A cruise passenger won a remarkable $50,000 room upgrade while playing bingo aboard the Azamara Quest cruise ship.

Michael Rivera secured the luxurious Club World Owner's Suite after winning a game of blackout bingo, where players must complete all 25 spaces on their card. Rivera and his husband, Garett Talcott, invested $450 in nine bingo cards each, competing against roughly 30 other players.

The premium suite includes:

• Dining area
• Full bathroom with jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower
• King-sized bed
• Two televisions
• Butler service
• 233-square-foot private veranda
• Extensive storage and closet space

The couple will enjoy these amenities throughout their 20-day voyage, a package typically costing up to $50,000 for two passengers.

Azamara, formerly owned by Royal Caribbean and now operated by Sycamore Partners, offers regular bingo sessions during sea days. Unlike most cruise lines, Azamara ships focus on casual card games rather than casino gambling.

The cruise industry is experiencing significant growth, with the Cruise Lines International Association reporting a record 31.7 million passengers in 2023, a 7% increase from 2019. The global cruise fleet is expected to exceed 300 ships in 2024, with 35 new vessels planned through 2028.

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