do alaska cruise ships have casinos

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High stakes on the high seas.

Relax, recharge, and play the hottest slots and table games on your next vacation. Our casino offers a sophisticated ambiance and a captivating atmosphere that comes alive with plenty of action. Our world-class cruise ship casino offers custom limits, better odds across a variety of games, and a smoke-free environment. State-of-the-art technology meets the familiar games you love to play including over 2000 slot machines and over 150 table games and much more available across our fleet.

With late hours, action-packed casino cruise tournaments, and Lady Luck on your side, experience non-stop action available right on board your cruise and discover why our casino is where you play to win.

Please note: At least 50% of the funds downloaded from your account to a slot machine must be played. If less than 50% is played, the transfer of additional funds will be unavailable for the remainder of the voyage. The Casino is not responsible for any funds left unattended in slot machines.

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Cash & Credit Access

Guest using SeaPass cards backed by a credit card can use them to obtain chips and slot tickets for casino entertainment up to $5,000 USD per day (conditions and fees may apply). ATM located in the casino for a fee.

Apply for casino credit. Leave your cash at home. No fees. No interest.

For gaming guests seeking a convenient alternative to cash, lines of credit of $10,000 USD or more are available. To apply, visit celebrity.com/fortunes

WELCOME TO THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Congratulations to all of our lucky players. The winner’s circle continues to expand with huge payouts and jackpots. From slots to table games and the most exciting tournaments at sea, the winnings keep growing. And, you could be our next. Here are a few of our lucky winners!

Nicholas F. winner of $14,000 aboard Celebrity Equinox

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Have a seat and try your hand at our popular card games. Exciting table games offered include Blackjack, Single-Deck Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat.

Play the newest, state-of-the-art slot machines at sea. Thrilling Slot Games Offered: Reel, Video, Video Poker with denominations starting at $0.01

Get ready for exciting action. Whether you're a novice or a serious player, you're sure to get lucky at our poker tables.

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Cruise Ship Casinos: Everything You Need to Know

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Gambling is one of the most popular activities on a cruise ship. Whether you are just trying your luck or an avid poker player, cruise ship casinos offer a little of something for everyone.

Nearly every cruise ship offers a casino. But before you play, there are some essential things to know.

While cruise ship casinos share many similarities with land-based gaming centers, there are some essential differences.

From game selection to payouts, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cruise ship casinos.

Table of Contents

What to Expect from Cruise Ship Casinos?

Cruise ship casinos closely resemble those found on land.

Many are styled after those found in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.

You’ll be greeted by flashing lights, dinging bells, cards shuffling, and drinks clinking when walking into the casino.

Each cruise ship has a different look and feels for its casino. Some provide a contemporary atmosphere, while others add a bit more creativity with Egyptian or Roman themes.

Walking around the casino feels a little claustrophobic. With limited space, cruise ships try to cram as many tables and slot machines as possible into the small area. But, once you find a seat, you won’t even notice.

What Are the Payouts?

In every casino, the odds always favor the house. And that’s is especially true at sea.

Payouts on cruise ships are far lower than on land.

On land, video poker games pay 9/6, or nine credits for a full house and six for a flush. But on a cruise ship, the payouts are lowered to 6/5.

For blackjack, it’s common to find that tables pay 6-to-5 instead of the usual 3-to-2.

Poker players will also be disappointed to find tables with a high rake (the “fee” paid by the winner to the house after each hand).

Because of the high rake, most poker players avoid cash games on cruise ships. It’s rare to find a cash game, even rarer to see a full table.

But thankfully, there are poker tournaments that offer lower fees to play (more on that later).

Gambling Age on a Cruise Ship

On a cruise ship, the minimum gambling age is 18.

While the minimum age in most states is 21, cruise ship casinos often operate in international waters, which allows them to lower the gambling age to eighteen.

However, cruises to Alaska require passengers to be at least 21 years of age to gamble.

Cruise Ship Casino Games

On a cruise ship, you’ll find plenty of traditional games, including:

• Texas Hold ’em
• Video Poker
• Three Card Poker
• “Skill Crane”
• Coin Pusher (with quarters instead of tokens)

Despite the small size of the casinos, cruise ships offer a surprisingly wide range of games.

You’ll always find popular games like blackjack, roulette, and slots.

Many cruise lines also feature games not found on land. For example, the coin pusher is exactly like the arcade machines, but with quarters instead of tokens. Try your best to push the quarters over the edge and maybe a bill or two.

The “Skill Crane” puts a twist on a long-time favorite where you try to line up a key to its hole. If you’re successful, the key will pass through the hole, pushing over a stack of bills.

Casino Minimums for Table Games and Slot Machines

Cruise ship casinos offer plenty of low-stakes games with minimums of less than $5.

You’ll always find plenty of penny slot machines and table games starting at $5.

Which Cruise Lines Have Casinos?

Nearly every major cruise line offers casinos onboard their ships.

Mainstream cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, and Costa Cruises have casinos onboard their vessels.

The only major brand that doesn’t offer casinos is Disney Cruise Line. Disney caters primarily to families and young kids, and you won’t find a casino on their vessels.

The other exception is Norwegian’s  Pride of America  cruise ship. The vessel sails year-round to Hawaii and is one of the only major cruise ships without a casino.

You’ll often find the casino in the middle of the ship, near the promenade or atrium.

Casino Hours of Operation

Depending on the cruise ship’s location, the onboard casino may be regulated by several agencies.

Cruise lines follow a simple rule:  the casino is open while the ship is sailing.

When the ship is docked at the port, the casino is closed. It only opens later at night once the vessel has set sail, having left the port country’s jurisdiction.

As a rule, when the cruise ship is within three to twelve miles of the coastline, it will close the casino to comply with local gambling regulations.

However, there are two significant exceptions:

• In Alaska, cruise ship casinos are permitted to open 3 miles after leaving port and must close three miles before reaching the next port of call.
• The casino can remain open in countries with more relaxed gambling laws (such as Malta and Bermuda).

On sea days, the casino will be open most of the day. While the casino is available during the daytime, the table games might not be staffed during non-peak hours (early morning).

But there are always slot games and video poker while you wait.

Cruise Casino Loyalty Programs

Most cruise lines offer casino loyalty programs. You’ll earn points when you play, which can be redeemed for drinks, discounts, and future cruises.

Smoking in the Casino

Smoking rules vary by cruise line, but you’ll find that most cruise ships permit smoking , at least in a small section of the casino.

Although smoking might be allowed, we generally find that the smoke smell isn’t overwhelming. But, if you’re sensitive to smoke, you might not feel comfortable gambling on a cruise ship. Even when smoking is reserved for a small section, the tiny casino means it’s hard to get away from the smell.

Tournaments

You might find poker, blackjack, and slot tournaments during the cruise.

The tournaments usually occur on sea days during off-peak times (late morning or early afternoon.)

The tournaments are fun because they allow guests to win a large amount of money while only risking a small entry fee.

For poker players, tournaments are the best chance of winning any money at the tables. The cash game rake eats away so much money that most poker players avoid cash games at all costs.

Unlike cash games, there’s no rake in a poker tournament. For a small fee, players have a chance at winning a large pot of money or a free cruise.

Beginner Classes

Cruise ships provide an excellent place for beginners to learn in a comfortable environment. The casino staff is there to make sure guests have an enjoyable time. Their more than happy to assist if you’re new to a game.

Most casinos offer gaming lessons on the first few days of the cruise. During the class, a dealer will explain the game’s rules, basic strategy, and table etiquette.

Best of all, it doesn’t cost any money to learn.

The classes are great because they provide a quiet place to learn before real money games begin.

Cruise Ship Casino FAQs

Are drinks free in the casino.

Unlike land-based casinos, cruise ships don’t offer free drinks while you play.

You’ll have to pay for drinks, just as you would anywhere else on the ship. And the prices are the same.

You won’t need to go too far to find a bar. Cruise ship casinos have bars in the center or near the front of the venue.

Are There ATMs on the Ship?

If you need cash to play, there are ATMs on the ship. If there isn’t an ATM in the casino, you’ll usually find it beside guest services.

Just note that ATM fees on a ship are very high.

Do I Need Cash to Play?

You can use cash or your cruise card to play at the cruise ship casino.

Can I Play Using My Cruise Card?

You can play casino games using your cruise card. Simply swipe your card as you normally would when purchasing a drink or shopping on the ship.

Are Cruise Casinos Beginner Friendly?

The casino on cruise ships is beginner friendly. If it’s your first time in a casino, or you want to try a new game, the casino staff are more than happy to teach you the games.

We’ve also found that other passengers are always welcoming toward new players. Unlike large casinos, most passengers are not hardcore gamblers and are usually friendly toward new players.

Are there High Stakes Tables?

Very few cruise ships offer high-stakes tables. However, on some cruise lines, the pit boss may arrange a high-stakes game if enough players are willing to play a high-stakes game.

Will There be Penny Slots?

Yes, all cruise casinos have penny slots. Penny slots are one of the most popular game choices at the casino.

But be warned, many penny slots offer multiple variations, which could cost over $1 per spin.

Do Cruise Ships Have Poker Tournaments?

Most cruise ships offer poker tournaments during the cruise. After paying the buy-in, players can compete to win a prize ranging from cash to a free cruise.

On Royal Caribbean, the Texas Hold ’em tournament winners are eligible for a free cruise for two. The free cruise is where the final Royal Poker Tournament is held. With a guaranteed prize of $100,000.

Do Cruise Ships Have Blackjack Tournaments?

Yes, cruise ships have blackjack tournaments. Many of the tournaments allow passengers to rebuy if they lose.

While passengers who rebuy have a better chance of winning, you aren’t likely to win big unless you plan to rebuy several times.

Do Cruise Ships Have Slot Tournaments?

Is the cruise ship casino open 24/7.

No, while casino hours vary, the casino is usually open when the ship is at sea. The casino may open when docked at a port country that allows cruise casinos to operate, such as Malta and Bermuda. While at sea, the ship’s casino may stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. And reopen around 11:00 am on sea days.

Are There Taxes on Casino Winnings?

There are taxes on casino winnings. All U.S. citizens must report casino winnings to the IRS regardless of where the winnings occur.

If you win $1,200 or more or win a table game with odds of 300-to-1, the cruise line will issue a W-2G form. A copy of the form is sent to the IRS and another to the winner.

Additionally, some cruise ship casinos will provide the option to have the taxes deducted from your winnings. Or, you can take the total amount and pay the taxes on your own.

Do Disney Cruise Ships Have a Casino?

Disney Cruise Line is the only mainstream cruise line that  does not  have casinos on its cruise ships.  Disney is best known for their family-friendly cruise vacations. You won’t find a casino on any vessel in their fleet.

Marcello De Lio

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how do I find out what lines pay 3/2 for a blackjack?

Some cruise lines offer the usual 3-2 payout for Blackjack, but only on the higher priced tables, usually $25 per hand or more. Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruises are two cruise lines that pay 3 to 2 at higher stakes tables.

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Our intimate, onboard casino offers a sophisticated environment filled with fun and excitement. Enjoy a full range of ways to play, from card and table games to slot machines, in an elegant and refined setting.

Luck is a Lady at The Casino

Gaming enthusiasts can challenge friends at the poker table and take on the house in a thrilling game of blackjack. Try to catch that hot streak at a slot machine tournament or cheer on at the roulette wheel and watch it stop on your number. Win even more when you join our players club program, Casinos At Sea ® . Your Casinos At Sea ® points can be redeemed for rewards like free play, while your tier level will get you additional benefits like suite savings. The more you play, the more you are rewarded. For more information, please call Casinos At Sea at 866-931-8119.

Casinos At Sea ®

1 Waived convenience fee limits apply. 2 Discount amount varies. Only applicable on new bookings within current tier year. Discount applicable on suite categories up to Penthouse Suite (A) and voyages less than 20 days.

EARN CASINO POINTS

Getting started is easy. Simply insert your room key card or casino player card while playing your favorite slot machines or table game and watch the points add up. The more you play, the more you earn!

• REEL & VIDEO SLOTS -For every $5 coin-in, receive 1 point.
• VIDEO POKER -For every $10 coin-in, receive 1 point.
• TABLE GAMES -Points are based on average bet, session play or hands played and game type.

REDEEM CASINO POINTS

You’ve played. You’ve earned. Now you’re ready to redeem. Downloading points for play is quick and easy. Redeem your casino points for play right at your machine by following the on-screen prompts or stop by the casino cage –the choice is yours.

THE CASINO CASH & CREDIT

Front Money deposits are accepted for gaming in the form of cash, traveler’s checks, cashier’s checks and wire transfers delivered to us prior to embarkation. All cashier’s checks require prior verification. For more information please give us a call at 877.625.2094.

• CASHLESS WAGERING -Charge gaming to your onboard account directly from your game of choice or at the casino cashier, using your stateroom key card. Convenience fees, daily limits and cruise limits apply. Euros may be exchanged at the casino cashier, exchange rates apply. All gaming is in US Dollars.
• CREDIT -Casino Credit is available to all players with an existing reservation. The minimum application amount is $10,000.00 and a personal check is required onboard to activate the credit line. Applications are processed 1 month prior to sailing. The application process is easy and there is no fee to apply. To get started click here or for more information email us at [email protected] or call us at 877.625.2094.

Welcome to the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Casinos At Sea ® Rewards Program (the "Program"). The Program is operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (the "Company"). Please read these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) carefully before activating membership. In becoming a member, you agree to be bound by these Terms and the decisions of the Company on all matters related to the Program. To participate, sign up at the Casino Cashiers Desk in the casino. The Company’s decisions on membership, including individual termination of membership, are entirely in its sole discretion.

THE COMPANY reserves the right to terminate, modify, revise, or change the Program and these Terms, in whole or part, at any time with or without notice. Changes may revise, for example, rules for earning or using points, continued availability of Program rewards, expiration dates, program partners and the features of special offers. Changes may result in a reduction in the value of points already accumulated, and may also result in forfeiture of unused points.

ELIGIBILITY

You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and present a valid government issued photo identification. Any individual who is on the Prevent Departure List from the Company’s casinos is not eligible. You may maintain one membership account only. Corporations, groups, and/or associated entities cannot enroll as members. Membership and all benefits associated with the Program are non-transferable. Employees of the Company, their immediate family members and household members are ineligible to participate.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

The Company will open a membership account in your name, and you will receive a membership number. You will be provided with a Casinos At Sea membership card (“Rewards Card”) which must be presented, along with proper identification, during your game play to accrue points. As a member, you are responsible for utilizing your Rewards Card and membership for your casino play. You may not provide your Rewards Card to another individual to be used in casino play on your or anyone else’s behalf. You are responsible for reading these Terms to understand your rights, responsibilities, and status in the Program, as well as how to earn points and/or redeem rewards (“Rewards”).

ACCUMULATION, USE, AND REDEMPTION OF POINTS

Please see the Program’s Frequently Asked Questions for information about how to earn, use, and redeem points. Points are not redeemable for cash, and may not be transferred, purchased, sold, or bartered. Redemption of points is limited to accounts in good standing. Rewards offered may be cancelled at any time. The Company reserves the right to adjust any point balance resulting from fraud, malfunction, or operator error, at its sole discretion.

TIER LEVEL STATUS

The annual tier evaluation period is April 1 –March 31. Tier levels are based on Reward Points earned within the 12-month evaluation period. For purposes of tier evaluation, all members will start with zero points on April 1st. Reward Points earned April 1 -March 31 will determine the tier level for the subsequent year. Tier levels may be upgraded during the year based on reward point earnings. Tier levels are re-evaluated on an annual basis. Bonus and adjusted points are not considered in tier evaluation.

TIER BENEFITS

Tier benefits are applicable on sailings 3-Days or longer only unless noted otherwise. Members who tier up during a cruise will receive the elevated tier benefits on their next cruise, with the exception of an elevated drink card. Tier benefits are subject to change. Casinos At Sea is not responsible for any bank imposed fees as a result of utilizing casino services to access funds.

USE BY SHIP

Points are accrued and used by individual ship. You may initiate a transfer of unredeemed points if you cruise on a different Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship within 18 months. Transferred points do not add to tier level.

All points expire 18 months after they are earned.

LOST OR STOLEN CARDS

The Company is not responsible for lost or stolen Rewards Cards, including any resulting misuse.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND ADDITIONAL TERMS

By redeeming points and receiving Rewards in the Program, you agree that the Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”) will have no liability or responsibility whatsoever for, and shall be held harmless against, any liability for any injuries, losses, or damages of any kind (including without limitation, direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive or exemplary damages) to persons, including personal injury or death, or property arising in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, use or misuse of a Reward. In no event shall the Released Parties be liable to you for any delay in or failure to perform due to causes beyond the Company’s control, including without limitation, any act of God, act of war, natural, disaster, weather, terrorism, or any act or omission of a third party. This section will survive termination of your participation in the Program.

SEVERABILITY

In the event any of the terms and conditions are found by any Court to be void or otherwise invalid, the remainder of the terms and conditions shall remain valid and enforceable.

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This Program and these Terms shall be governed by, construed, and interpreted under the laws of the State of Florida. The Federal and State courts of the State of Florida shall be the exclusive court of jurisdiction in the first instance for any disputes regarding these Terms.

TERMS OF PROGRAM

The Company reserves the right to terminate this Program at any time, without notice. The Company reserves the right to confiscate your Rewards Card and/or terminate your account for any reason, in its sole discretion. After termination, all points are rendered invalid and without any value, even if points remained in your account.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

• The Company provides the Program, these Terms, and other services and products “As Is” and, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, expressly disclaims any representation or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchant ability, or fitness for a particular purpose. Under no circumstances, including but not limited to, negligence, shall the Company be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of the Program or any such other products or services, even if the Company has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In the event the Company or the Program is held liable for any damages related to these matters, your sole and exclusive remedy will be limited to reimbursement for services or products paid for by you.
• Earning Points and redemption of Rewards is subject to all applicable laws and regulations. Benefits and awards may be subject to income or other taxes. Such taxes and all disclosures related thereto are your sole responsibility, not the Company’s. The Company is not responsible for, and reserves the right to correct any pricing or typographical errors, errors of description, or errors regarding the Program.
• If any mistakes are discovered, your exclusive remedy shall be the issuance of points, or such other alternative comparable benefit as determined by the Company. In no event shall the Company be liable to any member, or anyone claiming through a member, for any direct, indirect or consequential damages, or lost revenue or profits, arising out of the Company’s acts or omissions in connection with the Program.
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Cruise Ship Casino: What You Need To Know Before You Play

by Gary Bembridge · December 12, 2022

Two things made me realise I wasn’t doing gambling on cruises right. First, videos by Brian Christopher , the popular YouTube slot machine gambler, called “Major win on the Open Seas: Carnival Cruise “, and “Triple Up Massive Win on Carnival” showing you can win a lot. Second when I met “ Jens Away Cruising ” who told me about the perks she gets, including free cruises, despite saying she doesn’t gamble much money.

I felt it was time to explore cruise ship casinos and find out why you and I aren’t getting all of this.

#1 All Cruise ships have casinos?

First off, most ocean cruise ships have casinos. Although, Norwegian’s Pride of America, Viking Ocean Cruise, Disney, and Azamara ships do not. Nor do most expedition ships and river cruises.

Those cruise ships that do have them will feature them as a highlight in high traffic areas, often involving walking through them to get to and from the theatre – to encourage us to stop and play.

#2 Differences to land-based casinos?

The more I explored, the more I came across nine key differences to the land-based casinos that I love going to in places such as Las Vegas.

The most important thing I discovered is that the odds in cruise casinos are worse than they are on land.

I’m not an aficionado on the details, but I found gambling blogs and cruise blogs like Cruzely had articles with the details.

They say that in Las Vegas casinos, while slot machines are likely to pay 90% or higher, it’s rumoured to be only about 80% on cruise ships.

In Blackjack, which my partner Mark plays a lot of, he noted when playing on land, if he bids $10 and gets blackjack, he’ll get $15. But on the ship, only gets $12. Roulette also has lower payouts.

So, professional hardcore gamblers don’t see ships as attractive, but as I discuss later, gambling on ships can be lucrative for a different reason.

First, a few more differences between ship and land casinos.

Cruise ship casinos – Table Minimums

The table minimums are much lower on ships, I have played for as little as $3 per bet. But I have also seen it change based on where I am sailing.

I was on a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing from the UK to the US and the table minimums were really low. $3 on Blackjack. Once we got to New York to head down to the Caribbean, it increased to $5 as more Americans boarded.

The biggest change I saw was travelling in Asia, we’d sailed up from Australia to Hong Kong with $5 minimums. Once we got to Hong Kong and there were more Chinese guests onboard, the table minimums ramped up dramatically to $10.

More sociable

Because of this, it is much more recreational and sociable than land casinos. I find it much less intimidating to play the tables on ships.

The other gamblers are more friendly and much more forgiving of people like me who don’t fully know and “follow” the rules of Blackjack, like when to stick and so on.

In Las Vegas, it’s a different story. People really get on your case if you’re not sticking to the rules.

To make it easier, the lines always run classes showing and reminding me how to play all the games.

They all put on tournaments which are great for less experienced gamblers like myself, where for a smallish flat fee, like when I was recently on a Queen Mary 2 Crossing, I took part in a roulette competition for $30 with a pile of chips, and earlier this year on Oceania Marina in a slot’s competition for the same amount.

The winner pocketed a couple of hundred dollars. Not me, unfortunately!

Cruise ship casinos – Not open 24/7

Unlike on land, cruise casinos are not open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cruise ship casinos only open when cruising in international waters because of gambling regulations. So, if you are into gambling, cruises with sea days or those that leave ports early evening are best.

Even on sea days, while the slot machines will be open all day, the tables will have more restricted times unlike on land.

Age Difference

In most cruise casinos, passengers can gamble from the age of 18, versus 21 on land in the USA. Although, for many US departing or focused itineraries, like Alaska, and some of the Caribbean cruises like on MSC they stick to the 21 years.

Importantly though, on many cruise lines you can’t drink until 21, so you may not be able to drink in the casino.

Fewer Games

There are, of course, fewer games and fewer tables than in big land casinos

On cruise ships, I usually find four ways to gamble. Bingo, scratch cards, arcade games – like those coin pushers – and casino games, like slots and tables.

In terms of the tables, I always find Blackjack and some dealer-based poker games like Ultimate Texas Hold ‘em, and three card Caribbean Stud. I have not been on a cruise with regular poker games versus other guests, like the big tournaments on land. Though, I hear Norwegian and Royal Caribbean do sometimes. On most cruises it’s usually video poker game machines.

I do find a Roulette table on most and occasionally on the big ships a craps table. I’ve not seen Baccarat, but some do.

Sports gaming is not a big thing on cruises, yet. Although I found it on my recent Princess cruises on their App, which also has other games on it to play anywhere on the ship.

Cash or Cruise Card

The seventh key difference is I can use cash as on land, but I can also charge my gambling to my room via my cruise card.

And, some cruise lines even let me use my on-board credit to gamble, like when I was on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, but not on Holland America. So, check if yours will.

To charge to my room, I put my cruise card in the slot machine and charge it. I’m not usually charged a fee. I avoid the on-board cash machines, as they have a big a fee to withdraw cash. I found if I charge when playing at a table, there also seems to be a fee.

Unlike in Las Vegas when I’ve finish playing, I print out a little slip which will shows my balance and I then put it in a machine to get the cash, on most cruise lines the balance goes onto my cruise card and must take my cruise card to the cashier and cash out.

The balance on the cruise card, does not offset my on-board account bill. It’s a separate thing. So, I must physically cash it out. Make sure you cash out on the last night so you don’t lose your money as it will not be refunded any other way.

Cruise ship casinos – Free Drinks

The next difference I noticed was no free drinks. In Las Vegas, waitresses come around offering free drinks. But I have found on most cruises, if I’m playing the slots, I start to earn some free drinks points and eventually earn some free drinks.

If playing on the tables, occasionally the pit boss might offer a round of drinks. But, generally speaking, there’s no free drinks.

One thing I discovered from T he Points Guy blog was if I had status with land-based casinos, I could get perks on a cruise, but not the other way around.

For example, if I had status with the MGM Rewards program, I could benefit on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity like discounts, onboard credits, and even complimentary cruises for the higher levels.

If I had Caesar rewards status, I could get discounts as high as 30% on Norwegian, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas.

Carnival would match my status with their Players Club Fund Match Program from any casino program.

#3 Similarities to land-based casinos?

Are the similarities to land-based casinos you may be asking by now?

Smoking unfortunately. Many casinos on cruise ships also allow smoking. It’s the one place that you can smoke indoors. Though it is changing with no smoking on my recent Celebrity, Cunard, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Seabourn trips.

Another similarity, unfortunately, is if you’re from the US you have to pay tax, even though you are out at sea. Normally the cruise line – if you’ve got a big win like over $1,200 in a payout – will give you the normal IRS forms. The rest of it you’re supposed to declare. If you come from the UK or other places, you don’t need to pay taxes because they don’t tax gambling wins.

Another key similarity, and one that has proven to be a game changer for many, is cruise line casino loyalty programs.

#4 Loyalty programs and Free Cruises?

These are different to the normal cruise loyalty programs, and many cruisers, like Jens Away cruising I mentioned earlier, uses them to get perks, freebies, and cruises.

I had always assumed you had to gamble, and loose a lot of money, but Jen showed me this is not the case if you gamble smarter. And talking to a Casino Host on board confirmed what she said.

All lines appear to have these programs. The most popular include Royal Caribbean’s Club Royal Rewards Program , Celebrity’s Celebrity Blue Chip, Carnival’s Players Club , and the Norwegian group Casinos At Sea .

No matter how big or small a gambler you are, Jen and the Casino Host recommended I do the following:

First, go to the casino on the first night, as most cruise lines give free slot play to use on the first day or two, and second while there, seek out the casino host and speak to them. Ask what the program is, if I need to sign up, and how to get perks. Most simply, work through the cruise card.

While the line can track exact spend if I play slots, some is more judgement by the Casino Host observing how much I am playing on the tables – so being on their radar is important as the Cruise Host manages and decides and allocates perks during the cruise.

How much do I need to gamble to get free cruises?

I looked at Royal Caribbean, as an example, and to get a free Interior cabin, I needed to get to the Prime level. That’s 2,500 points, where I earn one point per $5 gambled. In theory I’d have to place $12,500 in bets in a year.

However, Jen does not gamble that much and still gets free and discounted cruise offers across various lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America every single week.

She says gambles between $1,000 and $2,500 on a cruise. She’s now been on 50 cruises and tracks the cost if she had paid the going rate versus her actual total out of pocket, which includes her gambling, drinks and any on board spend. She’s calculated she’s paid less than a third in total of what the value of the cruises she’s been on – even included gambling losses.

You can read in full how she does this in detail, including her tips by line that you can view right here on my blog .

If you read that, you will see she stresses getting on the Casino Host’s radar and into whatever line’s program at the start, if you want to go down this route. She suggests on your first cruise, assuming you will gamble the cost of the cruise, again you don’t have to lose it just bet that amount as once you are in you seem to keep getting the offers. And they are constant.

#5 Gamble responsibly

When gambling, never gamble more than you can afford to lose. What Mark and I do is we go on board with what we call our “gambling fund”. We have an envelope with the amount of money that we are prepared to lose, we cash out every night and once it’s gone, we stop.

I have put links here for the gambling responsibly sites in the US and the UK if you do need help or it becomes an issue.

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Tags: blackjack card games casino cruise advice cruise holiday cruise ship casino cruise tips cruise vacation gambling las vegas roulette slots tips for travellers travel tips

Gary Bembridge

I grew up in Zimbabwe, but I have been based in London since 1987. My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. In 2005, I launched Tips for Travellers to make it easy and fun for people to discover, plan and enjoy incredible cruise vacations. And the rest, as they say, is history. I have the largest cruise vlogger channel currently on YouTube, with more than 3 million video views per month.

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12 Must-Have Cruise Casino Tips to Know Before You Play

After the pool and dining room, arguably the most popular spot on a cruise ship is the casino. Cruise passengers love to gamble and (almost) every ship will have plenty of room dedicated to the casino.

There you’ll find a casino that rivals anything you’d find on land, albeit at a smaller scale. Still, you can play the slots, roll the dice, hope for blackjack, bet on black, and even play a few other games you normally don’t see in regular casinos.

In fact, we’re guessing that anyone who is a fan of casino gambling will feel right at home the moment they step into this spot on the ship. You should know, however, that there are some unique features of cruise casinos that make them a little different than you might be used to seeing.

With that in mind, here are tips you should know for when you play…

Where You’ll Find the Casino on the Ship

First thing first, where will you find the casino on the ship? Believe it or not, cruise casinos are almost always located in the same general area, no matter your ship.

Cruise ships typically have three decks in the middle of the vessel (often around decks 5-7 or 6-8) that are public areas with bars, lounges, shops, and yes, the casino. You’ll often find the casino located on the bottom of these decks. This way, it’s in a place that’s easy to get to and right near the flow of traffic, but it’s also not right in the middle of everything so the public space completely revolves around gambling.

In other words, it’s close, but not too close.

Don’t Forget Your Keycard

When you take a cruise, your room keycard is the most important item you can have. It not only opens your cabin, but it also serves as your credit card on the ship. If you want a drink or a souvenir, you simply scan your card and it hits your onboard account.

When it comes to the casino, you need your card, too. It’s inserted or tapped against a reader on the machine to track your play. Just like casinos on land, cruise lines offer programs with perks and rewards based on your play (more on that below).

Perhaps more importantly, some lines — notably, Carnival — put your account balance back onto your keycard instead of a printed out voucher at machines. So you put $20 in the machine and cash out with $30, that money is put on your card. You then insert the card in another machine to tap the balance or go to the cashier to be paid out if you are done playing.

Smoking Is Allowed (Some Have Non-Smoking Sections)

Smoking is heavily restricted on a ship due to safety of the ship (fire is a major worry at sea). You can’t smoke across the vast majority of places, including your room, public areas and even many outdoor spots.

However, smoking is normally allowed in cruise casinos. Keep this in mind whether you’re a smoker or a non-smoker. If you do smoke, it’s nice to have a place you can light up. If you don’t like it, then unfortunately the spot can smell smoky — especially in the evenings when things get busy.

One bright spot for non-smokers? On newer (and larger) ships, the trend seems to be toward having dedicated non-smoking areas where you can play without the smell.

Don’t Expect Great Payouts

We don’t think anyone expects to have an advantage over the house when they step into any casino. But on cruise ships the payouts can make it less in your favor.

For instance, low-limits blackjack generally pays 6-to-5 instead of the customary 3-to-2 (higher limits will find the higher payouts). Craps games often have lower odds bets than what you see normally. Video poker machines will vary but it’s seemingly impossible to find the “9/6” machines that provide the least amount of house edge.

These payouts actually are in line with what you might find on land as the trend everywhere seems to be more in the house’s favor. Still, keep it in mind when you’re playing.

The Casino Is the Most Lively Late-Night Spot on the Cruise

Wondering where the party is on a cruise ship late at night? It’s likely the casino. No doubt that there’s plenty going on around the ship once the sun goes down. But after dinner and after the evening show, it seems that people flock to the casino to go try their luck.

In fact, it can be so busy that finding a machine is tough (depending on the ship). If you’re wondering where people hang out on the ship in the evening, however, this is it.

What to Know About the Unusual Games

Walk in the ship’s casino and as mentioned, you’ll recognize lots that’s familiar. What you’ll also notice, however, is that there are a few unusual games. One is the coin-pusher machine, complete with folded cash on top of the coins to entice you to play. Then there are the skill cranes but instead of trying to get a stuffed animal, you’re trying to grab a stack of cash. And then there is the Keymaster game where you try to position a key in the slot to unlock the prize.

These games can seem like they are skill. If you position the drop claw just right, you’ll win, right? In truth, if they could be won with skill alone, they wouldn’t be in a casino. For instance, the skill crane can be adjusted to allow enough power to grab a prize only occasionally. The coin pusher machines usually have side slots (that are harder to see) where coins can go instead of over the front edge.

They are still fun to play, but know they aren’t entirely based on skill.

Casino Classes Are Available

Ever wanted to play a game but never knew how? It can be intimidating to learn some games on the fly, especially when there is money on the line. On a cruise, you don’t have to. Many ships offer beginner classes for games like blackjack and craps.

Look at the ship’s daily planner for times, but it’s normally about an hour before the table games open for the day. That means look for them in the mid-morning. These classes allow you to learn the game without risking money in a stress-free environment.

Bar Service Isn’t Free (But Drink Packages Work)

A staple of a typical casino is the staff offering drinks while you gamble. That’s one difference on a cruise. There, drinks aren’t free unless you’re playing enough to earn them as a perk. Instead, there may be waitstaff walking by taking drink orders, but you’ll be charged menu prices, just as if you had gotten a drink at the bar.

One good thing to know is that if you have a drink package, it will work in the casino just as it does anywhere else on the ship. In that way, you can get what you want to drink without having to pay extra.

Casinos Are Great for Watching Sports

If there is a game that you want to watch, most of the time it won’t be shown in your cabin. TV channels are pretty sparse in the room, and major sports stations like ESPN are rarely available.

However, the casino can be a great place to watch. Generally they have a bar with TV sets and offer channels that aren’t available elsewhere. So while you might not get the Sunday afternoon football games in your cabin, several can be showing at the bar in the casino. So you can sit, have a drink, and watch the game… or you can gamble while still keeping an eye on the score.

Want to Play for Cheaper? Look for Tournaments

Anyone who has gambled before knows that you don’t always get your money’s worth. It’s not unusual to put $20 in a machine and see it just quickly drain to zero.

If you want a little more play for your money, many cruise casinos offer tournaments for both slots and blackjack. You pay an entry fee and then hope to come out with the highest score to win prizes. Tournaments aren’t for everyone’s liking, but it is nice to be able to get some play in a casino for a set fee.

Yes, You Can Earn Free Cruises (And Other Perks)

One big draw about casino gambling is earning those perks. Go to Las Vegas and play enough, and you can get meals, show tickets, and even rooms comped. It’s not quite the same on cruise ships but you can get things like drinks and free cruises for your play.

For example, Carnival’s Players Club offers all sorts of perks for players with enough points in their program. This can include free or discounted cruises, complimentary cabin gifts, free drinks, wi-fi, an exclusive cocktail party, and even its highest-tier loyalty status.

That’s one reason why if you play, you want to be sure to keep your keycard inserted to track your play.

The Age Limit to Gamble Is 18 Years Old

If you’re under 21 and want to play on your cruise, there’s some good news. Unlike casinos in Las Vegas and many other places where you have to be 21 to play, cruise casinos allow you to place a bet as long as you’re 18 years old.

Perhaps surprisingly, however, if you want to have a drink while you play, then you have to be 21 years old.

More on Casinos on Cruises:

• Cruise Ship Casino Gambling: Everything to Know Before You Bet

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Everything You Need to Know About Cruise Ship Casinos

By Laura Brothers

Cruiseline.com

While some cruise lines offer more games than others, blackjack, poker, roulette, and slots are standard on all ships except Silversea Cruises, which doesn't allow poker. Here’s what cruise lines offer in their casinos so you can take a gamble on your next cruise:

• All Regions
• Australia & South Pacific
• Caribbean & Atlantic
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
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Casino Action

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.

Casino Activities

Table Games

Paradise Lotto

Ships featuring casinos.

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Onboard Activities

Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities.

Greenhouse Spa & Salon

Spoil yourself with a massage or other treats at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®.

Onboard Shopping

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping onboard.

Fitness Center

Take a class in our professionally staffed Fitness Center.

Holland America Line Navigator

Personalize your cruise experience with our free mobile-friendly tool.

The Casino offers games for all levels.

Unleash your competitive spirit in our new family game room.

Movies On Board

Enjoy recent-release films in the movie theater on select ships or in the comfort of your stateroom.

Pickleball at Sea

Enjoy complimentary lessons, tournaments, and courts with amazing top-deck views.

Kids ages 3 to 17 can enjoy an array of activities. Registration required for children under 13.

The Best Party In Holland Is On Board

Pack your best orange outfits and accessories to show off on the dance floor. Wear your wild wigs, giant hats, boas and bowties—whatever you want, as long as it’s orange!

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There's so much to see and do onboard. Attend an engaging lecture, go to a wine tasting or simply relax and unwind.

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World's Finest Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line™

The Seabourn casino offers a handsome, well-appointed enclave for those attracted to games of chance and skill. Relax and test the odds on various mechanical games or pit your skills against personable, professional dealers at blackjack or poker tables.

Onboard Activities

Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities.

Grand Salon

Hosting a variety of daytime and evening events including lectures, movies, cooking demonstrations, cabaret performances, stand-up comedy, live music, and much more, the Grand Salon offers something to keep people of all tastes entertained throughout the day.

An Evening with Tim Rice

Seabourn is proud to have an exclusive partnership with Tim Rice, the acclaimed English musical theatre lyricist of Broadway, West End and film, winner of three Oscars, three Tonys, three Golden Globes and several Grammys.

I've Taken More Than 20 Alaska Cruises, but I've Never Been More Impressed by My Most Recent Trip — Here's Why

A s Alaska works to bring its Indigenous cultures to the fore, cruise passengers can expect more engaging experiences, on land and at sea.

I was having a fangirl moment at Saxman Native Village. Master artist Nathan Jackson had put down his chisel and was taking a break from carving a totem pole to chat with me and my husband. Jackson, a member of the Chilkoot-Tlingit tribe, has been carving for more than 60 years, and today his red cedar creations are exhibited in museums around the world. Yet there we were, just outside the city of Ketchikan, getting a private audience with the man himself.

Every year, millions of people go to Alaska for the chance to watch a startlingly blue glacier shed a house-size chunk of ice, or to witness pods of humpback whales breaching. But getting to know the state through descendants of its original inhabitants has, historically, been more difficult.

I’ve taken more than 20 cruises through southeastern Alaska, navigating often thronged ports to suss out interesting adventures, such as snorkeling in the chilly Pacific or learning to make salmon chowder. I was still surprised, given how popular Alaska cruises are these days, to have an intimate chat with somebody like Jackson on a cruise excursion — particularly one from our ship, the Holland America Line Westerdam, which can accommodate nearly 2,000 guests.

But momentum is building around Alaska Native tourism . One big step came this year, when information about the state’s 229 tribes and 20 distinctive cultures appeared in a special section of Alaska’s official tourism brochure for the first time.

Another marker of progress is the inclusion of a permanent seat for an Indigenous person on the board of the Alaska Travel Industry Association, a nonprofit. Both efforts were led by Camille Ferguson, an Indigenous tourism expert and economic development director for the Sitka Tribe of Alaska.

“I’m the one that stirred up the pot,” said Ferguson, who is Tlingit, when we met over lunch in the town of Sitka, a popular port for cruise ships. “The state did not have a connection to make sure they were doing it right, which is very essential when you are talking about cultural tourism.”

Alongside her community, Ferguson has worked to “enhance the narrative,” she explained. For example, Tribal Tours , an operator owned by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, makes a point of developing excursions in partnership with Indigenous elders, who help shape the commentary. “I look at the forest in a different way,” Ferguson said. “You might say, ‘There’s a spruce tree.’ I look at it as the means of creating the basketry that was woven for collecting berries.”

During my visit aboard the Westerdam, I explored Sealaska Heritage , a Native institution in Juneau, accompanied by a cultural interpreter, John Lawrence. Together with a small group, we toured a re-creation of a 19th-century clan house while Lawrence marveled at the fact that schoolchildren in the state capital today take classes in Native languages. That wasn’t an option back when Lawrence was growing up, so he only knows a few words of Tlingit and Haida, the tongues of his parents.

I also had the chance to see how Sealaska Heritage has recently expanded its reach, having raised a dozen totem poles along the Juneau waterfront with funding from the Mellon Foundation. The 12 cedar artifacts, many of which stand alongside the city’s cruise port, were hewn by Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian artisans.

Cruise visitors can even learn about Native culture without leaving the ship. These days, brands including American Cruise Lines , Cunard , Holland America Line, and Lindblad Expeditions have agreements with the Indigenous-owned company Alaska Native Voices for onboard cultural seminars and performances. For its part, Holland America plans to do more cultural storytelling in 2024, working in partnership with Sealaska Heritage, says Bill Prince, the company’s vice president of entertainment.

Alaska Native people I spoke with were encouraged by the shift. “This is totem-pole country,” said Tommy Joseph, a master artist who carves and repairs totems at Sitka National Historical Park. “It’s part of our culture, and there’s a whole lot to it. A totem pole is a visual tool for telling a story: our history.”

Seven-day Alaska sailings with Holland America Line from $649 per person. 

A version of this story first appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline “The New Wave."

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

High Country News

A nonprofit independent magazine of unblinking journalism that shines a light on all of the complexities of the West.

Alaska’s capital plans to limit cruise ship tourists

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“I’m still going to have helicopters flying over … there will still be whale-watching boats in numbers big enough that people can’t avoid those; all of the impacts of the industry will still be going even if there are some reductions in numbers of cruise passengers,” she said. 

Wings Airways, which flies tourists via floatplane to a remote lodge, imposed its own limits on its operation, said Holly Johnson, a company vice president. It hasn’t grown its fleet of five airplanes.

Already, banners on some Juneau businesses are urging residents not to sign the petition.

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by James Brooks, High Country News June 20, 2024

This <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/alaskas-capital-plans-to-limit-cruise-ship-tourists/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hcn.org">High Country News</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.hcn.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-HCN_Logo-Monogram_White_Sq-2.png?fit=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;"><img id="republication-tracker-tool-source" src="https://www.hcn.org/?republication-pixel=true&post=326063&amp;ga4=G-0NS3WVPPTN" style="width:1px;height:1px;">

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How do cruise ships make money? Here’s how your favorite brands generate revenue

If you've ever asked the question "How do cruises make money?" you might be surprised to learn that ticket sales only make up about 65% to 70% of cruise lines' revenue. That's true even with prices soaring this year due to demand .

If the money coming in isn't completely related to cruise fares, how are cruise ships profitable in other ways? Here's a bit about ticket sales, other sources of revenue and some of the factors that play into both. I'll also list the percentages that make up the full picture for each cruise line parent company.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Ticket sales

Ticket sales only account for about two-thirds of the overall revenue pie for the three major cruise line parent companies: Carnival Corp. , Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Royal Caribbean Group .

In a research report released May 29, Truist Securities projected that ticket sales — cruise fares and airfares for flights booked through the cruise lines — would make up 66.1%, 67.5% and 69.6% of revenue for the three companies in 2024, respectively.

Onboard spending

Truist Securities estimated that onboard spending at Carnival Corp., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Royal Caribbean Group brands would account for the other 33.9%, 32.5% and 30.4% of revenue at the three brands in 2024, respectively.

This onboard spending category includes obvious items like shore excursions , drink packages , Wi-Fi , casino and arcade gaming, alternative dining , spa treatments and purchases in the onboard shops. However, it also encompasses shuttles to and from the airport, travel insurance or protection purchased through the cruise line and even cancellation fees.

"Our orientation is experiences," said Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty on a Feb. 1 earnings call, "and we keep trying to advance experiences that our customers not only desire but that they're also willing to pay for. ... Obviously there are a lot of things that we're adding onto our ships. ... You see that also extend into the destination and what we're doing in the private island space. ... Our goal is to keep our customers in our ecosystem."

Location, location, location

As you might expect, the per diem — the total amount each passenger pays per day to sail, including both ticket sales and onboard spending — is higher in more far-flung regions than it is in some of the more highly trafficked destinations.

For example, per diems are significantly higher in Alaska and Europe than they are in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Supply and demand play a role, as far more ships offer sailings to the latter pair of destinations than to the former, which drives pricing down in the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Additionally, people traveling to bucket list destinations are usually more willing to spend money on excursions or other experiences they might not have another chance to try. The more exotic the destination, the more rare the excursion opportunities tend to be, which drives up the price. For example, you can snorkel or parasail in just about every Caribbean destination, but only a couple of destinations worldwide allow for glacier trekking.

Meanwhile, those booked on three-night weekend itineraries might be on stricter budgets and, therefore, could be less willing to spend on extras.

A push to prebook

During recent earnings calls, cruise line executives have said they're pushing hard to convince passengers to book activities and experiences ahead of time. The thought is that even if cruisers reserve shore excursions, spa treatments and alternative dining before they ever set foot on the ship, they're still likely to make purchases once they're on board, which leads to larger overall spending.

"Some of the meaningful progress we've seen ... is just the ability to buy and design your vacation ahead of time precruise," said Naftali Holtz, chief financial officer of Royal Caribbean Group, during the Feb. 1 earnings call. "It also leads to great financial success as people are booking their vacations and they get on board and they spend two and a half times more than those that haven't [booked activities] precruise."

"In terms of the Norwegian brand ... we are in a continuous improvement mode in terms of expanding our presale of onboard revenue and getting more share of the wallet over a longer period of time from the point a customer enters our ecosystem," said Mark Kempa, executive vice president and CFO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, on a Feb. 27 earnings call. "That plays a key part going forward as we look at our revenue opportunities."

"We've been making improvements to our precruise planning functionality at Norwegian to allow guests to book even more before they leave their homes," explained Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, during the same call.

Bottom line

How do cruise lines make money? Cruise revenue is generated from two areas: Ticket sales (cruise fares and airfare booked through the cruise lines) and onboard spending (the purchase of cruise-related goods and services through the cruise line, as well as cancellation fees).

Although current fares are some of the highest in the history of cruising, lines are focused on increasing revenue generated from onboard spending, and they're doing so by coaxing booked passengers into making purchases long before they ever set sail.

Have cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• More banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
• What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?
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• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

Casinos on Silversea

By Mocamps , March 22, 2023 in Silversea

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We have so far only ever been on expedition cruises with SS - and we love them! We're booked for another one next year and can't wait!

But we are currently looking at the more classic cruises and I just wanted to ask about casinos. Generally we prefer smaller ships and have cruised quite a bit with Windstar where there no casinos. But on the few big ship cruises we have done we have actually quite enjoyed things like a blackjack tournament. We're not big gamblers and we'd hate to sit for hours playing on slots but the blackjack tournaments have been fun on sea days.

Can anyone tell me if any (or all?) of the classic ships have casinos? I have noticed them on deck plans but then read somewhere that SS don't have casinos so I did wonder if they had got rid of them? I know that the Silver Cloud apparently used to have one but it was scrapped when they turned it into an expedition ship. Have the classic ones also been scrapped? And if any DO have casinos do they have blackjack tournaments or is it all big bucks gambling?

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Silversea classic ships have small casinos.  Typically they have one or two blackjack tables, a roulette table, and a dozen or so slot machines.  They usually have blackjack tournaments but that’s somewhat driven by seadays when they can have the casino open.   

Casinos are in the Silversea fleet.  Whisper still has one, though it's very small.  I don't recall tournaments on the schedule, but I also wasn't looking for them.

Haven’t heard anything about tournaments on this cruise and we’re on sea day #6.  They could be happening but not advertised.  It’s a very small casino.  2 tables, maybe 3, and 10 slots.  On Moon. 

pavementends

There is another cruise line (not mentioned here) that proudly lacks casinos. Silversea has them, although blessedly small and little used (from my viewpoint).

4 hours ago, pavementends said: There is another cruise line (not mentioned here) that proudly lacks casinos. Silversea has them, although blessedly small and little used (from my viewpoint).

yep was on the Dawn in January & stuck my head in the casino just out of curiosity.  Very small, not many games and maybe 5 people playing.  There were more people in the cigar lounge.....

Thank you everyone for the info. We’ve decided that casinos are not really all that important!! The itinerary is the main event so now booked the Whisper for October and looking forward to trying our first classic cruise on SS. Though I am hoping we don’t have to dress up too much as we do prefer to pack light!!

Stumblefoot

10 hours ago, Mocamps said: Though I am hoping we don’t have to dress up too much…

If by “too much” you mean formal attire, then no, you will not have to dress up too much.  But, if you consider informal dress “too much”, then I doubt you‘ll be happy sailing on SS’s smallest classic ship.

No, we’re happy with smart, informal dress. Just wouldn’t want to take dinner jacket (tuxedo) or long dresses.

1 hour ago, Mocamps said: No, we’re happy with smart, informal dress. Just wouldn’t want to take dinner jacket (tuxedo) or long dresses.

You’ll be fine then.  Enjoy your voyage!

ronrick1943

We’re the same about dress, think it’s over done a little.  However we didn’t have a problem ant time on the ship.  If you don’t want a jacket that nights you have options for dining.  Fact is as much as we don’t like to dress formal, we booked a 24 night cruise coming up on Silversea.  You’ll find the dining options that work for you—and don’t forget you can always enjoy your suit with Butler service- which was excellent.

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2025 Caribbean Cruises: Visit Puerto Plata, St. Thomas & Aruba

When you consider all that The Caribbean has to offer, you can easily see why the region is so popular among travelers. Its tropical climate offers a toasty respite from cooler climates, its white-sand beaches are unsurpassed, and its brilliant blue waters are idyllic. Together, these characteristics may explain why, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization , the region saw over 28 million registered tourist visits in 2022, a figure that Travel Markets Insider projected would be surpassed by several million in 2023.

In 2025, you can count yourself among the lucky millions with one of Norwegian Cruise Line's cruise vacations in The Caribbean . Let's look at what beauty and thrills await you in the Bahamas, Barbados, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic.

Ready to start planning? Explore all 2025 Caribbean cruises .

2025 Caribbean Ports of Departure

Norwegian's 2025 cruises to The Caribbean range from five to 15 days, originating from a variety of major North American, Caribbean, or European ports. Depending on the cruise itinerary you choose, your port of departure may be in any of the following cities:

• Galveston, Texas.
• Lisbon, Portugal.
• Miami, Florida.
• New York, New York.
• New Orleans, Louisiana.
• Orlando, Florida.
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
• San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• Tampa, Florida.

Norwegian's 2025 Caribbean Ports of Call

Every itinerary with Norwegian includes numerous ports of call, allowing you to experience the culture, cuisine, and attractions of multiple nations during your cruise vacation. Here are just some of the major ports of call in Norwegian's 2025 cruises to The Caribbean , including cities in Central and South America:

• Basseterre, St. Kitts.
• Bridgetown, Barbados.
• Cartagena, Colombia.
• Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic.
• Colón, Panama.
• Costa Maya, Mexico.
• Cozumel, Mexico.
• George Town, Grand Cayman.
• Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.
• Harvest Caye, Belize.
• Kralendijk, Bonaire.
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
• Oranjestad, Aruba.
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
• Ponta Delgada, Azores.
• Puerto Limón, Costa Rica.
• Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
• Roatán, Honduras.
• St. George's, Grenada.
• St. John's, Antigua.
• St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Willemstad, Curaçao.

RELATED CRUISES: 7-Day Caribbean Cruise: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic from Miami 7-Day Caribbean Cruise: Harvest Caye, Cozumel & Roatan from New Orleans 10-Day Bermuda Cruise: San Juan, Dominican Republic & St. Maarten from New York

Highlights of 2025 Cruises to The Caribbean

Many of Norwegian's Caribbean cruises have the same ports of call on their itineraries. These destinations are among the most desirable in The Caribbean, so you can experience some of the best the region has to offer. Let's take a closer look at the highlights of Norwegian's 2025 cruises to The Caribbean to give you a better sense of what to expect on your journey:

• Cartagena, Colombia: Featured in the 14-day cruise on Norwegian Jewel to the Panama Canal, which sails in January 2025, Cartagena is a historic Colombian city that's rich in natural beauty and urban splendor. Some must-see attractions are Old City Cartagena, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, and the Palacio de la Inquisición.
• Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic: Located just southeast of the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Cabo Rojo is a beloved beach destination because of its unspoiled nature and extraordinary coastal views. The azure waters are also home to some of The Caribbean's best-preserved coral reefs, offering sightings of fauna such as manatees and hawksbill sea turtles.
• Cozumel, Mexico: Cozumel is an island situated off the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Here, you have ample opportunities for water activities, such as fishing, snorkeling, and diving, as well as explorations of wilderness at Punta Sur Ecological Park or the island's east side.

• George Town, Grand Cayman: Though only around 22 miles long, Grand Cayman has abundant offerings for beachgoers, culture and history buffs, art lovers, and families alike, and George Town provides easy access to it all. Some of the most popular destinations are Seven-Mile Beach, the Cayman Farmers Market, and the Cayman Islands National Museum, which features over 8,000 items.
• Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: Norwegian owns a 268-acre private paradise known as Great Stirrup Cay and offers it exclusively to our guests. In addition to beaches and water sports, the island offers opportunities for ziplining, shopping, and splashing alongside the famous Bahamian swimming pigs.
• Puerto Limón, Costa Rica: Puerto Limón , bursting with natural beauty, is well-suited to a broad range of cruisers. Adventure seekers may want to go ziplining amid the rainforest canopy or rafting down the Río Pacuare, and water lovers can go snorkeling at Cahuita National Park. If you're looking for a quieter time, relax on the beach or look for sloths near the port or in Vargas Park.
• St. George's, Grenada: St. George's , the capital of Grenada, is rich in distinctive experiences. One of the most unique sights is the haunting Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park, accessible via snorkeling or scuba diving. Other special activities to consider are rum distillery tours, tasting tours, and hiking to the Seven Sisters Waterfalls.

2025 Caribbean Cruise Vacation Shore Excursions

Norwegian shore excursions present convenient ways to experience ports of call without overthinking your day-to-day itinerary. Here are some featured shore excursions to consider for getting the most out of your days at port during your next Norwegian Caribbean cruise vacation:

• Barrier Reef Snorkel in Harvest Caye, Belize.
• Best of Bonaire in Kralendijk, Bonaire.
• Best of Ocho Rios in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
• Cultural Journey & Soul Food Delight in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica.
• Dolphin Encounter With Stingray Sandbar in George Town, Grand Cayman.
• Exploring Magnificent Cartagena in Cartagena, Colombia.
• Fricolandia Beach Club in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
• Golden Eagle Sailaway & Swim in Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
• Hot Springs & Botanical Gardens in Ponta Delgada, Azores.
• Island Zipline Adventure in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.
• Nelson's Dockyard & Island Drive in St. John's, Antigua.
• St. Kitts Scenic Trail in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
• Two Oceans by Railroad in Colón, Panama.

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