Some cruisers treat the onboard casino like their second home, and spend eye-watering amounts of money to match. For them, the perks and VIP treatment make it all worthwhile.
But if you’re new to gambling at sea, there are a few things you really need to know first, because one wrong move could turn your dream cruise into a pricey regret.
1. The Rules Change from Ship to Ship
Don’t assume every game plays the same at sea, cruise lines often tweak the rules. Blackjack might limit your doubling options, poker tables could use auto-shufflers, and betting limits can vary wildly.
Always check the table signage or ask the dealer before diving in, knowing the rules upfront gives you a real edge.
2. The Odds Are (Sometimes) Stacked Against You
Cruise ship casinos don’t always offer the same odds as land-based venues. For example, blackjack might pay 6-to-5 instead of the standard 3-to-2, giving the house a bigger edge. If you’re expecting Vegas-style payouts, think again.
3. The Casino’s Closed in Port
Cruise ship casinos can only open in international waters — usually about 12 nautical miles from land. That means they’re shut while docked, and on port-heavy itineraries, opening hours can be a bit unpredictable.
Check your cruise app or daily schedule so you know when to hit the tables (and don’t miss your window).
4. Casino Loyalty Programmes Can Be Surprisingly Rewarding
Most cruise lines run their own casino loyalty schemes, and regular players can rack up some serious perks. Royal Caribbean has Club Royale, NCL offers Casinos At Sea, Carnival runs the Players Club… the list goes on.
The more you spend, the better the rewards: think free drinks, cabin upgrades, onboard credit, and even free cruises. Some perks kick in on your next sailing, but others can be used straight away. My friend went on the Costa Smeralda and got free drinks just by playing the slots for a few minutes. She would walk in, trigger the reward, grab the drink, and leave!
Even the regular cruise loyalty programmes sometimes throw in small casino bonuses, like Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offering up to $6 in FreePlay.
Suggested reading: How Playing at Royal Caribbean’s Casino Could Land You a Free Cruise
5. Already a Casino Regular? Don’t Miss Out on Status Matching
If you’ve got loyalty status with a land-based casino, you might be able to bring those perks onboard. Some cruise lines will match your existing tier, offering free drinks, VIP treatment, or even complimentary cruises, without having to start from scratch.
It’s not always advertised, so reach out to the cruise line in advance, show proof of your current status, and see what they can offer. You’ve got nothing to lose!
6. Don’t Miss the Casino Promos
Cruise ship casinos often run special promotions, from free slot play and match-play vouchers to raffles and prize draws.
Sometimes, just showing up at the right time gets you entered into a lucky draw. Keep an eye on the app, flyers, or announcements, these little extras can stretch your budget and maybe even land you a surprise win.
Related reading: Cruisers Are Using These Casino Tricks for Free Carnival Cruises
7. Be Prepared for Smoky Casinos
Many cruise ship casinos still allow smoking, either throughout or in certain areas.
If you’re sensitive to smoke, it can be a bit off-putting. Some ships offer non-smoking sections or even dedicated smoke-free nights, but policies vary widely.
For example, newer Norwegian Cruise Line ships have main casinos that are smoke-free, with smaller, enclosed smoking areas elsewhere.
On Royal Caribbean’s larger ships, the main casino typically has both smoking and non-smoking sides, but check ahead so you know what to expect.
Read more: Carnival Adds More Smoke-Free Casino Areas — Here’s Where to Find Them
8. Set a Budget (and Stick to It)
Cruise casinos make it all too easy to overspend, especially when you’re tapping your cruise card instead of handing over cash. Decide upfront how much you’re happy to lose, whether that’s a total amount or a daily limit, and treat it like any other entertainment expense.
Often, regular cruisers often keep casino funds separate; once it’s gone, it’s gone. That’s how you keep it fun, not frustrating.
9. Know When to Walk Away
Hit a big win? Amazing, now don’t give it all straight back.
Set a goal: if you double your money, cash out half and play with the rest. Winnings are paid out manually, so head to the cashier, and if you’re smart, stash your profit in the cabin safe before temptation strikes again.
10. Don’t Leave Without Cashing Out
Whatever you do, don’t forget to cash out before your cruise ends; you can’t do it after disembarkation, and unclaimed winnings will be lost.
Some ships might let you use a voucher on a future cruise, but only if you sail with the same cruise line again, and that’s not guaranteed. Set a phone reminder for the last night so you don’t leave your hard-earned winnings behind!
11. Attend the Casino Orientation — It’s Worth It
On embarkation day, most ships offer a casual casino orientation, and it’s well worth popping in. You’ll learn the ropes, meet the staff, and often get a little something extra like a free play voucher or raffle entry.
Even if you’ve played before, it’s a smart way to pick up ship-specific tips and get clued in on any early promotions.
12. Mind Your Casino Manners
A little etiquette goes a long way at sea.
Don’t touch other players’ chips or cards, avoid distracting the dealer mid-hand, and keep phone use minimal. Tipping for good service is appreciated, and patience is key, especially when others are still learning.
Slot machine etiquette can be a bit blurry. If you need a break, leave a polite note and ask someone to watch your machine, but don’t leave valuables behind.
One woman left her purse (with $1,000 cash!) on her chair while she popped to the restroom. She came back to find the machine, the watchers, and the purse… gone. CCTV didn’t catch a thing.
Bottom line? Be respectful, be smart, and don’t let a game ruin your cruise.
13. Know the Tax Rules Before You Win Big
If you hit a jackpot, especially over $1,200 USD, your winnings might be taxable, depending on your nationality and the ship’s flag.
UK players can relax, as cruise winnings aren’t taxed back home. But if you’re a US citizen or resident, you’ll likely need to report them to the IRS, and you may be asked to fill out forms onboard.
Not sure where you stand? Check with your cruise line or a tax advisor before you sail, better safe than sorry.
14. Choose the Game That Suits You Best
Cruise ship casinos may be compact, but they still offer a solid mix: slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, even the occasional tournament with big prizes. If you’re a beginner, slots are easy and fun. Prefer strategy? Try blackjack or poker. Your experience level (and comfort with social games) should guide your choice.
Some love the buzz of a live roulette table, others prefer the peace of an electronic machine. I’m firmly in the latter camp! Picking the right game makes the whole experience more enjoyable, and might just improve your chances too.
15. Don’t Forget — It’s Supposed to Be Fun
Whether you’re playing blackjack or pressing your luck on the slots, the cruise casino is meant to be entertainment, not a source of stress.
Treat it like a night out: enjoy the buzz, soak up the atmosphere, and if you win? That’s just a bonus. Don’t chase your losses or spend beyond your limits. If you’re having fun, you’ve already won.
Wrapping It Up
This might seem like a lot to take in, but don’t let it put you off stepping into the casino.
If you’re new, go ahead and give it a go — and don’t be shy about asking the crew if you’re unsure about anything.
As long as you know the basics, respect the rules (and other players), and keep things in perspective, you’re all set for a fun night. Just don’t get carried away!
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I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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