Casino company Affinity Gaming has enacted a deal with Carnival Cruise Line to reward top players with cruise vacations to some of the most popular destinations in the world. According to a June 30 press release on Carnival’s website, members of the uppermost tiers of Affinity’s A-Play Players Club in 11 Affinity Gaming casinos will be eligible for the new benefits as of July 1. The best players will earn opportunities to enjoy complimentary cruises, while mid-level gamers will receive special discounts for Carnival’s services.
Of course, not everyone is a high-roller, but that doesn’t stop countless cruisers from enjoying the excitement of ship casinos every year. In fact, most large ocean-going cruise vessels—and many of the smaller ones—sport a lively onboard gaming room for the entertainment of their passengers.
Shipboard casinos are necessarily small when compared to the lavish casinos found on land. Still, these casinos generally offer all the classics, including lots of slot machines (including penny slots) and card tables, where blackjack and poker are especially common. Frequently, there are also a few tables for roulette and craps.
To add to the excitement, most ships host occasional tournaments, as well. Usually, these are slots or blackjack, but some cruise lines also sponsor Texas Hold’em or other poker contests. A few will even host a high-stakes game upon request.
Before heading to the ship casino, though, remember that gaming is tightly regulated, even on a ship. The minimum age is 18 on most ships, and it is often raised to 21 on select cruises. Casinos are usually open only when a ship is away from port; and even at sea, ships’ game rooms are usually closed during the day. Always check the cruise’s gaming rules and schedules before making your evening plans.
Gaming is an elegant cruise tradition that has long attracted guests to ship casinos. Whether a cruiser is a sophisticated casino devotee or just a casual visitor to the slots, almost anyone can find an appealing way to pass a few fun-filled hours in the game room!
