Are you planning a trip with Norwegian Cruise Line and wondering, does Norwegian cruise have a casino? You are in the right spot! Norwegian Cruise Line is famous for fun activities on their ships, and their casinos are a big hit with many travelers.
Does Norwegian Cruise Ships Have Casinos?
Yes, most Norwegian Cruise Line ships have casinos! They call their casinos “Casinos at Sea,” and they are super fun places to play games while you sail. These casinos feel fancy and exciting, with lots of games for people who are new to gambling or those who play a lot.
There’s one ship that doesn’t have a casino: the Norwegian Pride of America. This ship only sails around Hawaii and stays in U.S. waters, where gambling isn’t allowed. But all other Norwegian ships, like the Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Escape, have awesome casinos where you can try your luck.
What Are Casinos at Sea?
Norwegian’s casinos are called Casinos at Sea, and they are a big part of the fun on their ships. These casinos are designed to be comfortable and exciting, with bright lights and a cool vibe. Norwegian says they have some of the best casinos on cruise ships, with tons of slot machines and popular table games.
The casinos are only open when the ship is sailing in international waters, which is usually about 12 miles from land. This means you can’t play when the ship is parked at a port, except in a few places like Bermuda or Malta where gambling is okay. On days when the ship is sailing all day, the casino is open for many hours, so you have lots of time to play.
What Games Can You Play in Norwegian Cruise Line Casinos?
Norwegian’s casinos have lots of different games for all kinds of players. Here’s what you can find:
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Slot Machines
Norwegian ships have thousands of slot machines. You will see old-school slot machines and new ones with fun themes and cool features. Newer ships like the Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Viva have the newest and biggest slot machines. You can play for just a penny per spin or bet more if you want. The slots are like the ones you’d find in a big casino in Las Vegas.
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Table Games
If you like table games, Norwegian’s casinos have plenty of options. Here are some popular ones:
- Blackjack: A fun card game where you try to get cards that add up to 21 or beat the dealer.
- Poker: You can play games like Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, or Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
- Roulette: Bet on a number and watch the wheel spin to see if you win.
- Craps: Roll dice and cheer with other players for a fun time.
- Baccarat: A simple card game that’s popular with people who like big bets.
Some ships, like the Norwegian Escape, have a special VIP area for players who want to bet big. You can start playing table games with just $5, so it is easy for beginners to try.
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Poker Tournaments
If you love poker, Norwegian ships often have poker tournaments during the cruise. These are fun events where you can play against other passengers and maybe win prizes. You can play poker against the dealer or join a Texas Hold’em tournament. Some ships have electronic poker tables, while others, like the Norwegian Encore, have real dealers for a classic poker feel.
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Bingo and Slot Tournaments
Norwegian also has bingo and slot tournaments for extra fun. These are great for people who don’t want to play serious games but still want a chance to win money or prizes. For example, you might join a $25,000 Bingo Tournament or a $15,000 Slot Tournament. These events are easy to join and super exciting.
Which Norwegian Ships Have the Best Casinos?
Norwegian’s newest and biggest ships have the best casinos. Here are some ships with great casinos:
- Norwegian Encore: This ship has a casino with 310 slot machines and 26 tables for games like blackjack, roulette, and poker. It looks fancy with gold decorations and cool lights.
- Norwegian Escape: This ship has about 320 slots and lots of table games. It also has a VIP area for people who want to bet big. You can smoke in this casino, which is different from some other cruise lines.
- Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva: These new ships have modern casinos with the latest slot machines and tons of table games.
- Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy: These ships have areas where smoking isn’t allowed, or they have separate rooms for smoking, so they are great if you want a cleaner casino.
Each casino matches the ship’s style, with nice decor and plenty of space to play. The Norwegian Epic, for example, used to have one of the biggest casinos on a cruise ship, and it still has 348 slots and 28 tables in a huge 13,000-square-foot space.
How Do You Pay for Casino Games?
You can use cash, your cruise card, or casino credit. Here’s how it works:
- Cash: You can put cash, like a $20 bill, into slot machines, and it turns into credits. Table games also take cash. There are ATMs in the casino if you need more money, but they might charge fees.
- Cruise Card: You can use your room key card to charge gaming to your onboard account. This is easy, but there might be limits or small fees.
- Casino Credit: If you are a big player, you can apply for casino credit with a minimum of $5,000. You need to give a check on the ship to get this credit, and there’s no fee to apply. This is good for people who want to play a lot.
If you win a big slot jackpot of $1,200 or more, you will get a tax form called a W-2G, and U.S. players might have 24% of their winnings taken for taxes. All games use U.S. dollars, but you can exchange other money at the casino cashier.
Casinos at Sea Rewards Program
Norwegian has a special program called Casinos at Sea Rewards that makes playing even more fun. When you play slots or table games, you earn points with your player’s card. Here’s how it works:
- Earning Points: You get points every time you play. For table games, points depend on how much you bet, how long you play, and the game type. Show your room key to the dealer to track your points.
- Using Points: If you earn 4,000 points or more (Pearl level), you can use points for cool things like spa visits, fancy dinners, or to pay part of your cruise bill. Points last for 18 months and can be used on other Norwegian ships or even on Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
- Levels: The program has four levels—Pearl (4,000 points), Sapphire (15,000 points), Emerald (35,000 points), and Elite (100,000 points). Higher levels give you better rewards, like getting on the ship faster or even a free cruise if you have over 25,000 points.
- Free Cruises: If you play a lot, you can earn a free cruise! Players with 25,000 points or more in the Owners Club, Elite, or Preferred levels get a free seven-day cruise for two in a nice room, plus extras like free food and drinks.
Playing more means more rewards, which makes the casino even more exciting.
Special Casino Events and Tournaments
Norwegian’s Casinos at Sea program has fun events and tournaments to make your cruise extra special. Here are some examples:
- $15,000 Haven Suite Slot Tournament: Play slots to win part of $15,000 and a stay in The Haven, Norwegian’s fanciest rooms.
- $25,000 Halloween Slot Tournament: Wear a fun costume and play slots for a chance to win cash or prizes.
- $1 Million Takeover: A whole cruise just for casino players, with a $50,000 Legends Slot Tournament and other big events.
These tournaments happen on certain cruises, like the Norwegian Encore to the Caribbean or the Norwegian Bliss to Mexico.
Why Pick Norwegian Cruise Line for Casino Fun?
Norwegian’s casinos are special because they’re fancy, have lots of games, and offer great rewards. The Casinos at Sea program won awards, like the Best Cruise Line Casino Award from Porthole Magazine years ago, and they keep getting better with new games and technology.
Besides the casino, Norwegian ships have tons of other activities. You can watch amazing shows, eat delicious food, relax at the spa, or try fun things like water slides and climbing walls. The mix of casino games and Norwegian’s freestyle cruising makes it a great choice for a fun vacation.
The Bottom Line
So, does Norwegian Cruise Line have a casino? Yes, and they are some of the best you’ll find on a cruise! With thousands of slot machines, fun table games, exciting tournaments, and a rewards program, Norwegian’s Casinos at Sea are full of entertainment.
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