Ship casinos run their own tournaments, and organized poker groups sometimes sail with their own card room. This page explains how they work, factually, and how to keep play fun.
Casino Tournaments on Board
Many ship casinos hold scheduled tournaments during a cruise, commonly slot tournaments and table-game events such as blackjack, and some ships hold poker games or tournaments when there is demand. Bingo, though often run outside the casino, is a cruise staple with its own sessions. Each tournament has an entry fee and rules set by the casino. Formats, prizes and schedules vary widely by line, ship and sailing, and are announced in the daily program or at the casino desk.
Age Rules
| Rule | What we found |
|---|---|
| Typical minimum age | 18 on most major lines’ casinos |
| Higher limits on some itineraries | Royal Caribbean requires guests to be 21 on all Alaska cruises |
| Who decides | The cruise line, sometimes reflecting the laws of the region sailed |
Rules differ by line and itinerary and can change. Check your line’s current casino policy before you sail, and expect to show identification.
Organized Poker Groups
Some travel companies have run poker cruises in which a dedicated card room offers tournaments and cash games for the group while the ship is at sea. Access to the group’s room is normally limited to guests who booked through the organizer, and any games must follow the cruise line’s rules. We name such sailings only when we can confirm current dates on the organizer’s own pages; at the time of writing we could not, so ask our advisors to check what is scheduled.
Playing Responsibly
- Treat any casino play as paid entertainment, not a way to make money.
- Set a firm budget before the cruise and keep it separate from your onboard account.
- Remember that charges go to your cabin account, which makes spending easy to lose track of.
- Take breaks, and enjoy the rest of the ship.
- If gambling stops being fun, stop. Help is available from national problem-gambling helplines.
Casino Etiquette at Sea
Ship casinos follow the same courtesies as those on land. Learn a table game’s basics before you sit down, or ask the dealer during a quiet moment; some ship casinos offer lessons early in the cruise. Wait for a hand to finish before joining a table, keep drinks off the felt and follow the dealer’s instructions on handling chips and cards. Smoking rules vary by line and area, so check the signs. Above all, treat staff and fellow players kindly — you will see them all week.
Casino Tournament FAQ
Is the casino open in port?
Generally no. Ship casinos usually open only once the ship is at sea, because of local laws in port. The daily program lists casino hours.
Are casino tournaments only for experienced players?
No. Many onboard tournaments, such as slot tournaments, are designed for casual players, and the casino staff explain the rules. Entry fees and formats vary by ship.
Plan a Cruise With Your Card Group
Want a private room for your poker or card group, or a ship with a lively casino program? Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can request the space and compare ships for you.
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