silversea cruises casino

Cruise ship casinos: Everything you need to know about gambling at sea

Cruise ship casino gambling is a big deal to some cruisers. You know how you often hear people on a cruise ship planning their day around the entertainment, tours and mealtimes? Last night, I eavesdropped on a conversation where a group of six people was planning their entire next day around time in the ship's casino.

For other cruisers, the casino is more of an onboard curiosity than anything else. What are all those table games? Do people actually win money — or free cruises — playing in cruise ship casinos?

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If you're curious, I've compiled answers to the most common questions people ask about cruise ship casinos. Some of the answers may surprise you.

Do all cruise ships have casinos?

Most large, mainstream cruise ships have casinos, including the ships of Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line (other than Pride of America), Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages.

Specialty cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Paul Gauguin and most expedition cruise ships do not have casinos. Premium cruise lines Oceania Cruises and Cunard have casinos, while Viking, Azamara and Windstar Cruises do not. (Windstar and Azamara actually removed casinos from their ships and repurposed the space.)

Among the luxury cruise lines, Silversea and Seabourn have casinos on their non-expedition ships; Regent Seven Seas has casinos on all its ships. Smaller luxury ships like those belonging to Ponant, Ritz-Carlton, Scenic and Emerald do not have casinos. River cruise lines do not have casinos on board, even on U.S. rivers where "riverboat" gambling is reserved for casino boats, not river cruise ships.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Are cruise casinos open in port?

With a few exceptions, cruise casinos are not open while ships are in port. They are generally limited to operating while the ship is in international waters. This is why Norwegian's Pride of America doesn't have a casino. Since the ship cruises exclusively in Hawaii, it never leaves U.S. waters.

Cruisers are also often surprised to learn that the casino is closed on some nights during Alaska cruises . Cruises that sail from Victoria, British Columbia, to Seattle on the final night are a good example. The ship goes straight from Canadian waters to U.S. waters without ever reaching international open waters, so the casino closes the night before arrival in Victoria and does not reopen during the cruise.

Ports that currently allow the cruise lines to operate their casinos while the ship is in port include Bermuda and Malta, which require cruise lines to apply for a gaming license. Bermuda has allowed casino operations for licensed ships between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. since 2013. It's an ideal situation as Bermuda has no land-based casinos, and many cruise ships overnight in port on Bermuda cruises. Malta, which does have land-based casinos, allows ships that have been approved for licenses to open their casinos between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Which casino games are on cruise ships?

Gaming in cruise ship casinos usually includes a mix of slot machines and table games, such as three-card poker, Caribbean stud poker, craps, blackjack and roulette. Regionally popular table games like Texas Hold 'em and pai gow may also be available on some sailings.

Can you win money in a cruise ship casino?

Most cruise ship casino games operate under the same rules and payout percentages you would find in a land-based casino; therefore, the answer is yes, you can win money in a cruise ship casino.

Social media posts and casino announcements would indicate that at least a small handful of people win four- and even occasionally five-figure slot machine payouts on a regular basis. But just as in a land-based casino, it's far easier to lose your stake than it is to win that kind of money.

How many casino points do you need to get a free cruise?

As at land-based casinos, each cruise line offering gambling on board sets its own criteria for earning perks through the line's casino loyalty program or players club. Points are generally tied to the time played and the amount of money you gamble, including the money you win and recirculate.

Much like an airline loyalty program, casino points usually accumulate over a year, earning you better perks as you work toward increasingly higher status levels. Annual free or discounted cruises are one of those perks, often beginning with complimentary (aka comped) inside cabins at relatively low status levels.

Many casinos also let you match casino status from land-based casinos (or even other cruise lines), giving you a leg up. For example, I haven't cruised with Carnival in a while, and I've never played in the line's onboard casinos, but I signed up for the Carnival players club via its Fun Match program. When I registered, I uploaded an offer from a competing cruise line and a players club card from MGM. Now when I log in to Carnival's website, I am shown casino offers that include free and discounted cruises.

Related: How to earn free cruises and perks with casino loyalty programs on land and at sea

Some cruise lines also issue instant awards for the number of points earned (i.e., money spent) on an individual cruise, regardless of status. That would be like an airline awarding free future flights to passengers who spent the most money on their flights, no matter their loyalty status.

Most mainstream cruise lines use comped cruises to fill cabins on dates they anticipate having a surplus of vacancies. These extra offers often appear random, but are generally targeted for marketing purposes rather than as rewards for high amounts of play. New players may receive these comps after low levels of play because cruise lines are always interested in attracting new casino players.

All of that adds up to the possibility of receiving a free cruise for a small number of points earned for cruising, as well as guaranteed free cruises as your points rise to the levels of play set out in the cruise lines' casino loyalty programs.

What is the best casino game to play on a cruise ship?

The best casino game to play on a cruise ship is the one that is most entertaining for you. Ultimately, you play to have fun, right?

The games that require a combination of skill and luck are the ones where the odds of winning are in your favor. For example, the overall odds on blackjack favor the casino by only 1%, while the casino has a 25% edge overall when it comes to slot machines.

Those odds mean the cruise lines operating casinos will favor slot machine players over card players, both in terms of the number of games provided and the loyalty perks awarded.

In summary, for winning money, the best games are skill games. For earning loyalty perks like free cruises, slot machines are the best choice.

Are drinks free in the casino on cruise ships?

Historically, drinks have not been free to cruise ship casino gamblers the way they usually are in land-based casinos. There are exceptions, however.

Free drinks in the casino are a perk of casino loyalty on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line. Reach the required level, and you'll earn free drinks from the casino bar, usually for a full status year. Carnival, Princess and Virgin Voyages also often throw in free drinks (either in the casino or throughout the ship) for individual comped cruises. Everyone actively gambling in the casino gets free well drinks on Celebrity cruises.

In addition, drinks are free in the casinos of luxury cruise lines like Silversea, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas because all onboard drinks are included in the cruise fare. On the big-ship lines, anyone who purchases a drinks package or cruises on a fare that includes drinks will also be drinking "free" in the casino.

Are cruise ship casinos regulated?

Cruise ship casinos are regulated in two ways. They typically adhere to the laws of the ship's country of registry. But because gambling normally only takes place while the ship is in international waters, cruise lines that sail from U.S. ports also adhere to the rules set out by the Cruise Lines International Association. Those rules state that all equipment purchased and installed on the vessels of member cruise lines will meet the regulatory standards of the Nevada Gaming Control Board or other licensed jurisdiction for payback and internal software.

Additionally, house rules must be made available in every casino. Each member cruise line is to post at every gaming table minimum and maximum betting limits for each game, and only adults are allowed to play the slots or the tables.

What's the age minimum to gamble in a cruise ship casino?

The minimum age for gambling in a cruise ship casino is 18 in most cases, but there are exceptions. MSC Cruises has a minimum gambling age of 21 on any cruise with a U.S. port; otherwise, the age is 18. Some cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, raise the minimum age to 21 on Alaska sailings.

Related: The 6 best cruise lines for young adults

Do ships run casino tournaments?

Cruise ship casinos on mainstream cruise lines often host tournaments on board featuring various casino games. The list includes slot tournaments, as well as card game tournaments for blackjack and Texas Hold 'em.

Some tournaments are invitational, offered to casino loyalty members of a certain level only. These are often held on cruises hosted specifically for players who have reached that level. For instance, Royal Caribbean holds Signature cruises designed to pamper and entertain these top-level players.

Can you smoke in the casino?

Casinos are often seen as the last bastion of cruise ship smoking freedom (beyond small, designated areas on deck). But the number of ships that offer nonsmoking casinos is steadily growing.

Celebrity Cruises does not allow smoking in its ships' casinos, and the relatively small casinos on luxury ships are generally nonsmoking, as well.

Several lines have hybrid options. For example, some Carnival ships have separate smoking and nonsmoking casinos. Norwegian has separate smoking rooms on some ships; however, cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use are allowed in casinos on ships that don't have separate smoking rooms. Princess does not allow smoking except at designated slot machines, and Holland America also has designated smoking areas in the casino.

Related: Is smoking allowed on cruise ships? A line-by-line guide

Do cruise ship casinos take cash?

Cruise ship casinos accept cash at both slot machines and table games. As an example, you can sit down at a slot machine and feed in a $20 bill, which is then converted into "credits" on the machine's screen. The value of the credit depends on the denomination of the machine. Alternatively, you might walk up to a roulette table and lay down $20 and exchange that for chips.

The exchange of cash at machines and tables is a one-way deal, even when you win. Slot machines and dealers in cruise ship casinos don't dispense cash. When you finish playing, you may be issued a paper credit slip to take to the cashier's cage for cash, or you may have your winnings loaded directly onto your onboard account on some cruise lines. At the tables, you will take chips to the cashier to exchange back into cash.

If you don't travel with cash, you can find ATMs in the casino or at guest services. Alternatives to cash in cruise ship casinos are paper credit slips, which can be played as cash at either machines or tables, onboard credit or casino free play loaded on your stateroom account, or lines of credit arranged with the casino.

You can also charge gambling money directly to your onboard account like you would charge a drink at a bar or anything else on board. Fees for gambling charges vary among cruise lines, but in most instances, table games charge a service fee, and slot machines do not.

For example, my husband recently requested money from his onboard account at a blackjack table and was charged a 5% surcharge. The ship we were on was not set up to charge onboard accounts directly from the slot machines (sometimes they are), so I had to go to the cashier for a credit slip to play. I was not charged a surcharge, although if I had asked for cash, I would have been. Both of our charges were added to our final onboard bill.

Because there is no fee added to money for slot play, onboard casinos will usually put rules in place about how quickly you can cash out of the machine. The rules are designed to keep cruisers from using slot machines as ATMs to get either cash for the table games or to cash out onboard credit they've been given from the cruise line or their travel agent.

Bottom line

If you like to gamble, cruise ship casinos provide a fun way to spend a sea day or evening on the ship. You can take lessons to learn the games you don't know how to play and even participate in tournaments.

Besides the fun of playing on board, many cruise lines have players clubs that offer onboard perks and even free cruises. And since the odds of winning are about the same as in a U.S. land-based casino, with similar regulations in place, cruise ship casinos are a safe bet for fun and entertainment — though we always encourage you to play responsibly.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Expert guidance with no booking fees!

Silversea Cruises: Save $3,000 per suite*

Silversea: Choose from THREE All-Inclusive Fares!

Silversea: FREE Gratuities, FREE Drinks, Butler...

Silversea Cruises Entertainment

Dance the night away or choose to unwind with a cigar at the Connoisseur’s Club - the choice is yours on a Silversea Cruises voyage. There are plenty of ways to be entertained aboard a Silversea Cruises sailing, and each offers something new and will completely change the way you think about luxury travel.

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

About the Ship: the Silversea Silver Muse

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises launched the 596-guest Silver Muse in April 2017, and the luxury ship has eight passenger decks and many features that past Silversea guests and new cruise travelers will love. First, the almost-all inclusive ship has 411 crew members, so the service is outstanding. Every spacious stateroom is a suite and has a designated butler and all the amenities expected from this luxury line. The ship's eight  dining venues include 28 varieties of culinary delights, so multiple selections are available at every meal. In addition, the indoor and outdoor common areas are fashionable and relaxing, with interesting decor and artwork. Finally, the Silver Muse sails worldwide itineraries to fascinating destinations where its guests can interact and hear about different cultures, make life-long memories, and learn more about the world around them ​while staying in the ship's luxury environment.

Standard Suites on the Silver Muse

All 286 suites on the Silver Muse have butler service; twin or queen-sized bed configuration; bed-side USB ports for charging electronic devices; a refrigerator and bar setup stocked with guest preferences; premium bath amenities; fine bed linens and down duvet covers; a choice of pillow types; bathrobes and slippers; personalized stationery; binoculars; umbrella; daily newspaper; large flat screen television with interactive media library; twice daily suite service; and at least one hour complimentary WiFi internet access each day per guest. 

Veranda Suites

Of the 286 suites onboard, the Silver Muse has 230 suites classified as Classic Veranda, Superior Veranda, or Deluxe Veranda.  The three types of veranda suites are identical in size, configuration, and amenities, but the price differs based on location. Each veranda suite has 387 square feet, including a 64 square foot veranda. Veranda Suites are located on decks 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Travelers will appreciate the spacious walk-in closet, marble bath with separate tub and shower, sitting area, two television systems, and the butler and room service. Each Veranda Suite guest receives one-hour of free Wi-Fi service each day. 

Six Veranda Suites connect to the Royal or Grand Suites, making them two-bedroom accommodations for families.

Vista Suites

The Silver Muse has six Vista Suites on deck 4. Three of the suites are wheelchair accessible. These 240-square foot suites have a large window and sitting area but do not have a veranda. They have a shower with a seat, but no bathtub. The rest of the amenities are the same as seen in other suite categories.

Panorama Suites

The Silver Muse has six Panorama Suites on deck 9. These suites measure 334 square feet but have a large picture window instead of a veranda. Since two of the Panorama Suites connect to a Silver Suite and the other four of the Panorama Suites connect to an Owner's Suite, families can book both suites for a two-bedroom accommodation. 

Large Suites on the Silver Muse

In addition to the standard suites, the Silver Muse has four different categories of larger suites. Each provides all the amenities found in the standard suites, but also include large sitting area with a dining table and chairs, separate bedroom with dressing table, large walk-in closet, bathroom with double sinks, separate tub and shower, powder room, espresso machine, two 55-inch television systems (smaller suites have 42-inch), and Bose Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity. All of these larger suites also include unlimited WiFi. 

Silver Suites

The 34 Silver Suites on decks 9, 10, and 11 are a favorite of many Silversea guests since they provide a luxurious apartment-like space, but are not as costly as the other three large suite categories. A one-bedroom Silver Suite measures a spacious 786-square-feet and expands to 1119-square-feet when families combine it with an adjoining Panorama Suite. 

The layout of the Silver Suites is similar to that found on the Silver Spirit.

Royal Suites

The two Royal Suites on the Silver Muse are found forward on deck 7. These suites measure 1130-square-feet but expand to 1528-square-feet when combined with an adjoining Veranda Suite. The forward views from these suites are spectacular, and the large living room/dining room and private veranda provide exceptional space for entertaining new or old friends and family.  The authentic Italian furnishings reflect the Silversea heritage.

Grand Suites

The four Grand Suites on the Silver Muse are found forward on deck 8 and 9. Like the Royal Suites, this category has the same amazing forward sea views as those seen from the navigation bridge. The Grand Suites are similar in configuration to the Royal Suites, but are larger, measuring 1475-1572 square feet or 1873-1970 square feet when combined with an adjoining Veranda Suite. The two verandas that wrap around the outside of these suites are about 500 square feet and huge.

The Grand Suites have all the amenities of the Royal Suites but feature a king-sized bed that can be made up as two twin beds rather than a queen-sized.  In addition, guests staying in the Grand Suites can enjoy a complimentary dinner at La Dame.

Owner's Suites

The four Owner's Suites on the Silver Muse are located in a prime location—mid-ship on deck 9 near the Panorama Lounge, spiral staircase, and aft elevators. The one-bedroom Owner's Suites range in size from 1281-1389 square feet with a 129-square-foot balcony or can be combined with an adjoining Panorama Suite, which adds an additional 334 square feet.

Like the Grand Suites, these feature a king-sized bed and the finest in Italian ambiance and furnishings. 

Traditional Dining on the Silver Muse

The Silver Muse has eight different dining venues. Three of these—Atlantide, Indochine, and Spaccanapoli—are complimentary and have open seating for dinner. Three others—La Terrazza, Silver Note, and Hot Rocks Grill—are complimentary, with reservations necessary. The other two restaurants—La Dame and Kaiseki—require reservations and carry an extra surcharge. 

Silversea ships have complimentary drinks all day and night, with about 60 different complimentary wines available on each cruise. About 500 bottles of wine, 500 bottles of beer, and 80 bottles of champagne are consumed each day on the Silver Muse. In addition, 800 cans of soda, 100 Spirits, and 1100 cups of coffee are served. The bartenders quickly learn each guest's preferences, and they offer interesting cocktails and martinis in addition to the standard beer, wine, and mixed drinks. 

In addition to the eight restaurants onboard, the Art Cafe on deck 8 aft serves complimentary light snacks and specialty coffees/teas from 6:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. each day. People gather to eat a late (or early) breakfast and work the daily Sudoku, crossword puzzle, or trivia questions. They also gather for afternoon tea, sandwiches, scones, and snacks. The seating is very comfortable, with space indoors and out.

Guests can also order complimentary 24-hour room service from the menu in their suites. 

Let's take a look at the complimentary restaurants in more detail.

Atlantide is the largest dining venue on the Silver Muse. Located aft on deck 4, its cuisine and variety of tastes is similar to The Restaurant on other Silversea ships. Seafood and steaks are the most popular items, but Atlantide has a huge menu, so it's fun to sample the variety of appetizers, main courses, and desserts by dining at Atlantide on different nights. 

Atlantide also features complimentary breakfast and lunch ordered from a menu. 

Indochine is the Silver Muse's Asian restaurant, with dishes from India, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and China on the dinner menu. It is located next to Atlantide on deck 4 aft. Appetizers like beef tataki, Saku tuna, and foie gras with Asian spices will make your mouth water. The soups and noodle bowls (pho and tom yum goong) are delightful; the lobster, crab legs, and red snapper feature tasty flavors; and the short ribs, Osso Bucco, beef, and chicken complete the main menu. Dessert lovers will enjoy the rice pudding and other delicacies.

La Terrazza

Cruise travelers expect an Italian-owned luxury cruise line to have a memorable Italian restaurant, and La Terrazza on the Silver Muse continues as the cruise line's hallmark Italian dining experience. Like the other venues, La Terrazza has a large menu, and the appetizers, plates of pasta, main courses and desserts are all delicious. Many guests start with antipasti like a salad or carpaccio, followed by one of the homemade pasta or soups, and then finish with a beef, veal, or fish dish. Of course, one has to save room for tiramisu or gelato!

La Terrazza has indoor and outdoor dining and is open as a buffet for breakfast and lunch.

The Grill (Hot Rocks)

The Grill is located outdoors by the swimming pool on deck 10 and is open for casual lunch and dinner. Lunch includes hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, and a daily special. Since The Grill stays open longer for lunch, it's a perfect choice for those looking for a late bite after a shore excursion or free time ashore. 

Dinner at The Grill is a favorite of many who love their steak cooked "just right". Since the steaks, seafood, and vegetables are served on a hot rock, guests cook their own, so it should come out perfectly. A selection of side dishes and sauces accompany the grilled food. The steaks are yummy, but the salmon and prawns are also fun to cook. Veggie lovers have a selection of vegetables to choose from, and many foodies agree they taste so much better grilled than steamed.

Spaccanapoli

In addition to a fine Italian restaurant like La Terrazza, it's appropriate for an Italian cruise ship to have an excellent pizzeria, and the Silver Muse has Spaccanapoli , a casual eatery outdoors on deck 11 overlooking the pool. The large selection of pizza toppings will make it difficult to decide, but guests can always go back for a snack, lunch, or dinner since the restaurant is open from 11 am to 11 pm each day.  The thin crust, crispy pizza tastes just like those you find in Naples. In addition, Spaccanapoli serves a selection of about a dozen gelati, frozen yogurts, and sorbets. These treats can be ordered at the table or take-away.

Silver Note

Located next to La Terraza on deck 7, Silver Note is the cruise ship's supper club, with small plates and tapas on the menu. The dinner experience includes a jazz and blues singer and the sometimes even a little dancing. 

Alternative Dining on the Silver Muse

Two specialty restaurants on the Silver Muse have an extra surcharge and require a reservation. These intimate venues offer a memorable meal and exquisite presentation. They are perfect for celebrating a special event like a birthday or anniversary. Both of these venues are tiny, so reservations should be booked before boarding if you want to dine on a select date.

La Dame by Relais & Châteaux

La Dame is the specialty French restaurant on the Silver Muse and has a bespoke dinner menu developed by top chefs from the Relais & Châteaux team. As expected, the menu is filled with rich French food featuring interesting sauces and combinations. 

Kaiseki is the Japanese restaurant on the Silver Muse. Guests can enjoy complimentary sushi at the sushi bar for lunch, and dinner features a teppanyaki grill and sushi. The dinner menu is expansive and memorable.

Silver Muse Interior Common Areas

The interior common areas of the Silver Muse are elegant and subdued, with splashes of bright color in the artwork and accessories. The soft grays and beiges give the cruise ship a quiet, restful ambiance, perfect for a luxury cruise ship. 

Lounges and Bars

The Silver Muse has ten lounges spread around the ship. The Panorama Lounge and Arts Cafe deliver great indoor and outdoor seating and aft sea views. Dolce Vita is the main lounge and occupies a large space on deck 5. It has a bar, comfortable seating, and is the home of the Shore Excursion, Future Cruise Planning, and Reception Desks. Panorama and Dolce Vita usually feature live music before and after dinner.

Tor's Observation Library and Lounge is forward on deck 11 and provides the same great views as the navigation bridge directly below it. This lounge is usually quiet and is a good place to read and watch the scenery. Tor's is named for Torstein Hagen, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Viking Cruises. Mr. Hagen is a good friend of Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, the Executive Chairman of Silversea Cruises. Mr. Hagen named the Italian steakhouse restaurant on the Viking Cruises' ocean ships Manfredi's because of the counsel Mr. Lefebvre had provided during the construction and launch of Viking's ocean ships. To reciprocate and celebrate their friendship, Mr. Lefebvre named the observation library "Tor's". 

The Venetian Lounge is the main show lounge on the Silver Muse. It has a cabaret feel and features nightly performances by the Silversea singers and dancers or guest performers who come onto the ship for a few days. The Venetian Lounge is also used for lectures on a variety of topics including destinations, history, or the arts, and the lounge has a wide screen for showing movies.

Connoisseur's Corner is the ship's smoking lounge, with fine cigars, cognac, and rich leather sofas and furnishings. It is located next to the Arts Cafe, aft on deck 8.

The Zagara Spa, Beauty Salon, Barber Shop, and Fitness Center

The spa, beauty, and fitness facilities on the Silver Muse are located on deck 6 aft. Like many cruise ship spas, the Zagara Spa is operated by Steiner Leisure  and offers many different types of facials, massages, and other wellness activities. The spa has nine treatment rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, an acupuncture suite, relaxation area, and a dedicated outdoor whirlpool. 

The beauty salon and barber shop offer a full range of haircuts, styles, and colors. In addition, men can get a shave and a haircut, and the nail technician offers several different types of manicures and pedicures.

The fitness center has many different types of exercise equipment. It almost makes exercise fun when you have nice sea views! Personal trainers are available for one-on-one training sessions in the gym, and exercise classes are held each day in the fitness center. 

The Boutique Shops

The boutique shops sell a variety of clothing, jewelry, watches, and essential toiletries in the onboard shops. The ship also has an Italian cobbler from Preludio of Capri who will make custom sandals for the guests. Many guests often ask what was the most expensive item ever sold in the onboard boutiques. According to Silversea, it was a $190,000 Hubert diamond bracelet. Swiss watches are also a popular purchase on the Silver Muse.

The Casino on deck 7 of the Silver Muse is small but has slot machines, poker, roulette, and blackjack games.  Silversea reports that the "average" gambler on their ships spends about $50-$100 per day. 

Silver Muse Outdoor Decks

This small ship also has spacious outdoor deck areas. Even travelers on luxury cruises expect plenty of lounges, chairs, and outdoor deck space for sunning or relaxing. You won't find an aqua park or water slides since this ship is quieter and more adult-oriented (although it does have a children's room and outdoor play area on deck 9). 

The swimming pool and two whirlpools are located mid-ship on deck 10.  A third, out-of-the-way whirlpool is found aft on deck 10. Very comfortable lounge chairs are found outdoors throughout the ship, especially on decks 8-11 aft, as are padded chairs perfect for reading or socializing. The pool and bar staff circulate the outdoor area, offering cold towels or icy drinks. The ship has a dedicated walking/jogging track on deck 11 aft, and a partial promenade encircles part of deck 5. 

Overall, this new cruise ship is a great addition to the Silversea fleet and the luxury cruise market. The ship sails to all seven continents and many guests combine multiple segments for an extended superb cruise experience since each segment is different. The Silver Muse is beautiful inside and out and ready to carry Silversea guests to destinations all over the world in the years to come. Just as importantly, the staff is exceptional and ready to provide the high level of service that guests expect from Silversea Cruises.

Best Luxury Cruise Lines for Honeymoon and Romantic Cruises

Carnival Liberty Dining Venues and Cuisine

10 Reasons to Love the Viking Sea Cruise Ship

Carnival Cruise Lines' Cruise Ships, Build Dates, and Itineraries

MSC Divina Yacht Club

Holland America Koningsdam Outdoor Decks

Viking Star Cruise Ship Dining Venues and Cuisine

Celebrity Reflection Cruise Ship Profile

The Best Disney Cruise Hacks Seen on Pinterest

Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Ship - Cabins and Suites

13 New Ocean Cruise Ships in 2018

MSC Splendida

Disney Magic - Western Mediterranean Cruise Travel Log

Elbe River Cruise Ships – Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild

Celebrity Solstice Lounges and Bars

Disney Magic - Tour and Profile

Best Silversea Cruises

Read Best Cruises Methodology

Find Cruises

Call to plan a cruise: 1-833-468-6732

with a cruise advisor

Silver Moon

Cruisers seeking an intimate experience should consider booking a trip aboard Silversea's Silver Moon, one of the line's newest ships. Debuted in June 2021, Silver Moon accommodates just 596 passengers. And with 411 crew members, travelers can expect an attentive experience.

One standout amenity is the Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) program. The dining experience aims to introduce passengers to their destinations through food. On board, the S.A.L.T. Lab offers travelers the chance to participate in tastings and workshops, while the S.A.L.T. Kitchen provides a unique dining experience. On shore, foodies can book special cuisine-focused excursions through the program. Not an adventurous eater? Not to worry. Silver Moon boasts seven additional eateries serving everything from pizza to tapas to grilled meat and fish.

Following a delicious meal, travelers will have access to a wealth of amenities, including the spa, a pool, several whirlpools, lounges and a fitness center. When evening rolls around, cruisers can press their luck at the casino or catch a live show.

As with other Silversea ships, Silver Moon boasts all-suite accommodations, ranging in size from 334 to 1,970 square feet. Each suite boasts butler service, marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, minibars and large windows. Plus, you'll get a welcome bottle of Champagne. Upgraded staterooms may include multiple bedrooms, sitting areas and bathrooms; espresso machines; daily canapes and private balconies.

Silver Moon is set to explore a variety of regions, including Europe, Africa, Central America and Asia. The ship also completes transoceanic voyages.

Silver Muse

Debuted in April 2017, Silver Muse offers a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio, with 411 crew members and space for 596 passengers.

Among the ship's standout features are its spacious all-suite accommodations, which range from 334 square feet to 1,970 square feet. All cabins are serviced by a butler and include luxury bed linens, a marble bath with luxury toiletries and a picture window or balcony. While all passengers are treated to a complimentary hour of internet per day, those staying in upgraded suites get extras like balconies, multiple flat-screen TVs and interactive media libraries.

When it comes to dining, Silver Muse boasts eight venues that showcase a variety of cuisines, including Italian and Asian, as well as French fare at the upscale La Dame.

Similar to other ships in the fleet, Silver Muse offers a variety of onboard activities and facilities, including a spa, a pool deck and gym, a casino and several lounges.

Silver Muse sails to a number of areas in Asia, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand.

Silver Wind

Debuted in 1995, Silver Wind received its most recent refurbishment in November 2021. Updates include a strengthened hull designed to sail through the icy waters of Antarctica, redesigned suites (some of which include new walk-in showers), refreshed public areas and a special swimming pool heating system. Silver Wind carries 274 guests and 239 crew members. 

Previous cruisers say the attentive staff kept the ship well-maintained throughout the entire journey. Passengers are also quick to praise the all-suite accommodations. All offer ocean views and more than 80% are equipped with a private veranda. Suites come with butler service, walk-in closets, minifridges and marble bathrooms.

When it comes to dining, Silver Wind offers four restaurants, including specialty restaurant La Dame. Silver Wind offers a variety of daytime activities, ranging from enrichment courses to fitness classes. There are also plenty of facilities to pass days at sea, like a pool deck, library and card room. Notably, the casino was removed in the ship's most recent refurbishment. When it's time to wind down, grab a nightcap at one of several bars or catch a performance in the Show Lounge.

Silver Wind sails to ports in Alaska, Asia, the Mediterranean and more.

Silver Dawn

One of the newest ships within the Silversea Cruises fleet, Silver Dawn debuted in April 2022. Similar in size to its sister ships, Silver Muse and Silver Moon , Silver Dawn can accommodate 596 guests and has the capacity for up to 411 crew members.

Dawn is the first ship within the fleet to offer Otium, a new wellness concept that will eventually be implemented across all of Silversea's ships. The program aims to incorporate luxurious elements of the spa experience throughout the entire voyage, starting with guests' suites. Each cabin features the line's new Otium Soft Touch mattress, a redesigned pillow menu, pillow mists, and special touches like cozy blankets, in-room bath salts or hot chocolate. Suites range in size from 334 square feet to 1,970 square feet and feature ocean views, butler service and full baths with separate showers, among other amenities.

Outside of the accommodations, cruisers will find eight restaurants, including La Terrazza, an Italian eatery, Kaiseki, a Japanese outpost, and S.A.L.T. Kitchen, which features a menu that highlights the local cuisine of the ship's destination. Other onboard facilities include a casino, a pool deck, a boutique, a live entertainment lounge, a fitness center and the S.A.L.T. Lab, where passengers can enjoy workshops, lectures and cooking demonstrations.

Silver Dawn departs from ports like Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and Lisbon, Portugal , to destinations like Barcelona, Spain , and Lima, Peru . 

U.S. News Insider Tip : Consider booking a session with Silversea's newest spa concept, Otium, which debuted on Silver Dawn. Beyond the ancient Rome-inspired treatments available in Otium, the experience continues in-suite, with butler-drawn candlelit baths including a glass of Champagne and a house-made macaron waiting on a tub tray. Classical music plays soothingly in the background. – Janice Wald Henderson, Contributor

Silver Spirit

Fully refurbished in 2018, the 608-passenger Silver Spirit prioritizes customer service. With 411 crew members on board, it maintains less than a 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ratio.

The ship's full redesign left it 49 feet longer, enhancing the space around the ship. It is one of the line's largest vessels. Guests will enjoy dining options like Spaccanapoli (Italian), Silver Note (tapas-sized dishes), Atlantide (seafood), Indochine (Asian) and more. There are a total of eight dining establishments, many of which recent visitors called "superb."

Recent cruisers were also pleased with the all-suite accommodations. All offer ocean views, and 95% include private verandas. The spacious suites (ranging from 334 to 1,879 square feet) offer amenities like butler service, minifridges and full baths with separate showers.

The extra space on board also allows for a roomier spa – 8,300 square feet, to be exact. When you're not getting pampered, take advantage of the ship's other activities like fitness classes, casino games and enrichment courses. Come nightfall, unwind in one of three bars, or catch a performance at the Venetian Lounge.

Silver Spirit offers a variety of itineraries throughout the Mediterranean, Africa and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip : Silver Spirit devotees will love the Silver Suite room category. As the entry-level option into the biggest accommodations, it provides exclusive amenities – such as an espresso machine, daily canape service and complimentary laundry – without the largest suites' sky-high fares. – Janice Wald Henderson, Contributor

Silver Whisper

Built in 2001 and last refurbished in 2018, Silver Whisper can accommodate up to 392 luxury-seeking passengers. With 302 staff members on board and a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio, the ship maintains a higher standard of service than some competitors. The crew members' efficiency and attention to detail earned the ship high marks from many recent cruisers.  

Guests appreciated the all-suite cabins, which range from 287 to 1,435 square feet. More than 80% feature private teak balconies. Amenities include walk-in closets, minifridges and full marble baths with separate showers. Silver Whisper offers an array of daytime activities geared toward older travelers, including enrichment courses and afternoon tea, in addition to a casino, a spa, a salon and a pool deck.

Silver Whisper touts four onboard restaurants, including La Dame and The Grill, a lava stone cooking venue. Round out a day at sea with a show in the performance theater or at one of the several cocktail lounges. 

Silver Whisper sails to several destinations across Alaska, Canada, Australia, the Mediterranean and more. The ship also completes transoceanic voyages.

U.S. News Insider Tip : Silver Whisper offers an inviting library with a wide array of books filling teak cabinets; enjoy some reading in the venue's buttery soft leather chairs. – Janice Wald Henderson, Contributor

Silver Shadow

Silver Shadow is slightly larger than the older Silversea ships, but not as big as the  Silver Spirit . Last refurbished in 2019 (and debuted in 2000), the 392-passenger ship maintains a nearly 1-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio, with 302 crew members. For past cruisers, it was the friendly crew's attention to detail that helped set Silver Shadow apart from its competitors.

Recent passengers praise the all-suite accommodations, which range from the Vista Suite (287 square feet) to the two-bedroom Grand Suite (1,435 square feet). All cabins offer ocean views and more than 80% include private balconies. Standard amenities include butler service, minifridges and full baths with separate showers.

When guests aren't in their rooms, they can utilize the ship's facilities, which include shopping boutiques, a casino, a beauty salon and an expansive pool deck. The ship also offers four dining venues, including La Dame, a specialty French restaurant with an additional reservation fee. As for nighttime entertainment, passengers have their pick between several cocktail lounges and the ship's performance venue.

Silver Shadow sails throughout North America, South America, Australia, Asia and more. It also completes some transoceanic voyages.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

By gertie007 , January 8, 2020 in Silversea

Recommended Posts

can you charge casino chips to your cruise card account or is it only cash

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Daveywavey70

Yes you can charge them to your ships account. They just advance you the dollars in the casino which you then exchange for chips.  When you cash out they don’t credit it to the account though they just give you dollars back. 

On 1/9/2020 at 7:45 PM, Daveywavey70 said: Yes you can charge them to your ships account. They just advance you the dollars in the casino which you then exchange for chips.  When you cash out they don’t credit it to the account though they just give you dollars back. 

Isn't there a service charge for this?

49 minutes ago, Mahogany said: Isn't there a service charge for this?

I don't recall sorry. If there was it was minimal.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• Special Event: Q&A with John Waggoner, Founder & CEO Victory Cruise Lines
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com Summer 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Ask Me Anything About

Victory Cruise Lines!

Ask Your Questions Today;

See answers beginning August 12th

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this photo by member XFrancophileX to share your review w/ photos too!

Parliament, Budapest

Features & News

LauraS · Started Thursday at 04:28 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 09:01 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 04:29 PM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 08:45 PM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 04:21 PM

Cruise Planning

Find a cruise, popular ports, member reviews.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Find A Cruise
• Ocean Cruises For those who delight in discovery and seek truly immersive travel
• Expedition Cruises Witness the most far-flung, thrilling, and extraordinary places on the planet.
• World Cruises An adventure curated by experts. Experience the world’s most remarkable sights.
• Grand Voyages Experience the very best of one region. Don’t just go there, get to know there.
• Special Combination Cruises The best of both worlds. Two incredible voyages. One unforgettable experience.
• Enriched Voyages Our voyages not only take you to the four corners of the globe but keep you entertained as you get there.
• NEW VOYAGES SUMMER 2025 See the hidden gems and iconic sights of our New Voyages Collection for Summer 2025
• NEW VOYAGES WINTER 2025/26 Explore the myths and treasures of our Winter New Voyages Collection for Winter 2025/26

• Hotels & Trasfers Enjoy more time exploring the world’s most fascinating cities with Silversea’s optional pre- and post- hotel programmes.
• Land Programmes Your thrilling voyage on the high seas blended with an exciting land adventure.
• PRIVATE EXECUTIVE TRANSFERS Our private chauffeur takes you to and from the airport in style and comfort.
• Personalised Service Your every need anticipated with white glove service including your own butler.
• Onboard Areas From an ocean view suite to high-end restaurants and bars, the choice is yours.
• Onboard Activities Savour our exemplary spa and fitness services plus iconic S.A.L.T experiences.
• S.A.L.T. Experience S.A.L.T's immersive concept with Silversea! Set sail on an All-inclusive Luxury Cruise and discover authentic beauty of the world!
• Ashore Our array of authentic local experiences ashore ensures truly immersive travel.
• Travel Requirements Everything you need to know about preparing and packing for your voyage.
• General Information Whether your first Silversea cruise or your tenth, you will naturally have questions about various cruise policy regulations.
• Faq Your questions answered in one place. Ensure your voyage is truly wonderful.
• What to Pack Find out what to pack using our onboard attire guide and expeditions packing list with tips curated by our expedition experts.

• Luxury Oceanview Suites Spacious suites with butler service and a choice of lavish amenities ensure personalised comfort and absolute indulgence.
• Fine Dining From fine dining to informal venues to delicious in-suite service, Silversea’s gastronomic options have never been rivalled.
• Public Areas There’s a tremendous variety of public spaces on board, from relaxed bars to elegant restaurants, always offering you the luxury of choice.
• Door-to-Door Let us take care of you during your journey from the moment you leave home.
• Port-to-Port Make your own travel plans and we’ll warmly welcome you as you step onboard.
• Essential Fancy a last-minute cruise? Travel on these time-limited selected voyages.
• Exclusive offers

• Why Silversea

Caribbean & Central America Cruises

Castries (St. Lucia) to Bridgetown

• Best price guarantee
• Assistance from booking to departure
• Secure payment
• Flexible cancellation

The luxury of choice

Catering to individual travel preferences, we are pleased to offer our guests the luxury of choice when selecting the perfect fare.

Prices valid until August 31, 2024 but may increase on September 1, 2024 and are subject to availability.

• 2 Countries

Spend 7-days in March relaxing in the glorious surroundings of the Eastern Caribbean. You’ll enjoy dazzling white beaches, warm shimmery seas packed with fascinating underwater marine life, Creole cuisine, and charming locals. This voyage is bookended by Bridgetown and sails to paradise isles Bequia, Martinique and St Lucia with stops in Roseau and St. George’s. Done in the comfort and style of Silver Spirit it’s a week of heavenly perfection.

The excursions are provided as a sample of what may be offered on this voyage and are subject to change. We are constantly updating our shore excursion programme with immersive and authentic experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your tour programme choice closer to your sail date. We invite guests to visit my.silversea.com for the most updated information.

Silversea's oceanview suites are some of the most spacious in luxury cruising. All include the services of a butler thanks to the highest service ratio at sea and almost all have a private teak veranda so that you can breathe in the fresh sea air by merely stepping outside your door. Select your suite and Request a Quote - guests who book early are rewarded with the best fares and ability to select their desired suite.

All inclusive onboard benefits

Silver Spirit offers its guests one of the most complete cruise experiences available. With one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the business and eight superlative luxury dining options, she retains our world-famous service standards and home away from home feel. Spacious decks leave plenty of room for relaxation, yet the cosy niches make sure that there is something for everyone. Meet like-minded friends, enjoy first-class dining and relax on our original Silversea flagship.

Silver Spirit Dining Options : 8 Restaurants

Silver Note

La Terrazza

Spaccanapoli

Public areas.

Panorama Lounge

Zagara Beauty Spa

Fitness Centre

Connoisseur’s Corner

Observation Library

Venetian Lounge

Card Room/conference Room

Zagara Beauty Salon

Travel deeper.

Things to Do in Nevis: Visit the Hamilton House, Botanical Gardens, and More

Cruise Central America and Mexico: Everything You Need to Know

Best Ways to Experience the Caribbean, From Quadriki Cave to Aruba and Beyond

Behind the Lens: Experience Honduran Culture and Dance at Roatán Island