- If you’re looking for a fun casino cruise, consider the Ocean Breeze Casino Cruise in New York.
- The Majestic Princess leaves from Baltimore but takes you to international waters.
- The best casino boat in Florida is Atlantic Vision, which has over 800 slot machines.
While Las Vegas might be America’s gambling capital, there are plenty of great places to get your gamble on outside of Sin City.
Las Vegas Casinos with Best Online BranchesIf you live or visit anywhere on the Eastern Seaboard, you have plenty of options when it comes to casino boats worth visiting. These floating casinos leave from ports up and down the coast, giving players access to all their favorite games while enjoying the sights and sounds of the open water.
Some of these ships are small affairs, but others are huge vessels that would not look out of place berthed in South Pacific resort towns like Nassau or Cozumel.
Whether you prefer to spin the reels of the latest slot machines, test your skills at poker and blackjack, or simply watch the sun set over the ocean as you sip an ice-cold cocktail, anyone can enjoy a casino cruise.
So, without further ado, here are nine of the best casino cruises on the east coast!
Casino Boats in NY
New Yorkers love to gamble, and there are three Indian reservations within a few hours’ drive of Manhattan where they can indulge their passions. However, many more residents of the Big Apple are unaware that they can also take advantage of several gambling boats operating just a short distance from the city’s piers.
Perhaps surprisingly, one of the best casino boats in New York actually operates out of Port Jefferson on Long Island’s north shore. The Atlantic Vision is a full casino on water, measuring 270 feet in length and able to accommodate up to 1,250 guests.
MGM Slots Online You Can Play Right Now - Are They Worth It?In addition to nearly 900 slots and 30 table games, the Atlantic Vision also features two restaurants, two bars, a non-smoking gaming area, and a dance floor/stage. It even offers discounted hotel rates at several local establishments.
The ship leaves Port Jeff every day at 8.30pm for a six-hour trip, with return fares priced at $40 (Monday to Thursday) or $30 (Friday to Sunday).
There’s also a four-and-a-half hour afternoon trip that departs at 1pm, costing $35 to attend. Both trips take you out into the open sea before turning around, and neither journeys into international waters. That means you can enjoy all your favorite casino games without having to wait for the boat to make the necessary passage.
5+ Best Casino Ontario Online Sites - Top Ottawa Online CasinosTwo other casino cruises operate out of New York City itself. The Ocean Breeze sails from Port Washington every day except Tuesday, leaving at 9am for a 12-hour trip that takes you out into the Atlantic before returning to port.
This casino boat features all your favorites slots and table games, along with two decks of space for dancing, buffet-style food outlets, live entertainment, and much more. Prices start at $35.
And finally, we have the New York Cruise Lines, which offer a pair of gambling boats plying their trade between Port Richmond and Staten Island. The Majesty and her sister ship Spirit of New York both feature all your favorite slots and table games, along with dining options, full bars, and entertainment.
Secret Hacks to Win Big on Casino Slot Games OnlineBoth boats leave multiple times per day, with trips lasting either five or nine hours. When weather and sea conditions permit, both boats travel into international waters.
Casino Cruise Maryland
Just a short drive or train ride from Washington DC and Baltimore sits the port of Cape May, New Jersey. Several gambling boats ply their trade from this humble port – but the pick of the bunch is undoubtedly the Majestic.
This colossal casino boat measures 370 feet in length and can carry up to 1,798 passengers and 360 crew members. It boasts three decks of gaming space, dining options to suit every palate, live entertainment each weekend, and much more.
The Majestic offers multiple daily trips, with two-, three-, and four-and-a-half hour voyages available depending on the day of the week. Two-hour trips cost as little as $10, making them a great choice for families with young children. Three-hour trips are priced at $25 to $35, while the longer excursions cost $40 to $55.
Slots lovers will find no less than 800 of their favorite games spread across two separate sections of the mid level. There are also plenty of table games to choose from, including blackjack, roulette, Craps, Spanish 21, and more.
Best Online Casinos in Canada for 2023 🏆 | AskGamblersWhen you need to refuel, head on up to the upper level where you’ll find the International Buffet. This spacious eatery serves up everything from pasta dishes and carving stations to made-to-order omelettes and fresh pizza.
The lower level of the casino features plenty of popular slot machines, while the All You Can Eat Buffet serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s also a coffee shop called Mugs serving sandwiches, pastries, and Starbucks coffee.
There’s even a dedicated High Limit Room for those prepared to risk larger sums of cash, and a non-smoking section for those who wish to enjoy the slots and table games without coughing up a storm.
Casinos within 30 Minutes of Fort Myers, FL - PokerlistingsFor something to eat, try the Shipmate self-serve station or head to Marketplace for a selection of ready-made sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
Finally, don’t forget to check out the Showroom, which hosts regular live entertainment events.
Other Casinos on Water Worth Visiting
Now we know about the best casino boat in MD, let’s take a quick look at some honorable mentions from other parts of the Eastern Seaboard.
Atlantic Vision (Long Island)
- Measures 270 feet in length.
- Holds up to 1,250 guests.
- Leaves Port Jefferson at 8.30pm.
- Slot machines and table games.
- Two restaurants, two bars, dance floor/stage.
- Discounted hotel rates.
Ocean Breeze (Port Washington)
- Twelve-hour trip to Atlantic Ocean.
- Slot machines and table games.
- Buffet-style food outlets.
- Live entertainment.
- Prices start at $35.
New York Cruise Lines (Staten Island)
- Majesty and Spirit of New York.
- Gambling opportunities, dining options, bars.
- Multiple daily trips.
Casino Cruises NJ
Across the river from New York City sit half a dozen gambling boats operating out of Ports Arlington, Elizabeth, Palisades (West New York), and Cape May.
We’ve covered the latter in our section on Maryland casino cruises, so let’s focus on the boats operating closer to the Big Apple.
Gator Den Casino Games with the Best RTPs - High Payout GamesThe Cape May Cruises Cape May offers two- and three-hour trips into international waters, with slots and table games spread across two decks. There’s also a full bar and dining options including the Breaker 10 Burger Joint, Blue Tika Hummus Bar & Grill, and Cavalier Steakhouse.
The Cartanza and her sister ship Staatzborg are both based in Palisades, while the Diamond Heels plies its trade from Elizabeth. All three offer gambling, drinks, and delicious cuisine on every trip.
That leaves us with the Happy Day and her sisters the Summer Bird and Fantasy. All three boats operate out of Port Arlington, offering multiple daily trips and all your favorite slots and table games.
no deposit new casinosIf you’re looking for , any of these seven boats would be a great choice. They’re all clean, safe, and packed with loads of different games.
However, the biggest and best casino boat in NJ must surely be the Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Magic. This mammoth vessel measures a gargantuan 1,004 feet in length and can carry up to 4,006 guests, alongside a lavish array of eateries, entertainment options, swimming pools, and more.
The Magic offers year-round seven-day cruises departing from New Jersey, taking in the sights and sounds of Halifax, Sydney, and Bar Harbor (Bar Harbour).
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Pennsylvania is home to 12 full-service land-based casinos, two racetrack casinos, and a handful of smaller venues offering both slots and table games. However, if you live close to the state’s borders with Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia, you may find that a casino boat offers a convenient alternative to driving miles to your nearest brick-and-mortar venue.
Philadelphia residents and visitors may be surprised to learn that four gambling boats ply their trade across the Delaware River from Center City. The Miss Penthouse and her sister ship Catty MS are based at Pier 33 Chestnut Street, while the Spirit of Philadelphia and Patriot Cruise leave from Penn’s Landing.
All four boats offer gambling, drinks, and eats on every trip. They vary in size and scope, but all are perfectly decent ways to spend an evening or afternoon.
If you’re looking for casino cruises near me in PA, check out the following options:
- Atlantic Dawn (Based in Eddystone)
- Boatyard Brewers (Springfield)
- Miss Penthouse / Catty MS (Philadelphia)
- Spirit of Philadelphia / Patriot Cruise (Philadelphia)
The Atlantic Dawn is a full casino complete unto herself, stretching 187 feet in length and able to accommodate up to 1,099 guests. It offers 650 of the latest slot machines, together with video poker, video keno, and electronic roulette.
Atlantic City Casinos – Best AC Casinos You Need to Know AboutIn addition to a large main dining room, the Atlantic Dawn features a deli serving homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads, together with a full bar and free hot coffee. It offers multiple daily trips, with two-, three-, four-, and five-hour cruises available throughout the week.
The BoatYARD, on the other hand, is more of a floating beer garden. This 65ft former lobster boat was converted and relaunched in 2017, now offering a rotating cast of beers brewed on site, together with wine, hard cider, and non-alcoholic beverages.
It does not offer traditional casino games, instead focusing on giant Jenga, cornhole, and other lawn games. It also serves a menu of locally sourced pub grub, including soft pretzels, charcuterie boards, and juicy burgers. The BOATBAR floats alongside during warmer months, offering extra seating and drinks service.
As for the Philly-based boats, the Miss Penthouse et al. all offer gambling, drinks, and light snacks on every trip. The Spirit of Philadelphia and Patriot Cruise are both massive vessels capable of carrying up to 3,400 passengers, while the Miss Penthouse and Catty MS each measure around 80 feet in length and hold up to 400 people.
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Georgia Casino Boats
Is there a casino boat in GA worth traveling to? Well, Jekyll Island is home to two gambling boats operated by the Jekyll Island Convention Center. The Crystal Lady and Sea Mist are both 72ft vessels equipped with all your favorite slot machines.
The island is located approximately 60 miles south of Brunswick, 90 miles northeast of Jacksonville, and 120 miles southeast of Savannah. It is accessible via US Highway 17 or Georgia State Route 520.
Visitors to Jekyll Island can enjoy year-round gambling adventures on these two charming casino boats. Whether you’re staying on the island or merely passing through, they offer a fun way to kill an hour or two while enjoying the thrill of the spin and the clatter of the slots.
Unfortunately, cruise ship gambling is not permitted in Alabama, South Carolina, or Virginia, leaving many locals high and dry when it comes to traditional casino boat experiences.
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Enjoy a Casino Cruise Anywhere
I hope this breakdown of the best casino cruises on the east coast has been useful to you. Whether you’re a life-long resident of one of the states mentioned above or plan to visit the region sometime soon, these casino boats are definitely worth seeking out.
If you like the sound of spinning the reels of the latest slot machines or testing your skills at poker and blackjack while enjoying the sights and sounds of the open ocean, you’re guaranteed a good time aboard any of the gambling boats discussed on this page.
Poker Variants You Should Try Next if You Like Bonus Poker AcesHowever, there are many other companies operating similar services along the Eastern Seaboard. If you can’t find anything that tickles your fancy above, a quick Google search should point you in the right direction.
Of course, casino boats aren’t to everyone’s tastes. Perhaps you prefer the convenience of playing your favorite slots and table games from behind the comfort of your own computer screen? If so, you’ll be glad to know there are many .
Top-Rated 3D Slots You Can Play Online for FreeFrom Golden Nugget to DraftKings, many big-name operators accept players from various states across America, while dozens of offshore sites welcome customers from around the country.
You could even combine both activities by signing up for an online casino while on board one of the casino cruises featured above!
Footnotes:
- Information on Carnival’s Magic route provided by .
J.W. Paine is one of the most experienced writers at GamblingSites.com. He's written for television and the printed media, and has a special passion for covering casino games.
