Where You Can and Cannot Smoke on Carnival Ships

Carnival allows smoking in designated areas only, and those areas are limited to specific outdoor decks and one indoor lounge per ship. You cannot smoke in your cabin, on your balcony, in dining rooms, theaters, corridors, elevators, or any indoor public space except the designated smoking lounge. The smoking lounge is typically located on a lower deck and is the only indoor space where cigarettes are permitted.

Outdoor smoking is allowed on certain open deck areas, usually marked with signage. These are typically areas away from the main pool deck and passenger flow. Carnival crew members monitor these spaces, and if you smoke outside a designated area, you will be asked to stop and may face additional charges added to your onboard account.

The specific location of the smoking lounge and outdoor smoking areas varies by ship and ship class. When you board, your cabin paperwork or the daily program will show you where these areas are located. If you do not see this information, ask at guest services on your first day.

Key Takeaways

  • Smoking is only permitted in one designated indoor lounge and specific outdoor deck areas marked by Carnival signage.
  • You cannot smoke in your cabin, on your private balcony, in restaurants, theaters, or any corridor or enclosed public space.
  • Violations result in charges to your onboard account, and crew will enforce the policy throughout your cruise.
  • The exact location of smoking areas differs by ship, so check your welcome packet or ask guest services when you board.
  • E-cigarettes and vaping follow the same rules as traditional cigarettes on Carnival ships.

What Happens If You Smoke Outside Designated Areas

If you smoke in a non-smoking area, a crew member will approach you and ask you to stop. This is not a warning—it is an when ready enforcement action. Carnival charges a cleaning fee to your onboard account, typically between $250 and $500 per violation, depending on the location and severity of the incident.

Multiple violations can result in higher charges and, in extreme cases, removal from the ship at the next port without a refund. Carnival takes this policy seriously because smoke travels through ventilation systems and affects other passengers' cabins and shared spaces. The crew has the authority to enforce this policy at any time during your cruise.

If you receive a charge you believe is unfair, you can dispute it with guest services before you disembark. However, Carnival's policy is clear, and the burden is on you to know where smoking is permitted. Taking time to locate the designated areas on your first day prevents costly mistakes.

Bringing Cigarettes and Tobacco Products Onboard

You can bring cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products onboard Carnival ships for personal use. There is no limit on the quantity you can bring, and Carnival does not charge a fee for tobacco products in your luggage. However, you can only use them in the designated smoking areas.

Cigars are treated the same as cigarettes under Carnival's smoking policy—they are not permitted in cabins or on balconies, even though some cruise lines allow cigar smoking in specific outdoor areas. Check with guest services about whether your particular ship has a cigar-friendly outdoor deck, as this varies by vessel.

Duty-free tobacco purchased at ports can also be brought back onboard, as long as you follow the same smoking location rules. Keep all tobacco products in your cabin and only remove them when you are heading to a designated smoking area.

E-Cigarettes and Vaping Policies

Carnival treats e-cigarettes and vaping devices the same as traditional cigarettes. You cannot use them in your cabin, on your balcony, in dining areas, or in any indoor public space except the designated smoking lounge. Outdoor vaping is only permitted in the marked smoking deck areas.

The reasoning behind this policy is that while e-cigarettes do not produce smoke, they do produce vapor that can bother other passengers and trigger smoke detectors. Carnival enforces the vaping policy with the same penalties as cigarette smoking—a charge to your onboard account for violations.

If you vape regularly, plan to visit the designated smoking lounge or outdoor smoking deck multiple times during your cruise. Many passengers find the outdoor areas more pleasant than the indoor lounge, especially on sea days when the weather is good.

Designated Smoking Areas by Deck and Ship Type

Carnival's fleet includes several ship classes, and the location of smoking areas differs slightly between them. On newer ships like the Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, the smoking lounge is typically on Deck 5 or 6, away from main passenger areas. On older ships, it may be on a different deck.

Outdoor smoking decks are usually on the aft (back) end of the ship, away from the main pool area and dining venues. These areas are open to the ocean breeze, which helps disperse smoke. Signage clearly marks these spaces, and crew members can point you in the right direction if you are unsure.

The best way to find these areas is to pick up a ship map from guest services or your cabin on your first day. Walk the ship during your first few hours onboard and locate the smoking areas so you know exactly where to go. This prevents you from accidentally smoking in a non-designated space and facing a charge.

Planning Your Cruise If You Smoke

If you smoke regularly, factor in the time and distance to reach designated smoking areas when planning your daily activities. The smoking lounge may be several decks away from your cabin or the main pool area, and you will need to make multiple trips during a week-long cruise.

Some passengers find that the inconvenience of designated smoking areas motivates them to reduce their smoking during the cruise. Others plan their schedule around smoking breaks, visiting the lounge or outdoor deck at specific times of day. Neither approach is wrong—it depends on your personal habits and preferences.

If you are traveling with non-smoking family members or friends, be aware that they may not want to spend time in or near smoking areas. Discuss this before your cruise so everyone understands the policy and can plan accordingly. Carnival's policy exists to protect all passengers' comfort, and respecting designated areas helps maintain a pleasant environment for everyone onboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke on my cabin balcony?

No. Carnival prohibits smoking on private balconies because smoke travels between cabins through ventilation systems and affects neighboring passengers. This rule applies even if your balcony is private and you are not bothering anyone visibly. Violations result in a cleaning charge to your account.

What if I smoke in my cabin when no one is watching?

Carnival crew performs cabin inspections and can detect smoke residue and smell. If smoking is discovered in your cabin, you will be charged a deep-cleaning fee, typically $250 to $500 or more. The charge appears on your onboard account before you disembark, and you must pay it to settle your bill.

Are there any cabins designated for smokers?

No. Carnival does not offer smoking cabins. All cabins are non-smoking, and the policy applies equally to every passenger regardless of cabin type or price paid. The only indoor space where smoking is permitted is the designated smoking lounge.

Can I smoke near the pool or hot tub?

Only in designated outdoor smoking deck areas, which are separate from the main pool area. You cannot smoke while sitting at the pool or in a hot tub. If you want to smoke, you must go to the marked smoking deck, smoke, and then return to the pool area.

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

No. The smoking lounge is included with your cruise fare and is free to use. There are no additional charges for accessing the lounge, only charges if you smoke outside of designated areas.