Having the casino situated in a main thoroughfare may have been brilliant planning years ago, but since the casino is one of the few places to smoke onboard, it's a given that smoke is a problem, and I don't like seeing children having to traverse the casino just to get past it. It also means lots of smokers claim seats but don't play. There's got to be a better way.
My biggest concern is with the slot selection. I don't play penny slots. I prefer the "old-fashioned" three reel slots, usually in $1 denominations. There aren't nearly enough slots of this type onboard. I usually find one or two machines, and I play those exclusively for the entire cruise. I know I can't be the only one who just doesn't care for all the bells and whistles and animations and stuff on the penny machines.
Casino staff are always friendly and helpful...when they are able to help. On every cruise, there are floorwalkers who, when asked for help or mechanical problems or whatever, don't have a clue. Are they just for security? Surveillance? I don't know, but anyone with a casino name tag or uniform should be able to answer questions or find someone who can.
Best part of playing in the casino is the drinks wait staff. They are prompt, courteous, remember your name and drink, and they watch the clock to know when your next drink is available (when you have DOU) so you don't have to. Outstanding service.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars - good experience generally, but still much room for improvement.