Crystal Cruises is a luxury line with two ships considerably larger than those of most competitors. In the Spring of 2006, the line was in the process of taking over operation of its casinos, which for years had been run by Caesars Palace of Las Vegas.

Crystal had been the only cruise line to partner with major land-based casino company like Caesars. Each of its elegant casinos houseed blackjack tables, as well as three-card poker, mini-baccarat, dice, roulette, and more than 85 slot machines. 

Now, as was the case when Caesars ran the casinos, the Crystal Casinos offer all players complimentary cocktails.

Nearly all the managers and dealers of the new Crystal-owned casinos have been hired from Caesars personnel who were aboard during the Caesars-at-Sea era.

Many players who have cruised on Crystal have long complained about the antiquated slot machines on the Symphony and Serenity. The best information we have is that modern slots finally will replace them this fall, when the ships are scheduled to go into drydock.