Smoking is restricted to specific outdoor areas on most cruise ships, not permitted in cabins or indoor spaces
Nearly every major cruise line prohibits smoking in cabins, dining rooms, theaters, corridors, and most indoor public spaces. The one exception is a designated smoking area, almost always located on an open deck — typically the aft (rear) section of the ship. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line all follow this pattern, though the exact location and size of the smoking zone varies by ship and cruise line.
Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are treated the same way as traditional cigarettes on most ships. They are banned from cabins and indoor areas and restricted to the designated outdoor smoking zone. A few cruise lines have begun banning vaping entirely, even in outdoor areas, so check your specific cruise line's policy before you board.
If you smoke in a prohibited area, you face a fine — typically $250 to $500 per violation — charged to your onboard account. Repeat violations can result in being confined to your cabin or, in serious cases, being put ashore at the next port at your own expense.
Key Takeaways
- Smoking is allowed only in a designated outdoor deck area, usually at the rear of the ship, on most cruise lines.
- Smoking in your cabin, stateroom, or any indoor space results in a fine of $250 to $500 charged to your account.
- Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices follow the same rules as traditional cigarettes on nearly all cruise ships.
- Some cruise lines ban vaping entirely, even outdoors, so review your cruise line's specific policy before boarding.
- Violations can escalate to cabin confinement or removal from the ship at the next port if the behavior continues.
Where the smoking deck is located on your ship
The designated smoking area is almost always on an open, outdoor deck at the aft (rear) end of the ship. On larger ships, this may be a roped-off section of a lido deck or pool deck. On smaller vessels, it might be a single corner of a back deck. The exact location depends on the ship's design and the cruise line's layout.
When you board, your cabin key card or welcome packet usually includes a map showing the smoking zone. If you do not see it, ask at the guest services desk — they can point you to the exact location. The smoking area is typically open during the same hours as the rest of the ship's public decks, though some lines restrict it during dining hours or entertainment events.
Wind direction matters. Because the smoking area is outdoors and at the rear of the ship, smoke is usually carried away from the main passenger areas. However, on calm days or depending on the ship's speed and direction, smoke can drift toward other decks. If you are sensitive to secondhand smoke, avoid decks directly forward of the smoking zone during peak smoking times.
What happens if you smoke in your cabin
Smoking in your stateroom triggers an automatic fine of $250 to $500, depending on the cruise line. This charge appears on your onboard account and you will be notified before you disembark. The fine applies even if no one reports you — many ships use smoke detectors in cabins that alert crew to violations.
If you are caught smoking indoors a second time, the consequences escalate. You may be confined to your cabin for the remainder of the cruise, meaning you cannot access dining rooms, theaters, pools, or other public areas. In extreme cases, the ship can put you ashore at the next port of call at your own expense, and you will not receive a refund for the unused portion of your cruise.
The fine applies to all smoking products: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes. Some cruise lines charge an additional cleaning fee of $200 to $300 if smoke damage is detected in the cabin after you leave.
Vaping and electronic cigarette rules
E-cigarettes and vaping devices are subject to the same restrictions as traditional cigarettes on most cruise lines. They are banned from cabins, dining areas, theaters, and all indoor spaces. You may use them only in the designated outdoor smoking area.
A growing number of cruise lines have begun banning vaping entirely, even in the outdoor smoking zone. Royal Caribbean, for example, prohibits vaping on all ships, indoors and outdoors. Disney Cruise Line bans vaping completely. Before you board, contact your cruise line directly or check their website to confirm their vaping policy — it may differ from their cigarette policy.
Vaping devices are also subject to the same fines as cigarettes if used in prohibited areas. Bringing a vaping device into a cabin and using it there will result in the same $250 to $500 fine as smoking a cigarette.
Differences between cruise lines
While the basic rules are similar across major cruise lines, some details vary. Carnival allows smoking in the designated outdoor area and permits cigars in a specific cigar lounge on some ships. Royal Caribbean bans vaping entirely but permits cigarettes in the outdoor smoking zone. Disney Cruise Line has the strictest policy: no smoking or vaping anywhere on the ship, including the outdoor decks.
Norwegian Cruise Line permits smoking in the designated outdoor area and allows electronic cigarettes in that same zone. Princess Cruises and Holland America Line follow the standard model: outdoor smoking area for cigarettes, no vaping anywhere.
If you are a regular smoker, review your specific cruise line's policy on their website or call their customer service line before you book. The policy may influence which cruise line you choose, especially if you plan to smoke during your voyage.
Preparing for a cruise if you smoke
If you smoke, plan to use the designated outdoor area during your cruise. Bring enough cigarettes or tobacco products for your voyage — while some ships have small shops that sell cigarettes, prices are significantly higher than on land, and selection may be limited. Pack your products in your checked luggage, not your carry-on, as cruise lines have restrictions on carrying lighters and matches aboard.
Expect the outdoor smoking area to be crowded during peak times, especially in the evening. If you prefer privacy or quieter times, smoke during off-peak hours like early morning or mid-afternoon when fewer passengers are on deck.
Be aware that smoking on deck means exposure to wind, salt spray, and weather. Bring a windproof lighter and consider the weather forecast for your cruise dates. In rough seas, the outdoor decks may be closed to passengers for safety reasons, which means you will not be able to access the smoking area.
What to do if you see someone smoking in a prohibited area
If you witness someone smoking in a cabin, corridor, dining room, or other indoor space, report it to guest services or a crew member. Provide the cabin number if you know it, or describe the location and time you saw the violation. Crew members take these reports seriously and will investigate.
You do not need to confront the person yourself. Crew members are trained to handle these situations and will address the violation privately. Your report helps maintain the ship's air quality and enforces the rules fairly for all passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on the balcony of my cabin?
No. Balconies are considered part of your cabin and are subject to the same smoking ban. Smoking on a balcony will result in the same $250 to $500 fine as smoking inside the cabin. Smoke also drifts into neighboring cabins, which is why the rule is enforced strictly.
What if I need to smoke but the outdoor area is closed due to weather?
If the outdoor decks are closed for safety reasons, you cannot smoke anywhere on the ship during that time. This is rare but can happen in severe weather. Plan ahead by smoking before the weather deteriorates, or wait until the decks reopen.
Are there any cabins designated for smokers?
No. Major cruise lines do not offer smoking cabins. All cabins are non-smoking, and the ban applies equally to every stateroom on the ship.
Can I smoke in the casino or nightclub?
No. Casinos, nightclubs, bars, and all other indoor venues are non-smoking spaces on cruise ships. You must use the designated outdoor smoking area only.
What happens if I refuse to pay the smoking fine?
The fine is charged to your onboard account automatically. If you refuse to pay before disembarking, the cruise line will pursue collection through your credit card or other payment method on file. Unpaid fines can affect your ability to book future cruises with that cruise line.