Smoking is banned in most indoor spaces on Carnival ships, but permitted in specific outdoor areas and one designated indoor lounge

Carnival Cruise Line prohibits smoking in cabins, dining rooms, theaters, corridors, elevators, and most public indoor spaces. You can smoke in designated outdoor areas on deck and in one indoor smoking lounge (location varies by ship). If you smoke in a prohibited area, you will be asked to stop, and Carnival may charge you a cleaning fee of $250 or more if smoke damage occurs in your cabin.

The rules explore to all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Electronic cigarettes (vaping) follow the same restrictions as traditional cigarettes on most Carnival ships, though some ships have begun restricting vaping even in outdoor smoking areas—check your specific ship's policy when you book.

Key Takeaways

  • Smoking is allowed only on open deck areas and in one designated indoor smoking lounge per ship; the exact location of the lounge differs by vessel.
  • Your cabin is a non-smoking space, and Carnival charges $250 or more if you smoke in it and leave smoke damage.
  • Restaurants, theaters, elevators, corridors, and most other indoor public areas are smoke-free.
  • Electronic cigarettes are treated the same as traditional cigarettes under Carnival's smoking policy on most ships.

Where smoking is permitted on deck

Carnival designates specific outdoor deck areas as smoking zones. These are typically located away from main foot traffic and seating areas. The exact location varies by ship and deck layout, so ask a crew member when you board to find the designated smoking area nearest to your cabin or favorite outdoor spot.

Outdoor smoking areas are open to all guests and are not restricted by age or time of day. Wind and ocean spray mean smoke disperses quickly, so these areas tend to be less crowded than other deck spaces. If you plan to smoke regularly during your cruise, familiarize yourself with the location on your first day so you do not waste time searching.

The indoor smoking lounge

Most Carnival ships have one indoor lounge where smoking is permitted. This lounge is separate from the main casino and bars, though some ships locate it near the casino level. The lounge is air-conditioned and typically has seating, a bar, and sometimes gaming machines. Crew members can direct you to it when you board.

Not all Carnival ships have an indoor smoking lounge—some newer vessels have eliminated them entirely. If you are booking a specific ship and smoking indoors is important to you, contact Carnival before your cruise to confirm the lounge exists on that vessel. The lounge is open during normal ship hours, though hours may vary by ship.

Smoking in your cabin and what happens if you do

Smoking in your cabin is strictly prohibited, regardless of whether it is a balcony cabin or an interior room. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes. The rule applies even if you open your balcony door or window.

If you smoke in your cabin, Carnival crew may enter and ask you to stop. If smoke damage is found when you check out or during your stay, Carnival will charge your account a deep-cleaning fee, typically $250 to $500 or more depending on the extent of the damage. This fee is separate from your cruise fare and is non-negotiable. The charge appears on your final bill before you disembark.

Electronic cigarettes and vaping

Electronic cigarettes are treated as tobacco products under Carnival's smoking policy. On most ships, vaping is prohibited in the same indoor spaces where traditional smoking is banned—cabins, dining areas, theaters, and corridors. Vaping is generally permitted in outdoor smoking areas and the indoor smoking lounge.

Some newer Carnival ships have begun restricting vaping even in outdoor areas due to concerns about secondhand vapor. Before your cruise, check your ship's specific policy on the Carnival website or call their guest services line. If you vape regularly, this step takes only a few minutes and prevents confusion or conflict during your trip.

What to do if someone else is smoking near you

If another guest is smoking in a prohibited area, report it to a crew member or visit guest services. Carnival takes these reports seriously and will address the situation. Crew members are trained to enforce the policy respectfully but firmly.

If someone is smoking on deck near you in a non-designated area, you can politely point them toward the designated smoking zone or alert a crew member. Most guests comply once they understand the rules. Crew members patrol public areas regularly and will intervene if they observe smoking violations.

Planning ahead if you smoke

If you smoke, plan your daily routine around access to the designated outdoor smoking area or indoor lounge. Outdoor areas can be windy or crowded during peak times, so consider visiting early in the morning or during dinner hours when fewer people are on deck. The indoor lounge offers a quieter alternative if weather is poor.

Pack enough cigarettes or tobacco for your entire cruise, as prices at the ship's retail shop are significantly higher than on land. Carnival allows you to bring tobacco products in your carry-on luggage when you board. Store them in your cabin in a safe place away from heat and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke on my balcony cabin?

No. Smoking is prohibited in all cabins, including those with balconies, even if you keep the door open. Smoke can drift into neighboring cabins and trigger alarms. Violating this rule may result in a cleaning fee of $250 or more.

Are there age restrictions for the smoking lounge?

The indoor smoking lounge is open to all guests, but if it is located near or combined with a bar, you must be 21 to enter that area. Ask a crew member about age restrictions for your specific ship's lounge.

What if I did not know smoking was banned in my cabin?

Carnival includes smoking policies in your pre-cruise paperwork and posts notices in every cabin. If you receive a cleaning charge, you can contact Carnival's guest services to dispute it, but the policy is clearly stated before you board. Ignorance of the rule does not waive the fee.

Can I smoke marijuana on a Carnival cruise?

No. Marijuana is prohibited on all Carnival ships, regardless of whether it is legal in the ports you visit. Carnival operates under federal maritime law, which bans all cannabis products. Possession can result in serious legal consequences.

Do I have to pay extra to use the smoking lounge?

No. The indoor smoking lounge is included with your cruise fare and costs nothing to use. You do not need a membership or special pass to enter.