Smoking is allowed on Carnival ships, but only in designated outdoor areas and your cabin

Carnival permits smoking in specific locations on their ships, but the rules are strict about where. You can smoke on certain outdoor decks, in your stateroom if it is designated as a smoking cabin, and in a few indoor lounges on some ships. Everywhere else — dining rooms, theaters, corridors, elevators, and most public spaces — smoking is prohibited. The policy applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes (vaping).

The exact locations vary slightly by ship and age, so checking your specific vessel's rules before boarding matters. Carnival publishes these details on their website and sends information with your cruise documents. Violating the smoking policy can result in fines added to your onboard account, confiscation of smoking materials, or removal from the ship at the next port.

Key Takeaways

  • Smoking is permitted only on designated outdoor decks, in smoking-designated cabins, and in a few indoor lounges — never in corridors, elevators, dining areas, or theaters.
  • Electronic cigarettes and vaping follow the same restrictions as traditional cigarettes on Carnival ships.
  • Smoking in a non-smoking cabin will result in a cleaning fee (typically $250 or more) charged to your account.
  • Each Carnival ship has slightly different smoking areas, so review your ship's specific policy before boarding.
  • Designated smoking decks are usually located toward the stern (back) of the ship and are open to all guests who smoke.

Designated outdoor smoking areas on Carnival ships

Most Carnival ships have at least one outdoor deck designated for smoking, typically located toward the back of the ship. These areas are open to the ocean air and are the primary place where smokers gather. The exact deck number and location depend on your ship's layout, but crew members at guest services can point you to the smoking deck when you board.

Outdoor smoking areas are available 24 hours a day on most Carnival vessels. However, weather can affect access — during rough seas or storms, the deck may be closed for safety reasons. These areas are shared spaces, so you will encounter other guests and crew members passing through. Ashtrays are provided, and you are expected to dispose of cigarettes properly.

Smoking in your cabin: what you need to know

Carnival offers smoking-designated cabins on most ships. When you book, you can request a smoking cabin during the reservation process or contact Carnival before your cruise to arrange one. Not all cabin types are available as smoking rooms, and availability is limited, so booking early increases your chances of securing one.

If you smoke in a cabin not designated for smoking, Carnival will charge a deep-cleaning fee to your onboard account — this fee typically ranges from $250 to $500 or more, depending on the damage. The charge covers the cost of removing smoke odor and restoring the cabin. Even if you open windows or use air fresheners, the smell lingers and housekeeping will detect it. If you have a smoking cabin, you can smoke freely inside, but the same disposal rules explore — use ashtrays and do not throw cigarettes overboard or into trash bins.

Electronic cigarettes and vaping on Carnival cruises

Carnival treats electronic cigarettes and vaping devices the same way as traditional cigarettes. You can use them only in designated smoking areas — outdoor decks and smoking cabins — and nowhere else on the ship. This includes corridors, your balcony (if your cabin is not a smoking cabin), theaters, restaurants, and bars.

The reasoning is that vaping produces visible vapor that affects other guests, and Carnival enforces the rule consistently. If you are caught vaping in a non-smoking area, crew members will ask you to stop, and repeated violations can result in fines or removal from the ship. If you vape in a non-smoking cabin, you will face the same cleaning fee as a traditional smoker.

Indoor smoking lounges: availability varies by ship

Some newer or recently renovated Carnival ships have indoor smoking lounges, though these are not standard across the fleet. These lounges are separate, ventilated spaces where smoking is permitted, and they are usually located in adult-only areas of the ship. Not every Carnival vessel has one, so do not assume your ship will.

If your ship does have an indoor smoking lounge, it will be marked on your ship map (provided in your cabin or available at guest services). These lounges often have limited hours and may require you to be a certain age to enter. Crew members at guest services can tell you whether your specific ship has one and where it is located.

Fines and penalties for smoking violations

Carnival enforces smoking rules through fines charged directly to your onboard account. A first violation typically results in a warning, but repeated violations incur fines starting at $250 and increasing with each offense. Smoking in a non-smoking cabin triggers an automatic deep-cleaning fee of $250 to $500 or more, regardless of whether you receive a warning first.

In serious cases — such as smoking in your cabin multiple times or smoking in a prohibited area after being warned — Carnival crew can confiscate your smoking materials, restrict your access to certain areas of the ship, or remove you from the ship at the next port without a refund. These penalties are outlined in Carnival's guest conduct policy, which you agree to when you book.

How to find your ship's specific smoking policy

Carnival's website lists smoking policies by ship name, so look up your vessel before you board. You can also call Carnival's reservations line or contact guest services through your online account. The information is also included in the pre-cruise documents Carnival sends you, usually 30 days before departure.

If you have questions about smoking areas on your specific ship, do not wait until you board. Contact Carnival in advance so you can plan accordingly — for example, if you need a smoking cabin, you want to request one early when availability is highest. Guest services staff can also answer questions about whether your ship has indoor smoking lounges or other accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke on my cabin balcony?

Only if your cabin is designated as a smoking cabin. If it is not, smoking on the balcony is prohibited, and you will face a cleaning fee if caught. The rule applies even though the balcony is technically outside, because smoke drifts into neighboring cabins and public areas.

What if I did not request a smoking cabin but want to smoke during my cruise?

You will need to use the designated outdoor smoking decks. Contact Carnival before your cruise to see if a smoking cabin is still available, though availability is usually limited close to departure. If not, plan to use the outdoor areas, which are open 24 hours on most ships.

Are there any areas where smoking is allowed that I might not expect?

Some ships have indoor smoking lounges in adult-only areas, but these are not standard. Check your ship's specific policy or ask guest services when you board. Outdoor decks are the most reliable option across all Carnival vessels.

What happens if I smoke in a prohibited area and do not get caught when ready?

Housekeeping and crew members inspect cabins and public spaces regularly. If evidence of smoking is found in a non-smoking cabin, the cleaning fee will be charged to your account after your cruise ends. For public areas, crew members enforce the rule on sight.

Can I bring my own ashtray or smoking accessories on board?

Ashtrays are provided in designated smoking areas and smoking cabins, so you do not need to bring your own. Carnival prohibits open flames and lighters in cabins for safety reasons, though standard cigarette lighters are permitted. Check Carnival's prohibited items list on their website for a informational guide.