Test Lady Luck by setting sail with Carnival, with a fleet of ships sailing out of ports such as Charleston, WV; Mobile, AL; Fort Lauderdale, FL and Seattle, WA and into destinations such as the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Europe and Hawaii. While on board or in between port excursions, play casino games such as slots, poker, roulette, craps and blackjack. Just like traditional casinos where you're rewarded for using a club card, Carnival offers a free player club, plus tournaments throughout your cruise. The casino opens after the ship sets sail from the pier and remains open until docking at the first port, then reopens when the ship sails again.
Carnival cruise ships offer additional, less-risky adventures, such as a fitness center, art gallery and auctions, duty-free boutiques, dance lessons, hot tubs and round-the-clock free dining at three daily buffets, gourmet restaurants and 24-hour room service. You'll also find a daily discounted drink special, such as reduced rates on mai tais or a free souvenir Carnival cocktail glass with a liquor purchase. Also included in the cruise are singles events, nightly lounge and disco entertainment plus professional photo taking (actual photos are not included).
Carnival
877-885-4856
carnival.com
You need not be royalty to feel like it aboard Princess Cruises. The cruise line departs from ports such as Vancouver, Los Angeles and New York City and ranges from short weekend trips to longer destinations to Tahiti, the Panama Canal, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Guests can join the free Princess Players Club, get involved in tournaments and test their luck against many one-armed bandits. Table games include Caribbean stud, craps, Let It Ride and poker. Casino spendings can be billed directly to your cruise ship account.
In between jackpots, enjoy ship activities such as a spa, beauty salon, Broadway caliber shows, movies under the stars, a book club, karaoke, adults-only pools, talent shows, cocktail bars and lounging at one of multiple pools on the ship's open-air decks. The all-inclusive cruise also provides the opportunity to enjoy free meals at gourmet restaurants, round-the-clock pizza and room service, ice cream and around-the-world buffets three times a day. Guests may pay one fee for unlimited soda during the cruise and will receive daily drink special prices. Take advantage of other freebies on board such as trivia and board games, pool competitions, wine and liquor tastings and events for single cruisers.
Princess Cruises
800-774-6237
princess.com
Norwegian Cruise Line received the honors of "Best Cruise Line Casino" by Porthole Magazine in 2009 and also has been rated "Best Cruise Line Casino" for seven years by Casino Player magazine. With a free players' club and a large variety of games such as Pai Gow poker, Let it Ride, Texas Hold 'Em, craps, roulette and slots ranging from a penny to $100 per pull, you'll find ways to be occupied as the ship takes you from port to port. Destinations include Canada, Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal and Hawaii. New casino enthusiasts can sign up for free gaming lessons, which include a $5 match play coupon.
Diners have more choices on Norwegian Cruise Line. Instead of the traditional cruise seating arrangements where you're assigned a table of eight to 10 strangers, Norwegian Cruise Line allows "freestyle" dining for their gourmet restaurants. All meals are free, including buffets, casual eateries, quick service grills, pizza spots and room service to keep your betting energy high. Other services include dance lessons, art auctions, lectures about upcoming ports and shopping advice.
Norwegian Cruise Line
866-234-7350
ncl.com
