Where you can and cannot smoke on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Norwegian Cruise Line allows smoking in designated outdoor areas only — primarily on open deck spaces — but prohibits it everywhere indoors, including cabins, restaurants, theaters, corridors, and casino floors. The specific smoking areas vary by ship and deck layout, but they are clearly marked with signage. If you smoke in a prohibited area, you will be asked to stop, and repeated violations can result in cabin confinement or removal from the ship at the next port without a refund.

The ban covers traditional cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices follow the same rules as traditional smoking on most Norwegian ships, though some newer vessels have begun restricting vaping to the same outdoor deck areas. Check your specific ship's smoking policy before boarding, as rules can differ between older and newer vessels in the fleet.

Key Takeaways

  • Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor deck areas; all indoor spaces including your cabin are smoke-free.
  • Cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes are subject to the same restrictions as traditional cigarettes.
  • Smoking in prohibited areas can lead to confinement to your cabin or removal from the ship without refund.
  • Designated smoking areas are marked with signage and vary by ship, so locate them during your first day aboard.
  • You can find your specific ship's smoking policy on the Norwegian Cruise Line website before you board.

Designated smoking deck areas on Norwegian ships

Most Norwegian Cruise Line ships have one or two designated smoking areas on the upper decks, typically in corners or sections away from main passenger flow. These are usually on Deck 12 or 13 on larger ships, though the exact location depends on the vessel. The areas are roped off or marked with painted deck lines and posted signage that reads "Smoking Area" or similar language.

These outdoor spaces are exposed to wind and weather, so smoking is only practical in certain conditions. On days with heavy rain or rough seas, the deck areas may feel unusable, and many smokers find themselves unable to smoke comfortably for portions of the cruise. There are no indoor smoking lounges or designated smoking cabins on Norwegian ships, so outdoor deck access is your only option.

If you cannot locate the smoking area on your ship, ask at the front desk or guest services during your first day. Staff can point you to the exact location and tell you whether there are multiple areas or just one.

Smoking in your cabin and what happens if you do

Smoking in your cabin is strictly prohibited on all Norwegian Cruise Line ships. If you smoke in your cabin, you will be charged a deep-cleaning fee, typically between $250 and $500, added to your onboard account. This fee is separate from any other penalties and is enforced consistently across the fleet.

Beyond the financial penalty, smoking in your cabin can trigger a visit from crew members, who will ask you to stop and may confine you to your cabin for the remainder of the cruise if violations continue. Confinement means you cannot leave your room except for safety drills or emergencies, and you will not receive a refund. In extreme cases, the ship can offload you at the next port.

Crew members can detect smoke in cabins through air circulation systems and reports from neighboring passengers. The smell lingers in the room and ventilation system, making it difficult to hide. If you are a smoker, plan to use the designated outdoor areas instead.

Smoking in other indoor spaces

All restaurants, dining venues, theaters, lounges, corridors, elevators, and the casino are completely smoke-free. This includes the buffet, specialty dining restaurants, casual cafes, and room service dining areas. The pool deck is also smoke-free, though some ships have a small smoking section cordoned off on one end of the pool area — check your ship's specific policy.

The casino floor is smoke-free on all Norwegian ships, which differs from some other cruise lines. If you want to smoke while gambling, you will need to step outside to a designated deck area between sessions.

Balcony cabins present a gray area: while smoking on your private balcony is technically prohibited, enforcement is inconsistent. Smoke can drift to neighboring balconies, and if a neighbor complains, you may face the same penalties as smoking indoors. Most guests assume balconies are off-limits and use only the designated deck areas to avoid conflict and fees.

What to do if someone near you is smoking

If you encounter someone smoking in a prohibited area, report it to a crew member or guest services. Staff will address the situation discreetly and enforce the policy. You do not need to confront the person directly; the crew handles all violations.

If smoke from a designated smoking area is drifting into a public space or your cabin, report it to guest services. They can sometimes adjust ventilation or move you to a different cabin if the problem persists. Crew cannot eliminate smoke from outdoor areas, but they can work with you on solutions if the issue is affecting your experience.

Bringing cigarettes and tobacco products aboard

You are allowed to bring cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products aboard for personal use. There is no limit on quantity for personal consumption, though Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to confiscate products if they believe you are carrying them for resale. Keep tobacco in your cabin and use only the designated outdoor areas.

Duty-free tobacco purchased in ports can be brought back to your cabin. You cannot purchase cigarettes or cigars from the ship's shops and bring them to your cabin to smoke — you must use them only in designated areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke on my cabin balcony?

Technically no, but enforcement varies. Smoke drifts to neighboring balconies and can trigger complaints. If a neighbor reports you, you face the same penalties as smoking indoors, including a deep-cleaning fee. Most guests use only the designated deck areas to avoid the risk.

What if I need to smoke and the weather is bad?

The designated smoking areas are outdoors with no shelter, so bad weather makes smoking impractical. Norwegian Cruise Line does not provide indoor smoking alternatives or heated smoking lounges. You will need to wait for better conditions or accept that smoking may not be possible during your cruise.

Are electronic cigarettes and vaping treated the same as regular smoking?

On most Norwegian ships, yes — vaping is restricted to the same designated outdoor areas as traditional cigarettes. Some newer ships have begun enforcing vaping bans in all areas, including outdoor decks. Check your specific ship's policy before boarding to confirm the rules for your vessel.

Will I be charged a cleaning fee if someone else smokes in my cabin?

No. The cleaning fee is charged only to the person who smoked. If you are assigned a cabin that smells of smoke from a previous guest, report it to guest services when ready, and they will move you or address the ventilation issue.

Can I smoke in the casino or while eating at a restaurant?

No. All indoor spaces, including the casino, restaurants, and dining venues, are completely smoke-free on Norwegian Cruise Line ships. You must step outside to a designated deck area if you want to smoke.