Exploring Florida’s Abandoned Blue Horizon Casino Cruise Ship
Dive into the hidden world of maritime exploration by taking a 360-degree virtual tour of the remarkable Blue Horizon Casino Cruise ship. This multi-level vessel, once a floating hub of entertainment and gaming, now stands silent, offering urban explorers an exclusive peek into its fascinating interiors.
With 28 immersive panoramic images, you’ll feel as though you’re walking through the ship’s abandoned corridors, lounges, and decks yourself. Experience firsthand the unique atmosphere of the Blue Horizon Casino Cruise ship, and uncover the secrets of this extraordinary, forgotten marvel. At the bottom of the page, there are 36 more images of the casino ship, so make sure to scroll all the way down to view those as well!
Click here to view it in fullscreen.
Among the most intriguing sites abandoned in Florida for adventurous travelers is the Blue Horizon Casino Cruise Ship. This once-luxurious floating casino now sits silently in Green Cove Springs, Florida, drawing urban explorers with its eerie presence and fascinating backstory. In this post, we’ll uncover the ship’s detailed history—from its construction and multiple name changes to the infamous murder of its owner—plus its current condition and tips for urban exploring in Florida’s ghostly casino boat.
Introduction to a Ghostly Casino Vessel
The Blue Horizon Casino Cruise Ship wasn’t always a rusting hulk. In its heyday, it was a glittering offshore casino that ferried high-rollers into international waters for legal gambling. Launched in 2001 as SunCruz VI, the 165-foot, multi-level cruise ship was outfitted with 38 gaming tables and over 300 slot machines, accommodating up to 600 passengers per voyage. Operated by SunCruz Casinos, the vessel offered “cruises to nowhere,” sailing beyond Florida’s jurisdiction so guests could legally play poker, blackjack, roulette, and slot machines on the open sea.
Today, the ship’s glamour has faded. Nicknamed a “ghost ship” by locals, the Blue Horizon lies abandoned at Reynolds Park Marina in Green Cove Springs – a place known for harboring decommissioned casino boats. Its once-sleek exterior is now weathered and peeling, and inside, time has seemingly frozen. Dusty poker chips still litter the felt tables, and slot machines stand eerily intact, as if awaiting players who will never return. Before diving into urban exploring details, let’s look at how this floating casino came to be and how it ended up as one of the most famous abandoned vessels in Florida.
From SunCruz VI to Blue Horizon: A History of the Casino Cruise Ship
Construction and Launch: The ship that would become the Blue Horizon was originally built for SunCruz Casinos, a gambling cruise line founded in the 1990s. SunCruz launched this vessel – then called SunCruz VI – from Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2001. At the time, it was SunCruz’s newest and largest casino boat, boasting several decks of slot machines and gaming tables. SunCruz VI’s design even featured a catamaran-style hull for stability, making it well-suited to ferry hundreds of passengers to international waters where Florida’s gambling laws didn’t apply. The business model was simple: depart from port, sail roughly three miles offshore (outside state territorial waters), and let passengers gamble freely on games of chance. These “cruise to nowhere” excursions were hugely popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, before casinos on land became more common.
Original Owners and Early Years: The mastermind behind SunCruz Casinos was Konstantinos “Gus” Boulis, a Greek-American entrepreneur. Boulis was already well-known in Florida’s business circles as the founder of the Miami Subs Grill restaurant chain. By the time he launched SunCruz VI, Boulis had made a fortune in fast food and set his sights on the offshore casino industry. He had started SunCruz in 1994 after a fateful trip where he treated 300 of his Miami Subs employees to a party on a Las Vegas-style gambling ship. That experience inspired him to buy an existing vessel (the Sir Winston) for $2 million and convert it into his first floating casino. From there, Boulis rapidly expanded, acquiring more vessels and building a fleet of 11 casino boats under the SunCruz brand. SunCruz VI, launched in 2001, was the crown jewel of this fleet – a brand-new, custom-outfitted casino cruiser meant to capitalize on Floridians’ appetite for gambling at sea.
A Notorious Owner – Gus Boulis: Gus Boulis was not only the original owner of SunCruz VI, but also the ship’s most famous owner by far. His larger-than-life story is central to the Blue Horizon’s lore. Boulis had emigrated from Greece as a teenager and worked his way up from dishwasher to millionaire. After success with Miami Subs, he ventured into gambling boats, making SunCruz a profitable enterprise. However, Boulis’s fortunes turned amid legal troubles and a high-profile business deal. In 2000, under pressure from federal authorities over questions about his citizenship and ownership of the casino boats, Boulis agreed to sell SunCruz Casinos for $147.5 million. The buyers were Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff and businessman Adam Kidan, figures who would later become infamous in their own right. The sale was contentious from the start – Boulis accepted a large promissory note in lieu of cash, and soon accused his new partners of defaulting on payments. Tensions escalated that December when Boulis reportedly even got into a physical altercation with Kidan. Boulis was outraged over the handling of the company and allegedly made threats to reclaim SunCruz, which did not sit well with the new owners.
Murder in Fort Lauderdale: On February 6, 2001, Gus Boulis was assassinated in a gangland-style hit that shocked South Florida. While driving in Fort Lauderdale, Boulis’s BMW was ambushed on the road – one vehicle cut him off, and a second pulled alongside as a gunman opened fire. Boulis was critically wounded and later died at the hospital. The murder had all the hallmarks of a professional hit, immediately sparking theories that it was connected to the bitter SunCruz business feud. Indeed, years later investigators uncovered that Adam Kidan had ties with known mob figures and had paid large sums to men who were ultimately convicted of orchestrating the hit. (Notably, Abramoff and Kidan themselves were not charged with the murder, though they both served prison time for fraud related to the SunCruz sale.) Boulis’s death became a media sensation – he was a prominent citizen, and over 300 mourners attended his funeral, including local mayors and business leaders. The tale of SunCruz and Boulis even entered pop culture: the scandal surrounding the SunCruz sale and Boulis’s assassination was later depicted in the 2010 film Casino Jack, where actor Kevin Spacey portrayed Jack Abramoff.
Name Changes and Ownership Changes: After Boulis’s tragic death, SunCruz Casinos fell into turmoil. The company filed for bankruptcy by 2004. A group led by Boulis’s nephew, Spiros Naos, bought the remaining business out of bankruptcy, rebranding as Ocean Casino Cruises. For a time, SunCruz VI continued operating out of Jacksonville under the new ownership – even celebrating over one million passengers served at the Jacksonville port. But the revival was short-lived. By late 2009, Ocean Casino Cruises ceased operations and SunCruz VI’s gambling voyages came to an end. The once-busy casino decks fell silent as the ship was laid up.
Over the next few years, SunCruz VI changed hands and names multiple times in a last attempt to recapture its glory. Creditors repossessed the vessel after its operators went bankrupt, and around 2012 the ship was renamed the Black Diamond. In November 2012, a new company launched Black Diamond Casino Cruises out of the Port of Palm Beach, aiming to run daily gambling trips. The 160-foot Black Diamond (as it was then billed) offered morning and evening “cruises to nowhere,” but this venture failed almost as quickly as it started. After barely three months – by February 2013 – the Black Diamond cruises were shut down, and the owning company filed for bankruptcy.
Not long after, another investor group tried their luck. In April 2013, the Port of Palm Beach approved a lease for Island Breeze International (IBI) to operate the ship. IBI gave the vessel yet another fresh identity, rebranding it as the Island Breeze II Casino. With over $3 million spent on refurbishments – including new decor, upgraded lighting, and an enclosed third deck – the Island Breeze II began service in March 2014. Unfortunately, mechanical issues plagued the ship. Within two months, one of the main engines failed, forcing costly repairs. The ship limped through a few more voyages, but by June 2014 operations halted. Despite IBI’s assurances and even a mandated dry-dock for maintenance, the Island Breeze II never really recovered. With mounting debts and dwindling ridership, IBI Palm Beach filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Port officials, who had expected over a million dollars a year in revenue from this operation, finally ordered the ship removed from the dock.
Yet, incredibly, the final act for the ship was still to come. In mid-2015, the primary creditor of IBI – a company called SourcePoint – formed a new entity (PB Gaming) to take over the asset and give it one last shot. They renamed the vessel Blue Horizon and secured a five-year lease at the Port of Palm Beach. PB Gaming poured an additional $9 million into upgrades and marketing. By July 2015, the Blue Horizon Casino Cruise Ship was sailing from Palm Beach, hoping to succeed where its predecessors could not. For a brief moment, it seemed promising: gamblers once again boarded the ship for offshore gaming, and the Blue Horizon name began to gain recognition. But a string of misfortunes hit the new venture. First, a lightning strike damaged the ship’s communication systems, disrupting onboard internet, ATMs, and betting kiosks. Not long after, engine troubles resurfaced. One engine developed a serious knock, and management decided to preemptively pull the ship from service to avoid a mid-voyage breakdown. The Blue Horizon spent late 2015 in dry dock undergoing engine replacements at a cost of over $1 million each.
The ship finally resumed service in October 2015, but by then momentum was lost. After only about five more months of sporadic operation, the Blue Horizon shut down for good in March 2016. The owners cited fierce competition from land-based casinos as the main reason the business failed. “There are so many places you can gamble on the land, that unless you take a cruise and they have gambling there, a ship that just does gambling isn’t going to survive,” one employee explained. Indeed, Florida’s casino day-cruise industry as a whole had been in decline since its peak in the late 1990s. The era of glitzy gambling boats had effectively ended, and the Blue Horizon became one more casualty of changing times.
The Ship’s Abandonment and Current Condition
Why and When Was it Abandoned? By spring 2016, the Blue Horizon Casino Cruises had ceased operations, leaving the ship effectively abandoned. PB Gaming’s ambitious revival failed, and the vessel had no future voyages on the horizon. In the months that followed, the proud casino cruise ship was stripped of valuables and left to sit idle. The Port of Palm Beach no longer wanted the hulking ship hogging its dock, so it had to be moved. Sometime after 2016, the Blue Horizon was towed up the coast to Green Cove Springs, Florida, a quieter location far from the South Florida glitz. Green Cove Springs, located along the St. Johns River south of Jacksonville, had long been home to an old naval base turned marina – Reynolds Park Yacht Center – known for storing retired vessels. Here, the Blue Horizon found its final resting place. Official records note the ship as abandoned in 2016, and it has remained at Green Cove Springs ever since, awaiting a final disposition.
Today the Blue Horizon Casino Cruise Ship languishes at a lonely pier on the St. Johns River. The once-grand casino boat is currently docked in Florida, tied up among other forgotten vessels. From the outside, one can still read the faded “Blue Horizon Casino Cruises” logo on its upper deck, and the word “CASINO” ghosted across the bow. The ship’s paint is peeling and streaked with rust. Weeds and barnacles cling to its hull at the waterline. It’s a silent giant now – a stark contrast to the days when laughter, music, and the jingle of slot machines poured from its windows. Seagulls and the occasional curious explorer are its only visitors. For locals in Green Cove Springs, the derelict Blue Horizon has become a strange landmark – a piece of Florida’s recent history quietly decaying in their backyard.
Surprisingly, much of the interior of the Blue Horizon remains intact, almost like a time capsule of a casino in 2015. Stepping inside (for those few who have ventured) is said to be like walking into a ghostly arcade. The air is stale and tinged with mildew, but you immediately see rows of slot machines and card tables seemingly ready for customers – except they’re covered in dust. In the main gaming hall, poker and roulette tables still hold stacks of chips left behind. An abandoned roulette wheel, for instance, is heaped with colorful betting chips, as if a game was frozen mid-play. The carpets, once gaudy and bright, are now faded but surprisingly intact, featuring the loud patterns typical of casinos. Chairs are overturned or askew, yet many are in decent shape. In the corners, old promotional posters and flyers litter the floor, advertising events and jackpots from years ago.
Entering the casino deck of the Blue Horizon can feel surreal. Poker chips lie intact on the roulette and card tables, and decks of playing cards and betting layouts remain in place. It’s as though the crew and patrons simply vanished in the middle of a game. The eerie scene has earned the ship comparisons to the Mary Celeste (the famous “ghost ship” found with everything in place but no crew). Nature, of course, is slowly encroaching: a thin layer of grime and algae coats some surfaces, and sunlight filtering through dirty windows casts a gloomy haze over the once vibrant casino floor. Still, the fact that so much gaming equipment is left untouched ignites the imagination of urban explorers and photographers. It’s not often you find an abandoned place with its original contents so preserved – here, the slot machines and gambling tables create a vivid story of sudden abandonment.
In one area of the ship, rows of slot machines stand as if waiting for players, with chairs neatly aligned in front of them. The machines bear names like “Triple Lucky 7’s” and “Bonus Poker,” their screens dark but their exteriors almost shiny. Some observers have noted that the slot machines and stools look nearly brand-new, not yet claimed by rust or vandalism. The silence in this room is striking – years ago it was filled with electronic bleeps and the clatter of coins, but now only your own footsteps echo on the metal floor. It’s easy to imagine the excitement that once took place here, making the contrast to its current state even more poignant.
Beyond the casino equipment, other parts of the ship hint at daily life aboard during its operation. The bar stands empty with glasses and mixers still on the counter, now coated in dust. The dining area’s buffet tables are strewn with abandoned plates and utensils. Down below, the engine room – once thundering with machinery – is quiet, likely cannibalized for parts or left to deteriorate in the humid Florida climate. Exterior decks that hosted hundreds of passengers now have peeling flooring and occasional debris blown in by the wind. The ship is essentially a floating ruin, but one that tells a rich story of entertainment, crime, and decay.
Other Names and Cultural Significance
Throughout its life, the Blue Horizon Casino Cruise Ship was known by several names, reflecting its turbulent history. To recap, it sailed as SunCruz VI during the late 1990s and 2000s under Gus Boulis’s SunCruz Casinos. After Boulis sold the company, it briefly continued under that name until SunCruz’s collapse. The ship was later revived as the Black Diamond in 2012, then rebranded as the Island Breeze II in 2014, and finally became the Blue Horizon in 2015. Occasionally, people also refer to it as the SunCruz VI even today, especially those who remember the old SunCruz days. In discussion forums and urban explorer circles, it might simply be called “the abandoned casino ship in Green Cove Springs.” Its location, Reynolds Park, was once a World War II naval station (Naval Air Station Green Cove Springs) and later an industrial port; some locals still call the area by its old Navy base name. So, the ship’s story is intertwined with a couple of notable place names as well: Port of Palm Beach (where it last operated) and Reynolds Park/Green Cove Springs (where it now rests).
Culturally, the Blue Horizon’s significance goes beyond just an old gambling boat. It’s a tangible piece of a notorious chapter in Florida’s history – namely, the offshore casino craze and the corruption scandals it spawned. The murder of Gus Boulis, the involvement of lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and the ensuing trials made national headlines in the early 2000s. The fact that this very ship was part of those events (Boulis was often pictured aboard SunCruz VI in promotional materials) gives it a certain infamy. To this day, when Floridians see the derelict Blue Horizon, they might recall the news stories of a millionaire murdered by mafia-style hitmen over a casino empire. The ship is a ghostly reminder of that crime saga.
Moreover, the vessel represents the rise and fall of an industry. In the 90s, gambling “cruises to nowhere” were hugely popular in Florida – entrepreneurs like Boulis capitalized on legal loopholes to run casinos at sea. By the mid-2010s, that business model had largely died out, due to changing laws and the expansion of casinos on land. The Blue Horizon, being one of the last of these casino ships to operate, is emblematic of that industry’s decline. In a way, it’s a maritime time-capsule of an era when people would board a ship just to spend a few hours gambling off the Florida coast.
The story has even found its way into books, documentaries, and films. As mentioned, the Abramoff scandal (tied to SunCruz) was depicted in the film Casino Jack. There have been documentaries like Casino Jack and the United States of Money (2010) that delve into the corruption around the SunCruz sale. So the Blue Horizon, by virtue of its past identity, has a place in popular culture as well. Urban explorers and history buffs alike find it fascinating not only for its physical state, but for the layered tale of glamour and intrigue associated with it.
Visiting the Blue Horizon: Urban Exploration Notes
For those interested in urban exploring in Florida, the Blue Horizon Casino Cruise Ship is an enticing but challenging destination. Its massive size and eerie, well-preserved interior make it a bucket-list item for many urban explorers and photographers. However, anyone considering a visit should be aware of the legal and safety risks.
Location & Access: The ship is moored at Reynolds Park Yacht Center in Green Cove Springs. Reynolds Park is a semi-active industrial marina. While parts of the park (like a public boat ramp) might be accessible, the area where the Blue Horizon sits is on private property. The ship itself is secured to a dock, and in many cases there may be fences or security patrols around the perimeter. Simply put, access to the vessel’s interior is unauthorized – boarding the ship without permission would be considered trespassing. Urban explorers who have gone inside often do so covertly, under risk of being caught. There are reports that the ship has been used for training by local law enforcement or considered for scrap, so authorities do keep an eye on it. If you are determined to see it up close, the safest legal way is to contact the marina owners for permission (though chances of getting permission to enter are slim). Some explorers choose to photograph the ship from a distance, for example by using drones or by taking a boat on the St. Johns River to sail near the hull. Even from the outside, the Blue Horizon’s imposing silhouette makes for dramatic photos, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light hits its abandoned decks.
For those who do attempt a closer look, stealth and caution are paramount. Visiting at off-hours (early morning or dusk) might reduce the chance of encountering workers. Be aware that the dock may have surveillance cameras or alarms. Also, Green Cove Springs is a small community – an unfamiliar car or person near the marina might draw attention. Always have a cover story (e.g., you’re there to look at another boat) and be respectful of any “No Trespassing” signs. It’s worth noting that as of the latest reports, the Blue Horizon has been sitting for years, so security may not be extremely tight, but this can change at any time if the owners decide to crack down.
Safety Tips: If you do gain access aboard, remember that this is a decaying structure. A ship that’s been neglected can be just as dangerous as an old building (if not more). Watch your step on ladders and stairwells – there could be rusted-through steps or loose railings. Some areas might be flooded or have slippery algae growth. The interior likely has mold and possibly asbestos, so wearing a respirator mask is highly recommended. Also, the ship’s electrical systems are long dead; bring good flashlights or headlamps because deep inside, it will be pitch dark. Traveling with a partner is smart – never explore a large ship alone in case you get injured or trapped. There may be wild animals taking shelter (feral cats, raccoons, birds, or snakes) so be ready to encounter critters in the dark. The air quality in the lower decks could be poor due to lack of ventilation, so don’t overexert yourself in those areas.
One big hazard on a casino ship is the sheer amount of stuff inside – from heavy slot machines to furniture. Over time, these can shift or topple. Be careful around rows of machines or stacked chairs; an accidental bump could send something falling. Also, do not trust any elevators (they will be nonfunctional and potentially deathtraps if somehow powered on). Stick to areas that feel structurally solid. The hull itself is probably sound (since it’s afloat), but the upper decks or added structures could have weakened.
Legality: As exciting as the Blue Horizon is, remember that exploring it without permission is likely illegal. Trespassing on a ship can carry serious penalties, especially if the owners press charges. Law enforcement in small towns might not take kindly to thrill-seekers sneaking around the docks. If caught, you could face fines or even arrest. Always weigh whether the experience is worth a criminal record. For this reason, some urban explorers opt to enjoy the ship vicariously – through photos and videos taken by others who have been inside. There are numerous online galleries and even YouTube exploration videos of the Blue Horizon (sometimes labeled as “abandoned mafia casino ship” due to the Boulis story). These can give you a comprehensive look without the risk.
If you decide to proceed regardless, do your homework. Scout the location in daytime from a public area to identify any obvious security. Dress in non-attention-grabbing clothing (dark colors at night, casual look by day). Keep a low profile and have an exit strategy. It’s wise to let someone you trust know where you are, whenever you explore an abandoned site. And above all, if confronted by authorities, be polite and honest – often, explaining you’re there for photography or history interest (and not vandalism) can lead to a warning rather than charges.
Respect the Site: Urban exploration ethics apply – take nothing and leave nothing. The Blue Horizon is historically significant; removing artifacts (like poker chips or tokens) might be tempting souvenirs but it’s essentially theft and contributes to the decay of the site for others. Plus, as noted on forums, any cash or vouchers aboard are long expired or removed, so treasure-hunting is futile. Likewise, do not graffiti or damage anything. Sadly, some vandalism has already occurred (windows broken by vandals or previous looters), but true urban explorers should aim to document and preserve through photographs, not destroy.
Conclusion
The abandoned Blue Horizon Casino Cruise Ship is a remarkable piece of Florida’s hidden history. From its optimistic launch as SunCruz VI in 2001, through a whirlwind of ownership changes and a tragic murder scandal, to its quiet retirement as a rusting giant – the vessel’s saga is equal parts thrilling and sobering. On one hand, it speaks to the adventurous spirit of urban exploring in Florida: discovering forgotten places that tell a story. Wandering the Blue Horizon’s empty corridors, one can almost hear the echo of slot machines and laughter from a decade ago, making it a hauntingly beautiful experience for those who venture there. On the other hand, the ship’s fate underscores how quickly fortune can turn. In the span of 15 years, it went from hosting champagne toasts and jackpots to collecting rainwater and dust.
For urban explorers, the Blue Horizon is a rare find – a massive abandoned in Florida site that is both relatively modern and steeped in scandalous lore. It’s not every day you encounter an abandoned casino, let alone one floating on water with interiors still furnished. It’s no wonder this site has been featured by multiple exploration blogs and even caught the attention of mainstream media. If you’re passionate about photographing abandoned places, the Blue Horizon offers cinematic visuals: imagine sunlight filtering through a bridge window onto a deserted captain’s chair, or rows of slot machines fading into darkness down a long hall. Every corner seems frozen in 2016, telling its part of the story of a business that folded overnight.
As you consider exploring or researching this ghost ship, remember the human drama behind it. Each roulette chip and each rust stain is part of a timeline that includes ambitious entrepreneurs, nightly parties at sea, fierce political battles, and even a mob-style execution. The Blue Horizon may be physically decaying, but in terms of history it’s incredibly rich. Whether you’re an urban explorer looking for your next challenge, a history buff intrigued by Florida’s casino era, or simply someone who loves a good mystery, the story of the Blue Horizon Casino Cruise Ship is sure to captivate you.
In the years to come, the Blue Horizon’s future remains uncertain. It could be scrapped for metal, refurbished (though that’s unlikely given its condition and obsolescence), or continue to quietly rust away until nature claims it. For now, it endures as a silent monument to a bygone era. If you do get the chance to see it – even from afar – take a moment to appreciate the saga it represents. And if you’re exploring, do so responsibly and safely. The thrill of urban exploration comes with responsibilities to history, law, and personal safety.
If you liked this blog post, you might want to read about the Sibley Mill in Georgia, the Santee Outlets in South Carolina, or this neat abandoned property in Eastpoint, Florida.
A 360-degree panoramic image captured inside the abandoned Blue Horizon Casino Cruise ship docked in Green Cove Springs, Florida.
Welcome to a world of exploration and intrigue at Abandoned in 360, where adventure awaits with our exclusive membership options. Dive into the mysteries of forgotten places with our Gold Membership, offering access to GPS coordinates to thousands of abandoned locations worldwide. For those seeking a deeper immersion, our Platinum Membership goes beyond the map, providing members with exclusive photos and captivating 3D virtual walkthroughs of these remarkable sites. Discover hidden histories and untold stories as we continually expand our map with new locations each month. Embark on your journey today and uncover the secrets of the past like never before. Join us and start exploring with Abandoned in 360.
Equipment used to capture the 360-degree panoramic images:
- Canon DSLR camera
- Canon 8-15mm fisheye
- Manfrotto tripod
- Custom rotating tripod head
Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.
Click on a state below and explore the top abandoned places for urban exploring in that state.
You might also like
