Gambling cruises are becoming increasingly popular, especially for the traveler who likes to combine sightseeing with gambling. At some major ports like New York City, gambling boats take short daily excursions; for legal reasons, gambling on these ships doesn't start until the vessel crosses into international waters, a few miles off the coast. Larger cruise lines also offer standard three-, four-, and seven-day cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska that include gambling among the shipboard amenities. Some cruises specialize in specific games, such as poker, slots, or bingo, and offer special tournaments for their guests.

You can find gambling cruises by surfing the Internet or checking with your travel agent. Cruise prices are usually based on double occupancy and, depending on the time of year, may require reservations well in advance. For cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico, the peak season typically runs from about November through March; you might get a better deal by planning your cruise for the summer months. On the other hand, summer usually is peak season for Alaska cruises, and rates are usually lower for November or February cruises.