After the pandemic-related slump in sales in recent years, cruises are enjoying renewed popularity.
In 2021, almost a million Germans booked a cruise. That was around 450.000 fewer passengers than in the previous year and far fewer than the 3,1 million cruise passengers in 2019. And yet Germany remained the world's highest-grossing market in terms of cruises to the USA.
The most popular providers in Germany include the market leader AIDA Cruises and TUI Cruises. Convincing hotel services, a good choice of route, organized shore excursions and first-class entertainment programs are important aspects when booking cruises. Last but not least, the casinos are important for entertainment on board. We take a closer look at the best cruise casinos.
The casinos on cruise ships operated by German shipping companies are rather poor. The ships of international shipping companies are recommended for gambling. Large cruise ships in particular offer a wide range of games, as we will see. The range includes slot and table games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat and poker. In addition, shipping companies encourage their guests to consume electronic games on board the ships via smartphones and tablets. Live roulette, online or live poker, black jack and slot games are available via apps that can be received on the high seas.
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Globally active cruise companies do not only lure with profits. In addition, frequent players receive bonuses and non-cash prizes. The concepts of customer loyalty run under different names at the shipping companies. At Carnival, it's the Players Club. Engaged players receive invitations to special cocktail parties, free drinks and exclusive events and tournaments.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) classifies guests into specific categories based on stakes and game frequency. They range from the Jade Level to the Elite Level. In addition to free drinks, dedicated players are offered free shore excursions or private transfers upon arrival.
Royal Caribbean (RCI) maintains the Club Royale Rewards program. Its members receive invitations to special events as well as discounts in shops, with Wifi or in the spa. RCI also divides frequent players into certain levels. These range from Choice and Prime to Signature and Masters. On some of the shipping company's cruise ships, special rooms are available for high-rollers, i.e. players with high stakes.
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Players also expect benefits aboard MCS ships. At MSC, the boarding pass doubles as a casino player card. Committed players get incentives booked on their boarding pass. Restaurant visits or free spins are offered.
NCL offers the passengers on the big ships more than 200 slot machines as well as various roulette and poker tables. Poker is offered in different variants, as well as blackjack, roulette, dice games or baccarat. NCL regularly hosts tournaments on board the ships. One of the most well-known competitions is the Poker Challenge, which has already seen $700.000 in prizes. The ship in the fleet with the largest casino offer is currently the Norwegian Escape. It offers 318 slot machines and 28 gaming tables. NCL regularly hosts casino cruises: guests love the Haven Suite Slot Tournament, where the winner wins a stay in a $15.000 suite, or the Hawaiian Luau Slot Tournament, where the top prize is a Hawaiian cruise.
Carnival's casinos also deserve attention. They are accessible day and night to all cruise guests aged 18 and over. Slot machine and table games such as blackjack, roulette and various poker variants are offered. Less ambitious players buy scratch cards. Highlights are casino tournaments where gigantic winnings can be achieved. "MegaCash" offers the biggest jackpot at sea.
The premium shipping company belonging to the Royal Caribbean Group Celebrity Cruises offers no less good casino offers. The current 16 ships, including three small expedition ships, offer their guests around 2.000 slot machines and 150 gaming tables. In the area of classic games, blackjack, various poker variants, baccarat, craps and roulette are in the foreground. There are also slot tournaments, blackjack and poker tournaments as well as special casino events.
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If you prefer the safe haven of the high seas, you don't have to do without casino experiences on board a ship. In Gibraltar, the Sunborn Superyacht Hotel & Casino is permanently moored. The floating hotel has retro flair and 15 state-of-the-art machines. Monthly poker tournaments are offered, as well as "cash games" on weekends.
If you like it classic, you can take a casino trip on a paddle steamer on the Mississippi or other American rivers. Blackjack, poker and slots are offered, as well as comprehensive childcare options for accompanying children. The latter is indispensable on all cruise ships. The better the children are cared for and supervised, the more their parents will indulge their individual inclinations.