Inside Life as a Casino Manager on a Luxury Cruise Ship
In the latest edition of Crews on Cruise, we highlight the individuals who work behind the scenes on remarkable journeys ranging from bartenders and entertainers to ship captains and expedition leaders.
Josh Simonetti's initial 25 years were spent primarily within the Delaware Valley, where vacations were limited to local shore visits, leaving the broader world feeling somewhat distant. His perspective shifted dramatically after securing a position as a card dealer in a Philadelphia-area casino shortly after Pennsylvania legalized table games. This experience opened his eyes to the global presence of casinos and the possibilities beyond his local confines.
Simonetti began his tenure with Crystal Cruises in 2014, equipped with a passport for the first time as he embarked on his inaugural contract in Reykjavík just before turning 26. Within six months, he explored approximately 43 countries. Following a brief return to land-based casinos during the pandemic in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Las Vegas, Simonetti has rejoined the sea, now overseeing his 14th contract with Crystal, having visited 116 countries, many multiple times.
Currently serving as the casino manager aboard Crystal Serenity, he supervises the exclusive Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea, a sophisticated, chandelier-lit environment that embodies the elegance of Monaco in a relaxed atmosphere. This approach aligns with Crystal's philosophy—an ultra-luxury line acquired by Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group in 2022, which recently underwent a $170 million refurbishment of its two ocean vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.
Catering to fewer than 750 guests with a near one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio, Crystal fosters a culture oriented around enrichment—offering experiences such as PGA-level golf instruction and lectures from astronauts and comedy writers. This ethos extends to the casino, where Simonetti and his diverse team focus on creating an enjoyable experience devoid of pressure. "Nobody’s trying to pay off their mortgage on their cruise winnings," Simonetti observes. "It’s entertainment. We want people to have fun."
Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to speak with Simonetti at his home in Las Vegas about his favorite Norwegian fjord town, his efforts to make novice card players comfortable, and the experience of securing a bronze medal in the Crew Olympics.
What does a typical day on the job look like?
“In the casino, operations are contingent on our location; we can’t commence activities until we are in international waters or a certain distance from land. Consequently, port days often involve catching up on rest or exploring the local area. Approaching my 14th contract, I occasionally think, Maybe I’ll just stay on board today. However, I remind myself that my purpose here is to experience these port cities. Even if I’ve visited a location numerous times, I make it a point to go out, even if it’s just for coffee and a stroll. Once we set sail, preparations for the night begin. The casino typically opens at 7 p.m., allowing time for dinner before we embark on a busy evening.
On sea days, operations differ. We usually activate slot machines at 10 a.m. and commence table games around 1 p.m., offering blackjack, roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em, three-card poker, and tournaments. As guests prepare for dinner, we pause table games to allow our team to dine, refresh, and prepare to welcome guests again by 8 p.m., engaging them until they retire for the night.”
What is your favorite part about this job?
“What truly resonates with me is when repeat guests return—they remember our names, and we recall theirs. Additionally, we form connections with world cruisers—approximately 120 individuals who travel with us for four months. By the voyage's conclusion, it feels like we've developed a genuine community.”
What is the most challenging part about working at sea?
“Being away from home, particularly during the holidays, presents challenges. Though I don’t have children, I often experience the fear of missing out. My college friends organize an annual trip to different cities for Eagles games, and they cannot accommodate my work schedule. Sometimes it aligns; other times, I miss out. Life has its complexities, right? Thanks to FaceTime and Instagram, I can share my experiences with them, which helps bridge the distance.”
What is the coolest or weirdest thing about living on a ship?
“The most unusual aspect for me is the downtime. I am inherently a go-go-go person, so I often feel uncertain about how to occupy myself while at sea. It can be odd not to simply drive somewhere whenever I wish.
Being away from sports that I cherish—football, basketball, baseball, golf—also feels strange. I enjoy watching Eagles games with friends, and missing those experiences hits hard. For big events, I have even had my sister FaceTime me while the game is on so I can watch it on my phone.”
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled so far?
“Iceland holds a special place in my heart since it was my first international destination, but my favorite small port is Geiranger, Norway. I prefer natural scenery over bustling cities. Navigating through the Norwegian fjords and arriving at this quaint town—surrounded by towering mountains and waterfalls—is simply breathtaking.
As an avid golfer, I bring my clubs along and strive to play whenever possible. I’ve had the opportunity to play in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost golf course in the world, as well as at night in Dubai due to the daytime heat, and even under the midnight sun in Reykjavík.”
What is your favorite place to hang out on board the ship?
“If there's a game on, my go-to spot is definitely my cabi.
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