3 of the Best Casino Cruise Ships in the World

If you're excited by the idea of gambling while cruising the open seas and being on the way to an exotic tropical destination, stick around until the end. We're discussing the top casino cruise ships nowadays. These mega-ships don't shy away from flaunting all worldly opulence.

While most casino cruise ships are famous for replicating the ambiance of the Vegas strip, others provide the convenience of smaller vessels.

A few of the top casino cruise ships rival the size of massive brick-and-mortar establishments in game selection and style. More on that later.

However, casino cruise ships offer a long list of other amenities that you will be hard-pressed to find at a land-based casino. Casino cruise ships have a much lower minimum bet than their land-based counterparts, for starters. This entices new players to try their hands at gambling.

Top 3 Casino Cruise Ships in the World

Among the several popular casino mega-liners, these stand out.

The Allure of the Seas cruise ships

The Allure of the Seas

Owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International, Allure of the Seas is a 362m long vessel that can carry 5,400 passengers. Casino Royale is the highlight of the mega-liner and is famous for its unrivaled customer service.

The gaming floor spans an impressive 18,000 sq. ft. and evokes the ambiance of the French Riviera. Casino Royale's game selection includes over 500 slot machines from top operators like IGT, Bally's, Novomatic, Aristocrat, and more.

There are over 27 tables on the gaming floor, including games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and poker, to name a few. Casino Royale also has a long list of online games from elite game developers. Equipped with high-speed internet, players can access top online casinos from Casino Royale.

Casino Royale also boasts an impressive 1:3 staff-to-traveler ratio, which guarantees prompt service every time. Additionally, Allure of the Seas hosts Broadway shows for travelers' entertainment.

Norwegian Epic cruise ship

Norwegian Epic

Owned and operated by Norwegian Cruises, Norwegian Epic is the third-largest luxury cruise liner globally. The mega-liner boasts cutting-edge technology with world-class entertainment, and the casino is its most significant proof. The cruise ship is 330 meters long and can carry over 4,100 passengers.

The casino offers unrivaled entertainment options, including live performances by the Cirque du Soleil entertainment company. The gaming floor comprises 100+ slot machines and table games, including blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and more. In addition, the vessel has 22 dining options and a fully equipped bar to keep the spirits high.

Queen Mary 2 cruise ships

Queen Mary 2

Owned and operated by Cunard Line, Queen Mary 2 heightens your senses and makes your spirit soar if you enjoy the idea of cruise ships. The highlight of the vessel is its restaurants and the Empire Casino.

Boasting all the glitz and glamour globally, the Empire Casino can easily rival the best land-based casinos in Monte Carlo. The gaming floor includes 99 slot machines and 12 tables offering games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, poker, and more.

Wagers usually range between $1 and $500, while the buy-in for the video slot starts at $0.5. Travellers aboard the Queen Mary 2 can also play free games. Thus, this is a blessing for first-time and occasional gamblers.

With a total carrying capacity of 2,961 passengers, Queen Mary 2 oozes luxury while taking revellers on an epic trans-Atlantic voyage. Other points of interest include a fully equipped bar, restaurants, and an arcade.

Bonus Casino Cruise Ships

While the following cruise liners aren't as massive as those discussed above, they hold their own in the countdown.

Celebrity Cruises cruise ship

Celebrity Cruises

Owned and operated by the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Celebrity Cruises stands out for its excellent customer service. With 11 vessels, Royal Caribbean might not have the largest fleet, but they know how to run a casino.

The casino aboard Celebrity Cruises offers a long list of table games and video slots, including games like Texas Hold' Em, baccarat, blackjack, 3-card poker, and more. The betting range for slots starts at $0.01 and replicates the feeling of gaming at a classic arcade.

The mega liner has an impressive 275 video slots on the gaming floor. And the vessel regularly hosts poker tournaments and other competitions. Apart from gambling, Celebrity Cruises offers many fun activities to keep the kids busy.

Norwegian Escape cruise ship

Norwegian Escape

Owned and operated by the Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Escape is the second mega liner from this list. Unlike the Norwegian Epic, Escape is smaller but offers extensive entertainment options for travellers.

With 28 bars and restaurants, passengers can't explore the vessel on a single journey. However, passengers love the state-of-the-art casino aboard the Norwegian Escape. The gaming floor comprises slots and table games, including options for high rollers and VIP members.

The highlight of the Norwegian Escape is the ultra-modern casino that hosts a long list of games for amateurs and veteran gamblers. The casino also offers free-to-play games, customizable tables, and high-speed internet for players inclined to try their hands at online gambling.

Princess Casino cruise ship

Princess Casino

Owned and operated by Princess Cruises, Princess Casino is one of the best luxury cruise liners in the world today. The deck is sprawling with tons of entertainment options for the passengers, including a fully deck-up bar and several restaurants serving some of the best fares from around the world.

However, the highlight of Princess Casino is the casino, and the luxury décor will remind you of the Vegas strip. The elaborate gaming floor reaches video slot machines and table games like roulette, Texas Hold' Em, 3-card poker, Caribbean Stud, Let It Ride, and more. Princess also hosts poker tournaments on board, but participation is through invitation only for the top contenders.

Other onboard entertainment options include wine tasting sessions and a Champagne Waterfall. Travellers can also try their hands at paddle tennis and painting. Princess Casino has several engaging kid-friendly activities too for its youngest occupants.

What We've Missed?

There are nearly a hundred luxury cruise ships worldwide, not to mention the smaller vessels with a cutting-edge casino. It's impossible to discuss all of them in a single blog and do justice to their quirks and features.

But we've tried to highlight the top casino cruise liners in the world today and have thrown in a few extras that deserve an honourable mention. If you're more into online gambling, check out our online casino reviews to find the perfect platform to play from the comfort of your own home!

Lucas Goldberg
Lucas, a seasoned site editor at CasinoCanada, boasts a decade-long journey in the gambling industry with a focus on providing players with meticulous reviews and insights of online games and casinos.
Site Editor
University of Toronto
Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Digital Media, and Journalism, PlayTech Analytics career, communication with users through high-quality gambling content.
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