How to Win at Casino on a Cruise
Gambling at a casino on the cruise is wonderful! You can enjoy the sea, marine animals, nice food, and clean air while gambling. Plus, you can meet many people with the same passion and desire to have fun. I have experienced such a pleasure multiple times.
That’s why I decided to use this opportunity to explain to people how to win at a casino on a cruise and provide all other necessary information. Let’s sail!
Understanding Cruise Ship Casino Operations
First and foremost, casinos on a cruise don’t work 24/7. Jeez, these people also have families and private lives. Don’t be a casino addict; you will have enough time to test your luck when the ship is out at sea. They usually work until 2 or 3 AM.
Are you below 18? First, what are you doing on a cruise without your parents? Second, no, you won’t get the chance to gamble. Cruises are strict with law requirements. Most of them will let you gamble if you are over 18. However, check that out twice.
Some casinos where I have spent some of the most beautiful days of my life didn’t let youngsters below 21 enter the casino. The state/country laws are valid if the cruise is less than 12 miles (19.31 km) from the state’s/country’s land.
I also know that many of you folks would want to know if using cash for casino games is available. The answer is mostly yes. The best cruises will let you use both money and a cruise card, but always remember to remain within your bankroll.
Logically, if you decide to play table games, your money will convert into chips. Best of all, cruises have ATMs, but unfortunately, they have high withdrawal costs.
Best Games to Play on Cruise
Did you know cruise casinos can be up to 18,000 square feet big? The massive gaming floor of different cruises allows you to enjoy a wide range of casino games. Fortunately, I had the chance to visit some major ones in the US and decided to highlight the best games I have played so far.
Slots
The biggest cruise casinos I visited in the past usually had around 500 slot machines. Despite featuring quality, these slots also have reasonable betting requirements. Minimum bets are fair enough to ensure you don’t spend all your savings just in a casino.
→ Check my guide on how to win at slots for more insights on my slot experience.
Roulette
There are typically 10 or more roulette tables on the elite cruises. In the US, you will mostly be able to play the American version. However, French/European variants are also available in some places.
→ For more reliable tips on how to win at roulette, read my linked guide.
Poker
Do you want to compete with other passengers? No problem, just find a free table and show your poker skills. Texas Hold’em is the most available poker variant, but some cruises will let you play 3- and 5-card variants as well. The only obstacle is finding a free chair. Entertainment is guaranteed!
→ Check my guide on how to win at video poker to train and become a real As!
Blackjack
I have noticed that blackjack games on cruises typically come with low buy-ins. Although the classic version is most commonly available, you may also get the chance to play Fun 21tm and Face-up blackjack. Cruises don’t hesitate to organize tournaments a few days weekly and entertain the passengers even more that way.
→ My page on how to win at blackjack is available for additional winning tips.
Leveraging Cruise Promotions and Events
Cruise gambling is not quite like playing casino games online. There are no welcome bonuses, cashback offers, and things like that. However, the good news is that you still have the chance to enjoy some promotions and special events.
Casinos on the cruise often organize promo periods for all the passengers. This is some sort of “happy hour” promotion. For instance, if you access the casino between 9 PM and 10 PM, you can claim a $50 free bet that you can use on slots. Moreover, some ships may give you free bets if you make a larger order in the cruise restaurant. I witnessed it only once, and it was worth every penny!
You can participate in tournaments with other gaming fans on the cruise. Playing poker and blackjack against other players is possible on almost every ship. Keep in mind that an entry fee does exist. If you lose in the first or second round, the dealer may let you re-enter the tournament by paying another fee. That depends on the casino policy.
Jackpots on the cruise? Yes, that also exists! I read that a couple managed to hit the jackpot by playing bingo on a 20-day Antarctic cruise. On the other hand, I, personally, did manage to hit a major jackpot on the cruise in 2018. This was probably one of the luckiest moments I have ever experienced in my long-lasting gambling career. Grand jackpot, I am coming for you soon!
Timing Your Casino Visits
I had some bad and good moments while gambling on a cruise. One of the reasons why I found myself on a losing strike was choosing the wrong moment to enter the gaming venue on the ship. While spending time in a restaurant, I heard many guests asking each other, “Is it the right time to get lucky in a casino?”
Firstly, your time is limited, since rarely does a cruise casino open its doors to passengers before 8 PM. If you want to ensure yourself a free chair, coming to the casino at 08:01 PM would be wise. However, hitting a jackpot when a few people are playing is almost impossible. Slot enthusiasts should come later to try to achieve their goal.
Passengers willing to compete in blackjack and poker should stay on the ground and be aware of their gambling experience. If you have developed different winning strategies, don’t hesitate to come later when the actual competition arrives.
True battles usually start after 1 or 2 AM. If you just want to have fun, come earlier. “Recreative” players often try to avoid crowds, while true fans of table games won’t hesitate to stay until the morning if necessary.
Strategies for Winning on Cruise Casinos
As I said, I had some rough moments at cruise casinos. Fortunately, there were those shiny moments I will remember forever. Every success I ever enjoyed was supported by a good strategy created over time, and some are truly unique.
- For starters, I always wear sunglasses when competing in poker or blackjack tournaments. I figured out that my eyes somehow exposed my intentions to bluff.
- Try to relax and slow down your body movement. Drink a glass or two, but not more than that! Being too relaxed may encourage you to take unnecessary risks and make some huge mistakes. Don’t ask me how I know this. And don’t focus too much on poker or blackjack tables.
- If you are a beginner, slots are a more adequate game for you, no offense. You don’t have to develop complex strategies or hide your emotions, even if you don’t get out of the losing streak. Participate in poker tournaments only if you have previous experience with this sort of competition.
- Lastly, manage your budget properly and leave the casino when things get tough.
Enjoy the Overall Cruise Experience
You are on a cruise, not in a casino! I understand your desire to test your luck, and I really tried to give you a 101-step guide to winning. Still, the balance has to exist, even if you have an unlimited budget.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you should enter a casino minutes after its doors open. Skip some nights, go enjoy the ocean to see if you can see some dolphins or whales around the ship; this is a unique experience. Many of my fellow casino experts told me that wins were the last thing that made their vacation awesome. You can eventually enjoy darts, billiards, and other entertaining activities.
What if you find the love of your life there? Is the casino worth sacrificing these beautiful moments?
Moments experienced outside the gaming floor are those you will remember forever.