12 Must-Have Cruise Casino Tips to Know Before You Play

Table Of Content

• Don’t Forget Your Keycard
• What is the minimum age to play or hang out in the casino?
• Cruise Line Adds “Glacier Day” to Its Alaskan Cruise Itineraries
• How to Get From the Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to the Miami Cruise Port
• The Different Games Offered in a Cruise Ship Casino
• Casino Minimums for Table Games and Slot Machines

On some ships, like select Royal Caribbean ships, if enough high rollers want to play a high stakes game, the pit boss may arrange a game. What makes casino gaming on Carnival ships unique is the rewards scheme, known as the Carnival Players Club. Promotions and offers are given away based on the frequency of cruises and games played. There are gaming lessons available for new players and high stakes games for more serious players. You can typically use both cash and cruise cards to play at them. While the minimum age in most states is 21, cruise ship casinos often operate in international waters, which allows them to lower the gambling age to eighteen.

Don’t Forget Your Keycard

Staff welcome players of all levels, with lessons on offer and automatic membership in Princess Players Club. Choose from video poker, traditional and novelty slots, progressive jackpots and table games ranging from blackjack and roulette to Texas Hold'em poker or Let It Ride. Medallion Class passengers can play anywhere on board with the mobile Ocean Casino. If you’re thinking of trying your luck at the Casino while on your next cruise, you should know a few things before you board. Here’s a quick guide to cruise ship casinos, including games offered, betting limits, and tips for playing smart and more information. Three great additions are table games linked progressives on blackjack and various poker games.

What is the minimum age to play or hang out in the casino?

Carnival Cruise Line explains onboard ban that angered passengers - TheStreet

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Picture yourself celebrating your favorite holidays onboard a cruise, participating in sponsored casino events, and so much more. Plus, Royal Caribbean has a team of Player Development specialists dedicated to ensuring that casino VIPs have the best vacation possible. Here are our game recommendations for the Casino Beginners or for those who want to add a little more spice to their usual cruising experience. Tanner Callais is the editor and publisher of Cruzely.com, a website dedicated to everything cruising. In addition, you can find his cruise tips and advice on YouTube. Tanner has sailed dozens of cruises across all the major lines.

Cruise Line Adds “Glacier Day” to Its Alaskan Cruise Itineraries

Could you envision a more enticing vacation than a luxurious cruise? A cruise vessel offers a plethora of enjoyment opportunities, with each ship brimming with diverse entertainment options, including games of chance. Cunard’s flagship cruise ship functions as an ocean liner for transportation as well as running cruises. It is the largest ocean liner in the world and is full of entertainment, bars, swimming pools, a ballroom, and even the first at-sea planetarium.

Onboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, the Casino Royale is the fleet's largest gambling parlor, boasting a wide variety of offerings. Try your hand at slots and table games, or opt for video poker and other entertainment games. Complimentary gaming lessons are open to all, while members of the Club Royale program enjoy great rewards. Home to the first roller coaster at sea, Carnival's Mardi Gras also offers a top-tier spacious casino.

The 1,083 foot long Royal Princess offers a myriad of casino options that will suit slots fans and table game enthusiasts alike. This cruise liner even boasts progressive jackpot games and bingo, making for a social but lucrative gaming experience. They typically adhere to the laws of the ship's country of registry. Historically, drinks have not been free to cruise ship casino gamblers the way they usually are in land-based casinos. If you're someone who thrives during the late-night hours and craves the excitement of casino gaming, several ships have you covered with all-night gaming at Casino Royale℠.

The Different Games Offered in a Cruise Ship Casino

Most big ship casinos offer a loyalty program that is separate from the general cruise line loyalty program. As you bet money, you earn points toward rewards, usually free drinks and cruise sailings. You have to bet a lot of money to rack up a significant number of points, so don't gamble in the casino just to try and earn rewards; you'll end up spending more money than the reward is worth. The rewards you earn on one cruise ship do not always transfer to another ship, even within the same fleet. If earning casino points on multiple cruise ships is important to you, check with the cruise line ahead of time to get specific rules of the casino loyalty program.

Casino Minimums for Table Games and Slot Machines

Field bets often pay double for both 2 and 12, instead of paying triple for 12. As for payouts, video poker on a cruise will almost always offer lower pay tables than the optimum “9/6” machines. We find that they usually vary between 6/5 to 7/5, which increases the house’s take over the long term. One big draw to gambling in a regular casino is getting special perks and rewards for your play. Well, cruise lines have the same sort of program where you can earn all sorts of comps for your play from drinks to wi-fi to even free cruises.

Princess

Celebrity Cruises does not allow smoking in its ships' casinos, and the relatively small casinos on luxury ships are generally nonsmoking, as well. 1Waived convenience fee limits apply.2Discount amount varies. Discount applicable on suite categories up to Penthouse Suite (A) and voyages less than 20 days. Reach 25,000 points and be welcomed to the Signature member tier.

Despite the small size of cruise ship casinos compared to those on land, they offer a wide variety of games. What sets them apart is that they have more advanced loyalty programs. Later, these points will be used to level up your status in a casino club.

Cruises that sail from Victoria, British Columbia, to Seattle on the final night are a good example. Tier benefits are applicable on sailings 3-Days or longer only unless noted otherwise. Members who tier up during a cruise will receive the elevated tier benefits on their next cruise, with the exception of an elevated drink card. Casinos At Sea is not responsible for any bank imposed fees as a result of utilizing casino services to access funds. Please see the Program’s Frequently Asked Questions for information about how to earn, use, and redeem points.

The Empress Casino offers table games at night and a variety of popular slot machines open nearly 24/7. Windows lining the casino let in the sunshine and spectacular ocean views. Stop by the glitzy bar for drinks, and don't forget to track points earned through the Carnival Players Club. First, it’s important to note that cruises typically have lower betting limits than casinos on land. This is because cruise ship casinos are regulated by gaming commissions, which limit the amount of money that can be wagered on any game.

You can apply for casino credit before you get onboard your sailing, wire funds to the ship or use your SeaPass® card to make charges right at the slot machine. Relax, recharge, and play the hottest slots and table games on a luxurious cruise vacation. Our casino offers a sophisticated ambiance and a captivating atmosphere that comes alive with plenty of action. Our world-class cruise ship casino offers custom limits, better odds across a variety of games, and a smoke-free environment. State-of-the-art technology meets the familiar games you love to play including over 2000 slot machines and over 150 table games and much more available across our fleet.

That said, the number of machines and the poker games available are significantly fewer than you might be used to seeing. The traditional games are all there, including slot machines and blackjack. There are also some things that you wouldn’t expect in a casino, including games like the crane machine and coin pusher machines. As for atmosphere, within seconds of walking into a cruise ship casino you’ll forget that you’re on a ship. Give the casino size and number of passengers, evenings can get crowded. That means the casino will feel high energy, with lots of people cheering, noise from machines, and generally a festive atmosphere.

With a recommended rating from Forbes Travel Guide, Celebrity Edge creates a truly special experience. The ship's innovative design and cutting-edge entertainments include the Edge Casino, which offers a wide range of games—from the latest themed slots to classic table games. Like all Celebrity casinos, the venue is smoke-free, a big plus for nonsmokers. The Blue Chip Club offers instant membership and excellent rewards, including complimentary drinks as you play. The largest ship in Carnival's fleet, the Celebration boasts a buzzing casino that perfectly suits Carnival's reputation for fun.

On land, video poker games pay 9/6, or nine credits for a full house and six for a flush. Gambling is one of the most popular activities on a cruise ship. Whether you are just trying your luck or an avid poker player, cruise ship casinos offer a little of something for everyone. Cruise ship casinos accept cash at both slot machines and table games. As an example, you can sit down at a slot machine and feed in a $20 bill, which is then converted into "credits" on the machine's screen. The value of the credit depends on the denomination of the machine.

Casino Cruise Casinos at Sea Games & Entertainment Norwegian Cruise Line

Table Of Content

• Carnival Cracks Down on Unsanctioned Poolside Gambling During Cruise
• Complete Guide to Using Your Phone on a Cruise (Carnival, Royal Caribbean & More)
• Allure of the Seas
• Getting Started in a Cruise Ship Casino
• Are Cruise Ship Casinos Regulated?
• Don’t Expect Great Payouts

You can find about any table game you wish to play, as well as every hot new slot you’ve been dying to try. While some other Norwegian casinos have poor reviews for ventilation, the sheer size of the Epic casino helps with the irritating cigarette smoke. The casino on the Allure is currently the biggest on any cruise ship, coming in at 18,000 square feet. For comparison, a good-sized Las Vegas property might only be 100,000 square feet.

Carnival Cracks Down on Unsanctioned Poolside Gambling During Cruise

As a rule, when the cruise ship is within three to twelve miles of the coastline, it will close the casino to comply with local gambling regulations. Poker players will also be disappointed to find tables with a high rake (the “fee” paid by the winner to the house after each hand). Each cruise ship has a different look and feels for its casino. Some provide a contemporary atmosphere, while others add a bit more creativity with Egyptian or Roman themes. Cruisers are also often surprised to learn that the casino is closed on some nights during Alaska cruises.

Complete Guide to Using Your Phone on a Cruise (Carnival, Royal Caribbean & More)

Some cruise lines may accept these points as payment options for certain services on a cruise. To gather them, you need to get familiar with the conditions. As mentioned, you can expect to find a casino on board most major cruise lines.

Allure of the Seas

In many ways cruise ship gambling is similar to what you’ll find on land. That also means that while they all feel familiar with flashing lights and dinging bells, each casino has its own personality. That said, there are still a number of things you should know before gambling on a cruise. Having sailed dozens of cruises (and seemingly always finding time to spend in the casino), we have lots of experience in what you can expect if you pay onboard.

Princess Cruises Goes "All-In" With Its Largest Casino Ever Debuting on New Sun Princess - PR Newswire

Princess Cruises Goes "All-In" With Its Largest Casino Ever Debuting on New Sun Princess.

Posted: Tue, 28 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Getting Started in a Cruise Ship Casino

That means you can go for a spin with lady luck at any time you choose onboard select vessels (for full gaming hours, refer to your cruise compass onboard). To accrue points within the Club Royale Rewards Program, just present your SeaPass® card while playing at the tables and insert or tap your card while playing slot machines. As a Club Royale® member, you'll earn points every time you indulge in your favorite games, and the rewards just keep piling up. Play the latest, greatest and most popular reel and video slots, hybrids or video poker machines. With denominations ranging from 1¢ to $100, there is a winning machine waiting for your next hot streak. For example, Carnival’s Players Club offers all sorts of perks for players with enough points in their program.

Are Cruise Ship Casinos Regulated?

A Buffalo Zone, often found in land-based casinos, is just a dedicated space for many Buffalo slot machines with cool signage. A new high-limit slot area will feature enhanced luxury seating for those long hours at the machines. The Oasis lost some casino space during the remodel, but still has 15k gaming square footage, including 24 tables and 464 slot machines.

So we’re still happy to consider it as one of the best cruises with casinos. Odds bets can vary, with many ships allowing only 1X odds with others offering 3X-4X-5X. In general you will find $5 minimums, but don’t be surprised if that’s slightly higher at $10 as minimums do seem to be creeping up.

And while you’re welcome to enjoy a drink while gambling, be aware that most cruise lines will not allow you to bring your alcohol on board. And finally, remember that the house always has an edge in casino games. This means that over time, the Casino will always come out ahead. Depending on where the cruise is going, there are different rules about how old you can be to gamble in a casino on a cruise ship when you are in international waters. Gambling on a cruise ship can be a great way to have some fun and potentially win some money. Generally they have a bar with TV sets and offer channels that aren’t available elsewhere.

One Thought on “High Stakes on the High Seas: The Best Cruise Ship Casinos”

The atmosphere is buzzing, people are shouting with every win (or groaning with every loss!), and the energy can be off the charts. Smoking — While smoking is banned in indoor spaces across the ship, it is normally allowed in the casinos. Be warned that the smaller size of the casinos on the ship means that it can be tough to get away from smoke if you are sensitive. If you have someone sitting next to you smoking at a slot machine, there may not be many options for other machines to play. It’s common in most casinos to get free drinks while you gamble, but that’s not the case on a cruise.

The free cruise is where the final Royal Poker Tournament is held. You’ll often find the casino in the middle of the ship, near the promenade or atrium. The “Skill Crane” puts a twist on a long-time favorite where you try to line up a key to its hole. If you’re successful, the key will pass through the hole, pushing over a stack of bills.

The Casinos At Sea Reward Program allows you to earn rewards for use on Norwegian cruises. As if you needed any more reason to consider Carnival Vista one of the top casino cruises, you can also get pizza delivery. All U.S. citizens must report casino winnings to the IRS regardless of where the winnings occur. But be warned, many penny slots offer multiple variations, which could cost over $1 per spin. The only major brand that doesn’t offer casinos is Disney Cruise Line.

We’ve never been to a casino other than a cruise ship that offers its own scratch-off tickets. But sure enough, head to the cashier and you’ll see several options for these games to purchase. Texas Hold ‘Em has boomed in popularity over the last decade or two, and that includes on cruise ships. Most cruise ships will have a poker table on the casino floor. There are all your traditional bets, including individual numbers, red/black, even/odd, as well as sections of the board. There is also usually a video board that offers up stats on recent rolls so you can get a feel for how the table has been running.

So while gambling can be a fun way to pass the time on your cruise, be sure to set a budget and stick to it. That way, you can enjoy the experience without breaking the bank. So if you’re looking to enjoy some casino action on your next cruise, check the hours of operation before heading to the deck. Our award-winning ships feature unparalleled accommodations, incredible service, and outstanding amenities. Whether you're a novice or a serious player, you're sure to get lucky at our poker tables. Guest using SeaPass cards backed by a credit card can use them to obtain chips and slot tickets for casino entertainment up to $5,000 USD per day (conditions and fees may apply).

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. Especially when you’re celebrating in a globally inspired restaurant collection, where every dish has been designed by our Michelin-starred chef. All of our cruise bars are uniquely designed and feature diverse selections to match your mood. Revel into the wee hours at an array of bars or rendezvous in lounges serving up refreshing, handcrafted cocktails. Join us for Blue Chip Club 2023 events and slot tournaments. That’s one reason why if you play, you want to be sure to keep your keycard inserted to track your play.

Royal Caribbean Introduce Smoke-Free Casinos on All Oasis Class Ships - Cruise Industry News

Royal Caribbean Introduce Smoke-Free Casinos on All Oasis Class Ships.

Posted: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Launched in 2022, she can comfortably hold just over 5,300 guests and spends much of her time in the Caribbean on six- and eight-day cruises. In our experience, there is usually a bank or two of the machines, but not much more than that. Denominations are typically $0.25, but some machines may let you change that amount. Jacks or Better is always available, and often you can change the game at the machine.

Keep an eye out on the daily planner for when a game is starting. Then just head down to the casino a little early for details on how to score a seat to play. Denominations will vary, but penny machines seem to take up the lion’s share of what’s available. Minimum bets tend to be around $0.40 – $0.50 cents per spin, with the ability to bet several dollars per turn.