Smoking is banned in most indoor spaces on cruise ships, but permitted in designated outdoor areas

Nearly every cruise line prohibits smoking in cabins, dining rooms, theaters, corridors, and public indoor spaces. The ban covers cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Most lines allow smoking only on open-air decks — typically a small section of the pool deck or a dedicated smoking area marked on your ship's map. A few lines offer cabins designated for smokers, but these are rare and must be booked in advance.

The rules are stricter than land-based hotels because cruise ships are enclosed environments where smoke travels through ventilation systems. Violating the smoking policy can result in a fine (usually $250 per violation), cabin confinement, or removal from the ship at the next port at your own expense. The policy applies equally to passengers and crew.

Key Takeaways

  • Smoking is prohibited in all cabins, dining areas, theaters, and indoor public spaces on every major cruise line.
  • Designated smoking areas exist on open-air decks, but their location and size vary by ship and cruise line.
  • Smoking in a non-smoking cabin or prohibited area can cost $250 per violation and may result in removal from the ship.
  • Electronic cigarettes and vaping are banned in most indoor spaces and sometimes on all decks, depending on the cruise line.
  • A few cruise lines offer smoking cabins, but you must request one when you book and pay a higher rate.

Where smoking is allowed on deck

Designated smoking areas are typically located on the pool deck or a rear deck away from main foot traffic. The exact location differs by ship — some lines use a single roped-off section, while others designate an entire side of the deck. Check your cruise line's website or the ship's daily program (delivered to your cabin) to find the smoking area on your specific vessel.

Smoking is permitted only within these marked zones. Smoking anywhere else on deck — including your private balcony — is prohibited and subject to fines. If you have a balcony cabin, you cannot smoke on your own balcony, even though it is technically outdoors.

Smoking cabins and how to book one

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line each offer a limited number of smoking cabins, though availability is extremely limited. These cabins cost more than standard non-smoking cabins — typically $50 to $150 extra per night, depending on the ship and sailing date. You must request a smoking cabin at the time of booking; you cannot upgrade to one after purchase.

Smoking cabins still have restrictions: you can smoke cigarettes inside, but not cigars or pipes. Balconies attached to smoking cabins are also smoking-permitted. If you smoke in a non-smoking cabin, the cruise line will charge you a deep-cleaning fee (usually $250 to $500) in addition to the violation fine.

Electronic cigarettes and vaping rules

Vaping and electronic cigarettes are treated more strictly than traditional cigarettes on most ships. Many cruise lines ban e-cigarettes in all indoor spaces and sometimes on all decks. Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, prohibits vaping everywhere except in designated outdoor smoking areas. Royal Caribbean bans vaping indoors but allows it in outdoor smoking zones.

Check your specific cruise line's policy before you board. Violations carry the same fines as traditional smoking. Some lines confiscate vaping devices if found in cabins.

What happens if you smoke in a prohibited area

If crew members catch you smoking in a cabin, corridor, dining room, or other prohibited space, you will receive a written notice and a fine — typically $250 for the first violation. A second violation can result in confinement to your cabin or removal from the ship at the next port, with no refund for the remainder of your cruise.

Other passengers can also report smoking violations to guest services. Crew members take these reports seriously because secondhand smoke in enclosed spaces affects everyone nearby. The cruise line will investigate and enforce the policy.

Cruise lines with the strictest smoking policies

Disney Cruise Line has the most restrictive policy: smoking is prohibited everywhere except a small designated area on the pool deck. No smoking cabins are available. Smoking is not permitted on any balcony, even on adult-only ships.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival allow smoking in designated deck areas and offer a limited number of smoking cabins. Norwegian Cruise Line permits smoking in cabins (if booked as smoking) and in outdoor designated areas. Princess Cruises and Holland America Line follow similar policies to Royal Caribbean.

Always review your cruise line's specific smoking policy on their website or in your pre-cruise documents, as rules can change and vary by ship.

Planning ahead if you smoke

If you smoke regularly, book a smoking cabin when you reserve your cruise — do not wait. Smoking cabins fill quickly and may not be available for your sailing date. If smoking cabins are sold out, plan to use the designated deck area during your voyage.

Bring cigarettes or vaping supplies with you; you cannot purchase them onboard at most cruise lines. Pack enough for your entire cruise, as prices at ports are often higher than at home. Store them in your cabin, not in checked luggage.

Respect the designated smoking area by not lingering longer than necessary and disposing of cigarette butts in the provided receptacles. Other passengers use the deck for recreation, and smoke drifts quickly in ocean breezes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke on my cabin balcony?

No. Balconies are considered part of the cabin and fall under the smoking ban, even though they are technically outdoors. The only exception is if you booked a cabin specifically designated as a smoking cabin — in that case, you can smoke on the attached balcony. Check your booking confirmation to confirm your cabin type.

What if I smoke in my cabin and no one catches me?

The cruise line will detect it. Smoke seeps into ventilation systems and neighboring cabins, and crew members conduct inspections. If smoking is discovered during or after your stay, you will be charged a deep-cleaning fee of $250 to $500 plus the violation fine. This charge appears on your final bill.

Are there smoking areas in the dining room or theater?

No. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor spaces, including dining rooms, theaters, lounges, casinos, and corridors. The only smoking areas are the designated outdoor deck zones.

Can I bring cigars or a pipe on the cruise?

Yes, you can bring them, but you cannot smoke them anywhere on the ship. Cigars and pipes are prohibited even in designated smoking areas and smoking cabins. Only cigarettes and, on some lines, electronic cigarettes are permitted in designated zones.

Do I get a refund if I am removed from the ship for smoking violations?

No. Removal from the ship due to policy violations results in forfeiture of the remainder of your cruise fare. You are responsible for your own transportation home from the port where you are removed.