Yes, Princess Cruises ships have casinos, and they operate 24 hours a day while the ship is at sea
Every Princess Cruises ship carries a casino with slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. The casino is open to passengers 18 and older (some ships require 21 for certain areas). You do not need to be a gambler to cruise with Princess — the casino is one option among many onboard activities, and you can ignore it entirely if you choose.
The size and game selection vary by ship. Newer vessels and larger ships tend to have more tables and machines. Casinos close when the ship is docked in port, so you cannot gamble while in port or during embarkation and disembarkation days.
Key Takeaways
- Princess Cruises casinos operate only while the ship is at sea, closing in port and during boarding days.
- You must be at least 18 years old to enter the casino (21 on some ships and for certain games).
- Games include slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, poker, and Caribbean stud poker.
- The casino uses shipboard account betting, so you do not carry cash — charges go on your cruise bill.
- Princess offers responsible gambling resources and self-exclusion options if you want to restrict your own access.
What games and machines you will find
Princess casinos stock hundreds of slot machines with various themes and denominations, from penny slots to high-limit machines. Slot payouts are set by the casino and do not change during your cruise.
Table games include blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and Caribbean stud poker. Most ships also have a dedicated poker room where passengers play against each other rather than the house (the casino takes a small cut of each pot). Poker games run at different stakes depending on demand and the ship's size.
Some ships offer three-card poker and other specialty games. The exact lineup depends on which Princess ship you are sailing. You can contact Princess directly or check your cruise documents to learn what games are on your specific vessel.
How betting works on a cruise ship
You do not use cash in the casino. Instead, you set up a shipboard account when you board. You can deposit money at the casino cage (the cashier window), and that amount is added to your onboard account. When you gamble, losses are charged to your account. Winnings are credited back to it.
At the end of your cruise, any remaining balance is refunded to your original payment method, or you can withdraw it in cash at the casino cage. If you lose money, the charge appears on your final cruise bill along with dining, drinks, and other onboard purchases.
You can set limits on how much you deposit or spend. Ask the casino cage staff about deposit caps or daily loss limits if you want to control your spending before you start playing.
Age requirements and who can enter
You must be at least 18 years old to enter the casino on most Princess ships. Some ships enforce a 21-year-old minimum for certain table games or high-limit areas. Check your cruise documents or contact Princess to confirm the age rule for your sailing.
Minors are not allowed in the casino at any time, even if accompanied by an adult. The casino is a restricted area, and crew members check ID at the entrance.
When the casino is open and closed
The casino operates 24 hours a day while the ship is at sea. It closes when the ship arrives in port and remains closed until the ship leaves port again. On embarkation day (when you board) and disembarkation day (when you leave), the casino is closed.
If your cruise includes several sea days, you will have multiple opportunities to gamble. If your itinerary has frequent port stops and few sea days, your casino time will be limited. You can check your cruise itinerary to count the sea days.
Responsible gambling resources and self-exclusion
Princess Cruises offers information about responsible gambling and recognizes that some passengers may want to limit their own access. If you are concerned about your gambling habits, you can speak with casino staff about setting deposit limits or loss limits before you start playing.
Princess also participates in the National Council on Problem Gambling's helpline (1-800-522-4700). If you want to exclude yourself from the casino for your cruise or future cruises, ask the casino cage about self-exclusion options. You can also speak with guest services about restricting your access to the casino.
Differences between Princess ships and what to expect
Larger Princess ships like the Grand-class and Royal-class vessels have bigger casinos with more machines and tables than smaller ships. The Crown-class ships (Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Ruby Princess) have mid-sized casinos. Older or smaller ships in the fleet have more compact gaming spaces.
If casino size matters to you, you can research your specific ship before booking. Princess's website lists which ship you will sail on, and you can look up its casino layout in deck plans or call Princess customer service for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my cruise fare discount or onboard credit to gamble?
No. Onboard credits and discounts explore to dining, drinks, and activities, not the casino. You must fund your casino account with your own money at the cage. Winnings stay in your casino account and can be withdrawn as cash or credited to your cruise bill.
What happens if I win money at the casino?
Winnings are credited to your shipboard account. You can leave the money there and gamble more, withdraw it as cash at the casino cage, or have it refunded to your original payment method when you disembark. Large wins may require paperwork for tax reporting purposes.
Is the casino the only place to gamble on a Princess cruise?
Yes. The casino is the only official gambling venue onboard. Some ships offer bingo games in the theater, but bingo is a separate activity with its own ticket sales and is not part of the casino.
Can I gamble if I am traveling with children?
Yes, but you cannot bring children into the casino. The casino is restricted to adults 18 and older. Children have their own activities and supervised areas onboard while you are in the casino.
Do I have to gamble to enjoy a Princess cruise?
No. The casino is entirely optional. Princess cruises offer hundreds of other activities including dining, shows, fitness classes, shore excursions, pools, and entertainment. Most passengers never enter the casino.