Can You Smoke on Cruise Line What You Need to Know

Smoking policies on cruise lines are strict and vary by company, but generally, smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas and never in cabins or balconies. Most major cruise lines—like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian—ban smoking on balconies due to fire hazards and guest complaints, with fines for violations. Always check your cruise line’s specific rules before lighting up to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth sailing experience.

Key Takeaways

• Check policies: Always review your cruise line’s specific smoking rules before boarding.
• Designated areas: Smoking is typically allowed only in assigned outdoor zones.
• No balcony smoking: Most lines ban smoking on cabin balconies for safety.
• E-cigarettes included: Vaping often follows the same rules as traditional cigarettes.
• Fines apply: Violating rules may result in fees or disembarkation.
• Smoke-free ships: Some lines are entirely non-smoking—confirm before booking.

Can You Smoke on Cruise Line? What You Need to Know

Imagine standing on the deck of a luxurious cruise ship, the ocean breeze in your hair, a refreshing drink in hand, and the sun setting over the horizon. It sounds like the perfect vacation, doesn’t it? But for many travelers, the idea of a relaxing cruise includes the occasional cigarette or cigar. If you’re one of those travelers, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can you smoke on a cruise line?” The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no”—it’s a nuanced mix of rules, regulations, and etiquette that varies by cruise line, ship, and even destination.

Smoking policies on cruise ships have evolved dramatically over the past decade. Once a staple of ocean travel, smoking is now heavily restricted due to health, safety, and environmental concerns. Cruise lines must balance the preferences of smoking passengers with the comfort of non-smokers, all while adhering to international maritime laws and port regulations. Whether you’re a casual smoker, a cigar aficionado, or just curious about what’s allowed, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about smoking on cruise ships. From designated smoking areas to the latest vaping regulations, we’ll cover the rules, the consequences of breaking them, and tips to ensure your cruise experience remains enjoyable—for you and your fellow passengers.

General Smoking Policies on Cruise Ships

Why Are Smoking Rules So Strict?

Smoking on cruise ships is tightly regulated for several reasons. First and foremost, safety is a top priority. Cruise ships are floating cities, often housing thousands of passengers and crew in a confined space. A fire caused by a stray cigarette or improperly disposed of ash could have catastrophic consequences. Additionally, cruise lines are subject to international maritime regulations, including those from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which promote smoke-free environments to protect public health.

Another key factor is passenger comfort. With the rise of smoke-free initiatives in the hospitality industry, cruise lines have responded by minimizing smoking areas to accommodate the majority of guests who prefer clean air. In fact, most major cruise lines now ban smoking in cabins, balconies, and public indoor spaces. These policies are also influenced by the increasing popularity of eco-friendly cruising, where reducing litter (like cigarette butts) and air pollution is a priority.

Common Smoking Restrictions Across Major Cruise Lines

While each cruise line has its own specific rules, most follow a similar framework:

• No smoking in staterooms or balconies – This is the most common rule. Smoking on your balcony is typically prohibited because smoke can drift into neighboring cabins, and discarded butts can fall into the ocean or onto lower decks.
• Designated outdoor areas only – Most ships have one or two outdoor smoking zones, often located on the starboard (right) side of the ship or in a secluded area of a pool deck. These zones are clearly marked and may be enclosed to contain smoke.
• No indoor smoking – This includes restaurants, bars, casinos, theaters, and lounges. Some older ships may have had smoking lounges, but these are now rare.
• No vaping in non-smoking areas – E-cigarettes are often treated the same as traditional cigarettes, meaning they’re subject to the same restrictions.

For example, Carnival Cruise Line bans smoking in all staterooms, balconies, and indoor public areas. Designated smoking is allowed only in a small outdoor area on the starboard side of Deck 10 (varies by ship). Royal Caribbean follows a similar policy, with smoking permitted only in a single outdoor zone, typically on the port side of the ship. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) goes a step further by banning all smoking (including vaping) on balconies, even if you’re alone.

Enforcement and Consequences

Smoking policies are strictly enforced. Crew members patrol common areas, and surveillance cameras monitor balconies and decks. If you’re caught smoking in a prohibited area, you’ll likely face:

• A warning and reminder of the policy
• A fine (typically $250–$500, charged to your onboard account)
• In extreme cases, removal from the ship at the next port, especially if you repeatedly violate the rules

One passenger on a Royal Caribbean cruise reported being fined $300 after smoking on their balcony. The crew noticed smoke drifting into the hallway and used the ship’s security cameras to identify the source. The fine was automatically added to their account, and they were given a stern warning.

Designated Smoking Areas: Where Can You Smoke?

Outdoor Smoking Zones

The good news for smokers is that most cruise ships have at least one designated smoking area. These zones are usually located on the open deck, away from high-traffic areas, and may include:

• Starboard or port side of the ship – Often on a lower deck, like Deck 5 or 6, to minimize smoke drifting upward.
• Enclosed smoking lounges (rare) – Some older ships or luxury lines may have a small, ventilated lounge, but these are becoming obsolete.
• Smoking sections in bars or lounges – A few ships allow smoking in outdoor bar areas, but only if the entire space is open-air.

For example, MSC Cruises designates a small smoking area on the starboard side of Deck 7 on most ships. The area is marked with signs and has ashtrays, but it’s not enclosed, so wind can carry smoke away quickly. Princess Cruises offers a similar zone on the port side of the ship, often near the sports deck.

Cigar Smoking and Special Exceptions

Cigar lovers aren’t entirely left out. Some cruise lines allow cigar smoking in specific areas, often with additional rules:

• Dedicated cigar lounges – Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea may have a cigar bar with ventilation systems.
• Special events – Some ships host cigar-tasting events in outdoor lounges, where smoking is permitted during the event.
• Pre-arranged exceptions – On rare occasions, cruise lines may allow cigar smoking in a private outdoor area if requested in advance (e.g., for a wedding or anniversary).

Tip: If you’re a cigar enthusiast, check with the cruise line before your trip. For example, Celebrity Cruises allows cigar smoking only in the designated outdoor smoking area and bans it in all other outdoor spaces, including the pool deck.

Vaping and E-Cigarettes

Vaping is a gray area. Most cruise lines treat e-cigarettes the same as traditional cigarettes, meaning they’re banned in cabins, balconies, and indoor areas. However, some lines allow vaping in the same outdoor smoking zones where tobacco is permitted.

• Allowed in outdoor smoking zones – Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and NCL permit vaping in their designated areas.
• Banned entirely – Some lines, like Disney Cruise Line, prohibit all forms of smoking, including vaping, anywhere on the ship.

Note: Vaping in prohibited areas can lead to the same fines as traditional smoking. One passenger on a Carnival cruise reported being fined $400 for vaping on their balcony, even though they believed e-cigarettes were exempt from the rules.

Smoking in Ports and Onshore

Local Laws and Cultural Norms

When the ship docks, smoking rules change dramatically. Each port has its own laws, and some destinations have stricter regulations than the cruise line. For example:

• Japan bans smoking on sidewalks in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. You must use designated smoking booths.
• Singapore has a nationwide ban on smoking in public spaces, including parks and beaches. Fines can exceed $500.
• Barcelona, Spain prohibits smoking on all beaches.
• Hawaii (USA) bans smoking in public parks, beaches, and within 20 feet of building entrances.

Tip: Research local smoking laws before your shore excursion. Many cruise lines provide a brief overview in their daily newsletter, but it’s wise to double-check with official government websites.

Smoking on Shore Excursions

If you’re on a guided tour, smoking may be restricted or prohibited entirely. For example:

• Bus tours – Smoking is almost always banned on tour buses, even if the windows are open.
• Historical sites – Many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Machu Picchu (Peru) or the Colosseum (Italy), ban smoking to protect the environment and artifacts.
• Nature reserves – Smoking is often prohibited in parks and wildlife areas to prevent wildfires.

Example: A group of passengers on a Princess Cruises shore excursion to Santorini, Greece, were scolded by their tour guide for smoking near the ancient ruins. The guide explained that Greece fines smokers €50–€200 for littering or smoking in protected areas.

Smoking at the Port Terminal

Most cruise terminals have designated smoking areas, usually outside the main building. However, some ports, like Miami (USA) and Barcelona (Spain), ban smoking within 20–30 feet of the terminal entrance. Always look for signs or ask a staff member before lighting up.

Smoking Policies by Major Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line

• Cabins/balconies: No smoking (including vaping)
• Indoor areas: No smoking
• Outdoor areas: One designated zone (starboard side of Deck 10, varies by ship)
• Cigars: Allowed only in the designated outdoor area
• Fines: $250–$500 for violations

Royal Caribbean International

• Cabins/balconies: No smoking (including vaping)
• Indoor areas: No smoking
• Outdoor areas: One designated zone (port side of the ship)
• Cigars: Allowed only in the designated outdoor area
• Fines: $300 for first offense, up to $500 for repeat violations

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

• Cabins/balconies: No smoking (including vaping)
• Indoor areas: No smoking
• Outdoor areas: One designated zone (varies by ship)
• Cigars: Allowed only in the designated outdoor area
• Fines: $250–$500

Disney Cruise Line

• Cabins/balconies: No smoking (including vaping)
• Indoor/outdoor areas: No smoking anywhere on the ship
• Cigars: Prohibited
• Fines: $500+ for violations

Luxury Lines (Regent, Silversea, Seabourn)

• Cabins/balconies: No smoking (including vaping)
• Indoor areas: No smoking, except in dedicated cigar lounges (if available)
• Outdoor areas: One designated zone (varies by ship)
• Cigars: Allowed in cigar lounges and designated outdoor areas
• Fines: Typically $500+ for violations

Tips for Smokers on a Cruise

Plan Ahead and Pack Smart

Before your cruise:

• Check the cruise line’s policy – Review the official website or contact customer service.
• Bring enough supplies – Cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays are available onboard, but they’re expensive. Stock up before you board.
• Pack a portable ashtray – A small, windproof ashtray is useful for outdoor smoking zones.

Respect the Rules and Other Passengers

• Smoke only in designated areas – Even if you’re tempted to step outside your cabin, resist.
• Dispose of butts properly – Use the provided ashtrays, never toss them overboard.
• Be mindful of wind – If the wind is blowing toward non-smoking areas, wait for a better time.

Consider Alternatives

• Nicotine patches or gum – These can help manage cravings without breaking the rules.
• Smoking cessation programs – Some cruise lines offer onboard wellness programs.
• Smoke-free vacations – If you’re open to quitting, a cruise is a great opportunity to start.

Know the Consequences

Remember: fines are just the start. Repeat violations can lead to:

• Being denied boarding on future cruises with the same line
• Being removed from the ship at the next port (at your own expense)
• Damage to your reputation as a passenger

Data Table: Smoking Policies at a Glance

Cruise Line	Cabins/Balconies	Indoor Areas	Outdoor Smoking Zone	Cigars	Vaping	Fine (Typical)
Carnival	No	No	Yes (starboard, Deck 10)	Yes (outdoor only)	Yes (outdoor only)	$250–$500
Royal Caribbean	No	No	Yes (port side)	Yes (outdoor only)	Yes (outdoor only)	$300–$500
Norwegian (NCL)	No	No	Yes (varies)	Yes (outdoor only)	Yes (outdoor only)	$250–$500
Disney	No	No	No	No	No	$500+
Regent/Silversea	No	No (except cigar lounge)	Yes (varies)	Yes (lounge/outdoor)	No	$500+

Conclusion

So, can you smoke on a cruise line? The short answer is: yes, but with significant limitations. Most cruise lines allow smoking only in a single outdoor area, and bans on cabins, balconies, and indoor spaces are nearly universal. Whether you’re a casual smoker or a cigar enthusiast, it’s essential to research the specific policies of your cruise line and respect the rules to avoid fines or worse.

Smoking on a cruise ship is no longer the carefree activity it once was. Modern ships prioritize clean air, safety, and passenger comfort, which means smokers must adapt. But with a little planning and awareness, you can still enjoy your cruise—even if that means stepping outside for a quick smoke in a designated zone. Remember: the ocean breeze is free, but a fine for breaking the rules isn’t. So light up responsibly, respect your fellow passengers, and focus on what matters most: making unforgettable memories at sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke on a cruise line at all?

Yes, most cruise lines allow smoking, but only in designated outdoor areas—typically on open decks or specific sections of the pool area. Indoor smoking is almost always prohibited for safety and comfort reasons.

Where can you smoke on a cruise line?

Smoking on cruise lines is permitted in clearly marked outdoor zones, often on the starboard (right) side of upper decks. Some ships also have dedicated smoking lounges for cigars or cigarettes, but always check your cruise line’s policy before lighting up.

Are e-cigarettes allowed on cruise lines?

Many cruise lines permit e-cigarettes in designated smoking areas, but vaping in cabins, balconies, or public spaces is usually banned. Always confirm your specific cruise line’s e-cigarette policy to avoid fines or warnings.

Can you smoke on your cruise cabin balcony?

No, smoking on cruise line balconies is almost universally prohibited due to fire hazards and secondhand smoke concerns. Violating this rule can result in hefty fines or even removal from the ship.

Do cruise lines have smoking fines?

Yes, smoking outside designated areas can lead to immediate fines (often $250 or more) and possible disembarkation. Cruise lines strictly enforce these rules to ensure guest safety and comfort.

Are there any cruise lines that allow smoking everywhere?

No major cruise lines allow unrestricted smoking. All have strict policies limiting smoking to designated outdoor areas or specialized lounges. If you’re a smoker, review the cruise line’s guidelines before booking.