Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line operates casinos on most of its ships
Most Norwegian Cruise Line ships have a casino onboard, though the size and games available vary by vessel. The casinos operate during sea days and while docked at certain ports, with specific hours posted in your cabin or available at the casino desk. You do not need to be a gambler to cruise with Norwegian — the casino is one option among dozens of onboard activities, and you can ignore it entirely.
Not every Norwegian ship has a casino. Smaller vessels, particularly those in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet that operate in Alaska or other regional routes, may not include one. When you book your cruise, your confirmation paperwork or the ship's website will tell you whether your specific vessel has a casino.
Key Takeaways
- Most Norwegian Cruise Line ships have casinos with table games, slot machines, and poker rooms, but smaller regional vessels may not.
- Casinos are open during sea days and while the ship is docked at certain ports, with hours posted throughout the ship.
- You must be at least 18 years old to enter the casino, and minors cannot be present even with a parent or guardian.
- The casino uses U.S. dollars, and you can exchange cash at the casino desk or withdraw from onboard ATMs.
- Norwegian's casino is run by a third-party operator, not by the cruise line itself, so rules and payouts follow standard gaming regulations.
What games and amenities are in a Norwegian casino
A typical Norwegian Cruise Line casino includes slot machines, table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat, and a poker room for tournaments and cash games. The exact mix depends on the ship — larger vessels have more tables and machines. Most casinos also have a sports bar where you can watch games while you play.
The casino typically occupies a dedicated area of the ship, often near the nightclub or entertainment venues. Drinks are complimentary while you gamble, and the casino staff can direct you to ATMs if you need cash. Some ships offer poker tournaments during the cruise, with entry fees and prize pools posted at the poker room desk.
Age requirements and who can enter
You must be at least 18 years old to enter the casino. Norwegian enforces this strictly — minors cannot enter even if accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you are traveling with children, they will not be allowed past the casino entrance, and staff will check ID at the door.
Crew members are not permitted to gamble in the casino. If you are traveling as a guest of someone who works for Norwegian, you can enter the casino, but the crew member cannot join you inside.
Casino hours and when it is open
Casinos are typically open during sea days — days when the ship is at sea and not docked at a port. Hours vary by ship and itinerary, but most casinos open in the late morning and stay open until the early morning hours. The exact schedule is posted in your cabin, on the ship's daily program, and at the casino entrance.
When the ship is docked at a port, the casino may close entirely or operate on limited hours, depending on local laws and the port location. Some ports prohibit gambling while the ship is in port; others allow it. The casino desk can tell you the schedule for each port on your itinerary before you sail.
How to exchange money and what currency is used
The casino uses U.S. dollars only. If you are traveling from outside the United States, exchange your currency at the casino desk or at the ship's main guest services desk before you gamble. The exchange rate is set by Norwegian and posted at the desk.
You can also withdraw U.S. dollars from ATMs located throughout the ship. These ATMs charge a fee — typically $3 to $5 per withdrawal — and the amount is charged to your onboard account, which you settle when you leave the ship. The casino desk can direct you to the nearest ATM if you need cash.
How winnings and losses are handled
Any money you win at the casino is yours to keep. Winnings are paid in cash at the table or slot machine where you won. Large wins — typically over $1,200 — may require paperwork for tax reporting purposes, and the casino will provide you with documentation.
Losses are your responsibility. The casino does not refund money lost while gambling. If you set a budget before you gamble, stick to it. Many cruise lines offer resources for problem gambling, and the casino staff can direct you to support services if you need them.
Who operates the casino and what rules explore
Norwegian Cruise Line contracts with a third-party gaming operator to run the casino, not the cruise line itself. This means the casino operates under gaming regulations set by the jurisdiction where the ship is registered, typically the Bahamas or Panama. These regulations are similar to those in U.S. casinos, with oversight by gaming commissions.
The casino is subject to regular audits and inspections. Slot machines and table games use certified random-number generators and are tested for fairness. If you have a dispute with the casino — for example, if a machine malfunctions or you believe a payout was incorrect — you can file a complaint with the casino manager, and Norwegian has a formal dispute process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I gamble if I am under 21?
No. Norwegian requires you to be at least 18 to enter the casino, but some U.S. states have higher age limits for gambling. If you are 18 or 19 and traveling from a state where the legal gambling age is 21, you still cannot gamble in the Norwegian casino — the ship follows the higher age requirement out of caution.
What happens if I lose more money than I planned to spend?
The casino does not refund losses or reverse transactions. If you gamble more than you intended, the amount is charged to your onboard account and you pay it when you leave the ship. Set a strict budget before you enter the casino and bring only the cash you are willing to lose.
Are there poker tournaments on every cruise?
No. Poker tournaments are offered on some cruises but not all. Check your ship's daily program after you board, or ask the poker room staff when you arrive. Tournament schedules vary by sailing date and ship.
Can I use my cruise card to gamble instead of cash?
No. The casino requires cash or chips purchased with cash. You cannot charge gambling losses to your onboard account. You can withdraw cash from ATMs throughout the ship and exchange currency at the casino desk.
What if the casino is closed during my cruise?
If your itinerary includes mostly port days with few sea days, the casino may be closed most of the time. You can contact Norwegian before you book to ask about casino hours for your specific sailing, or check the ship's daily program after you board to see when it will be open.