhibition Match

Day 3 (Wednesday - Costa Maya)

•Intermediate Tournament Begins

•Shore Excursion Options

•Evening Tournament Rounds

Day 4 (Thursday - Cozumel)

•Advanced & Championship Preliminaries

•Port Exploration Time

•Semifinal Rounds

Day 5 (Friday - Sea Day)

•Championship Finals

•Awards Ceremony

•Farewell Celebration

Rules & Regulations

General Tournament Rules

•Teams consist of two players

•Standard spades rules apply

•Games played to 500 points

•No table talk allowed during play

•Disputes resolved by the tournament director

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Registration Requirements

•Must be 21+ years old

•Cruise booking required for participation

•Division placement based on self-assessment

•Registration deadline: 30 days before cruise

Code of Conduct

•Respectful behavior is required at all times

•No alcohol during tournament play

•Proper attire required (smart casual)

•Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification

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What to Expect

• Exciting Spades Tournament: Compete against the best in our ship-wide spades tournament. The top three teams will walk away with impressive cash prizes!

• Royal Amenities: Enjoy all the amenities of a world-class cruise liner, including gourmet dining, royal cabins, and top-tier entertainment.

• Daily Activities: From open games and practice sessions to themed parties and shore excursions, there’s something for everyone.

• Networking Opportunities: Meet fellow spades enthusiasts from all over the world, make new friends, and form lasting connections.

• Rates include accommodations, non-specialty dining, tournament registration, swag bags, service fees, meet and greet and other exclusive group events. 

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 Cabins:

 Inside starting at $1065 per person, includes tournament registration

 Oceanview starting at $1230 per person, includes tournament registration

 Balcony and suites are available upon request.

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Policies:

Rates include accommodations, non-specialty dining, tournament registration, swag bags, service fees, meet and greet and other exclusive group events. 

Rates are per person, per cabin, based on double occupancy.

When you register, you must already have a partner. Your partner must register within one week of your deposit.

Deposits are non-refundable.

All travelers are required to have a passport or government ID and birth certificate. 

Flights, travel insurance, beverage and specialty dining packages are not included but can be purchased separately. 

All rates and promotions are subject to change without a valid and confirmed deposit.

 

Cancellation fee schedule:
If canceled by Feb 19 - The fee is 50% of the amount paid minus the initial deposit.
If canceled between March 5 - The fee is 75% of the amount paid minus the initial deposit.
If canceled after April 4 - The fee is 100% of the amount paid.