Monday, October 29, 2007

How Do Casinos Work on Cruise Ships?


If you enjoy gambling, you might be excited by the idea of playing the casinos while you're cruising from one port to the next on an exotic vacation. But how do casinos work on cruise ships? Do you have to pay? Is it the same as on land?

Here's the lowdown on casinos on cruise ships:

  • Yes, you do have to pay to play (though there is no charge to enter the casino). As in Las Vegas, the reason these casinos exist is to make money. The House will always have the best odds.
  • Children under 18 are not allowed in the casino.
  • Cruise ship casinos are closed in port due to international customs regulations.
  • Taking photos in the casino is usually not allowed.
  • German- and Japanese-registered ships don't have casinos that give out cash prizes.
  • The gambling environment is about entertainment, so don't expect a "hard core" atmosphere.
  • Examples of games you'll likely find are blackjack, roulette, Caribbean stud poker, craps, and baccarat.
  • Most cruise lines have demonstrations on how to play the various games, and you can even get lessons.
  • Yes, there are slot machines too.
Source: Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships

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