Yes, Celebrity Cruises operates casinos on most of its ships
Celebrity Cruises does have casinos on the majority of its fleet. These are full-service gaming spaces with table games, slot machines, and poker rooms. The casino is typically one of several entertainment venues onboard, alongside theaters, nightclubs, and lounges.
Not every Celebrity ship has a casino — some of the smaller vessels in the fleet, particularly those that operate in certain regions or carry fewer passengers, do not include gaming spaces. Before you book, you can check the specific ship's amenities list on Celebrity's website to confirm whether a casino is onboard.
The casinos operate under maritime law while the ship is at sea, which means the rules and payouts differ from land-based casinos. The casino is open only when the ship is in international waters, not when docked in port.
Key Takeaways
- Most Celebrity Cruises ships have casinos with slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and poker rooms.
- Casinos only operate when the ship is at sea in international waters, not while docked in port.
- You can verify whether your specific ship has a casino by checking the vessel's amenities on Celebrity's website before booking.
- Smaller Celebrity ships and some regional itineraries do not include casino facilities.
- The casino uses U.S. dollars and operates under maritime gaming regulations, which differ from land-based casinos.
What games and betting limits you'll find
Celebrity Cruises casinos typically offer blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker tables. Slot machines range from penny slots to higher-denomination machines. Most casinos also have a dedicated poker room where you can play against other passengers rather than the house.
Betting limits vary by ship and table, but generally start low — blackjack tables often have $5 or $10 minimums, and some slot machines accept bets as small as one cent. High-limit rooms are available on larger ships for players who want to wager more. The casino staff can tell you the specific limits when you arrive.
Celebrity also offers poker tournaments and special gaming events throughout longer cruises. These are announced in your onboard daily program or at the casino itself.
When the casino is open and closed
The casino operates only when the ship is in international waters, typically beginning the first night at sea. It closes when the ship enters port and remains closed while docked. On a seven-day cruise, this usually means the casino is open five to six days, depending on the itinerary.
Operating hours vary by ship but typically run from late morning through the early morning hours. The exact schedule is posted at the casino entrance and listed in your onboard program. Some ships extend hours on sea days or special event nights.
Age requirements and house rules
You must be at least 18 years old to enter the casino on a Celebrity Cruises ship. This is a firm requirement — crew members check ID at the entrance. If you are under 18, you cannot access the gaming floor even if you are traveling with an adult.
The casino has its own set of house rules posted at the entrance and available from staff. These cover everything from acceptable behavior to what happens if you win a large jackpot. Crew members enforce these rules consistently, and disruptive behavior can result in being asked to leave the casino.
How winnings are handled and taxes
Winnings are paid in U.S. dollars, and you can cash out at the casino cage at any time. Large jackpots — typically $1,200 or more, though the threshold varies — trigger a W-2G tax form. The casino will withhold federal taxes from these winnings and provide you with documentation for your tax return.
Smaller wins are paid directly without withholding. Keep track of your gaming activity if you plan to report losses on your taxes, as you will need documentation. The casino can provide a record of your play if you ask.
It is important to understand that gambling involves risk, and the house always has a mathematical edge. Set a budget before you enter the casino and stick to it. Treat any money you bring as entertainment expense, not as a way to fund your cruise.
Differences from land-based casinos
Maritime casinos operate under different regulations than land-based casinos in the United States. The odds, payout percentages, and rules can differ. Celebrity's casinos are licensed and regulated, but you should not assume the payouts match those of Nevada or Atlantic City casinos.
The casino environment onboard is also different — it is smaller, more intimate, and you will see the same players throughout your cruise. This can make the experience feel more social but also means less anonymity. The casino staff know regular players and may offer comps (free drinks, meals, or cabin credits) based on your play.
Responsible gaming resources
Celebrity Cruises provides information about responsible gaming at the casino entrance and in your cabin. If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, crew members can direct you to resources. The National Council on Problem Gambling operates a helpline at 1-800-522-4700 and maintains a website with information about gambling addiction.
Celebrity also allows you to set limits on your casino account before your cruise. You can request a spending cap or self-exclusion from the casino entirely. These requests are made at the casino cage and take effect when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my cruise card to gamble at the casino?
Yes. Your cruise card functions as your casino account. You can charge losses to your account, and winnings are credited to it. At the end of your cruise, any casino balance is settled when you pay your final bill.
What happens if the ship is in port on a sea day?
The casino closes whenever the ship is in port, regardless of the time of day. If your itinerary has back-to-back port days, the casino will be closed for those days. Check your specific itinerary to see how many true sea days you have.
Do I need to dress up to enter the casino?
No formal dress code applies to the casino on most Celebrity ships. Casual clothing is acceptable. However, extremely casual attire like swimwear or gym clothes may not be permitted — ask casino staff if you are unsure.
Can I bring my own money into the casino?
Yes. You can exchange U.S. dollars for chips at the casino cage. Credit cards and casino accounts are also accepted. The casino does not exchange foreign currency, so convert money before boarding or use the ship's currency exchange service.
What if I lose my casino winnings receipt?
The casino maintains records of all transactions. If you need documentation of a win for tax purposes, visit the casino cage with your ID and the approximate date and time of the win. They can look up the transaction in their system.