Smoking is banned in most indoor spaces on cruise ships, but designated outdoor areas exist on every major cruise line
Nearly every cruise line prohibits smoking inside cabins, dining rooms, theaters, corridors, and public indoor spaces. The ban covers cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes (vaping). However, you are permitted to smoke in specific outdoor deck areas that each cruise line designates — usually a section of the pool deck or a dedicated smoking lounge on an upper deck. The exact location and size of these areas vary by ship and cruise line.
If you smoke in a prohibited area, you will face a fine — typically $250 per violation on major lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line. A second violation can result in removal from the ship at the next port. These policies are enforced by crew members and other passengers, so violations are commonly reported.
Key Takeaways
- Smoking is prohibited in all cabins, dining areas, theaters, corridors, and most indoor public spaces on cruise ships.
- Each cruise line designates specific outdoor deck areas where smoking is allowed, usually marked with signage.
- Violations result in fines starting at $250 and can lead to removal from the ship if repeated.
- Electronic cigarettes and vaping are treated the same as traditional cigarettes under most cruise line policies.
- Designated smoking areas are typically less crowded during dining hours and late evening.
Where smoking is allowed on deck
Designated smoking areas are located on outdoor decks and are clearly marked with signage. On most ships, you will find a smoking section on the pool deck, often separated from the main pool area by a rope or barrier. Some larger ships have a dedicated smoking lounge on an upper deck with seating and ashtrays. The exact deck number and location differ by ship, so check your cruise line's website or ask at guest services when you board.
These outdoor areas are open during all hours, though crew members may close them temporarily during severe weather. If you are a regular smoker, visit the area during your first day aboard to locate it and understand the boundaries. Smoking outside the designated zone — even on a balcony cabin — is a violation and will result in a fine.
Smoking rules for your cabin and balcony
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all cabins, including balcony cabins. This applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes. The ban covers the interior of your cabin and your private balcony. Cruise lines enforce this rule through housekeeping inspections and smoke detectors; if evidence of smoking is found, you will be charged a deep-cleaning fee of $250 to $500 in addition to any smoking violation fine.
Some cruise lines offer designated smoking cabins on select ships, but these are rare and must be requested at booking. Even in a smoking cabin, you cannot smoke on the balcony — smoking is permitted only inside that specific cabin. If you are unsure whether your cabin is designated for smoking, contact the cruise line before your voyage or ask at check-in.
Vaping and electronic cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products are treated identically to traditional cigarettes under cruise line policies. They are banned in cabins, balconies, and all indoor spaces. You may use them only in the designated outdoor smoking area. This includes devices that produce no visible vapor — the ban applies to all forms of nicotine delivery except traditional cigarettes in the designated deck area.
Violating the vaping ban carries the same $250 fine as smoking a traditional cigarette. Some cruise lines have added vaping to their cabin smoking detection systems, so violations are often caught during housekeeping inspections.
Policies by major cruise line
| Cruise Line | Cabin Smoking | Designated Deck Area | First Violation Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | Prohibited (including balcony) | Yes, marked on pool deck | $250 |
| Royal Caribbean | Prohibited (including balcony) | Yes, varies by ship | $250 |
| Disney Cruise Line | Prohibited (including balcony) | Yes, designated area on deck | $250 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Prohibited (including balcony) | Yes, smoking lounge on select ships | $250 |
| Princess Cruises | Prohibited (including balcony) | Yes, designated outdoor area | $250 |
All major cruise lines enforce similar policies, though the location and size of designated smoking areas vary by individual ship. Before booking, you can contact the cruise line directly to ask about the smoking area on your specific ship. Some ships have larger designated areas than others, which may matter if you smoke frequently.
What happens if you violate the smoking policy
The first violation results in a $250 fine charged to your onboard account. A crew member will document the violation and provide you with written notice. You will be required to acknowledge the policy and agree to comply for the remainder of your cruise.
A second violation typically results in removal from the ship at the next port of call. You will not receive a refund for the remainder of your cruise, and you may be banned from future sailings with that cruise line. Some cruise lines have stated they will pursue legal action against passengers who repeatedly violate the smoking ban, though this is rare.
Tips for smoking on a cruise
Locate the designated smoking area during your first day aboard and note the exact boundaries. Crew members are strict about enforcement, and the boundaries are often narrower than you might expect. Avoid smoking near other passengers or in areas that appear to be non-smoking, even if no signage is when ready visible.
If you are a heavy smoker, plan your schedule around access to the deck. Designated areas can become crowded during certain times, particularly in the evening. Early morning and late night are typically quieter. Bring your own ashtrays or use the ones provided in the designated area — do not dispose of cigarette butts in trash cans or throw them overboard, as this violates maritime environmental regulations and can result in additional fines.
If you are traveling with non-smoking family members or friends, be aware that secondhand smoke in the designated area may affect them. Some cruise lines have expanded their designated smoking areas in response to passenger complaints, so the area may be larger or more isolated than on older ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on my balcony cabin?
No. Smoking is prohibited on all balconies, even in designated smoking cabins. You can smoke only in the designated outdoor deck area or, on rare ships with designated smoking cabins, inside that specific cabin only. Balcony smoking will result in a $250 fine plus a deep-cleaning fee.
What if I smoke in my cabin and no one catches me?
Housekeeping inspects cabins daily and uses smoke detectors and visual inspection to identify violations. If evidence of smoking is found, you will be charged a deep-cleaning fee of $250 to $500 plus a smoking violation fine. The charge appears on your final bill before you disembark.
Are there any cruise lines that allow smoking in cabins?
A very small number of designated smoking cabins exist on select ships, but they must be requested at booking and are not available on all cruise lines or ships. Even in a smoking cabin, you cannot smoke on the balcony. Contact your cruise line before booking if this is important to you.
Can I use a vape pen in my cabin?
No. Electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products are banned in all cabins and balconies. They are treated identically to traditional cigarettes and can only be used in the designated outdoor smoking area. Violations carry the same $250 fine.
What if the designated smoking area is too crowded?
You must wait for the area to clear or use it during a quieter time. Smoking outside the designated area — even on a less-crowded deck — is a violation. If you have concerns about the size or location of the smoking area, contact guest services; they cannot move the area, but they can confirm its exact location and hours.