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3 of the Best Casino Cruise Ships in the World, The Best Cruise Ships with Casinos in Canada

The Best Cruise Ships with Casinos in Canada

There’s also a private poker room available that holds tournaments. Inside the casino at the Sunborn Superyacht, you’ll find a world-class bar serving beer, spirits, champagnes, wines, and a huge selection of cocktails. You can absolutely experience this (and the related form, island fever) when stuck in a small area with no real horizon. Not everyone knows if they’re going to have this problem or not until they get on the boat though, so if you’re prone to claustrophobia, you might want to think twice before going on a casino cruise ship.

3 of the Best Casino Cruise Ships in the World

Casino Text Graphic With a Cruise Ship Background

If you’ve never heard of a cruise ship, then I’m not sure what rock you’ve been sleeping under. But I’ll give a brief explanation of what a “cruise ship” is before we go into a few of the best casino cruise ships out there.

A cruise ship is essentially a floating resort. While on board, you can enjoy the relaxation and luxury that comes along with staying at a five-star hotel. Most cruise ships have so many activities to offer that it can be almost impossible to check them all out.

On board, you’ll find restaurants, bars, casinos, swimming pools, spas, gyms, shops, theaters, and cinema. There’s plenty of space on modern cruise ships, even while being packed full of so many amenities, so you never have to worry about not being able to find a place to stretch out and relax.

Your cruise ship is also going to include staff that have high levels of customer service and will be there to take care of you and meet any of your needs. Cruise ships can take you just about anywhere in the world, with two of the most popular destinations being the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

Luxury Cruise Liner in the Caribbean Sea

More ships have expanded to other territories, including Alaska, Asia, the Middle East, and Northern Europe. The beautiful thing is that while you will get taken to a new place sometimes every day, your hotel will come along with you, so you’ll only have to pack once!

Again, cruise ships have many different activities to keep you occupied. Some not mentioned yet include high class culinary opportunities and top entertainment from world-renowned performers. You can always count on there being something for everyone while on your cruise, so you don’t need to worry about your kids getting bored.

Drawbacks of Casino Cruises

All that being said, there can be a number of drawbacks to going on a cruise. One of the first (and most obvious to some people) is that seasickness is a very real phenomenon. With that being said, cruise ships are so incredibly massive that most people don’t experience motion while on the ship, but it’s possible for you to experience this not-so-fun phenomenon during bad weather.

Sure, smaller saves you money, but not everyone can handle being stuck in a tiny room day after day.

This leads me to another drawback—claustrophobia. Not everyone suffers from this, but even people who aren’t normally claustrophobic can run into this problem. In fact, there’s a form of claustrophobia that you’re probably familiar with often referred to as “cabin fever.”

You can absolutely experience this (and the related form, island fever) when stuck in a small area with no real horizon. Not everyone knows if they’re going to have this problem or not until they get on the boat though, so if you’re prone to claustrophobia, you might want to think twice before going on a casino cruise ship.

Finally, there’s the recent rash of cruise ship crashes and problems that you’ve probably heard about. More than a few cruises have ended up as nightmares, with literal crashes in some cases, and others where the facilities on the boat stopped working. Now I’ll be the first to say that these are pretty rare, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Casinos on Boats

When it comes to casinos and boats as one entity, there’s actually a long and storied history, especially in America. Some of the first casino boats were on paddle steamers that used to journey up the Mississippi River.

The paddle steamers were used as entertainment venues and casinos, offering slots as well as table games. Paddle steamers are still used today as popular river boat casinos, but the concept of gambling at seas has evolved to a place much bigger than paddle steamers.

Now, we have gargantuan cruise liners with casinos inside that take their passengers on journeys all around the world.

Here are three of the best casino cruise ships in the entire world.

1 – The Sunborn Superyacht Hotel and Casino

It’s hard to find a hotel and casino experience as elegant as what you’ll find here at the Sunborn Superyacht Hotel and Casino. It’s docked in the Ocean Village Marina in Gibraltar and includes some of the most breathtaking views across the strait toward Morocco.

The casino can be found through a separate entrance at the back of the boat. It includes 58 state-of-the-art slot machines, three American Roulette tables, three live poker tables, and four card tables where you can play blackjack for real money.

There’s also a table-side service that will take care of you in case you don’t want to step away from the poker table. There’s a variety of bedroom suites available once you’re on board, including a penthouse with a sundeck.

This ship is a dream come true for someone wanting a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s a lot to be said about cruises in general and how much fun they can be. But for the gambling aficionado, there’s something particularly compelling about combining that passion with a luxury cruise.

2 – The Norwegian Escape

The second casino cruise ship on the list is known as The Norwegian Escape, based in Miami, Florida.

The ship can hold 4,266 guests and takes them on adventures throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean. For some people, water that’s crystal clear and sand as white as snow may not be enough to keep them entertained. And with that being said, The Norwegian Escape is packed with plenty of entertainment options on board.

Norwegian Escape Cruise Ship Deck Swimming Pool

Amid the rest of the options for fun on board, the ship includes a state-of-the-art casino. The casino comes with 28 gaming tables that offer roulette, pai gow, baccarat, poker, Let It Ride, craps, and blackjack, and 318 real money slots.

For the real high-roller casino goers, the ship has an exclusive VIP room. It includes three tables that can be used to meet any guest preferences. Limits can be requested that are much higher than the $5,000 maximum that’s on the casino floor for guests wanting to go big or go home.

There are over 15 restaurants on the ship that provide a great opportunity to spend your winnings, as well as clubs or a massage at a spa.

3 – Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas

The Allure of the Seas could be the Granddaddy of all cruise ships. It’s the second largest cruise ship in the world, sitting at 362 meters long and weighing over 225,000 tones. The ship carries up to 5,400 passengers. A whopping $1.2 billion was used in the construction of the Allure of the Seas.

My favorite part of this large vessel is its world-renowned casino, Casino Royale. Casino Royale is probably one of the greatest poker movies of all times, not to mention one of the best James Bond films of all time.

The Casino Royale has everything you could dream about gambling on a cruise ship. The gaming floor is 18,000 square feet and it includes 500 slot machines, including Wheel of Fortune and a game called Triple Diamond. There are 27 game tables that include roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, and Caribbean Stud.

Allure of the Seas Casino Royale Casino Floor

The guests of this ship receive an experience that I would compare to a weekend in Las Vegas, but maybe even better. From the beautiful decor to the customer service, you’ll never need to worry about spinning a wheel without a drink . All of the service is tableside, so if you’re on a winning streak, you don’t have to leave the game for the sake of getting a refill.

The Vegas experience on Allure of the Seas doesn’t just stop with the casino. The ship hosts some famous Broadway shows, including Mamma Mia!, Cats, and We Will Rock You. It also has an Aqua Theater. The Aqua Theater merges water with drama, similar to what you would see at a Cirque Du Soleil performance.

Conclusion

Are there any great casino cruise ships that I left out? Feel free to let me know in the comments!

5 Best Cruise Ship Casinos

There are literally hundreds of cruise ships with casinos on board.

Some of these have “casinos” (consisting primarily of a couple of video poker machines, a blackjack table, and a three-stool bar with a wide screen television playing sporting events you’ve never seen before).

Others have CASINOS with glitz and glitter and mahogany champagne flutes and crystal staircases… or something like that.

But to make it on to a “best of” list, a cruise ship’s casino has to offer something more, whether it’s the ambiance and bonhomie of the smaller vessel or the grandeur of the stately liner.

Here are some of those that convinced me they were tops.

Norwegian Cruise Lines: Norwegian Escape

For a cruise line that started back in the mid-1960s with nothing but a glorified car ferry, Norwegian Cruise Lines has built itself into a world-class international cruise line.

Based in the United States, all but one of the line’s ships sails under the Bahamian flag. The one exception — the aptly-named Pride of America — is registered under the US flag. Sadly, the Pride of America has no casino.

But don’t despair. The Norwegian Escape has casino to spare because it is among the largest cruise ships in the world. You could almost say the Norwegian Escape is basically a casino with a ship built around it.

Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but only just.

The Norwegian Escape has been plying Bahama and eastern US seaboard waters for a couple of years now.

Onboard, the gambler can find everything from the latest in electronic slots and video poker to craps, roulette, and baccarat. They also deal blackjack, pai gow poker, and three card poker.

Additionally, you can participate in regular onboard tournaments for slots, blackjack, and Texas hold’em.

Gamblers uniformly give the Escape high marks, although some were taken aback by the higher minimum bets at the various tables, such as the $5 minimum at the blackjack and Let It Ride tables and the $10 minimum at Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

All the casinos aboard Norwegian Cruise ships honor the Casinos at Sea club.

Much like a land-based casino’s players club, your Casinos at Sea card earns you points that can be used for merchandise, discounts, and free play. By the way, the Casinos at Sea card works with several cruise lines, including Norwegian, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

And if you’re new to gambling? Like most cruise ships with casinos, the Norwegian Escape offers gambling lessons in virtually all of the games you can play on board. The classes might not make you into the next Chris Moneymaker, but they might save you some embarrassment at the poker table.

By the way, the Norwegian Escape even has a high-limit VIP room. Also by the way, unlike many cruise ship casinos, the Norwegian Escape’s casino permits smoking.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas

If you’re from Texas (and aren’t we all?) and like everything BIG, Royal Caribbean Cruise lines has the ship for you!

Actually, two ships: Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.

Now, to be honest, virtually all of Royal Caribbean’s fleet of 26 cruise ships feature a casino — all called Casino Royale — but I’m focusing on the two largest ships in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. Why? Because these are the largest cruise ships in the world, and their casinos are equally proportioned.

Try 450 slot machines in each, for example. Try dozens of blackjack, roulette, and poker tables scattered throughout the casino. Try a separate and tastefully appointed poker room.

By the way, smoking is permitted in the casino. There is even cocktail service throughout the casino a la land-based casinos, so you don’t have to keep going to the bar for a refill.

Reviewers have noted how surprised and happy they were to discover that the casino onboard the Oasis featured the popular Buffalo slots, as well as a wide selection of both electro-mechanical and video slot machines.

Both the Oasis and the Allure ply the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Celebrity Cruises

While Celebrity Cruises merged with Royal Caribbean a few years ago, the flavor and ambiance remain distinctly different.

Celebrity has five ships with casinos (all called the Fortunes Casino): Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette, and Celebrity Solstice.

Smoking is not permitted in any of the Fortunes Casinos.

Each of the aforementioned ships berth between 2,800 to 3,000 passengers, so you could call the ship midsized, if you wanted, and they probably wouldn’t be insulted.

Depending on the ship, the casino offers slots and video poker, as well as blackjack, craps, roulette, and three card poker. Minimum bets at the tables start at $5.

There are regular blackjack and slots tournaments, as well as gambling lessons for those who have never beaten grandma at poker but would like to, very much.

Celebrity offers a pretty wide range of destinations and itineraries.

Depending on the ship and the season, there are cruises available to the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Netherlands, Ireland, Alaska, and even Scandinavia and Russia. Naturally, you may need to fly to the embarkation point, since it’s doubtful Celebrity runs Scandinavian tours from Los Angeles.

By the way, Fortunes Casino has its own membership card called the Blue Chip Club, which is paired with MGM Resorts International’s M Life card, which is quite nice if you have an M Life Card.

Azamara: Azamara Journey

Featuring cruise ships that are smaller in scale (they tend to berth about one tenth of the crowds you’ll likely find aboard ships of the Royal Caribbean Cruise line — of which it is a subsidiary), Amazara once fielded a couple of casino-bearing vessels but now limits it to one: the Amazara Journey.

Since the Azamara Journey has room for fewer than 700 passengers, its casino is by necessity small but still features slots and a variety of table games, including blackjack and roulette.

You can even get some instruction while you’re aboard — hopefully before you decide to split those tens. Think of it as a boutique hotel that gently rocks you to sleep at night after your big wins in the casino.

Smoking is permitted, and there’s a bar right next door to the casino, convenient for both drinking and celebrating your gambling victories. Or just celebrating. Or just drinking.

Bear in mind that the Azamara Journey is a small cruise ship (everyone aboard will be a familiar face to you by the time you disembark). The passageways will be tighter, your cabin will be smaller, and the meals will be more intimate. But there’s a certain romance to that, isn’t there? If you like people, the Azamara Journey is for you.

Depending on where you want to board and how long you want to spend aboard, the Azamara Journey’s circuitous western and northern Europe tour comprises ports in Spain, Portugal, France, England, Scotland, Norway, and Sweden — one itinerary even includes a stop in Monte Carlo. How cool is that?

Cunard Cruise Line: Queen Mary 2

All ships in the Cunard line have casinos (and they’re all called the Empire Casino), but none are as large or grand or as upper-crusty as that of the Empire Casino aboard the Queen Mary 2.

This is the casino wherein James Bond could feel comfortable trading clever insults with Ernst Stavro Blofeld across the chemin de fer table.

The flagship of the Cunard line, the Queen Mary 2 is a transatlantic ocean liner, carrying passengers from Southampton, England to New York City (and vice versa, of course).

She also makes an annual world cruise.

Class and style are not simply watchwords aboard the Queen Mary 2 — they’re requirements. White-gloved waiters attend to your every need, and the transatlantic voyage (about nine days’ worth) will give you plenty of time to regret not packing your tux.

Reviewers generally praise the Queen Mary 2, with some grumbling about the slight downsizing of the casino back in 2016 to make room for additional passenger cabins, and others applauding the downsize, saying the casino was too large for the number of passengers who were using it. De gustibus, eh?

In any case, if you want to head to the casino, you’ll need to get out of those cargo shorts you’ve been loafing around in all day and slip into some “smart attire.”

While “smart” is certainly open to interpretation, in this case, Cunard wants you to dress in what Americans call business casual — slacks and collared shirts, shoes (with socks, of course) for the men, and casual low-cut dresses for the ladies. Um, I might have lied about the low-cut part there. Sorry. The rest is true, though.

Now, where were we? Ah, yes: headed for the casino. It’s just off the Grand Lobby, and whether you like slot machines and video poker or prefer blackjack, roulette, or three card poker, you’ll find plenty of wagering options to keep you busy (and to keep your mind off the fact that you don’t even own a tuxedo).

Surprisingly, you’ll find lower table minimum bets here than you might find on other cruise ships.

There are $1 minimums on many of the table games, and there are plenty of one-cent slots to try. You probably weren’t going to ask, but no, smoking is not permitted in the casino.

Six Tips for Sea-Faring Gamblers

Tip #1

Cash in any chips you have won while you are still aboard the ship. Keep a chip as a souvenir, if you must. But you probably don’t have much use for two thousand dollars’ worth of Fortunes Casino $5 chips.

I mean, how many uneven table legs do you have in your house, anyway?

Tip #2

Don’t even think about smoking in the casino.

While one or two ships permit smoking in their casinos (one is smoke-free except for scheduled “smoking nights” — how does that even work?), most do not.

Tip #3

Many of the cruise lines have their own Players Clubs, which operate just like those of land-based casinos — you can win prizes, BOGOs, and merchandise based on your recorded play.

Tip #4

Get out of the casino once in a while!

You’re on a freakin’ cruise ship, buddy! Smell that fresh sea air! Bargain with quaint natives you discover in far-away places like the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, and Miami.

Tip #5

Check with the cruise line itself to find out what games and wager limits are on your selected cruise ship. While betting minimums and limits tend to remain the same for years, the actual games offered change much more frequently.

At gambling destinations like Vegas or Reno or even Monaco, you can simply cross the street to check out the next casino. On a cruise ship, however, there is no street. So, you’re gonna want to satisfy yourself that the gambling options are suitable to you beforehand, if for no other reason than that it’s a long swim back to home port.

Tip #6

Bear in mind that you are gambling in a casino aboard a ship. This means that the casino will typically not be in operation while in port but will usually open for business within an hour of setting sail.

Additionally, the casino will (depending on the ship and the cruise line) close around 2-4am.

Bonus Tip

Before I wrap things up, here’s a bonus tip for you. If you’re new to casino games, you can familiarize yourself with most of them by playing for free online.

Most of the best online casinos offer a play for free for option, so you can experience what it’s like to play before putting any real money at risk.

Anchors Aweigh!

Whether it’s the glamour of the captain’s table or the easy bonhomie of steerage you’re looking for, you can find the casino experience you want aboard one of the world’s many ocean-going sea-casinos.

Stuff your tux (or your cargo shorts) in your old sea bag, grab some cash, and head on down to the docks. Bon voyage.

J.W. Paine is one of the most experienced writers at GamblingSites.com. He's written for television and the printed media, and is a published novelist (as Tom Elliott).

Paine loves writing about Las Vegas nearly as much he loves living here. An experienced gambler, he's especially familiar with poker, blackjack, and slots.

The 4 Best Casino Cruise Ships

Casinos and boats go back a very long way. The paddle steamers that used to meander their way up the mighty Mississippi River were later used as entertainment venues and casinos, offering both slots and table games to who stepped aboard.

But while some of those paddle steamers are still being used as riverboat casinos to this day, when you think of gambling at seas you tend to think of the gargantuan cruise liners that take passengers on voyages all around the world. These liners boast some of the largest, most glamorous gaming floors in the world.

From intimate casinos on superyachts to gaming floors large enough to rival a mid-size Las Vegas casino, cruise ship casinos come in all shapes and sizes. Here are our four most favourite.

Sunborn Superyacht Hotel and Casino Ship

THE SUPERYACHT CASINO CRUISE

The Sunborn Superyacht Hotel and Casino is permanently docked in the Ocean Village Marina, Gibraltar. It boasts breath-taking views over the famous Rock, the frightening airport runway, and across the strait towards Morocco.

The casino can be accessed via a separate entrance at the back of the boat and boasts 58 state of the art slots machines, three American roulette tables, four card tables (including blackjack) and three live poker tables.

Minimum bets are £0.01 on slots machines, £1 on American roulette and £5 on blackjack, while maximum bets are £50, £100, and £500 respectively. A dedicated poker room is also available, with a regular tournament schedule.

Within the casino is a glitzy bar serving beer, wines, spirits, champagnes and a large selection of cocktails. There is also dedicated table-side service for those not wanting to break their lucky streak.

Guests staying on board can chose from a range of bedroom suites, with the 74m2 Penthouse Suite boasting a large private sundeck with stunning sea views. For the high-rolling gambler, there is no other experience like it.

THE HIGH STAKES CASINO CRUISE

Norwegian Escape is based in Miami, Florida, and takes 4,266 guests on exotic voyages to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. But if cruising through crystal clear waters and passed white sandy beaches isn’t enough to keep travellers entertained, there are a raft of entertainment options on board.

This includes a state-of-the-art casino with some 318 slots machines and 28 gaming tables offering blackjack, craps, let it ride, poker, pi-gow, baccarat and roulette. Buy-ins range from low to high to ensure there is something for everyone, from the novice to the high-roller.

But those looking for a true red carpet casino experience, the ship has an exclusive VIP room with three tables that can be interchanged to meet guest preferences and requirements. Limits can be requested above the $5,000 maximum on the casino floor, perfect for those wanting to bet big.

And what better way to unwind after a successful night at the gaming tables than by spending the following day soaking up the rays at the Vibe Beach Club, or spending your winnings on a gourmet dinner in one of the ship’s 15 restaurants.

THE SOPHISTICATED CASINO CRUISE

Cunard evokes memories of the golden era of cruising. Today, its flagship ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, takes passengers on transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York with all the pomp and circumstance you would expect from such a prestigious name.

Luxury is in the details, from the stunning craftsmanship found in the liner’s suites and staterooms, to its library – the largest at sea with more than 8,000 books. This extends to the boat’s exquisite Empire Casino, which departs from the glitz and glamour found in other casinos in favour of a more sophisticated environment.

On offer are nine bespoke gaming tables – including roulette, blackjack, three card poker, heads up and Texas hold'em – as well as 99 slots machines. Limits for the tables range from $3 to a maximum of $500, while the slots machines range from $0.05 to $5 per spin.

For first time gamblers or those whose blackjack skills are a little rusty, daily lessons are held in the casino where the liner’s highly-trained croupiers talk guests through the rules of each game, how they are played, and, if they are lucky, how to gain an edge over the house.

While the dress code for the Empire Casino is smart-casual, it is the perfect opportunity to don your tuxedo or dinner dress, order a stiff drink at the bar, and go all in on black while imagining you are back in the early 1900s and a pioneering passenger setting sail to a distant shore on one of Queen Mary 2’s forebearers.

THE LAS VEGAS CASINO CRUISE

If might is right, then Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas ticks all the boxes. It is the second largest ship in the world at 362m long and weighing in excess of 225,000 tonnes. She can carry up to 5,400 passengers and cost an impressive USD$1.2bn to build.

The size matters approach is also to be found in its on-board casino, Casino Royale. The gaming floor is a whopping 18,000 square feet, and is packed with more than 500 slots machines – including player favourites Wheel of Fortune and Triple Diamond – and 27 table games including roulette, Caribbean stud poker, blackjack, craps and video poker.

Guests receive a true Las Vegas casino experience, from the glamorous décor right down to the cocktail service – waiters and waitresses come to players while spinning the reels or winning a hand of blackjack so as not to interrupt their gameplay. The space has been designed with both experienced and newbie gamblers in mind.

The Vegas experience doesn’t just stop there, however; Allure of the Seas host several Broadway shows such as CATS, Mamma Mia! And We Will Rock You, as well as an Aquatheater, where water meets drama. Alternatively, you could round off a good night at the casino with a drink in one of the ship’s many bars.

Which Cruise Ships Have the Best Casinos

Following the news that cruise passengers have been striking it lucky in the on-board casinos; we have decided to roll the dice and have a look into the cruise ships and packages with the biggest, best and luckiest casinos.

Oasis of the Seas & Allure of the Seas

The largest ships in the world Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are the unsurprising hosts of the largest casinos at sea with the gaming rooms containing 450 slot machines apiece. Blackjack, roulette and poker tables with skilled croupiers are also abundant in the main casino lounges alongside a bar area, poker room, and the players’ club.

The whole casino pays tribute to the history of casinos with a ‘Museum of Gaming’ walkway entrance leading from the main body of the ship.

Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest and most comprehensive liner offers the fleet’s biggest and best casino with hundreds of slot machines which the line promises are more exciting than ever. Norwegian Cruise Line has won a Casino Player ‘Best of Gaming’ award 9 years in a row and Porthole awarded them ‘Best Cruise Line Casino’ in 2013. The cruise line takes on-board gaming very seriously, offering nearly 3,000 slot machines and 200 table games across their fleet.

Azamara Journey

The intimate Azamara Journey plays host to a suitably private casino, retaining a high level of professionalism and elegance. The on-board casino is operated by the same team as the much larger casinos aboard Celebrity Cruises’ ships. The Azamara Journey casino team is dedicated to providing VIP treatment to all players, happily staying open for high-rollers into the wee hours of the morning.

The casino team aboard the Azamara Journey are incredibly helpful and only too happy to convert tables for different games depending upon what is popular that night.

Queen Mary 2

All operations aboard the Queen Mary 2 are carried out with the utmost dedication to sophistication and the casino is no different. The ship’s Empire Casino is an incredibly spacious gaming lounge with a great selection of gaming tables whilst the majority of the ship’s slot machines are located in a separate salon located adjacent to the main room.

The Queen Mary 2 plays host to a progressive Megacash jackpot which has been known to grow into the hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Holland America Zuiderdam

The Zuiderdam plays host to an incredibly modern and contemporary casino built around a central 11 gaming tables offering roulette, blackjack, poker, Caribbean stud and craps. The casino plays host to 133 slot machines, including six which offer cruisers the opportunity to play for the progressively growing Megacash jackpot.

For a full range of deals Cruise1st call our dedicated sales team on 0808 2746 777 or click the button below.

Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: Lisa Brewster, Prayitno, Christian Cordova, El Coleccionista de Instante, University of Frasey Valley

About Author

Claire has worked in the travel industry since leaving college in 1994. One of this blog's most regular contributors, Claire covers cruise news and industry trends.

8 of the World’s Best Casino Cruise Ships Revealed

There is possibly no better pairing for a leisure-seeker than an ocean cruise and a night of casino gaming fun. There are countless cruise ships out there that offer full suites of gambling games for their guests, allowing them to test their card and dice skills at sea in a bid to win impressive cash jackpots. If this sounds like your idea of a good time, check out our list of the world’s 8 most luxurious casino cruise ships below!

This luxury Royal Caribbean cruise liner spans over 1,100 feet in length, and offers a myriad of casino options, although its gaming floor is by no means the biggest in the world. Its Vegas-styled Casino Royale section boasts more than 10,000 square feet’s worth of wagering opportunities, not to mention 19 gaming tables offering blackjack and roulette, and more than 300 slots.

#2: Allure of the Seas

This is another Royal Caribbean liner – this time, longer than its sisters Oasis of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas! It boasts its very own exclusive casino that boasts slots, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and even poker for its passengers to enjoy. Feel free to indulge in a few cocktails at the gaming floor’s built-in cocktail lounge as well!

You can already tell by the name of this ship that you will be in for an epic experience once you have boarded it. The Norwegian Epic spans an impressive 1,081 feet long, and offers its own Epic Casino packed with hundreds of slots and dozens of gaming tables. Along with blackjack, roulette and craps, you can also look forward to on-board Cirque du Soleil shows and many other incredible entertainment options. If you need a change from your favourite online casino NZ games, this is it!

This liner might be on the smaller side compared to some of the other entries on this list, but it certainly leaves nothing lacking when it comes to its luxurious on-board casino section. Cunard Line’s flagship vessel is packed with Monte Carlo-style gaming opportunities, including 100 slot machines and a dozen gaming tables. Try your hand at blackjack and three card poker or test your luck in craps, roulette, and various other classic real money games.

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The 1,083 foot long Royal Princess offers a myriad of casino options that will suit slots fans and table game enthusiasts alike. This cruise liner even boasts progressive jackpot games and bingo, making for a social but lucrative gaming experience.

The Norwegian Escape is renowned not only for its exotic Bahamas and Caribbean trips, but also its very own proprietary salon prive. Join Escape Casino for a few rounds of baccarat, craps, blackjack, Let it Ride, three card poker, Pai Gow, Texas Hold’em and more. There are plenty of slots (318) on offer too, as well as live tournaments for those with a competitive streak and a specialized rewards program for regulars.

If you have money to spend and want to live it up like a celeb , we recommend that you spend it with Celebrity Cruises! This luxury line offers a wide variety of gambling options, including craps, baccarat, roulette, three card poker, and Texas Hold’em. Their proprietary Fortunes Casinos even offer tournaments for you to take part in.

Yet again, Royal Caribbean steals the scene with its casino options. This particular liner boasts an amazing 18,000 square foot gaming floor, complete with over 500 slot machines and 27 tables for your pleasure!

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Which Cruise Ships Have the Best Casinos?

Casinos are pretty common on cruise ships nowadays. But while most cruise liners have a few video slots machines, a couple of poker tables, and maybe a blackjack table, a few notable ships have fully-decked out luxury casinos, complete with all the glitz and glamor you’d expect from a land-based casino.

If you’re a real gambling honcho and are used to the real casino experience, which cruise ships would appeal to your senses? With that question in mind, here’s our list of the

Top 5 Cruise Ship Casinos

The Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines:Oasis of the SeasandAllure of the Seas– If you’re a fan of classic NJ Casinos and prefer to live life king-sized, the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has just what you need. In fact, they’ve got two of them The Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. While all Royal Caribbean Cruise ships have on-board casinos, these two vessels feature the grandest. How large, you ask? Around 450 slots and dozens of poker, roulette, and blackjack tables for starters. The cherry on top, however, is a dedicated poker room.

Norwegian Cruise Lines: Norwegian Escape – What started in the mid-1960s as a glorified car ferry has now turned into a global cruise line. The Norwegian Escape is among the largest cruise vessels in operation and has a casino to match. Gamblers will find everything from the latest video slot machines to video poker, craps, baccarat, and roulette. The casino also offers pai gow poker, three-card poker, and blackjack. The staff sometimes organize on-board Texas hold’em tournaments. The cruise also has a high-limit VIP room if you’re so inclined!

Celebrity Cruises – Despite its merger with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines a few years back, Celebrity Cruises preserves a distinct taste. Operating five ships under its portfolio, every vessel has a Fortune Casino. Depending on the vessel you board, the games range from video slots, video poker, and baccarat to blackjack, craps, roulette, and three-card poker. The minimum bet starts at $5 per table, while slots and blackjack tournaments are regularly hosted.

Cunard Cruise Line: Queen Mary 2 – While all ships operating under Cunard Cruise Line’s umbrella has a casino, none compare to the Empire Casino aboard Queen Mary 2. The flagship of the Cunard line, Queen Mary 2 has a strict dress code within the casino. While the definition of smart is open to interpretation, the management would like guests to change out of shorts and flip-flops while reveling in the casino experience.

Azamara: Azamara Journey – If you prefer a smaller cruise line for a more holistic experience, without missing the action of a larger vessel, the Azamara Journey perfectly caters to your needs. Hosting fewer than 700 passengers, the casino is a major attraction post-sunset. The downside to the downscaling is smaller suites compared to some of the bigger cruise liners on this list. On the upside, you will address fellow passengers by their first name by the time you disembark. Beat that!

If you enjoyed this list, visit NJ sites for similar stories.

The 4 Best Casino Cruise Ships

From intimate casinos on superyachts to gaming floors large enough to rival a mid-size Las Vegas casino, cruise ship casinos come in all shapes and sizes. Here are our four most favourite.

THE SUPERYACHT CASINO CRUISE

THE HIGH STAKES CASINO CRUISE

THE SOPHISTICATED CASINO CRUISE

THE LAS VEGAS CASINO CRUISE

The 8 Best Cruises for Adults in 2021

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The Rundown

Best Overall:P&O Cruise – See Rates"Ideal for cruisers who enjoy ocean cruising on a mid-sized ship, with an array of dining options and several cabin choices."

Best Music Festival Cruise:Norwegian Pearl – See Rates at Expedia"Offers music festivals at sea — a great way to meet like-minded adults."

Best for Over 50:Saga – See Rates"Entertainment onboard the vessel is more traditional and a hybrid between the river ship model and ocean cruises."

Best Cruise Experience:Holland America – See Rates at Expedia"Offers a musically-themed cruise voyage that appeals to an older demographic."

Best Traditional Cruise:Tauck – See Rates"Tauck's more traditional themed cruises have excursions that are aimed at adults."

Best Holiday Cruise:Azamara Club Cruises – See Rates at Expedia"Spends New Year’s Eve at Copacabana Beach in Brazil."

Best Modern Cruise:U River Cruises – See Rates"Takes hip approach to river cruising, with modern, stylish ships featuring chic rooftop lounges."

Best Historical Cruise:Viking Ocean Cruises – See Rates"Has excursions geared toward older travelers interested in art, history, and culture."

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: P&O Cruise

Courtesy of P&O Cruise

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Sails from: Southampton

Duration: 12 nights

Ship Name: Aurora

Itinerary: Andalsnes, Norway; Romsdalsfjord, Norway; Tromso, Norway; Alta, Norway; Stavanger, Norway; Southampton, UK

After undergoing a refurbishment in early 2019, the 1,874-passenger Aurora is now one of three adults-only vessels that sail under P&O cruises (Arcadia and Oriana are the other two). Aurora is ideal for cruisers who enjoy ocean cruising on a mid-sized ship, with an array of dining options and several cabin choices ranging from interior to spacious suites. Dance classes, a full-service spa, a theater, movie cinema, casino, and a number of bars and lounges – including the bustling, four-story central atrium — are all available onboard the vessel. For a chance to see the northern lights, Aurora sails round-trip on a breathtaking voyage through Norwegian fjords and dramatic scenery.

Best Music Festival Cruise: Norwegian Pearl

Courtesy of Kiss Kruise

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Cruisers looking to let their hair down and soak in some musical vibes at sea should consider a music cruise with Sixthman. The company charters major cruise ships like the Norwegian Pearl to offer music festivals at sea — a great way to meet like-minded adults. The Kiss Cruise from Miami features two shows from Kiss (one outdoors and one indoors), and other fun activities with the band. Norwegian Pearl also hosts cruises like "Runaway to Paradise" with Jon Bon Jovi, "Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea," the "Outlaw Country Cruise," the "311 Cruise," and many more. After the show, passengers can dance the night away at Spinnaker Lounge and Bliss Ultra Lounge and Night Club.

Best for Over 50: Saga

Courtesy of Saga

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Sails from: Dover, U.K

Duration: 14 nights

Ship Name: Spirit of Discover

Itinerary: Gothenburg, Sweden; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia; Kalundborg, Denmark; Aalborg, Denmark

Based in the U.K., Saga offers cruises for the over 50 crowd, and the company’s new ocean ship, the 999-passenger Spirit of Discovery, debuts in July with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, serving as Godmother. Entertainment onboard the vessel is more traditional and a hybrid between the river ship model, with plenty of lounges for relaxing, and ocean cruises for its added features including a full-service spa, a two-story main dining room with four additional restaurants, a golf simulator, and live performances in the theater. Luxurious cabins all feature a private balcony, and more than 100 cabins will be dedicated to solo travelers. Try out the new ship on the "Myths and Legends of the Baltic" cruise that sails round-trip from Dover to five exciting countries.

Best Cruise Experience: Holland America

Courtesy of Holland America

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Courtesy of Holland America

Sails from: San Diego

Duration: 7 nights

Ship Name: MS Koningsdam

Itinerary: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta

Holland America’s mid-sized fleet offers a more sophisticated cruise experience than most mainstream vessels, and although not adults-only, the MS Koningsdam offers a musically-themed cruise voyage that appeals to an older demographic. In the evening, there are instrumental concerts at Lincoln Center Stage, the BB King Blues Club, the two-story World Stage to Music Walk, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard — an interactive setting for rock music. The ship also focuses on food and drink with live cooking demonstrations in America’s Test Kitchen and at Blend, a hands-on cocktail class. The 2,650-passenger Koningsdam sails to several destinations from the U.S., including sun-filled itineraries to the Mexican Riviera.

Best Traditional Cruise: Tauck

Courtesy of Tauck

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Sails from: Budapest

Duration: 11 nights

Ship Name: MS Savor

Itinerary: Bratislava, Slovakia; Vienna, Austria; Melk, Austria; Passau, Germany; Prague, Czech Republic

Adventure tour provider Tauck has been in the travel industry since 1882, and in addition to a number of land tours, the company operates its own fleet of river vessels. Tauck has dedicated family voyages called Tauck Bridges, but the more traditional themed cruises have excursions that are aimed at adults. Built in 2014, the 130-passenger MS Savor has a gorgeous main atrium with a dripping chandelier, a putting green, and some innovative features like loft-style cabins with windows that open with the touch of a button. On the “Musical Magic on the Blue Danube” river cruise, interactive musical workshops, onboard performances, and themed excursions – like a trip to the Opera House in Bratislava or a private performance at a palace in Vienna – are included.

Take a look at other river cruising options with some of the best European River cruises.

Best Holiday Cruise: Azamara Club Cruises

Courtesy of Azamara Club Cruises

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Courtesy of Azamara Club Cruises

Sails from: Buenos Aires

Duration: 15 nights

Ship Name: Azamara Pursuit

Itinerary: Montevideo, Uruguay; Santos, Brazil; Ilhabela, Brazil; Paraty, Brazil; Buzios, Brazil; Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; Copacabana Beach; Brazil, Punta Del Este, Uruguay; Buenos Aires, Argentina

Azamara Club Cruises operates smaller, upscale vessels that travel one-off itineraries around the globe – calling in smaller, less-visited ports that others don't stop at. The company puts an emphasis on “destination immersion,” and appeal to adults who want to go deeper into the local culture with shore excursions. Azamara is one of the few companies that stays in port overnight, and in doing so they bundle evening excursions in the price (select wine and spirits as well as gratuities are also included in the fares). The newest ship, Azamara Pursuit, debuts this year and is offering a winter holiday cruise that spends New Year’s Eve at Copacabana Beach in Brazil.

Best Modern Cruise: U River Cruises

Courtesy of U by Uniworld

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Courtesy of U by Uniworld

Sails from: Amsterdam

Duration: 7 nights

Ship Name: The A

Itinerary: Haarlem, Netherlands; Düsseldorf, Germany; Cologne, Germany; Koblenz, Germany; Rüdesheim; Germany; Frankfurt; Germany

Geared towards millennials, U River Cruises takes a hip approach to river cruising, with modern, stylish ships featuring chic rooftop lounges with ice bars and fabulous, trend-setting dining venues. There’s also yoga, paint and wine classes, and themed cruises that bring special guests onboard, ranging from celebrity drag queens to famous tattoo artists. On the 120-pasenger A ship, cabins include adjustable mood lighting, USB ports, built-in Bluetooth speakers, and luxurious baths with heated mirrors and plush bathrobes. Plus, there’s dedicated rooms for solo travelers or groups of three. On the “Rolling on the Rhine” cruise, the ship stays late in port, with night excursions in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and others included in the fare.

Best Historical Cruise: Viking Ocean Cruises

Courtesy of Viking Ocean Cruises

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Courtesy of Viking Ocean Cruises

Sails from: Civitavecchia, Italy

Duration: 7 nights

Ship Name: Viking Sky

Itinerary: Civitavecchia, Italy; Florence/Pisa, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Marseille, France; Montpellier, France; Barcelona, Spain

Viking Ocean Cruises has a minimum age requirement of 18 years, and prides itself on offering a quiet atmosphere on board with excursions geared toward older travelers interested in art, history, and culture. Guided tours, with one in each port of call, alcoholic beverages with meals, and transfers are all included in the fare. Onboard the 930-passenger Viking Sky, guests can unwind in one of the best Nordic-style spas at sea (complete with a snow grotto), soak in the views in the two-story observation room, and dine in one of several fabulous restaurants. On the “Italian Sojourn” cruise, passengers will explore a new port of call every day during the voyage.

Need some more help finding what you're looking for? Read through our best cruise lines article.

Games You’ll Play In A Cruise Ship Casino

It’s one of the great ironies of today that as airliners are gradually becoming smaller, the cruise ships that take to our oceans are becoming larger and larger. This has been highlighted recently, with the news that the A380 Airbus is to cease production, while the Royal Caribbean Line’s Symphony of the Seas has been launched with 18 decks, a crew of over 2,000, and a passenger capacity of nearly 7,000 travelers — it’s more like a traveling city than a ship.

But it’s not only the size of cruise ships that has grown exponentially in recent times, the level of entertainment on board has also more than kept pace with the change.

So, on a typical cruise liner, not only can you expect round-the-clock dining in an international range of restaurants, you can also find yourself playing tennis, swimming in numerous pools, learning new skills from oil painting to ballroom dancing, and even listening to world-famous experts delivering lectures on everything from fine art to ancient civilizations.

Away from these highlights, another form of entertainment that has truly moved into the 21 st century is the world of the onboard casino. The glamour of the land-based casino is more than matched by the lavish décor that you can expect to find onboard. And, with potentially thousands of passengers in vacation mood (and probably hoping to win back at least a part of the fare they’ve paid to be on board) it’s a natural choice for some high rolling on the high seas.

In Canada, there are several options available for anyone who wants to experience the onboard casino whether on a full cruise or a smaller, more local experience. From the many available, we’ve chosen three that are sure to entertain.

The Regal Princess

Regal Princess during sea trials.

Launched in 2014 by Princess Cruises , the Regal Princess is a mid-sized ship with a maximum capacity of 3,560 and a crew of over 1,300. A fun trivia fact is that it was launched and christened by the cast of the hit TV series The Love Boat. Among the many journeys, it takes each year is one that includes the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. traveling north to Halifax and New Brunswick.

There are countless activities to enjoy on board, but surely one of the most entertaining is the Vegas-style casino that welcomes players of every level from complete beginner to semi-professional.

There are all the games that you’d expect to find as well as a whole battery of slots games to enjoy. Some of these even boast the big-winning progressive jackpots that are so popular in casinos on dry land.

While gambling is always a roll of the dice, that’s literally true when playing craps.

Then there are all the old favorites like roulette, blackjack, and poker with the latter featuring T exas Hold ‘Em poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Three Card Poker, and Let it Ride. And if you don’t know your straight flush from your river, there’s no need to worry. The casino staff are always on hand to give a quick tutorial or two. So even if you are a novice it might not be long before you’re ready to take part in one of the many tournaments that take place on board.

There are two other features that are also important to mention. The first: the PlayOcean Casino. They’ve taken a leaf out of the book of top online operators and launched their own app, which means you can play all your favorite games wherever and whenever you want while you’re on board. In recent years, there have been increasing numbers of players going online to play their favorite casino games, rather than visiting a brick-and-mortar casino.

A new player entering the game can throw some players completely off their game.

Therefore, it makes sense for The Regal Princess to cater to their guests with an online alternative – after all, it’s easy to see why casino players are favoring the virtual alternative. High-quality games like European Roulette keep players in Canada and around the rest of the world entertained, so why shouldn’t those at sea be able to indulge as well? The second notable feature is a technique they’ve taken from the casinos ashore: The Princess Players Club. This offers a range of rewards for frequent or high-stakes play, and can really add to the enjoyment.

Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Joy is a member of the Norwegian Lines fleet and one of the most popular routes that it travels is called The Awe of Alaska. Traveling in and out of Seattle, the ship visits Victoria in British Columbia along with its journey. Slightly larger than The Regal Princess with a maximum capacity of 3,802 passengers served by a crew of over 1,800, the ship was launched in 2017.

One of the more unusual activities that you’ll find on board is a race track where you can put your driving skills to the test. Then, when you’ve discovered your inner Jacques Villeneuve it could be time to head for that other glamour-spot of the ship, the Joy Casino. Bedecked in fine furnishings including ornate chandeliers and lined with the very latest slots, it’s a great place to relax over a table game… or two.

There’s a whole range of games to enjoy, including roulette and blackjack, with table limits that range from $5 right up to $5,000. So, it’s perfect for a quick dabble or a far more high-stakes experience depending on your taste. It’s located in the heart of 678 Ocean Place, the heart of the ship’s evening entertainment center where you’ll also be spoiled with choices for nightclubs, bars, and places to eat.

Yankee Lady Yacht Cruises

Of course, we don’t all have the time or the money to go on a whole cruise. But there is another way that we can enjoy gambling afloat. Come on board one of the Yankee Lady Yacht Charters, which operate out of Toronto, and you’re guaranteed a great experience.

Games on board include roulette, blackjack, craps, and even slots, and give everyone a chance to enjoy a few hours of fun. Because the gaming laws in the province don’t allow the use of real money, everyone on board plays with so-called “funny money” which they can exchange for a range of gifts at the end of the outing.

So, while it may not be quite as exciting or glamorous as taking a cruise on the open seas, a trip on board will be fun-filled… and could even see you taking home a great prize.

So, let's define, what was the most valuable conclusion of this review: Here's a list of the best three casino cruise ships in the world along with descriptions for what each one has to offer. Learn more about them here. at The Best Cruise Ships with Casinos in Canada