If you're a gambling enthusiast choosing your next cruise, the casino can make or break your onboard experience. After spending countless hours (and dollars!) in ship casinos across all major cruise lines, I've learned that not all gaming floors are created equal. Some lines focus on sheer size and slot variety, while others prioritize table game selection or VIP perks. Here's your complete breakdown of which cruise lines deliver the best casino experiences — and what you can realistically expect from each.
Royal Caribbean consistently delivers the largest casinos at sea, especially on their Oasis and Voyager class ships. The Casino Royale aboard Wonder of the Seas spans over 1,800 square feet with 300+ slot machines and 27 table games. You'll find everything from penny slots to $25 minimum blackjack tables.
What sets Royal Caribbean apart: Their newer ships feature stadium-style poker rooms and dedicated high-limit areas. The Oasis-class ships have separate smoking and non-smoking gaming sections — a huge plus if you're sensitive to cigarette smoke.
The downside? Service can be inconsistent during peak hours, and drink service tends to be slower than smaller casinos. Comps are decent but not exceptional — expect free play offers around $50-100 for moderate gambling.
Best ships for casino gaming: Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas
NCL's casinos perfectly match their freestyle cruising vibe — relaxed, fun, and surprisingly spacious. The Epic's casino floor covers 11,000 square feet (one of the largest at sea), while newer ships like Norwegian Prima feature modern LED slot machines and comfortable gaming chairs.
What I love about NCL casinos: They stay open later than most cruise lines, often until 3 AM on sea days. Their blackjack minimums start at $10, and they offer more $15 tables than other lines during busy periods.
The reality check: NCL's comp program isn't as generous as advertised. You'll need to gamble significantly more than other lines to earn meaningful free play. Their slot selection skews heavily toward newer penny slots, which can eat through your budget faster.
Insider tip: Norwegian's Haven suite guests get priority seating at table games and faster drink service — worth considering if you're a serious gambler.
Carnival's approach to casinos mirrors their overall cruise philosophy: pack in as much excitement as possible. Their newer ships like Mardi Gras feature expansive gaming floors with over 200 slot machines and solid table game selections.
Carnival's casino strengths: They offer the most frequent slot tournaments at sea, and their cocktail servers are consistently the fastest I've experienced. Table minimums stay reasonable even on busy nights — usually $15 for blackjack.
The trade-offs: Carnival casinos get crowded. Finding an open slot machine on formal nights or sea days requires patience. The atmosphere is decidedly casual — great for fun gambling, less ideal if you prefer a sophisticated gaming environment.
Money-saving tip: Carnival's Players Club offers better immediate perks (free drinks, priority dining reservations) than post-cruise mailers.
If you prefer a more refined casino atmosphere, Celebrity delivers. Their Fortunes Casino spaces are smaller but beautifully designed, with premium gaming equipment and attentive service. The new Celebrity Beyond features a stunning two-level casino with panoramic ocean views.
Celebrity's casino advantages: Higher-quality slot machines, professional dealers, and the best comp program for serious players. Their VIP gaming hosts actually know your name and gambling preferences.
The reality: Smaller casinos mean fewer game options and higher table minimums. Expect $25 minimum blackjack tables most nights, and slots with higher denominations. Not ideal for casual gamblers or tight budgets.
Best for: Players who gamble $500+ per cruise and value quality over quantity.
Princess strikes an excellent balance between casino size, game variety, and player rewards. Their newer ships like Sky Princess feature well-designed gaming floors with comfortable spacing between machines.
What makes Princess special: They offer the most generous comp program I've encountered. Regular players receive significant free play offers (often $200-400) plus onboard credits for future cruises. Their table game dealers are consistently professional and friendly.
The limitations: Princess casinos close earlier than other lines (usually midnight) and have limited late-night gaming options. Their slot selection is solid but not cutting-edge.
Holland America's casinos cater to an older, more sophisticated gambling crowd. Their gaming floors are smaller but meticulously maintained, with classic table games and reliable slot machines.
Holland America's strengths: Excellent customer service, generous drink service, and surprisingly good comps for loyal players. Their blackjack rules are among the fairest at sea.
Consider carefully: Limited gaming variety and very quiet atmospheres. If you enjoy the energy and excitement of busy casinos, Holland America might feel too sedate.
MSC's newer ships feature impressive casinos with European-style gaming. Their Seashore-class ships have modern gaming floors with good slot variety and reasonable table minimums.
The upside: Less crowded than American cruise line casinos, and European passengers tend to be more reserved, creating a calmer gaming environment.
What to expect: Smaller casinos overall, limited late-night gaming, and comp programs still developing compared to established lines.
For slot enthusiasts: Royal Caribbean or Norwegian offer the most variety and longest operating hours.
For table game players: Celebrity and Princess provide better dealer training and more favorable rules.
For comp hunters: Princess offers the most generous rewards, followed by Celebrity for high-limit players.
For casual gamblers: Carnival provides the most entertainment value and reasonable minimums.
For serious players: Celebrity or Holland America deliver premium service and attention.
The best casino cruise depends entirely on your gambling style, budget, and preferences. If you value variety and excitement, book Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. For premium service and better odds, Celebrity and Princess deliver. Whatever you choose, remember that the house always has the edge — cruise casinos are entertainment, not investment opportunities.
What's your experience been with cruise ship casinos? Share your wins, losses, and insider tips with fellow gamblers in our Cruise Comparison Forum!
Royal Caribbean: The Kings of Casino Square Footage
Royal Caribbean consistently delivers the largest casinos at sea, especially on their Oasis and Voyager class ships. The Casino Royale aboard Wonder of the Seas spans over 1,800 square feet with 300+ slot machines and 27 table games. You'll find everything from penny slots to $25 minimum blackjack tables.
What sets Royal Caribbean apart: Their newer ships feature stadium-style poker rooms and dedicated high-limit areas. The Oasis-class ships have separate smoking and non-smoking gaming sections — a huge plus if you're sensitive to cigarette smoke.
The downside? Service can be inconsistent during peak hours, and drink service tends to be slower than smaller casinos. Comps are decent but not exceptional — expect free play offers around $50-100 for moderate gambling.
Best ships for casino gaming: Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas
Norwegian Cruise Line: Party Atmosphere with Solid Gaming Options
NCL's casinos perfectly match their freestyle cruising vibe — relaxed, fun, and surprisingly spacious. The Epic's casino floor covers 11,000 square feet (one of the largest at sea), while newer ships like Norwegian Prima feature modern LED slot machines and comfortable gaming chairs.
What I love about NCL casinos: They stay open later than most cruise lines, often until 3 AM on sea days. Their blackjack minimums start at $10, and they offer more $15 tables than other lines during busy periods.
The reality check: NCL's comp program isn't as generous as advertised. You'll need to gamble significantly more than other lines to earn meaningful free play. Their slot selection skews heavily toward newer penny slots, which can eat through your budget faster.
Insider tip: Norwegian's Haven suite guests get priority seating at table games and faster drink service — worth considering if you're a serious gambler.
Carnival: Maximum Fun, Maximum Crowds
Carnival's approach to casinos mirrors their overall cruise philosophy: pack in as much excitement as possible. Their newer ships like Mardi Gras feature expansive gaming floors with over 200 slot machines and solid table game selections.
Carnival's casino strengths: They offer the most frequent slot tournaments at sea, and their cocktail servers are consistently the fastest I've experienced. Table minimums stay reasonable even on busy nights — usually $15 for blackjack.
The trade-offs: Carnival casinos get crowded. Finding an open slot machine on formal nights or sea days requires patience. The atmosphere is decidedly casual — great for fun gambling, less ideal if you prefer a sophisticated gaming environment.
Money-saving tip: Carnival's Players Club offers better immediate perks (free drinks, priority dining reservations) than post-cruise mailers.
Celebrity: Upscale Gaming with Premium Service
If you prefer a more refined casino atmosphere, Celebrity delivers. Their Fortunes Casino spaces are smaller but beautifully designed, with premium gaming equipment and attentive service. The new Celebrity Beyond features a stunning two-level casino with panoramic ocean views.
Celebrity's casino advantages: Higher-quality slot machines, professional dealers, and the best comp program for serious players. Their VIP gaming hosts actually know your name and gambling preferences.
The reality: Smaller casinos mean fewer game options and higher table minimums. Expect $25 minimum blackjack tables most nights, and slots with higher denominations. Not ideal for casual gamblers or tight budgets.
Best for: Players who gamble $500+ per cruise and value quality over quantity.
Princess: The Sweet Spot for Serious Gamblers
Princess strikes an excellent balance between casino size, game variety, and player rewards. Their newer ships like Sky Princess feature well-designed gaming floors with comfortable spacing between machines.
What makes Princess special: They offer the most generous comp program I've encountered. Regular players receive significant free play offers (often $200-400) plus onboard credits for future cruises. Their table game dealers are consistently professional and friendly.
The limitations: Princess casinos close earlier than other lines (usually midnight) and have limited late-night gaming options. Their slot selection is solid but not cutting-edge.
Holland America: Old-School Elegance for Mature Gamblers
Holland America's casinos cater to an older, more sophisticated gambling crowd. Their gaming floors are smaller but meticulously maintained, with classic table games and reliable slot machines.
Holland America's strengths: Excellent customer service, generous drink service, and surprisingly good comps for loyal players. Their blackjack rules are among the fairest at sea.
Consider carefully: Limited gaming variety and very quiet atmospheres. If you enjoy the energy and excitement of busy casinos, Holland America might feel too sedate.
MSC: European Flair with Growing Gaming Options
MSC's newer ships feature impressive casinos with European-style gaming. Their Seashore-class ships have modern gaming floors with good slot variety and reasonable table minimums.
The upside: Less crowded than American cruise line casinos, and European passengers tend to be more reserved, creating a calmer gaming environment.
What to expect: Smaller casinos overall, limited late-night gaming, and comp programs still developing compared to established lines.
Smart Money: How to Choose Your Gaming Cruise
For slot enthusiasts: Royal Caribbean or Norwegian offer the most variety and longest operating hours.
For table game players: Celebrity and Princess provide better dealer training and more favorable rules.
For comp hunters: Princess offers the most generous rewards, followed by Celebrity for high-limit players.
For casual gamblers: Carnival provides the most entertainment value and reasonable minimums.
For serious players: Celebrity or Holland America deliver premium service and attention.
- Always join the players club before gambling — even small amounts of play generate future cruise offers
- Avoid slot machines near walkways — they typically have lower payout percentages
- Table minimums double on formal nights and sea days
- Casino comps don't transfer between cruise lines, so concentrate your play
- Free play offers usually expire within 12 months
The best casino cruise depends entirely on your gambling style, budget, and preferences. If you value variety and excitement, book Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. For premium service and better odds, Celebrity and Princess deliver. Whatever you choose, remember that the house always has the edge — cruise casinos are entertainment, not investment opportunities.
What's your experience been with cruise ship casinos? Share your wins, losses, and insider tips with fellow gamblers in our Cruise Comparison Forum!