Introduction
If you’re considering taking a cruise or you’re already booked on a Royal Caribbean ship, you might wonder if you’ll be able to hit the casino and enjoy some gaming. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean does offer casino options onboard its ships. This article will provide an overview of Royal Caribbean’s casino offerings, explore the history and business side of gaming at sea, and highlight some of the more unconventional casino experiences available on Royal Caribbean cruises.
Overview of Royal Caribbean’s Casino Offerings
Royal Caribbean’s casinos are typically sizable and cater to a variety of gaming interests. Depending on which ship you’re sailing, you’ll find a mix of classic table games, slots, and video poker machines. Some ships also have a dedicated poker room or a high-limit area for more serious gamers.
The size and variety of the casinos will depend on the size of the ship. For example, the newest and largest Royal Caribbean ships can boast a casino floor of 18,000 square feet with over 500 slot machines and dozens of table games. However, even smaller ships offer a reasonable selection of gaming options.
You’ll find the following games at most Royal Caribbean casinos:
- Slot machines
- Video poker
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Craps
- Baccarat
- Three card poker
- Let it ride
It’s worth noting that the casinos onboard Royal Caribbean ships are not open 24/7, as they are required to close when the ship is in a port. The hours of operation vary, but typically the casino is open in the evening and late into the night when the ship is at sea.
Additionally, many Royal Caribbean cruises feature special casino events, such as tournaments or theme nights.
The Experience of Gambling on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
If you’re new to cruising, you might be curious about what it’s like to gamble onboard a ship. For experienced gamers, the casino experience on Royal Caribbean should be similar to what you’d find in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.
If you’re a novice, however, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:
- Set a budget before you start playing – it’s easy to get carried away in the excitement of the moment
- Understand the rules of the game before you sit down to play
- Consider signing up for Royal Caribbean’s Casino Rewards program to earn perks and discounts
Many passengers report enjoying the casino gaming experience on Royal Caribbean ships. The casinos are typically well-run, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. However, keep in mind that the quality of the experience can depend on the ship and the other passengers who happen to be gaming at the same time.
If you’re curious about what it’s like to gamble on a Royal Caribbean cruise, here’s a first-person account of playing in one of the ship’s casinos:
“I had a great time in the casino on my Royal Caribbean cruise. I’m not a big gambler, but I enjoy playing slots and blackjack from time to time. The casino was clean and modern, and the dealers and pit bosses were friendly and helpful. I also appreciated that there were a variety of slot machines to choose from, including some with progressive jackpots. Overall, I had a lot of fun and would definitely recommend the casino experience to other cruisers.”
The History of Royal Caribbean’s Casinos
The first Royal Caribbean ship to feature a casino was Sovereign of the Seas, which launched in 1988. At the time, the presence of a casino on a cruise ship was a novelty, but it soon became clear that gaming was a popular form of entertainment for many passengers.
Over the years, Royal Caribbean has continued to expand and upgrade its casino offerings. Today, the company operates casinos on all of its ships, and they are a key part of the onboard entertainment experience.
Several key individuals have played a role in shaping the history of Royal Caribbean’s casinos. One of the most important was Richard Fain, who became CEO of Royal Caribbean in 1988, the same year that Sovereign of the Seas debuted. Fain recognized the potential of gaming as a revenue stream for the company and oversaw the development of casino offerings on subsequent ships.
Another important figure in the history of Royal Caribbean’s casinos is Adam Goldstein, who served as company president and CEO from 2007 to 2014. Goldstein was instrumental in designing the Oasis-class ships, which include some of the largest and most impressive casinos at sea.
The Business Side of Royal Caribbean’s Casinos
Casinos are big business on cruise ships. According to a report from the Cruise Lines International Association, gaming revenue accounts for approximately 2-3% of the total revenue for cruise lines.
Casino profits on Royal Caribbean ships are split between the cruise line and its partners. Typically, the cruise line takes a percentage of the profits from slot machines and table games, while the rest goes to the casino operator.
Regulations and standards for casinos on cruise ships are set by the International Council of Cruise Lines and various national and regional regulatory bodies. Royal Caribbean’s casinos comply with these regulations and are subject to periodic inspections to ensure that they meet standards for safety and fairness.
Unconventional Casino Experiences offered by Royal Caribbean
While most of the gaming options on Royal Caribbean ships will be familiar to anyone who’s spent time in a casino before, there are a few experiences that are unique to the cruise line.
For example, some ships have interactive slot machines that incorporate video game-style bonus rounds. Others feature virtual balconies that provide a real-time view of the ocean as you play.
Some passengers might also encounter particularly memorable dealers or fellow gamers. For example, one Reddit user recounted a story of playing blackjack with a group of people who had met on previous cruises and had become friends. They even had custom chips made for their group.
Of course, not all casino experiences are positive. Some passengers have reported losing significant amounts of money in the ship’s casinos. However, for most people, the gaming experience on Royal Caribbean will be a fun and entertaining way to spend some time on their cruise.
Social and Economic Significance of Casinos on a Cruise Ship
The presence of casinos on cruise ships is part of a larger trend in the gambling industry. As land-based casinos in many parts of the world face increased competition, several companies have expanded into the cruise market as a way to attract new customers.
However, the social and economic impact of casinos in general is a subject of debate. While proponents argue that gaming can create jobs and generate revenue for the communities where casinos are based, critics argue that casinos can be harmful to individuals and communities. Concerns include problem gambling, crime, and the potential for casinos to encourage visitors to spend money they can’t afford.
When gaming is introduced into a communal setting like a cruise ship, additional ethical and moral questions arise. For example, is it responsible for a company to offer gambling as a primary form of entertainment for its passengers? What about passengers who have gambling addiction issues?
Conclusion
Royal Caribbean’s casinos offer a fun and exciting way to spend some time on your cruise. With a variety of games, helpful and friendly staff, and some interesting and unique gaming experiences, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to gamble responsibly, set a budget, and enjoy yourself!
To make the most of your Royal Caribbean casino experience, consider signing up for the Casino Rewards program and keeping an eye out for special events or theme nights.
Note: Information in this article is accurate as of October 2021, but is subject to change. Check the Royal Caribbean website or consult your cruise itinerary for the most up-to-date information regarding casino offerings and hours of operation.