Cruise Casino Guide
Complete guide to cruise ship casinos. Popular games, loyalty programs, drink policies, and tips for playing the casino on your cruise.
Cruise ship casinos are a popular onboard entertainment option, offering everything from slot machines and table games to poker tournaments and sports betting. Casinos are open while the ship is at sea and closed in port (due to local gambling regulations). Here is your guide to casino gaming on cruise ships.
Casino Overview
Most cruise ships feature casinos ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 square feet, depending on the ship and cruise line. The casino is typically located on a main entertainment deck.
- ✓Casinos are open at sea and closed in port (international waters gambling laws)
- ✓Age requirement: 18 on most international lines, 21 on some US-sailing ships
- ✓Currency is typically US dollars regardless of sailing region
- ✓Free gaming lessons are often offered for beginners (roulette, blackjack, craps)
- ✓Casino revenue supports lower cruise fares for all passengers
Popular Games
Cruise ship casinos offer most popular casino games, with slot machines being the most numerous.
- ✓Slot machines: The most popular cruise casino game, from penny slots to $25 machines
- ✓Blackjack: Table minimums typically $10-$25, higher during peak times
- ✓Roulette: Both American (double zero) and European (single zero) versions
- ✓Craps: Exciting table game with low house edge on basic bets
- ✓Poker: Texas Hold'em tournaments and cash games on larger ships
- ✓Sports betting: Available on some newer ships
- ✓Bingo: Not technically casino but very popular, separate sessions throughout the cruise
Casino Loyalty Programs
Most cruise line casinos have loyalty programs that reward regular players with perks including free drinks, cabin upgrades, and complimentary cruises.
- ✓Royal Caribbean: Casino Royale rewards program with tier levels
- ✓Carnival: Ocean Players Club with complimentary cruise offers for active players
- ✓Norwegian: Casinos at Sea with tier-based benefits
- ✓Celebrity: Casino rewards tied to the Captain's Club loyalty program
- ✓MSC: Casino loyalty with MSC Voyagers Club integration
Drinking and Smoking Policies
Casino policies on drinks and smoking vary by cruise line and have evolved significantly.
- ✓Free drinks while gambling: Royal Caribbean, Carnival (for active players)
- ✓No free drinks: Norwegian, Celebrity, MSC (varies)
- ✓Smoking: Most cruise ship casinos have designated smoking and non-smoking sections
- ✓Some ships have fully non-smoking casinos (Celebrity, Viking has no casino)
- ✓Drink service is typically slower in the casino during peak hours
By Cruise Line
Casino Royale: Among the largest at sea (up to 18,000 sq ft on Oasis class). Free drinks for active players. Casino Royale loyalty program with offers for free cruises to high-value players. Smoking and non-smoking sections.
Carnival Casino: Fun, lively atmosphere with free drinks for active players. Ocean Players Club loyalty program is generous with free cruise offers. Smoking permitted in designated areas. Bingo is hugely popular.
Casinos at Sea: Modern casinos on all ships. Free drinks not standard (depends on promotion). Smoking sections available. Texas Hold'em tournaments on most sailings. Good loyalty program for regular players.
MSC Casino: Growing presence with larger casinos on newer ships. Smoking and non-smoking areas. European roulette (single zero) standard. Casino linked to Voyagers Club for loyalty benefits.
Disney cruise ships do not have casinos, as they are family-focused. This is unique among major cruise lines. Bingo sessions are available for adults.
Viking does not have casinos on their ships. This is a deliberate design choice to focus on cultural enrichment and destination-focused cruising.
Tips
- ✓Set a gambling budget before your cruise and stick to it
- ✓Take advantage of free gaming lessons offered on sea days
- ✓Sign up for the casino loyalty program immediately to start earning points
- ✓Play during off-peak hours (afternoon) for better table availability and lower minimums
- ✓Blackjack and craps have the lowest house edge among casino games
- ✓Check if your cruise line offers free drinks while gambling as this affects the value
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are cruise ship casinos fair?
Yes. Cruise ship casinos are regulated and audited, with slot machines using certified random number generators. Table games use standard rules. The house edge is comparable to Las Vegas casinos. Slot payout percentages are typically 85-92%.
Do you get free drinks in the cruise casino?
It depends on the cruise line. Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer complimentary drinks to active players (you must be actively gambling). Norwegian and Celebrity do not consistently offer free casino drinks. Check your specific cruise line's policy.
Can I smoke in the cruise casino?
Most cruise ship casinos have designated smoking sections. Celebrity has moved to fully non-smoking casinos. Viking and Disney do not have casinos. The trend is toward more non-smoking areas, and policies vary by ship and region.
Which cruise ship has the biggest casino?
Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Icon class ships have some of the largest casinos at sea, up to 18,000 square feet. Norwegian's newer ships also feature large, modern casinos. MSC World class ships have expansive casino floors.