Smoking is allowed on most cruise ships, but only in designated outdoor areas and your cabin — never in restaurants, theaters, corridors, or public indoor spaces.
Every major cruise line permits smoking in at least one location: a dedicated outdoor deck area, usually toward the stern or in a corner away from foot traffic. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian all maintain smoking sections on their open decks. The specific location varies by ship and cruise line, so you will need to check your line's policy before boarding or ask at guest services when you arrive.
Some cruise lines also allow smoking in your cabin if you book a designated smoking stateroom. This option exists on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, though Disney does not permit it anywhere. You must request a smoking cabin at booking — you cannot smoke in a standard cabin, and doing so will result in a cleaning fee of $200 to $500 charged to your account.
Smoking is completely banned in all indoor public areas: dining rooms, theaters, casinos, bars, lounges, corridors, elevators, and the buffet. It is also banned on your cabin balcony, even if you are alone. Violating these rules can lead to cabin confinement, removal from the ship at the next port, or a ban from future sailings with that cruise line.
Key Takeaways
- Designated outdoor smoking areas exist on most cruise ships, usually on a specific deck section away from main foot traffic.
- You can smoke in your cabin only if you book a smoking stateroom in advance; smoking in a standard cabin costs $200 to $500 in cleaning fees.
- Smoking is prohibited on cabin balconies, in all indoor public spaces, and in dining or entertainment venues.
- Each cruise line enforces smoking rules differently, so confirm the exact policy and location of smoking areas when you board.
Designated Smoking Decks and Outdoor Areas
The outdoor smoking section on your ship is usually a small, roped-off area on an upper deck. On Carnival ships, this is often the Aft Smokehouse or a corner of the Lido Deck. Royal Caribbean typically designates a section of the Solarium or a corner deck. Norwegian's smoking area varies by ship but is marked clearly on deck plans available in your cabin.
These areas are ventilated by ocean wind and are positioned away from main passenger pathways, though you may still encounter other smokers. The exact deck number and location are printed in your cabin's deck plan or available at guest services. If you cannot find it, ask a crew member — they can point you to the nearest smoking section.
Weather affects outdoor smoking. On rainy or very cold days, the outdoor area may be your only legal option, since smoking in your cabin requires a smoking stateroom reservation. Plan ahead if you know you will be cruising in winter or in a region with frequent rain.
Smoking in Your Cabin: What You Need to Know
If you want to smoke indoors, you must reserve a smoking stateroom when you book your cruise. Standard cabins are non-smoking, and the cruise line will not convert one for you at check-in. Smoking in a non-smoking cabin triggers an automatic $200 to $500 cleaning fee, even if you open a window or use air freshener.
Smoking staterooms are available on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian but not on Disney or some smaller lines. When you book online, you will see a cabin type option labeled "smoking" or "designated smoking." If you do not see this option, call the cruise line directly — some older ships or certain cabin categories may not have smoking rooms available.
Smoking staterooms cost the same as non-smoking ones; you are not charged extra for the privilege. However, they are in limited supply and book up quickly on popular sailing dates. If you smoke and want a cabin option, reserve early.
Where Smoking Is Absolutely Prohibited
Smoking is banned in every indoor public space on the ship. This includes dining rooms, buffets, specialty restaurants, main theaters, casinos, nightclubs, bars, lounges, the library, fitness center, spa, hallways, elevators, and stairwells. It is also banned on your private balcony, even if you are alone and the door is closed.
The balcony ban is enforced strictly because smoke drifts into neighboring cabins. Crew members monitor balconies, and violations are documented. Repeat violations can result in your cabin being locked and your removal from the ship at the next port.
Vaping and electronic cigarettes follow the same rules as traditional cigarettes on most cruise lines. Some lines treat them identically; others have slightly different policies. Check your cruise line's website or call before boarding if you use a vaping device.
What Happens If You Violate Smoking Rules
A first violation in a non-smoking cabin results in a $200 to $500 cleaning fee. If you smoke on a balcony or in a corridor, crew will issue a warning and document the incident. A second violation can lead to cabin confinement — you will be locked in your cabin for the remainder of the cruise with meals delivered to your door.
A third violation or smoking in a clearly prohibited area like a dining room can result in removal from the ship at the next port. You will be put ashore, and you will be responsible for your own transportation home. You may also be banned from future sailings with that cruise line.
Cruise lines take smoking violations seriously because smoke affects other passengers' cabins and experiences. The enforcement is consistent across all major lines, and the penalties are non-negotiable.
Cruise Line Smoking Policies Compared
| Cruise Line | Outdoor Smoking Area | Smoking Cabins Available | Balcony Smoking Allowed | Cabin Violation Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Yes, designated deck section | Yes | No | $250 |
| Royal Caribbean | Yes, Solarium or deck corner | Yes | No | $250 |
| Norwegian | Yes, varies by ship | Yes | No | $200 |
| Disney Cruise Line | Yes, designated area | No | No | $250 |
| Princess Cruises | Yes, designated area | Yes (limited) | No | $250 |
Planning Your Cruise If You Smoke
If you smoke, book a smoking stateroom when you reserve your cruise. This removes the risk of a cleaning fee and gives you the option to smoke in your cabin during bad weather or late at night. Smoking staterooms are limited, so book early, especially for popular sailing dates or peak seasons.
Confirm the location of the outdoor smoking area before you board. Most cruise lines include this information in your pre-cruise paperwork or on their website. If you do not see it, call guest services or check the deck plan in your cabin when you arrive.
Bring enough cigarettes or tobacco for your entire cruise. Prices at the ship's shop are significantly higher than on land, and some ports may have limited availability. You can purchase duty-free tobacco at certain ports, but availability varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on my cabin balcony if I am alone?
No. Balcony smoking is prohibited on all major cruise lines, even if you are alone and the door is closed. Smoke drifts into neighboring cabins, and crew monitors balconies. Violations result in a cleaning fee or cabin confinement.
What if I book a non-smoking cabin and want to smoke?
You can use the designated outdoor smoking area. If you smoke in your cabin, you will be charged $200 to $500 for cleaning. You cannot change your cabin type after booking unless the cruise line offers a rebooking option.
Are vaping devices treated the same as cigarettes?
Most cruise lines treat vaping the same as smoking — it is allowed only in designated outdoor areas and smoking cabins, and banned on balconies and in indoor spaces. Some lines have slightly different rules, so check your cruise line's policy before boarding.
Can I smoke in the casino or at the bar?
No. Smoking is banned in all indoor public spaces, including casinos, bars, lounges, and restaurants. The only indoor location where smoking is permitted is a designated smoking stateroom.
What if I smoke in a prohibited area and no one sees me?
Crew members monitor public areas and balconies regularly. If you are caught, you will be issued a warning and a fee. Repeat violations can lead to cabin confinement or removal from the ship at the next port.