Royal Caribbean International has announced that its upcoming vessel, the Legend of the Seas, will feature the largest casino in its fleet—a two-story entertainment hub designed to transform the way guests experience gaming at sea. Alongside this bold move, the cruise line is also preparing to launch a Hollywood-inspired supper club, further underscoring its ambition to combine luxury, entertainment, and profit-driven innovations.
A First in Royal Caribbean’s Fleet: The Two-Story Casino
Royal Caribbean confirmed that Legend of the Seas, which is set to debut in summer 2026, will feature the cruise line’s first-ever two-deck casino.
Until now, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas—both highly publicized ships—offered single-deck casino layouts. By doubling the vertical footprint, the company is signaling how important gaming has become to its overall revenue model.
“Your next Icon Class casino is getting a major upgrade,” the cruise line stated in an exclusive email sent to its casino loyalty members.
Casino Design and Layout
Concept images reveal a spacious bar at the center of the lower level, flanked by a mix of table games and slot machines. The upper deck will primarily house slot machines, with a dedicated sports bar to attract fans looking for both gaming and live sports action.
Guests can move between levels via a central staircase as well as elevator access, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
This two-tier design gives the casino the feel of a land-based Las Vegas property, rather than just a corner of a cruise ship. For many high-rolling passengers, this upgrade provides the prestige and comfort they expect from a luxury holiday.
Why Casinos Are Becoming Central to Cruise Ship Design
Casinos have always been present on cruise ships, but historically, they were secondary attractions—a place to spend a little time in the evening. That has changed dramatically over the past decade.
Royal Caribbean, along with competitors like Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, has increasingly prioritized casino spaces because of the high revenue potential. Gambling at sea offers a tax advantage compared to land-based casinos, which translates into higher profitability for the cruise lines.
On Oasis Class ships, for instance, Royal Caribbean replaced the “Jazz on 4” clubs with non-smoking casino areas. Entire bars and nightclubs have also been converted into casino expansions, reflecting the rising demand from guests.
The success formula is clear: gamblers cruise longer, spend more, and return often.
Expanded Opportunities for Guests
The two-story layout also opens the door for new design possibilities:
- High-Roller Lounges: Exclusive areas for big spenders.
- Non-Smoking Sections: Catering to health-conscious travelers.
- Themed Sports Betting Bars: A growing trend, especially with the rise of legal sports betting in the United States.
- More Tournaments: Poker, blackjack, and slots competitions, potentially sponsored by major brands.
By integrating these features, Royal Caribbean is positioning itself not just as a cruise line but as a floating resort destination with the type of amenities typically found in cities like Las Vegas or Macau.
Location of the Casino on Legend of the Seas
According to early deck plans, the casino will be located across Decks 3 and 4. Current blueprints show a large unmarked space on Deck 3, strongly suggesting this will be converted into the new casino footprint.
The company has not yet confirmed whether the casino will expand into neighboring areas, but speculation among cruise enthusiasts suggests the new design could reduce or replace some entertainment lounges.
For detailed deck plans and upcoming updates, visit Royal Caribbean’s official site.
A New Entertainment Venue: Hollywoodland Supper Club
In addition to the casino expansion, Royal Caribbean has also filed a trademark application for a new supper club, to be called Hollywoodland Supper Club.
This venue will be the third in Royal Caribbean’s growing series of immersive supper clubs, following the Empire Supper Club in New York (featured on Icon of the Seas) and the Chicago-style supper club on Star of the Seas.
A Journey Through the Golden Age of Hollywood
The name “Hollywoodland” alludes to the original real estate development in Los Angeles that inspired the now-famous Hollywood Sign. This makes it likely that the venue will focus on the 1920s to 1960s golden era of cinema, complete with vintage décor, themed cocktails, and live performances.
Guests can expect:
- Classic Hollywood décor with art deco elements.
- Live musical performances echoing the glamour of the era.
- Themed food and cocktails inspired by California’s culinary heritage.
- Interactive entertainment, where guests may be part of the show.
This aligns with Royal Caribbean’s broader strategy of elevating dining experiences by making them part of the entertainment package.
Industry Context: Why Royal Caribbean is Doubling Down on Casinos and Supper Clubs
The cruise industry has been facing rising operational costs and fluctuating demand due to economic uncertainty. In this context, cruise lines are searching for ways to maximize onboard revenue streams.
Casinos are particularly attractive because:
- They require relatively low staffing compared to theaters.
- They generate consistent, high-margin revenue.
- They encourage repeat bookings from loyal gamblers.
At the same time, supper clubs and immersive dining experiences allow cruise lines to charge premium fees and differentiate themselves from competitors.
According to a Cruise Industry News report, onboard spending now accounts for nearly 40% of total revenue for major cruise lines, with casinos and specialty dining playing central roles.
What Passengers Can Expect on Legend of the Seas
When it launches, Legend of the Seas is expected to redefine luxury cruising by blending cutting-edge entertainment with classic experiences.
Key features likely include:
- Two-story casino with modern slot machines, table games, and a sports bar.
- Hollywoodland Supper Club featuring immersive dining and live entertainment.
- Enhanced family zones, including new water attractions.
- Expanded suites and luxury accommodations.
While the spotlight is currently on the casino and supper club, industry insiders believe the ship will also include sustainability upgrades, such as more efficient fuel systems and eco-friendly materials.
The Bigger Picture: The Future of Cruise Ship Entertainment
Royal Caribbean’s move reflects a larger industry trend toward turning cruise ships into floating cities, where entertainment and profit converge.
We may soon see:
- VR Casinos where guests can gamble in immersive digital environments.
- Celebrity-hosted poker tournaments at sea.
- Themed supper clubs tied to destinations (Paris, Havana, Tokyo).
- Hybrid casino-lounges, merging nightlife with gaming.
As passenger expectations evolve, so does the cruise experience. With Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean seems determined to stay at the cutting edge of both luxury cruising and revenue optimization.
Final Thoughts
The two-story casino on the upcoming Legend of the Seas marks a historic milestone for Royal Caribbean International. More than just a gaming hub, it represents the cruise line’s commitment to innovation, profitability, and guest experience.
Combined with the Hollywoodland Supper Club, this ship is poised to become a floating destination in its own right, attracting both seasoned cruisers and new guests eager to explore the evolving world of luxury at sea.
For travelers, the message is clear: if you’re looking for a cruise that combines glamour, entertainment, and world-class amenities, the Legend of the Seas will be a game-changer.
