Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor areas only, and banned everywhere else on the ship

Most cruise lines permit smoking only on open-air decks in spaces they've marked for that purpose. Cabins, dining rooms, theaters, corridors, elevators, casinos, and all interior spaces are smoke-free on virtually every major cruise line. The specific locations where smoking is permitted vary by cruise line and sometimes by ship within the same line, so you need to check your cruise line's policy before you board.

Violating smoking rules can result in fines ranging from $250 to $500 per violation, confinement to your cabin, or removal from the ship at the next port without a refund. Some cruise lines charge the cost of deep-cleaning a cabin to your account if smoking is detected inside. These aren't warnings—they're enforced consistently.

Key Takeaways

  • Smoking is restricted to designated outdoor deck areas on all major cruise lines; no smoking is permitted in cabins, restaurants, theaters, or any enclosed space.
  • Each cruise line sets its own smoking policy, and some ships within the same line have different rules, so you must check your specific cruise line's website before boarding.
  • Violations typically result in fines of $250 to $500 per incident, and cruise lines may charge you for cabin cleaning or confine you to your room.
  • Electronic cigarettes and vaping are treated the same as traditional cigarettes on most cruise lines and are banned in cabins and most indoor areas.
  • If you need to smoke during your cruise, plan to use designated deck areas during specific hours, which are usually posted near those locations.

Where designated smoking areas are located on cruise ships

Designated smoking areas are almost always on open-air decks, typically toward the rear or sides of the ship where smoke disperses away from other passengers. The exact location depends on the ship's layout. Common spots include the aft (rear) pool deck, a section of the promenade deck, or a dedicated smoking lounge on an upper deck.

When you board, check the information packet in your cabin or ask at guest services for the exact location of smoking areas on your specific ship. Some cruise lines post maps in your cabin or on their website showing where smoking is permitted. The designated areas are usually marked with signage, and crew members monitor them to may support only those areas are used.

Smoking policies for major cruise lines

Carnival Cruise Line permits smoking in designated outdoor areas only, with no smoking in cabins under any circumstances. Royal Caribbean bans smoking in all cabins and interior spaces, allowing it only in designated outdoor areas. Norwegian Cruise Line has similar restrictions but may have slightly different designated areas depending on the ship.

Disney Cruise Line has one of the strictest policies: smoking is banned in all cabins, on all verandas, and in most outdoor areas. Disney allows smoking only in two small designated areas on each ship, typically on a remote deck. If you're sailing with Disney, plan accordingly, as your options are very limited.

Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises both restrict smoking to designated outdoor deck areas and prohibit it in cabins. Holland America Line and Cunard follow the same general rule. If you're sailing with a smaller or specialty cruise line, their policy may differ, so contact them directly before your cruise.

Electronic cigarettes and vaping on cruise ships

Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are treated the same as traditional cigarettes on most cruise lines. They are banned in cabins, dining areas, theaters, and all interior spaces. Some cruise lines permit vaping only in the same designated outdoor smoking areas as traditional cigarettes.

A few cruise lines ban e-cigarettes and vaping entirely, even in designated outdoor areas. Check your cruise line's specific policy, because the rules vary. If you use an e-cigarette or vaping device, assume it will be restricted to the same outdoor areas as traditional smoking unless your cruise line explicitly states otherwise.

What happens if you smoke in a prohibited area

If crew members catch you smoking in a cabin or prohibited area, you will be asked to stop when ready. A first violation typically results in a fine of $250 to $500 charged to your onboard account. The crew will document the incident, and repeat violations lead to higher fines or more serious consequences.

If smoking damage is discovered in your cabin after you check out, the cruise line will charge you for professional cleaning and any repairs needed. These charges can exceed $500. In severe cases or repeated violations, the cruise line may confine you to your cabin for the remainder of the cruise or remove you at the next port without a refund.

Cruise lines take smoking violations seriously because smoke travels through ventilation systems and affects other passengers' cabins and shared spaces. Enforcement is consistent across all cruise lines.

Planning your smoking routine during a cruise

If you smoke, plan to use designated areas during times when fewer passengers are present, typically early morning or late evening. Check the posted hours for designated smoking areas, as some cruise lines may restrict smoking during certain times of day or in certain weather conditions.

Bring enough cigarettes or vaping supplies for your entire cruise. While some ships have small shops that sell tobacco products, selection is limited and prices are high. Packing what you need in your carry-on luggage is more practical.

Be aware that designated smoking areas can be crowded during peak hours, and weather can make them uncomfortable. If you're sensitive to secondhand smoke, avoid those areas during peak times, or ask guest services which times are typically quieter.

Smoking restrictions in ports and at sea

When your ship is docked at a port, local laws explore. Some ports have strict smoking bans in public areas, while others are more permissive. Research the smoking laws in each port you'll visit, because violating local laws can result in fines or legal trouble.

At sea, only the cruise line's policy applies. Once you leave port, you're in international waters, and the ship's rules are the only rules that matter. This means the cruise line's smoking ban is absolute and enforced by the crew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke in my cabin if I pay extra or book a smoking cabin?

No. All major cruise lines prohibit smoking in all cabins, regardless of cabin type or any additional fees. There are no smoking cabins on modern cruise ships. If you smoke in your cabin, you will be fined and charged for cleaning.

What if I smoke on my balcony or veranda?

Smoking on a private balcony or veranda is prohibited on most cruise lines, even though it's outside. Smoke travels to neighboring cabins and shared areas. Disney Cruise Line explicitly bans smoking on all verandas. Check your cruise line's policy, but assume balcony smoking is not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Are there any cruise lines with no smoking restrictions?

No. Every major cruise line bans smoking in cabins and interior spaces. All of them restrict smoking to designated outdoor areas only. If smoking is important to you, choose a cruise line with the most generous designated smoking areas, but expect restrictions on every ship.

Can I smoke marijuana on a cruise ship?

No. Marijuana is banned on all cruise ships, regardless of whether it's legal in the ports you visit or your home state. Cruise ships operate under federal maritime law, and marijuana possession and use are federal crimes at sea. Violating this rule can result in criminal charges, not just a fine.

What if I need to smoke for medical reasons?

Cruise lines do not make exceptions to smoking bans for medical reasons. If you use nicotine for medical purposes, you must use designated outdoor smoking areas or consider nicotine replacement methods like patches or gum that don't produce smoke.