Casino Royale Cruise Guide

Stoke Your Competitive Streak

Adding an extra layer of excitement and value for players, Casino Royale℠ features a robust rewards program, and also hosts special events and daily promotions onboard every sailing. Inviting you to maximize your wins and pique your gaming passion, there are countless opportunities to earn FreePlay credits that you can unlock with your SeaPass® card, exclusive prizes, points-based giveaways, and even an instant cruise. You can also have fun with scratch cards, raffles and hot seat promotions with the potential for big rewards.

On my very first cruise, I have fond memories of sitting at the blackjack tables during the evenings with friends, getting into the old-school elegance and intimacy of the game and the requisite protocols — subtle "hit me" finger taps and nods. We ordered cocktails and enjoyed the sociable banter with others around the table. If you're a nonsmoker, you'll appreciate that on several Royal Caribbean ships Casino Royale℠ features a smoke-free Casino venue, including onboard Oasis of the Seas®, Allure of the Seas®, Harmony of the Seas®, Wonder of the Seas® and Symphony of the Seas®.

Over the years, my husband and I have also spent time playing a few hands of cards in Casino Royale℠ after dinner, when our sons were happily participating in their own fun and games in the Adventure Ocean® Youth Program. With both spaces just steps from our stateroom, it was supremely convenient for all of us.

I recall one night on our European cruise when we went to the casino on a formal night, all dressed up (though that's not necessary) and eager to bask in the glamour. While our ship was anchored offshore of Nice (Villefranche), France, along the French Riviera, we imagined we were high rollers in a James Bond movie set in Monte Carlo's legendary 19^th-century casino in nearby Monaco. We sipped martinis and soaked up the glittering decor and ambient buzz of the shuffling cards, spinning balls and pinging machines. Are drinks free in the casino on Royal Caribbean cruises, you may be wondering. Yes, for big spenders they are free. Complimentary drinks are offered in the casino to Prime, Signature and Masters guests.

On another memorable cruise, a friend and I were traveling with her mother and aunt. We joined them in Casino Royale℠ a few times, mostly to watch how much fun they were having. Every afternoon and again each evening, the senior sisters were stationed at their favorite slot machines, pulling levers or pushing buttons into the early morning hours. Twice our age, they stayed up much later than we did. Their time in Casino Royale℠ was the highlight of a cruise we all still talk about.

In recent years, cruise ship casinos have gotten not just larger and more high-tech, but also even more exciting and engaging thanks to robust features and perks you may not be aware of. Not surprisingly, the newer and larger ships in the fleet have the most impressive casinos, with thousands of square feet of space brimming with hundreds of slot machines and gaming tables to appeal to different interests and skills levels. There are several convenient ways to make sure the money you want to spend in the casino gets there in an efficient manner. You can apply for casino credit before you get onboard your sailing, wire funds to the ship or use your SeaPass® card to make charges right at the slot machine. There are also deckside ATMs.

For the more seasoned gambler, get your competitive juices flowing at Casino Royale℠ tournaments offered onboard every Royal Caribbean cruise. Whether your passion is blackjack, Texas Hold 'em or slots, there are action-packed tournaments anyone can join. The more participants, the bigger the grand prize, so jump in and try your luck at winning it all. On the flip side, if you're a newbie to the casino lifestyle, you can receive complimentary gaming lessons for every type of game.

Reap the Rewards Onboard

Once you're part of the exclusive Club Royale® rewards program, you'll embark on an exhilarating journey filled with incredible perks and thrilling experiences. I'm talking about benefits and invitations that are second to none, whether you're on land or at sea.

Throughout the year, eligible Club Royale® members are treated to a calendar packed with exclusive, invitation-only events. Keep an eye on your inbox because that's where you'll receive tantalizing details about these events. Picture yourself celebrating your favorite holidays onboard a cruise, participating in sponsored casino events, and so much more. Plus, Royal Caribbean has a team of Player Development specialists dedicated to ensuring that casino VIPs have the best vacation possible.

As a Club Royale® member, you'll earn points every time you indulge in your favorite games, and the rewards just keep piling up. The more points you earn, the more free perks are yours to access, from themed onboard activities with premium gifts to cruise perks like priority check-in and boarding, complimentary drinks and VIP dinner reservations.

Depending on your tier status, you can utilize your points for FreePlay in the casino or convert them into onboard credit, which you can use for indulgent purchases during your casino cruise. Think spa treatments, specialty dining and more. But here's the kicker: You might even qualify for discounted rates for your family and friends to book future cruises, special offers at land-based casinos and, believe it or not, complimentary cruises. Yes, you heard that right — a free cruise!

Rack up those points or conquer one of the thrilling tournaments held on every cruise, and you could soon find yourself setting sail on the adventure of a lifetime. There are four enticing tiers to strive for:

Choice Tier

All new Club Royale® joiners start out as Choice members who can begin earning points to be used toward FreePlay in the casino and other onboard perks, offers and special event access.

Prime Tier

When you hit 2,500 points, you've reached Prime status, and a slew of new goodies like a waived casino convenience fee, free drinks in the casino, discounts on VOOM® high speed internet packages, special stateroom rates for family and friends, and a complimentary Interior stateroom on one cruise each year.

Signature Tier

Reach 25,000 points and be welcomed to the Signature member tier. The perks you'll get include free Wi-Fi for one device, a $350 Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique credit and a complimentary Balcony stateroom on one cruise each year. All this is in addition to the previous tiers of Club Royale® benefits you've stacked up.

Masters Tier

If you're lucky enough to end up with 100,000 points, you've reached the top of the heap — Masters status. Club Royale's®  most exclusive benefits range from a welcome lunch to access to Coastal Kitchen, plus onboard credit to use any way you choose, and a complimentary Grand Suite on one cruise each year.

To accrue points within the Club Royale Rewards Program, just present your SeaPass® card while playing at the tables and insert or tap your card while playing slot machines.

THE ACTION NEVER STOPS

Calling all night owls and casino enthusiasts! If you're someone who thrives during the late-night hours and craves the excitement of casino gaming, several ships have you covered with all-night gaming at Casino Royale℠. That means you can go for a spin with lady luck at any time you choose onboard select vessels (for full gaming hours, refer to your cruise compass onboard).

Whether you're chasing the allure of lady luck under the dazzling lights or enjoying a leisurely game of cards with newfound friends, cruise ship casinos have an undeniable charm. So, when you're onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, don't miss the chance to step into Casino Royale℠.