Carnival's smoking policy allows cigarettes and cigars only in designated outdoor areas

Carnival Cruise Line permits smoking in specific locations on their ships, but the policy is strict about where. You can smoke cigarettes and cigars on open deck areas designated for smoking, typically found at the stern (back) of the ship. You cannot smoke anywhere indoors, including cabins, restaurants, theaters, casinos, bars, or corridors. Vaping and electronic cigarettes follow the same rules as traditional cigarettes.

The designated smoking areas vary slightly by ship and deck layout, but Carnival publishes the exact locations in your onboard information packet and on their website before you sail. Most ships have at least one dedicated outdoor smoking area, and some larger vessels have multiple spots. If you are unsure where to smoke on your specific ship, ask at Guest Services when you board.

Key Takeaways

  • Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor deck areas, which Carnival identifies before your cruise departs.
  • Smoking in your cabin, even with the balcony door open, violates the policy and results in a cleaning fee charged to your account.
  • All indoor spaces—including theaters, restaurants, casinos, and corridors—are completely smoke-free.
  • Vaping and e-cigarettes are treated the same as traditional cigarettes and are restricted to the same outdoor areas.
  • Violating the smoking policy can lead to removal from the ship at the next port without a refund.

What happens if you smoke in your cabin

Smoking in your stateroom is one of the most common violations of Carnival's policy, and the consequences are when ready and expensive. If crew members detect smoke in your cabin, Carnival charges a deep-cleaning fee to your onboard account—this fee typically ranges from several hundred dollars, though the exact amount depends on the extent of the damage and smoke residue.

The charge covers professional smoke remediation, which includes replacing soft furnishings, deep cleaning walls and ceilings, and treating the air system. Carnival takes this seriously because smoke odor can linger for weeks and affect other guests in adjacent cabins. Even if you crack a balcony door or open a window, the smoke still travels through the ventilation system and into neighboring staterooms.

Designated smoking areas on different ship classes

Carnival operates several classes of ships, and each has smoking areas tailored to its layout. On newer ships like the Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, designated smoking decks are clearly marked with signage and are usually located toward the back of the ship away from main passenger flow. Older ships in the fleet may have smoking areas on different decks, so checking your specific ship's layout before boarding is worth your time.

The most reliable way to find your ship's smoking areas is to visit Carnival's website and search for your specific vessel by name. The deck plans available there show smoking zones in color. You can also call Carnival's customer service before your cruise and ask them to email you the deck plan with smoking areas highlighted. When you board, the welcome packet in your cabin will also map these locations.

Cigar smoking and special restrictions

Cigars are permitted in the same designated outdoor areas as cigarettes, but some ships have additional restrictions. A few Carnival vessels have a separate cigar lounge or designated cigar area with seating, though these are not available on all ships. If you plan to smoke cigars, contact Carnival before your cruise to confirm whether your specific ship has a dedicated cigar space or whether you will use the standard smoking deck.

Even in designated areas, you must be respectful of other guests. If crew members receive complaints about smoke drifting into nearby seating areas or cabins, they may ask you to move or restrict your smoking further. The designated areas exist partly to contain smoke, so positioning yourself away from air vents and high-traffic zones helps everyone.

Vaping and electronic cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes, vapes, and other vaping devices are subject to the same restrictions as traditional cigarettes on Carnival ships. You can only use them in designated outdoor smoking areas, not in your cabin or anywhere indoors. This includes nicotine vapes, nicotine-free vapes, and any device that produces vapor.

Carnival treats vaping violations the same way as smoking violations—if you vape in your cabin, you will be charged a cleaning fee. The policy exists because vapor can also leave residue and odor in the ventilation system and affect other guests. If you are a regular vaper, plan to use the designated outdoor areas during your cruise.

What to do if you need a smoke break during bad weather

Bad weather sometimes closes outdoor decks for safety reasons, which means designated smoking areas may become temporarily unavailable. During these periods, Carnival does not provide an indoor alternative—smoking is still prohibited indoors, even if the outdoor areas are closed. You will need to wait until the weather clears and the decks reopen.

If you are concerned about weather affecting your ability to smoke during your cruise, check the forecast for your sailing dates and ports. Caribbean and Bahamas cruises generally have fewer weather delays than Alaska or northern routes. If weather is a significant concern for you, consider booking a cruise during a season with more stable conditions, or speak with Carnival about your specific itinerary before booking.

Bringing cigarettes and tobacco products aboard

You are allowed to bring a reasonable personal supply of cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products aboard a Carnival ship for your own use. There is no official limit stated in Carnival's policy, but "reasonable personal supply" typically means what you would smoke during your cruise—not cases of cigarettes or dozens of cigars intended for resale or sharing.

Tobacco products are not sold in the onboard shops on most Carnival ships, so if you run out during your cruise, you will need to purchase them at a port of call. Plan ahead and bring enough for your entire sailing. Some ports have duty-free shops where you can buy cigarettes at lower prices, but availability varies by destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke on my cabin balcony?

No. Smoking on your balcony is considered smoking in your cabin and violates the policy. Smoke travels through the ventilation system and into neighboring staterooms. If crew detects smoke from your balcony, you will be charged a cleaning fee.

What if I smoke in a designated area and someone complains?

If you are smoking in an official designated area and crew receives a complaint, they will likely speak with you about positioning yourself away from other guests or air vents. Smoking in the correct area protects you from policy violations, even if nearby guests are bothered by the smoke.

Are there any cabins designated for smokers?

No. Carnival does not offer smoking cabins. All staterooms are non-smoking, regardless of cabin type or price. Your only option for smoking is the designated outdoor deck areas.

Can I smoke in the casino or nightclubs?

No. All indoor spaces on Carnival ships are completely smoke-free, including the casino, nightclubs, restaurants, theaters, and lounges. You must go to the designated outdoor smoking area if you want to smoke.

What happens if I violate the smoking policy multiple times?

Repeated violations can result in removal from the ship at the next port of call without a refund. Carnival takes the policy seriously to protect all guests' health and comfort. A single violation usually results in a warning and a cleaning fee, but additional violations escalate the consequences.