Cruise ship casinos offer a unique mix of excitement, relaxation, and high-energy fun. The combination of ocean views, lively crowds, and flashing slot machines creates an atmosphere you won’t find in a land-based casino.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying your luck for the first time, knowing the unspoken rules makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
In a cruise ship casino, a little courtesy goes a long way. Dealers appreciate tips, fellow players value good sportsmanship, and nobody wants to play alongside someone disrupting the game.
With that said, here are 10 cruise casino etiquette rules every cruiser needs to know.
10 Cruise Casino Etiquette Rules
1. Be Respectful Towards the Casino Crew
Losing a few hands can be frustrating, though taking it out on the casino staff will not change the outcome. Dealers, pit bosses, and servers are there to keep the games running smoothly, not to control luck.
Treating crew members respectfully is important, even when the cards are not in your favor. A friendly attitude makes a difference.
Cruise staff often pay extra attention to players who show kindness. Whether it is a warm greeting, a simple thank-you, or a tip for good service, small gestures create a more enjoyable experience for everyone at the table.
2. Don’t Have Your Cellphone Out at the Table
Most cruise ship casinos have a strict no-phone policy at the gaming tables. This rule exists for security reasons, preventing cheating, distractions, and unfair advantages.
Even if you are just checking a text or snapping a quick photo, using your phone at the table can disrupt the flow of the game and make other players uncomfortable. If you need to take a call or send a message, step away from the table first.
Staying focused and respecting casino rules helps maintain a fair and enjoyable gaming environment for everyone.
3. Understand Table Games Before You Play
Jumping into a casino table game without understanding the rules can lead to confusion, frustration, and even annoyed looks from other cruise casino players. Whether it is blackjack, poker, or roulette, each game has its own set of strategies and etiquette.
Taking time to learn the basics before sitting down makes the experience smoother for everyone. Watching a tutorial, reading up on the rules, or observing a few rounds in person can help you feel more confident.
Other players have their own strategies, and an uninformed move can throw off their gameplay. Knowing what to do before placing your bets keeps the game running smoothly and helps you avoid costly mistakes.
4. Tip the Staff
Winning at the casino feels great, and sharing a little of that good fortune with the staff is part of proper etiquette. Dealers work hard to keep the games running smoothly, and tipping them when you are on a winning streak is a common practice. It shows appreciation and can create a friendly atmosphere at the table.
If you are enjoying complimentary drinks while playing, remember to tip the servers as well. They are making sure you stay refreshed, and a small tip goes a long way in showing gratitude.
Whether it is a few chips for the dealer or cash for the waitstaff, tipping adds to the positive energy and might just bring a little extra luck your way!
5. Never Save a Slot Machine While Playing Elsewhere
Reserving a slot machine while playing another is poor casino etiquette and can lead to frustration among other players.
On busy cruise ships, where machines are limited, this behavior can cause tension and even heated arguments. Holding a machine deprives others of a fair chance to play and can result in being asked to leave the casino.
If you want to switch machines, finish your session at one before moving to another. Leaving personal items on a slot to claim it while playing elsewhere is never a good idea.
Be considerate of fellow players, and if you need a short break, let the staff know rather than assuming a machine will remain available for you.
6. Avoid Telling Others How to Play
Nobody likes an unsolicited coach at the casino table. Even if you disagree with another player’s decisions, telling them how to play is considered rude.
Every gambler has their own style, and part of the excitement of casino games is that everyone approaches them differently. Unless someone specifically asks for advice, keep your opinions to yourself.
If a new player wants guidance, offering friendly tips is fine, but lecturing an experienced gambler on strategy is bad etiquette. Instead of critiquing someone’s moves, focus on your own game.
Respecting other cruise casino players’ choices keeps the atmosphere enjoyable and avoids unnecessary tension at the table.
7. Don’t Overindulge
Cruise casinos are meant to be fun, but drinking too much can ruin the experience for you and those around you.
Alcohol flows freely on cruise ships, and while a few drinks can add to the excitement, overindulging can lead to poor decisions, disruptive behavior, and even being asked to leave the casino.
On a recent cruise, I watched a fellow cruiser go from having the time of his life to being furious in a matter of hours.
He had been drinking steadily at the blackjack table, getting louder with each round. At first, he was joking and high-fiving players, but after a big loss, his mood flipped.
He began cursing at the dealer, disrupting other players, and throwing his chips across the table. Cruise ship security has to step in and remove him from the casino.
A perfect reminder that too much alcohol and gambling never end well!
8. Refrain From Talking About How Much Money Someone Has
Pointing out how much money another player has at the table is poor casino etiquette. Whether someone has a massive stack of chips or is playing more conservatively, their bankroll is their business.
Commenting on it can make people uncomfortable and even put them on edge, especially in a cruise casino setting where discretion matters.
If another cruise passenger wins a big hand, a quick “nice win” or a friendly nod is fine. However, obsessing over their chip count or asking how much they’re up makes you look intrusive.
Focus on your own game, and let others enjoy theirs without the extra attention.
9. Smoking is Only Permitted in Smoking Areas
Not all cruise ship casinos allow smoking, and assuming you can light up anywhere can lead to issues. Most cruise ship casinos have designated smoking areas or separate smoking rooms to accommodate both smokers and non-smokers.
Other cruise lines may have a completely smoke-free policy.
Before reaching for a cigarette, check the casino’s rules. If smoking is permitted, be mindful of those around you.
Avoid blowing smoke in the direction of other players and use the provided ashtrays. Respecting the casino’s policies and the comfort of fellow gamblers keeps the gaming environment enjoyable for everyone.
10. Gamble Responsibly
Gambling on a cruise ship can add excitement to your trip, but it’s important to do it responsibly. The thrill of winning is great, but losses are always a possibility.
Set a budget before you start playing, and stick to it. Never gamble more than you are comfortable losing, and avoid chasing losses in hopes of turning things around.
Casinos are designed for entertainment, not as a way to make money. If you feel frustration creeping in or find yourself spending more than planned, take a break!
Even if you didn’t win big, walking away with your bankroll intact is always better than leaving with regrets.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.
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