Thinking of a Galapagos Cruise? What Casino Royale Players Need to Know

If you're used to the massive mega-ships of Royal Caribbean, planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands is gonna feel like entering a whole different world. It's simply not your typical cruise vacation. There aren't any bustling port towns, water slides, or late-night comedy shows. Instead, it's a highly protected natural wonderland where the wildlife takes center stage.

According to a helpful guide from EatSleepCruise, sailing here is part cruise, part expedition, and part wildlife safari. Because the islands are so heavily protected, ship sizes are strictly capped between 16 and 100 passengers. You'll also need to choose your itinerary carefully. Different routes feature completely different animals—like penguins and flightless cormorants in the west, or giant tortoises and albatrosses in the east and south. The experts also suggest adding a pre- or post-cruise land tour to spots like Machu Picchu or Quito to make the long journey even more rewarding.

What This Means for Casino Royale Players

Since Royal Caribbean's sister brand, Celebrity Cruises, operates some of the most luxurious ships in the region (like the stunning Celebrity Flora), you might be wondering how your casino perks translate to this bucket-list destination. Here's what you need to know before you book:

• There are no onboard casinos: This is the biggest shock for casino loyalists. Due to strict Ecuadorian environmental laws and the small size of these expedition vessels, you won't find a single slot machine or blackjack table on board. If you're someone who needs to hear the sounds of the casino floor to enjoy a vacation, this might not be the trip for you.
• Comp offers are extremely rare: Because these ships only hold a maximum of 100 guests and demand is incredibly high, you won't usually see Galapagos sailings pop up on your complimentary cruise offer lists.
• Leverage your loyalty status: Even though you can't play on board, don't forget that Celebrity and Royal Caribbean share a loyalty reciprocity program. It's always smart to call the Blue Chip Club (Celebrity's casino program) or your casino host to see if they can apply any tier-based discounts or special rates to an expedition booking.
• You won't be earning tier points: Since there's no casino play, you won't be racking up points toward your next Casino Royale tier status on this sailing. You'll want to make sure you've secured your preferred status on traditional ships earlier in the year.

The Takeaway

A Galapagos cruise isn't the place to chase free play or earn your next tier level. But if you're ready to trade the casino lights for up-close encounters with marine iguanas and giant tortoises, it's an unforgettable adventure that's worth every penny.