The Allure of the Seas holds the record for the largest cruise ship casino, boasting 18,000 square feet of gaming space. With a guest capacity of 5,400, this Royal Caribbean ship offers two dozen restaurants, 15 bars, and activities like rock climbing, mini-golf, and outdoor movie screenings.
Casino Royale, located in the heart of the ship, hosts 27 table games, covering blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, and other novelty games fill out the selection. The 456-slot lineup includes popular titles like Buffalo, Buffalo Stampede, and 88 Fortunes.
A designated non-smoking casino on Deck 4 has a few tables and dozens of slots for those looking for a different environment.
Oasis of the Seas: A Close Second
Oasis of the Seas, the sister ship to Allure, launched in 2009. A 2019 renovation brought new dining concepts, an eleven-story slide, and a water park, though some casino space was reduced.
The 15,000-square-foot casino includes 24 tables and 464 slots. A no-smoking section offers three tables and 46 machines. Despite downsizing, it remains one of the largest cruise ship casinos.
Casinos at Sea: More Than Slots and Blackjack
A cruise ship casino is more than a collection of slot machines and table games. Poker tables attract those looking to compete in something beyond luck-based wagers. Playing poker on a cruise ship can feel different from a traditional cardroom, with smaller player pools and a more relaxed atmosphere. The games range from casual no-limit hold’em to structured tournaments, often drawing a mix of regulars and vacationers testing their skills.
While poker is available, cruise casinos focus on high-action games like blackjack and craps. Slot tournaments and progressive jackpots are common, keeping the energy on the casino floor high.
Norwegian Epic: A Unique Standalone
Launched in 2010, Norwegian Epic was meant to have sister ships, but plans changed, making it the only vessel of its class. Holding about 5,300 guests over 19 decks, this ship features 15 restaurants, multiple bars, and entertainment designed for theater lovers.
The casino spans 13,000 square feet, supporting 348 slots and 28 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker variations. A large layout helps alleviate ventilation concerns common in some cruise casinos.
Symphony of the Seas: Cutting Down Without Compromising
Symphony of the Seas, introduced in 2018, follows the Oasis design while updating staterooms and amenities. The 12,000-square-foot casino hosts nearly the same number of tables (24) and slots (452) as Oasis and maintains a strong game selection.
Sun Princess: A Modern Approach
Princess Cruises introduced Sun Princess in February 2024 with 4,300-passenger capacity. Named after the original ship featured on The Love Boat, this vessel includes a three-story dining hall and an open-glass atrium named The Piazza.
The 9,000-square-foot casino houses 17 table games and 227 slot machines, making it the largest casino Princess Cruises has designed. Progressive jackpots are linked across blackjack and poker games, and a dedicated Buffalo Zone features multiple Buffalo-themed slot machines. A high-limit slot area offers upgraded seating for extended play sessions.
Norwegian Escape: Tightly Packed Action
Norwegian Escape, a Breakaway Plus class ship, carries 4,000 guests and focuses on entertainment, featuring Broadway-style performances and a relaxed dining policy with no formal requirements.
The 8,000-square-foot casino maximizes space with 23 tables and 318 slots. Table games include Pai Gow, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, blackjack, craps, and roulette. Machines are updated regularly with popular titles from land-based casinos.
Carnival Celebration: Packed With Variety
Carnival Celebration, an Excel Class ship launched in 2022, carries over 5,300 guests. The 24 onboard restaurants include Guy’s Burger Joint and Smokehouse, both tied to TV personality Guy Fieri.
An 800-foot-long roller coaster named Bolt makes this ship unique, offering a high-speed attraction on the top deck.
The casino sits at 5,000 square feet, containing 15 tables and over 200 slots. A reader poll in Newsweek named it the best cruise ship casino in 2023.
Common Cruise Casino Questions
Casinos on cruise ships operate outside the jurisdiction of traditional gaming commissions, meaning regulations vary by the country the ship is registered under. While slots on U.S. soil typically return around 90% to players, some reports suggest cruise slot payout percentages may be closer to 80%, though data confirming this is limited.
U.S. citizens must report any gambling winnings to the IRS, regardless of where the money is won. A jackpot over $1,200 triggers a W-2G form, and major cruise lines enforce 24% tax withholding for large payouts.
Not every cruise ship includes a casino. Some, like Norwegian’s Pride of America, stay within Hawaiian waters and cannot legally operate one. Checking casino availability before booking is advised.
Many ships register under countries such as the Bahamas, and some agreements exist with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which offers industry guidelines. However, passenger spending is the strongest factor influencing casino operations.
