Video compliments of the Travel Channel

Cruise ship casinos have exploded in a big way in the last decade, and most mega-ships (with 2,000-plus passengers) will have a lights-blinking, bell-ringing, adrenaline-pumping casino at the center of their ship. What started as a convenient (and legal) gambling alternative for those who lived far from Las Vegas or Atlantic City (the original riverboat casinos never even left the dock) has turned into one of the cruise industry's most popular perks. While some serious players will occupy the casinos during the day, at night they becomes more of a social scene for all cruise passengers over 21, with live music, cocktails and slots. Most cruise ship casinos also boast casual dress codes and more relaxed atmospheres—dealers ditch the old-school tuxes and stiff upper lips in favor of flip-flops and chatty dispositions—making them enticing spots for non-serious gamers as well. It all depends on your ship.

The High-Roller: If you're a serious gambler who's grown accustomed to comped hotel stays and high-roller rooms, lower your expectations. Cruise casinos are less equipped to brown-nose their elite gambling set than land-based dice halls (you may even have to pay for your drinks). But cruise ship casinos do put customer service above all else, so if you throw enough chips around, chances are you'll get some attention. Another tactic is to look for a VIP program. Celebrity Cruises' Blue Chip Club allows you to earn points and rebates toward future cruises. Carnival's Ocean Players Club offers similar perks and has adjustable betting limits for serious rollers.

The Novice Gamester: If you're throwing dice for the very first time, a cruise ship casino is the place to do it. The atmosphere is conducive to gambling neophytes, as dealers are more than happy to answer questions and assist with the quick addition (in case your math skills aren't what they used to be). Cruise lines like Crystal Cruises have even injected a bit of Las Vegas' levity into the mix, with outlandish decorations (think African safari and Egyptian pyramids) and costume parties on board, so you'll get the whole Sin City experience without even entering Nevada.

In addition to the usual slots, craps and blackjack, an increasing number of cruise lines are turning over their casinos to regular poker tournaments. Carnival Cruises and Holland America are two of the more frequent hosts for party poker tournaments, which can draw hundreds of cruise travelers and boast multimillion-dollar payouts. Cruise ship casinos are closed while the ship is in port, and because most travelers are happy to get their fill when the ship is at sea, the biggest and best casino cruises still travel to locations that aren't particularly known for their gambling scenes—not to mention that it's a stretch getting to Vegas by boat.