Will Casinos Be Open on Cruise Ships?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning to go on a cruise and wondering if the ship’s casino will be open? The answer is, it depends. Let’s explore the different factors that determine whether casinos are open on cruise ships.

International Waters

One of the main reasons why cruise ship casinos may be open is due to being in international waters. When a ship is in international waters, it is not subject to the laws and regulations of any particular country. This means that the ship can legally operate a casino even if gambling is illegal in the country where it originated.

Cruise Line Policies

While being in international waters allows for the operation of a casino, not all cruise lines choose to do so. Some cruise lines have policies against gambling on their ships and do not operate casinos at all. If this is important to you, make sure to research which cruise lines offer casinos before booking your trip.

Casino Locations

Even if a cruise line allows for a casino on board, there may be limitations depending on where the ship travels. Some countries have strict laws against gambling and will not allow casinos to operate while in their ports. In these cases, the casino will likely be closed until the ship reaches international waters again.

Age Restrictions

Another factor that can impact whether casinos are open on a cruise ship is age restrictions. Most ships require passengers to be at least 18 or 21 years old to participate in gambling activities. If you are traveling with minors, make sure to check the age restrictions before booking your trip.

Casino Hours

Finally, even if a casino is open on a cruise ship, there may be limited hours of operation. Casinos may only be open during certain times of day or night depending on when passengers are most likely to want to gamble.

  • In conclusion, whether casinos are open on cruise ships depends on several factors including international waters, cruise line policies, casino locations, age restrictions, and casino hours. It’s important to research ahead of time if gambling is a priority for you while on your cruise.