Casinos on cruise ships may be smaller than the ones you see in Las Vegas, but there is no much difference between the two. Cruise lines offer some of the best and most popular games from physical and online casino real money. Here are the games you should play on a cruise ship casino:
Slot machines and table games
Cruise ship casinos have a range of slot machine options as well as table games, including blackjack and numerous poker games (Let it Ride, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Three Card, Carribean Stud).
You can play these games against the dealer. Some cruise ships have dealer-dealt tables for Texas Hold’em that’s played against other players, whereas others use electronic Poker Pro tables. But some ships don’t offer Texas Hold’em; therefore, if you are a fan of this game, you will want to confirm this before buying your ticket. You will also find at least one craps table and one roulette table, and only a few will have Baccarat.
Penny Slots
Nearly all cruise ship casinos have penny slots. But there are many variations on how to win. At one cent per variation, your one cent wager can cost you more than two dollars a go.
Higher risk tables
Only a few cruise ships offer this option. On some of the best cruise ships with casinos, if there are enough high rollers who want to play high stake games, it can be arranged. However, for the most part, tables are usually limited.
Blackjack, poker and slot tournaments
Most cruise ship casinos offer tournaments that you can take part in. The most common gambling tournaments include games like blackjack and slot. With most tournaments being buy-ins, you have to pay a certain amount of money before you can participate. On the upside, you will not spend any money during the tournament.
For some cruise ships, you can actually rebuy during poker and blackjack tournaments. Mostly, those who win in these tournaments get money, but on some shipping lines, winners get some special treats. This could be something like a free cruise for two.
Important Things You Need To Know About Cruise Ship Casino Games
Here are a few things you should know about casino games on a cruise ship:
- Is cruise-ship casino open around the clock?
Cruise ship casinos only operate when the cruise ship is out there at sea. However, the casino can also open in port at regions where gambling is not illegal, such as Malta and Bermuda. Some shipping lines close casinos during the day even when the ship is sailing because they know that most people are busy doing other things during the day. Night hours may vary but most casinos on cruise ships don’t close until 2 or 3 AM. It is always important that you check your everyday cruise schedule for casino hours.
- What’s the minimum age allowed on a cruise ship casino?
For most cruise ships, the required minimum age to play or be at their casino is 18 years. Some shipping lines have their minimum age at 21 on all sailings or certain sailings. If you would like to gamble, but you think you might be too young, make sure that you confirm with the cruise line or travel agent before booking.
- How do I deposit money at a cruise ship casino?
Most cruise ship casinos allow you to deposit cash. You can also use your cruise card. When playing at the table, your cash money will be changed into chips or the price of the chips can be charged on your cruise card. Most slots use cruise cards, but some take cash. Only a few casinos in cruise ships are cash-only. Most ships have an ATM, but the withdrawal fee is usually very high. You may want to bring some bills if you are not sure about how the cruise ship casino works.
- Do they offer free drinks in cruise ship casinos as they do in land casinos?
You can only get free drinks in cruise ship casinos where drinks are always free. Generally, you will have to pay as you do in the dining room or at the bar. If you are a member of the casino loyalty program at the cruise ship and have earned enough points, you might get some free drinks. However, most programs will require you to wager huge amounts of money before you can get drinks served.
- Do cruise ship casinos have a loyalty club where I can get some perks and points?
Most cruise ship casinos have loyalty programs that are separate from the cruise line’s loyalty program. The more money you bet, the more points you earn. The rewards usually come in the form of free cruise sailings and drinks. To get a significant amount of points, you will have to bet a significant amount of money. You may end up spending more than what you will get for the reward. Keep in mind that the rewards you get on one cruise ship cannot be transferred to another ship.
- Can I smoke in a cruise ship casino?
This depends on the cruise ship you are sailing in. Most ships will allow you to smoke in their casinos. But some ships don’t allow smoking. So, you will want to make sure that you confirm this before bringing your cigarette on the cruise ship casino.