Royal Caribbean bans smoking in almost all indoor spaces and many outdoor areas

Royal Caribbean prohibits smoking in cabins, dining rooms, theaters, corridors, elevators, casinos, and most public indoor spaces. You cannot smoke while walking around the ship or in your stateroom under any circumstances. The only places where smoking is permitted are designated outdoor deck areas — typically one or two specific locations on each ship, often near the back or sides of the vessel.

The policy applies to all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes (vaping). If you smoke in a prohibited area, you will be asked to stop when ready. Repeated violations can result in being confined to your cabin for the remainder of the cruise, and Royal Caribbean reserves the right to charge your onboard account for any damage caused by smoking in non-smoking areas.

Key Takeaways

  • Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor deck areas, which vary by ship but are clearly marked.
  • All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices, are banned from cabins and indoor public spaces.
  • Violations can result in cabin confinement and charges to your onboard account for damage or cleaning.
  • You should ask your cabin steward or check your onboard information for the exact location of smoking areas on your specific ship.
  • The policy applies equally to all guests, including those in premium suites and specialty accommodations.

Where the designated smoking areas are located

Each Royal Caribbean ship has at least one designated smoking area on an outdoor deck, but the exact location differs depending on which ship you are sailing on. These areas are typically positioned away from main foot traffic and are clearly marked with signage. Common locations include sections of the Promenade Deck, the Solarium area, or specific aft (rear) deck sections.

When you board the ship, your cabin information packet or the onboard app will show you where smoking is permitted. You can also ask your cabin steward or visit Guest Services on the first day to confirm the location. Some ships have multiple designated areas, while others have only one. If you plan to smoke during your cruise, locate this area early so you know where to go.

What happens if you smoke in a prohibited area

If you smoke anywhere except the designated outdoor areas, crew members will approach you and ask you to stop when ready. A first violation typically results in a warning. If you continue to smoke in prohibited spaces, Royal Caribbean can confine you to your cabin for the remainder of the voyage, which means you will miss ports and onboard activities.

Additionally, if smoking causes damage to a cabin — such as burns, stains, or odor that requires professional cleaning — Royal Caribbean will charge your onboard account for the repairs and deep cleaning. These charges can range significantly depending on the extent of the damage. The ship's crew takes this policy seriously because smoke can spread to adjacent cabins and trigger fire safety systems.

E-cigarettes and vaping are treated the same as traditional cigarettes

Royal Caribbean's smoking ban includes electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and any product that produces vapor or aerosol. You cannot use these devices in your cabin, in corridors, in dining areas, or in any indoor public space. The only exception is the designated outdoor smoking area.

Many guests assume e-cigarettes are permitted because they do not produce smoke, but Royal Caribbean treats them identically to traditional cigarettes. The reasoning is that vapor can still trigger smoke detectors and create a nuisance for other passengers. If you use vaping devices, plan to use them only in the designated outdoor area during your cruise.

Smoking policies for different cabin types

The no-smoking policy applies to all accommodations on Royal Caribbean ships, regardless of cabin category or price. This includes standard inside cabins, oceanview cabins, balcony cabins, junior suites, and premium suites. Even guests in the most expensive accommodations cannot smoke in their rooms.

Some cruise lines offer designated smoking cabins, but Royal Caribbean does not. If you are a smoker, you will need to use the outdoor designated areas. This is one of the few policies that does not vary based on what you paid for your cabin or what tier of loyalty status you hold with the cruise line.

Planning your cruise if you smoke

If you smoke, plan to visit the designated outdoor area multiple times during your cruise. Keep in mind that weather conditions, rough seas, or port schedules may limit your access to outdoor decks at certain times. Some guests find that the restriction is manageable for a week-long cruise; others find it more challenging on longer voyages.

Before you book, consider whether the smoking restrictions will affect your enjoyment of the cruise. If you are a frequent smoker, you may want to choose a shorter cruise or prepare yourself mentally for the limitations. Royal Caribbean does not offer any exceptions or accommodations for smokers beyond the designated outdoor areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke on my cabin balcony?

No. Smoking is prohibited on private balconies because smoke can drift into adjacent cabins and trigger fire alarms. The only permitted smoking locations are the designated outdoor deck areas shared by all passengers. This rule applies even in premium suites with larger balconies.

What if I need to smoke during rough weather when the outdoor decks are closed?

If outdoor decks are closed due to weather or safety conditions, you cannot smoke anywhere on the ship during that time. Royal Caribbean does not provide indoor smoking areas or exceptions during rough seas. You will need to wait until conditions improve and the designated smoking area is accessible again.

Are there any smoking areas in the casino or nightclubs?

No. Royal Caribbean prohibits smoking in all indoor spaces, including the casino, nightclubs, lounges, and bars. You must leave these venues and go to the designated outdoor deck area if you want to smoke. This applies even during late-night activities.

Will I be charged if someone else smokes in my cabin?

If you report smoking in your cabin and it is confirmed, you will not be charged. However, if damage occurs in your cabin due to smoking and you are the registered guest, you may be liable. If you are concerned about smoke from an adjacent cabin, contact Guest Services when ready so they can document the issue.

Do the smoking rules explore to ports of call?

The Royal Caribbean smoking policy applies only on the ship itself. Once you are ashore at a port, local laws and regulations govern where you can smoke. Each port has its own rules, which may be more or less restrictive than the ship's policy.