Casino Day Cruise Port Canaveral
Gambling Day Cruises Port Canaveral Terminal
Gambling Day Cruises Port Canaveral Fl

A view of the Victory Casino Cruises ship and Port Canaveral — Photo courtesy of Victory Casino Cruises

With the re-start taking place this week here in Florida for daily casino ship voyages it has me wondering if Carnival (or one of the other lines) may take advantage and begin doing the same with one of their ships. Revenue from dining, casino, beverages sitting 3 miles out is better than sitting. If you're in central Florida, one of the most popular choices to gamble is Victory Casino Cruises. Departing daily from Port Canaveral, the boat heads out beyond state waters where it is legal to play casino games. If you've never sailed on the gambling boat, there are quite a few things you might want to know before you book your spot.

Imagine more than 600 slots, 30 tables, live entertainment, food and free drinks – all while floating on the water.

The five-plus-hour-long Victory Casino Cruises that departs from Port Canaveral in Florida’s Space Coast claims to be “America’s biggest and best casino cruise ship.”

And while the latter claim is hard to actually measure, Victory is no doubt a popular tourist destination that parties into the night.

A peek inside the Victory casino — Photo courtesy of Victory Casino Cruises

Although there are daytime cruises, the 'PM cruises' – which run from 7 p.m. to midnight (or later, on Friday and Saturday) – are a unique and quintessential Space Coast way to celebrate the night in this stretch of Florida, which is well known for its bustling cruise ship port. The Victory cruises set off seven days a week.

The adult-only ship runs various food and drink specials and special events; Elvis impersonations, Bingo, karaoke and live music are just a few of the highlights you can find on the calendar.

Much of this action takes place in Club V, where you can also regularly find DJs and dancing.

Find music and dancing in Club V — Photo courtesy of Club V

Looking for more of the bar scene? The Victory Sportsbook Lounge is the ship’s sports bar, where you can watch sports games on flatscreen TVs and also bet on said games. Or try a round of video poker right at the bar counter. Also, don’t miss the dockside tiki bar.

The gaming options here vary to appeal to different levels of experience. You'll find penny, nickle and quarter slots and even $100 slots.

At the tables, try Let It Ride (a version of poker); craps; 21 + 3 (blackjack and three-card poker); roulette; blackjack; Texas Hold 'Em; three-card poker; and a new game called EZ Bac. The ship claims to be the only place in Florida to try it out.

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The Victory cruise ship offers on-board food options, too. The restaurant, Atlantic Dining, specializes in fresh seafood and salads, as well as the signature V Burger, among other menu items. Like some dining options in Vegas, you can occasionally expect a buffet line here.

So don’t necessarily expect fine dining, but it’s typical casino fare that will fuel you up for the next round of games.

Casino Day Cruise Port Canaveral

'Captain Tim' aboard the ship — Photo courtesy of Victory Casino Cruises

If you tend to get seasick, pick a day with calm weather and smooth water, and don't forget to take a Dramamine. Keep hydrated, too. There's nothing worse than a seasick hangover.

Gambling Day Cruises Port Canaveral Terminal

The bottom line: This “poker cruise” is amusing, even if you aren't a big gambler. Sou can relax on the deck, sip champagne, listen to live music and watch the water.

Gambling Day Cruises Port Canaveral Fl

And if you are a gambler – even beyond any bad hand or lost chip – you still always have the stunning water views.