Have you ever thought about gambling while being in the middle of the ocean? That sounds so cool, right? Well, it's not just a fantasy! There are many casinos on cruise ships where players can enjoy the sea breeze with their favorite games. In case you find this idea exciting, keep reading to learn more about awesome casinos on cruise ships.
Best Free Slot Machine Games Online - Piñata Gold 2 Is #1Things To Know About Gambling On a Boat
First things first, if gambling on a boat sounds unusual to you, there are some specifics you need to know about it before hitting that slot machine or poker table. Here's what you should pay attention to:
Legal Aspects
Gambling laws might be different depending on the state you depart from or the country you are visiting. However, cruises that start and end at the same port (so-called round-trip cruises) fall under the jurisdiction of the embarking state's law. But once the ship is outside of its territorial waters (usually around 12 nautical miles), it falls under international law. This is when things get interesting regarding gambling regulations.
online casino big winnersEach cruise line determines its own gambling rules and age limits on board (it could be even lower than the standard 18/21). Besides that, casinos on cruise ships are exempt from having gambling licenses since they are not permanently fixed to any location. Confused? Don't worry; you don't have to deal with all these legal specifics as a player. Just make sure to check your cruise line's policy in advance and enjoy your game without worrying too much.
Money Matters
When it comes to money matters onboard, there are several options: you can use your credit card connected to your onboard account (which you must open upon embarkation), cash (dollars for sure), or casino chips you exchange for your banking method. Note that some cruise lines charge a fee for using a credit card at the casino. That's why many gamblers prefer to use cash during their voyage. By the way, tips for dealers are usually included in the overall gratuity charges added to your onboard account.
Casino Franchise Review - Be Your Own Boss with Ease!Sea Sickness
Okay, this point has nothing to do with gambling laws or payments. Still, I want to mention it because it may be critical for those who are sensitive to motion sickness. If you easily get seasick, choose a large cruise ship since mega liners feel less rocking motions of the ocean compared to smaller vessels. Also, choose a cabin in the center and lower down of the ship - this will help minimize the impact of waves. Now, let’s proceed with our topic and speak about casinos on cruise ships.
Best Cruise Ships With Casinos
There are plenty of cruises with casinos offering various gaming opportunities for enthusiastic players. It's not an easy task to distinguish one from others, but here're my top picks among the best cruise ships with casinos:
-
Carnival Cruise Line. This US-based company operates over 27 cruise ships worldwide and offers different onboard entertainment, including 600+ slot machines, blackjack, roulette, etc. What else? All their players can earn reward points and use them for various perks like free plays, drinks, dinners, etc.
-
Royal Caribbean International. This cruise line features 26 ships with casinos aboard. Royal Caribbean casinos offer traditional games such as roulette, craps, blackjack, along with hundreds of hot slots. What's great, non-gamblers can also find something fun for themselves onboard (e.g., ice skating rinks, roller coasters, etc.).
-
Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Line operates 17 ships with casinos and boasts a wide range of gambling games, from penny slots to high-limit table games. Players can benefit from loyalty programs and special promotions on board.
-
Princess Cruises. Princess Cruises is known for its sophisticated atmosphere and elegant casinos. Passengers can try their luck playing classic table games, video poker, or enjoying hot drop jackpots. By the way, did you know that the first cruise ship slot machine was placed onboard a Princess liner back in the '70s?
-
Costa Cruises. Costa Cruises is a popular Italian brand that manages almost three dozen ships. The majority of their liners feature stylish casinos where guests can play poker, roulette, blackjack, or test their fortune on slots.
These were the most well-known cruise lines with casinos on boats, but it doesn't mean other companies provide worse service. There are many awesome casinos on cruise ships, and you'll definitely enjoy your time on board no matter which company you choose for your journey.
Best Online Slots to Win Real Money - High RTP slot GamesTypes Of Games Found In Casino Ships
Now, let's talk about games offered by casinos on cruise ships. They usually include classic Vegas-style entertainments, such as:
-
Slots. It's impossible to imagine any land-based or cruise ship casino without colorful one-armed bandits. Hundreds of slot machines vary in denominations, themes, and bonus rounds to suit every player's preferences.
-
Blackjack (21). A classic card game where the main aim is to collect 21 points without going bust. It's one of the most famous casino games found onboard, both on cruise ships and on land.
-
Roulette. A wheel of fortune that originated in France. Roulette features bets on colors, numbers, odd/even, or red/black sectors.
-
Baccarat. A card comparing game that gains popularity both ashore and on a boat. Its variants, such as Punto Banco or Chemin de Fer, are also available at casino ships.
-
Texas Hold'em Poker. It's a type of poker played with two cards and five community cards. Many cruise ships organize Texas Hold'em tournaments onboard, gathering professional and amateur poker players together.
Best Tipico Casino Games You Should Play Online
Apart from these games, players onboard may test their luck at Craps, Sic Bo, Keno, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, etc. Sounds amazing, right? And now let me share some useful recommendations on how to get the most out of your cruise ship casino experience.
Tips For Playing At Casinos On Cruise Ships
To make your trip unforgettable, I prepared some helpful tips on how to enhance your cruise ship casino adventure:
-
Learn the games beforehand. If you are new to gambling, take some time to study basic rules and strategies of different games online. It will help you understand the process better and feel more confident while betting.
-
Observe other players. Watch how experienced gamblers behave at tables and use some smart tricks (like double down or surrendering in blackjack). You can learn a lot just by observing others.
-
Don't miss happy hours. Like on land, cruise ship casinos often host happy hours with doubled or tripled beverage credits, giving you a chance to save some bucks.
-
Get some fresh air. Although the casino buzz might be thrilling, try not to get carried away. Remember to take breaks and spend some time on the deck, enjoying the sea view and fresh air.
Ways You're Losing Money Swiping Left & Right on Slots - #1 Will Shock You -
Check the schedule. Each cruise ship casino has its own timetable. Some open early in the morning, while others stay open till late at night. Find out when the games you want to play are available and adjust your leisure plan accordingly.
I hope these tips will come in handy and help you maximize your gambling pleasure during your voyage!
My Favorite Experience
Among all my gambling adventures, I would highlight my recent cruise from Miami to the Western Carribean on Norwegian Escape. This 16-deck liner boasts a two-level casino called 'Maltings,' featuring 450 slot machines, 23 table games, poker, and much more. Their reward program enabled me to earn points quickly and transform them into different benefits. I loved playing Caribbean Stud Poker and Roulette de Jour, which varied each day.
By the way, I met there a group of retired professionals who shared their knowledge and some wise strategies with me. The casino staff was very polite, and the cocktail waitresses were bringing drinks regularly (although it wasn't a happy hour). The only thing that could be improved was the variety of food nearby - there were no snacks or sandwiches in the vicinity, so I had to walk to another deck to satisfy my hunger between the games. Anyway, it was an incredible experience, and I am planning to go again soon. Maybe we will meet there; do not hesitate to approach a stranger with a broad smile and good luck wishes.
Final Thoughts
So, that's it for today! I hope you enjoyed my blog post and learned some fascinating facts about casinos on cruise ships. Gambling while sailing the ocean is a unique opportunity to combine two of your hobbies - traveling and casino games. Who knows? Maybe someday we'll hit the jackpot together on one of the awesome casino ships mentioned above! Till then, keep your eyes open for good offers, follow your instincts, and, of course, have fun! Goodbye from the ship's bridge!
FAQs
Q: * Can I gamble on a boat?*
A: Yes, you can enjoy your favorite games on casino ships aboard any cruise liner. These floating casinos offer various games, from slot machines to classic table games.
Best Poker Rooms Left in South Florida (2023) - PokerListingsQ: * Are the rules of playing on a boat different?*
A: Not really. The general rules of the games remain the same whether you play on land or a boat. The main distinction is that casino ships fall under international law once they leave their homeport's 12-nautical mile radius.
Q: * Do cruise ships have ATMs?*
A: Most of them do, although not all of them are located in the casino area. It's always a good idea to carry some cash with you or connect your onboard account to your bank card (with previously set spending limit).
Q: * Is smoking allowed in casino ships?*
A: Yes, most casino areas onboard allow smoking. However, some cruise lines designated particular slots and poker sections as smoke-free zones.
Q: * What should I wear to a cruise ship casino?*
A: Most cruise lines have a smart casual dress code for their casinos, meaning collared shirts and closed-toe shoes for men and casual below-the-knee attire for ladies. However, it's always better to double-check with your specific cruise line's policy in advance.
See you on board!
