Walking into a cruise ship casino can feel overwhelming with all the flashing lights and ringing bells, but if you know which games to play, you can maximize your chances of walking away a winner. After spending countless hours in casinos aboard ships from the Carnival Celebration to the Celebrity Beyond, I've learned which games give you the best mathematical advantage—and which ones to avoid like the plague.
Let me share the insider knowledge that took me years to learn about getting the best odds in cruise ship casinos.
Blackjack consistently offers the lowest house edge in any cruise casino, typically hovering around 0.5% to 1% when you play with basic strategy. I've found excellent blackjack tables on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas starting at $10 minimums, while Norwegian's newer ships like the Norwegian Aqua often start at $15.
Here's what you need to know: most cruise ship blackjack games use 6-8 decks and allow doubling after splitting. The dealer typically stands on soft 17, which slightly favors the house. Always ask about the specific rules before sitting down—I once discovered that Celebrity Edge uses slightly more favorable rules than their older ships.
Insider tip: Avoid the blackjack side bets like "21+3" or "Perfect Pairs." These flashy additions can have house edges exceeding 3%, completely negating blackjack's mathematical advantage.
Want to brush up on your strategy? Most cruise lines offer free gaming lessons on embarkation day around 4 PM. I always recommend these for first-timers.
Baccarat intimidates many cruisers because of its reputation as a "high-roller" game, but it's actually one of the simplest casino games with excellent odds. The banker bet carries only a 1.06% house edge, making it your second-best option after blackjack.
On Princess ships like the Sky Princess, I've found baccarat tables with $25 minimums, while Carnival typically starts at $15. Always bet the banker and ignore the tie bet—that tempting tie option carries a devastating 14.4% house edge.
The beauty of baccarat is that you don't need to memorize complex strategies. Simply bet banker every hand, pay the 5% commission on wins, and enjoy some of the best odds in the casino.
Craps tables create the most excitement in any cruise casino, and the pass line bet offers a respectable 1.4% house edge. I've rolled dice on everything from the massive tables aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas to the more intimate setups on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady.
The key to craps success is discipline: stick to pass/don't pass and come/don't come bets. Those flashy proposition bets in the center of the table might promise big payouts, but they carry house edges ranging from 9% to 17%.
Pro tip: Cruise ship craps tables often get crowded during sea days. I've found the best action and friendliest dealers during port days when most passengers are ashore.
Video poker offers some of the best odds in cruise casinos, but you need to hunt for the right machines. Look for "Full Pay" Jacks or Better games, which offer a 99.54% return with perfect play—that's just a 0.46% house edge.
I've found excellent video poker selections on Holland America ships, particularly the Nieuw Statendam, where they offer multiple variations with favorable pay tables. Celebrity ships typically feature video poker near the main casino entrance.
Watch out for reduced pay tables—many cruise lines offer "short pay" versions that increase the house edge to 2-3%. A full-pay Jacks or Better machine pays 9 coins for a full house and 6 coins for a flush (9/6 Jacks or Better). Anything less, like 8/5 or 7/5, significantly hurts your odds.
Roulette wheels come in two varieties, and the difference is crucial for your bankroll. European (single-zero) roulette carries a 2.7% house edge, while American (double-zero) roulette jumps to 5.26%.
Most mainstream cruise lines use American wheels, but I've discovered European wheels on some premium ships. Virgin Voyages exclusively uses single-zero wheels—a huge advantage for roulette players. Some Royal Caribbean ships offer both versions, so always check before placing your first bet.
After years of casino experience, I've learned which games consistently drain bankrolls fastest:
I still play slots occasionally for entertainment, but I always remember they're the worst odds in the casino.
Beyond choosing the right games, several strategies can improve your overall casino experience:
Join the casino rewards program immediately. Norwegian's Casinos at Sea program, Royal Caribbean's Club Royale, and Celebrity's Captain's Club all offer points that convert to onboard credit. I typically earn $50-100 in credits per week-long cruise through normal play.
Take advantage of free drinks while gambling. On most ships, cocktail service is complimentary for active players. A few drinks can easily offset small losses and add to your entertainment value.
Set strict loss limits before you start playing. I never bring more cash to the casino than I'm comfortable losing entirely. Once it's gone, I'm done for that session.
Time your play strategically. Casinos offer their best promotions during sea days and evening hours. I've scored free play certificates, drawing entries, and bonus point multipliers just by being in the right place at the right time.
Even with the best odds, remember that every casino game favors the house over time. The games I've recommended simply give you the best mathematical chance of success in the short term.
I approach cruise casino gaming as paid entertainment with the possibility of winning. Setting realistic expectations prevents disappointment and keeps the experience fun.
Cruise ship casinos often have slightly higher house edges than their land-based counterparts, but the convenience and atmosphere can make up for the difference. Plus, where else can you play blackjack while watching dolphins swim alongside your ship?
Share your casino wins and strategies with fellow cruisers in our onboard activities forum—we love hearing about big wins and learning new approaches to cruise ship gaming!
Let me share the insider knowledge that took me years to learn about getting the best odds in cruise ship casinos.
Blackjack: Your Best Bet for Low House Edge
Blackjack consistently offers the lowest house edge in any cruise casino, typically hovering around 0.5% to 1% when you play with basic strategy. I've found excellent blackjack tables on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas starting at $10 minimums, while Norwegian's newer ships like the Norwegian Aqua often start at $15.
Here's what you need to know: most cruise ship blackjack games use 6-8 decks and allow doubling after splitting. The dealer typically stands on soft 17, which slightly favors the house. Always ask about the specific rules before sitting down—I once discovered that Celebrity Edge uses slightly more favorable rules than their older ships.
Insider tip: Avoid the blackjack side bets like "21+3" or "Perfect Pairs." These flashy additions can have house edges exceeding 3%, completely negating blackjack's mathematical advantage.
Want to brush up on your strategy? Most cruise lines offer free gaming lessons on embarkation day around 4 PM. I always recommend these for first-timers.
Baccarat: Simple Strategy, Great Odds
Baccarat intimidates many cruisers because of its reputation as a "high-roller" game, but it's actually one of the simplest casino games with excellent odds. The banker bet carries only a 1.06% house edge, making it your second-best option after blackjack.
On Princess ships like the Sky Princess, I've found baccarat tables with $25 minimums, while Carnival typically starts at $15. Always bet the banker and ignore the tie bet—that tempting tie option carries a devastating 14.4% house edge.
The beauty of baccarat is that you don't need to memorize complex strategies. Simply bet banker every hand, pay the 5% commission on wins, and enjoy some of the best odds in the casino.
Craps: Stick to the Basic Bets
Craps tables create the most excitement in any cruise casino, and the pass line bet offers a respectable 1.4% house edge. I've rolled dice on everything from the massive tables aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas to the more intimate setups on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady.
The key to craps success is discipline: stick to pass/don't pass and come/don't come bets. Those flashy proposition bets in the center of the table might promise big payouts, but they carry house edges ranging from 9% to 17%.
Pro tip: Cruise ship craps tables often get crowded during sea days. I've found the best action and friendliest dealers during port days when most passengers are ashore.
Video Poker: Better Than Slots (If You Find the Right Machines)
Video poker offers some of the best odds in cruise casinos, but you need to hunt for the right machines. Look for "Full Pay" Jacks or Better games, which offer a 99.54% return with perfect play—that's just a 0.46% house edge.
I've found excellent video poker selections on Holland America ships, particularly the Nieuw Statendam, where they offer multiple variations with favorable pay tables. Celebrity ships typically feature video poker near the main casino entrance.
Watch out for reduced pay tables—many cruise lines offer "short pay" versions that increase the house edge to 2-3%. A full-pay Jacks or Better machine pays 9 coins for a full house and 6 coins for a flush (9/6 Jacks or Better). Anything less, like 8/5 or 7/5, significantly hurts your odds.
Roulette: European vs. American Makes All the Difference
Roulette wheels come in two varieties, and the difference is crucial for your bankroll. European (single-zero) roulette carries a 2.7% house edge, while American (double-zero) roulette jumps to 5.26%.
Most mainstream cruise lines use American wheels, but I've discovered European wheels on some premium ships. Virgin Voyages exclusively uses single-zero wheels—a huge advantage for roulette players. Some Royal Caribbean ships offer both versions, so always check before placing your first bet.
Games to Avoid: The House Edge Traps
After years of casino experience, I've learned which games consistently drain bankrolls fastest:
- Slot machines: House edges typically range from 5% to 15% on cruise ships
- Keno: Often carries a brutal 25-30% house edge
- Caribbean Stud Poker: The side bet pushes the house edge above 25%
- Let It Ride: Base game house edge around 3.5%, but side bets are killers
- Wheel of Fortune: Those big spinning wheels typically favor the house by 7-11%
I still play slots occasionally for entertainment, but I always remember they're the worst odds in the casino.
Maximizing Your Casino Experience
Beyond choosing the right games, several strategies can improve your overall casino experience:
Join the casino rewards program immediately. Norwegian's Casinos at Sea program, Royal Caribbean's Club Royale, and Celebrity's Captain's Club all offer points that convert to onboard credit. I typically earn $50-100 in credits per week-long cruise through normal play.
Take advantage of free drinks while gambling. On most ships, cocktail service is complimentary for active players. A few drinks can easily offset small losses and add to your entertainment value.
Set strict loss limits before you start playing. I never bring more cash to the casino than I'm comfortable losing entirely. Once it's gone, I'm done for that session.
Time your play strategically. Casinos offer their best promotions during sea days and evening hours. I've scored free play certificates, drawing entries, and bonus point multipliers just by being in the right place at the right time.
The Reality Check: House Edge vs. Entertainment Value
Even with the best odds, remember that every casino game favors the house over time. The games I've recommended simply give you the best mathematical chance of success in the short term.
I approach cruise casino gaming as paid entertainment with the possibility of winning. Setting realistic expectations prevents disappointment and keeps the experience fun.
Cruise ship casinos often have slightly higher house edges than their land-based counterparts, but the convenience and atmosphere can make up for the difference. Plus, where else can you play blackjack while watching dolphins swim alongside your ship?
Share your casino wins and strategies with fellow cruisers in our onboard activities forum—we love hearing about big wins and learning new approaches to cruise ship gaming!