Disney's Smoking Policy on Ships

Disney Cruise Line prohibits smoking in all indoor spaces on their ships, including cabins, dining rooms, theaters, corridors, and public areas. The only places where smoking is permitted are designated outdoor deck areas — typically a small section of one upper deck set aside for this purpose. These outdoor smoking zones are clearly marked, and crew members enforce the policy throughout the ship.

This policy applies to all forms of smoking: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes or vaping devices. The restriction is consistent across all Disney Cruise Line ships, regardless of which vessel you board or which itinerary you choose. Violating the smoking policy can result in fines, cabin charges, or removal from the ship at the next port.

Key Takeaways

  • Smoking is only permitted in one designated outdoor deck area on Disney ships; all indoor spaces are smoke-free.
  • The policy covers cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes — vaping is treated the same as traditional smoking.
  • Smoking in your cabin or any indoor space results in a cleaning fee charged to your account, typically several hundred dollars.
  • Crew members actively monitor and enforce the policy, and repeated violations can lead to removal from the ship.

Designated Smoking Areas on Deck

Each Disney ship has one small outdoor smoking zone, usually located on an upper deck away from main passenger traffic. The exact location varies by ship — on some vessels it is on Deck 9 or 10, while on others it may be positioned differently. When you board, your cabin paperwork or the ship's daily program will indicate where this area is located.

The outdoor smoking area is open during most hours of the day and evening, though it may be closed during certain events or weather conditions. Crew members monitor the zone to may support only smokers are present and that ash and cigarette butts are disposed of properly in designated receptacles. Even in this permitted area, you must follow basic courtesy rules — do not smoke near children or in ways that blow smoke toward other passengers.

What Happens If You Smoke in Your Cabin

Smoking in your cabin is one of the most costly violations on a Disney ship. If crew members detect smoke or find evidence of smoking in your stateroom, Disney charges a deep-cleaning fee to your onboard account. This fee typically ranges from $250 to $500 or more, depending on the extent of the smoke damage and the ship's assessment of cleaning required.

The charge covers the cost of removing smoke odor from the cabin, washing or replacing soft furnishings, and treating walls and surfaces. Disney takes this seriously because smoke odor can linger and affect the next guests assigned to that cabin. If you are caught smoking in your cabin, crew members will also issue a formal warning, and repeated violations can result in your removal from the ship at the next available port.

Smoking in Other Indoor Spaces

Smoking anywhere indoors other than the designated outdoor deck — including hallways, bathrooms, dining areas, theaters, or public lounges — is strictly prohibited. Crew members patrol these areas regularly, and other passengers are encouraged to report violations to guest services. If you are caught smoking indoors, you will be asked to stop when ready and may face a fine or other disciplinary action.

The indoor smoking ban exists for the safety and comfort of all passengers. Ships are enclosed environments with shared air systems, so smoke travels quickly through corridors and can affect cabins and public spaces far from where the smoking occurs. Disney enforces this rule consistently to protect the health and experience of all guests aboard.

Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping

Electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and similar products are treated exactly the same as traditional cigarettes under Disney's smoking policy. You cannot use these devices in your cabin or in any indoor space on the ship. The only place where vaping is permitted is in the designated outdoor smoking area on deck.

Many passengers mistakenly believe that vaping is allowed because it does not produce traditional smoke. Disney's policy makes no distinction — the rule applies to all nicotine delivery devices and vaping products. Using a vaping device in your cabin will result in the same cleaning fees and warnings as smoking a cigarette.

Planning Ahead If You Smoke

If you smoke, plan to use the designated outdoor deck area during your cruise. The area is small and may be crowded during peak times, so you may have limited privacy. Consider the weather on your itinerary — if you are cruising to cold-weather destinations, spending time on an outdoor deck may be uncomfortable.

Many smokers find it helpful to visit the outdoor smoking area during less busy times, such as early morning or late evening, when fewer passengers are present. Bring your own cigarettes or cigars — the ship's shops may have limited selection or higher prices than you are accustomed to. Plan your smoking schedule around dining times, entertainment, and port days so you do not miss activities you have paid for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke in my cabin if I pay an extra fee?

No. Disney does not offer a smoking cabin option on any of their ships. All cabins are non-smoking, and smoking in your cabin will result in a cleaning fee regardless of whether you ask permission in advance. There is no way to reserve a cabin where smoking is permitted.

What if I smoke in my cabin and do not get caught?

Smoke odor is difficult to hide. Crew members conduct inspections, and other guests in nearby cabins will report the smell. Even if you are not caught during your cruise, Disney may charge your account after you leave if housekeeping discovers evidence of smoking during the post-cruise cleaning.

Is the outdoor smoking area heated or covered?

The outdoor smoking area is typically uncovered and unheated. It is exposed to the elements, so you will experience whatever weather conditions exist at sea. On cold or rainy days, the area may be uncomfortable, and on some itineraries it may be closed temporarily due to severe weather.

Can I smoke on the beach or at ports?

Smoking rules at ports depend on the laws of each destination country or territory. Some ports have their own smoking restrictions, and some beaches prohibit smoking entirely. Check the local laws for each port on your itinerary before you plan to smoke ashore.

Do crew members smoke on the ship?

Crew members have separate, restricted areas where they are permitted to smoke, but these areas are not accessible to passengers. The passenger-designated smoking area is the only place where guests may smoke on the ship.