By Captain Sail, Book with the Captain
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Princess Cruises casinos are a relaxed way to add some excitement to an evening at sea. Before you sail, it helps to know which ships have a non-smoking casino room, how hours work, and how Princess tracks your play for future offers.
I'm Captain Sail, the guide for Book with the Captain, an independent travel advisor affiliated with Fora Travel. Everything in this guide comes from Princess's official pages, read October 23, 2026.
Smoking and non-smoking areas
Princess says: "Guests may smoke in designated areas when the casino is operating." It also notes that "all table games are non-smoking."
How that works depends on your ship.
Ships with an additional non-smoking room
Princess lists an "Additional Non-Smoking Room," plus smoking at designated machines, on:
- Enchanted Princess
- Regal Princess
- Royal Princess
- Discovery Princess
- Majestic Princess
- Star Princess, the newest ship
Ships with smoking at designated machines only
On these ships, smoking is at designated machines only, with no extra non-smoking room:
- Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Emerald and Grand Princess
- Island, Ruby, Sapphire, Sky and Sun Princess
If a smoke-free space matters to you, this list can help you choose a ship. It's one of the first things I'd look at with you.
Casino hours
From Princess: "Hours vary from ship to ship, depending on the itinerary. We recommend guests check the MedallionClass® app for casino operating hours. We offer 24-hour* slots while the ship is at sea."
The MedallionClass app is your best friend here. Check it each day for the current schedule.
Who can play
Princess says: "The legal age for participating in casino gaming, bingo and other gambling activities on U.S.-based Princess ships is 18+ years old."
Games, lessons and tournaments
Princess features Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Bingo, Arcade, Deal or No Deal and Medallion Class Games.
New to a game? Princess says: "Complimentary gaming lessons for slots and table games are held on each cruise, along with exciting tournaments." A lesson early in the cruise is a great way to learn the basics before you play.
Photos in the casino
"Still photographs" are fine, but Princess notes that "video recording and cellphones are not allowed."
Players Advantage: how points work
Princess's casino program is Players Advantage. "You are automatically enrolled when you play using your Medallion® in the casino."
- Sea You Soon is how you earn future casino offers.
- Invitational cruises and status: Princess lists Hearts, Ultimate, Prestige and Diamonds.
- Tier match is offered.
Because enrollment is tied to your Medallion, use it every time you play so your activity counts.
Paying in the casino
Princess says: "Credit cards are not accepted in the casino; all activity is charged to the guest's stateroom account, which must then be settled prior to disembarking from the ship. Cash or traveler's checks may be exchanged for casino chips."
Keep an eye on your stateroom account during the cruise so there are no surprises at the end.
How to use a Princess casino offer
If you receive a Sea You Soon or other casino offer after your cruise, read it carefully and check it against your travel plans. Ask me about your casino offer, and we'll look at the sailing, ship and cabin together, plus the rest of your trip.
A simple plan for your casino time
You don't need to be a high roller to enjoy a cruise casino. A little planning goes a long way:
- Decide your budget before you board. Pick a total for the whole cruise, then divide it by the number of nights. When the night's amount is gone, you're done for the evening.
- Pick your games. Slots and table games feel very different. If you're new to a game, start small and watch a few hands or spins first.
- Know how your play is tracked. Your play only counts toward the casino program if it's linked to your account, so use your card or app every time.
- Keep an eye on your onboard account. Charging play to your cabin is convenient, but it adds up. Check your account in the app or at guest services during the cruise, not just on the last night.
- Balance the casino with everything else. Shows, dining, spa time and port days are part of what you paid for. Plan your casino nights around them.
Questions to ask about any casino offer
When a casino offer arrives after your cruise, read it slowly. These are the questions I'd ask:
- Who is the offer for? Casino offers are usually personal to the player named on them.
- Which ships, dates and cabins are included? Many offers are limited to certain sailings or categories.
- What do I still pay? Look for what the offer covers and what it doesn't.
- Is there a book-by date? Write it down so it doesn't slip past you.
- Does the sailing actually fit my plans? An offer is only a good deal if it's a trip you want to take.
When you're comparing an offer with other sailings, add up the full cost: the cruise itself plus flights, a pre-cruise hotel, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and excursions. Travel insurance is optional, and I'm happy to explain the choices.
Play responsibly
Casino play should be entertainment, never a way to "earn" a vacation. Set a budget before you sail, take breaks, and walk away when you reach your limit. If gambling stops feeling fun, help is available through organizations such as the National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-GAMBLER in the U.S.).
Keep planning
- New to cruising? Start with my first cruise checklist.
- Picking a cabin? See how to pick a cruise cabin.
- Flying in? Read why to arrive a day early for your cruise.
FAQ
Are Princess casinos non-smoking?
Partly. Princess says "all table games are non-smoking," and "Guests may smoke in designated areas when the casino is operating." Some ships also have an additional non-smoking room, while others allow smoking at designated machines only. If a smoke-free space matters to you, the ship you choose makes a difference.
Which Princess ships have a non-smoking casino room?
Princess lists an additional non-smoking room, plus smoking at designated machines, on Enchanted Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Discovery Princess, Majestic Princess and Star Princess, the newest ship. If a smoke-free casino space matters to you, this list can help you choose a ship.
When is the Princess casino open?
Princess says: "Hours vary from ship to ship, depending on the itinerary. We recommend guests check the MedallionClass® app for casino operating hours. We offer 24-hour* slots while the ship is at sea." Check the app each day for the current schedule on your ship.
How old do you have to be to gamble on Princess?
Princess says: "The legal age for participating in casino gaming, bingo and other gambling activities on U.S.-based Princess ships is 18+ years old." If you're traveling with teens or young adults, keep this in mind when planning your evenings on board.
How do I join Players Advantage?
Princess says: "You are automatically enrolled when you play using your Medallion® in the casino." Players Advantage is Princess's casino program, and Sea You Soon is how you earn future casino offers. Use your Medallion every time you play so your activity counts.
Can I use a credit card in the casino?
No. Princess says: "Credit cards are not accepted in the casino; all activity is charged to the guest's stateroom account, which must then be settled prior to disembarking from the ship. Cash or traveler's checks may be exchanged for casino chips."
Ask me about your casino offer
Have a Princess casino offer? Ask me about your casino offer, and we'll plan the rest of the trip around it. Request your free quote from the Captain.
Keep planning
- Celebrity Cruises Casino Guide: Blue Chip Club & More
- Royal Caribbean Casino Guide: Hours, Points & Offers
- Current cruise deals with book-by dates
- Cruise port guides