Most large cruise ships have casinos, but the size and games vary by ship and cruise line
Yes, the majority of cruise ships operated by major lines include casinos. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess all have gaming spaces on their larger vessels. The casinos are typically open to passengers 18 and older (21 in some cases) and operate during sea days and while docked in international waters. Smaller ships and river cruises often do not have casinos at all.
The casino is not a money-making requirement for your cruise — it is an optional activity. You can book and complete an entire cruise without entering the gaming area. However, if you do plan to gamble, knowing what games are available, what the betting limits are, and how the casino operates will help you make informed decisions about your spending.
Key Takeaways
- Large cruise ships from major lines have casinos, but small ships and river cruises typically do not.
- Casinos operate only in international waters and are closed when the ship is docked in U.S. ports.
- Common games include slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps, with betting limits that vary by ship.
- You must be at least 18 years old to enter most casinos, though some cruise lines require passengers to be 21.
- Cruise line casinos are regulated by maritime law, not by state or local gambling commissions.
Which cruise lines have casinos and which do not
Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises all operate casinos on their mainstream fleet ships. Disney Cruise Line does not have a casino on any of its ships. Smaller luxury lines like Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas also do not offer gaming. River cruise operators such as Viking River Cruises and Uniworld do not have casinos.
The presence of a casino depends partly on the ship's size and the cruise line's brand. Disney positions itself as family-friendly and excludes gambling entirely. Luxury lines often skip casinos because their passengers are less interested in gaming and more focused on dining, entertainment, and shore excursions. Mainstream lines use casinos as part of their onboard revenue model and include them on ships large enough to dedicate space to gaming.
Before booking, you can check the cruise line's website or call their reservations team to confirm whether your specific ship has a casino. The ship's deck plan, available online, usually shows the casino location if one exists.
What games and betting limits you will encounter
Cruise ship casinos typically offer slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker (including Caribbean stud and three-card poker), craps, and baccarat. Slot machines are usually the most abundant and range from penny slots to machines with higher minimum bets. Table games have betting limits that vary — a blackjack table might have a $5 minimum and $500 maximum, while another table on the same ship could be $25 to $2,500.
The specific games and limits depend on the ship and cruise line. Royal Caribbean and Carnival tend to have larger casinos with more table games and higher betting limits than smaller ships. Norwegian Cruise Line's casinos often feature a wider variety of poker games. You can contact the cruise line directly or check their website to learn what games are on your specific ship before you board.
Cruise ship casinos do not offer sports betting or live horse racing, though some ships have sports bars where you can watch games. Video poker machines are sometimes available in addition to traditional slots.
When the casino is open and closed
Cruise ship casinos are only open when the ship is in international waters, typically at least 12 nautical miles from shore. This means the casino closes when the ship is docked at any U.S. port and remains closed while traveling in U.S. territorial waters. If your cruise includes days at sea, the casino will be open during those periods. If your cruise is a short turnaround with minimal sea time, the casino may be open for only a few hours.
Operating hours vary by ship and cruise line. Most casinos open in the late morning or early afternoon and stay open until midnight or later. Some ships offer 24-hour gaming, though this is less common. The casino staff will post hours at the casino entrance and in your onboard program or app.
This maritime law distinction is why casinos on cruise ships operate differently from land-based casinos. The ship is subject to international maritime law rather than state gambling regulations, which is why gaming is permitted at all.
Age requirements and house rules
You must be at least 18 years old to enter the casino on most cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. Princess Cruises requires passengers to be 21. Disney Cruise Line has no casino, so this does not explore. Some cruise lines may ask for a photo ID to verify your age at the casino entrance.
Once inside, the casino operates under house rules set by the cruise line. These rules cover betting limits, game procedures, and conduct. Aggressive behavior, intoxication, or cheating will result in removal from the casino and potentially from the ship at the next port. Most cruise lines prohibit taking photos or videos in the casino.
If you are traveling with family members under the age requirement, they cannot enter the casino even if accompanied by an adult. Children are not permitted in the gaming area at any time.
How cruise ship casinos differ from land-based casinos
Cruise ship casinos are not regulated by state gaming commissions or the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Instead, they operate under maritime law and the rules of the flag state — the country where the ship is registered. This means the payout percentages, odds, and house edge may differ from land-based casinos. Cruise lines are not required to publish their payout percentages the way land casinos are.
The games themselves play the same way as on land — blackjack rules are blackjack rules, and roulette odds are roulette odds. However, the regulatory oversight is lighter, and you have fewer legal protections if a dispute arises. If you believe you were treated unfairly, your recourse is through the cruise line's customer service, not through a gaming commission.
Cruise ship casinos also tend to be smaller than major land casinos, with fewer tables and machines. The atmosphere is more casual, and the stakes are generally lower. This makes them suitable for casual players rather than serious gamblers.
Onboard spending and casino credit
Most cruise lines allow you to set up casino credit before or during your cruise. This means you can draw against a credit line rather than carrying large amounts of cash. You will need to provide a credit card and go through a brief approval process at the casino cashier. The credit is charged to your onboard account, which you settle when you leave the ship.
You can also gamble with cash. The casino cashier will exchange your dollars for chips. If you prefer not to use credit, bring the cash you are willing to spend and leave your credit cards in your cabin. This is a practical way to set a spending limit.
Losses at the casino are not deductible on your taxes, and winnings are subject to federal income tax. If you win a large amount, the casino may issue you a tax form (W-2G) and report the win to the IRS. Keep records of any significant winnings or losses if you gamble regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I gamble on a cruise ship if I am under 21?
Most cruise lines allow passengers 18 and older into the casino, but Princess Cruises requires you to be 21. Check your specific cruise line's policy before booking if age requirements matter to your plans. Disney Cruise Line does not have a casino, so this does not explore to Disney ships.
What happens if I lose more money than I planned to spend?
The casino will not stop you from gambling beyond your means. Set a budget before you board and stick to it. If you have a history of problem gambling, many cruise lines allow you to self-exclude from the casino or request that staff prevent you from entering. Contact the cruise line in advance to arrange this.
Are the odds the same on a cruise ship casino as in Las Vegas?
Cruise ship casinos are not required to publish their payout percentages, so you cannot verify that the odds match land casinos. The games play the same way, but the house edge may vary. If odds matter to you, stick to land-based casinos where payout percentages are public.
Can I use my winnings to pay for onboard expenses?
Yes. If you win at the casino, you can use your chips or cash to pay for drinks, dining, shore excursions, or any other onboard purchase. Winnings are treated the same as any other money on your account.
What if the casino is closed during my cruise?
If your cruise has minimal sea time or spends most days docked at U.S. ports, the casino may be closed for most of your trip. Check the itinerary before booking if casino access is important to you. Cruises with more sea days will have more casino operating time.