Where you can and cannot smoke on Carnival vessels

Carnival allows smoking in designated outdoor areas only — primarily on the open deck in zones marked for smokers. You cannot smoke in your cabin, on your balcony, in dining rooms, theaters, corridors, elevators, bathrooms, or any enclosed public space. The specific smoking areas vary slightly by ship, but they are always clearly marked with signage when you board.

If you smoke in a prohibited area, Carnival will charge you a cleaning fee to your onboard account — typically $250 or more depending on the damage or smell. This applies to cabins, balconies, and any other space where smoking is forbidden. The fee covers deep cleaning and odor removal, and Carnival enforces it consistently.

Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices follow the same rules as traditional cigarettes. You can use them only in the designated smoking areas on deck. Many newer Carnival ships have expanded these outdoor zones to accommodate more smokers, but the rule itself has not changed.

Key Takeaways

  • Smoking is allowed only in marked outdoor deck areas; all indoor spaces and balconies are smoke-free.
  • Smoking in your cabin or on your balcony results in a cleaning fee of $250 or more charged to your account.
  • Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are subject to the same restrictions as traditional cigarettes.
  • The exact location of smoking zones differs by ship, so check the deck plan in your cabin or ask crew when you board.
  • Carnival crew members monitor smoking areas and will ask you to move if you are in a prohibited zone.

Designated smoking areas on different Carnival ships

Most Carnival vessels have at least one dedicated smoking area on an upper outdoor deck, usually away from the main pool and dining areas. On larger ships in the Carnival fleet, there may be multiple smoking zones to spread out smokers and reduce secondhand smoke exposure to other passengers. The location is marked on your cabin key card or the ship's deck plan, which you receive when you check in.

Some ships have a smoking area near the aft (rear) of the ship on a quieter deck, while others place it forward. A few newer Carnival ships have created semi-enclosed smoking lounges on deck with seating and shelter, though these are still technically outdoor areas. When you board, ask a crew member or check the daily program to find the exact location on your specific ship.

What happens if you smoke in your cabin

Carnival inspects cabins after checkout and uses smoke detectors and visual inspection to identify smoking violations. If evidence of smoking is found — whether from cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or vaping — the $250+ cleaning fee is automatically charged to your onboard account before you leave the ship. You will see it on your final bill at checkout.

If a crew member catches you smoking in your cabin during your cruise, they will ask you to stop when ready and may issue a warning. Repeated violations can result in being asked to leave the ship at the next port, though this is rare. The cleaning fee, however, is applied regardless of whether you are caught in the act or discovered during inspection.

Smoking on your balcony or private deck

Your cabin balcony is considered part of your private cabin space and is subject to the same no-smoking rule. Smoke drifts into neighboring cabins and onto shared deck areas, which is why Carnival treats balcony smoking the same as indoor smoking. If you smoke on your balcony, you risk the $250+ cleaning fee and a crew member may ask you to stop if a neighbor complains.

Some passengers assume that because the balcony is outdoors, smoking is permitted. It is not. The only outdoor spaces where smoking is allowed are the designated public smoking areas on the open decks, not private or semi-private balconies.

Bringing cigarettes and tobacco products aboard

Carnival allows you to bring cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products for personal use. There is no limit on the quantity you can bring, and you will not be charged a duty or tax by Carnival. You can purchase cigarettes and cigars at the onboard shop if you run out, though prices are typically higher than on land.

Marijuana and cannabis products are prohibited on all Carnival ships, even in states or countries where they are legal. Bringing them aboard can result in serious legal consequences, including arrest at port. Carnival operates in international waters and follows federal law, which classifies cannabis as a controlled substance.

Secondhand smoke and complaints from other passengers

If secondhand smoke from the designated smoking area is affecting your cabin or a public space you are using, report it to guest services. Crew members can sometimes adjust ventilation or move smokers to a different part of the designated zone. While Carnival cannot eliminate secondhand smoke entirely in outdoor areas, they will work with you if smoke is being directed into an enclosed space or a neighboring cabin.

Complaints about smoking in prohibited areas are taken seriously. If you see someone smoking in a corridor, cabin area, or other non-designated space, report it to a crew member or guest services. Carnival will investigate and enforce the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke cigars on the designated smoking deck?

Yes, cigars are allowed in the designated smoking areas just like cigarettes. However, cigar smoke is stronger and more noticeable, so be mindful of nearby passengers. If the smoke is drifting into a public space or cabin, crew may ask you to move or extinguish it.

What if I smoke on my balcony and no one sees me?

Carnival inspects cabins after you leave and uses smoke detectors and odor detection to identify violations. Even if you are not caught during your cruise, the $250+ cleaning fee will be charged when housekeeping inspects the cabin. Smoke smell lingers and is detectable by trained staff.

Are there smoke-free ships in the Carnival fleet?

No. All Carnival ships allow smoking in designated outdoor areas. If you are sensitive to secondhand smoke, request a cabin far from the designated smoking zones when you book, and avoid those areas during your cruise.

Can I smoke in the casino or nightclubs?

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

Do I have to pay the cleaning fee if I only vape in my cabin?

Yes. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are treated the same as traditional cigarettes under Carnival's smoking policy. Using them in your cabin or on your balcony will result in the same $250+ cleaning fee.