Where You Can and Cannot Smoke on Norwegian Cruise Ships
Norwegian Cruise Line allows smoking in designated areas only. You cannot smoke in your cabin, on your balcony, in dining rooms, theaters, or most public spaces. Smoking is permitted in specific outdoor deck areas and in one designated indoor lounge per ship — the location and hours vary by vessel.
If you smoke in a prohibited area, you will be asked to stop. Repeat violations result in a fine charged to your onboard account, typically $250 per incident. The ship's crew enforces these rules consistently, and other passengers report violations regularly.
Norwegian's policy is stricter than some cruise lines but less restrictive than others. Royal Caribbean bans smoking almost entirely except for a small outdoor area. Carnival allows smoking in cabins designated for smokers. If smoking access matters to your cruise choice, confirm the specific ship's layout before you book.
Key Takeaways
- Smoking is banned in all cabins and balconies on Norwegian ships, even if you booked a smoking room.
- The only indoor smoking area is one designated lounge per ship, with limited hours that you should confirm when you board.
- Outdoor smoking is permitted on certain deck areas, but the exact location depends on the individual ship's design.
- Violations result in a $250 fine to your account for each incident, and the rule is enforced by crew members.
Designated Smoking Lounges and Outdoor Areas
Each Norwegian ship has one indoor smoking lounge, but the name and location differ by vessel. On newer ships like the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Encore, it is called the Vape Lounge and is located near the casino area. On older ships, it may be called the Cigar Bar or Smoking Lounge. Crew members at guest services can tell you the exact location and operating hours when you board.
Outdoor smoking is allowed on certain open decks, typically the aft (back) areas away from dining and pool zones. The specific decks vary by ship size and layout. When you receive your room key and information packet, it will include a deck plan showing where smoking is permitted. If the map is unclear, ask at guest services — they can point you to the correct outdoor areas.
Hours for the indoor lounge are usually 5 p.m. to midnight, but some ships extend them later. The outdoor areas are generally open during daylight hours, though crew may ask you to move if you are near a dining venue or children's area.
What Happens If You Smoke in Your Cabin or Balcony
Norwegian enforces the no-smoking cabin policy strictly. If smoke is detected in your room — either by crew observation or by smoke detectors — you will be charged a deep-cleaning fee of $250 to your onboard account. This is separate from any fine for violating the smoking policy itself.
Crew members conduct random inspections and respond to complaints from neighboring cabins. If another guest reports smoke coming from your room, a crew member will knock and document the violation. You cannot dispute the charge once it is recorded.
Balconies are treated the same as cabins. Even though the balcony is technically outside, Norwegian considers it part of your private cabin space and prohibits smoking there. Smoke drifting into neighboring cabins is a common source of complaints, and crew takes these seriously.
Bringing Cigarettes, Vapes, and Other Tobacco Products Aboard
You may bring cigarettes and tobacco products for personal use. There is no limit on quantity for cruise passengers, though U.S. Customs has limits if you are traveling internationally. Vaping devices and e-cigarettes are allowed, but they are subject to the same location restrictions as traditional cigarettes — they cannot be used in cabins, on balconies, or in prohibited public areas.
You cannot purchase cigarettes or tobacco from the ship's shops. The onboard stores do not stock them. If you run out during your cruise, you will need to wait until you reach a port where you can buy them ashore. Plan ahead if you are taking a long cruise or visiting ports with limited shopping.
Marijuana in any form — smoked, vaped, or edible — is prohibited on Norwegian ships, even in jurisdictions where it is legal. The ship operates under international maritime law, not local law, and violations can result in serious consequences including removal from the ship at the next port.
Smoking Rules by Cabin Type
Norwegian no longer offers smoking cabins. All standard cabins, suites, and specialty accommodations are non-smoking. If you booked before this policy changed, your reservation was automatically converted to a non-smoking cabin with no refund adjustment. The company made this change fleet-wide to reduce cleaning costs and guest complaints.
Some older booking confirmations may still reference "smoking room" or "non-smoking room" categories, but these are outdated labels. When you check in, all cabins are treated as non-smoking regardless of what your confirmation says. If you have questions about your specific reservation, contact Norwegian's guest services before you sail.
Smoking Rules in Dining Rooms, Theaters, and Other Public Spaces
Smoking is not permitted in any dining venue, including the main dining room, specialty restaurants, buffets, and casual cafes. You cannot smoke in theaters, nightclubs, or entertainment venues. Smoking is also banned in the casino, fitness center, spa, library, and children's areas.
The only exception is the designated smoking lounge mentioned earlier. If you want to smoke and eat, you must finish your meal first, then go to the lounge. Some guests smoke between courses, but crew will ask you to leave the dining area if you light up at your table.
Elevators, hallways, and stairwells are all non-smoking. Crew members monitor these areas and will stop you if you attempt to smoke while moving through the ship.
What to Do If Smoke Is Bothering You
If smoke from an adjacent cabin or balcony is entering your room, contact guest services when ready. Provide your cabin number and the location of the smoke source. Crew will investigate and speak with the guest in the neighboring cabin. If the violation is confirmed, that guest will be charged and asked to stop.
If you smell smoke in a public area, report it to any crew member you see. They will check the area and enforce the rules. Complaints are taken seriously because they affect other guests' experience.
If you are unhappy with how your complaint was handled, ask to speak with the hotel director or guest relations manager. They can review the situation and may offer compensation such as a credit to your onboard account if the disturbance was significant and unresolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on the balcony of my cabin?
No. Norwegian prohibits smoking on all balconies, even though they are technically outside. Smoke drifts into neighboring cabins, and violations result in a $250 fine. You must use the designated outdoor deck areas or the indoor smoking lounge.
What if I booked a smoking cabin before the policy changed?
All cabins on Norwegian ships are now non-smoking. Your reservation was converted automatically, and you cannot request a smoking cabin. If you have concerns about your booking, contact Norwegian's customer service before your sail date.
Can I vape in my cabin or on my balcony?
No. Vaping devices are subject to the same restrictions as cigarettes. You can only vape in the designated smoking lounge or in the permitted outdoor deck areas. Using a vape in your cabin will result in the same $250 fine as smoking a cigarette.
Where exactly is the smoking lounge on my ship?
The location and name vary by vessel. When you board, ask at guest services or check the deck plan in your cabin information packet. They will show you the exact location and tell you the operating hours for that specific ship.
What happens if I smoke in a prohibited area and no one sees me?
Smoke detectors in cabins will trigger an alarm, and crew will respond. In public areas, other guests often report violations. Even if you are not caught when ready, the fine can be charged to your account after your cruise ends if evidence is found during cabin inspections.