Gambling on cruise ships off the coast (Belize)

Shortly

Casinos on cruise ships calling at Belize are usually closed at port and open at sea when the ship is out of territorial waters (typically 12 nautical miles offshore; Belize has a 12-mile rule with a separate clause in the south). Therefore, you can play in the evening/night after leaving or on "sea days."

1) Why casinos are closed at the port

The legal logic is simple: as long as the liner is within the territorial sea of ​ ​ the state, the laws of that state apply to it; outside it, the right of the flag State of the vessel shall apply. " To avoid conflicts of norms, cruises traditionally only open casinos beyond 12nm.

For Belize, this is recorded in the Maritime Areas Act: the territorial sea is usually 12 nautical miles from the original line (there is a special 3-mile exception at the site in the south, but the general rule is 12 nm).

2) What it looks like in practice

Belize City (port-transit/tender): While the ship is at the raid and passengers are delivered by tender, the casino is closed; duty free trading and on-board stores are also generally out of service. Once anchored and released beyond 12nm, the casino opens.

Harvest Caye (NCL private island): This is the Norwegian Cruise Line resort island; during parking, guests rest on the shore, and the casino on board, as a rule, opens already at sea after departure. The island itself - beach, lagoon, activity; not "casino-port."

Exceptions for other ports in the region: sometimes there are reports that somewhere casinos could operate at the pier, but this is tied to local agreements/rules and policies of a particular line; the basic industry rule is "only at sea." Always focus on the program diary and on-board announcements.

3) When exactly "the sea opens"

The score starts from the starting line of the coast: after ~ 12 nautical miles (≈22 km), the liner leaves the territorial sea of ​ ​ Belize, and the on-board casino can open (the exact time is determined by the officer team and company policy). General reference on the law of the sea and "12 nm" - in the sources below.

4) Practical advice to the player

Plan "sea evenings." In the parking lots in Belize, count on the game after the departure or on "sea day." The daily program will tell you the opening time. The general rule of the industry: the port is closed - the sea is open.

Harvest Caye ≠ a port casino. This is NCL beach resort: beach, pools, zip line, snorkeling. Casinos - on the ship and, as a rule, after going to sea.

Belize City - Tender Port Consider disembarkation/boarding times; casinos and on-board stores are usually closed until departure.

Age and lineage rules. The age of admission and limits depend on the cruise company and the ship's flag; clarify in the terms of your line (there is no universal "Belizean" rule for on-board casinos - the right of the flag/company policy applies). A common industry explanation is in the CruiseCritic guide.

Responsible play. Responsible Gaming policies apply on board; bar and casino nearby - plan your budget and limits in advance. (An overview of enforcement in international waters is in The Guardian.)

5) FAQ

Will the casino open if the liner is anchored near the shore?

No, it isn't. While the ship is within 12 nm of the coast of Belize, Belize law applies - the casino is closed. They will open after going beyond the border of the territorial sea.

Does the casino work on a private island (Harvest Caye)?

The game is on board, not on the island. Opening - after departure and going to sea.

Why do some reviews write that they played somewhere in the port?

Sometimes this is due to other countries and special permits/agreements or outdated cases. The basic industry rule confirms that the port is usually closed, open at sea. Check the current program of the day on your flight.

Off the coast of Belize, cruise ship casinos are an evening of "maritime" activity: wait for 12 nautical miles to leave and the halls will start working. In the port, focus on coastal activities (Belize City, Harvest Caye), and plan the game for the evening - when the liner returns to international waters.

Sources: Belize Maritime Zones Act and clarifications on casino operations on cruises (key publications below).