Royal Caribbean has completed a large-scale renovation of Harmony of the Seas, introducing the biggest casino across its cruise fleet as the company continues to expand onboard gaming offerings.

The ship, which first entered service in 2016, recently returned from a five-week drydock project in Europe under the cruise line’s “Royal Amplified” program, according to Parade. The renovation touched multiple areas of the vessel, including entertainment venues, restaurants, pool decks, bars and accommodations.

The most significant change centered on Deck 4, where Royal Caribbean enlarged the Casino Royale area by converting several existing entertainment spaces into additional gaming facilities. The Attic Comedy Club, Jazz on 4 and the Crown Diamond Lounge were all removed or relocated during the redesign process.

As a result of the overhaul, Harmony of the Seas now features more than 500 slot machines and 37 live dealer table games, making it the largest casino currently operating within Royal Caribbean’s 28-ship fleet. Guests can access a variety of traditional casino games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and three-card poker. Texas Hold’em games are also available onboard.

Entertainment Spaces Shift During Renovation

To accommodate the expanded gaming area, several familiar venues underwent major changes. Royal Caribbean relocated the Crown Lounge to Deck 15, where part of the former teen club area was redesigned into a new lounge space with ocean views.

The cruise line also reworked many public gathering areas throughout the vessel. Pool decks received a tropical-themed redesign centered around The Lime & Coconut bar concept. Dining options expanded with the addition of a complimentary Mexican restaurant and a Brazilian steakhouse offering tableside service.

Other new features include a sports bar and arcade filled with television screens and retro-style games. A tiki-themed cocktail venue also replaced the ship’s previous robotic bar concept.

Engineers used the drydock period to add close to 100 additional staterooms by repurposing interior areas of the ship. Some of the new accommodations include panoramic suites located above the bridge with large forward-facing ocean views. Royal Caribbean also converted a conference center that had reportedly seen limited use into additional inside cabins.

Harmony of the Seas has now resumed operations with summer sailings across the Western Mediterranean, visiting destinations in Spain, France and Italy. Following its European season, the vessel is expected to cross the Atlantic and begin year-round Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from Port Canaveral.

Cruise Industry Pushes Further Into Gaming

Royal Caribbean’s expansion reflects a wider trend among cruise operators placing greater emphasis on casino entertainment. Cruise lines have increasingly added gaming-focused attractions as gambling becomes more mainstream in the United States, particularly following the rapid growth of sports betting.

The company has also introduced more smoke-free casino sections across parts of its fleet by converting Jazz on 4 lounges into gaming areas where smoking is prohibited. According to the source material, guest surveys showed that more passengers were willing to gamble in smoke-free environments as smoking rates continue to decline.

Other cruise companies have also increased gaming-related offerings. Carnival Cruise Line recently launched adults-only casino-themed sailings called ACES, short for All-Casino Exclusive Sailings. Those cruises included casino promotions and tournaments focused on slots and table games. Carnival also became the first cruise operator to join the American Gaming Association.

Despite the growing focus on onboard gambling, some travelers have criticized the changes. Online reactions included complaints that cruise lines are prioritizing casino space over other amenities. “Can’t find a single empty pool deck chair or more than 6″ of space in a pool, but they can add a second level for gambling,” read one comment on a Royal Caribbean Reddit. Another passenger wrote, “The way cruise lines are expanding casinos … I’m surprised they haven’t named a ship Casino of the Seas.”

Casino Standards at Sea

Cruise ship casinos operate under industry gaming standards designed to mirror regulations used in Nevada casinos. The Cruise Lines International Association requires member companies to follow regulatory practices similar to those enforced by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Nevada rules require slot machines to maintain a minimum payout rate of 75%. Land-based casinos often set payouts closer to 85% to 90%, while cruise ship slot machines generally fall within the 80% to 85% range.

Although onboard payouts may differ somewhat from land-based casinos, cruise operators still must provide games that meet fairness requirements and include consumer safeguards for passengers using casino facilities.