Casino Cruises: Gambling at Sea in 2025

Sun, sand, sea, and… slots? If you fancy some high stakes action on the high seas, rolling the dice in rolling waves and jackpot hunting like a pirate searching for treasure, then a casino cruise might just be for you. 

Cruise ship casinos are now bigger in size, scale and significance than ever before. From small rooms with a few token games, they have transformed to state-of-the-art flagship onboard entertainment venues. In fact, they are now so sophisticated, they are considered a very real vacation alternative for keen casino players.

So, let’s take a closer look at casino cruises in terms of what you can play, how they work, how they differ from land-based casinos and where to find the best onboard casinos.

What's On This Page

Although casinos on ships have been common for many years, they have never been more popular than they are right now. We can speculate the reasons for this - the onset of online and mobile gaming, loosening of gambling laws and even casino influencers have all played a part in making gambling more mainstream. The point is though, cruise companies know it.

As a result, many cruise ships now have huge, modern Las-Vegas style casinos on board. Not only that, but they are actively attracting casino players of all levels with things like rewards programs, slot tournaments and influencer-led casino cruises.  

Let’s face it, it's an attractive proposition. Travelling from port to port with a mobile casino right there with you. You can enjoy the soft sway of the open waters, the feel of the ocean breeze on your cheek and the adrenaline rush of hitting a jackpot all on the same trip. What’s not to love?

The fact is, the quality of onboard casinos is now so high, that casino cruises are a viable vacation alternative for gamblers instead of visiting Las Vegas, Reno or Atlantic City. And how do I know this? Because I did it.

As a general rule, I find it almost impossible to book a vacation anywhere else but Las Vegas. I do try to look elsewhere to begin with, but my compass always leads me west. However, I recently decided to take a cruise around Alaska and the game changer for me was the onboard casino. It meant I could still have all the casino action I wanted, while exploring the world at the same time. And I can tell you now, I’m already looking for my next casino cruise adventure.

So, where can you find casino cruises? Well, it's important to note that not all cruise ships have casinos. Major operators geared towards the adult vacation market tend to have casinos, while those with a more niche or family market don’t.

You won’t find a casino on a Disney Cruise, for example, due to its family target market. Viking Cruises also don’t have casinos as they position themselves as ‘cultural enrichment’ rather than entertainment.

Casino cruises are available with the following companies:

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean International
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Princess Cruises 
• Holland America Line
• Costa Cruises

Most cruise ships owned by these companies have a casino of some sort on board. Although it's always best to check each individual vessel for full details.

Casino cruises are not just about a few token slot machines tucked away in a corner. These days, the action rivals anything you’d expect on land. From classic table games to rows of buzzing slots and the latest electronic table games, there’s something for every type of player.

There are rules to follow in all casinos whether on water or not. Here’s a summary of some must-know casino cruise rules and some suggested etiquette you should get familiar with:  

• Age Restrictions: Just like land-based casinos this is dependent on location. In most international waters, the minimum age of gambling in cruise casinos is 18+. However, if the cruise is leaving from a US port or travelling in US waters, the age restriction is 21+ in line with their laws. Always check with the cruise company to avoid disappointment on board. 
• Behavior: It is expected that players conduct themselves in a respectful manner when in the casino. Unsocial behavior will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave.
• Dress Code: Most casino cruises will have general dress code rules such as no bare feet or swim wear in the casino. Outside of that, it is quite loose, but smart casual is the norm through the day, with more formal wear in the evening. However, casual clothing is allowed so don’t worry about digging the tux out unless you want to.    
• Payments: Many cruises operate a cashless system where your key card is used for charges and your account is totalled at the end. It is possible to use the key card for gambling in the ships casinos too. However, if you prefer to play with cash, then often cash is accepted at the tables and in the slots. This is very much ship dependent so check the arrangements with your specific casino cruise. Try to avoid using ship ATM’s if you can due to heightened withdrawal fees.

Most modern cruise lines offer a sophisticated and comprehensive casino experience these days. With large contemporary spaces and a mix of slots, table games, ETG’s and video poker, they can rival many land-based casinos for quality.

Of course, not all operators offer the same casino cruise experience, some provide a more enhanced service. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best cruise line casinos and what sets them apart from the others.

Land-based casino players will already be familiar with rewards programs and the benefits they can bring. The good news is that the best casino cruise operators now offer their own loyalty programs, and the perks can be impressive. Here’s a quick overview of how to use them:

How They Work

• Register - Players who plan on playing in the casino should sign up for the rewards program before they’ve touched the spin button or rolled the dice. Luckily, casino cruises often automatically sign players up as it's linked to the key card. But, it's always best to check. If you’re not automatically registered, do it as soon as you board. On some ships you might even be given a small amount of casino free play to start you off.
• Use your card - Whether it's your cruise key card or a specific rewards card, use it whenever you play in the casino. That means inserting it directly into the slot machines or handing it to your dealer at the tables. You will not be able to add points later, so if you don’t use your card, you can’t accrue points. 
• Earn Points - By using your card you’ll be earning points from all of your casino play. The more you spend, the more you earn. Points are based on the amount you wager and how long you spend in the casino rather than your individual wins and losses. For example, if you put $100 in a slot, hit a nice win on your first $2 spin and walk away, then you’ll only get points for that single $2 spin. However, if you put $100 in and play for a long time reinvesting any wins back in, you could end up earning points on hundreds of dollars of wagering, even though you’ve only actually spent $100. 
• Point Retention - Most of the bigger casino cruise lines allow you to accumulate points over multiple sailings. If you have more than one casino cruise booked then the points can really add up. However, this is usually only for a 12 or 18 month period, so check with the individual cruise operator for specific details.  

Common Perks

So, once you’ve used your rewards card and built up your points, what do you get in return I hear you ask? A bunch of lovely perks is the answer. Benefits range from small things like free play and free drinks to impressive benefits like free casino cruises! Rewards and tier levels differ between cruise lines and depend entirely on how much money has gone through the casino, but they can include: 

• Casino Free Play credits
• Complimentary drinks while playing
• Discounts on spa treatments, specialty dining, or excursions
• Priority boarding or disembarkation
• Invitations to exclusive tournaments or VIP events
• Casino cabin upgrades
• Free or discounted future cruises (especially for higher-tier members)

Best Cruise Line Rewards Programs

The best casino cruise rewards programs are undoubtedly those from the top cruise operators. Not only are the benefits bigger and better, but they also let you carry over points too. Here’s a quick summary of the top cruise line rewards programs:

• Ocean Players Club (Carnival Cruises) - Best for players who want generous comp offers emailed after sailings 
• Club Royale (Royal Caribbean) - Best for travellers who cruise multiple times a year and can achieve VIP status
• Casinos at Sea (Norwegian Cruise Line) - Best for players who want status perks such as cabin upgrades and priority boarding
• Signature Player Rewards (MSC Cruises)  – Best for players who like to choose their own perks with the UChoose option.
• Players Advantage Club (Princess Cruises) - Best for fast-track offers for future cruises
• Blue Chip Club (Celebrity Cruises) – Best for players who want to build up points for land-based casinos too.

Casino Cruise Rewards Clubs linked to Land-Based equivalents

If you’re someone who enjoys playing in land-based casinos as well as cruise casinos, then some rewards programs offer links between the two. This can benefit players in three ways:

• Points and Benefits - Both Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean have a link with land-based casino giants MGM. This means that you can accrue points on casino cruises which can then be used to get free resort stays at MGM properties such as MGM Grand or Bellagio in Las Vegas. Alternatively, you can accrue points by playing in MGM owned casinos and receive perks such as free casino cruises. The land-based link also means you can pick up points all year around and not just when cruising so you’re much more likely to increase your tier status.
• Tier Matching - This is common practice in land-based casinos but did you know that some casino cruises do it too? It means that if you already have superior tier status at one rewards program, you can automatically match it at another without paying any additional funds. Both Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line will tier match status at land-based casinos. Although they don’t specify which ones, I know people who have been able to tier-match their Caesars Rewards, Hard Rock Unity and Bally's Rewards on cruises. This is also true of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises with MGM.
• Partnerships - Some cruise casino companies have partnerships with land-based casinos when it comes to perks. For example, Royal Caribbean has a deal with Seminole Hard Rock whereby Club Royale members can get discounted stays at Hard Rock and in some cases an annual 3-night complimentary stay with resort credit depending on tier level.

Tips for Making the Most of Casino Cruise Rewards Clubs

If you’re looking to book a casino cruise, be sure to check out all the rewards club benefits so you can get the most value out of joining. Here’s our top tips:

• Before you book - If you have tier status at a land-based casino you might already have some cruise discounts or comps you can benefit from. Alternatively, check to see if the cruise operator will tier match your status so you get a head-start on the cruise.
• Sign up early - If you’re not automatically registered in the rewards club sign up before you start playing in the casino to maximise earnings. Some programs allow pre-cruise sign-up too.
• Use your card - It’s easy to forget your card when you’re on vacation and having a good time, but keep it somewhere handy and always check before you play that you have it in use.
• Thresholds and Accelerators - Ask casino staff about thresholds for different tier statuses. If you know you need to get 1,000 points to climb to the next tier, and it is within your reach, then it gives you a target to aim for. Similarly, some days/hours on the cruise might offer accelerators or multipliers for points which can boost your totals. 
• Opt in to marketing - Be sure to opt in and put a tick in the box for promotional offers. This is often how players receive cruise discounts and point benefits once the cruise is over.
• Freebies/perks - Familiarise yourself with the full benefits of the casino cruise rewards program so that you can take advantage of any extra discounts and perks even after the cruise has finished.

There is a great deal of diversity with regard to legal regulations and tax requirements on casino cruises. This is largely dependent on where the cruise ship is registered, where it is sailing and who is on board. 

While we can give general guidelines, it is essential you check the specific rules for your individual ship and vacation.

Jurisdiction

Most cruise ship casinos only open when in international waters, which is typically 12 nautical miles from shore. While in international waters, the ship’s casino operates under the laws of the country where the ship is registered (the Flag State) e.g. Bahamas, Panama,  Malta etc rather than where the passengers board or disembark.  

In applying these rules, it means casino cruises are not restricted by territorial laws at each port. It also means they can operate a consistent service throughout.

Taxes

The issue of tax is usually different for U.S. travellers than players from elsewhere due to casino winnings being considered taxable income in the U.S. Here’s a quick summary of the difference, but remember these are only guidelines and not guarantees.

U.S. Citizens

• Under IRS rules, casino winnings are a taxable income for U.S. citizens, even if won in international waters. 
• For jackpots over $1,200 on slot machines or $5,000 on poker tournaments the casino should issue IRS Form W-2G to the passenger.
• Taxes are usually not withheld at sea, but winners are still legally responsible to report them on U.S. tax returns.

Non-U.S. Passengers

• Generally, non-U.S. citizens who win a jackpot in international waters will not be taxed at sea as it comes under the Flag State.
• However, if sailing from a US port, it is possible that a 30% tax withholding may be applied on some ships unless the player's home country has a tax treaty with the US and the player has relevant paperwork. 
• If not taxed at sea, individual tax obligations vary by country of residence. Most European countries do not apply tax to casino winnings unless you’re a professional gambler. Some countries such as Spain, Norway and the Netherlands do tax on casino winnings above a specific threshold, even in international waters. It is therefore up to the individual player to declare this once returning home.
• It’s recommended that international guests consult a local tax advisor for professional advice if necessary.

Age & Regional Laws

We briefly touched on this earlier, but some restrictions such as age and casino opening times vary by cruise line and most importantly, cruise itinerary. 

Age requirements

• Most casino cruises require players to be 18+ when sailing in international waters
• On U.S sailings, age 21+ is enforced due to local/state laws.

Regional Restrictions

Some cruise lines completely ban casinos in regions with strict anti-gambling laws (e.g., sailings with extended stays in UAE, India and Singapore for example). Make sure you check with your individual cruise operator to find out how this impacts you.

Identification Requirements

• Generally, ID verification is done before boarding and is automatically logged on your key card or cruise ID.
• If you do end up winning a large jackpot, you may be asked to present a valid photo ID and a tax identification number.
• Failure to provide a tax ID (e.g., Social Security Number for U.S. residents) may result in automatic withholding of up to 30% on cruises around the U.S.

Regulatory Oversight

• Cruise ship casinos are usually audited and licensed by third-party regulatory bodies based in the ship’s flag state. Common auditors include GLI (Gaming Laboratories International), BMM Testlabs and iTech Labs.
• Casinos on ships are tested for slot RNG (Random Number Generator) fairness, payout percentages and game integrity
• Most major cruise lines maintain internal surveillance and audit teams to ensure regulations are adhered to.

Know Before You Play: Quick Legal Checklist

✔ Ensure you're of legal gambling age for your particular casino cruise
✔ Know when the casino will be open
✔ Join the casino rewards program
✔ Bring ID for big wins
✔ Track taxable winnings
✔ Ask about tax forms
✔ Be aware of tax withholding

Gambling on cruise ships offers a unique experience compared to land-based and online casinos. Although there are key differences, there are some similarities too, let's take a look at the main points:

Regulations

There’s no doubt about it, regulations can be a little less strict on casino cruises than land-based venues, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t regulated at all. Cruise ship casinos are licensed by their flag state, governed by maritime law and independently audited by respected third party organisations. They don’t, however, need to provide public audits and adhere to strict reporting laws as tightly as their land-based counterparts. 

Payout Percentages

Slot return-to-player (RTP) rates on cruise ships closely match that of land-based casinos. Typically, casino cruises have slot RTP set between 85% - 95%. If we compare this to Nevada, its slot RTP rates are between 85 - 97% and average around 93%. 

Neither cruise ship casinos or land-based casinos can match regulated online casino RTP slot rates that are usually 90 - 98%. 

Game Variety

While cruise casinos offer a good selection of popular games, they cannot always provide the extensive selection that Vegas-style resorts or online platforms can. I am perhaps doing cruise ship casinos a disservice here by comparing them to Vegas casinos - which are up there with the biggest and best in the world. 

But, generally, cruise casinos are restricted purely from a space point of view. In effect, they are mini casinos, providing less in terms of quantity but can be equal, if not superior, in terms of quality. Certainly the Celebrity Edge casino is better than many land-based casinos I’ve been to for style and atmosphere.  

Waitress Service

Due to staffing levels, waitress service on a cruise ship casino is unlikely to match land-based casinos. On the other hand, there’s less space for them to cover. Land-based casinos would usually have anything from between 10 - 25 waitresses covering the casino floor at any one time. Cruise casinos likely have one or two, so that can make getting a drink difficult if the casino is busy. 

Atmosphere

Cruise ship casinos are more intimate and social, often creating a community feel over multiple days. With only a limited number of guests on the ship, it can feel more like a social get together by the end of the cruise with similar faces playing alongside you. Of course, there’s always the extra factor that everyone is on vacation which adds that extra buzz. This isn’t always the case with land-based casinos that can be frequented by regulars and locals and they are often much bigger so less intimate too.

One fun element these days for gamblers eying up cruises are collaborations with slots influencers. Like many land-based casinos, cruise companies are spotting the opportunity to essentially book slots influencers as attractions for guests. 

At first glance, it may seem a little cynical. People book a cruise they perhaps would not ordinarily go on to see their favourite YouTube influencer. Then while they are marooned in the ocean on sea days they all gamble in the casino to entertain themselves. However, you definitely get a great experience out of it as well. 

Generally, the influencers will put on organised casino cruise events that you can join in with such as tournaments or group slot pulls. This gives a more intimate one-on-one access to the influencer than it would in a large land-based casino. There’s also the added buzz of gambling in the same room as influencers and seeing them in action in person rather than on your TV. 

Some events with YouTube slots influencers on cruises include:

• Meet-and-greet sessions with influencers
• Group slot pulls and tournaments
• Exclusive parties or hosted excursions

The most established slots influencer in this area as of 2025 is definitely Brian Christopher of BC Slots fame. He has been the trailblazer here in many ways. Brian has a partnership with Carnival Cruises and he does them very regularly.

The indefatigable Vegas Matt has also started doing influencer cruises too recently. Whilst he is the biggest slots influencer in the world at the time of writing, he is relatively new to the game when it comes to cruising. 

He has partnered up with Virgin cruises, though, and he still manages to fit a few a year into his busy schedule.

So now you have decided you want to go on a cruise to enjoy some gambling, how do you go about picking the right one? Some people (not me, promise), start at the other end by researching which ships have the best casinos with the most games they like, then they (again, definitely not me) see where that ship is going, and pick from its scheduled cruises. Those people (other people, not me), are our types of people, but what about normal, sensible, fully mature adults who make responsible grown up decisions? 

Well, knowing where in the world you want to visit and where you can most easily sail from are great starting points, of course. That information should, at least, narrow down your choices. From there, you may want to consider the following.

Ship's Casino Size

First of all, are you primarily a slots player or a table player? The answer to that question is important here. No cruise ship casino is especially large by average land-based casino resort standards, but some are bigger than others. The bigger ones will have more tables and that means more variety of games as well. 

Rewards Program

If you are gambling in a physical casino, you should be doing it as a rewards club member. That is just basic, standard, critical advice for any gambler - and it’s exactly the same at sea as it is on land. 

Some cruises have their own rewards programme and some have land-based partners. If you already favour a specific land-based rewards programme, it’s worth booking a cruise with one of their partners. For example, if you’re an MGM Rewards member, you will likely get much more value by booking a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise.

Itinerary

If you are going on a cruise specifically planning on gambling as part of your entertainment, you need to carefully check the itinerary. Remember, cruise ships are required to close their casinos when they are docked, so consider a cruise with a large number of sea days to make the most of the on-board casino. 

That probably means a longer cruise, but that’s not a bad thing. You can still find value on shorter cruises with fewer sea days, although be aware your casino-going will be restricted to nights and evenings for the most part. 

Promotions and Events

You will definitely get the most out of your casino cruises if you line them up with on-board events. A great example of this is the slot influencer cruises, but make sure you check out promotions too. Often, cruise lines’ casino reward programmes will have various offers for gamblers throughout the year such as double points or on-board credit as a casino benefit of regular play, so try to take advantage when you can.

Demographics and Atmosphere

Even if we take casinos out of it, the cruising world is one rich in variety and nuance. Some cruise lines demand formal dress, some encourage casual. Some are aimed at retirees and some want a younger crowd. Some are family friendly and others offer little to entice young passengers on board.

Casinos are a great part of cruises, but make sure the cruise is right for you before the casino is.

Budget Carefully

I would say that on a cruise, budgeting your gambling carefully is almost more important than anywhere else. Most cruise lines link your payment card to your on-board room card, and that usually applies to the casino too. 

That is why I would always recommend taking cash on board for your casino play and ring-fenching it from your other on-board spend. It would certainly be very easy to be hit with a very nasty bill when you disembark should you charge gambling to your room, and that kind of thing can really put a bit of a downer on a vacation. 

Join Loyalty Programs

Before you have even gambled a dime in a cruise ship’s casino, make sure you have enrolled in the loyalty program. It should be the first thing you do. 

Game Familiarity

The word ‘casino’ is pretty much insufficient to capture the brilliant variety of gambling. And, frankly, cruise ship casinos don’t have the space to be everything to all gamblers. 

That is why it’s vitally important to check out what a ship’s casino has to offer before you book. Does it have enough table games for you? Is there room for a baccarat table? Is poker even possible? Do they have your favourite blackjack variant? Are the slots mainly video or mechanical three-reelers? Are enough of your favourite games there? 

A tip here is to look for cruise ship walkthrough videos that take you through a casino. It may not be the most detailed, especially if it is not done by a dedicated gambling channel, but you should get enough of an idea from it to make an informed judgement. 

Know Your Legal Stuff

The legal requirements for players can vary dramatically on cruise ships, so make sure you are familiar with those applicable to your ship and itinerary before you book anything. Generally, there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises, but it is always best to know. 

Gamble Responsibly

Remember that casino or no casino, you are booking and going on a vacation. Cruises are meant for relaxing and seeing the world whilst being entertained. Cruise ship casinos can be a great part of that entertainment, but make sure you keep it fun and responsible.