BILOXI, Miss.--Apr. 21--Casino America is getting into the cruise line business, joining Commodore Cruises in a joint venture to run gambling excursions out of New Orleans, company officials said Monday.

The companies are buying a 500-passenger vessel with the intention of running two-day cruises to international waters and five-day cruises to Mexico, Casino America chief financial officer Rex Yeisley said.

The joint venture company, Capri Cruises, will operate out of New Orleans, where Commodore Cruises runs seven-day cruises to Mexico. Casino America operates Isle of Capri caribbean-themed casinos in Biloxi, Vicksburg and Bossier City and Lake Charles, La.

"We're going to offer Isle of Capri-style casino gambling in a cruise boat," Yeisley. "It gives us an opportunity to expand our brand."

The company will use its data base of customers in cross-marketing the casinos and cruise boat operations, Yeisley said.

"Many people in our data base have never cruised before," he said.

"This is one of the first instances of a cruise line joining forces with a traditional casino operator," said Fred Mayer, vice chairman of Commodore Holdings. "We are confident that the combination of Commodore's expertise in the cruise industry and Casino America's expertise in the gaming industry will provide for an unparalleled vacation experience."

The Enchanted Capri, now operating as The Island Holiday, will be equipped with 200 slots and 10 tables, he said.

Cruises are expected to begin in June.