1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Florida Travel

Hit the JACKPOT with these Day Trips: Casino Cruises

Set Sail Las Vegas Style on these Casino Cruises

By Dawn Henthorn, About.com

If you are a casino enthusiast, you don't have to go all the way to Vegas. Set sail from a Florida port, and discover a casino cruise where you can play your favorite games while you sail the seas. Discover what Floridians already know... float away for a day, leave your cares behind, and come back refreshed – you might even come back with a little more cash. Now that's a winning combination!

There are many choices when considering a casino cruise. Ports are located throughout Florida, so no matter where you live or are visiting, there is one close-by, and many times, free transportation is provided.

Sterling Casino Lines

Once you step aboard Sterling Casino Lines' Ambassador II you'll be struck by the spacious 75,000 square feet of luxury and elegance. You'll enjoy five hours of Las Vegas-style gaming featuring four main casinos with 1,000 slots. Fifty tables featuring games including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Craps, Roulette plus more add to the excitement.

Throughout your cruise, enjoy a complimentary deli buffet, free cocktail and beverage service (for all gaming participants). Adding to your choice of activities are a photo gallery, massage therapy, and live entertainment featuring the particularly entertaining "Legends in Concert", an award-winning musical extravaganza presenting live re-creations of legendary superstars. These are talented performers who not only look like the stars, they sound like them too!

Sterling Casino Lines cruises twice daily from Cape Canaveral, seven days a week, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Guests must be 21 years of age to board. Sail absolutely FREE including all port charges and parking. Transportation is available from many points in Central and North Central Florida, including Orlando and Daytona Beach.

SunCruz Casino

The time of your life is never more than an hour away when you are in Florida! SunCruz has more ships in more ports of call than anyone in Florida. These ships are equipped with rows and rows of game tables plus hundreds of slots.

Their top-of-the-line gaming tables feature Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Mini-Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, and more. Every SunCruz ship offers a fully-stocked bar, quick snacks, full buffets, live entertainment and open air on-deck seating. We're talking great fun for free – or nearly free!

SunCruz Casino sails once or twice daily, every day, from ports including Key Largo, Hollywood, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral and Daytona Beach (SunCruz no longer sails from Madeira Beach). Each port has a different charge ranging from free to a $5.00 boarding fee, and some ports charge $5.00 to $7.00 for the meal, while others offer a complimentary meal. Complimentary shuttle buses are available.

Casino Princesa

The elegant surroundings of Miami's Bayside Marketplace carry onto the mega yacht turned premier ship. With approximately 10,000 square feet of gaming, Casino Princesa offers over two hundred new slot machines, and 32 tables to create an extraordinary gaming experience. Choose from Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Poker, Baccarat, and slots. Guests will enjoy the opulent surroundings, fine food, and entertainment.

Casino Princesa sails twice daily from Bayfront Park, adjacent to Bayside Marketplace, in Miami at 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.. Valet parking is available. Garage or off-street parking charges are nominal.

SeaEscape

Spend a day or evening relaxing or playing aboard Florida's largest casino/party cruise line, and experience fun, food, and Vegas-style gaming action. On weekends you can take the family along, and the kids will enjoy joining Camp SeaEscape for a day filled with age-appropriate fun activities. Great entertainment... great fun!

SeaEscape sets sail daily at 11:00 a.m. from Port Everglades. Evening cruises depart Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Rates start at $24.95. Taxes and security charge is applicable.

Palm Beach Princess Casino

One of Florida's most luxurious cruise ships boasts a 15,000 square feet casino featuring Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, Craps and plenty of slot machines. Live entertainment, cabaret shows, a dance club, and sports bar fill the seven decks with continuous fun.

Palm Beach Princess Casino sails from the new port of Palm Beach offering various schedules throughout the week. Guests must be 21.

Treasure Island Casino

The Treasure Island Casino Cruise is a one-of-a kind destination with all of the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas - right on the Gulf of Mexico!

Sailing from John's Pass, the ship sails from its Madeira Beach location to the Gulf of Mexico for twice-daily — day and evening — five-hour cruises with on-board gaming. Live entertainment for your sailing enjoyment. Great food and drink is also available. Reservations required. (Note: Operations have been suspended until further notice.)

Explore Florida Travel

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Florida Travel
  4. Florida Index
  5. Gambling
  6. Casino Cruises

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.