Most cruise lines allow smoking only in designated outdoor areas and a few indoor lounges
Smoking is permitted on most cruise ships, but only in specific locations set by each cruise line. You cannot smoke in your cabin, on your balcony, in dining rooms, theaters, or most public spaces. The allowed areas are almost always outdoors on deck or in one or two enclosed lounges designed for smokers — and those lounges are rare on newer ships.
The rules vary by cruise line and by ship within the same line. A ship built in 2010 may have a smoking lounge; a newer ship from the same company might not. Before you book, check the specific ship's smoking policy on the cruise line's website, not just the company's general policy. The difference matters if smoking access is important to your trip.
Key Takeaways
- Smoking is banned in all cabins and balconies on every major cruise line, with no exceptions.
- Outdoor deck areas designated for smoking are the most common place to smoke, though their size and location vary by ship.
- A few cruise lines maintain one or two indoor smoking lounges, but these are becoming less common on newer vessels.
- Violating the smoking policy in your cabin can result in a cleaning fee of $250 to $500 charged to your account.
- Each cruise line publishes its smoking rules before you book; check the specific ship's policy, not just the company's general rules.
Designated outdoor smoking areas on deck
The primary smoking area on most ships is an outdoor deck space, usually roped off or marked with signage. These areas are typically located away from the main pool deck and dining areas. On larger ships, there may be more than one outdoor smoking zone — one near the front of the ship and one near the back, for example.
The size and comfort of these areas varies widely. Some ships have covered outdoor smoking areas with seating; others have only a small open railing where you stand. Weather affects usability — in rough seas or cold climates, an outdoor smoking area may be uncomfortable or even closed temporarily for safety. If you are cruising in Alaska or Northern Europe in winter, outdoor smoking may not be practical.
Indoor smoking lounges, where they still exist
Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line each maintain one or two indoor smoking lounges on some of their ships, but not all. These lounges are separate rooms with ventilation systems, usually located away from main passenger areas. They are not common on ships built after 2015.
If an indoor lounge exists on your ship, it is typically open during set hours — often in the evening — and may have a bar or seating. However, do not assume your ship has one. Check the specific ship's deck plan and smoking policy before you board. Many passengers discover the lounge does not exist on their particular vessel only after arriving at the port.
What happens if you smoke in your cabin
Smoking in your cabin is strictly prohibited on all major cruise lines. If crew members detect smoke or smell smoke in your room, you will be charged a deep cleaning fee. This fee ranges from $250 to $500, depending on the cruise line, and is automatically added to your onboard account before you disembark.
The charge applies even if you smoked only once or for a few minutes. Some cruise lines use smoke detectors; others rely on crew inspections and passenger reports. If you are caught smoking in your cabin, you may also be asked to vacate the room or face further penalties. The policy is enforced consistently across all cruise lines.
Smoking rules by major cruise line
| Cruise Line | Cabin Smoking | Balcony Smoking | Outdoor Deck Areas | Indoor Lounges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Banned | Banned | Yes, designated areas | Yes, on some ships |
| Royal Caribbean | Banned | Banned | Yes, designated areas | Yes, on some ships |
| Disney Cruise Line | Banned | Banned | Yes, designated areas | Yes, on some ships |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Banned | Banned | Yes, designated areas | No |
| Princess Cruises | Banned | Banned | Yes, designated areas | No |
All major cruise lines enforce the same rule in cabins and on balconies: smoking is not permitted. The differences appear in outdoor deck areas and indoor lounges. Norwegian and Princess do not maintain indoor smoking lounges on any ship. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney have them on some older vessels but not on newer ones.
Smaller cruise lines and river cruise operators often have stricter policies. Some river cruises ban smoking entirely except in one small outdoor area. Check your specific cruise line's website for the exact rules on the ship you are booked on.
How to find your ship's smoking policy before you book
Visit your cruise line's website and search for "smoking policy" or "guest conduct." Most cruise lines publish a PDF document listing all rules, including where smoking is and is not allowed. Look for the specific ship name, not just the ship class — two ships of the same class may have different smoking areas if one was renovated.
The deck plan, available on the cruise line's website, sometimes marks smoking areas with a cigarette symbol. If the deck plan does not show smoking zones clearly, contact the cruise line directly by phone or email and ask which outdoor areas and indoor lounges (if any) are designated for smoking on your specific ship. Cruise line customer service can answer this question in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on my balcony if the door is closed?
No. All major cruise lines ban smoking on balconies, even with the door closed. Smoke travels between cabins and balconies, and crew members can smell it from adjacent rooms. The rule is enforced the same way as cabin smoking — with a cleaning fee if detected.
What if I use a vaping device instead of cigarettes?
Vaping is treated the same as smoking on most cruise ships. It is banned in cabins, on balconies, and in most indoor spaces. Designated outdoor smoking areas usually permit vaping, and some ships have separate vaping zones. Check your cruise line's specific policy, as rules for vaping vary more than rules for traditional cigarettes.
Are there smoking areas in the casino or nightclubs?
Casinos on cruise ships are often exempt from smoking bans because they operate under maritime law rather than U.S. state law. Many ship casinos allow smoking, though ventilation varies. Nightclubs and bars do not permit smoking indoors. Ask at the casino when you board if smoking is allowed there.
What if I book a smoking cabin?
Cruise lines do not offer smoking cabins. All cabins are non-smoking, with no exceptions. If you see an advertisement for a smoking cabin, it is either outdated or from a third-party seller and does not reflect current policy. Your only option is to use the designated outdoor and indoor smoking areas.
Do I need to tell the cruise line I smoke before I board?
No. You do not need to notify the cruise line in advance. straightforward use the designated smoking areas during your cruise. If you smoke in your cabin, the fee will be charged to your account automatically.