Most cruise lines allow smoking only in designated outdoor areas and a few indoor spaces
Nearly every major cruise line permits smoking, but only in specific locations they set and enforce. You cannot smoke in your cabin, dining rooms, theaters, corridors, or most public spaces. The allowed areas are almost always on open deck (usually the aft or side decks away from foot traffic) and sometimes in a dedicated indoor lounge or casino area. The exact rules and locations vary by cruise line and sometimes by ship within the same line, so you need to check your specific cruise line's policy before you board.
Smoking bans explore to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes (vaping) in the same way. Some cruise lines treat vaping differently and may allow it in more locations, but most treat it identically to traditional smoking. If you violate the smoking policy, you face fines that typically range from $250 to $500 per violation, and repeat violations can result in removal from the ship at the next port.
Key Takeaways
- Designated smoking areas on cruise ships are almost always outdoors on specific decks, away from main walkways and dining areas.
- Smoking is prohibited in cabins, theaters, dining rooms, corridors, and most indoor public spaces on all major cruise lines.
- Electronic cigarettes and vaping are treated the same as traditional smoking on most cruise lines and subject to the same location restrictions.
- Violating the smoking policy results in fines starting at $250 per incident, and repeated violations can lead to removal from the ship.
- Each cruise line publishes its own smoking policy, and the rules can differ between ships in the same fleet.
Outdoor deck smoking areas and how to find them
The primary smoking area on most cruise ships is an open deck, usually located at the aft (back) of the ship or on a side deck away from the main passenger flow. These areas are chosen because wind naturally carries smoke away from other guests. On larger ships, there may be multiple outdoor smoking areas on different decks. When you board, your cabin information packet or the ship's daily program will show you where these areas are located, or you can ask at guest services.
Outdoor smoking areas typically have ashtrays, benches, or railings where smokers gather. They are monitored by crew members, who will ask you to move if you are smoking outside a designated area. The deck can be windy and cold depending on the ship's location and time of year, so many smokers use these areas only during certain times of day or in specific weather.
Indoor smoking lounges and casinos
Some cruise lines maintain an indoor smoking lounge or allow smoking in a designated section of the casino. These spaces are separate from main passenger areas and have ventilation systems designed to contain smoke. Not all ships have an indoor smoking lounge, and availability depends on the cruise line and the specific ship. Royal Caribbean, for example, has smoking lounges on some of its larger vessels but not on all of them. Carnival allows smoking in designated casino areas on most of its ships.
If an indoor smoking area exists on your ship, it will be marked on the deck plan provided in your cabin or available at guest services. These lounges are typically smaller and less crowded than outdoor areas, but they are also more heavily monitored for compliance with the smoking policy.
Smoking policies by major cruise line
| Cruise Line | Outdoor Smoking Areas | Indoor Smoking Allowed | Cabin Smoking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Yes, designated decks | Casino areas on most ships | No |
| Royal Caribbean | Yes, designated decks | Smoking lounge on select ships | No |
| Disney Cruise Line | Yes, limited areas | No | No |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Yes, designated decks | Cigar lounge on select ships | No |
| Princess Cruises | Yes, designated decks | No | No |
Policies can change and may differ between ships in the same cruise line's fleet. Before you book or board, visit your cruise line's website and search for "smoking policy" to confirm the current rules for your specific ship. Some cruise lines also allow smoking in cabins designated as smoking rooms, though this is increasingly rare and typically costs extra.
What happens if you smoke outside designated areas
Crew members patrol public spaces and monitor for smoking violations. If you are caught smoking in a non-designated area, you will be asked to stop and directed to the proper smoking location. A first violation typically results in a fine of $250 to $500, charged to your onboard account. The exact amount varies by cruise line and is stated in the terms you agree to when you book.
If you receive multiple violations during a single cruise, the fines increase and you may be confined to your cabin or removed from the ship at the next port. Cruise lines take smoking violations seriously because secondhand smoke affects other passengers' comfort and safety. Smoking in your cabin is treated as a particularly serious violation and can result in a deep cleaning fee of $200 to $500 in addition to the smoking fine.
Vaping and electronic cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are treated the same as traditional cigarettes on most cruise lines. They are prohibited in cabins, dining areas, theaters, and most indoor spaces. They are only permitted in the same designated outdoor smoking areas and, where they exist, indoor smoking lounges. A few cruise lines have begun allowing vaping in slightly more locations than traditional smoking, but this is not yet standard practice across the industry.
The reasoning is that while vaping produces no smoke, cruise lines explore the same rules to all nicotine consumption devices for consistency and to avoid disputes over what is and is not permitted. If you use a vaping device, check your cruise line's specific policy before boarding, as rules can vary.
Planning your cruise if you smoke
If you smoke, plan your cruise schedule around the designated smoking areas. Outdoor smoking areas are most comfortable during warm weather and calmer sea conditions. On longer sea days, you may spend significant time on deck, so bring a jacket or sweater even in warm climates, as wind and spray can make open decks feel cold. Some smokers time their smoking around meals or entertainment to minimize the impact on their cruise experience.
Consider booking a cabin on a deck near the designated smoking area if that matters to you, though this information is not always available when you book. You can call your cruise line's reservations department and ask which decks have smoking areas, then request a cabin location accordingly. If your cruise line offers smoking cabins (increasingly rare), you can request one at booking, though these typically cost extra and may have limited availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke in my cabin if I pay an extra fee?
Some cruise lines offer designated smoking cabins for an additional charge, typically $50 to $100 per night. However, most major cruise lines have eliminated smoking cabins entirely. Check your cruise line's policy when you book. If you smoke in a non-smoking cabin, you will be charged a deep cleaning fee of $200 to $500 in addition to a smoking violation fine.
Are there any cruise lines that do not allow smoking at all?
Disney Cruise Line and some river cruise operators have very restricted smoking policies with only minimal outdoor areas. However, all major ocean cruise lines allow smoking in at least some designated locations. If you want a completely smoke-free cruise experience, research the specific ship's policy before booking.
What if I need to smoke during a formal dinner or show?
You cannot smoke during meals or entertainment events. You will need to leave the dining room or theater, go to a designated smoking area, and return when you are finished. Plan your time accordingly, especially for formal dinners or shows you do not want to miss.
Do smoking areas have ashtrays and disposal containers?
Yes, designated smoking areas are equipped with ashtrays and cigarette disposal containers. Do not throw cigarette butts overboard or in regular trash cans. Crew members monitor these areas and will remind you to use the proper disposal containers if needed.
Can I bring my own cigarettes and vaping devices on the ship?
Yes, you can bring personal cigarettes and vaping devices on board. There are no restrictions on quantity for personal use. However, you must use them only in designated areas and follow all smoking policies or face fines.