If you think cruises are just about sun-soaked decks and exotic destinations, you have another thing coming! They offer much more, especially for thrill seekers! And what’s more thrilling than a bustling casino at sea? Most cruise ships offer the best casinos onboard, with a variety of games and a dazzling ambiance. Let’s talk about some of the best cruise ship casinos that offer top-notch gaming experiences.
What Are the Best Cruise Ship Casinos?
Join us as we discuss the top Cruise Ship Casinos in the world. Of course, the ‘best’ is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, here are some factors that contribute to a great cruise ship casino include:
- Size and variety of games: A wide selection of slot machines and table games.
- Ambiance: A vibrant and engaging environment.
- Amenities: Bars, lounges, and especially the reward programs.
- Non-smoking options: Do they cater to both smokers and non-smokers, providing comfortable environments for all guests?
Here are some cruise lines and ships that consistently receive praise for their casinos, and I second their opinions.
Allure of the Seas: Casino Royale
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Class: Oasis
Maximum Capacity: 6,780 Passengers
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, featuring a Vegas-style casino, tops the list of best cruise ship casinos. Casino Royale, spanning approximately 18,000 square feet on Deck 4, is one of the largest cruise ship casinos in the world.
The main casino permits smoking. However, a separate non-smoking casino, also called Casino Royale, is available. While smaller than the smoking section, the non-smoking area is well-equipped with numerous tables and slot machines.
Guest can either use cash or their Sea Pass cards. An ATM is inside the casino. A lounge area featuring comfortable sofas and a full-service bar providing a multitude of drink options add to the overall gaming excitement. Have the spirit, and let the good times roll!
Why is it on the list of the best cruise ship casinos?
- Vegas-style gambling casino.
- Features 456 slot machines, including Video Poker, Lucky O’ Railley machine, Buffalo Ascencion, Coin Trio, and Top Dollar.
- It also has 27 table games, including classics like craps, roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, American Wheel, high limit blackjack, and baccarat, and other popular variations, including Three Card Poker and Mississippi Stud.
- Poker Room (for high-stake players).
- Gambling Tournaments.
- The staff offers free gambling lessons to the newbies.
Are drinks free at the Royal Caribbean Casino?
As part of the Club Royale rewards program, Prime, Signature, and Masters Club Royale guests receive complimentary beverages in the casino during its operating hours.
Oasis of the Seas: Casino Royale
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Class: Oasis
Maximum Capacity: 6,699 Passengers
Another crown for Royal Caribbean, the Oasis of the Seas, features a 15,000-square-foot casino. As you know, RCL ships are also known as floating cities, and their casinos are no exception. Casino Royale in Oasis of the Seas features huge gaming floors with hundreds of slot machines and table games. With a lively, energetic atmosphere and a touch of glamour, these casinos are designed to impress, from dazzling lights to constant buzz. Both smoking and non-smoking sections are available, catering to guests’ needs.
Why is it on the list of the best cruise ship casinos?
- The sheer size and variety of gaming options make the casino stand out.
- Vegas-style experience at sea.
- The casino offers 24 tables with numerous games like blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps.
- There are 464 slot machines with a wide range of gaming options.
- The no-smoking casino has three tables and 46 slot machines.
Symphony of the Seas: Casino Royale
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Class: Oasis
Maximum Capacity: 6,680 Passengers
RCL’s Oasis class ships, known globally as some of the largest and most popular cruise vessels, naturally feature exceptional casinos. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, launched in 2018, boasts one of the finest cruise ship casinos, offering a 12,000-square-foot gaming experience.
The casino offers 24 table games and 452 slot machines, maintaining a strong game selection that caters to a wide range of gamers. Though slightly smaller in size, it also pretty much offers all the excitement that its sister ships (Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas) offer. The casino’s modern amenities and updates complement the gaming experience.
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Norwegian Escape: The Escape Casino
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Class: Breakaway Plus.
Maximum Capacity: 4,266 Passengers
The Escape Casino on the Norwegian Escape is another of the best casinos on board. Norwegian Escape of Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its contemporary style, and its casinos reflect the same. The casino spans about 8,000 square feet on Deck 7 and has sleek, modern designs with grand lighting, luxurious artwork, and gold tiles.
The casino’s Skyline bar offers a vibrant atmosphere and a wide selection of drinks, perfectly complementing the excitement of the gaming floor. After all, a drink often enhances the gaming experience (unless you’re a teetotaler). These casinos are known for their high-energy ambiance, with plenty of action at the tables. The NCL fleet also has a rewards program called Casinos at Sea.
Why is it on the list of the best cruise ship casinos?
- Norwegian’s casinos are perfect for those who want a fast-paced, exciting gaming experience.
- The Escape Casino has 26 tables featuring craps, blackjack, roulette, and poker games like Three Card Poker, Pai Gow, and Ultimate Texas Hold ’em.
- It also features 310 machines, including Video Poker Machines, Reel Machines, Hybrid Poker Machines, Dancing Drums Power Trio, Piggy Burst Coin Trio, Lock it Link Piggy Bankin, and Lightning Link (High Stakes).
- The casino has the latest slot machines, featuring popular ones similar to those in Las Vegas.
- Conducts poker machine tournaments, including Texas Hold’Em, and has other cash poker games as well.
- Smoking and non-smoking areas are available (back room). To each their own!
Norwegian Epic: Epic Casino
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Class: Epic
Maximum Capacity: 5,300 Passengers
The Norwegian Epic offers the Epic Casino, which covers about 13,000 square feet of gaming space. Similar to the Norwegian Escape, this ship also has a modern design and an electric ambiance, with plenty of action at the tables and frequent promotions.
- It is known for its expansive casinos with a wide variety of games in a large space.
- Epic Casino features 348 slot machines with a variety of games, including Key Master by Sega, Boardwalk-style coin pushers, and Cash Crane by Elaut.
- It has 28 table games, including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker variations, Three Card Poker, Baccarat, and Texas Hold ’em.
- As in all other NCL fleets, Norwegian Epic also has a “Casinos at Sea” reward program.
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Sun Princess: Princess Casino
Cruise Line: Princess Cruise Lines
Class: Sphere
Maximum Capacity: 4,300 Passenger
Princess Cruises introduced the newest ship in the fleet, the Sun Princess, in February 2024, featuring the line’s largest casino to date. This 9,000-square-foot Princess Casino brings state-of-the-art casino gaming to the sea.
It boasts 10-foot-high ceilings and a modern design with the latest slot machines and updated table games. The casino is generally smoke-free, except for the designated areas for smoking near certain slot machines.
Why is it on the list of the best cruise ship casinos?
- The Sun Princess takes an innovative approach to cruise ship casinos, focusing on modern technology and a luxurious experience, which is the future of cruise ship casinos.
- Princess Casino offers 227 slot machines and has dedicated zones for Buffalo slot machines and high-limit slot machines. Comfortable, luxury seating allows for hours of enjoyable gameplay.
- It also features 13 live table games, including blackjack and various poker games.
- Offers a spacious and comfortable gaming environment.
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Carnival Celebration: The Casino
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Class: Excel Class
Maximum Capacity: 6,500 Passengers
The Carnival Celebration Casino has been recognized as the ‘Best Cruise Ship Casino‘ in Newsweek’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Carnival Fleet is all about fun, and their casinos are no different. While its 5,000-square-foot size is relatively smaller compared to the other top casinos, the vibrant, party-like atmosphere, complete with music and excitement, more than compensates. Carnival casinos are known for their welcoming environment, catering to all players, from novices to experts, and offering a consistently fun and energetic experience.
Why is it on the list of the best cruise ship casinos?
- If you’re looking for a fun, relaxed gaming experience, Carnival Celebration’s casino is the place to be.
- Carnival Cruise Lines also has reward programs for casino play.
- The casino has 15 tables and slightly more than 200 slot machines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are casino winnings on cruise ships taxable?
Legally, any casino win is subject to taxation, and the winner is expected to file W2G. However, it is not a common practice.
Can I use cash in cruise ship casinos?
Yes, cash is commonly used in cruise ship casinos. Additionally, on many cruise ships, you can charge gaming expenses to your onboard account and settle them at the end of the cruise.
Which casino games are on cruise ships?
Cruise ship casinos offer both slot machines and table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and various poker variations. These onboard casinos offer a land-casino experience at sea.
Can you win money in a cruise ship casino?
Yes, you can win money in a cruise ship casino. Like any other casino, people do win jackpots and other prizes. However, the odds are generally in the favor of the house.
How many casino points do you need to get a free cruise?
The number of casino points required for a free cruise varies with the cruise lines and their loyalty programs, often ranging from tens of thousands to over one hundred thousand points. Consult the specific cruise line’s casino rewards program details to get the exact figures.
What is the best casino game to play on a cruise ship?
Blackjack and Video Poker offer relatively good odds when played with proper strategy.
Are drinks free in the casino on cruise ships?
Most cruise lines offer complimentary drinks to active players, especially those in loyalty programs or casino rewards programs. Luxury lines often include drinks in their fares.
Are cruise ship casinos regulated?
Cruise ship casinos follow the laws of their ship’s country of registry and, when sailing from U.S. ports, have to follow the Cruise Lines International Association rules.
Do all cruise ships have casinos?
No. While most large cruise ships feature casinos, some cruise lines, such as Disney, and specific ships, like Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, do not.
Are cruise ship casinos open while in port?
No, cruise ship casinos operate only while the ship is in international waters and usually remain closed while docked in port.
What is the legal gambling age on cruise ships?
The legal gambling age on most cruise ships is 18. However, some lines and Alaskan sailings may require guests to be 21 for certain gaming activities
Do cruise ship casinos offer loyalty programs?
Yes, many cruise lines have casino loyalty programs that reward frequent players with various perks, including complimentary services, special event access, and discounts on future cruises.
Tips for Enjoying Cruise Ship Casinos
- Learn the Rules: If you’re new to a game, take some time to learn the rules before you start playing. Many casinos offer free lessons.
- Set a Budget: It’s easy to go down the rabbit hole, so set a budget and stick to it. Win or lose, know when to stop. Don’t get carried away!
- Loyalty Programs: Many cruise lines offer casino loyalty programs, rewarding frequent players with perks such as complimentary drinks, exclusive event invitations, and even discounts on future cruises.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Many cruise ship casinos offer promotions and tournaments, so be sure to check the schedule.
- Gambling Laws and Regulations: Cruise casinos operate in international waters under maritime law; know the regulations for smooth gaming.
- Gambling Age Requirements: Age requirements vary (from 18 to 21) for cruise casinos; verify before sailing.
- Enjoy the Ambiance: Cruise ship casinos are a great place to socialize and have fun.
So, set sail, get in the spirit, and roll your dice! May the ocean’s odds be ever in your favor, and may you find those Aces High! Let lady luck be with you!
