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 that offer 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.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

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.

The top three casino cruise ships in the world are part of the Royal Caribbean fleet: Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas.

The Casino Royale on board all three ships is located on deck 4 and decorated Vegas-style. 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.

1. Allure of the Seas

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

Casino Royale

2. Oasis of the Seas

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

Casino Royale

3. 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

Norwegian Cruise Lines is another popular cruise line that was founded in 1966 and headquartered in Miami, Florida. The cruise line has 17 ships in its fleet and travels internationally to locations such as Europe, Caribbean, and Alaska.

The Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its innovative, ‘freestyle cruising’ concept. Passengers can enjoy a more flexible and relaxed cruising experience on board, there being no formal dress code or fixed dining times.

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

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.

5. 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.