Many cruise passengers enjoy spending time in the casino, and doing so can be very rewarding!

My husband enjoys playing blackjack and poker. I don’t gamble, but I enjoy reading, playing trivia, and meeting new people. So, going on a cruise is a perfect solution for us!

Carnival guests 18 years or older can play in the casino. Carnival’s casino points system allows guests to earn points while playing slot machines or table games. The more points you earn, the more benefits you get! These points can be redeemed for perks during the cruise and give you offers and perks for future cruises.

Carnival’s Players Club offers various cruise-related benefits based on your casino play and points earned. These can include free cruises and discounted cruises. You might also receive upgraded rooms, fun play credits, and free drinks. Invitations to exclusive events like Premier, Ultra, and Elite cruises are also possible. The specific offers you receive are personalized and based on your individual gambling activity.

How to Earn Points: 

• Slot Machines:Insert your Sail & Sign card into a slot machine to create a Player Bank and earn points. One point is typically earned for every $2 spent or $2.50 on slots. 
• Table Games:Present your Sail & Sign card to the dealer. Do this while playing table games. This tracks your play and earns you points. The casino monitors your play. This includes the types of games you play. It also tracks your bets and the number of hands you play. 

Perks Based on Points: 

• Free Drinks:A common perk, often offered at specific point thresholds (e.g., 1500 points for shorter cruises, 2000 for longer). This is referred to as DOU – Drinks On Us. When booking under a casino offer, this is one of the most common perks. It’s typically for the casino player and a guest and only while actively playing in the casino. Some offers will state “everywhere onboard” as well.
• Free Meals:Perks like free steakhouse dinners or other meals can be earned with higher points. 
• Other Perks:Depending on the cruise and the casino’s generosity, perks can include free gifts, excursions, or even free suites.
• Onboard Credits or Casino Cash: The amount offered varies by offer.
• Free or discounted cabin rates: Most casino offers will a variety of pricing for free cabins or highly discounted rates.

Important Considerations: 

• Points are not transferable:Casino points are only valid for the specific cruise you’re on. 
• Perks are at the discretion of the casino: Some perks are tied to specific point thresholds. Others are awarded based on the casino’s discretion. They may vary from cruise to cruise. If you have earned at least 1500 points, contact the casino hosts. Ask about Drinks On Us or complimentary specialty dining.
• Tipping can influence perks:Some guests have reported that tipping casino staff can increase the likelihood of receiving perks. 
• Casino offers can be received: Promos are available to players who have earned a certain number of points. 
• Carnival Players Club:Joining the Carnival Players Club allows you to earn points and receive benefits while playing in the casino. 

Booking Bucks

Booking Bucks can offer a substantial discount on your cruise fare. I have found this offer is often the best cabin pricing overall. Most include a very reduced cabin price with a DOU included.

Non-Smoking Areas
Ten Carnival ships now offer non-smoking casino options. These include secondary smoking-free casinos and designated areas within the main casinos. The ships with non-smoking casino options are:

• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Celebration
• Mardi Gras
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Splendor (when sailing from Australia)
• Carnival Luminosa (when sailing in the South Pacific)

Carnival casino offers come and go. Make sure your VIFP account has an updated email and address to receive the offers. It’s important to tell your travel agent that you have casino offers available.

As a travel agent, I have access to all of the casino offers when I am booking a reservation. Most guests who receive the Player’s Club offers will have multiple options. I always break each offer down by included amenities and pricing. This way, my clients can make a choice to get the best value.

I often tell my husband, “Honey, you didn’t win a free cruise. You just paid for it last time!” 😂