Forget everything you know about bingo night at the local community center. Cruise ship bingo is a whole different thing.
I understand that for beginning cruisers or those who don’t play bingo often, it can be a bit confusing, so I thought I would write a guide to help you really understand how it works.
Here are 7 things I wish someone had told me before I walked into my first game.
It’s Going to Cost You More Than You Think
I thought cruise bingo would be like the $2 games you see on land… but I was way off.
Expect to pay at least between $20 to $30 for a card.
In addition, some cruise lines don’t sell single cards, so you’ll be buying packages with multiple cards or for multiple games (which will often save you money).
For example, I’ve seen packages range from $29 for three cards on Royal Caribbean to $79 for premium packages on Norwegian, or a package on Carnival with 11 cards, 2 scratchers and 1 dauber for $58.
The price difference may be shocking, but remember, higher buy-ins mean bigger prizes.
Paper vs. Electronic Cards
Here’s where strategy comes in. Some lines use only paper cards, while others, such as Royal Caribbean, offer electronic cards in addition to the standard paper variety.
Paper cards usually consist of 3 separate boxes and thus give three chances to win, as you can see from the picture below.
The electronic versions are usually more expensive, but because they also mark off spaces automatically when the corresponding numbers are called, they aren’t as interactive as the paper cards.
I always prefer paper since there’s something satisfying about that old-school dauber action. Plus, electronic cards can malfunction at the worst possible moment.
The Competition Gets Fierce (Really Fierce)
Cruise bingo attracts some seriously dedicated players. I’ve watched grandmothers glare daggers at teenagers and seen grown men celebrate victories like they’d won the Super Bowl.
Don’t be surprised when players stand up if they’re one number away from winning. It’s a tradition. Even though it basically puts a target on their back.
You Can Actually Win Good Money
Unlike those $100 prizes at your local church bingo, cruise prizes are more substantial.
I’ve seen jackpots reach $5000 or more on a busy cruise. The typical structure involves smaller prizes ($100-$500) for early games, building up to a massive final jackpot.
Some lines even offer non-cash prizes, such as spa treatments, shore excursions, or free cruises.
The grand prize usually requires getting bingo within a certain number of calls. It’s 45 numbers on Carnival, challenging but not impossible.
And if you’re wondering why the entry fees are so high, it’s because they directly fund these impressive payouts.
Age Doesn’t Matter, But Money Does
Since someone asked me, yes, kids can attend and play along, but obviously they can’t buy cards or claim prizes. That requires being 18 or older.
I’ve seen families make it a group activity, however, with parents buying cards and kids helping spot numbers.
It’s one of the few “gambling” activities on cruise ships where the whole family can participate together. Just remember, if a junior gets bingo, Mom or Dad needs to be there to collect the winnings.
Know the Games Before You Play
Most cruise bingo follows a three-game format. Game one is usually straight-line bingo (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal). Game two often involves four corners.
The final jackpot game is typically blackout (covering your entire card). Each game uses different colored cards, so pay attention to which color you’re supposed to be using.
I once spent an entire game marking the wrong color card and didn’t realize until it was over. So, be sure to learn the patterns beforehand to avoid such a rookie mistake.
Also Read: 10 Things I Wish I Knew as a Cruise Rookie
Set Your Budget and Stick to It
Bingo can become addictive quickly, especially when you’re close to winning. I’ve watched people spend hundreds chasing that jackpot, buying additional cards, or attending multiple sessions per day.
All I can tell you is to decide your budget before the start of your cruise and stick to it. The adrenaline rush of being one number away from winning can cloud your judgment faster than you’d expect.
The same applies to the cruise ship’s casino. Set a budget and remember to check the 5 Things You Need to Know Before Playing at the Cruise Casino.
Don’t Clear Your Card
The last thing I wanna say is that you shouldn’t clear your card just because someone yells “BINGO!“
Always wait for official verification. Also, pay attention to promotions. Some lines offer raffle tickets or bonuses for purchasing certain packages. It’s an extra chance to win beyond the main games.
In addition, if your goal is to win a cruise, I recommend reading the guide on How You Can Win a Free Cruise at the Cruise Casino.
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