If playing the odds is an essential part of your cruise experience, our experts say you can't do better than these outstanding onboard casinos. Our hand-picked options range from razzle dazzle fun and low-stakes slots to elegant games of chance and high-stakes tourneys. Take our advice and you're sure to find plenty of casino excitement on one of these top-notch ships.
These 10 winners were selected by our expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
Photo courtesy of Carnival Celebration Photo courtesy of Carnival Celebration1. Carnival Celebration—Miami, FL
The largest ship in Carnival's fleet, the Celebration boasts a buzzing casino that perfectly suits Carnival's reputation for fun. The Empress Casino offers table games at night and a variety of popular slot machines open nearly 24/7. Windows lining the casino let in the sunshine and spectacular ocean views. Stop by the glitzy bar for drinks, and don't forget to track points earned through the Carnival Players Club.
Photo courtesy of Carnival Mardi Gras Photo courtesy of Carnival Mardi Gras2. Carnival Mardi Gras—Miami, FL
Home to the first roller coaster at sea, Carnival's Mardi Gras also offers a top-tier spacious casino. Ask for lessons and play for stakes, high or low, at the classic table games and state-of-the-art slots. Two standout features are the bar with generous seating and the nonsmoking section, essentially a separate casino. A perk for party lovers? If you earn enough points with Carnival Players Club, you can enjoy drinks on the house.
Photo courtesy of Celebrity Beyond Photo courtesy of Celebrity Beyond3. Celebrity Beyond—Miami, FL
Aboard Celebrity Cruises' newest luxury vessel, the Beyond, an award-winning casino offers guests glamour and thrills Vegas style. Sign up for a tournament, play one of 2,000 slot machines or try your luck at over 150 table games from blackjack to Ultimate Texas Hold'em. The casino provides great kickbacks through the Blue Chip Club and offers a smoke- and vape-free setting.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International4. Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas—Cape Canaveral, FL
Onboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, the Casino Royale is the fleet's largest gambling parlor, boasting a wide variety of offerings. Try your hand at slots and table games, or opt for video poker and other entertainment games. Feeling lucky? Go for the top prize in a tournament. Complimentary gaming lessons are open to all, while members of the Club Royale program enjoy great rewards.
Photo courtesy of Celebrity Edge Photo courtesy of Celebrity Edge5. Celebrity Edge—Miami, FL
With a recommended rating from Forbes Travel Guide, Celebrity Edge creates a truly special experience. The ship's innovative design and cutting-edge entertainments include the Edge Casino, which offers a wide range of games—from the latest themed slots to classic table games. Like all Celebrity casinos, the venue is smoke-free, a big plus for nonsmokers. The Blue Chip Club offers instant membership and excellent rewards, including complimentary drinks as you play.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International6. Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas—Miami, FL
With amenities like a 40-foot rock wall, a zip line positioned 10 decks above the Boardwalk area and 13 dining venues, Allure of the Seas raises the bar. At Casino Royale, you can play your way around tables with blackjack, roulette, craps and Caribbean Stud Poker or try your hand at the slot machines. Enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene with live cover bands at Dazzles or Latin dance parties at Boleros.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International7. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas—Miami, FL
Big has advantages: more space, more games and more fun. One of the world's largest cruise ships, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas also has one of the largest casinos in the fleet. It's always easy to find a spot to play, and there's plenty of variety, from the latest slots and video poker games to table games like blackjack, roulette and three card poker. Cashless wagering is available.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images Photo courtesy of Getty Images8. HAL Rotterdam—Seattle, WA
With recent expansions to their onboard casinos, Holland America Line ships like the Rotterdam have added the latest slot machines, video poker games and progressive jackpots to their classic offerings. Keep your fun old-school with roulette, craps and poker games, or try your hand at a slot tournament. The upgraded casino system employs cashless wagering and offers special promotions and earned rewards in real time.
Photo courtesy of Princess Cruise Line Photo courtesy of Princess Cruise Line9. Enchanted Princess—Fort Lauderdale, FL
This gorgeous casino exhibits class with atmospheric touches like a chandelier-topped spiral staircase. Staff welcome players of all levels, with lessons on offer and automatic membership in Princess Players Club. Choose from video poker, traditional and novelty slots, progressive jackpots and table games ranging from blackjack and roulette to Texas Hold'em poker or Let It Ride. Medallion Class passengers can play anywhere on board with the mobile Ocean Casino.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International10. Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas—Fort Lauderdale, FL
One of Royal Caribbean's new and innovative Quantum Ultra Class ships, the Odyssey of the Seas offers a large casino floor with a smart new layout. Find every game imaginable—including some unusual ones like coin pusher machines—in this Casino Royale. Tourneys run regularly, and earning rewards is easy through the line's Club Royale. The space incorporates art and sculpture for a refined touch.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our experts
Doug Parker is the creator, producer and host of Cruise Radio. His interviewing skills have transformed Cruise Radio into a go-to resource for cruise enthusiasts and a reliable source for the industry. He has over two years of radio and television experience and has been featured on CNN, FOX, USA Today, Condé Nast Traveler, and The NY Times. Read about his expert picks at cruiseradio.net.
Since taking her first cruise aboard the Mississippi Queen in 1976, Jackie Sheckler Finch has cruised on numerous large and small vessels on many of the world's rivers and oceans. Jackie has written more than two dozen travel guidebooks and won numerous journalism awards, including being named the Mark Twain Travel Writer of the Year a record five times by Midwest Travel Writers Association. One of her greatest joys is boarding a cruise ship to discover the fascinating people and places that wait around the next water's bend. Learn more about Jackie's travels at www.JackieShecklerFinch.com.
Tanner Callais is the editor and publisher of Cruzely.com, a website dedicated to everything cruising. In addition, you can find his cruise tips and advice on YouTube. Tanner has sailed dozens of cruises across all the major lines. His homeport is Galveston, but he's visited and sailed from ports all around the country, including Miami, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York and more.
Theresa Russell thrives on the thrill of travel, visiting new destinations and experiencing local food, beverages and culture whether she is in Anchorage or Zihuatanejo. Cruising has a special place in her heart, but she's stranger to other types of travel. Hiking the Inca Trail and cycling across the North American continent rank as some of her most memorable trips. Visiting many countries opened her eyes to the world and made her realize how much we are all alike. She is proud to have received awards for both her writing and photography. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.
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