Best Casino Cruise Ships

By: Eniko

Posted: July 14, 2022

Updated: July 14, 2022

The biggest cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have casinos on their ships
They offer the same games as their land-based versions from poker to slot machines
You can also have a drink at the casino bar and take part in lessons or tournaments

Gambling is available now in all parts of the world from the furthest resorts to the air. So it’s not surprising that we can also find casinos on the water thanks to the huge cruise ships. The best casino cruise ships offer the full experience with all kinds of gambling games from poker to slots. They even offer lessons for beginners and tournaments for the more experienced players. Let’s take a look at the most popular ships with gambling options. Going on a cruise ship is a lifetime experience as you not only travel to amazing destinations, but you can also do it in a fun and entertaining way. On a cruise, you can find everything from shopping centres to theatres, pools to restaurants. And of course, casinos which are elementary parts of most ships now. Most of them will remind you of a land-based casino in Las Vegas or Macau, with glamorous interiors and huge gambling spaces. While some of them will try to create the atmosphere of a smaller casino with fewer games and a simple bar. The following casinos of these popular cruise lines belong to the first category, covering huge gambling floors with all kinds of gambling games from poker to video slots.

1. The Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

The second-largest cruise ship in the world, the Allure of the Seas by Royal Caribbean is 362 meters long and can carry up to 5400 passengers. It also features one of the biggest cruise casinos, covering 18,000 square feet. Casino Royal will meet all your expectations cause it offers 500 slot machines and 27 gaming tables. You can play roulette, blackjack, poker, craps, and Caribbean Stud in this glamorous place. For beginners, the casino even offers lessons while the more experienced players can take part in special tournaments. What’s more, players don’t have to leave the place for a drink as the casino has its own cocktail bar. Making Allure of the Seas one of the best casino cruise ships right now.

2. The Norwegian Escape (Norwegian Cruise Line)

Moving to another famous cruise operator, the Norwegian Cruise Line, we can find another huge ship, The Norwegian Escape. The ship is based in Miami and takes guests to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Of course, this cruise also offers lots of entertainment from aqua park to mini-golf. Along with a casino with 318 slot machines and 28 gaming tables. Besides the usual options, gamblers can also play with pai gow and Let it ride. While a VIP section is available for high-rollers who want to play for a much higher maximum than the normal $5000. NCL also offers lessons and tournaments for its guests who can also enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Casinos at Sea club.

3. Celebrity Cruises

The ships of Celebrity Cruises are smaller than the above-mentioned operators, but they can still hold around 3000 passengers. The cruise line was bought by Royal Caribbean in 1998 but it still differs from it. As customers can choose from special destinations like Alaska, Scandinavia, or even Russia. Most of their ships also feature a casino, called the Fortune Casino with all kinds of gambling games. Betting options are lower than in other cruises, often starting at $0,01 at the slots. While at the tables the minimum bets are $5. Lessons and tournaments are also available just like a membership card called the Blue Chip Club. Unfortunately, you can’t use the card at online casinos in the US but it is paired with the MGM Resorts M Life Card.

4. Queen Mary 2 (Cunard Cruise Line)

Queen Mary 2, the flagship of Cunard Cruise Line carries passengers between Southampton and New York City. But it also offers cruises to more exotic destinations such as Dubai or Singapore. The interior of this ship is very luxurious with marble columns, beautiful carpets, and white-gloved waiters, making it a really classy ship. Guests can still find lots of facilities from top restaurants to a theatre. And a casino with 99 slot machines and 12 gaming tables located next to the lobby. Gamblers can play Texas Hold’em, roulette, blackjack, and other classic games. But be aware that you need to wear smart attire in order to enter the Empire Casino which means collared shirts for men and dresses for women.

5. Azamara Journey (Azamara Club Cruises)

Azamara Club Cruises has smaller ships than the biggest cruise lines. And only one of them, the Azamara Journey has a casino in it. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun on this ship which also offers onboard entertainment, shopping, and different classes. And Casino Luxe with slot machines, 3-card poker, and blackjack. There is a bar next to the casino where you can celebrate all your winnings. They also offer lessons and tournaments along with bingo. What’s even better is that you can visit a land-based casino in Monte Carlo on one of the cruise’s journeys and try your luck there as well. But if visiting the luxury resort is not available for you, just play on one of the online gambling sites in the US. And you might win some money for your next journey.