Virgin Voyages does not operate traditional casinos
Virgin Voyages, the cruise line owned by Virgin Group, does not have casinos on any of its ships. This is a deliberate choice by the company — they market their cruises as a different kind of vacation experience, one focused on entertainment, dining, and activities rather than gambling.
If you are looking for a cruise with a casino, you will need to book with a different cruise line. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises all operate casinos on most of their ships. The size and scope of these casinos vary by ship and cruise line, but they are standard features on mainstream cruise vessels.
Key Takeaways
- Virgin Voyages ships do not have casinos, poker rooms, or slot machines of any kind.
- The cruise line intentionally designed their ships without gambling to appeal to families and guests seeking a different vacation style.
- Other major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line do operate casinos on their ships.
- If casino access is important to your cruise choice, you will need to compare options with other cruise lines before booking.
What Virgin Voyages offers instead of a casino
Virgin Voyages fills the entertainment space with live music venues, comedy clubs, nightclubs, and bars throughout their ships. The line operates three ships: Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, and Valiant Lady. Each ship has multiple bars and lounges, including specialty cocktail bars, a nightclub, and outdoor deck venues.
The cruise line also emphasizes dining experiences, with multiple restaurants and casual eateries included in your fare. Entertainment programming includes live performances, DJ sets, and themed events. If you enjoy nightlife and social activities, Virgin Voyages offers those — just not in the form of table games or slot machines.
How casino availability compares across cruise lines
Most large cruise lines operate casinos as a standard onboard amenity. Royal Caribbean's ships typically have casinos with slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps tables. Carnival's casino operations vary by ship but generally follow a similar model. Norwegian Cruise Line also operates casinos on most of their fleet.
Disney Cruise Line does not have casinos, similar to Virgin Voyages. Disney's approach is family-focused, and gambling is not part of their onboard experience. Celebrity Cruises operates casinos on most ships but not all — some of their smaller or older vessels may not have them.
The size of a casino on any given ship depends on the vessel's age, size, and the cruise line's design priorities. Newer ships often have larger casino spaces, while older ships may have smaller gaming areas or none at all.
What you can do with money onboard Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages uses a cashless system onboard their ships. You link a credit card or debit card to your account, and charges are added to your onboard bill. This system applies to bars, restaurants, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa services, and retail shops.
Without a casino, there is no gambling option, but you can spend money on premium beverages, specialty restaurants, spa treatments, fitness classes, and merchandise. Some activities and entertainment are included in your cruise fare, while others carry an additional charge.
How to choose a cruise line based on casino preference
If a casino is a must-have feature for your cruise, start by narrowing your search to cruise lines that operate them. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line all have casinos on the majority of their ships. Check the specific ship you plan to book — cruise line websites list onboard amenities by vessel.
If you are indifferent to casinos or prefer a cruise line without them, Virgin Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, and some smaller or specialty cruise lines may appeal to you. Consider what other amenities matter most: dining options, entertainment style, itinerary, price, and ship size all factor into the choice.
When comparing cruise lines, visit their official websites and look for the "onboard amenities" or "ship features" section. This will show you what is available on each specific ship, including whether a casino is present.
What happens if you want to gamble during a cruise
If you book a Virgin Voyages cruise and want to gamble, your options are limited to ports of call. Many cruise destinations include casinos on land — Caribbean islands, Mexico, and Alaska all have casino options in various ports. You would need to go ashore during a port stop to access them.
Alternatively, you could choose a different cruise line for your next vacation if casino access is important to you. There is no way to gamble onboard Virgin Voyages ships, so if that is a priority, booking with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian Cruise Line would be a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I gamble on Virgin Voyages ships at all?
No. Virgin Voyages does not operate casinos, slot machines, poker rooms, or any form of gambling onboard their ships. If gambling is important to your cruise experience, you will need to book with a different cruise line or plan to visit a land-based casino during a port stop.
Do all cruise ships have casinos?
No. Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages do not have casinos. Most other major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line do operate casinos, but the size and games available vary by ship. Always check the specific ship's amenities before booking.
Which cruise line has the biggest casino?
Royal Caribbean's larger ships, particularly their Oasis-class and Icon-class vessels, have extensive casino spaces with many table games and slot machines. Carnival's newer ships also have sizable casinos. The exact size depends on the individual ship, so check the cruise line's website for details on your specific vessel.
Can I use my cruise fare credit to gamble?
This question does not explore to Virgin Voyages since they have no casino. On cruise lines that do operate casinos, gambling is a separate activity with its own financial system — you cannot use onboard credits or prepaid packages to gamble. You pay for casino play with cash or a linked payment method.
What if I want to gamble but also like Virgin Voyages' style?
You could book a Virgin Voyages cruise and plan to visit a casino during a port day, or you could explore other cruise lines that combine entertainment and dining options similar to Virgin Voyages but also include a casino. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises both offer upscale experiences with casinos onboard.