If rolling the dice on the high seas sounds like your dream getaway, then you definitely need to explore the world of casino cruises! But hey, picking the perfect adventure is about more than just hopping on the first cruise ship that comes your way! While some folks are all about the thrill of land-based casinos and others prefer the convenience of online gaming, there’s a unique charm for those who find their excitement on the high seas of floating casinos!
Ahoy, fellow adventurers! In this guide, we’re diving into the thrilling world of the best casino cruises that the globe has to offer! We crafted snappy reviews for each one, with the most frequently asked questions, such as when you can gamble on a cruise ship, to help you pick the perfect cruise for your adventures!
When You Can Gamble on A Cruise
While most cruise ship amenities are ready to welcome you all day long, the casino, much like the onboard shops, plays by its own rules! Due to the whimsical world of tax rules and regulations, casinos will only be in full swing when the vessel is sailing the high seas!
Unlike their land-based counterparts, including the best internet casinos( Here’s a page to check ), cruise casinos don’t keep the party going 24/7!
Did you know that cruise ship casinos only get to roll the dice when sailing through international waters? It’s all thanks to those pesky gambling regulations! Alright, if you’re a fan of a little wager, then cruises with those delightful sea days or ones that set sail in the early evening are just the ticket!
On those delightful sea days, the slot machines will be spinning and shining all day long, but the tables will have a bit more of a schedule, unlike their land-loving counterparts.
Where: Top-Rated Cruise Ship Casinos
A delightful adventure awaits on the Majestic Princess Cruise
The Majestic Princess, a splendid British-registered Royal-class cruise ship, has made quite the splash as the third dazzling addition to Princess Cruises’ fleet. What a sight to behold! With a whopping 15 decks open to passengers, this floating marvel can accommodate a bustling crowd of up to 5,600 souls, including both guests and staff! And that’s not all—there’s a delightful tea bar, a restaurant that celebrates Cantonese cuisine, and a VIP casino just waiting for some high-stakes fun!
Step right up to the casino, where a dazzling array of themed slot machines awaits your eager fingers! Dive into the excitement with table games galore—think blackjack, craps, roulette, and even a friendly game of bingo. And guess what? All of this fun is seamlessly woven into Princess’ Medallion Class system, bringing you interactive promotions and exclusive member offers that will keep the thrill alive!
Cunard’s fabulous Queen Mary 2
The QM2 is a fabulous British ocean liner, strutting its stuff as the one and only active, purpose-built ocean liner still sailing under the illustrious Cunard Line banner! Step right up to the Empire Casino aboard the Queen Mary 2, where you can sip on delightful drinks, engage in lively conversations at the bar or test your luck at the games! What a fabulous way to spend your time at sea!
The casino boasts around 55 dazzling slot machines and nine lively tables where you can try your luck at roulette, blackjack, Three-Card Poker, and Heads-Up Texas Hold’em! It’s got some fantastic tutorials led by experts for all you budding players out there, plus some exciting promotions to keep things lively!
Ahoy, Icon of the Seas!
First setting sail in January 2024, the Icon of the Seas has made quite the splash, boasting a whopping 250,000 gross tonnage and claiming the title of the world’s largest cruise ship! Ahoy there! The Icon, brought to you by Royal Caribbean International, boasts a whopping 20 decks and eight vibrant neighbourhoods. With room for 2,350 crew members and a staggering 5,610 guests, this ship is ready to set sail on an adventure like no other!
Ah, but the real star of the show is Deck 4, boasting the largest casino space you’ll find on the high seas! The casino boasts five unique table-game sections, a swanky high-limit room, and designated areas for both smoking and non-smoking patrons. And guess what? There’s a fabulous full-service bar right inside the casino!
Welcome aboard the Uptopia of the Seas!
Utopia of the Seas is a dreamland for gamblers, boasting not just one, but two fabulous Casino Royale venues on this Oasis-class beauty! With a dazzling lineup of 371 slot machines and an array of table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker, these venues are a gambler’s paradise!
On the forward-starboard side, you’ll find the fabulous Golden Room! This non-smoking salon is a treasure trove of excitement, boasting 40 slot machines, a blackjack table, and a poker table just waiting for some action! But wait, the midship main casino on this Royal Caribbean International cruise ship is where the real action happens, packed with a treasure trove of machines and tables just waiting for some fun! Get ready for a delightful adventure, as your cruise comes with a special treat—exclusive access to the stunning CocoCay Island in the Bahamas!
Gambling Fun on the Sun Princess
Since making waves in 2024, the Sun Princess is a fabulous Sphere-class cruise ship brought to you by the delightful folks at Princess Cruises! The vessel boasts the grandest and most expansive casino across all Princess cruises, stretching an impressive 9,000 square feet beneath soaring 10-foot ceilings!
In the casino, where 227 dazzling slot machines and 13 thrilling live tables await your eager hands! Don’t forget to check out the high-limit slot area and immerse yourself in the interactive audio-visual gaming extravaganza that’s sure to keep you on your toes! Slot enthusiasts are in for a treat with the ship’s delightful “Buffalo Zone,” showcasing a lineup of the most beloved Aristocrat games around.
Casino Party on the Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, a fabulous Excellence-class cruise ship from Carnival Cruise Line, boasts the world’s very first rollercoaster at sea and one of the ocean’s finest casinos. How thrilling is that? Newbies can totally tap the casino staff for some fun lessons, while those who’ve dipped their toes into the world of stakes—whether high or low—can enjoy the classic table games!
Well, let’s not forget about the non-smoking section, which has its very own casino! How fancy is that? Rack up those points with the Carnival Players Club loyalty program, and you’ll be sipping on complimentary drinks in no time!
How do I choose the right casino cruise?
Selecting the appropriate casino cruise involves harmonising your gaming inclinations with the whole cruise experience. Here are the aspects that require your attention:
- The dimensions of a ship are significant, as larger vessels typically have more expansive casinos, offering a greater variety of gambling possibilities and a more vibrant ambience.
- Itinerary: Casinos aboard vessels often function exclusively in international seas. A cruise with an increased number of sea days offers greater opportunity for gambling.
- Casino Amenities and Game Selection: Although all cruise casinos have slot machines and table games, newer vessels often feature a more extensive array of options.
- Casino Loyalty Programs: As previously said, loyalty programs incentivise regular players with benefits, and comprehending these programs might enhance your rewards.
The overall cruise experience encompasses more than just gambling; it is essential to evaluate the ship’s additional facilities, environmental alternatives, eating experiences, and locations. One should relish a comprehensive cruise experience, both within and outside the confines of a casino.
Imagery courtesy of Unsplash.