You’ve booked a cruise on the Noordam and you're wondering about the casino. Is it a serious gambling venue or just a few sad slot machines in a corner? How does it compare to the casinos you’re used to on land or at other cruise lines? Let’s get straight to the point about what you can realistically expect when you step into the Noordam’s casino.
The casino on the Holland America Noordam is located on Deck 2, the Promenade Deck, and is a central part of the ship's evening entertainment. It’s not a sprawling Vegas-style megaplex, but it’s far from an afterthought. The space is well-defined, with a mix of table games and slots separated by walkways, creating distinct zones. The decor is classic cruise ship casino: plush carpet, warm lighting, and dark wood accents. It can get lively during prime evening hours, especially after shows let out, but it rarely feels overcrowded. The staff, from dealers to attendants, are generally friendly and professional, though the pace can be a touch slower than a land-based casino. One thing to note: the casino is only open when the ship is in international waters, so don’t plan on gambling during port days or when close to the US coast.
You'll find a decent variety of slot machines, typically around 100-150. The selection leans toward modern video slots with popular themes—think games based on movies, TV shows, and classic fruit symbols. You won't find the latest high-volatility Megaways games from top developers, but you will find familiar titles from IGT, Aristocrat, and other major manufacturers. Denominations usually start at a penny and go up to $5 a spin, with a few higher-limit machines available. The payback percentages (theoretical RTP) on cruise ships are often lower than what you’d find in a regulated US market like Nevada or New Jersey, so manage your bankroll accordingly. The machines operate on a ticket-in, ticket-out (TITO) system, so you’ll cash out a voucher to redeem at the cashier.
The table game pit is the heart of the action. You can expect the following staples:
Holland America Line operates its own casino loyalty program, often branded as "Club HAL" for the casino or part of a larger program like "Casino Players Club." You earn points by inserting your room key (which also acts as your player’s card) into slot machines or having the pit boss track your table game play. The points accumulate during your voyage. Unlike land-based casinos where points can translate into free play or cash back, cruise comps are different. Earning enough points can lead to perks like:
You cannot use cash directly at the tables or machines. All gambling transactions are charged to your onboard account, which is linked to the credit card you used during check-in. To play slots, you transfer funds from your account to a machine using your room key. For table games, you buy chips from the dealer and sign a slip charging the amount to your room. This makes tracking your spending almost too easy—it’s just another line item on your final bill. Some players choose to bring a set amount of cash to the casino cashier to deposit as "casino credit" to better control their budget. It’s also worth checking if any onboard credit from your booking (like a "Have It All" package perk or a shareholder benefit) can be used in the casino; policies vary, but often promotional onboard credit is not eligible for casino play.
The Noordam casino regularly runs slot and blackjack tournaments. These are typically held on sea days. For a fixed buy-in (usually around $20-$25), you get a set number of credits or tournament chips. The top scorers after a timed session win a prize pool, often paid out in cash or as a credit to your onboard account. They’re a fun, low-stakes way to compete and potentially win a few hundred dollars. Sign-ups are at the casino cage, and spaces can fill up, so check the daily program (the "When & Where") as soon as you board.
The Noordam casino is perfect for the casual gambler who sees it as one entertainment option among many. It’s a fun, social environment to spend an hour or two after dinner. If you’re a high roller used to sophisticated comps and high-limit rooms, you’ll likely find it limited. If you’re a serious advantage player or slots enthusiast chasing the latest games and highest RTP, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want a classic, relaxed cruise casino experience with friendly dealers, familiar games, and the chance to turn a little play into a discount on your next vacation, it hits the mark. Just remember the 6:5 blackjack and double-zero roulette, set a firm budget on your room account, and enjoy the unique experience of rolling dice while the ocean rolls outside.
The most common rule is a 6:5 payout for a natural blackjack at lower-limit tables (often $5-$10 minimums), which significantly increases the house edge compared to the standard 3:2 payout. Other standard rules include dealer standing on soft 17, doubling down on any first two cards, and splitting up to three times. Always check the felt for the specific rules before you sit down.
Generally, no. Promotional onboard credit given as part of a booking package or promotion is almost always non-refundable and cannot be withdrawn as cash or used for casino chip purchases. Any charges in the casino are considered a cash advance. Refundable onboard credit (like from a cancelled excursion) or actual cash you deposit at the front desk may be usable, but you must clarify with the front office or casino cashier directly.
Free drinks while gambling are a comp based on your level of play. Once you establish a consistent betting pattern at table games (e.g., $25+ per hand at blackjack) or significant slot play, a cocktail server or the pit boss will often offer you a complimentary drink. There is no formal "players club" drink tier like in some land casinos; it's at the discretion of the casino staff based on your observed action.
The minimum age to gamble in the casino on all Holland America Line ships, including the Noordam, is 18 years old. This applies regardless of the itinerary, even when sailing from or to US ports where the land-based age is 21. You must be 18 to enter the casino and play any games.
Yes, you will typically find a bank of video poker machines mixed in with the slot machines. The games are usually standard variants like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Double Bonus Poker. However, as with the slots, the pay tables are often less favorable than those found in top land-based casinos, so check the posted paytable on the machine screen before you play to understand the expected return.