PORT CANAVERAL, FL – A new 10-year agreement has been reached between the Canaveral Port Authority and Victory Casino Cruise that will allow gaming operations to begin in November of this year.

Under the terms of the agreement, Victory will sail from Cruise Terminal 2 at Port Canaveral, the former home of Sterling Casino Lines, which ceased operations two years ago. The agreement includes a series of payments until the anticipated commencement date in November and then a minimum annual payment guarantee of US$2.4 million to the Port once operations begin. It also requires the commitment of a ship with a capacity of at least 1,200 passengers.

“In the face of recent turmoil in this industry, we are excited that our agreement with Victory Casino Cruise gives us the opportunity to re-introduce gaming cruises as part of the entertainment venue at Port Canaveral,” said J. Stanley "Stan" Payne, CEO of the Canaveral Port Authority. “Most importantly, this operation will create 350 full- and part-time jobs."

"We, as a commission, are pleased that the agreement acknowledges Victory’s commitment to the environment and the health of our beaches,” said Tom Goodson, chairman of the board of commissioners.