Help CenterYes, most cruise ships do have a casino, especially those operated by major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, Celebrity, Princess, and Holland America. These casinos are a popular onboard attraction and are designed to resemble land-based casinos, offering a full range of gaming options.
🎰 What You’ll Typically Find in a Cruise Ship Casino:
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Slot Machines – Hundreds of machines, ranging from penny slots to high-limit games.
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Table Games – Including:
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Blackjack
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Roulette
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Craps
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Three Card Poker
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Texas Hold’em
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Electronic Table Games – Roulette and blackjack with digital interfaces.
⏱️ When Are Cruise Casinos Open?
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Casinos only operate while the ship is at sea, outside of territorial waters (typically 3 nautical miles from land). They are closed when docked in port.
💰 Payment and Winnings
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You can usually play using:
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Your cruise card (linked to your onboard account)
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Cash (USD or ship’s onboard currency)
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Sometimes credit/debit cards (fees may apply)
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Winnings are paid out onboard, and tax rules vary depending on your nationality and location.
🚫 Exceptions:
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River cruises and some small expedition ships do not have casinos.
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Cruise lines sailing heavily in Asia or Australia may have adjusted casino operations due to local regulations.
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Some Disney Cruise Line ships do not have casinos at all—they’re one of the few major cruise lines to omit this feature by design.
🎲 Casino Perks
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Frequent players can earn loyalty rewards, complimentary drinks, or even free cruise offers through cruise line casino programs (like Club Royale on Royal Caribbean or Carnival Players Club).
In summary: Yes, most ocean-going cruise ships have fully functioning casinos, offering a wide range of gaming options. It’s a fun and lively part of the onboard nightlife, especially for guests looking to try their luck at sea.