disney cruise lines casino

Do Disney Cruises Have Casinos?

Disney Cruise activities have been specially created to offer child- and family-friendly setups catering to indoor and outdoor fun. Whenever someone wants to  book a Disney Cruise , they’re entitled to some standard features, including new ships made using the latest technologies ideal for travel and play. Do Disney cruises have casinos?

From the beginning, the Disney Cruise Line decided to retain its principles of adhering to family-based entertainment on vessels that have enough space for everyone to make memories and celebrate. The Walt Disney Company also took into account client recommendations.

As such, there are no casinos on a Disney Cruise — a major difference between a  Disney Cruise versus a Carnival  cruise.

Why Did Disney Cruise Line Decide on a No-Casino Policy?

Disney refused to include casinos and gambling in its organization to protect its brand image and retain trust among its target customers of families and children. Instead, the current ships have been designed to promote flexible experiences and positive interactions among passengers. Disney’s ships offer a variety of travel experiences for children and adults, including deck parties, dining, fitness, recreation, movies, lounges, shopping, and a spa.

The Disney Wish Cruise Ship began sailing in the summer of 2022, offering an exciting world experience. One of the ship’s unique features includes the AquaMouse, Disney’s first attraction at sea—a unique water ride.

The Disney Cruise Line fleet includes the Disney Magic , Disney Fantasy , Disney Wonder , Disney Dream , and Disney Wish ships, all of which are unique and promote the company’s various aspects of fun, entertainment, and community.

With different artistic and child-friendly designs, Disney has managed to work within their core principles of operation and cater to its central age group, children aged three to twelve. The ships are crafted to cater to the amusement of this age group and promote a kid-friendly atmosphere.

What Games and Activities Do Disney Cruise Ships Offer?

Bingo is a popular game on Disney ships. Children are also welcome to play bingo, but only adults can purchase bingo cards, entries, or claim prizes. Of course, prizes can also be won across various Disney Cruise games, competitions, and activities.

Other onboard activities to keep families entertained include an array of live shows, including musicals and variety acts; character experiences among dining rooms, kids clubs, and other areas of the ship; and, of course, the renowned Disney fireworks show, which, yes, still takes place at sea on select voyages.

Disney’s youth clubs include The Hideaway, the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, Edge Club, Vibe Club, and even the “it’s a small world” nursery for the youngest guests. So, although there may be no casino on board, families with kiddos of all ages are sure to stay well entertained throughout the entire magical voyage!

Disney Cruise Lines caters directly to everyone. However, it stays true to the Disney brand in the cruise industry by focusing on families and children. It designs its ships with parents in mind and provides adult-only events.

Planning a trip? Be sure to check out all of our latest Disney Cruise articles to see what sets them apart from other cruise lines.

And if you’d like some help making your reservation, we highly recommend contacting  The Vacationeer ! Their expert Disney travel planners know all about  cruising with Disney  and can make sure you get the best price, including applying any eligible discounts, such as the  military discount for Disney Cruises . Their services are provided at no additional cost to you!

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Do Disney Cruises Have Casinos? Yes, Here’s What You Need to Know

Disney Cruise Line is a popular choice for families looking to enjoy a fun-filled vacation at sea. However, for those who enjoy gambling, a common question is whether Disney Cruises have casinos. The answer is no, Disney Cruise Line does not have casinos on board their ships.

While some may be disappointed by the absence of casinos on Disney Cruises, the cruise line offers a variety of other activities and entertainment options for guests to enjoy. From deck parties and live shows to fitness centers and fine dining, there is something for everyone on board a Disney Cruise. Additionally, the cruise line offers adult-only areas and activities, such as nightclubs and spas, for those looking for a more grown-up experience.

Table of Contents

Disney Cruise Line Overview

Disney Cruise Line is a family-oriented cruise line that offers a unique experience to its passengers. The cruise line is known for its exceptional customer service, family-friendly atmosphere, and Disney-themed entertainment. Disney Cruise Line has four ships in its fleet: the Disney Magic , Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wonder. The fifth ship, the Disney Wish, is set to debut in 2022.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Disney Cruise Line prides itself on being a family-friendly cruise line. The ships are designed to provide fun and entertainment for passengers of all ages, with activities and amenities that cater to children, teens, and adults. The cruise line offers a wide range of activities for families to enjoy together, including live shows, movies, deck parties, and character meet-and-greets.

Disney Brand and Entertainment

Disney Cruise Line is part of the larger Disney brand, which is known worldwide for its entertainment and family-friendly image. The cruise line incorporates Disney-themed entertainment into its ships, including Broadway-style shows, character experiences, and themed restaurants. The ships also feature Disney-inspired decor and artwork, providing a unique and immersive experience for passengers.

Disney Cruise Line has chosen to maintain its family-friendly atmosphere by not offering casinos on any of its ships Magic Guides . This decision is in line with the Disney brand and its commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for families and children Cruise Ship Traveller . While there are no casinos on board, there are still plenty of activities for adults to enjoy, including nightclubs, live music venues, and sports viewing 10Best .

Onboard Activities and Amenities

Disney Cruise Line offers a wide range of onboard activities and amenities to cater to all ages and interests. From dining and lounges to pools and recreation, there’s something for everyone on board.

Dining and Lounges

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of dining options, including casual and formal dining, quick-service restaurants, and specialty dining experiences. Guests can choose from a range of cuisines, including American, Italian, French, and Japanese. There are also lounges and bars on board, offering a range of drinks and snacks.

Pools and Recreation

There are several pools on board, including family-friendly and adults-only pools. Guests can also enjoy water slides, splash zones, and other water-based activities. In addition, there are sports courts, mini-golf, and other recreational activities available.

Shows and Character Experiences

Disney Cruise Line is known for its live shows and character experiences. Guests can enjoy Broadway-style productions, magic shows, and other performances. There are also opportunities to meet and interact with Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and other favorites.

Overall, Disney Cruise Line offers a wide range of activities and amenities to keep guests of all ages entertained. From family-friendly activities to adults-only experiences, there’s something for everyone on board.

Gaming and Casino Alternatives

Disney Cruises are known for being family-friendly and providing a wide range of entertainment options for guests of all ages. While Disney Cruises do not have traditional casinos, they do offer alternative options for guests looking to have some fun and excitement onboard.

Bingo and Tournaments

One of the most popular alternatives to traditional casino games on Disney Cruises is bingo. Daily bingo games are available for guests who want to try their luck and win some prizes. In addition to regular bingo games, Disney Cruises also offer special tournaments where guests can compete against each other for bigger prizes.

Arcades and Prizes

Another alternative to traditional casino games on Disney Cruises is the onboard arcade. The arcade features a variety of games for guests of all ages, including racing games, shooting games, and more. Guests can win tickets from the arcade games and exchange them for prizes at the end of their cruise.

Adult-Only Options

While Disney Cruises are family-friendly, they also offer adult-only areas and activities for guests who want to relax and have some fun without children around. The adult-only pool is a great place to unwind and soak up the sun, while the nightclubs and cabarets offer entertainment for adults in the evenings.

Overall, while Disney Cruises do not have traditional casinos, they offer a range of alternative options for guests who want to have some fun and excitement onboard. From bingo and tournaments to arcades and adult-only activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy on a Disney Cruise.

Financial Considerations

Cost and Expenses

When planning a Disney Cruise, it’s important to consider the cost and expenses associated with the trip. While Disney Cruises are known for their high-quality entertainment and amenities , they can be expensive. The cost of a Disney Cruise will vary depending on the length of the cruise, the type of stateroom, and the time of year.

In addition to the cost of the cruise itself, passengers should also budget for additional expenses such as gratuities, shore excursions, and onboard purchases. It’s important to carefully review the cruise itinerary and budget accordingly to avoid any unexpected expenses.

Onboard Currency and ATMs

Disney Cruise Line operates on a cashless system, which means that all onboard purchases are charged to a guest’s stateroom account. Guests can use their Key to the World card, which serves as both a room key and a charge card, to make purchases onboard.

While Disney Cruise Line does not have ATMs onboard, guests can obtain cash by charging it to their stateroom account and then visiting Guest Services to receive the cash. It’s important to note that there is a daily limit for cash withdrawals, so guests should plan accordingly.

Guests can also use onboard credit to pay for purchases. Onboard credit can be obtained through a variety of means, such as booking during a promotional period, participating in a Disney Cruise Line loyalty program, or receiving a gift from a travel agent or other source. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of any onboard credit offers to ensure that they can be used for the desired purchases.

Comparisons with Other Cruise Lines

Casino Offerings

One significant difference between Disney Cruise Line and other major cruise lines is the presence of casinos on board. While all other major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, and Norwegian Cruise Line, have onboard casinos, Disney Cruise Line does not have any.

For those who enjoy gambling, the lack of a casino may be a downside of choosing Disney Cruise Line. However, for families with children, this may be a positive aspect as it ensures that the cruise remains child-friendly.

Family and Adult Entertainment

Disney Cruise Line is known for its family-friendly environment and entertainment options. The cruise line offers a variety of activities for children, including character meet-and-greets, youth clubs, and Disney-themed shows.

Adults are not left out of the fun either, as Disney Cruise Line offers a range of adult-only activities and areas, such as lounges, spas, and pools. However, unlike other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line does not have designated smoking areas or casinos.

Another significant difference between Disney Cruise Line and other cruise lines is the availability of alcohol. While other cruise lines offer unlimited alcohol packages, Disney Cruise Line limits the amount of alcohol that guests can consume. Guests are allowed to bring a limited amount of alcohol on board, but additional alcohol must be purchased from the ship’s bars and restaurants.

Overall, while Disney Cruise Line may not offer the same casino and alcohol options as other cruise lines, it makes up for it with its family-friendly environment and entertainment options.

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Do Disney Cruises Have Casinos? (Is it JUST Kid-Friendly Activities?)

If you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation, it’s very likely you have considered Disney Cruises.

With its reputation for providing endless entertainment for all ages, it’s no surprise it’s a go-to for families with kids of all ages.

But if you want to enjoy some more adult activities while onboard, like gambling, you may be wondering if Disney Cruises have casinos.

Table of Contents

Do Disney Cruises Have Casinos?

No, Disney Cruise Line has chosen not to include casinos on any of their ships in order to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere. This decision aligns with their land-based Disney resorts, which also do not have casinos.

While you won’t find gambling facilities aboard Disney cruise ships, you can still enjoy a variety of other adult-only activities.

For instance, each of the four Disney cruise ships – Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy – offers nightclubs and cabarets with live entertainment.

You might think that the absence of casinos is a deal-breaker for some adult travelers, but Disney does offer an alternative if you want that gambling fix while onboard.

Daily Bingo games are available for those who crave a little excitement. Additionally, some Disney cruise itineraries include a stop in Nassau, where you can visit the Atlantis hotel and casino.

Although Disney cruise ships lack casinos, they still provide a high-quality vacation experience with a focus on family-friendly activities and entertainment.

If you’re willing to forgo the casino experience, you’ll find that Disney Cruise Line offers many unique and memorable moments for the whole family to enjoy.

Onboard Activities Without Casinos

Entertainment and shows.

Even though Disney cruises don’t offer casinos, you’ll find a wide variety of entertainment and live shows to keep you engaged throughout your journey.

Each ship has its own unique offerings, from Broadway-caliber productions like “Beauty and the Beast” to Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure.

You’ll be delighted by the impressive performances, amazing stagecraft, and memorable character experiences that bring the Disney magic to life.

Family Activities

Disney cruises are popular for providing fantastic family activities that cater to the preferences of everyone onboard. Dive into fun experiences like trivia nights, themed deck parties, and interactive game shows as you bond with your loved ones.

Attend delightful character meet-and-greets or join themed dance parties with popular Disney friends like Mickey and Minnie.

Plus, you can’t forget about the poolside movies where you can relax and watch some of your favorite Disney classics under the stars.

Youth Clubs

For the younger guests, Disney cruises offer exceptional youth clubs that are tailored to various age ranges. These club spaces have interactive and imaginative play areas supervised by dedicated crew members.

In the Oceaneer Club, kids can embark on adventures with Marvel Superheroes, join pirates on a high-seas voyage, or transform into a fairy tale princesses.

Meanwhile, the Oceaneer Lab provides hands-on experiments and imaginative play for budding scientists and artists. Regardless of the club they join, your kids will treasure these loads of unforgettable memories.

When it’s time to unwind and appreciate some adult-only moments, check out the nightclubs and lounges available on each Disney cruise ship.

Here, you can enjoy beverage tastings and mingle with friends in a relaxed atmosphere. These venues cater to various tastes, whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to sip on a cocktail or a lively dance floor to dance the night away.

Each Disney ship offers distinctive lounges, ensuring that your evenings are filled with entertainment and enjoyment.

In summary, Disney cruises provide ample onboard activities without the need for casinos. From captivating entertainment and shows to family-friendly activities, youth clubs, and adult lounges, there is something for everyone to enjoy and keep busy during their voyage.

What Games and Activities Do Disney Cruise Ships Offer?

Spa and Wellness

During your Disney Cruise, you can indulge in some rest and relaxation at the luxurious Spa and Wellness center. Here, you’ll find a variety of soothing treatments and services tailored to help you unwind.

Treat yourself to a rejuvenating facial, a calming massage, or immerse yourself in a lush aromatherapy environment.

With a focus on tranquility, the Spa and Wellness center is the perfect place to reinvigorate your mind and body during your cruise vacation.

Adult-Exclusive Bars and Lounges

While Disney Cruise ships do not have casinos, you can enjoy several adult-exclusive bars and lounges to unwind in during your voyage.

With tasteful décor, specialty cocktails, and diverse atmospheres, these venues provide the perfect escape from the bustle of the main ship.

Various themed lounges offer different ambiences, so you’re sure to find the perfect spot to socialize, savor a drink, and spend quality time with your fellow adults onboard.

Culinary Workshops

Disney Cruise Line also offers you the opportunity to participate in culinary workshops while sailing the high seas.

In these hands-on courses, you’ll learn new recipes and techniques from experienced chefs, who will guide you through a delectable journey of cooking and creativity.

Discover worldly flavors as you explore the art of preparing dishes from various cuisines. These workshops provide an exciting and engaging way for you to enhance your culinary skills while creating lasting memories on your Disney Cruise.

Will The New Disney Ships Have A Casino?

As of now, Disney Cruise Line has maintained a no-casino policy on its current ships, which include Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy. They have no plans of changing this policy for their new ships.

This decision was made to protect the brand’s family-friendly image and cater to their target customers – families and children.

The Disney Wish, which arrived in the summer of 2022, continued the tradition of not having a casino. Similarly, the upcoming Disney Treasure, scheduled for delivery in 2024, has not announced any plans to include a casino onboard.

It’s reasonable to assume that Disney will stick to its no-casino policy for future ships as well.

While you won’t find a casino aboard Disney cruise ships, rest assured that there are plenty of adults-only activities.

Each ship offers nightclubs, cabarets, and live music, allowing adult guests to unwind and enjoy their evenings without the presence of casinos.

Besides, many travelers appreciate the unique, family-oriented atmosphere that Disney Cruise Line is known for.

In general, it’s highly unlikely that the new Disney ships will introduce casinos.

Instead, you can expect Disney Cruise Line to continue providing a range of exclusive entertainment and fun-filled activities for guests of all ages.

If you’re planning your next family vacation , a Disney cruise promises a memorable experience without the need for gambling.

Why Disney Cruise Line Doesn’t Offer Casinos

Disney Cruise Line prioritizes providing a fun and enjoyable experience for families and children. As a result, they have decided not to include casinos on their ships.

This is a conscious choice made to protect the family-friendly brand image they have built throughout the years, making Disney Cruise Line a top choice for families and children of all ages.

With casinos and gambling often associated with adult-only activities, Disney Cruise Line chose to focus on offering a wide range of entertainment options that cater to the whole family.

By doing so, you’ll find an array of kid-friendly activities, such as character experiences, water parks, themed restaurants, and interactive play areas that are staples of Disney Cruise Line ships.

Furthermore, not having casinos on their ships helps maintain a more relaxed atmosphere where your vacation feels more dedicated to spending quality time together as a family, rather than getting caught up in the temptation of gambling.

This might actually be a relief for some guests, as many cruise lines with casinos can often place a heavy focus on adult-oriented activities and entertainment.

While you may not find casinos on Disney Cruise Line ships, rest assured that there are plenty of exciting, engaging, and fun options that cater to every member of your family.

These options include everything from onboard musical productions to unique recreational activities, ensuring that your Disney Cruise Line experience is unforgettable and true to the Disney magic.

Advantages Of Not Having a Casino On A Disney Cruise

There are a lot of advantages to not having a casino on a Disney cruise.

For starters, the atmosphere is much more family-friendly. Casinos can be loud and filled with smoke and disruptive behavior.

By not having a casino, Disney allows for a peaceful and relaxed environment for everyone to enjoy, from the youngest children to their grandparents.

This means you can rest easy knowing that your entire family will be comfortable and content on the cruise.

Additionally, without a casino taking up valuable space, Disney Cruise Line is able to dedicate more areas to entertainment and activities that the whole family can enjoy.

This includes kids clubs, interactive experiences, and character meet-and-greets. Plus, the focus is not just on children’s activities; there are plenty of adult-only spaces as well, including bars, lounges, and serene pool areas.

So while there may not be a casino, there is no shortage of fun and excitement to be had.

Saving money is another notable advantage of a casino-free Disney Cruise. Gambling can be an expensive pastime, and being on a cruise is no exception.

By removing the temptation of a casino, you’re more likely to stick to your vacation budget and avoid potential financial stress. You can use the money you save on something else, like a spa treatment, shore excursion, or even a future Disney Cruise.

Lastly, while other cruises may attract guests primarily focused on gambling and late-night entertainment, Disney Cruises draw in travelers seeking wholesome family fun.

This means you’re likely to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your priorities and values, helping to foster a sense of community and camaraderie during your time on board.

Disney Cruise Line’s decision to exclude casinos from their ships has resulted in a more family-friendly atmosphere, increased focus on entertainment and activities for all ages, money-saving opportunities, and the chance to connect with fellow passengers who share your outlook on vacation.

So when you embark on your next Disney Cruise, take a deep breath, relax, and embrace the advantages of a casino-free environment.

How Much is Bingo on a Disney Cruise?

Bingo on a Disney Cruise is a popular activity for guests of all ages. The pricing varies depending on the package you choose.

For example, a Family Pack can cost around $60, which includes two 24-card electronic handsets and two surprise paper cards.

If you prefer individual options, 24 electronic cards cost $40, while 48 electronic cards are priced at $50. There are also paper card options, with a double 3-pack costing $30 and three paper cards for $20.

Can Kids Play Bingo on Disney Cruise?

Yes, kids can join in on the Bingo fun during a Disney Cruise! Although you need to be over 19 years old to purchase Bingo tickets, everyone is welcome to participate in the game, making it a family-friendly experience. However, always remember that payouts can vary depending on the game.

Bingo games on Disney Cruises are not only entertaining, but they also offer some substantial prizes. On a typical cruise, they might range from $100 to $200 for the first game to $400-$600 for the final game.

Occasionally, there could even be a special jackpot game with a prize of up to $10,000.

During your Disney Cruise, be sure to take advantage of this fun-filled activity and enjoy a friendly, competitive atmosphere with the whole family.

Don’t be shy – whether you’re a seasoned Bingo player or it’s your first time, it’s sure to be a memorable experience!

Comparing Disney Cruise Line to Cruise Lines with Casinos

When you’re considering a cruise vacation, the entertainment options on board can play a significant role in your decision-making process.

One significant difference between Disney Cruise Line and other major cruise lines is the presence of casinos on board.

Disney Cruise Line has chosen to avoid hosting casinos on their ships to protect their brand image and cater to their primary target audience – families and children.

This decision sets Disney Cruise Line apart from competitors such as Princess, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Lines, which all feature casinos on most of their ships.

Casinos are often a popular pastime on cruises, offering a wide variety of games such as slot machines, blackjack, poker, and roulette.

Luxury cruise lines like Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas have casinos on their non-expedition ships, while smaller luxury ships operated by Ponant, Ritz-Carlton, Scenic, and Emerald do not.

Although Disney ships don’t have casinos, they still offer other forms of adult entertainment, providing an enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere for parents and non-gambling adults.

For example, Disney Cruise Line does offer Bingo games that the whole family can participate in, with adults (aged 19+) purchasing tickets and claiming prizes on behalf of the entire group.

It’s important to remember that while the lack of casinos might be disappointing for some cruise-goers, Disney Cruise Line specifically caters to families and focuses on creating magical experiences for children.

Their ships are filled with kid-friendly activities, family-oriented shows, and character meet-and-greets, which may not be as prevalent on cruise lines with casinos.

If you’re primarily looking for a family-friendly cruise experience where the focus is on wholesome activities and entertainment, Disney Cruise Line might be the perfect choice for you.

Now, however, you’re an adult who enjoys casino-style gaming along with your cruising experience, there are plenty of other cruise lines that cater to your preference.

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Do Disney Cruises Have Casinos?

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Disney is known as one of the most family-friendly of all the cruise lines and there is a lot to do for all members of the family.

However, a question I often get asked is whether or not Disney Cruise ships have a casino.

Do Disney Cruise Ships Have Casinos?

Disney does not have a casino on any of their ships.

The current ships are Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy. Disney Cruise Lines took the bold decision two decades ago not to include a casino on any of their ships.

A casino is usually a huge source of revenue for a cruise line so it is great to see that Disney decided to stand out as different in the cruise industry.

Most cruise lines including Princess, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Lines devote a large amount of space in their ships to a casino.

This is another way that Disney Cruise Lines are in a category of its own when it comes to family cruising.

However, this is not to say that there is no gambling at all on a Disney Cruise.

Is there gambling on a Disney Cruise?

One of the most popular activities on board all of the ships is Bingo.

These Bingo sessions on Disney Cruise Ships are a whole lot of fun. Bingo games are played most days on all the Disney ships.

Usually, the Bingo games are held in one of the adult lounges, but as they are held in the day, all ages are welcome to attend.

Children under the age of 18 are allowed to attend, but they cannot actually win the prize. They can check the numbers and mark them off, but they must have an adult over 18 with them to supervise at all times.

Disney does all entertainment very well, so as you would expect, they make Bingo a lot of fun.

The first time I went to one of the games I was a bit overwhelmed by the fast pace and experience of some of my fellow cruisers  They had clearly done this many times before!

Disney makes it easy for even first-timers to take part though.

 Bingo prizes can be as much as $10,000. There are lots of other prizes given out of Disney Cruise Line bags, hats, and exclusive items. 

The cost to play Bingo does vary depending on which day you play. It usually starts at $30 for a set of bingo cards.

However, if you want the more high-tech approach you can also rent a machine to keep a check of numbers. This means you don’t have to be so vigilant about checking numbers by yourself.

Of course, these are more expensive and start at $40.

Will The New Disney Ships Have a Casino?

There are 3 new Disney ships on the horizon.

Disney Treasure will be launched next year, and a third Triton class ship will be launched in 2026. It is highly likely that neither of these ship will have a casino.

What are the Different Types of Disney Cruise Ship?

However, there is another new Disney ship that will be launched in 2024.

Disney acquired the Global Dream cruise ship and whilst details are scarce, we know that she will sail from Singapore.

By the time Global Dream was purchased by Disney Cruise Line, she was 75 percent completed. We now know that this ship will be named Disney Adventure.

And it was planned that Global Dream would have a casino.

New Disney AdventureDream – What Will She Be Like?

Will Disney Adventure have a casino? Disney has a dilemma. It will certainly be interesting to see what happens.

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Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Marcia Hargrove

Saturday 21st of August 2021

Yes, Disney’s ships should have a casino for the adults that don’t go to dance lounge. What other night time activities is there for adults to do.

There are lots of activities in the evening for adults including Broadway-quality shows, movies, numerous bars, fine dining, and adult entertainment.

Do Disney Cruises Have Casinos? What You Need to Know

When it comes to family-friendly entertainment on the high seas, Disney Cruise is hard to beat . These ships offer a magical experience that’s perfect for Disney fans of all ages. With themed dining, character meet-and-greets, and Broadway-style shows, there’s no shortage of excitement on a Disney cruise.

But if you’re a fan of hitting the casino while sailing the open seas, you might be wondering, Do Disney cruises have casinos? That’s a great question! In this article, we’ll dive into what you can expect in terms of adult-oriented entertainment aboard Disney’s ships. So grab your sailor hat and let’s set sail on a journey to discover what Disney Cruise has to offer.

Disney Cruise Line’s Approach to Entertainment

Discover the magic of Disney Cruise Line’s approach to entertainment, a harmonious blend of timeless storytelling, innovative technology, and world-class performances that captivate audiences of all ages. Sail into a realm of enchantment!

The Disney Brand and Philosophy

When you think of Disney, you probably imagine a world of enchantment, magic, and wholesome family fun. It’s a brand known for creating heartwarming stories that captivate both the young and the young at heart. This family-friendly image is at the core of Disney’s philosophy, and it extends to every corner of its empire, including its cruise line.

Disney Cruise carries the same reputation for creating magical experiences that are tailor-made for family enjoyment. They intentionally steer away from certain adult-oriented amenities that don’t align with their brand image. Instead, Disney focuses on providing amusement that can be enjoyed by the whole family, creating lifelong memories for parents and children alike.

Unique Features of Disney Cruise Ships

What sets Disney’s ships apart from others in the cruise industry is the sheer amount of magic packed into every voyage. From the moment you step aboard, you’re transported to a world where fantasy and reality merge, offering unique experiences that can’t be found on most cruise lines.

• Character Interactions : Disney ships are populated by beloved Disney characters. You might run into Captain Mickey, shake hands with Donald Duck, or even share a hug with Goofy. These character meet-and-greets create magical moments that are cherished by children and parents alike.
• Themed Events : The Cruise hosts various themed events and parties that immerse guests in the world of Disney. From Pirate Night, where you can unleash your inner buccaneer, to Star Wars Day at Sea, there’s something for every Disney fan.
• Broadway Shows : Each evening, the ship’s auditorium is live with stunning Broadway-style productions. These shows bring Disney stories to life on stage, with talented performers, impressive sets, and unforgettable music.
• Themed Dining : Even mealtime is a magical experience on a Disney ship. The ships’ dining rooms are inspired by Disney films and feature unique menus and entertainment that correspond to the theme. You might dine “under the sea” with Ariel or enjoy a royal banquet with Cinderella.
• Kids Clubs : This Cruise offers dedicated clubs where children can participate in age-appropriate activities, interact with characters, and make new friends. With spaces for different age groups, there’s something for everyone from toddlers to teenagers.

These features, combined with Disney’s exceptional service and attention to detail, make Disney ships a unique and unforgettable experience for families seeking a magical adventure on the open sea.

Do Disney Cruises Have Casinos?

The simple answer to this question is no, Disney ships do not have a casino. You might wonder why, especially since numerous other cruise lines offer a casino for adults. The absence of a casino on the cruise ships is a conscious decision by Disney Cruise, and it ties back to their focus on family-friendly entertainment.

Official Policy on Casinos: Why Are There No Casinos on Disney Cruise?

The absence of casinos on Disney Cruise ships isn’t an oversight or a coincidence. It’s a deliberate choice that reflects the company’s brand and philosophy. Disney is known for its commitment to creating family-friendly experiences that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages. While casinos are a popular form of entertainment on many cruise ships, they are typically designed for adults and may not align with the family-centric image that Disney upholds.

As a brand, Disney is known for its wholesome and magical experiences that bring joy to children and families worldwide. This reputation extends to their cruise line, where the focus is on offering activities and entertainment that can be enjoyed together by families. From character meet-and-greets to themed dining experiences, every aspect of a Disney cruise is designed to create magical moments that can be cherished by the entire family.

The absence of casinos onboard Disney ships also means that there’s more space available for other family-oriented amenities and entertainment options. Instead of slot machines and card tables, you’ll find expansive kids’ clubs, water play areas, and other attractions that are perfect for families traveling with children.

Overall, the decision not to include casinos onboard is consistent with Disney’s brand and philosophy of creating magical and family-friendly experiences. So, while you won’t be able to try your luck at the casino, you can rest assured that there’s no shortage of fun and entertainment for everyone on a cruise.

Other Entertainment Options on Disney Cruises

Discover endless excitement beyond the main deck on Disney Cruises! From captivating theatrical shows to bustling game arcades, these floating wonders offer an array of diverse entertainment choices for all ages.

Disney Character Experiences

One of the most magical aspects of a Disney cruise is the chance to meet beloved Disney characters face-to-face. From classic characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse to Disney princesses and Pixar heroes, you’ll have ample opportunities for meet-and-greets, autographs, and photo sessions.

Themed dining experiences add an extra layer of magic to your meals, as characters join you at your table for conversations and photo ops. Whether you’re having breakfast with Goofy or a royal banquet with princesses, it’s an experience that will leave lasting memories for the whole family.

Live Shows and Performances

Disney Cruise is known for its high-quality entertainment, which includes incredible live shows and performances. The ships’ theaters host Broadway-style productions that bring Disney stories to life with talented performers, stunning sets, and unforgettable music.

These family-friendly shows are suitable for guests of all ages and are sure to captivate your imagination. In addition to theater productions, Disney ships offer lively deck parties, complete with music, dancing, and special appearances by Disney characters. Plus, you can enjoy live music performances in various lounges and venues onboard.

Water Attractions and Pools

When it’s time to cool off, Disney cruise ships offer a variety of water attractions and pools to choose from. Each ship features water parks with splash zones, water slides, and interactive water play areas perfect for kids.

You’ll also find family-friendly pools where you can swim and relax together, as well as poolside movie screenings for added entertainment. If you’re seeking a thrill, don’t miss the AquaDuck water coaster, available on select ships, which offers a high-speed ride with breathtaking ocean views.

Adult-Only Areas

While Disney Cruise focuses on family-oriented entertainment, it also caters to adults seeking a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. Each Disney ship features adult-only areas, including sophisticated dining venues, bars, and lounges.

You can enjoy specialty restaurants that offer gourmet cuisine, wine pairings, and elegant ambiance. In addition, there are adult-only pools and sun decks where you can unwind and soak up the sun without the hustle and bustle of the family areas. These adult-only zones provide the perfect escape for parents and couples looking for some quiet time.

Alternatives to Casinos on Disney Cruises

Although you won’t find casinos on Disney cruise lines ships, there are still plenty of options for those who enjoy games and friendly competition. Game rooms onboard offer a variety of arcade games, video games, and table games that guests of all ages can enjoy.

If you’re looking for a little gambling-style excitement, Disney cruise lines also host bingo sessions where you can compete for prizes and have fun with fellow passengers. These alternatives provide a way to enjoy some lighthearted enjoyment and excitement without the need for a casino.

Off-Shore Casino Options

While you won’t find a casino on Disney cruise lines, there are still opportunities for guests interested in gambling to get their fix during port stops. Disney ships often dock at popular tourist destinations where you can find a wide range of activities and attractions, including casinos.

Port of Call Excursions

Many ports of call on a Disney cruise are located in places known for their vibrant nightlife and entertainment options, including casinos. If you’re interested in gambling during your cruise, you can plan to visit local casinos during your shore excursions. Whether you prefer slot machines , card games , or other casino activities, you’re likely to find something that suits your taste.

Some popular port destinations with casinos include Nassau in the Bahamas, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten in the Caribbean. Before you head off the ship, make sure to check the local regulations regarding casinos, as the rules may differ from one destination to another. It’s also essential to plan your time wisely to ensure you’re back on the ship before it departs.

Recommendations for Casino Enthusiasts

If enjoying a casino is an important part of your vacation, here are a few tips to keep in mind while sailing with Disney Cruise :

• Research Ports of Call : Before your cruise, research the ports of call on your itinerary to identify which destinations offer casinos. This way, you can plan your shore excursions accordingly and know where to go once you disembark.
• Set a Budget : If you plan to visit a casino during your cruise, set a budget for how much you’re willing to spend on gambling. Stick to your budget to ensure you don’t overspend.
• Respect Local Regulations : Make sure to familiarize yourself with the local regulations regarding casinos in each port of call. This includes the legal gambling age, dress code, and any other rules that might apply.
• Manage Your Time : Remember that you’ll need to be back on the ship before it departs, so plan your time carefully. It’s essential to leave enough time to get back to the ship, especially if the casino is not located near the port.
• Enjoy Other Activities : While visiting a casino can be a fun way to spend your time ashore, don’t forget to explore other attractions and activities in each port of call. Experience the local culture, try new foods, and take in the sights to make the most of your shore excursions.

By planning ahead and being mindful of your time and budget, you can enjoy some casino excitement during your Disney adventure while still making the most of the family-friendly entertainment and experiences that a Disney vacation is known for.

Comparing Disney Cruise Line to Other Cruise Lines

When it comes to choosing a cruise for your next vacation, there are plenty of options to consider. Two major factors that can influence your decision are onboard entertainment and the presence or absence of casinos. Let’s take a closer look at how Disney Cruise compares to different cruise lines in these areas.

Casinos on Other Cruise Lines

Unlike Disney Cruise , many cruise ships offer casinos on their ships. For example, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line have casinos on most of their ships. These casinos typically feature a range of games, from slot machines and blackjack tables to poker and roulette. Some even offer bingo cards and host bingo games for those who prefer a more relaxed gaming experience.

For some travelers, having a casino onboard is a significant draw. It’s an opportunity to try their luck, enjoy adult activities, and even win some money. However, there are a few reasons why you might prefer a cruise without a casino. Some guests find casinos to be noisy or crowded, and others may prefer to avoid the temptation to gamble altogether. Additionally, while playing in the casino can be fun, it can also come with additional costs , as you might end up spending more money than planned.

Differences in Entertainment Options

Disney Cruise Line is known for its family-oriented amusement options, which are a major selling point for families with children. While different cruise lines may offer adult-only casinos and other grown-up activities, Disney cruises are designed to appeal to guests of all ages. This focus on family recreation is what sets Disney apart from other lines.

Some of the unique entertainment options you’ll find on the cruise include character meet-and-greets, themed dining experiences, live shows, and water attractions. And while these features may be geared toward children, they are enjoyable for guests of all ages. In fact, many adults choose Disney cruises precisely because of the magical atmosphere and nostalgic experiences they provide.

If you’re an adult looking for a more grown-up experience, Disney Cruise Line still has plenty to offer. There are adult-only areas on the ships, such as lounges and pools, where you can relax and unwind without children around. Plus, you can always grab a soft drink or a cocktail and enjoy some premium recreation options.

Ultimately, the choice between Disney Cruise Line and other cruise lines comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a casino experience, you might be better off with a cruise line like Royal Caribbean or Carnival. But if you’re looking for a unique, family-friendly cruise vacation with a touch of Disney magic, then a Disney cruise is the perfect choice for you.

Planning Your Disney Cruise Experience

Getting ready for a Disney adventure? Here are a few tips to help you select the ideal ship and make the most of your itinerary.

Choosing the Right Disney Cruise Ship

Disney’s cruise Line has five stunning ships to choose from: Disney Magic , Disney Wonder , Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy , and the newest vessel, Disney Wish . Each ship has its unique charm and amenities. For instance:

• The Disney Magic boasts Marvel-themed kids’ areas and a Fantasia-inspired water slide.
• The Disney Wonder offers Frozen-themed entertainment and a Marvel Super Hero Academy.
• The Disney Dream showcases immersive kids’ clubs and Star Wars-themed areas.
• The Disney Fantasy features Star Wars-themed areas, Muppets-themed games, and an Aladdin show.
• The Disney Wish is adorned with a Moana-themed water attraction, a Star Wars lounge, and a Marvel superhero dining experience.

Depending on your interests – be it classic Disney movies, Marvel superheroes, or Star Wars – there’s a ship for you.

Making the Most of Your Itinerary

To maximize your Disney Cruise experience, planning ahead is essential. Here are some pointers:

• Plan Activities : Use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to view the schedule of activities, shows, and events on the ship and plan your days around your must-see amusements.
• Make Dining Reservations : Reserve a spot at specialty restaurants or character dining experiences in advance.
• Explore the Ports of Call : When the ship docks, take time to explore the local area, sample new foods, and immerse yourself in the culture.
• Use Onboard Amenities : Don’t miss out on the ship’s amenities, such as pools, water slides, game rooms, and fitness centers.
• Relax : Lastly, remember to enjoy your vacation, whether you’re watching a live show, meeting Disney characters, or lounging by the pool.

With proper planning, you’ll have a Disney experience that you and your family will treasure.

Disney Cruise Line is renowned for offering a world of magic and excitement for guests of all ages. Although casinos aren’t part of the onboard experience, the cruise line compensates with a plethora of entertainment options. Families can delight in character encounters, live shows, water attractions, and themed events that transport them to enchanting Disney worlds.

Adults can unwind in exclusive areas, enjoy gourmet dining, or explore exciting off-shore excursions. Whether you’re a Disney enthusiast, a family with children, or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, Disney cruises provide a tailored and memorable experience, without the need for a casino. Your adventure awaits – all you need to do is set sail!

Which Disney cruise has a casino?

None of the Disney Cruise Line ships have casinos on board. This is in line with Disney’s family-friendly brand and philosophy. Instead, Disney cruises offer a plethora of entertainment options such as character meet-and-greets, Broadway-style shows, water attractions, and more, ensuring a magical experience for guests of all ages without the need for gambling.

Is there alcohol on Disney Cruises?

Yes, alcohol is available on Disney Cruises. Guests 21 years and older can enjoy a variety of alcoholic beverages at the ship’s bars and lounges. Disney also offers an alcohol package for an additional fee. However, Disney promotes responsible drinking and has policies in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests on board.

Which cruise ships have no casinos?

Disney Cruise Line ships are known for not having casinos as part of their onboard amenities. This includes all five of their ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish. Disney’s focus is on providing family-friendly entertainment, and they have chosen not to include casinos in order to maintain their brand image.

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I’m Bobby Pham, but you can call me “Bobby on Cruise.” I’ve been cruising the high seas and exploring the world for years, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with you. When not cruising, I spend my time on growing my marketing agency.

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Cruise Ship Casino Games Guide (Games Offered, Minimums, Payouts & More)

When night falls on a cruise ship, there’s arguably no more popular place to be than in the ship’s casino. The atmosphere is buzzing, people are shouting with every win (or groaning with every loss!), and the energy can be off the charts.

It’s the place to be in the evening, if you like to gamble. And if you’ve been to a casino before, then there’s a lot that’s going to be familiar. But if you’ve never been to a casino on a cruise ship, then there are some things that will definitely be a little different that you may not notice at first — especially when it comes to the games offered.

The traditional games are all there, including slot machines and blackjack. There are also some things that you wouldn’t expect in a casino, including games like the crane machine and coin pusher machines.

To help you get acquainted, let’s dive into the games you’ll find in a cruise ship casino, and what to know about them.

Slot Machines

If there is a most popular game in a cruise casino, it would be the slot machines, without a doubt. Any ship’s casino will be filled with rows of them and during the busy periods in the evenings, you’ll find most of them taken up by players.

The games offered are similar to what you’d find in a land-based casino. In fact, many of your favorites are likely to be onboard, including names like Lobstermania, Cleopatra, and Quick Hit. We will say that the large slot machines (e.g. those that are full experience like Wizard of Oz or Monopoly with rumble seats and more) usually aren’t found on cruises. We think that’s due to the size of the machine that may simply take up too much space on a cruise ship.

Denominations will vary, but penny machines seem to take up the lion’s share of what’s available. Often you can change the denomination right at the machine. Minimum bets tend to be around $0.40 – $0.50 cents per spin, with the ability to bet several dollars per turn.

Video Poker

Another machine that you’ll find in any cruise casino is video poker. That said, the number of machines and the poker games available are significantly fewer than you might be used to seeing.

In our experience, there is usually a bank or two of the machines, but not much more than that. Denominations are typically $0.25, but some machines may let you change that amount. Jacks or Better is always available, and often you can change the game at the machine. Even so, you may or may not find some of the variations such as Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, multi-hand machines or machines that play with a multiplier. It will depend on the ship, but just know in general things are more limited.

As for payouts, video poker on a cruise will almost always offer lower pay tables than the optimum “9/6” machines. We find that they usually vary between 6/5 to 7/5, which increases the house’s take over the long term.

While machines take up the largest portion of the cruise ship casino floor, table games have a healthy showing. That includes roulette, which always seems to be a popular game on the ship.

Cruise ships offer double-zero roulette. There are all your traditional bets, including individual numbers, red/black, even/odd, as well as sections of the board. There is also usually a video board that offers up stats on recent rolls so you can get a feel for how the table has been running.

Minimum bets are usually $5 overall, but may be $10 in some cases.

Blackjack is another popular table game, and in the evenings you’ll see these tables plenty busy with players.

The rules are just like you find on land. Games are normally played with multiple decks (though we have seen single-deck games) and allow for doubling down. Traditionally dealers are required to hit on soft 17.

While blackjack payouts will vary based on table minimums, normally you’ll find 6:5. Higher limits will see the traditional 3:2 payouts for blackjack.

Minimums normally start at $5 (or $6 to make blackjack payouts easier) and go up from there. You likely won’t see minimums higher than $10-$25 on your cruise.

One more thing to note is that a number of the blackjack tables available also have side bet options available if you are so inclined.

Texas Hold ‘Em has boomed in popularity over the last decade or two, and that includes on cruise ships. Most cruise ships will have a poker table on the casino floor.

Unlike a typical casino, however, it’s not a situation where you can just walk in, sign up and start playing poker. Given the limited number of players on a cruise, games are normally announced ahead of time, not “sit and go.”

Keep an eye out on the daily planner for when a game is starting. Then just head down to the casino a little early for details on how to score a seat to play.

Like to throw dice? Cruise ship casinos all offer at least one craps table and sometimes two. We will say that the tables seem to be fairly slow during the day, but definitely see plenty of action in the evenings. So grab a drink, squeeze into an open spot and make some new friends at the table.

You’ll want to check out the table before you play as different ships will have different betting spots that pay differently. For instance, you’ll often find the “Big 6 | Big 8” bets. This large area pays you even money if there is a six or an eight rolled on the table. But if you simply “place” the same bet with a dealer, then you’d earn 7-to-6 ($7 on every $6 bet). Casinos place these “Big 6 | Big 8” in order to lure in bets with a higher house edge. Field bets often pay double for both 2 and 12, instead of paying triple for 12.

Odds bets can vary, with many ships allowing only 1X odds with others offering 3X-4X-5X. In general you will find $5 minimums, but don’t be surprised if that’s slightly higher at $10 as minimums do seem to be creeping up.

Scratch-Offs & Lotto

We’ve never been to a casino other than a cruise ship that offers its own scratch-off tickets. But sure enough, head to the cashier and you’ll see several options for these games to purchase.

Typically there are a handful of tickets available and they are cruise line branded. For instance, we played one game on Carnival that offered prizes of up to $30,000 and/or the chance to instantly win a cruise.

Just like on land, don’t expect great odds on these lottery tickets. Still, they are a fun way to play and come in affordable denominations. We bought one for $5.

In addition, many cruise casinos offer lotto-style drawings where you can buy a ticket and win if your numbers match. Look to your daily planner for the drawing times.

Other Games

As you can see, cruise casinos have plenty of well-known and favorite games. But there are some others that you should know about that you’ll see and typically don’t find in land-based casinos.

Crane Machines: Remember those arcade cranes you’d find and try your luck to grab a cute stuffed animal? You’ll often find those same machines in a casino, with the chance to grab stacks of cash. There are also other games like the “Keymaster” where you position a key in the hole to win the cash prize.

While these might look like games of skill, it’s well-publicized that they can be set to only win sometimes  by only allowing enough grip strength to occasionally pick up a bundle of cash. Keep this in mind when playing.

Coin Pushers: Remember the carnival (like the fair, not the cruise line!) that featured tokens you’d drop in to push even more over the edge? Well, they make an appearance on cruise ships only this time using quarters. Drop in a quarter and hopefully you can push more over the edge than you used… along with folded cash and other prizes stacked on top.

These games seem to be extremely popular on ships. One tip is to know that often the landing platforms for the coins have slots in the side of the wall. So not only can coins go over the edge and into your pocket, but they can be pushed to the side where they are no longer in play.

Other Table Games: We mentioned the most popular table games like roulette and blackjack. However, there are likely to be a number of different table games. What’s available will vary from ship to ship. We’ve seen Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Baccarat, and others. The good thing is that cruise ships are great places to learn these sorts of games as minimums are typically low and there are few other players.

More on Cruise Ship Gaming:

• 12 Must-Have Cruise Casino Tips to Know Before You Play
• Cruise Ship Casino Gambling: Everything to Know Before You Bet

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Cruise ship casinos: Everything you need to know about gambling at sea

Cruise ship casino gambling is a big deal to some cruisers. You know how you often hear people on a cruise ship planning their day around the entertainment, tours and mealtimes? Last night, I eavesdropped on a conversation where a group of six people was planning their entire next day around time in the ship's casino.

For other cruisers, the casino is more of an onboard curiosity than anything else. What are all those table games? Do people actually win money — or free cruises — playing in cruise ship casinos?

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If you're curious, I've compiled answers to the most common questions people ask about cruise ship casinos. Some of the answers may surprise you.

Do all cruise ships have casinos?

Most large, mainstream cruise ships have casinos, including the ships of Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line (other than Pride of America), Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages.

Specialty cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Paul Gauguin and most expedition cruise ships do not have casinos. Premium cruise lines Oceania Cruises and Cunard have casinos, while Viking, Azamara and Windstar Cruises do not. (Windstar and Azamara actually removed casinos from their ships and repurposed the space.)

Among the luxury cruise lines, Silversea and Seabourn have casinos on their non-expedition ships; Regent Seven Seas has casinos on all its ships. Smaller luxury ships like those belonging to Ponant, Ritz-Carlton, Scenic and Emerald do not have casinos. River cruise lines do not have casinos on board, even on U.S. rivers where "riverboat" gambling is reserved for casino boats, not river cruise ships.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Are cruise casinos open in port?

With a few exceptions, cruise casinos are not open while ships are in port. They are generally limited to operating while the ship is in international waters. This is why Norwegian's Pride of America doesn't have a casino. Since the ship cruises exclusively in Hawaii, it never leaves U.S. waters.

Cruisers are also often surprised to learn that the casino is closed on some nights during Alaska cruises . Cruises that sail from Victoria, British Columbia, to Seattle on the final night are a good example. The ship goes straight from Canadian waters to U.S. waters without ever reaching international open waters, so the casino closes the night before arrival in Victoria and does not reopen during the cruise.

Ports that currently allow the cruise lines to operate their casinos while the ship is in port include Bermuda and Malta, which require cruise lines to apply for a gaming license. Bermuda has allowed casino operations for licensed ships between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. since 2013. It's an ideal situation as Bermuda has no land-based casinos, and many cruise ships overnight in port on Bermuda cruises. Malta, which does have land-based casinos, allows ships that have been approved for licenses to open their casinos between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Which casino games are on cruise ships?

Gaming in cruise ship casinos usually includes a mix of slot machines and table games, such as three-card poker, Caribbean stud poker, craps, blackjack and roulette. Regionally popular table games like Texas Hold 'em and pai gow may also be available on some sailings.

Can you win money in a cruise ship casino?

Most cruise ship casino games operate under the same rules and payout percentages you would find in a land-based casino; therefore, the answer is yes, you can win money in a cruise ship casino.

Social media posts and casino announcements would indicate that at least a small handful of people win four- and even occasionally five-figure slot machine payouts on a regular basis. But just as in a land-based casino, it's far easier to lose your stake than it is to win that kind of money.

How many casino points do you need to get a free cruise?

As at land-based casinos, each cruise line offering gambling on board sets its own criteria for earning perks through the line's casino loyalty program or players club. Points are generally tied to the time played and the amount of money you gamble, including the money you win and recirculate.

Much like an airline loyalty program, casino points usually accumulate over a year, earning you better perks as you work toward increasingly higher status levels. Annual free or discounted cruises are one of those perks, often beginning with complimentary (aka comped) inside cabins at relatively low status levels.

Many casinos also let you match casino status from land-based casinos (or even other cruise lines), giving you a leg up. For example, I haven't cruised with Carnival in a while, and I've never played in the line's onboard casinos, but I signed up for the Carnival players club via its Fun Match program. When I registered, I uploaded an offer from a competing cruise line and a players club card from MGM. Now when I log in to Carnival's website, I am shown casino offers that include free and discounted cruises.

Related: How to earn free cruises and perks with casino loyalty programs on land and at sea

Some cruise lines also issue instant awards for the number of points earned (i.e., money spent) on an individual cruise, regardless of status. That would be like an airline awarding free future flights to passengers who spent the most money on their flights, no matter their loyalty status.

Most mainstream cruise lines use comped cruises to fill cabins on dates they anticipate having a surplus of vacancies. These extra offers often appear random, but are generally targeted for marketing purposes rather than as rewards for high amounts of play. New players may receive these comps after low levels of play because cruise lines are always interested in attracting new casino players.

All of that adds up to the possibility of receiving a free cruise for a small number of points earned for cruising, as well as guaranteed free cruises as your points rise to the levels of play set out in the cruise lines' casino loyalty programs.

What is the best casino game to play on a cruise ship?

The best casino game to play on a cruise ship is the one that is most entertaining for you. Ultimately, you play to have fun, right?

The games that require a combination of skill and luck are the ones where the odds of winning are in your favor. For example, the overall odds on blackjack favor the casino by only 1%, while the casino has a 25% edge overall when it comes to slot machines.

Those odds mean the cruise lines operating casinos will favor slot machine players over card players, both in terms of the number of games provided and the loyalty perks awarded.

In summary, for winning money, the best games are skill games. For earning loyalty perks like free cruises, slot machines are the best choice.

Are drinks free in the casino on cruise ships?

Historically, drinks have not been free to cruise ship casino gamblers the way they usually are in land-based casinos. There are exceptions, however.

Free drinks in the casino are a perk of casino loyalty on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line. Reach the required level, and you'll earn free drinks from the casino bar, usually for a full status year. Carnival, Princess and Virgin Voyages also often throw in free drinks (either in the casino or throughout the ship) for individual comped cruises. Everyone actively gambling in the casino gets free well drinks on Celebrity cruises.

In addition, drinks are free in the casinos of luxury cruise lines like Silversea, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas because all onboard drinks are included in the cruise fare. On the big-ship lines, anyone who purchases a drinks package or cruises on a fare that includes drinks will also be drinking "free" in the casino.

Are cruise ship casinos regulated?

Cruise ship casinos are regulated in two ways. They typically adhere to the laws of the ship's country of registry. But because gambling normally only takes place while the ship is in international waters, cruise lines that sail from U.S. ports also adhere to the rules set out by the Cruise Lines International Association. Those rules state that all equipment purchased and installed on the vessels of member cruise lines will meet the regulatory standards of the Nevada Gaming Control Board or other licensed jurisdiction for payback and internal software.

Additionally, house rules must be made available in every casino. Each member cruise line is to post at every gaming table minimum and maximum betting limits for each game, and only adults are allowed to play the slots or the tables.

What's the age minimum to gamble in a cruise ship casino?

The minimum age for gambling in a cruise ship casino is 18 in most cases, but there are exceptions. MSC Cruises has a minimum gambling age of 21 on any cruise with a U.S. port; otherwise, the age is 18. Some cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, raise the minimum age to 21 on Alaska sailings.

Related: The 6 best cruise lines for young adults

Do ships run casino tournaments?

Cruise ship casinos on mainstream cruise lines often host tournaments on board featuring various casino games. The list includes slot tournaments, as well as card game tournaments for blackjack and Texas Hold 'em.

Some tournaments are invitational, offered to casino loyalty members of a certain level only. These are often held on cruises hosted specifically for players who have reached that level. For instance, Royal Caribbean holds Signature cruises designed to pamper and entertain these top-level players.

Can you smoke in the casino?

Casinos are often seen as the last bastion of cruise ship smoking freedom (beyond small, designated areas on deck). But the number of ships that offer nonsmoking casinos is steadily growing.

Celebrity Cruises does not allow smoking in its ships' casinos, and the relatively small casinos on luxury ships are generally nonsmoking, as well.

Several lines have hybrid options. For example, some Carnival ships have separate smoking and nonsmoking casinos. Norwegian has separate smoking rooms on some ships; however, cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use are allowed in casinos on ships that don't have separate smoking rooms. Princess does not allow smoking except at designated slot machines, and Holland America also has designated smoking areas in the casino.

Related: Is smoking allowed on cruise ships? A line-by-line guide

Do cruise ship casinos take cash?

Cruise ship casinos accept cash at both slot machines and table games. As an example, you can sit down at a slot machine and feed in a $20 bill, which is then converted into "credits" on the machine's screen. The value of the credit depends on the denomination of the machine. Alternatively, you might walk up to a roulette table and lay down $20 and exchange that for chips.

The exchange of cash at machines and tables is a one-way deal, even when you win. Slot machines and dealers in cruise ship casinos don't dispense cash. When you finish playing, you may be issued a paper credit slip to take to the cashier's cage for cash, or you may have your winnings loaded directly onto your onboard account on some cruise lines. At the tables, you will take chips to the cashier to exchange back into cash.

If you don't travel with cash, you can find ATMs in the casino or at guest services. Alternatives to cash in cruise ship casinos are paper credit slips, which can be played as cash at either machines or tables, onboard credit or casino free play loaded on your stateroom account, or lines of credit arranged with the casino.

You can also charge gambling money directly to your onboard account like you would charge a drink at a bar or anything else on board. Fees for gambling charges vary among cruise lines, but in most instances, table games charge a service fee, and slot machines do not.

For example, my husband recently requested money from his onboard account at a blackjack table and was charged a 5% surcharge. The ship we were on was not set up to charge onboard accounts directly from the slot machines (sometimes they are), so I had to go to the cashier for a credit slip to play. I was not charged a surcharge, although if I had asked for cash, I would have been. Both of our charges were added to our final onboard bill.

Because there is no fee added to money for slot play, onboard casinos will usually put rules in place about how quickly you can cash out of the machine. The rules are designed to keep cruisers from using slot machines as ATMs to get either cash for the table games or to cash out onboard credit they've been given from the cruise line or their travel agent.

Bottom line

If you like to gamble, cruise ship casinos provide a fun way to spend a sea day or evening on the ship. You can take lessons to learn the games you don't know how to play and even participate in tournaments.

Besides the fun of playing on board, many cruise lines have players clubs that offer onboard perks and even free cruises. And since the odds of winning are about the same as in a U.S. land-based casino, with similar regulations in place, cruise ship casinos are a safe bet for fun and entertainment — though we always encourage you to play responsibly.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Gambling on Disney Cruise Line? BINGO!

Unlike most cruise lines, there are no casinos on the Disney Cruise Line ships. You won’t find an adults-only smoky room filled with blackjack tables and one-armed bandits, instead DCL offers boisterous games of BINGO filled with song, children, and sometimes hefty cash prizes. Here’s what you need to know.

When is bingo offered?

Bingo sessions are offered once, or sometimes twice, per day on nearly every day of every Disney Cruise Line sailing. (Sessions are not typically offered on embarkation days.) Check your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for specific times during your sailing.

Note: Sales of bingo cards/machines often begin 30-45 minutes before the actual bingo games start. If you’re sure you want to play, then send at least one adult member of your party to this “pre-sale” session to buy-in to the game and to snag a seat at the venue. On crowded sailings, both of these may be unavailable to latecomers.

Where is bingo held?

Bingo games are held in one of the ships’ lounges, or in particularly crowded sailings, it may be held in a movie theater. Again, be sure to check the Navigator app for specifics.

Who can play?

Everyone is allowed in the bingo room and kids can play along, but the actual bingo cards/machines must be paid for by an adult age 18 or older and if there are winnings, they will go to an adult.

How much does bingo cost to play?

Prices vary. As a point of reference, on a recent sailing of the Wish, a 3-card pack of paper game cards (good for the four games held in a session) was $10, a mechanical handset loaded with 24 cards for each of the four games was $40, a handset loaded with 48 cards for each of the four games was $50 and a “family pack” of two 24-card handsets was $60.

On a sailing of the Dream during spring 2022, prices were $15 for a 3-card paper pack, $25 for 6-card paper pack, $40 for a 24-card handset, $50 for a 48-card handset, and $70 for two 24-card handsets plus two 3-card paper packs.

You’ll likely find that prices are slightly more during the final bingo session of your sailing, when the jackpot payouts are higher.

How much can I win?

Cash prizes vary by game, depending on how many passengers are playing. The first game of each four-game session will have the lowest payout and the last of the four games will have the highest payout. On a typical cruise, the first game will have a payout in the $100-200 range and the last game will have a payout of $400-600 per game, but there is large variability in these numbers. The very last game of a sailing may be designated a special jackpot game with prizes up to $10,000 or so.

Any of these payouts may be split among several guests if there are multiple bingo wins in a given game.

In addition to cash prizes, most bingo sessions also have random drawings for non-cash prizes of DCL swag such as baseball caps or mugs. Additionally, the spa might offer random drawings during bingo for things like massage sessions or an onboard shop might offer drawings for small pieces of jewelry.

What is handset?

A handset is a machine loaded with multiple bingo “cards.” Rather than you having to manually keep track of which numbers have been played, as you would with a paper card, the machine keeps track for you, alerting you when you’re getting close to an acceptable bingo.

Are all bingo games the same?

No. DCL typically has four games per bingo session and they will all be a different style of bingo. For example, one game might ask guests to complete one diagonal line. Other games might ask you to complete the top and bottom rows, to complete both the B column and the O column, to complete any block of six contiguous numbers, or even to complete an entire card (a “blackout”).

Do people really win?

Yep! My family plays an embarrassing amount of bingo on every DCL sailing. A member of my family has won perhaps half a dozen times over the course of playing about a hundred times. Recently my oldest daughter won $135 on the Dream and then a few weeks later another daughter won $554 on the Wish. The most I have ever personally won was $95.

Several years ago, I witness another guest win about $9,000 in the final bingo game on a sailing of the Fantasy. This paid for his entire cruise and then some. Needless to say, his cries of joy could be heard all the way down the deck.

How do you collect your winnings?

The default option is for the winnings to be deposited as a credit into your onboard account. However, if you prefer cash, or if your winnings are larger than your onboard bill, speak to the Guest Services desk and they’ll issue you cash.

Are refreshments available during bingo?

Waiters will come to the seating areas during bingo. You can purchase alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages for a fee, though there is no obligation to do so.

You can also bring a soda or snack from the onboard quick service locations with you into bingo for no charge.

Are there any solid rules for DCL bingo?

Yep. Here they are:

• The minimum age for winners is 18. Children below the age of 18 may participate, however they must be supervised at all times by the adult who purchased the bingo card in play. The adult must also claim any winnings.
• Bingo cards must be purchased and activated for the current session. Retain your receipt for proof of purchase.
• It is the responsibility of the player to stop the game when they have a valid claim to bingo. Once the game is closed, no further claims will be honored.
• The last number called must appear in the winning pattern.
• Bingo cards cannot be ripped or torn, and must remain intact.
• Any and all errors must be presented to bingo staff prior to game start.
• You must notify the staff if there are any handset malfunctions.

Any other rules?

Well, in addition to the official rules, DCL bingo has plenty of unofficial rules that you’ll pick up on as you play. Some of these include:

• When you’re one number away from getting a bingo, you’re supposed to stand up. This both lets other guests in the room know what’s going on and alerts the bingo staff that they should make their way to your section of the room in case you win.
• The bingo staff, and everyone else, in the room gets up to dance when the ball B-11 is called. (When the bingo machine is set in Spanish mode, B-11 sounds like “Beyonce” and, of course, everyone dances to Beyonce.
• The bingo machine is named Betty. (The reason for this has never been clear to me.) If you’re not getting the numbers you want, you should yell “SHAKE IT UP BETTY!”

In general DCL bingo is a convivial affair, with lots of music and merriment. Expect things to be moderately loud and boisterous. Have fun!

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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I value the details you provided. Keep sharing!

We were playing last week when a guest won $10,000!

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Cruise Ship Casinos: Everything You Need to Know

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Gambling is one of the most popular activities on a cruise ship. Whether you are just trying your luck or an avid poker player, cruise ship casinos offer a little of something for everyone.

Nearly every cruise ship offers a casino. But before you play, there are some essential things to know.

While cruise ship casinos share many similarities with land-based gaming centers, there are some essential differences.

From game selection to payouts, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cruise ship casinos.

Table of Contents

What to Expect from Cruise Ship Casinos?

Cruise ship casinos closely resemble those found on land.

Many are styled after those found in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.

You’ll be greeted by flashing lights, dinging bells, cards shuffling, and drinks clinking when walking into the casino.

Each cruise ship has a different look and feels for its casino. Some provide a contemporary atmosphere, while others add a bit more creativity with Egyptian or Roman themes.

Walking around the casino feels a little claustrophobic. With limited space, cruise ships try to cram as many tables and slot machines as possible into the small area. But, once you find a seat, you won’t even notice.

What Are the Payouts?

In every casino, the odds always favor the house. And that’s is especially true at sea.

Payouts on cruise ships are far lower than on land.

On land, video poker games pay 9/6, or nine credits for a full house and six for a flush. But on a cruise ship, the payouts are lowered to 6/5.

For blackjack, it’s common to find that tables pay 6-to-5 instead of the usual 3-to-2.

Poker players will also be disappointed to find tables with a high rake (the “fee” paid by the winner to the house after each hand).

Because of the high rake, most poker players avoid cash games on cruise ships. It’s rare to find a cash game, even rarer to see a full table.

But thankfully, there are poker tournaments that offer lower fees to play (more on that later).

Gambling Age on a Cruise Ship

On a cruise ship, the minimum gambling age is 18.

While the minimum age in most states is 21, cruise ship casinos often operate in international waters, which allows them to lower the gambling age to eighteen.

However, cruises to Alaska require passengers to be at least 21 years of age to gamble.

Cruise Ship Casino Games

On a cruise ship, you’ll find plenty of traditional games, including:

• Texas Hold ’em
• Video Poker
• Three Card Poker
• “Skill Crane”
• Coin Pusher (with quarters instead of tokens)

Despite the small size of the casinos, cruise ships offer a surprisingly wide range of games.

You’ll always find popular games like blackjack, roulette, and slots.

Many cruise lines also feature games not found on land. For example, the coin pusher is exactly like the arcade machines, but with quarters instead of tokens. Try your best to push the quarters over the edge and maybe a bill or two.

The “Skill Crane” puts a twist on a long-time favorite where you try to line up a key to its hole. If you’re successful, the key will pass through the hole, pushing over a stack of bills.

Casino Minimums for Table Games and Slot Machines

Cruise ship casinos offer plenty of low-stakes games with minimums of less than $5.

You’ll always find plenty of penny slot machines and table games starting at $5.

Which Cruise Lines Have Casinos?

Nearly every major cruise line offers casinos onboard their ships.

Mainstream cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, and Costa Cruises have casinos onboard their vessels.

The only major brand that doesn’t offer casinos is Disney Cruise Line. Disney caters primarily to families and young kids, and you won’t find a casino on their vessels.

The other exception is Norwegian’s  Pride of America  cruise ship. The vessel sails year-round to Hawaii and is one of the only major cruise ships without a casino.

You’ll often find the casino in the middle of the ship, near the promenade or atrium.

Casino Hours of Operation

Depending on the cruise ship’s location, the onboard casino may be regulated by several agencies.

Cruise lines follow a simple rule:  the casino is open while the ship is sailing.

When the ship is docked at the port, the casino is closed. It only opens later at night once the vessel has set sail, having left the port country’s jurisdiction.

As a rule, when the cruise ship is within three to twelve miles of the coastline, it will close the casino to comply with local gambling regulations.

However, there are two significant exceptions:

• In Alaska, cruise ship casinos are permitted to open 3 miles after leaving port and must close three miles before reaching the next port of call.
• The casino can remain open in countries with more relaxed gambling laws (such as Malta and Bermuda).

On sea days, the casino will be open most of the day. While the casino is available during the daytime, the table games might not be staffed during non-peak hours (early morning).

But there are always slot games and video poker while you wait.

Cruise Casino Loyalty Programs

Most cruise lines offer casino loyalty programs. You’ll earn points when you play, which can be redeemed for drinks, discounts, and future cruises.

Smoking in the Casino

Smoking rules vary by cruise line, but you’ll find that most cruise ships permit smoking , at least in a small section of the casino.

Although smoking might be allowed, we generally find that the smoke smell isn’t overwhelming. But, if you’re sensitive to smoke, you might not feel comfortable gambling on a cruise ship. Even when smoking is reserved for a small section, the tiny casino means it’s hard to get away from the smell.

Tournaments

You might find poker, blackjack, and slot tournaments during the cruise.

The tournaments usually occur on sea days during off-peak times (late morning or early afternoon.)

The tournaments are fun because they allow guests to win a large amount of money while only risking a small entry fee.

For poker players, tournaments are the best chance of winning any money at the tables. The cash game rake eats away so much money that most poker players avoid cash games at all costs.

Unlike cash games, there’s no rake in a poker tournament. For a small fee, players have a chance at winning a large pot of money or a free cruise.

Beginner Classes

Cruise ships provide an excellent place for beginners to learn in a comfortable environment. The casino staff is there to make sure guests have an enjoyable time. Their more than happy to assist if you’re new to a game.

Most casinos offer gaming lessons on the first few days of the cruise. During the class, a dealer will explain the game’s rules, basic strategy, and table etiquette.

Best of all, it doesn’t cost any money to learn.

The classes are great because they provide a quiet place to learn before real money games begin.

Cruise Ship Casino FAQs

Are drinks free in the casino.

Unlike land-based casinos, cruise ships don’t offer free drinks while you play.

You’ll have to pay for drinks, just as you would anywhere else on the ship. And the prices are the same.

You won’t need to go too far to find a bar. Cruise ship casinos have bars in the center or near the front of the venue.

Are There ATMs on the Ship?

If you need cash to play, there are ATMs on the ship. If there isn’t an ATM in the casino, you’ll usually find it beside guest services.

Just note that ATM fees on a ship are very high.

Do I Need Cash to Play?

You can use cash or your cruise card to play at the cruise ship casino.

Can I Play Using My Cruise Card?

You can play casino games using your cruise card. Simply swipe your card as you normally would when purchasing a drink or shopping on the ship.

Are Cruise Casinos Beginner Friendly?

The casino on cruise ships is beginner friendly. If it’s your first time in a casino, or you want to try a new game, the casino staff are more than happy to teach you the games.

We’ve also found that other passengers are always welcoming toward new players. Unlike large casinos, most passengers are not hardcore gamblers and are usually friendly toward new players.

Are there High Stakes Tables?

Very few cruise ships offer high-stakes tables. However, on some cruise lines, the pit boss may arrange a high-stakes game if enough players are willing to play a high-stakes game.

Will There be Penny Slots?

Yes, all cruise casinos have penny slots. Penny slots are one of the most popular game choices at the casino.

But be warned, many penny slots offer multiple variations, which could cost over $1 per spin.

Do Cruise Ships Have Poker Tournaments?

Most cruise ships offer poker tournaments during the cruise. After paying the buy-in, players can compete to win a prize ranging from cash to a free cruise.

On Royal Caribbean, the Texas Hold ’em tournament winners are eligible for a free cruise for two. The free cruise is where the final Royal Poker Tournament is held. With a guaranteed prize of $100,000.

Do Cruise Ships Have Blackjack Tournaments?

Yes, cruise ships have blackjack tournaments. Many of the tournaments allow passengers to rebuy if they lose.

While passengers who rebuy have a better chance of winning, you aren’t likely to win big unless you plan to rebuy several times.

Do Cruise Ships Have Slot Tournaments?

Is the cruise ship casino open 24/7.

No, while casino hours vary, the casino is usually open when the ship is at sea. The casino may open when docked at a port country that allows cruise casinos to operate, such as Malta and Bermuda. While at sea, the ship’s casino may stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. And reopen around 11:00 am on sea days.

Are There Taxes on Casino Winnings?

There are taxes on casino winnings. All U.S. citizens must report casino winnings to the IRS regardless of where the winnings occur.

If you win $1,200 or more or win a table game with odds of 300-to-1, the cruise line will issue a W-2G form. A copy of the form is sent to the IRS and another to the winner.

Additionally, some cruise ship casinos will provide the option to have the taxes deducted from your winnings. Or, you can take the total amount and pay the taxes on your own.

Do Disney Cruise Ships Have a Casino?

Disney Cruise Line is the only mainstream cruise line that  does not  have casinos on its cruise ships.  Disney is best known for their family-friendly cruise vacations. You won’t find a casino on any vessel in their fleet.

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how do I find out what lines pay 3/2 for a blackjack?

Some cruise lines offer the usual 3-2 payout for Blackjack, but only on the higher priced tables, usually $25 per hand or more. Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruises are two cruise lines that pay 3 to 2 at higher stakes tables.

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Which forms of payment can you use at the Princess Casino?

Credit cards are not accepted in the casino; all activity is charged to the guest’s stateroom account, which must then be settled prior to disembarking from the ship. Cash or traveler’s checks may be exchanged for casino chips.

What are the Casino’s hours of operation?

Hours vary from ship to ship, depending on the itinerary. We recommend guests check the MedallionClass® app for casino operating hours. We offer 24-hour* slots while the ship is at sea.

What are the rules on cameras?

Guests are allowed to take still photographs in the casino but video recording and cellphones are not allowed. Guests are asked to respect the privacy of other guests as they use their cameras.

Is smoking allowed?

Guests may smoke in designated areas when the casino is operating.

How can I learn to play?

Complimentary gaming lessons for slots and table games are held on each cruise, along with exciting tournaments. Plus, if you want to surprise your friends with a lucky side bet, you can choose a $25, $50, or $100 credit, redeemable in the shipboard casino.

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Is there a casino on the Disney Dream. I didnt think there was one but a travel agent said there is so now im confused cause dont see anything about it in the ship layout. ”

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Which Cruise Ships Have Casinos

Published: January 5, 2024

by Andromache Hyde

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Introduction

When it comes to luxury and entertainment, few experiences compare to a cruise vacation. From breathtaking ocean views to world-class dining and endless onboard activities, cruises offer an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. One popular aspect of cruising that many passengers enjoy is the casino facilities available onboard.

For those who love the excitement of gambling, cruise ships provide a unique opportunity to try their luck while sailing the high seas. From slot machines to blackjack tables and poker rooms, these floating resorts offer a wide range of casino games to suit every gambling preference.

Whether you’re an experienced gambler or just looking to test your luck, it’s essential to choose the right cruise ship with a casino that meets your needs. With so many different cruise lines to choose from, each with its own casino offerings, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for you.

In this article, we will explore some of the most popular cruise lines that provide exceptional casino facilities. From the fun-filled atmosphere of Carnival Cruise Line to the elegance of Royal Caribbean International, there is a cruise ship for every type of casino enthusiast.

So, sit back, relax, and let’s embark on a journey to discover which cruise ships have the most exciting and thrilling casinos at sea.

Popular Cruise Lines with Casino Facilities

When it comes to cruise lines with impressive casino facilities, there are several big names that stand out. These cruise lines not only offer a wide range of casino games but also provide a luxurious and entertaining environment for guests to enjoy. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular cruise lines known for their exceptional casino offerings.

• Carnival Cruise Line: With a reputation for fun and excitement, Carnival Cruise Line is a top choice for casino enthusiasts. Their ships feature a variety of table games, slot machines, and poker tournaments. The lively atmosphere and friendly dealers make for an enjoyable gaming experience.
• Royal Caribbean International: Known for its innovative ships and luxurious amenities, Royal Caribbean International doesn’t disappoint when it comes to casino entertainment. Guests can try their luck at blackjack, roulette, poker, and a range of slot machines. The casino is often buzzing with energy, and the on-board tournaments add an extra element of excitement.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line is another popular choice for casino enthusiasts. Their ships offer a wide selection of table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as a variety of slot machines. The casino is designed with a sleek and modern aesthetic, providing a sophisticated setting to enjoy some gambling.
• MSC Cruises: Known for its European flair and elegance, MSC Cruises also offers a fantastic casino experience for its guests. The casinos on their ships feature a range of table games and slot machines, along with tournaments and special casino events. The stylish decor and attentive staff create a refined gambling atmosphere.
• Princess Cruises: Offering a blend of elegance and entertainment, Princess Cruises is a favorite among those looking for a sophisticated casino experience. Their casinos feature classic table games, such as blackjack and roulette, as well as a variety of slot machines. The comfortable seating and attentive service make for a relaxing and enjoyable gaming experience.

These are just a few of the popular cruise lines that offer exceptional casino facilities. Each of them provides a unique and enjoyable gaming experience, ensuring that casino enthusiasts have plenty of options to choose from when planning their cruise vacation.

So, whether you’re a seasoned gambler or someone looking to try their luck for the first time, these cruise lines will undoubtedly cater to your desire for thrilling casino entertainment.

Carnival Cruise Line

When it comes to casino entertainment at sea, Carnival Cruise Line is often at the top of the list. Known for its fun and lively atmosphere, Carnival ships feature a wide array of casino games to suit every gambler’s preferences.

The casinos on Carnival cruises offer a range of table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, there are plenty of options to test your skills and luck. The friendly dealers and knowledgeable staff create a welcoming environment for all guests.

In addition to table games, Carnival’s casinos also boast a large selection of slot machines, providing endless entertainment for slot enthusiasts. From classic reel slots to the latest video slots, there’s something for everyone. Guests can try their luck at winning the jackpot or simply enjoy the thrill of spinning the reels.

One of the highlights of Carnival’s casino experience is the range of tournaments and events offered onboard. From blackjack tournaments to poker championships, there are opportunities to compete against fellow passengers and showcase your skills. These tournaments add an extra level of excitement and camaraderie to the casino experience.

Aside from the gaming options, Carnival’s casinos feature vibrant and lively decor, reflecting the energetic atmosphere of the cruise line. The comfortable seating and well-designed layouts create a pleasant environment for guests to relax and enjoy their favorite casino games.

It’s worth noting that Carnival Cruise Line has age restrictions for its casino facilities. Passengers must be at least 18 years old to play in the casino, and 21 years old to consume alcohol in the casino area.

So, whether you’re a seasoned gambler or someone looking to try their luck for the first time, Carnival Cruise Line offers a fantastic casino experience that will undoubtedly leave you entertained and wanting more. So, get ready to roll the dice and test your luck while cruising the high seas with Carnival!

Royal Caribbean International

When it comes to a luxurious and unforgettable cruise experience, Royal Caribbean International is a top choice. This renowned cruise line is also known for its exceptional casino facilities, offering guests an exciting and glamorous gambling experience at sea.

Royal Caribbean’s casinos feature a wide range of table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player, you’ll find ample opportunities to test your skills and try your luck. The professional dealers and sleek gaming tables create an authentic casino atmosphere that rivals the best on land.

In addition to the table games, Royal Caribbean’s casinos boast an extensive selection of slot machines. From classic three-reel slots to immersive video slots, there’s something for every slot enthusiast. Guests can try their luck at winning big jackpots or simply enjoy the excitement of spinning the reels.

One of the standout features of Royal Caribbean’s casino offerings is the range of tournaments and events available. Passengers can participate in thrilling blackjack tournaments, poker championships, and slot machine tournaments. Competing against fellow passengers adds an extra level of excitement and creates a sense of camaraderie among players.

What sets Royal Caribbean’s casinos apart is their innovative and modern design. The stylish decor, state-of-the-art gaming machines, and comfortable seating create an upscale and sophisticated ambiance. Whether you’re taking a break from the gaming tables or cheering on fellow players in a tournament, the casino provides a luxurious and comfortable setting.

It’s important to note that Royal Caribbean’s casinos have age restrictions in place. Passengers must be at least 18 years old to play in the casino and 21 years old to consume alcohol while in the casino area.

So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable gambling experience aboard a luxury cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International offers a fantastic casino experience. Get ready to indulge in thrilling table games, try your luck on the slot machines, and immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of a world-class casino at sea.

Norwegian Cruise Line

When it comes to cruising and casino entertainment, Norwegian Cruise Line is a popular choice among travelers. Known for its innovative ships and vibrant atmosphere, Norwegian offers an exciting and diverse casino experience at sea.

Norwegian’s casinos feature a wide selection of table games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned gambler, there’s a game for every skill level. The professional dealers and friendly staff create a welcoming environment where guests can enjoy their favorite table games.

In addition to the table games, Norwegian’s casinos boast a large variety of slot machines. From classic reel slots to cutting-edge video slots, there’s something to cater to every slot enthusiast’s tastes. Guests can try their luck at hitting the jackpot or simply indulge in the thrill of spinning the reels.

One of the standout features of Norwegian’s casino offering is their vibrant and modern casino design. The casinos on their ships are known for their sleek and stylish decor, creating a visually appealing and immersive gambling environment. The comfortable seating and attentive service add to the overall enjoyable gaming experience.

Norwegian also offers a range of tournaments and special events in their casinos. From blackjack tournaments to poker championships, guests have the opportunity to compete against fellow travelers and showcase their skills. These tournaments add an extra level of excitement and engagement to the casino experience.

It’s important to note that Norwegian Cruise Line has age restrictions for its casino facilities. Passengers must be at least 18 years old to play in the casino and 21 years old to consume alcohol in the casino area.

So, whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a first-time player, Norwegian Cruise Line provides a fantastic casino experience at sea. Get ready to enjoy thrilling table games, try your luck on the slot machines, and soak in the energy and excitement of Norwegian’s vibrant casinos.

MSC Cruises

When it comes to elegant and sophisticated cruising, MSC Cruises is renowned for its European flair and attention to detail. Alongside its luxurious amenities and world-class entertainment, MSC Cruises also offers an exceptional casino experience for its guests.

MSC Cruises’ casinos feature a diverse selection of table games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced player, you’ll find plenty of options to test your skills and luck. The professional dealers and attentive staff ensure a high-quality gaming experience for all guests.

In addition to table games, MSC Cruises’ casinos boast a wide range of slot machines. From classic three-reel slots to cutting-edge video slots, there’s something to suit every slot enthusiast’s preferences. Guests can enjoy the thrill of spinning the reels and hope for a big win.

What sets MSC Cruises’ casinos apart is the stylish and upscale design. The casinos feature elegant decor, creating a refined and sophisticated gambling atmosphere. The comfortable seating and well-appointed gaming areas provide a luxurious setting to enjoy the casino offerings.

MSC Cruises also organizes a variety of tournaments and special events in their casinos. Guests can participate in exciting blackjack tournaments, poker championships, and slot machine competitions. These events add an extra layer of excitement and create a sense of competition among players.

It’s important to note that MSC Cruises has age restrictions for its casino facilities. Passengers must be at least 18 years old to play in the casino and 21 years old to consume alcohol while in the casino area.

So, if you’re looking for a refined and elegant casino experience at sea, MSC Cruises is an excellent choice. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of exciting table games, try your luck on the slot machines, and indulge in the luxurious atmosphere of MSC’s stunning casinos.

Princess Cruises

Known for its sophisticated ambiance and impeccable service, Princess Cruises offers a fantastic casino experience that combines elegance and excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or looking to try your luck for the first time, Princess Cruises’ casinos will not disappoint.

Princess Cruises’ casinos feature a variety of classic table games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps. Whether you’re a strategist or prefer to rely on luck, there’s a game that suits your style. The knowledgeable dealers and attentive staff ensure a top-notch gaming experience for all guests.

In addition to the table games, Princess Cruises’ casinos offer a wide selection of slot machines. From traditional reel slots to modern video slots, there’s something to please every slot enthusiast. You can try your luck at hitting the jackpot or simply enjoy the entertainment of spinning the reels.

What sets Princess Cruises’ casino experience apart is the elegant and comfortable setting. The casinos are beautifully designed with a touch of sophistication, providing a luxurious atmosphere for gambling. The plush seating and well-designed layouts create a relaxing and enjoyable environment for guests.

Princess Cruises also organizes various casino tournaments and events. Guests can participate in thrilling blackjack tournaments, poker competitions, and slot machine contests. These events add an extra level of excitement and foster a sense of friendly competition among players.

It’s worth noting that Princess Cruises has age restrictions for its casino facilities. Passengers must be at least 18 years old to play in the casino and 21 years old to consume alcohol in the casino area.

So, if you’re looking to combine luxury and entertainment on your cruise vacation, Princess Cruises offers an exceptional casino experience. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of table games, try your luck on the slot machines, and enjoy the elegant ambiance of Princess Cruises’ magnificent casinos.

Celebrity Cruises

When it comes to a sophisticated and upscale cruise experience, Celebrity Cruises sets the bar high. Known for its modern luxury and exceptional guest service, Celebrity Cruises also offers a remarkable casino experience that caters to both seasoned gamblers and casino novices.

Celebrity Cruises’ casinos feature a diverse range of table games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps. Whether you’re a high roller or simply looking to have some fun, there’s a game for every level of expertise. The professional dealers and knowledgeable staff ensure that guests have an enjoyable and immersive gaming experience.

In addition to the table games, Celebrity Cruises’ casinos offer a wide variety of slot machines that cater to all preferences. From classic reel slots to progressive jackpot machines, the casino floor is filled with excitement and possibilities. Guests can try their luck and hope for a big win or simply enjoy the thrill of spinning the reels.

What sets Celebrity Cruises’ casino experience apart is the stylish and contemporary design. The casinos are beautifully appointed, featuring sleek decor and comfortable seating. The modern ambiance creates a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere, perfect for indulging in your favorite casino games.

In addition to the traditional gaming options, Celebrity Cruises also hosts various tournaments and events in their casinos. Passengers can participate in blackjack tournaments, poker championships, and slot machine competitions, adding an extra layer of excitement and friendly competition to the casino experience.

It’s important to note that Celebrity Cruises has age restrictions for its casino facilities. Passengers must be at least 18 years old to play in the casino and 21 years old to consume alcohol in the casino area.

So, if you’re seeking a luxurious casino experience during your cruise vacation, Celebrity Cruises delivers. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of table games, try your luck on the slot machines, and enjoy the sophisticated ambiance of Celebrity Cruises’ remarkable casinos.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line, with its rich maritime heritage and refined elegance, offers a memorable casino experience for guests seeking a touch of sophistication during their cruise vacation.

Holland America Line’s casinos feature a variety of classic table games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s a game that suits your skill level. The experienced dealers and attentive staff ensure a high-quality gaming experience for all guests.

In addition to the table games, Holland America Line’s casinos offer a diverse selection of slot machines. From traditional reel slots to the latest video slots, there’s something to excite every slot enthusiast. Guests can try their luck at winning a jackpot or simply enjoy the thrill of spinning the reels.

What sets Holland America Line’s casino experience apart is the refined and sophisticated atmosphere. The casinos are elegantly designed with classic decor and comfortable seating, creating a luxurious and relaxed environment for guests to enjoy their favorite casino games.

In addition to the gaming options, Holland America Line also offers a variety of tournaments and events in its casinos. Guests can participate in blackjack tournaments, poker competitions, and slot machine contests, adding an extra level of excitement and friendly competition to the casino experience.

It’s important to note that Holland America Line has age restrictions for its casino facilities. Passengers must be at least 18 years old to play in the casino and 21 years old to consume alcohol in the casino area.

So, if you’re looking for an elegant and refined casino experience on your cruise vacation, Holland America Line delivers. Get ready to enjoy thrilling table games, try your luck on the slot machines, and immerse yourself in the sophisticated ambiance of Holland America Line’s exquisite casinos.

Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises, known for its Italian charm and Mediterranean-inspired ambiance, offers a delightful casino experience for passengers seeking excitement and entertainment onboard.

Costa Cruises’ casinos feature a wide array of table games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to gambling, you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy. The professional dealers and friendly staff create a welcoming environment, ensuring a memorable gaming experience.

In addition to the table games, Costa Cruises’ casinos boast a diverse selection of slot machines. From traditional three-reel slots to modern video slots, there’s something to cater to every slot enthusiast’s taste. Guests can try their luck, hoping to hit a jackpot or simply enjoy the entertainment of spinning the reels.

What sets Costa Cruises’ casino experience apart is the vibrant and lively atmosphere. The casinos on their ships are designed with a touch of Italian flair, with colorful decor and comfortable seating. The energetic ambiance and attentive service create an enjoyable setting for guests to indulge in their favorite casino games.

Costa Cruises also offers various tournaments and events in their casinos. Passengers can participate in exciting blackjack tournaments, poker championships, and slot machine competitions. These events add an extra layer of thrill and friendly competition, allowing guests to showcase their skills and potentially win exciting prizes.

It’s worth noting that Costa Cruises has age restrictions for its casino facilities. Passengers must be at least 18 years old to play in the casino and 21 years old to consume alcohol in the casino area.

So, whether you’re a seasoned gambler or simply looking to try your luck, Costa Cruises provides a fantastic casino experience. Get ready to enjoy thrilling table games, spin the reels on the slot machines, and immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of Costa Cruises’ casinos.

Disney Cruise Line

When it comes to family-friendly cruising, Disney Cruise Line is an industry leader. While Disney is known for its magical characters and enchanting entertainment, it does not offer traditional casino facilities onboard.

Disney Cruise Line caters to a wide range of activities for guests of all ages, but casino gambling is not one of them. Instead, Disney focuses on providing wholesome entertainment and engaging activities for families. From Broadway-style shows and character meet-and-greets to water slides and deck parties, Disney Cruise Line ensures that every member of the family has a memorable vacation.

Guests looking for the thrill of casino gambling may find other cruise lines more suitable for their desires. However, Disney Cruise Line does offer a variety of onboard entertainment options, including live performances, movie screenings, and interactive game shows. These activities are designed to captivate both children and adults, creating a fun and engaging experience for everyone.

It’s important to note that Disney Cruise Line is committed to creating a family-friendly environment, and the absence of a casino is a deliberate choice to maintain that focus. While you won’t find traditional casino games onboard a Disney cruise, you’ll discover a wealth of entertainment options that cater to all ages and interests.

So, while Disney Cruise Line may not offer a casino experience, it provides a magical and immersive journey for families, filled with adventure, laughter, and lifelong memories.

Cruise vacations offer a unique and thrilling opportunity to combine the excitement of gambling with the luxury and relaxation of being at sea. From the lively atmosphere of Carnival Cruise Line to the elegant sophistication of Holland America Line, each cruise line provides its own distinct casino experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or simply looking to try your luck, there is a cruise ship with casino facilities that will suit your preferences. From a wide array of table games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps, to a vast selection of slot machines with various themes and jackpots, there’s something to satisfy every gambling enthusiast.

Many cruise lines also offer tournaments and special events in their casinos, adding an extra level of excitement and friendly competition among passengers. Whether it’s a blackjack tournament, poker championship, or slot machine contest, these events enhance the overall casino experience and create memories to cherish.

It’s important to note that each cruise line has its own age restrictions and policies regarding casino access and alcohol consumption. Passengers must adhere to these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience onboard.

While some cruise lines, like Disney Cruise Line, do not offer traditional casino facilities, they make up for it with a wide range of family-friendly entertainment options that cater to all ages. Guests can enjoy Broadway-style shows, character interactions, and engaging activities that create unforgettable memories.

So, whether you’re seeking a vibrant and energetic casino experience or a family-friendly cruise with other entertainment options, there is a cruise line for everyone. Embark on a journey to the high seas, enjoy the luxurious amenities and captivating casino facilities, and let the excitement of gambling and the beauty of the ocean transport you to a memorable and enchanting experience.

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The Complete Guide to Booking Disney Cruises

Disney Cruise Line is a premier  cruise operator, offering quality family   experiences at sea . While it’s a relatively small player in the cruise world, it continues to grow.

Since first launching in 1998, it has grown to a have a  fleet of five ships , with three more to set sail in the coming years.

In This Post

The disney cruise experience, disney cruise ships, destinations and itineraries, booking a disney cruise.

While the main clientele for Disney cruises is families with kids, Disney cruises offer experiences for every member of the family, regardless of age. Most are Disney themed, and include supervised kid-friendly activities and clubs and family-friendly Broadway-calibre shows, as well as clubs, bars, and fine dining just for adults.

It may not have all the bells and whistles of other larger cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, but Disney is known to offer better food and service, which is also reflected in their higher fares.

If your family loves Disney, superheroes, or princesses, then this certainly is an experience you’ll want to try… at least once.

Stateroom Types

Generally speaking, there are four types of staterooms on Disney cruise ships: Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge. As you move through that list, the fare for the cruise increases.

Other than some of the Inside cabins, Disney ships generally have larger staterooms than most cruise lines, which of course serves families better.  

The price difference between an Inside and an Oceanview stateroom is relatively minor, while the costs for Verandah and Concierge staterooms are more substantial.

All staterooms are arranged to have a seating area and one queen bed. Depending on the maximum passengers allowed in the room, there may also be some variable combination of a single convertible sofa, a Murphy bed, and an upper-berth pull-down bed.

With the exception of standard Inside staterooms, most rooms have a privacy curtain that can separate the sleeping area from the living room area, or the parents from the kids when it comes time to sleep.  

Each stateroom has a full bathroom with a tub and shower. With the exception of standard Inside staterooms, bathrooms are split into two smaller rooms, each with a sink, but one with a tub and shower, and the other with a toilet.

This arrangement is very family friendly, and helps to minimize the wait time for using the bathroom. 

Inside staterooms are 169–214 square feet, can accommodate 3-4 guests, and have no window to the outside world. The Disney Dream and Fantasy ships have Magical Portholes that offer a virtual real-time view of outside the ship, and occasional Disney characters that will pop up in the portholes.

Families generally don’t spend too much time inside the room, especially with the line up of activities on a Disney cruise. So, as long as you don’t have an issue with claustrophobia or mind the lack of natural sunlight, this is the cheapest way to sail with Disney. 

Oceanview staterooms can be a little larger, up to 241 square feet, and can accommodate 4–5 guests depending on the ship. The rooms on the Magic-series ships only accommodate up to four.

These cabins have windows with outside views, which also lets natural sunlight into your room. 

Verandah staterooms are up to 304 square feet and offer more space because of the addition of a balcony. These rooms can accommodate 4–5 guests. 

Concierge staterooms vary in size from 306–1,781 square feet and can accommodate 5–7 guests, depending on the ship. The concept is similar to that of executive- or club-level rooms in a hotel, which come with access to a concierge lounge and more attentive service.

With Disney cruises, booking a Concierge stateroom comes with many additional perks beyond lounge access. Before the cruise even begins, you’re given priority in booking onboard activities, excursions, and cabanas for Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, 120 days before sailing.

On the day of embarkation, you have priority boarding and access to a concierge lounge at the port terminal.

Once on the ship, you’ll enjoy the following benefits: 

• Exclusive concierge hosts to help you throughout the cruise
• Lounge access with complimentary food offerings and alcoholic drinks
• Priority debarkation at ports of call and on debarkation day
• Priority seating at evening performances and free popcorn for the movies and shows

All these benefits come with a hefty price tag, though, so you’ll have to decide if these benefits are truly worth the extra coin.

Food & Drink

There are many dining outlets onboard Disney cruise ships, with everything from sit-down meals to buffet lunches, and even grab-and-go options. All of these are included in your cruise fare. 

When you book your cruise, you can select your preferred evening dining time. If you’re travelling as a group, bookings can be linked, and your tables will be arranged close together.

Seating arrangements stay the same throughout the cruise. If you don’t fill up an entire table, Disney will seat families with families, and adults without children alongside other adults without children, as is possible.

Dining on Disney cruises is an experience in itself. Unlike other cruise lines, which assign you to one main dining room restaurant for your dinner for the entirety of your cruise, e ach Disney ship has three different main dining options that you rotate through. To keep things consistent, your servers rotate along with you each night, too.

The dining experiences vary depending on the ship, and are mostly inspired by different Disney movies and themes. Some are interactive, like Animator’s Plate, in which guests can make drawings that are brought to life on the TV screens before them, others feature live music, like in Tiana’s Place, and others have theatrical performances like in Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure.

Cabanas is the cruise line’s buffet restaurant. Prior to the pandemic, it was open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but post-pandemic, the dinner option no longer exists.

The Disney Wish has replaced Cabanas with Marceline Market, which offers a quick-service experience during the day and table service at dinner. 

At least one main dining room restaurant is also open for table service during breakfast and lunch. Room service, with a more limited menu, is also available 24/7. 

There are also several grab-and-go options on each ship, typically featuring sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, salads, fruit, and soft-serve ice cream until late into the evening. The Disney Wish steps it up a notch, offering the fleet’s first barbecue and Mexican quick-service options.

Every ship also has a confectionery store that offers candy, desserts, and ice cream creations. 

Premium dining experiences are also available for an additional fee. Every ship has at least one premium restaurant, which offers a prix-fixe menu ranging from $45–125 (USD) per person.

It may seem a hefty fee to pay, especially when the food at the regular restaurants is already included; however, if you enjoy fine dining and attentive service, the splurge is worth it. Remy (on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasty) and Enchanté (on Disney Wish) even have menus created by Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement. 

As for drinks, there are beverage stations in Cabanas, as well as one located outside on the pool deck which offers water, soft drinks, milk, tea, and coffee.

Disney doesn’t offer any all-you-can-drink packages that include alcohol, but they do offer packages with bottled water. Unlike on other cruise lines, though, you’re allowed to bring your own wine and beer onboard, but there is a limit and other restrictions on consumption . 

Guests aged 21 and older may bring up to two bottles on unopened bottles of wine or Champagne , or six 12-ounce beers at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. You’ll be charged a corkage fee of $26 (USD) to enjoy your alcohol in one of the dining venues.

Onboard Amenities

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the activities and programs offered on a Disney cruise, but serves as a general guide of the types of amenities you can expect to find on any of the ships.

Every ship has several pools and hot tubs, at least one waterslide or water ride, and a splash zone for guests to enjoy during the cruise. There are also adult-only pool areas on each ship.

The exact set-up of the water areas varies depending on the ship, although there are many similarities.

All ships are equipped with Sports Decks. The four older ships feature an open-air activity centre that features a basketball or volleyball court, a miniature golf course, sport simulators, ping-pong tables, foosball tables, and more.

The Disney Wish has Hero Zone, an indoor, climate-controlled sports area where guests can play sports in an air-conditioned setting.

On the lower decks, you can also find shuffleboards.

Kids clubs are a big highlight of the Disney cruising experience. Every ship has almost an entire deck dedicated to kids clubs, which offer supervised activities for kids aged six months to 17 years.

There are different spaces for kids of different ages. Other than the nursery, all other kids clubs are free of charge, and are open from around 9am until around midnight every day.

It’s A Small World Nursery offers childcare for children aged six months to three years for a fee. The fee is $9 (USD) per hour for one child, and $8 (USD) per hour for any additional children from the same family.

Reservations are encouraged, as space is limited.

Oceaneer Club  and Oceaneer Lab are geared for children aged 3–12. The main difference between the two is the themed spaces and the activities they offer.

The areas are connected, so children are free to explore either club and join the activities they enjoy. Activities include science labs, arts and crafts, dance parties, games, character meet-and-greets, video games, and more.

Each ship offers its own unique spaces. For example, the Disney Wonder includes Oaken’s Trading Post from Frozen and Marvel’s Superhero Academy, while Disney Fantasy has a Star Wars Command Post and Doctor Strange space. 

All kids registered in the Oceaneer clubs receive a Magic Band that has to be worn at all times. A fee is charged for the band, but will refunded upon returning the band at the end of the cruise.

The band allows children to tap in and out of the club. Kids eight and up can be permitted to have self check-in and out privileges. 

Edge is a space for tweens aged 11–14. There are organized activities like scavenger hunts and dance parties, but also free time to play video games, listen to music, and just chill.

Vibe is designed for teens aged 14–17. There is typically a dance floor, large screen TV, gaming stations, music stations, seating areas, and more. 

A big feature of Disney cruises is meet-and-greets with various Disney characters, including princesses, Marvel characters, and Star War characters, depending on the sailing. Some can be pre-booked, while others you may simply run into while wandering the ship. 

Every night, there are stage shows performed in the Walt Disney Theatre. Each ship has its own Broadway-quality production, such as Beauty and the Beast, Frozen: A Musical Spectacular, Tangled: The Musical, or Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular.

On Disney Wish, there are two brand-new shows: The Little Mermaid and Disney Seas the Adventure.

Guests can also enjoy Disney movies on the pool deck or in a movie theatre onboard, including new releases. On theme days, like Pirate Night, there is often a show or dance party followed by fireworks. 

Unlike other cruise lines, Disney cruises do not have an onboard casino. Rather, they have several bars, lounges, and dance clubs exclusively for adults.

There are adult-only pool and deck areas, as well as a fitness centre and the Senses Spa & Salon.

If your child also needs some pampering during the cruise, consider visiting the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a paid salon experience for kids to transform them into princes and princesses. 

This list of activities doesn’t end here. There are also scrapbooking activities, silent dance parties, bingo games, whiskey tastings, and much, much more.  

Needless to say, you likely won’t run out of entertainment options onboard a Disney cruise.

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder were Disney’s first two ships to join the fleet in 1998 and 1999, respectively, as part of the Magic class. They each have a capacity of just over 2,700 passengers and a total of 875 staterooms.

These smaller ships allow for a more intimate feel, and tend to have itineraries that are more port-intensive and have fewer days at sea.  

Disney Dream  and Disney Fantasy joined the fleet in 2011 and 2012, respectively, as part of the Dream class. Built larger than their predecessors, they have a capacity of 4,000 passengers and a total of 1,250 staterooms.

These two ships mainly sail in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. 

Disney Wish is the newest vessel, which joined the fleet in 2022 as the first Triton-class ship. It has a capacity of 4,000 passengers and a total of 1,254 staterooms.

Currently it’s only sailing short three- or four- day itineraries to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Disney Cruise Line sails to a variety of destinations in North America, Europe, and Oceania. Itineraries range from 2–15 nights, which encompasses a mixture of port days and at-sea days.

While the entire list of Disney cruise itineraries is vast, you’ll have to start or end a cruise from one of the following home ports:

• Auckland, New Zealand
• Barcelona, Spain
• Brisbane, Australia
• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Dover, England
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Galveston, Texas
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Melbourne, Australia
• Miami, Florida
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• New York, New York
• Port Canaveral, Florida
• San Diego, California
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Southampton, England
• Sydney, Australia
• Vancouver, Canada

The exact itinerary of your cruise varies greatly, depending on the length of your cruise and your port of departure. Some cruises depart from and return to the same port, while others cross a large body of water in one direction.

Examples of destinations served by Disney cruises are as follows:

• North American destinations include Alaska, the Pacific Coast, Eastern Canada, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, and Mexico.
• European destinations include the British Isles, the Baltics, the Mediterranean, and the Norwegian Fjords.
• Oceania cruises visit Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, American Samoa, New Caledonia, and/or Hawaii.

As of 2023, Disney does not sail to South America or Asia. 

For certain destinations or at select times of the year, Disney will have themed sailings. Examples include Marvel Day at Sea, Pixar Day at Sea, Star Wars Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas, and Very Merrytime Christmas sailings. 

Caribbean and Bahamian sailings often include a stop at Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay, which is a 1,000-acre island with white sand beaches, water play areas, a supervised kids club, and adults-only area. On the island, you can rent bikes, snorkelling gear, and water sport equipment, or even go on an excursion.

Disney cruises are more expensive than the average cruise, so be prepared to pay a bit of a premium for the experience. You can choose to book your cruise online directly with Disney, or through any number of travel agents.

Keep in mind that Disney will sometimes offer special promotions for Canadian residents, with up to 30% off select sailings.

There are often special promotions for Disney+ subscribers, so be sure to check out the landing page if you have a subscription.

If you’re a Disney Vacation Club member, you can swap your vacation week for a cruise instead . There are blackout dates to be aware of, so be sure to check out if your desired cruise is available to be booked during your ideal dates.

A few authorized Disney sales reps offer extra onboard credits, which requires some searching around to find. If you book through Costco Travel, they’ll often throw in a gift card worth several hundred dollars. 

To help ease the pain of the cost, you can maximize your earn by paying for your cruise with Disney gift cards bought at grocery stores using a credit card with a 5x or 6x multiplier, such as the American Express Cobalt Card or the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card . Just remember you’ll lose out on any travel insurance you’d normally have by charging the cruise to a credit card. 

Alternatively, you can always offset the cost of a cruise with a credit card with fixed-value travel rewards program, through which you redeem your points for a statement credit or book through a travel portal. Examples of these include HSBC Rewards , Scene+, TD Rewards , National Bank À la carte Rewards, BMO Rewards , and CIBC Aventura . 

Loyalty Program: The Castaway Club

Disney has its own cruise loyalty program known as The Castaway Club. It’s a pretty simple program, and you earn credits for every cruise you take, regardless of the duration of the cruise.

Currently, there are three tiers to the program, with a fourth being added on May 1, 2023:

• Silver, earned after just one sailing
• Gold, earned after five sailings
• Platinum, earned after 10 sailings
• Pearl, earned after 25 sailings (new tier to be added on May 1, 2023)

Perks include a members-only direct phone line, discounts on future voyages, priority check-in, Welcome Back Aboard gifts, advance access to cruise bookings, and advance restaurant and activity reservations. 

This isn’t necessarily the strongest loyalty program out there, but if you’re going to go on multiple Disney cruises, you may as well enjoy some incremental perks.

Disney has a great reputation when it comes to fun family vacations, and its cruise line experience is no different. A Disney cruise gives guests a chance to sail around the world on a magical ship with plenty of Disney-themed activities and entertainment to choose from, all while experiencing the hospitality and quality that Disney is known for.

The only downside to booking a Disney cruise is the cost, but there are some deals to be found if you’re diligent. Of course, you can also utilize credit cards to maximize your earn and offset the total cost with points.

Despite being pricey, you’ll certainly get what you pay for with Disney cruises, and you’ll be left with plenty of memories to look back on for years to come.

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What’s Included in a Disney Cruise? And What Costs Extra?

Posted on Published: 01/16/2024

I’ve always loved cruising on the Disney Cruise Line, and have found it to be especially convenient that so much is included in the fare. While these aren’t entirely all-inclusive vacations, cruises can be an easier way to budget for a vacation. However, it’s important that you know what is included in a Disney Cruise and what costs extra before planning your vacation. That way, you’ll have an idea of what to budget.

Note that many of these things are optional. So, you’ll only incur these expenses if this is something you choose to purchase/experience. It’s possible to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses beyond the cruise fare if that’s what you prefer

This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. We received some complimentary/discounted Disney Cruises but paid our way many times. All opinions are my own.

Check prices for your Disney Cruise here.

Short on time? Here’s a high-level description of what’s included and what isn’t.

What’s included in a Disney Cruise? And What Costs Extra?

Food on a disney cruise.

Most food is included on your Disney Cruise. Unlike some cruise lines, there isn’t a specific main dining room. Instead, Disney Cruise Line offers a rotational dining system where you’ll visit all three separate themed restaurants throughout your sailing. These meals are included in the price of your sailing.

In addition to these three main restaurants, there are lots of other places to get food during your trip. These include the buffet (Cabanas or Marceline Market), quick-service restaurants, pizza, soft-serve ice cream, and room service (most items). If your trip includes a day at Disney’s Castaway Cay, your lunch there is included.

Some specialty food, however, costs extra. The adult-only restaurants ( Palo, Remy, and Encante ) are specialty fine-dining restaurants at an additional cost. These are great meals, however, and are worth visiting for a special experience. Make your dining reservations in advance because they do get booked early.

The cruise ships also offer some additional specialty food that costs extra. Popcorn and packaged snacks cost extra, as do the specialty desserts and gelato at the various premium dessert shops on the ship (including Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats and Inside Out: Joyful Sweets).

Beverages on the Disney Cruise Line

Compared to other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line includes many different beverages. You can get fountain soda, filtered water, standard tea, and regular coffee at no cost while onboard. If you bring your refillable water bottle on board, there are refill stations you can use to keep it filled.

There are, however, some beverages that cost extra. These include alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and specialty coffee. Even if you are a coffee drinker, you can get your fill with the coffee that is included in your cruise.

Unlike other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line does not offer an all-inclusive beverage package . Instead, you can purchase a six-pack package of beer or hard seltzer or a package of several wines. These packages are easy to buy on your first day, with no need to pre-book. There are also bundles of bottled water that can be purchased through room service.

Alcohol can be brought on the ship with you, but only up to a certain limit. Currently, guests can bring up to 2 bottles of wine or champagne (up to 750 ml bottles) or 6 beers. These must be packed in your carry-on bag, not the checked bag, and a corkage fee applies if bringing it to a restaurant.

This page on the Disney Cruise Line website has all of the details.

Staterooms on the Disney Cruise Line

Within your stateroom, you’ll have some amenities that can make for a comfortable and safe stay. These include an in-room safe, a hairdryer, and split bathrooms with toiletries (one room with a sink and shower and the other with a sink and toilet).

There are no irons in the rooms, but an ironing/laundry room is available to guests. If you want to do your laundry, there is a fee for soap, the washers, and the dryers.

Entertainment on the Disney Cruise Line

As you’d expect from the Disney Cruise Line, entertainment is top-notch. Luckily, this entertainment is included in the cost of your cruise.

When you are on the ship, you’ll be able to look at the Disney Cruise Line app to see all of the entertainment options. This includes large-scale, Broadway-style shows in the main theater, as well as first-run movies in the movie theater. In addition, other movies are shown on funnel vision by the pool deck.

The ship also offers character interactions throughout your sailing. You can find the schedule for these in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.

Most of these are similar to character greetings at Disney Parks, where you’ll wait in line to meet the character. There are some, including the Royal Gathering, which is included but does require a reservation. On some ships, there are some additional character experiences, like Olaf’s Royal Picnic, that cost a significant amount extra.

Other entertainment on the Disney Cruise Line ships include musical performers, animation classes, magicians, game shows, trivia, and karaoke. Except for Bingo, all of these are included. While you can watch Bingo for free, you have to pay to play the game.

Port Excursions including Castaway Cay

Does your cruise include a day at Castaway Cay? If so, there are some fees for various port excursions and rentals on Castaway Cay. Items with fees include bike rentals, cabanas, the stingray excursion, waterbikes, snorkel trips, float and tube rentals, glass bottom boats, paddle boats, parasailing, kayaks, and more.

But, if you don’t want to spend any money, you can still enjoy a day at Castaway Cay. Beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas are offered at no cost. There’s also plenty of entertainment offered, in addition to the beach.

If you are visiting other ports, not owned by Disney, you’ll have to purchase your shore excursions. The ship is always open, however, so if you want to save money, you can always stay on board (or choose to just walk around the port).

Port Transportation on the Disney Cruise Line

You’ll need to travel to the port for the start of your cruise vacation. Whether you park at the port, take a Disney Cruise Line bus, or utilize private transportation, you’ll have to pay for that separately. Where DCL transportation is offered, it’s optional and is offered at an additional price.

Ship Activities on the Disney Cruise Line

There are so many different activities and amenities on the Disney Cruise Line. These include splash areas, water slides, water rides like the AquaDuck and AquaMouse, sports decks, and pools . These activities and amenities are included in your cruise fare and don’t cost extra.

There are some activities on the ship that do cost more, however. These include the spa, the salons, and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. There is no casino on the Disney Cruise Line ships, but Bingo is available. You’ll need to purchase your Bingo cards, and pre-sales are usually open in advance of the games.

The kids’ clubs on the Disney Cruise Line are world-class offering themed areas for popular Disney-owned movies like Star Wars and Toy Story. Kids can go into these clubs throughout your cruise, as no additional cost.

If you are cruising with babies, there’s also the It’s a small world nursery. Reservations are required, and there is an additional fee for this service.

Gratuities on the Disney Cruise Line

Like most cruise lines (except for Virgin Voyages), you’ll pay gratuities separately on the Disney Cruise Line. It is possible to pre-pay them when you purchase your cruise, which is a nice option if you want to make your cruise as all-inclusive as possible.

WiFi on the Disney Cruise Line

App messaging while on the ship is free. You can use the app to communicate with others in your party whenever you’d like, without purchasing Wi-Fi. In addition, iMessage is also free.

If you’d like to have WiFi, that is a separate purchase and is optional. I usually forgo WiFi and instead use my cell phone provider’s international day pass when I’m in port.

Photos on the Disney Cruise Line

If you’d like to have photos taken while you are on board, there are plenty of photographers. You can purchase these photos separately, or there are packages available to get all of your photos at one cost.

MagicBands have come to the Disney Cruise Line (in the form of the DisneyBand ). They aren’t required, and if you want one, they cost extra.

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You Won’t Find These 9 Things on a Disney Cruise

If you’re considering a Disney cruise you’ve probably heard about a lot of things that are “included” in the premium cost.  

But there are some things that you simply won’t find on Disney Cruise Line (DCL) at the moment.  

We’re going to highlight nine things you will not find on a Disney Cruise, but that you might expect to find on other cruise lines.

1. Drinks Packages

Disney cruises don’t offer the traditional drinks packages you might find on other cruise lines.  

Disney cruises do include soft drinks and there are various offers – such as the ‘drink of the day.’

Drinks are a slightly higher price than you’d expect to pay on land – that is the case on most cruise lines.

Drinks are on a par with what other cruise lines charge – and less expensive than some.

An 18% service charge will be added on top of the price of your drink – the same as with many other American cruise lines.

Find out more about drinks packages on cruise ships here:

How Much Do Drinks Cost on Cruise Ships? Menus and Comparisons

Take Advantage of the “Drink Of The Day”

You can take advantage of drink specials like the “drink of the day” (usually something fruity and tropical) or Beer Buckets.  

Disney also offers a special beer mug deal.   For around $16.50 you get a 22 oz. beer mug, which Disney will then fill for the same price as a 16 oz. beer.  

You don’t have to carry the mug around everywhere.   When you’re done, simply exchange it for a mug “token” and the next time you want a beer you can trade the token in for a fresh mug.  

At the end of the cruise, you can either walk off with the mug or the token.   Simply bring back either on your next cruise and you can keep the deal going.   No need to purchase a new mug everytime.

This one-time purchase of the souvenir beer mug allows you to receive a hearty 21 ounce pour (about 1.3 pints) of a variety of draught beer for the same price of a non-souvenir 16 ounce pour (one pint) throughout your cruise Disney Cruise Line

Some Soft Drinks are Free

Disney does not charge for all soft drinks onboard.  

Soft drinks are included at meals, and there is a self-service soft drink machine on the pool deck if you want to grab a drink during the day.  

Disney does charge for soft drinks if ordered at one of the onboard bars or lounges, and at the onboard theatres .

If you’re a coffee drinker, make sure to get a “punch card” from the Cove Café.   If you buy 5 speciality coffees, your sixth one is free.  

If you have a partially filled punch card at the end of your cruise, bring it on your next cruise and continue to use it.

2 Onboard Casinos

Disney Cruise Line does not have casinos onboard their ships.  

For some, that’s a real dealbreaker – a reason not to cruise with Disney at all.

No casino means no indoor smoking – which personally, I like.

Find out more about gambling on cruise ships in the post below:

Can You Gamble on a Cruise at 18? Cruise Line Gambling Guide

3. You Won’t Find Brand Name Restaurants and Celebrity Chefs

Disney was a pioneer in “Rotational” dining, where you and your serving team rotate between one of three main restaurants nightly.  

Depending on which ship you’re on, Disney also offers one or two adult-only onboard dining experiences for an extra charge – Paleo and Remy.  

But, if you’re looking for Johnny Rockets or an impressive line-up of celebrity chef dining, you won’t find it.

Paleo and Remy offer great dining experiences and may be worth the additional fee to you.

Remy is essentially a 3 Michelin-starred experience at sea (Michelin doesn’t rate cruise line restaurants.)

4. No Go Karts, Wave Riders, Skydiving or Rock-Climbing Walls

Disney has, for the most part, not followed suit with the other cruise lines in terms of Wave Riders, Rock-Climbing walls, Ropes Courses, Escape Rooms at sea, Go-Kart tracks, etc.  

Disney’s ships are smaller than some others, and these kinds of facilities take up lots of room.  

I tried out a cruise ship Go Kart Track and a drop slide onboard Norwegian Prima . See how I got on here:

Disney has also made space on its pool deck for multiple pools and adult-only areas, leaving little space for these kinds of activities. So, if you’re seeking onboard thrills, you might be a little disappointed.

Which Waterslides Are on Disney Cruise Ships?

Disney does offer plenty of fun onboard.   Each of the ships does have an onboard water slide.  

The Dream and Fantasy feature the “Aqua Duck,” a water “ride” themed after Donald Duck and his nephews that takes you all around the top deck of the ship.  

Onboard the Disney Magic you’ll find the “Aqua Dunk” which is a thrill slide of the “drop” variety.  

Disney Wish has “AquaMouse” a first-of-its-kind water coaster that delivers lots of family fun.

Aquamouse has 760 feet of tubes winding around the ship’s top deck, with “over 60 water features, special lighting effects, an entertaining cinematic show, and spectacular ocean views.”

5. Busy Nightlife

If you like dancing away until the small hours of the morning is your thing, a Disney cruise isn’t for you!  

If you’re looking for a lot of live music at night, Disney may not impress you either. ..

Disney does have adult areas of the ship with several themed bars and some live music, but this is not an all-night dance scene with a rowdy crowd.  

You can hear some talented singing and piano players, see adult acts, and dance to DJ music, but you should expect adult activities to wind down earlier than you might find on other lines.  

In general, the adult areas are fun, low key and relaxed.   So, if you like a slower pace to your nightlife, you’ll find it in the many lounges and bars onboard Disney’s ships.

A cruise I took that had lots of late-night parties was onboard the Costa Smeralda. Costa is an Italian cruise line, and guests dined and partied far later than I had expected.

The White Night Party began on Costa as I would normally go to bed, and was full of families and children dancing and partying until the early hours!

Find out all about that memorable cruise here:

6. Disney Cruise Sale Prices

Demand for Disney cruises consistently outpaces supply.  

Opening-day prices for most itineraries are the best you’ll do when it comes to price.   From there, prices generally only go up.  

If you like to cruise on a budget, don’t bother looking at Disney cruises at all!  

There are some exceptions with special rates for Military Personnel, as well as Florida, Canada, UK and EU residents (on occasion).  

But if you’re a bargain hunter, your best bet is to book early and understand that Disney is generally seen as a more premium line that charges premium prices.

Guests generally believe the premium is justified for Disney’s service level – but it’s certainly not for everyone.

Disney enthusiasts who are used to paying a premium on other Disney holidays don’t seem to think the cruise prices are too high. They are happy to pay them.

To learn more about how to save money on a Disney cruise, including how to use gift cards to reduce your spending, check out this post:

Cut The Cost of Your Disney Cruise – 6 Budget Booking Tips

7. Dress Codes

Because Disney caters to families, you won’t find a lot of enforced dress codes.  

There are generally semi-formal and formal nights onboard, depending on the length of your sailing, but they are largely optional.  

If you and your family want to get dressed up for those special pictures, great! But, don’t expect everybody else to be dressed up.

Tuxedos are largely unheard of on formal nights.   You may find the family next to you are still wearing Disney t-shirts on “Formal Night” – while you’ve dressed up.   It’s the nature of Disney cruising.

The exceptions to the casual dress code requirement are in adult speciality restaurants.  

Both Paleo and Remy do enforce a dress code for both brunch and dinner seatings.  

For Paleo, that will generally mean trousers or jeans (nothing ripped or with holes) and a collared shirt.  

Remy requires gentlemen to wear trousers, a jacket and a collared shirt. Jackets are optional for brunch or desserts.

The speciality restaurants give ample reminders of their dress code, and you will be turned away if you are not dressed appropriately.  

8. You Won’t Find “Non-Disney” Merchandise On Sale

You can expect to find a lot of expensive Disney-themed merchandise in the Disney cruise shop.  

Disney does not make most of its cruise line merchandise available for sale elsewhere.  

That means lots of Disney collectables like T-shirts, badges, ship models and statuettes.  

If you want a Disney collectable, buy it early, as they do sell out. Most items are not available for purchase anywhere outside the ship – unless you’re willing to pay a premium for it on eBay.

If you like the ability to shop for a lot of name-brand merchandise, you’ll need to save your shopping for the ports.  

Disney does offer brands like Dooney & Bourke (primarily Disney-themed purses), luxury watches, figurines and jewellery, but these are going to be premium brands with premium prices, and if there’s a Disney tie-in or theme, expect that to be the onboard offering.  

Disney is the first and only cruise line to feature Tiffany’s at Sea, so if you’re looking for jewellery you can buy it onboard.

Tiffany’s sells some special onboard jewellery pieces themed to Disney Cruise Line.  The same is true for art onboard.  If you’d like to pick up a display piece for home expect it to be Disney-themed.

9. Fast Internet

While some other cruise lines have really pushed forward with onboard Internet and technology offerings; this has been a place where Disney frequently lags and, in many cases, disappoints.  

But you should know what to expect – you’re not going to be video-calling friends or coworkers.

You may not even be able to check email reliably or make audio calls. If the safety net of potentially being able to connect is worth paying for the Premium Internet package, then factor that into the price of your cruise.

Internet is not included on Disney cruises, but packages are available to purchase.

The internet package options are as follows:

• “Stay Connected” offers access to select social media sites, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Pricing starts at $16 a day when purchased for the entire voyage length. Prices are subject to change at any time.  
•  “Basic Surf” includes the “Stay Connected” offerings plus access to the web, email, and voice calling. Pricing starts at $24 a day when purchased for the length of your cruise. Prices are subject to change at any time.
• “Premium Surf” includes all that is offered in the “Basic Surf” plus video on Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, video calling, and music streaming. Video streaming is not available with this package. Pricing starts at $34 a day when purchased for the entirety of your voyage. Prices are subject to change at any time. 

*Prices are taken from the Disney website December 2023.

You may be better off staying “offline” and skipping the expense and hassle completely!

Find out what I thought of my first-ever Disney Cruise here:

Before You Go

For more information about what Is included in a Disney cruise, check out this post next:

What’s Included On A Disney Cruise? – Food, Activities, Entertainment – And Things That Cost Extra

Find out everything I loved and everything I hated about my first Disney Cruise here:

My First Disney Cruise – Everything I Loved and Hated (Honest Photo Review

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• Disney Cruise Line

Do any Disney ships have a casino?

By Megan_Strick , June 19, 2011 in Disney Cruise Line

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Megan_Strick

My daughter really wants to go on one but my dad usually goes and that is really all he does.

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Frenchsnowhite

That is in part why a Disney cruise is more expensive, no casino...

No casino, but if you cruise on an Eastern Caribbean, he can gamble in the casino in St. Maarten.

WeLoveDisneyAlways

There's also a casino in Atlantis in the Bahamas. Great family destination.

A casino on Disney property???? yeah, right... remember, Disney = Family ;)

DisneyKidsDad

But if the day ever comes when Florida allows casino gambling, you can bet every Disney ship will have a casino. I wouldn't be surprised if Disney didn't already have all the equipment and plans to where they would go.

The dream is licenced and owned in the Bahamas I'm not sure about the other ships

keishashadow

DCL has plenty of gambling opportunites

B-I-N-G-O:rolleyes:lots of it

I wish they'd just be upfront about it and convert a small portion of the ship & throw in some slot machines, but as mentioned above, easy enough to find a casino in nassau.

That has nothing to do with why Disney doesn't have casinos on their ships. Disney has been fighting to keep casinos out of Florida because they don't want people spending money anywhere other than their parks.

I was pointing out that Florida laws have nothing to do with Disney cruises they are not operated or licenced out of Florida. I dont think disney is boycotting casinos, that makes no sense Disney and their billions could own and operate their own casinos under a different entity and make even more billions

Florida will very likely allow non-reservation casino gaming by the end of the year. There is legislation that has passed both the house and senate in slightly different forms that will allow for it. I suspect that it will be on Rick Scott's desk to sign by the end of September. Somehow I don't think we'll see casino gaming spring up on Disney properties in the foreseeable future.

I don't know of any ships that keep the casinos open while in port, so really that entire argument is moot.

Regardless of where a ship is flagged, it can operate casinos once it's in international waters, so Florida law had absolutely nothing to do with Disney's decision to not have a casino onboard. Bottom line, DCL has structured it's product to be profitable without gaming. I highly doubt that will ever change, unless they see a sudden drop in occupancy and research suggests that an overwhelming majority of people aren't cruising DCL due to a lack of a casino--somehow I highly doubt that would ever be the rationale for choosing a different line.

i do find it a bit odd that disney has bingo...which appears to be held several times a day and quite pricey, but no casino...would be nice to have a few card tables in the district "adults only area".

Disney's whole "Brand" is Family Fun. Casinos tend to clash with this. If a casino opened on a Disney property Walt would start spinning in his grave (or cryo chamber???)

I could see it now...inside Splash Mountain would be Cash Mountain. Pirates of the Caribbean could have Captain Jack's Blackjack. Cinderella's Slots. Castle Keno. :D

Cinderella 's Slots ???????????????

Sounds like old Walt is getting into the Flesh trade as well as Casino Gambling.

theshowmestate

The lack of casinos on the DCL ships is the big draw for me. Keeps it a family environment and the party crowds off the ships.

Keeps the party crowds off the ships.

S.S.Oceanlover

I have heard about those wild party crowds on Holland America and Princess ships.Boy does it get wild on those ships with the casinos.

DISNEY FANTASY

Back to the OP Question,

We have established that DCL ships do not have a Casino, so the question is is this a deal breaker?

There is so so much to do on a Disney ship, the best cruise entertainment, some of the best cruise food, Palo, Remy, Films, Castaway Cay, it would be a shame not to try it once, just because there isn't a Casino and one person would want it.

Personally I would find it hard to imagine anyone not finding something, the liked on the ship.

I would be up front no Casino, (bingo isn't anything close), and go for a different experience and promise a Casino next time ,if they do not enjoy it.

(Bet they do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

It does seem a bit hypocritical of Disney not to have a casino in order to keep their ships “family oriented,” yet they have an abundance of bars. I guess it is ok for kids to see people drinking, but not people gambling.

Actually DCL doesn't lack casinos to keep the ships family oriented, but rather they chose to commit the space that would be used for casinos to their kids clubs.

They may be hypocritical but they're not stupid.

On the Magic and Wonder, the architect drew in a casino. DCL nixed it and the space became the improv club on Route 66/Beat St.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Concept art of the new Disney Adventure, which will have its home port in Singapore

More details about Disney's plans to expand its cruise line into Asia have emerged with an announcement about the entertainment onboard its new ship which will have its home in Singapore when it comes on stream next year.

Named the Disney Adventure, the 208,000-ton ship is one of the world's biggest cruise liners. Disney reportedly bought it for just $44 million in 2022 after its previous owner, Hong Kong-based Genting Cruise Lines, fell into administration. At the time, it was set to accommodate up to 9,000 passengers making it the world's biggest cruise liner by passenger capacity though Disney has since scaled it back to 6,700. Instead of sailing it to the United States to join the six other ships in its fleet, Disney decided to make the Adventure its first cruise liner with a home port in Asia.

As part of a collaboration between Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board, the mega-ship will sail for at least five years from the Marina Bay Cruise Center just a 12 minute drive from Universal Studios Singapore. The location seems like a no-brainer as it brings the fight to the doorstep of Disney's biggest rival, but actually Mickey may be charting the wrong course.

Singapore is the surprising location of Disney's Asian cruise port (Photo by Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty ... [+] Images)

Disney's ships are designed in an Art Deco style to reflect the golden age of cruising but inside they are awash with the kind of fairytale trappings that guests find in its theme parks. Photo opps with cuddly characters are de rigueur, as are Broadway-style extravaganzas based on classic Disney cartoons.

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Its latest ship, the Disney Wish, is also home to an interactive dinner show featuring scenes specially-shot by the actors of the wildly-popular Avengers superhero movies. On its top deck there is even an innovative water slide with screens set into the side of the tubes which tell a story about Mickey Mouse whilst riders rocket past on rafts propelled by powerful jets of water.

The Disney Adventure is set to make an even bigger splash as it will have an entire street themed to 2014's animated Oscar-winner Big Hero 6 which was a huge hit in Asia. A poolside retreat will be inspired by another animated favorite – Moana – while shops and restaurants will be based on classic Disney cartoons like The Little Mermaid and Lilo & Stitch . The Avengers will have their own hub.

"We're bringing the magic of Disney Cruise Line to Asia for the first time ever, and we want to give our guests the cruise relaxation and Disney fun they can only experience aboard one of our ships," said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line. "When they set sail on the Disney Adventure, guests will find incredible, immersive areas that bring the worlds of Disney, Pixar and Marvel to life in ways like never before – and these uniquely Disney experiences will inspire families to reconnect, recharge and make unforgettable memories that they'll cherish forever."

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Singapore Tourism Board Chief ... [+] Executive Keith Tan announce the Disney Adventure (Daryl Goh, photographer)

They are the same kind of sentiments that Disney says guests will get from a visit to its theme parks and it's no coincidence. Disney's ships are almost the equivalent of mini theme parks which makes them ideal for locations where the media giant doesn't have an entertainment complex.

Unlike Universal, Disney has repeatedly rejected the opportunity to build inner city Family Entertainment Centers, instead choosing to focus on fewer, much larger, resorts scattered around the world.

There are only six Disney theme park resorts and although this is one more than Universal, its rival is expected to overtake it in the coming years with new outposts in Texas and the United Kingdom. Disney's theme park strategy leaves it under-exposed in a number of major markets including India, Australia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates which is one of the wealthiest untapped areas as we have reported .

In the fall last year, Disney launched its first cruises in Australia where its closest park is a nine and a half hour flight away from the country's biggest city, Sydney. It may seem like the Adventure ship is plugging a similar gap as Disney doesn't have a park in Singapore.

However, Asia is dripping with them. With parks in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo, Disney has more resorts in Asia than in the Americas. All three are within a seven-hour flight from Singapore with Hong Kong less than four hours away which is no bad thing at all.

As we recently reported , when Disney launched its cruise line in 1998, it opened its Castaway Cay private island in the Bahamas at the same time. This enabled it to sell twin-center breaks where stays at Walt Disney World in Orlando are combined with a cruise to Castaway Cay. It sets off from Port Canaveral, just 50 minutes by car from Orlando, with transportation laid on by Disney to make the two destinations seem like they are part of the same vacation.

Thanks to their immersive theming, Disney's cruises are popular with mega-fans as well as families. Many of the former have the biggest budgets and therefore give Disney the greatest gains. So much so indeed that in 2022 its Adventures By Disney tour operator launched a 24-day package visiting every Disney park by private jet for the princely price of $110,000 per person. Despite being in the midst of the pandemic, it sold out so fast that the tour returned the following year at the increased price of $115,000. Yet again it sold out so it is taking place for a third time in 2024.

With three Disney resorts within striking distance of Singapore it seems like a no-brainer to schedule a cruise that takes them all in but, remarkably, this doesn't seem to be on the cards. Disney's announcement makes it clear that the Adventure will sail on cruises for three and four nights from Singapore which is just about enough time to get to Hong Kong but not back. It certainly isn't enough time to take in all three of Disney's Asian resorts which are widely seen to be the jewels in its crown as we have reported .

Disney's cruises do not visit Tokyo DisneySea (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

It isn't currently even possible to book any Disney cruises to or from Hong Kong, Shanghai or Tokyo despite all three being port cities with the theme parks in the latter located just a 22 minute drive from the terminal. A tour to these parks by ship would take several weeks though people would be prepared to pay a premium as Adventures By Disney has shown.

Disney could claim that this would defeat the object of the Adventure as it wouldn't be visiting untapped areas. However, if that is the driving force behind its location then Singapore isn't the ideal place for its home port as so many Disney parks are within a such a small catchment area.

Just last month, Disney's chief financial officer Hugh Johnston said that "the cruise business, frankly, is one that has an enormous number of opportunities for us" and it seems it hasn't plumbed the depths of all of them yet. The lack of a cruise which takes in all of the Asian resorts is another example of Disney leaving money on the table and it hasn't escaped the attention of other operators.

Testimony to this, cruising giant Holland America Line operates a voyage which visits the cities where all three resorts are located and it has been travelled with this benefit in mind by Disney mega-fans.

As we recently reported , the media giant has also been left in the wake of luxury operator Princess which was the first operator to introduce an on-board wireless guest recognition system even though Disney developed its own technology years earlier for its theme parks.

Likewise, as we also reported , earlier this year Princess swung open the doors to by far the most immersive entertainment experience at sea. Its spooky Spellbound nightspot is the first permanent outpost of Hollywood's exclusive Magic Castle club and it is packed with high-tech trickery. The venue has emerged ahead of a lounge based on Disney's Haunted Mansion theme park attraction which is due to debut on its new Treasure ship in December.

Industry giant Royal Caribbean has also cruised into Disney's waters with ships which are laden with attractions. In January it launched Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise liner which is also home to the Thrill Island water park, the largest at sea. Of course, other operators don't have Disney's characters and theme parks to keep them afloat and that's all the more reason why the Mouse should make the most of them.

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Disney’s New Cruise Line Private Island Destination Opens This Week

On June 6, 2024, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point joins Castaway Cay as a Disney-exclusive island attraction offering one-day excursions with family fun.

The cruise industry overall surged in popularity last year following a rebound from the pandemic.

Cruise Lines International Association captures this growth in its annual State of the Cruise Industry report. In its latest findings, cruising surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2023, reaching 107% of 2019 levels. Those levels include 31.7 million passengers globally, with 18.1 million cruising in North America, Disney Cruise Line’s primary market. 2024 shows more growth, with 34.7 million global passengers projected to sail on the high seas this year.

Disney Cruise Line’s current expansion plans include the addition of four new ships to its fleet between 2022 and 2025 and a new private island destination that opens this summer.

Leaning Into Authentic Caribbean Culture

Disney selected the Bahamian island of Eleuthera as the home of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Eleuthera sits along the island’s southern shores, and the guests will note Bahamian influences throughout its architecture, dining, and character costumes, among other elements. These influences concentrate around the Goombay Cultural Center. Centrally located at Lookout Cay, the center features local artists and other activities to immerse guests into the Bahamas.

Lindsay Brookshier, content director of Mickey Visit, shares her thoughts on Disney’s approach to designing Lookout Cay. “They are working to create a destination authentic to the Bahamas culture that showcases the area’s natural beauty. The concept artwork that I have gotten to preview has been stunning. This looks like it will be a fantastic addition to the existing Castaway Cay private island destination.”

Lookout Cay embraces the spirit and culture of the Bahamas, even featuring an array of bright, vibrant flavors at its several eateries. In addition to classics like burgers and salads, dining options include Bahamian Pigeon Peas & Rice, Plant-based Island Curry, and Bahamian-style Lime marinated grilled snapper.

Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the gang will sport new, island-exclusive apparel. Mikkel Woodruff, Editor of Sometimes Sailing, highlights these as one of the exciting and unique aspects of Lookout Cay. Woodruff explains, “I can’t wait to take photos with Mickey and Minnie in their colorful cruise outfits designed by Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett. Only Disney could bring this to the Bahamas!”

Paradise for All Ages

Like other Disney destinations, Lookout Cay offers fun experiences and amenities for adventurers of all ages. A day at the private island includes character meet-and-greets and lively entertainment. Lookout Cay’s multiple water play areas, including Rush Out Gush Out Water Play, keep little ones occupied. Two shows — RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration and Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash — blend Bahamian culture with classic Disney entertainment.

Local experts offer guided tours of the island, and bold voyagers can traverse trails and utilize bicycle rental services to trek around Eleuthera. Family-friendly beaches boast beautiful cabanas rentable by those seeking a soothing, subdued stay, whether parents vacationing without kids or traveling solo.

Freelance journalist and theme park expert Megan duBois says she anticipates “enjoying the adults-only spaces, which are a quiet area away from all the controlled chaos of the family beaches.” The adult-exclusive areas of Lookout Cay include a beach and separate dining areas.

High Expectations From Cruisers

Disney first announced Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in 2019. Anticipation grew as the cruise line industry bounced back following the pandemic.

Sarah Gilliland, founder of On the Road with Sarah and Managing Travel Editor for Wealth of Geeks, emphasizes the stiff competition. She notes, “It all sounds good on paper, but the real test will be seeing how the island’s first visitors receive it. So far, it looks a little more exciting than Castaway Cay but not as exciting as Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay. It’s difficult to complete with a water park!”

To impress avid cruisers, duBois says Disney is rising to the occasion. “Lighthouse Point will exceed expectations compared to Castaway Cay and even other cruise line private islands. Disney has learned a lot over the years of operating Castaway Cay, and that knowledge is finally being used by finalizing Lighthouse Point.”

Disney Cruise Line’s initial itineraries include Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on 3-, 4-, and 5-night Bahamian Cruises out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and 10-night Southern Caribbean cruises out of Port Canaveral, Florida.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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