Texas Treasure to set sail next month

Thursday, Aug. 10, 2000 | 9:17 a.m.

Speaking at a gala replete with balloons and slot machines, executives for Viva Gaming and Resorts Inc. pledged to work with local businesses and described the Texas Treasure, a 1,200 passenger cruise ship, as a boon that will draw thousands of tourists to Corpus Christi.

After months of delays, the white and blue, 420-foot cruise ship is scheduled to begin trips into international waters as early as Sept. 15.

Even though its 450 slot machines were dormant and no dealers were shuffling cards at the 16 blackjack tables, visitors Wednesday got a taste of what the floating casino will look like in five weeks.

"This is not Las Vegas, believe me, I know that," Marty Gross, president and chief executive officer of Viva Gaming, said in Thursday's editions of the San Antonio Express-News. "But I'm hoping we can bring you entertainment like we have in Las Vegas."

Viva Gaming is leasing property from the Port of Corpus Christi to dock the ship at Harbor Island, within the city limits of Port Aransas. From there, the Texas Treasure will travel 9.2 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, beyond the reach of state gambling laws.