Slot machines are a preferred solution to gamble on cruise ships.
When you think that of casinos, you think that of the glitzy hotels and 24/7 hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, but there may be a singular type of gambling that takes place removed from the desert – on cruise ships.
While you will find some serious players at sea, most individuals who gamble on cruise ships are casual at best. This is reflected within the casino offerings on most cruise lines, with a limited variety of table games and an emphasis on slots.
Still, a stop on the casino will be an enjoyable a part of a cruise for many individuals. As with all gambling, it is important to set a budget so you recognize what you are willing to lose.
1. The possibilities usually are not so good
It’s no secret that the percentages usually are not in your favor at a land-based casino, but that is much more true at sea. In blackjack, for instance, where the percentages could also be higher on land attributable to competition regulation, cruise ship casinos often have rules that tilt the sport much more in the home’s favor.
“Cruise ship casinos offer some of the worst payouts of any casino you will find,” explained Cruzelys Tanner CallaisHe emphasized that blackjack is a typical example of poor gaming conditions at sea.
He explained that many cruise lines offer payouts of 6:5 as a substitute of the standard 3:2: “If that’s not a big deal to you, consider that if you bet $10 on blackjack under the usual rules, you would get $12 instead of $15.”
This implies that players ought to be more cautious and aware that their possibilities of winning are lower than in a standard casino.
2. Limited choice of table games
Cruise lines are likely to fill their casinos with lucrative slot machines, which are likely to attract more casual players. This leaves less room for table games like poker and blackjack, although roulette wheels are often well represented.
Slot machines are a typical sight in cruise ship casinos, on this case on board the Norwegian Prima.
There may only be one or two tables for every game, so variety and availability are significantly lower than in a big land-based casino.
3. US age laws don’t all the time apply
Depending on the state, some U.S. residents under the age of 21 is probably not allowed to gamble in land-based casinos. On a cruise ship, these laws don’t all the time apply.
All major American cruise lines allow gambling for anyone over the age of 18, apart from some U.S.-focused itineraries corresponding to Alaska and a few Caribbean cruises. If unsure, check the cruise line’s policies before booking.
4. Opening hours vary greatly
Although most cruise ship facilities are open throughout the day, the casino, in addition to onboard shops, are an exception. Due to tax regulations and rules, casinos are only open when the ship is at sea.
On sea days, slot machines are open all day, possibly even 24 hours a day. Table games start around noon and stay open until late. When the ship is in port, the casino is closed.
Casino hours are announced within the each day program, which is frequently delivered to your stateroom the night before or available on the onboard app, if one is accessible. Speak to a casino host if you will have any questions on hours throughout the cruise.
5. You can earn a “free” cruise
On land, frequent players are sometimes offered discounted accommodation, meals and other perks to encourage them to return. Loyalty programs also exist on ships.
Frequent players can collect points through their play, which they’ll exchange for various advantages, including future cruises.
Keep in mind that you have to to take a position quite a lot of play time to achieve the variety of play points required for such premium advantages. If that is your goal, select an itinerary with more sea days to maximise your time within the casino.
Several people have documented their solution to a “free” cruise using this method, including Melinda Crow.
She identified several obstacles and problems that had arisen along the best way and ultimately really helpful that for most individuals, “comparing cruise deals is probably the better route to a cheaper vacation.”
6. It’s less intimidating
If you’ve got all the time desired to learn poker or blackjack but the concept of an actual casino intimidates you, a cruise ship could possibly be the right opportunity for you.
Most cruise lines with casinos offer courses for beginners, so you’ll be able to learn in a cushty environment with no pressure. In many cases, participants of the course receive casino credits that they’ll use as real money, so it’s price looking for courses offered as a part of the each day program.
During regular playing time, the casinos typically have a more social atmosphere than traditional casinos, and the lower table minimums further attract casual players.
7. Free drinks are rare
If you are playing the slots or sitting on the poker tables in Vegas, you will likely be offered drinks, albeit in exchange for a tip. However, this is usually not the case on cruises.
The casino bar on the cruise ship MSC “Euribia” was also very talked-about with non-gamblers.
There is frequently a bar within the casino and doubtless waiter service is accessible, but drinks are almost all the time an extra charge unless you will have a drink package.
Some cruise lines offer a free drink after a specific amount of spend, often $100 on slot machines, so check the cruise line’s policy to ensure you are not missing out.
8. Gambling will not be possible with onboard credit
If you will have a big board balance and are considering of betting all of it on black, then you definately’re out of luck.
Most cruise lines don’t allow using onboard credits for gambling. Even if you will have some in your account, any deposit you make on the casino shall be charged to your bank card.
9. Cruise casinos shall be smoke-free
Smoking and casinos go hand in hand. Traditionally, a cruise ship casino is one in every of the few indoor spaces where smoking is allowed. On some lines, it remains to be permitted, but things are changing quickly.
On MSC EuribiaMSC’s newest cruise ship, smoking will not be permitted anywhere within the casino area. There is an out of doors smoking terrace accessible from the back of the casino, so smokers do not have to go far.
10. Pay before getting off
Although you’ll be able to play through your stateroom account, cruise ship casinos typically only pay out in money.
If you get lucky on the slots or tables, be sure you money out your money before leaving the casino. This should be done before the casino closes on the last night. If you miss this deadline, you is not going to give you the chance to say your winnings.
Finally, it is important to do not forget that going to the casino ought to be an enjoyable a part of a cruise. If it stops being fun otherwise you’re losing greater than you intended, stop. There are loads of other ways to spend your money and time at sea.
If you wish advice on overcoming a gambling problem, contact the National Gambling Addiction Hotline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
