Welcome to Blue Water Trip, your Australian guide to cruise holidays. Explore editorial reviews of ships, cabins, dining, entertainment, and onboard facilities, plus detailed coverage of physical shipboard casinos.
Latest from the Deck: explore our newest cruise ship reviews and travel stories from the high seas.
Modern cruise ships are designed around outdoor living. From multi-level pool decks to shaded loungers and swim-up bars, the top deck becomes the social heart of the ship. Our latest review looks at how different lines use deck space, what to expect on sea days, and how to find a quiet corner when you want one.
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Your cabin is more than a place to sleep. Interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite categories each offer a different experience, and the right choice depends on your budget, itinerary, and travel style. We break down the trade-offs and share practical tips for selecting a cabin that matches the way you like to cruise.
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Cruise dining has evolved well beyond the traditional buffet. Main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, casual cafes, and room service now sit alongside poolside grills and healthy options. Our dining guides explain how each venue works, what is included in your fare, and how to plan memorable meals without missing the sunset.
Read moreFrom cosy interior rooms to lavish suites with private balconies, cruise accommodation covers a wide range of styles and budgets. Interior cabins offer excellent value for travellers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship. Oceanview cabins add natural light and a window to the sea. Balcony cabins provide private outdoor space, while suites add extra room, priority services, and premium amenities.
Location matters as much as category. Cabins near the centre of the ship tend to feel more stable in rough seas, while those near lifts and stairs offer convenience. If you are a light sleeper, check what is above and below your cabin before booking. Our detailed cabin guides explain the features, typical sizes, and best locations for every category.
From casual buffet spreads to intimate specialty restaurants, cruise dining offers something for every palate. Main dining rooms serve multi-course meals with rotating menus, while buffets provide flexibility for families and busy port days. Specialty venues focus on cuisines such as Italian, Asian, steakhouse, or seafood, often with a small cover charge.
Dining times and dress codes vary by ship and venue. Many lines now offer flexible dining, allowing you to choose when and where you eat each evening. Families appreciate early seatings and kid-friendly menus, while couples may prefer a quiet table for two. Our dining guides cover sample menus, cuisine styles, and practical tips for every type of traveller.
View dining guidesCruise ships are floating entertainment hubs. Broadway-style productions, live bands, comedians, and acrobatic performances fill the main theatre each evening. Bars and lounges host everything from piano singalongs to late-night DJ sets, while outdoor movie screens and deck parties add to the fun.
Families will find dedicated kids' clubs, game shows, and poolside activities, while adults can enjoy quieter lounges, enrichment talks, and themed events. Most entertainment is included in your cruise fare, although some specialty shows or experiences may require reservations. Our entertainment guides help you plan your evenings and discover hidden gems onboard.
Explore entertainment
From sunrise yoga to late-night stargazing, a day at sea has its own rhythm. Pools, fitness centres, spas, sports courts, and walking tracks keep you active, while libraries, art galleries, and quiet lounges offer space to relax. Daily programs list dozens of activities, from trivia and dance classes to wine tastings and cooking demonstrations.
Sea days are the perfect time to try something new or simply unwind with a book and an ocean view. Our onboard life guides explain the facilities you can expect, how to make the most of sea days, and tips for balancing activity with rest. Whether you are travelling with kids, as a couple, or solo, there is always something to suit your pace.
See facilitiesMany cruise ships feature elegant casinos with a range of table games and slot machines. These are physical venues, typically located on a dedicated deck and open only while the ship is at sea. You will find classics such as poker, roulette, blackjack, and a variety of slot machines, all operated by professional dealers and staff.
The atmosphere is sophisticated and social, with dress codes that range from smart casual to formal depending on the ship and time of day. Casino etiquette is similar to land-based venues: know the rules, respect the dealers and other players, and set a budget before you play. Important: shipboard casinos operate only in international waters and are closed while the ship is in port.
Discover casinos
Poker is a highlight of many shipboard casinos. Texas Hold'em is the most common format, with cash games and scheduled tournaments throughout the cruise. Caribbean Stud and other table poker variants may also appear, often with a progressive jackpot. Buy-ins and table limits vary by ship and sailing, so it is worth checking the daily casino schedule.
Beginners are usually welcome, and many ships offer short lessons before tournaments. Basic etiquette includes acting in turn, keeping cards visible, and not discussing your hand during play. Our poker guides explain the rules, typical tournament structures, and tips for playing confidently at sea.
Learn pokerRoulette is a classic casino game found on many cruise ships, offering simple rules and exciting play. The two main versions are American roulette, with a double zero, and European roulette, with a single zero. European roulette generally offers better odds for players because the house edge is lower.
Bets range from simple red or black and odd or even to specific numbers and combinations. Minimum bets vary by table and time of day, with lower limits often available earlier in the evening. Casino etiquette is straightforward: place your bets before the dealer calls no more bets, and avoid touching chips after the ball has landed. Our roulette guide covers the rules, payouts, and what to expect at a shipboard table.
Roulette guide
Blackjack is a favourite among cruise passengers for its blend of luck and strategy. The objective is simple: get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Number cards are worth their face value, face cards are worth 10, and aces can be 1 or 11. Each player competes against the dealer, not against other players.
Basic strategy can significantly reduce the house edge, and many players enjoy learning the optimal plays for each hand. Table limits and rules vary, so check the felt before you sit down. Etiquette includes using hand signals for hit and stand, keeping cards above the table, and not touching your bet once the hand begins. Our blackjack guide explains the rules, common strategies, and tips for playing at sea.
Blackjack guideUse our guides and tips to plan the perfect cruise holiday. Start by choosing a destination and travel season, then compare ships and itineraries. Once you have selected a sailing, book your cabin category early to secure the best location and price. Plan onboard activities in advance, especially for popular shows, specialty dining, and spa treatments.
First-time cruisers will find checklists covering documents, packing, embarkation, and onboard budgeting. Our detailed section guides walk you through every step, from understanding cabin types to exploring dining and entertainment options. With a little preparation, you can board with confidence and focus on enjoying the journey.
