Royal Caribbean has announced a bold new feature for its highly anticipated ship, Legend of the Seas, which will debut in the summer of 2026. This Icon-class vessel will be the first in the cruise line’s fleet to feature a two-story casino, elevating the onboard gaming experience. The cruise line’s decision to expand the casino space is part of a larger trend within the industry, as cruise lines compete to provide more upscale amenities and maximize revenue through their onboard entertainment options. The newly designed Casino Royale will be the centerpiece of the Legend of the Seas, offering a luxurious and expansive space for both casual players and high-stakes gamblers.

Mixed Reactions from Passengers on Casino Expansion

The two-story design will introduce a central bar area, with grand staircases connecting two levels filled with an array of slot machines and table games, setting the stage for a more dynamic and immersive gambling experience. This new casino layout is expected to stand out as a significant feature of the Legend of the Seas, designed not only to attract gaming enthusiasts but also to offer more exclusive and private spaces for high-level events and tournaments.

While the expansion of the Casino Royale has certainly caught the attention of Royal Caribbean’s loyal customers, not everyone is on board with the change. Some longtime cruisers are questioning whether the cruise line, traditionally known for its family-friendly offerings, is losing sight of its core values by increasing the focus on gambling. “Royal is like: ‘here, we designed a ship for families and children. You definitely won’t want to be on deck, so we made you a two-story casino to give us your money,’” commented one user on a popular Royal Caribbean subreddit, as reported by Travel Host.

Others have raised concerns about the allocation of space on the ship, citing overcrowded pool decks as a more pressing issue. With the addition of a larger casino, passengers worry that other popular areas of the ship, like the pool or entertainment spaces, will become even more congested. One Reddit user expressed frustration, saying, “Can’t find a single empty pool deck chair after 8:45 a.m., or more than 6” of space in a pool, but they can add a second level for gambling.”

Another concern revolves around the smoking policy in the casino. Although Legend of the Seas will offer non-smoking areas, these spaces are typically smaller and require passengers to walk through the main casino, often exposed to secondhand smoke. Many cruisers have called for a completely separate smoking area, similar to those on other cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, or a full ban on smoking within the casino, as seen on Royal Caribbean’s sister line, Celebrity Cruises.

Carnival Follows Suit with Larger Casino Spaces

Royal Caribbean is not the only cruise line betting big on onboard casinos. Carnival Cruise Line’s upcoming Carnival Festivale, set to launch in 2027, will also feature the largest casino in its fleet. As the cruise industry continues to innovate, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival are placing greater emphasis on their casino offerings to attract adult passengers looking for more than just family-oriented activities. The increased focus on gaming is seen as a way to diversify the vacation experience, drawing in those who enjoy both cruising and the thrill of gambling.

The Carnival Festivale, inspired by music, will offer a unique design with larger gaming areas, though some critics suggest the ship may downsize other spaces, such as the popular Alchemy Bar, to make room for the expanded casino. Despite concerns from some passengers, others are excited about the prospect of more slot machines and gaming tables, with one enthusiast commenting, “I’d love a larger casino with more slot options!”

The trend toward larger and more elaborate casinos on cruise ships is reflective of the growing interest in gambling at sea, which has become a significant revenue stream for cruise lines. In addition to providing entertainment, onboard casinos offer an additional way for cruise lines to enhance the luxury experience and cater to an adult demographic.

With the Legend of the Seas featuring a two-story casino, Royal Caribbean hopes to position itself as a leader in cruise ship entertainment, offering a high-end, immersive experience for guests who enjoy gambling. However, the company also faces the challenge of balancing the expansion of its casino spaces with maintaining the family-friendly atmosphere that many of its loyal passengers value.