MV Aegean Paradise Poker 2026: SPC XX & Offshore Gaming

MV Aegean Paradise is Singapore’s premier “poker on the high seas” destination, offering a unique gaming escape from the mainland’s strict land-based regulations. Anchored in international waters off the coast of Batam, this 8-deck cruise ship serves as a floating sanctuary for the regional “Mind Sports” community. It is most famous as the exclusive home of the Singapore Poker Championship (SPC) , providing a high-capacity, legal tournament environment that bypasses the entry levies required at land-based Integrated Resorts. In 2026, the ship remains the heart of competitive poker for the “Little Red Dot,” blending professional tournament structures with the adventurous spirit of maritime gaming.

Why MV Aegean Paradise?

• The Home of SPC XX: The ship is the official venue for the jubilee 20th edition of the Singapore Poker Championship (March 6 – 8, 2026). This flagship series draws the region’s most competitive No Limit Hold’em enthusiasts for its deep-stacked Natural8 Main Event.
• Levy-Free Gaming: Unlike land-based casinos in Singapore, playing on the Aegean Paradise does not require the $150 SGD daily entry levy for Singaporeans and PRs, making it the most cost-effective destination for high-volume local grinders.
• Dedicated Poker Arena (Deck 8): The ship features a permanent poker room on the top deck, optimized for tournament play with professional dealers, RFID feature tables for major series, and stunning panoramic views of the Singapore Strait.
• Full-Service Floating Resort: Beyond the poker room, the ship operates as a 4-star leisure vessel with 326 cabins, a complimentary buffet at the Pacific Restaurant, a massage salon, and a top-deck pool area for post-game recovery.

The 2026 High Seas Poker Experience

In the 2026 landscape, the Aegean Paradise experience has been refined with modern logistics and updated tournament structures. All transactions on board (buy-ins and payouts) are conducted in Singapore Dollars (SGD), and major festivals now utilize a Big Blind Ante structure to ensure a fast-paced, professional game. While No Limit Hold’em is the primary focus, the ship’s poker room has evolved to support a variety of formats, including Mystery Bounty and “Mini-Roller” events that cater to diverse bankrolls.

The boarding process remains a key part of the journey. Players typically depart from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore or Pasir Gudang in Johor, Malaysia. Upon boarding, the “poker cruise” lifestyle takes over, a mix of high-intensity tournament sessions on Deck 8 and relaxed social hours at the ship’s bars and lounges. For the professional “Mind Sports” athlete, the environment at Aegean Paradise offers a unique competitive edge: a dedicated community of players who return month after month to write their names into the SPC history books.

Upcoming 2026 Championship Events

The 2026 calendar on the MV Aegean Paradise is anchored by the 20th-anniversary celebrations of the Singapore Poker Championship, featuring guaranteed prize pools and elite regional trophies.

• SPC XX Jubilee Festival (March 6 – 8, 2026): The centerpiece of the year, featuring the S$600 Natural8 Main Event and the S$1,000 SPC Mini-Roller.
• SPC Quarterly Series: Recurring three-day festivals scheduled throughout the year (typically in June, September, and December), maintaining the ship’s status as a high-volume regional hub.
• Mystery Bounty Specials: Quarterly standalone events featuring unique bounty formats that draw massive weekend crowds from both Singapore and Malaysia.

Venue Logistics & Access

📍 Departure Point: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT), Singapore. Take a high-speed ferry (shuttles run regularly from morning to evening) to the ship anchored at its “Batam” position. Return ferry tickets typically cost approx. $25–$50 SGD.\</p\> \

🏨 Accommodations: On-board cabins are available starting from approx. **S$60 (Inner)** to **S$130+ (Balcony)** per night. Registration for cabins is handled at the guest services desk on Deck 2.

📝 Entry & Requirements: A valid Original Passport is mandatory for all passengers as the ship enters international waters. Registration for tournaments occurs on-site at the Deck 8 poker room. Payment is primarily Cash (SGD), though money changers are available on board.