Casino Deals at Sea: How One Passenger Turned Play into a Free Cruise

_{Greg Brockman uses a casino loyalty programme to earn points for cruises. (Image: Greg Brockman)}

Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale loyalty programme can turn modest play into major perks, but experts urge caution for those tempted to gamble more than they can afford.

Greg Brockman chose to live aboard a cruise ship for 6 months, and he used the Casino Royale loyalty programme to bag himself a free cruise.

Brockman said: "The casino plays a huge role in my ability to travel as much as I do on the budget I set for myself.

"When it comes to travelling on board a ship, after several weeks, it feels more like home than living in a floating hotel room."

A Casual Player Finds Unexpected Rewards

For years, cruise passenger Brockman treated Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale programme as a background feature of his trips. He played for fun, rarely spending more than $100 a night in the onboard casino.

That changed when he realised he was within reach of the programme’s Prime tier, the first level where benefits extend beyond the casino floor. With some planning across several voyages, Brockman earned enough points to qualify.

According to Brockman, the casino loyalty program has let him cruise "30+ sailings a year for usually far less than 50% of the cruise fare."

“I never even considered trying to get to the first tier until it became clear I had a good shot,” he said. “The amazing benefits really enticed me.”

How Casino Royale Works

Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale programme is a four-tier system: Choice, Prime, Signature, and Masters. Players earn points through slot play and table games, though slot machines accumulate them faster because every wager is digitally tracked.

The Prime tier unlocks benefits such as:
    •    A complimentary seven-night cruise for two
    •    Free drinks in the casino
    •    Discounts on internet packages

Benefits reset annually, and players must re-earn points each year to maintain status .

Why Cruise Lines Offer Casino Loyalty

Brockman’s story highlights how even casual gamblers can benefit if they already enjoy spending time at the tables. But experts caution that chasing rewards should never be the sole reason to play.

The value of perks can be outweighed by losses, and “free” cruises still come with costs, including taxes, port fees, and blackout restrictions.

Still, casino loyalty programmes are a strategic tool for cruise operators. They fill cabins during slower seasons, encourage repeat bookings, and convert casual passengers into long-term customers.

Remote Working at Sea Could be a Winner

Brockman also suggests that cruise lines could take advantage of the trend of remote working if they can put together packages whereby guests can use vacant rooms and spaces for meetings and conferences.

Incentives and Rewards but no Guarantees

While Brockman’s experience shows the upside of Casino Royale for some players, gambling always carries risk. The Casino Royale loyalty programme offers incentives and rewards, but it does not offer guarantees.