Picture this… a warm ocean breeze, the sun setting in the distance, a nice cold glass of bubbly in your hand, and the sound of slot machines ringing, ching-chinging as your luck comes in. If that’s not living your best life, then I’m not sure what is?
Cruising is already the ultimate in high-end getaways… with luxury cabins, buffet after buffet, and dinner with the Captain, shows that wouldn’t be out of place on the West End or Broadway… Just add a casino into the mix and you’ll have an experience that would keep even James Bond happy (with Martini rather than Champagne, obviously). And if you are someone who likes to keep an eye on your favourite sports back home, you can even check the latest EPL odds as you wait to see whether your number comes up in a game of roulette.
Casino cruises are everything now. They’re like full-blown mini-Vegases on the water. So if that sounds right up your street… and why wouldn’t it be? Here’s everything you need to know.
Why It’s So Appealing
Why do so many people love a casino cruise experience? Well, for starters, there’s the whole vibe and energy that you get when you feel you’re about to win. And, unlike a land-based casino where you might just pop in for an hour or so, when you’re on a cruise, the casino is part of the whole experience. There’s something that feels magical about playing against the dealer in international waters where the drinks are flowing, the dealers know your name by day two – and time is a non-issue.
What’s more, cruises are usually tax-free zones, which means even better payout percentages than some land-based joints. And let’s be honest, even if you aren’t necessarily raking in chips by the stack, you’re raking in those stories and experiences.
What Games Can You Play?
Surprisingly, there’s a lot more variety than you might think. It’s not just a sad, single roulette wheel and a couple of dusty blackjack tables. Some of those bigger ships have whole gaming floors packed with slots – all the latest machines with giant LED screens, and that’s on top of the classic table games like blackjack, craps, poker, baccarat, and roulette.
Some also even have tournaments – like poker tournaments, slots competitions, or blackjack showdowns that come with massive prizes (maybe even a whole new holiday for a repeat performance). Some even have lessons for beginners, which is perfect if you’re new to the whole thing, so you can bag yourself a free session before you roll those dice.
The Dress Code
One of the best parts of a casino cruise is that you can go from sipping on a poolside mojito to sitting comfortably at a high-roller table in minutes. Generally, you don’t always need to go full-on glam every night. However, lots of cruises love a themed casino evening – think a night at Monte Carlo or a Great Gatsby extravaganza. So it’s best to pack a cocktail dress or a sharp two-piece just in case you do want to turn heads when you spin those reels.
A Few Top Tips
Cruise ship casinos can be lots of fun… but you still need to remember to play smart. Remember. The house is still a house (just a houseboat)… and it still has the edge. You should still make sure you set a budget and know your limits, and when your lucky streak is coming to an end, head to the bar for that extra glass of bubbly – and call it a night.
Casinos & Entertainment All in One
The beauty of a cruise is that when you’ve had enough, you can just stroll out of the casino and head straight into a Broadway-esque show, a piano bar, or even just head back to your balcony suite for a nightcap… to celebrate or commiserate. You can literally do anything you want, which is precisely why it all feels so special. You go from one form of entertainment to another. And all with the sound of the sea in the background.
So, pack your lucky charm (or pants), your best dress, and a bit of money you don’t mind spending on the slots. Good luck and happy spinning!
