One of the great things about going on a cruise is the entertainment. On board, there’s always so much going on and often, for adults, at the heart of that is the casino.
It seems like every ship is constantly adding slot machines and expanding the floor space.
Onboard casinos are often among the busiest attractions, providing a bit of glamour to an evening before going for dinner or watching the evening’s entertainment.
Today, more and more of us are engaging with the likes of blackjack and roulette, particularly with the rise of social casino games online, allowing people to play for free and develop their skills before playing for real money. So, it’s no surprise that people on cruises are flocking to the casino too.
However, what’s interesting is that playing in a casino at sea can differ quite a bit from your online social casinos or even the casino down in your local town, so here are our top five tips on how to best play the casino on a cruise…
Learn the Best Times to Play
Timing can make a big difference when playing in a cruise liner’s casino. Unlike your traditional casinos, these operate around the ship’s schedule and are generally influenced by passenger activity.
The busiest periods are, unsurprisingly, during the evenings after dinner or an entertainment show finishes, which can make for a lively atmosphere, but at the same time, it can be crowded and limit the number of tables you can play at or have to wait for.
For those wanting a calmer casino environment, late mornings or early afternoons on sea days can provide you with that opportunity, creating a more relaxed experience and giving you the pick of the games, which may be needed based on your bankroll and the size of bets you wish to place.
During sea days, the casino will stay open for longer stretches, so it can be the optimum time to play. When ships are docked in port, they will typically be closed due to local gambling regulations, which again means they can be very busy in the evenings following departure from a port.
Set a Strict Budget Before You Start
Many people can make the mistake of not budgeting wisely. You’ll likely have a holiday budget, and many people treat casino spending as an extension of that.
However, it can become easy to lose track of spending, especially as everything on a cruise is linked to your onboard account.
Before entering a casino, decide exactly how much you are prepared to spend (and lose) during the entire cruise, and then budget that accordingly across your time on that cruise too. Once it has gone, stop playing.
Setting daily limits can be the best way to do this and will make sure that your cruise remains fun and doesn’t turn into an expensive nightmare.
Focus on Games With Better Odds
Not all casino games offer the same chances of success. Some games heavily favour the house, while others allow skilled players to reduce the casino’s advantage significantly.
Blackjack is widely regarded as one of the best options for disciplined players because strategy plays an important role.
Using basic blackjack strategy, including knowing when to hit, stand, split or double down, can lower the house edge considerably.
Roulette can also be relatively favourable if you choose European roulette rather than American roulette. European wheels contain a single zero, while American wheels feature both a zero and a double zero, increasing the house advantage noticeably.
Craps can appear intimidating for beginners, but certain bets offer excellent odds when understood properly. Meanwhile, slot machines tend to provide the least predictable returns despite their popularity and visual appeal.
One common mistake among cruise passengers is jumping between games without understanding the rules or odds involved. Taking time to learn a small number of games properly is usually far more effective than relying purely on luck.
Many cruise casinos also offer free lessons for beginners during quieter periods. These sessions can be extremely useful for learning etiquette, strategy and betting structures before risking larger sums.
Take Advantage of Casino Loyalty Programs
Cruise casinos increasingly reward regular players through loyalty schemes and promotional incentives. Even casual gamblers should sign up for these programmes because the benefits can quickly add up.
Depending on the cruise line, players may receive complimentary drinks, free play credits, tournament entries or discounts on future cruises based on their gaming activity. High-level players can sometimes even qualify for free cabin offers on future sailings.
The key is to use these programmes sensibly. Chasing rewards by gambling beyond your budget defeats the purpose entirely. However, if you are planning to play anyway, using the loyalty system ensures you receive some additional value in return.
It is also worth monitoring special promotions during the voyage. Some casinos offer bonus point periods during quieter hours, which can make daytime play more appealing than crowded evening sessions.
Players who build a relationship with casino staff may also receive invitations to exclusive events or private tournaments later in the cruise.
Avoid Drinking Too Much While Gambling
Finally, cruise holidays can be boozy, especially the Princess and Virgin Voyages, and we generally associate them with cocktails, wine packages, late-night entertainment and so on. But excessive alcohol and gambling are never a recipe for success.
Often, you’ll even find complimentary drinks at casinos and getting into that relaxed state can make it easy to lose track of time and money. Even experienced players make poorer choices when under the influence.
Make sure you keep a clear head, and if you feel yourself starting to get a little tipsy or betting more emotionally, then it’s time to stop. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a drink while playing or enjoy the social atmosphere. It’s just that moderation is key. If you’re getting into the drinks, head to another part of the ship and enjoy your drinks!
The best cruise casino experiences balance entertainment with control, manage bankroll sensibly, don’t get carried away and make sure you give time for the other forms of entertainment on the ship too.
There’s so much going on around the ship, so experience it all and don’t blow all your money on the first night in the casino.
