By Captain Sail, Book with the Captain
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Royal Caribbean's casino, Casino Royale, is one of the busiest spots on board once the ship leaves port. Knowing when it opens, how play is tracked, and how to use offers helps you enjoy it without surprises.
I'm Captain Sail, the guide for Book with the Captain, an independent travel advisor affiliated with Fora Travel. This guide is built from Royal Caribbean's official pages, read October 23, 2026.
When the casino is open
Royal Caribbean explains that "cruise ship casinos can only operate when in international waters, so they're closed while in port but generally open in the early evening — about an hour or so after the ship has set sail. They also stay open late (typically until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m.), and on some itineraries, Casino Royale℠ even features 24-hour slots."
So on port days, plan your casino time for the evening after sail-away. On sea days, there's more flexibility.
Smoking
Smoking rules can vary by ship and by where the ship sails from. If a smoke-free space matters to you, check Royal Caribbean's current onboard smoking policy for your sailing before you go, and I'll help you look into it when we plan.
Who can play
From Royal Caribbean: "Guests must be at least 18 years of age or older to gamble in the casino, except for Alaska sailings, for which guests must be 21 years of age. Minors are permitted to walk through the casino but are not permitted do loiter or be left unattended."
Families: keep this in mind if your teens are cutting through the casino to get to dinner or a show.
Games, lessons and tournaments
"Fleetwide, the cruise line's ships feature more than 6,000 slot and video poker machines." On Icon of the Seas, the casino "features bar-top video poker and a high-limit area."
Free lessons
"Complimentary lessons are offered for popular games such as baccarat, blackjack, craps, 3-Card Poker, roulette, Let it Ride and Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em." If you're new to a game, a lesson is the easiest way to learn.
Slot tournaments
Royal Caribbean says slot tournaments "generally happen at least once per voyage," usually on sea days. Most require a buy-in at the cash desk, there are "unlimited re-buys," and the prize pool depends on the number of entries. Decide your re-buy limit before you start.
Club Royale: how points work
Club Royale is Royal Caribbean's casino program, and you join automatically by playing with your SeaPass.
- Earning: 1 point per $5 on reel slots and 1 point per $15 on video poker. Table-game credit depends on the game, your bet and your time played.
- Tiers (April 1 to March 31): Choice, Prime at 2,500, Signature at 25,000 and Masters at 100,000.
Crown & Anchor FreePlay
Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society also gives members Casino Royale FreePlay: $2 at Gold, $4 at Platinum and $6 at Emerald and above.
Charging play to your SeaPass
Royal Caribbean says: "Guests can charge up to $10,000 per day to their onboard expense account for gaming at the slots and tables using their SeaPass," with a "maximum of $5,000 per day on slot machines and $5,000 per day on table games. All table game transactions are subject to convenience fee. This fee is waived with Club Royale Prime, Signature and Masters status." Also: "Convenience and bank fees may apply to ATM and Wire Transactions."
How to use a Royal Caribbean casino offer
If a casino offer arrives after your cruise, read the details and check them against your plans. Ask me about your casino offer, and we'll look at the ship, sailing 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
- Choosing a ship? See my Wonder vs Oasis comparison.
- Picking a cabin? Read how to pick a cruise cabin.
- Planning a family trip? See spring break 2027 family cruises from Florida.
FAQ
When does the Royal Caribbean casino open?
Royal Caribbean says ship casinos are "closed while in port but generally open in the early evening — about an hour or so after the ship has set sail." They typically stay open until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., and on some itineraries Casino Royale even features 24-hour slots.
How old do you have to be to gamble on Royal Caribbean?
Guests must be at least 18 to gamble in the casino, except on Alaska sailings, where guests must be 21. Royal Caribbean also says minors may walk through the casino but can't loiter or be left unattended, which is worth knowing if your teens cut through on the way to dinner.
How do Club Royale points work?
Club Royale is Royal Caribbean's casino program, and you join automatically by playing with your SeaPass. You earn 1 point per $5 on reel slots and 1 point per $15 on video poker. Table-game credit depends on the game, your bet and your time played.
Are there free casino lessons?
Yes. Royal Caribbean offers complimentary lessons for popular games such as baccarat, blackjack, craps, 3-Card Poker, roulette, Let it Ride and Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em. If you're new to a game, a lesson is the easiest way to learn the basics before you play.
How much can I charge to my SeaPass for gaming?
Royal Caribbean says guests can charge up to $10,000 per day to their onboard expense account for gaming using their SeaPass: a maximum of $5,000 per day on slot machines and $5,000 per day on table games. Table game transactions carry a convenience fee, waived with Club Royale Prime, Signature and Masters status.
Is the casino open in port?
No. Royal Caribbean says cruise ship casinos can only operate in international waters, so they're closed while in port. They generally open in the early evening, about an hour or so after the ship sets sail, so plan your casino time for after sail-away on port days.
Ask me about your casino offer
Have a Royal Caribbean 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
- Princess Cruises Casino Guide: Smoking, Hours & Offers
- Current cruise deals with book-by dates
- Cruise port guides