Enjoying an evening of poker or blackjack on a cruise ship can be a delightful experience. Did you know that frequent play can earn you complimentary drinks, meals, and even cruises? Whether you prefer slots or table games, many cruise lines reward travelers who spend significant time in their onboard casinos. Additionally, you might receive invitations to exclusive tournament cruises with prizes up to $100,000. While we do not endorse gambling as a financial strategy, it is beneficial for casino enthusiasts to understand how they can leverage their play for various perks.
How to Get Started
To begin, book a cruise and locate the casino onboard. Speak to the casino manager to join the players club. For example, on Norwegian Cruise Line (and its sister lines, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas), you can sign up at the casino and receive a Casinos at Sea players club card.
For Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you’re automatically enrolled when you insert your key card into a slot machine; table game players should present their card to the casino supervisor or host and request to be rated on their play. Your player number will be linked to your onboard account for any cruise you take.
Once enrolled, start playing and enjoy. You’ll earn points for your gameplay. On Norwegian, for instance, you earn one point for every $5 bet on slots and every $10 bet on video poker. Points for table games are based on a combination of average bet, sessions or hands played, and game type. Carnival’s point system, while undisclosed, also rewards based on play rather than losses, generally awarding points faster than Norwegian.
Onboard Perks
As you accumulate points, you will begin to enjoy various perks. With Norwegian’s Casinos at Sea program, reaching the Pearl level at 5,000 points grants complimentary house drinks in the casino, cabin treats, and food and beverage credit. At the Sapphire level (15,000 points), you receive priority disembarkation and premium drinks in the casino.
Similar to frequent flyer programs, points not only elevate your status but can also be redeemed for onboard benefits like spa treatments, specialty dining, and shore excursions.
Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale program starts with the Choice Level, offering stateroom credit and instant reward certificates. Higher tiers provide perks such as complimentary drinks, discounted or free Wi-Fi packages, and waived convenience fees for casino credit on your SeaPass or credit card. Top-tier Masters players enjoy priority seating in entertainment venues, priority dining reservations, and access to Suite class lounges and dining rooms.
Carnival’s Player’s Club program includes “Dealers Choice” offers, such as complimentary drinks in the casino or discounted onboard amenities. Club members may also book special casino-themed cruises, featuring perks like free casino drinks, stateroom treats, priority check-in and luggage delivery, and welcome amenities.
Celebrity Cruise’s Blue Chip Club offers a transparent points system: one point for each $1 wagered on slots, $2 on video poker, and $8 on table games. Rewards include beverage and Wi-Fi packages, prepaid tips, and more.
Free Cruises
Loyal cruise ship casino players can also qualify for comped or discounted cruises through various offers. Direct mail or email invitations to book select sailings at a discounted rate are common. Comped cruises might be for inside cabins with an option to upgrade or start with higher-category cabins. Typically, cruise lines cover the base fare, charging only taxes, fees, and gratuities.
Royal Caribbean’s program offers discounts and free annual cruises starting at the Prime level (2,500 points) with a complimentary inside cabin. Signature level members (25,000 points) earn a balcony cabin, and top-tier Masters players receive a Grand Suite. Points accrue during a 12-month period and do not carry over.
Free cruises with Celebrity begin at the Amethyst level (25,000 points), while discounted cruises on Norwegian start at the Pearl level (5,000 points). Oceania and Regent Seven Seas require 15,000 points, with points accruing interchangeably across the lines.
For cruise lines without a clear path to free cruises, high levels of casino play may still earn you complimentary cruises on a case-by-case basis, depending on cabin availability. These offers may be discussed with you onboard by the casino host or received via mail or email.
Invitations to Special Events
As a recognized player in a cruise line’s club, you will also receive invitations to exclusive tournament cruises. These events, often on sailings with multiple sea days, combine enjoyable activities with tournament play. For example, Norwegian’s Annual Golf Classic cruise includes golf at Bermuda’s Port Royal Golf Course and a blackjack tournament, while their Halloween event features a slot tournament with a $20,000 prize pool, a costume contest, and a beach party.
Royal Caribbean hosts golf tournaments, $15,000 slot tournaments, and $25,000 blackjack tournaments for club members. Carnival’s Ultra level invitation-only cruises offer VIP perks and a chance to win $100,000 in cash and gifts. Three lucky winners on each Ultra cruise also get to meet Shaquille O’Neal.
By understanding these opportunities, casino enthusiasts can maximize their gaming experience on cruise ships, turning their play into substantial rewards and exclusive events. While gambling should always be approached responsibly, the potential perks add an exciting dimension to your cruise vacation.
