Although most cruise ships will have a casino on board, certain ships are known for how grand their casinos are. These cruise ships have incredibly large casinos and a much bigger variety of casino games such as Texas Hold’Em, Blackjack, Roulette, slot machines, and video poker.

Casino cruise ships cater to a diverse range of passengers and have different packages depending on individual budget and preference. Loyalty programs are usually available for those who frequently cruise and are high rollers, offering rewards such as onboard credits, free cruises, and access to exclusive events. For those who are casual or new gamblers, it is worthwhile knowing basic poker etiquette before entering the casino on board.

The cruise ships with the best casinos on board are Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Carnival Celebration. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines operate Allure and Oasis while Carnival Cruise Line owns Carnival Celebration.

Other cruise ships which are known for their incredible on board casinos include:

• Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Edge - Fortunes Casino

• Cunard Cruise Lines: Queen Mary 2 - Empire Casino

• Norwegian Cruise Lines: Norwegian Escape - Escape Casino

• Princess Cruises: Regal Princess - Princess Casino

• Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: Symphony of the Seas - Casino Royale

One of the most popular cruise lines in the world is Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, founded in 1968 and based in Miami, Florida. The cruise line has 27 ships that travel to over 270 international destinations.

Allure of the Seas was launched in 2010 and is 1,188 feet long, able to accommodate up to 6,314 passengers.

Casino Royale on board Allure of the Seas is decorated Vegas-style and staff host regular tournaments and provide complimentary lessons in gambling. Smoking is allowed in the casino, however there is a dedicated non-smoking section.

Passengers can choose to opt into Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale program which offers various benefits and perks to guests such as complimentary drinks while playing, access to exclusive events and promotions, and discounted or free casino cruises.

Casino Royale

Oasis of the Seas launched in 2009, is 1,188 feet long, and can accommodate up to 6,431 passengers.

Casino Royale

Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas debuted in 2018, is 1,184 feet long, and holds up to 6780 passengers.

Casino Royale

Norwegian Cruise Line

4. Norwegian Escape

Escape Casino

Escape Casino is located on deck 7 on Norwegian Escape, with smoking allowed in the casino in a dedicated area. Staff host regular tournaments and provide complimentary lessons in gambling.

Casinos at Sea is Norwegian Cruise Lines’ rewards program that offers benefits to guests based on their level of play in the casino. Depending on their points, guests can exchange their reward points for spa treatments, onboard credits, complimentary drinks, priority check-in, exclusive invitations to events, dedicated casino hosts, discounted or free specialty dining, and shore excursions.

Carnival Cruise Line is a popular cruise line, founded in 1972, that is headquartered in Miami, Florida. The cruise line has 24 ships that travel to international destinations around the world such as Australia, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. The Carnival brand is renowned for being budget-friendly and having a more casual, fun atmosphere on board.

Carnival Horizon was built in 2018 and is 1,055 feet long, able to hold up to 3,960 guests.

Carnival Horizon

Carnival Horizon was built in 2018 and is 1,055 feet long, able to hold up to 3,960 guests.

Horizon Casino

The Horizon Casino on board Carnival Horizon, located on deck 4, is renowned for the large variety of casino games it offers. It is decorated Vegas-style and hosts regular gambling tournaments as well as complimentary gambling lessons. Smoking is allowed in the casino, however only on designated gaming tables and slot machines.

Passengers can join the Carnival Players Club for free and earn points that offer rewards such as discounted or free rooms on board and free drinks while they play in the casino.