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If you are planning your first Disney cruise and you’re a gambler, you may be wondering: do Disney cruises have casinos? While other major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian feature sprawling cruise ship casinos onboard, Disney takes a much different approach when it comes to gambling.
None of the Disney ships—from the older vessels like the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder to the new ships like the Disney Wish and the upcoming Disney Treasure— have casinos. If the lack of casinos is a dealbreaker for your cruise adventure, I’m afraid Disney Cruise Line is probably not going to be the right fit for you. However, if you are indifferent or want to learn more about what Disney Cruise Line has to offer in terms of onboard activities and entertainment, let me share what I discovered about Disney Cruise Line’s gambling policies, the alternative activities onboard, and some helpful tips for your first (or next) Disney cruise.
Do Disney Cruises Have Casinos? Why Not?
Unlike other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival, which feature expansive casinos filled with slot machines, table games, and more, Disney Cruise Line intentionally does not include casinos on their cruise ships. Disney focuses on family-friendly entertainment, and this decision reflects the Walt Disney Company’s commitment to creating a wholesome environment for families and children.
The lack of casinos on Disney ships aligns with their core mission: to offer immersive, family-oriented experiences while focusing more on storytelling, character interactions, and themed activities.
Bingo: A Fun Alternative to Casino Games
While there is no traditional gambling onboard, Disney offers something that scratches the gaming itch in a more light-hearted way: BINGO! Over my many years of cruising with Disney, I have been able to participate in bingo games and let me tell you, it is a blast! The games are filled with music, laughter, and a sense of community, plus you do have a chance of walking away with a cash prize! Bingo is open to everyone, from children to adults, although only adults can purchase bingo cards and claim the winnings. The prizes range from small amounts to larger jackpots in the final sessions of the cruise, making it exciting for everyone involved.
Bingo is typically offered once and sometimes twice daily on Disney Cruise Line sailings, except on embarkation day. You will want to check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for the specific times and locations during your sailing. Sales of bingo cards often begin 30 to 45 minutes before the game starts, and you will want to be sure to send an adult from your party in advance to buy into the game and secure seating at the venue. On crowded sailings, BINGO does sell out.
Bingo players can purchase paper cards or use an electronic handset. Prices vary and the final bingo sessions are priced higher due to the opportunity for higher winnings.
Trivia Fun on Disney Cruise Line Ships
Another fun alternative Disney Cruise Line offers is trivia. The variety of trivia games is one of the many hidden gems of Disney Cruise Line entertainment. Whether you’re a Disney superfan, a pop culture enthusiast, or just looking for some friendly competition, the trivia sessions on Disney cruise ships offer fun for all ages.
You will find many opportunities to take part in trivia on your Disney Cruise. Each session has its own theme, including Disney, music, pop culture, movies, general knowledge, and more. Plus, there are adults-only and games for the entire family available to test your knowledge. The games are boisterous and can be seriously competitive.
Trivia sessions are listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, so be sure to check the daily schedule for times and locations. These games are typically held in lounges or theaters on the ship. Keep in mind that the times and themes may vary depending on the ship, the itinerary, and the length of your cruise.
Port Adventures: Gaming Opportunities Off the Ship
While Disney cruise ships don’t have casinos, there are options to explore land-based casinos during port adventures. For instance, if your port of call includes Nassau in the Bahamas, you can visit the Atlantis Resort, which has a massive casino, during your stop. Many guests take part in organized port adventures to visit the resort, but you can also venture there on your own if you prefer.
Even though I didn’t spend much time gambling, visiting the casino at Atlantis was a fun experience. I appreciated the option to explore this type of entertainment while still enjoying the family-friendly atmosphere of the cruise itself.
Themed Bars and Lounges: Unwind in Style
For guests looking for a relaxing and more refined experience, Disney Cruise Line offers a selection of themed bars and lounges across the DCL fleet. Most venues allow guests of all ages during the day. At night, many of the bars and lounges have age restrictions, giving the grown-ups the perfect opportunity to unwind with alcoholic drinks or mocktails while the kids are having fun in the kids clubs.
On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, I enjoyed spending time in The Skyline Lounge, a chic bar with a view that changes every 12 minutes to reflect famous cityscapes from around the world. The atmosphere was sophisticated yet welcoming, and it felt like I was visiting a new destination every time the backdrop shifted.
Another standout bar on the Disney Dream is the Pink Champagne Bar, which features a glamorous pink interior and an extensive selection of champagnes and sparkling wines. It’s the perfect place to raise a toast to a magical vacation.
For fans of Star Wars, the Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish is a must-visit. Sitting in a bar designed to resemble the interior of a starship with views of different planetary systems while drinking a Star Wars-themed cocktail was a dream come true for this Star Wars fan.
Themed Deck Parties and Entertainment
One of the highlights of any Disney Cruise is the deck parties—especially Pirate Night! This themed event is so much fun, with guests dressing up in pirate costumes and the entire ship buzzing with excitement.
There is even a fireworks show at sea, something that only Disney Cruise Line offers. And don’t worry if you’re not into dressing up; the energy is so contagious that you’ll feel like part of the celebration even in your regular cruise attire. These parties are family-friendly, but they’re just as enjoyable for adults.
Adult-Only Areas: A Place to Relax
One of the concerns I had before booking my first Disney cruise was whether there would be enough space for adults to unwind. While Disney cruises are family-focused, they also feature plenty of adult-only areas. For example, each ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, including the newest vessels like the Disney Wish, has an adults-only pool area where you can relax without the hustle and bustle of family activities. I spent some time here appreciating the tranquility that was hard to find elsewhere on the ship. The pool area also offers shaded lounge chairs and hot tubs.
Another standout experience for adults is the Rainforest Room, available on select Disney ships. This exclusive area within the ship’s Senses Spa is designed for ultimate relaxation, with heated loungers, steam rooms, and aromatherapy showers. I spent an afternoon here, unwinding in the calming atmosphere and feeling rejuvenated after indulging in some much-needed “me time.”
During the day, you can grab a coffee from Cove Café or relax with a cocktail at the poolside bar. Disney Cruise Line also offers exceptional adults-only dining options, perfect for a refined evening away from the little ones. Palo and Palo Steakhouse serve elevated Italian cuisine, while Remy on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy offers exquisite French dining. For the ultimate culinary indulgence, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement on the Disney Wish delivers a luxurious, Michelin-level experience.
These adults-only areas truly provide a space to recharge during your cruise, offering peaceful escapes amid all the magical, family-friendly fun.
Castaway Cay: Disney’s Private Island Escape
One of the most exciting parts of Disney’s Caribbean cruises is a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. The island offers activities, from snorkeling and swimming to bike riding and private cabanas. Serenity Bay, the adults-only beach on the island, is an absolute gem for those seeking tranquility. Tucked away from the family areas, Serenity Bay offers pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and an atmosphere of pure relaxation. I spent hours lounging under an umbrella, sipping a tropical beverage from the nearby bar, and simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
This secluded beach delivers a blissful, stress-free day, but for those seeking a bit more adventure, the shallow waters of Serenity Bay are perfect for wading, and there’s also the opportunity to explore the area on a paddleboard or float. After a few hours of relaxation, I enjoyed a delicious meal at the nearby adults-only lunch area. Castaway Cay is truly a magical place, and Serenity Bay adds that extra bit of pixie dust for those looking for a quiet, sun-soaked retreat.
Tips for First-Time Disney Cruisers
- Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App – This app is essential for keeping track of everything happening on the ship. You can check schedules for bingo sessions, trivia, deck parties, and more.
- Book Your Port Adventure Early – If you’re interested in exploring casinos off the ship, like at Atlantis Resort, or any other port of call, it’s a good idea to book your Port Adventures as soon as possible.
- Take Advantage of the Adult-Only Areas – Don’t hesitate to spend time in the adult-only pools or lounges. It’s a great way to relax and recharge during your vacation.
- Embrace the Disney Magic – Don’t worry about missing out on gambling. Dive into a Disney adventure, and enjoy all the magic that comes with it, from deck parties to dining at themed restaurants.
FAQs
Do Disney cruise ships have casinos?
No, Disney cruise ships do not have casinos. Disney focuses on creating family-friendly entertainment, which means no gambling onboard.
Can I gamble on a Disney cruise?
While you won’t find gambling onboard, you can explore casinos at various ports of call, like Atlantis Resort in Nassau, during your Port Adventures.
Are there adult-only areas on Disney cruises?
Yes, Disney cruises offer several adult-only areas, including pools, restaurants, lounges, and quiet spaces where adults can relax away from family-oriented activities.
Conclusion
While Disney’s ships don’t have onboard casinos, I found that their unique approach to entertainment more than made up for it. From the lively bingo sessions to themed bars and lounges, there’s something for everyone. Disney Cruise Line has mastered the art of creating memorable experiences for guests of all ages without relying on traditional casino-style gaming. For anyone considering a Disney cruise, I can confidently say you won’t miss the casino—it’s the magic, storytelling, exceptional cast members, and family-friendly atmosphere that will make your vacation unforgettable.
So, if you’re ready to set sail on one of Disney’s magical ships like the Disney Fantasy or Disney Wish, you can look forward to an incredible journey filled with adventure, relaxation, and a touch of Disney magic—no casino required!
