Ahoy, fellow travelers! If you’re looking for a fun activity while at sea, let me tell you about our unforgettable bingo experience aboard the Grandeur of the Seas during our recent 9-night sailing. Picture this: two events (there were three but we didn’t go the first day) filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a sprinkle of good-natured mischief, all while cruising the beautiful seas. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!
Setting Sail for Some Bingo Fun
It all started when my husband Ben suggested we try our luck at bingo. Initially, I didn’t want to waste the money (I would rather waste mine in the good ol’ fashioned casino)—but Ben's nagging was successful, and I’m so glad he convinced me to give it a shot.
With a $20 buy-in for a single game, we received a bingo card with a full outline of squares that we needed to fill. (The prices are higher when 3 games are played, which is what is usually played on Royal ships, I’m not sure why we only did the single games both times) The excitement in the air was palpable as fellow cruisers gathered, ready to test their luck. As we settled in, I quickly realized that this was going to be more than just a game—it was an experience!
Meet Jo: The Bingo Maestro
Our game host, Jo, was an absolute riot! With his quick wit and slightly cheeky humor, he transformed what could have been a quiet afternoon into a hilarious spectacle. Every number he called came with a side-splitting commentary that had the whole room in stitches. Whether he was riffing on the number 7 as "lucky" or making a joke about the number 69, Jo kept the energy high and the laughter flowing.
When a player was down to their last number, he’d have you jump up and scream, “Give it to me Jo!” It was hilarious to watch people do this over and over again as they got closer to winning the jackpot. Of course, we obliged every time—yelling at the top of our lungs, hoping our pleas would sway Lady Luck in our favor!
The Thrill of the Game
On our first bingo day (which was really the 2nd of the ship, we didn't go the 1st day), I grabbed a dotter for $3 and a pop-it card (like a scratch-off) for $5, ready to dive into the action. They raffled off one of the drink of the days the bars had each day and Ben won! We didn’t win anything on the pop it, but someone in the room won $2,000!!!
When the second bingo day rolled around, I was the one begging Ben to go back. After all, once you’ve had a taste of Jo’s antics and the infectious energy of the crowd, it’s hard to resist! We told Jo to “give it to us” again, but alas, luck was not on our side that day either. However, our spirits were high as we laughed and enjoyed the camaraderie of our fellow players.
Why You Should Try Bingo at Sea
Looking back on those two bingo days, I can confidently say that stepping out of my comfort zone was one of the most fun ship activities we did this trip. The combination of Jo’s humor, the thrill of the game, and the playful atmosphere created a truly memorable experience.
If you’re ever sailing aboard the Grandeur of the Seas (or any cruise ship, for that matter), I highly recommend giving bingo a shot! Whether you’re a seasoned player or a first-timer, it’s a fantastic way to meet people and make lasting memories. Who knows, you might even win big—just remember to jump up and scream for Jo when you’re down to your last number!
Until next time, happy travels!
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