Smoking is banned in most indoor spaces on cruise ships, but designated outdoor deck areas usually permit it
Nearly every major cruise line prohibits smoking inside cabins, dining rooms, theaters, casinos, and corridors. The ban extends to electronic cigarettes and vaping in these spaces on most lines. However, most cruise lines allow smoking in at least one outdoor area — typically a designated section of an upper deck or a dedicated smoking lounge on the pool deck.
The specific rules depend on which cruise line you book with and sometimes on the individual ship. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line each set their own policies, and those policies can differ between older and newer ships in the same fleet. Before you board, you should check your cruise line's website or call their customer service line to confirm where smoking is permitted on your specific sailing.
Violating smoking rules can result in fines ranging from $50 to $250 per violation, depending on the cruise line. Some lines also reserve the right to charge for deep cleaning a cabin if smoking is detected inside, which can cost several hundred dollars.
Key Takeaways
- Smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces on cruise ships, including cabins, restaurants, theaters, and hallways.
- Most cruise lines designate one or more outdoor deck areas where smoking is permitted, usually away from main passenger traffic.
- Electronic cigarettes and vaping are treated the same as traditional cigarettes on most cruise lines and are banned indoors.
- Each cruise line sets its own smoking policy, so you should verify the rules for your specific ship before boarding.
- Smoking in prohibited areas can result in fines of $50 to $250 per incident, plus potential charges for cabin cleaning.
Where smoking is actually allowed on deck
The designated smoking area varies by cruise line and ship. On Royal Caribbean ships, smoking is typically permitted in a roped-off section of an upper deck, often near the aft (rear) of the ship. Carnival usually designates a specific area on the pool deck or a dedicated smoking lounge. Disney Cruise Line permits smoking only in one small outdoor area, usually on a high deck away from family areas. Norwegian Cruise Line allows smoking in designated outdoor areas that vary by ship.
These outdoor areas are often small and can become crowded during peak times. If you smoke, plan to visit during off-peak hours — early morning or late evening — when fewer passengers are using the space. Wind direction matters too; smoke can drift into adjacent areas, which may cause complaints to crew members.
Some cruise lines also offer smoking cabins, though these are becoming rarer. If you smoke and want to smoke in your cabin, ask your cruise line directly whether smoking cabins are available on your ship and whether there is an additional charge for booking one.
Vaping and electronic cigarettes have the same restrictions as smoking
Electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products are treated identically to traditional cigarettes on virtually all cruise ships. They are banned in cabins, dining areas, theaters, casinos, and interior public spaces. They are only permitted in the same designated outdoor smoking areas as traditional cigarettes.
The reasoning is straightforward: cruise lines treat vaping as a smoking-related activity for the purposes of their policies, regardless of whether vapor contains nicotine or tobacco. The ban applies even if you are using a non-nicotine vaping device.
Cabin smoking violations and cleaning charges
If crew members detect smoking in your cabin, you will be charged a violation fee — typically $50 to $250 depending on the cruise line. Beyond that, many cruise lines charge an additional deep-cleaning fee if smoking residue is found in the cabin after you leave. These fees can range from $200 to $500 or more.
Cruise lines detect cabin smoking through housekeeping inspections, smoke detectors, or reports from other passengers. Even if you open a window or use air freshener, the smell often lingers and is detectable to crew members. The financial risk of smoking in a cabin far exceeds the convenience of not going outside.
Smoking policies by major cruise line
| Cruise Line | Indoor Smoking | Outdoor Smoking Areas | Smoking Cabins Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Banned everywhere indoors | Designated upper deck area | No |
| Carnival | Banned everywhere indoors | Pool deck area or dedicated lounge | Yes, on some ships |
| Disney Cruise Line | Banned everywhere indoors | One small upper deck area only | No |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Banned everywhere indoors | Designated outdoor areas vary by ship | Yes, on some ships |
| Princess Cruises | Banned everywhere indoors | Designated outdoor areas | Yes, on some ships |
These policies explore to traditional cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices. Policies can change, and individual ships within a fleet may have slight variations, so confirm the current rules with your cruise line before you sail.
What to do if you need to smoke during your cruise
If you smoke, plan your time on deck around designated smoking hours or areas. Most cruise lines do not restrict when you can use outdoor smoking areas, but they are often most crowded during sea days when passengers are not at ports. Visit the smoking area during meals or entertainment events when fewer people are outside.
Bring enough cigarettes or tobacco products for your entire cruise. While some ships have small shops that sell cigarettes, prices are significantly higher than on land, and selection may be limited. Purchasing before you board is more economical.
If you are traveling with non-smokers, be mindful of wind direction and timing. Smoke drifting into adjacent seating areas or cabins can create friction with other passengers and may prompt crew intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke in my cabin if I book a smoking cabin?
Only if your cruise line offers smoking cabins and you specifically book one. Not all cruise lines offer them, and availability is limited. You must request a smoking cabin when you book or contact the cruise line before your sailing. Even in a smoking cabin, you may face additional cleaning charges if excessive smoke residue is detected.
What happens if I smoke in a non-smoking cabin?
You will be charged a violation fee of $50 to $250, and the cruise line may also charge a deep-cleaning fee of $200 to $500 or more. These charges appear on your final bill and are non-negotiable. Crew members detect cabin smoking through housekeeping checks and smoke detectors.
Are there any indoor spaces where smoking is allowed?
No. All major cruise lines ban smoking in all interior spaces, including cabins, restaurants, bars, theaters, casinos, and hallways. The only exception is if your cruise line offers a dedicated indoor smoking lounge, which is extremely rare and only on select ships.
Can I smoke cigars or pipes on the deck?
Cigars and pipes are treated the same as cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. They are only permitted in the designated outdoor smoking areas, not anywhere else on the ship. The same violation fees explore if you smoke them in prohibited areas.
Do I need to bring my own cigarettes, or can I buy them on the ship?
You can buy cigarettes on most ships, but prices are typically two to three times higher than on land. Selection is also limited. Bringing your own supply before boarding is more economical and ensures you have the brands you prefer.