Casinos at Sea Guide
A guide to table limits, reward clubs, slot types, and smoking rules onboard Norwegian Cruise Line casinos.
Onboard Casino Overview
Norwegian Cruise Line features large, award-winning Casinos at Sea on all ships. Designed with slots, video poker, and table games, NCL's casinos operate in international waters (usually opening 45 minutes after departure from port). Games are played in USD currency. Minimum age to gamble on NCL is 18 years old (except for Alaska sailings, which require guests to be 21+).
Available Gaming Options
- Slot Machines: Hundreds of modern video slots, multi-line slots, and progressive jackpot machines. Limits range from 1¢ up to $100 per spin.
- Table Games: Blackjack (minimums typically start at $10 or $15), Roulette, Craps, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, and Three Card Poker.
- Video Poker: Bar-top and standalone consoles with single or multi-hand variations.
Casinos at Sea Rewards Club Tiers
You earn reward points by inserting your keycard into slot machines or presenting it to the pit boss at table games. Points can be redeemed for onboard credit, free play, or discounts on future cruises.
| Tier level | Points Required | Highlighted Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Jade | Entry Level (0 - 3,999 points) | Earn reward points redeemable for slot play, video poker, or stateroom folio credits. |
| Pearl | 4,000 - 14,999 points | Complimentary house drinks while playing, invitation to member-only tournaments, and slot convenience fee waivers. |
| Sapphire | 15,000 - 34,999 points | Complimentary drinks (top shelf) at the casino bar, priority restaurant reservations, and discounted cruise offers. |
| Ruby | 35,000 - 99,999 points | Ultra-VIP check-in, priority stateroom delivery, complimentary upscale dining, and annual complimentary cruise certificates. |
| Elite | 100,000+ points | Dedicated VIP casino host, zero convenience cash fees, ultra-premium cabin upgrades, and high-end complimentary suite cruises. |
Casino Rules & Etiquette
Smoking Policy: Most NCL casinos have a designated smoking section for active players. Non-smoking sections are also provided, though air filtration is shared. Note: On select newer ships (like Norwegian Prima and Viva), NCL has introduced fully enclosed non-smoking casino areas to accommodate all guest profiles.
Credit Card Uploads: You can upload funds to slot machines or buy table chips directly using your Cruise Card (folio account). Note that NCL charges a 3% convenience fee on table credit transactions, unless you are in a higher loyalty club tier.