Smoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas on most cruise ships
You are not allowed to smoke in your cabin, dining rooms, theaters, corridors, or any indoor public space on a cruise ship. Nearly every major cruise line — including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Norwegian — bans smoking indoors entirely. The only places you can smoke are specific outdoor deck areas that the cruise line has marked for smokers, and these areas vary by ship and cruise line.
The ban applies to all tobacco products: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes (vaping). Some cruise lines treat e-cigarettes the same as traditional cigarettes and restrict them to the same outdoor zones. Others prohibit vaping indoors but allow it in designated smoking areas. You need to check your specific cruise line's policy before you board, because the rules differ.
Violating the smoking policy can result in fines ranging from $250 to $500 per violation, depending on the cruise line. Repeat violations may lead to removal from the ship at the next port, and you will not receive a refund. The cruise line takes these rules seriously because smoke travels through ventilation systems and affects other passengers.
Key Takeaways
- Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of cruise ships, including cabins, restaurants, theaters, and hallways.
- You can smoke only in designated outdoor deck areas, which are clearly marked and vary by ship.
- Electronic cigarettes are treated like traditional cigarettes on most cruise lines and are restricted to the same outdoor zones.
- Smoking in prohibited areas can result in fines of $250 to $500 per violation and potential removal from the ship.
- Each cruise line has slightly different smoking policies, so review your cruise line's rules before boarding.
Where designated smoking areas are located on deck
Designated smoking areas are typically found on open-air decks, away from main passenger traffic. On most ships, you will find a smoking section on the aft (rear) deck, often near the pool area or a quieter upper deck. Some ships have multiple smoking zones to spread out smokers and minimize smoke drift into non-smoking areas.
The exact location depends on the ship's design and the cruise line's layout. When you board, your cabin key card or welcome packet usually includes a map showing where smoking is permitted. If you do not see this information, ask at the guest services desk — staff can point you to the nearest smoking area and tell you the hours it is available.
Smoking areas are typically open during the same hours as the rest of the ship, though some cruise lines may restrict smoking during certain times, such as early morning or late night. Check the daily program or ask staff about specific hours if you need to know when you can smoke.
Cabin smoking policies and penalties
Smoking in your cabin is strictly prohibited on all major cruise lines. If you smoke in your cabin, the cruise line will charge you a deep-cleaning fee, which typically ranges from $250 to $500. This fee is separate from any smoking violation fine, so you could face both charges.
Cruise lines detect cabin smoking through smoke detectors and staff inspections. Some ships also use electronic sensors that alert crew when smoke is detected. Even if you think no one will notice, the smell lingers and housekeeping will report it. The charge appears on your onboard account before you disembark, and you must pay it before leaving the ship.
If you are caught smoking in a cabin multiple times during the same cruise, the cruise line may confiscate your key card and escort you to a designated area or remove you from the ship at the next port. This is rare but does happen, and you will not receive a refund for the remainder of your cruise.
How cruise lines enforce smoking rules
Cruise line staff monitor smoking areas and public spaces regularly. Crew members are trained to approach passengers smoking in prohibited areas and remind them of the policy. If you are smoking where you should not be, a staff member will politely ask you to move to a designated area or extinguish your cigarette.
If you refuse to comply or are caught smoking in prohibited areas more than once, the crew will issue a formal warning and explain the fine structure. Repeat violations result in escalating fines and potential removal from the ship. The cruise line documents each incident in your onboard account.
Passengers also report violations, and crew takes these reports seriously. If another guest complains about smoke in a neighboring cabin or in a public space, staff will investigate and take action if the report is valid.
Differences between cruise lines and their smoking policies
Carnival Cruise Line designates specific outdoor areas for smoking and prohibits smoking in all cabins and indoor spaces. Vaping is treated the same as smoking and is restricted to the same outdoor zones.
Royal Caribbean has similar rules: smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas, and smoking in a cabin results in a $250 cleaning fee plus potential fines. Vaping is prohibited indoors but allowed in designated smoking areas.
Disney Cruise Line has one of the strictest policies: smoking is prohibited in all cabins and indoor areas. Designated smoking areas are limited and clearly marked. Vaping is also prohibited in indoor spaces and cabins.
Norwegian Cruise Line allows smoking in designated outdoor areas and some cabins designated as smoking cabins (on select ships). However, most cabins are non-smoking, and smoking in a non-smoking cabin results in a $250 fee. Vaping is prohibited in cabins and most indoor areas.
Before you book, check your cruise line's website or call their customer service to confirm the specific smoking policy for your ship. Policies can change, and some ships within the same cruise line may have different rules.
What to do if you need to smoke during your cruise
Plan your smoking around the ship's schedule. Designated smoking areas are usually accessible during daytime and evening hours, though some may close late at night. If you smoke regularly, budget time to visit the smoking deck several times per day.
Bring enough cigarettes or tobacco for your entire cruise. While some ships have shops that sell tobacco products, prices are significantly higher than on land, and selection may be limited. Purchasing tobacco at ports may also be subject to local laws and customs regulations.
Be respectful of other passengers in designated smoking areas. Keep your smoking contained to the marked zone, and do not smoke near railings where smoke can drift into cabins or other areas. Dispose of cigarette butts in the provided receptacles, not overboard.
If you are traveling with non-smokers, discuss the smoking policy before the cruise so everyone knows what to expect. If you are concerned about smoke in your cabin from neighboring cabins, inform guest services when ready, and they can move you or address the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke in my cabin if I book a smoking cabin?
Only Norwegian Cruise Line offers designated smoking cabins on some ships, and even then, smoking is restricted to specific cabins. Most cruise lines prohibit smoking in all cabins, including those booked by smokers. Check your cruise line's policy when you book, as smoking cabin availability is limited and may not be available on all ships.
What happens if I vape instead of smoke?
Most cruise lines treat vaping the same as smoking and restrict it to designated outdoor areas. Some cruise lines prohibit vaping in cabins and indoor spaces but allow it in designated smoking zones. A few cruise lines prohibit vaping entirely. Check your cruise line's specific policy before boarding, as rules vary.
Can I smoke on the balcony of my cabin?
No. Smoking on your cabin balcony is prohibited on all major cruise lines, even if you have a private balcony. Smoke drifts into neighboring cabins and violates the policy. Smoking on a balcony results in the same fines and cleaning charges as smoking inside your cabin.
What if I smoke and get caught multiple times?
The first violation typically results in a warning and a fine of $250 to $500. Subsequent violations incur additional fines and may result in removal from the ship at the next port without a refund. The cruise line documents all violations on your account.
Are there any cruise lines that allow smoking indoors?
No. All major cruise lines prohibit smoking in indoor areas and cabins. Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor deck areas. If you need to smoke frequently, plan your time around visiting these outdoor zones during your cruise.