Playing bingo on cruise ships
On most cruise ships, bingo sessions are held twice a day, providing plenty of opportunities for guests to join in the fun. This regular schedule makes it easy for passengers to fit a game or two into their daily activities.
You will not find bingo being played at the casino on board of cruise ships. Typically bingo is played in the main entertainment or activity lounges on cruise ships. These spaces are often large enough to accommodate several participants and are equipped with the necessary facilities for calling out numbers, displaying bingo boards, and distributing prizes
Buying cards
Before each bingo session begins, passengers can purchase their bingo cards. The cost of participating generally varies, with single cards typically priced around $20. There are often discounts for buying multiple cards, which can make playing more affordable and increase your chances of winning.
Some cruise lines, like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, offer both paper and electronic card options. While electronic cards can automatically mark numbers for you, they tend to be more expensive and might not offer the same interactive experience as traditional paper cards.
Card Packages
Many cruise lines offer different bingo packages at various price points, such as $20, $30, and $40 options. The more you spend, the more cards you receive, which can significantly improve your odds of winning. These packages are popular among players, and it's common to see many participants opting for the higher-value packages to maximize their chances.
Tips for maximizing your bingo experience
Utilizing promotions and discounts
Keep an eye out for special bingo promotions and discounts offered by the cruise line. For example, some lines offer raffle tickets for spending a certain amount or purchasing a specific number of cards, providing even more opportunities to win prizes. These promotions can add extra excitement and value to your bingo sessions.
Choosing Between Paper and Electronic Cards
While paper cards offer a more interactive experience, electronic cards can handle multiple boards simultaneously and automatically mark off numbers for you. If you prefer a hands-on approach, stick with traditional paper cards. However, if you're looking to maximize your efficiency and manage multiple boards with ease, electronic cards may be worth the extra cost.
Standing when one space away
Many cruise lines have a custom where players are asked to stand when they are only one space away from achieving bingo. This tradition not only adds to the competitive atmosphere but also ramps up the excitement in the room. If you find yourself in this position, be prepared for a few sideways glances from fellow players who are also eager to win.
Bingo tournaments on cruise ships
These tournaments often feature larger jackpots, more competitive gameplay, and a series of games culminating in a grand prize. Cruise lines like Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean organize these tournaments, attracting bingo enthusiasts eager for the chance to win big.
Structure and format
Multiple sessions
Bingo tournaments usually consist of several sessions spanning multiple days. This format allows players to accumulate points or advance through stages, with the ultimate goal of competing in a final championship game.
Higher Stakes
Entry fees for tournament games can be higher than regular bingo sessions, often justified by the more substantial prizes at stake. For example, Norwegian Escape has hosted bingo tournaments with jackpots reaching up to $25,000.
Special prizes
Beyond cash prizes, some cruise lines offer unique rewards like spa treatments, free shore excursions, or even free future cruises for tournament winners.
Restrictions and location specifics
At sea: Much like casinos, bingo sessions are most commonly held while the ship is sailing.
In Port: Unlike the casino, which often must close while the ship is in port due to local gambling laws, bingo can sometimes be an exception. Some cruise lines might still offer bingo sessions while docked, especially if local regulations permit it. However, this can vary greatly depending on the specific cruise line's policies and the port of call's legal framework.