Cruise ship casinos offer a unique gambling experience that combines the excitement of a land-based casino with the novelty of gaming on the high seas. Whether you're a seasoned gambler or just looking for a fun way to spend your time on board, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about cruise ship casinos.
1. The Existence of Casinos on Cruise Ships
Contrary to popular belief, most ocean-going cruise ships have onboard casinos12. These casinos are a prominent feature of cruise ships and are usually located in high-traffic areas. Most large cruise ships, and even some smaller ones, have an onboard casino1. However, there are a few exceptions. Disney Cruise Line, for instance, does not have a casino on any of its four cruise ships1. The same goes for Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America and Viking Ocean Cruise13.
2. Variety of Games in Cruise Ship Casinos
Cruise ship casinos offer a variety of games for everyone from casual gamers to seasoned gamblers1. All cruise ship casinos have numerous slot machine options1. Most also have table games, including blackjack and a variety of poker games1. Some ships even offer Texas Hold'em played against other players1.
Most cruise ships with a casino will also offer tournaments of some kind1. These tournaments can be a great way to test your skills against other players and potentially win money1. However, the rules and offerings can vary significantly from ship to ship, so it's a good idea to check with the cruise line or casino staff for specifics1.
3. Age Restrictions in Cruise Ship Casinos
Most cruise ships require players to be at least 18 years old to gamble in the casino1. However, some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Azamara, raise that age to 21 on certain sailings1. If you're not sure about the rules on your ship, it's always a good idea to check with the cruise line or casino staff1.
4. Cash and Card Usage in Cruise Ship Casinos
Most cruise ships allow you to use both cash and your cruise card in the casino1. This can be a convenient way to manage your gambling budget without having to carry around large amounts of cash1. However, it's important to note that some ships do operate on a cash-only basis1.
5. Operating Hours of Cruise Ship Casinos
Unlike land-based casinos, cruise ship casinos are not open 24/714. They are only open when the ship is out to sea or in port in a select few countries where gambling is permitted1. This means that if you're planning on doing a lot of gambling, you'll want to choose a cruise with plenty of sea days or late departures from port1.
6. Casino Loyalty Programs on Cruise Ships
Many large cruise ships offer casino loyalty programs that are separate from the general cruise line loyalty program1. These programs can provide a range of benefits, including free drinks and cruise sailings3. However, earning rewards often requires a significant amount of gambling, so it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential costs3.
7. Smoking in Cruise Ship Casinos
Whether or not you can smoke in a cruise ship casino depends on the cruise line1. Some cruise ships allow smoking in the casino, while others do not1. If you're a smoker, you'll want to check the cruise line's smoking policy before booking your cruise1.
8. Comparing Payouts Between Cruise Ship Casinos and Land-Based Casinos
There is a common belief that cruise ship casinos have lower payouts than land-based casinos35. While there isn't a lot of data available to confirm or refute this belief, it's worth noting that cruise ship casinos operate under different regulations than land-based casinos5. Consequently, they may have more flexibility when it comes to setting their payout rates5.
9. Cruise Ship Casino Myths Debunked
There are many myths about cruise ship casinos, including the idea that they pay out less than land-based casinos5. However, these myths are often based on misconceptions and misunderstandings5. For example, while it's true that cruise ship casinos might have fewer games and lower payouts than some land-based casinos, they also offer unique benefits such as the ability to gamble while enjoying a cruise5.
10. Tips for Gambling on Cruise Ships
If you're planning on gambling on a cruise ship, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you're willing to lose before you start gambling5.
- Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs: Many cruise ships offer casino loyalty programs that can provide you with rewards and perks3.
- Check the Rules: Each cruise ship casino may have different rules and offerings1. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these before you start playing1.
- Know When to Stop: Gambling can be fun, but it's important to know when to stop5. If you're losing more than you're comfortable with, it's time to walk away5.
In conclusion, while cruise ship casinos may be different from their land-based counterparts in some ways, they still offer an exciting and enjoyable gambling experience. With a variety of games to play, loyalty programs to take advantage of, and the unique setting of a cruise ship, you're sure to have a great time.
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Footnotes
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Cruise Critic, "What to Expect on Cruise Ship Casinos" ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18 ↩19 ↩20 ↩21 ↩22 ↩23 ↩24 ↩25 ↩26
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Cruzely, "Cruise Ship Casinos: What to Expect" ↩
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Know Your Slots, "Do Cruise Ship Casinos Pay Less Than Land-Based Ones?" ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
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Las Vegas Advisor, "Do Casinos On Cruise Ships Pay Out?" ↩
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PR Newswire, "A Sure Bet: Cruise Ship Casinos Pay Off with Jackpots, Friends and Making Guests Feel at Home" ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9