Which Cruise Lines Let You Smoke on the Balcony in 2024

As of 2024, only a few major cruise lines—including Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean—still allow smoking on private balconies, but only in designated staterooms. Policies vary by line and region, with strict enforcement against non-compliant smoking due to fire risks and guest complaints. Always verify current rules before booking, as most luxury and family-focused lines, like Disney and Regent, ban balcony smoking entirely.

Key Takeaways

• Royal Caribbean: Allows smoking on balconies; cigarettes and cigars only.
• Carnival Cruise Line: Permits smoking on balconies; no vaping or marijuana.
• NCL: Balcony smoking allowed; designated areas may apply.
• MSC Cruises: Smoking permitted on balconies; strictly no electronic devices.
• Disney Cruise Line: No balcony smoking; use designated outdoor areas.
• Always check policies: Rules vary by ship and destination; verify before booking.

Which Cruise Lines Let You Smoke on the Balcony in 2024

Smoking on a cruise ship balcony has become a hot topic among travelers, especially as more cruise lines tighten their smoking policies in response to health, safety, and environmental concerns. For decades, smoking was a common onboard activity, with designated areas across decks and even in cabins. However, the tide has turned. Today, most major cruise lines have implemented strict no-smoking policies, especially in indoor and outdoor public spaces, and many have extended these rules to private balconies. For smokers, this can be a significant adjustment, particularly for those who enjoy a cigarette or cigar with their morning coffee or evening sunset. The good news? Not all cruise lines have banned balcony smoking outright. A select few still allow it—under specific conditions and with clear guidelines.

This comprehensive guide explores which cruise lines permit smoking on balconies in 2024, the rules and restrictions in place, and what you need to know before booking your next voyage. Whether you’re a casual smoker, a cigar aficionado, or a vaper, understanding the nuances of each line’s policy can make the difference between a relaxing vacation and an unexpected fine or confrontation. From luxury lines with relaxed outdoor policies to mainstream brands that have gone entirely smoke-free, we’ll break down the details, provide practical tips, and help you choose the right cruise for your smoking preferences. Let’s dive into the world of cruise smoking policies and find out where you can still enjoy a puff on your private balcony.

Understanding Cruise Line Smoking Policies in 2024

Cruise line smoking policies have evolved significantly over the past decade. What was once a permissive environment has shifted toward a more health-conscious and guest-focused approach. Most cruise lines now prioritize clean air, non-smoking guest comfort, and environmental sustainability, leading to tighter restrictions. However, the definition of “smoking” varies—some lines distinguish between cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes (vaping), while others treat them all the same. Balcony smoking policies are particularly nuanced, often falling into a gray area between private space and shared airspace.

Why Balcony Smoking Is a Gray Area

Balconies are technically private spaces, but the smoke doesn’t stay contained. Drifting smoke can enter adjacent cabins, hallways, and public decks, leading to complaints and health concerns. Additionally, cruise ships operate in international waters, where regulations vary by flag state (the country under which the ship is registered). Some flag states, like the Bahamas or Panama, have stricter environmental and health codes, influencing onboard policies. As a result, even if a cruise line allows balcony smoking, they often require guests to:

• Smoke only during designated times (e.g., not early morning or late night)
• Use ashtrays and avoid tossing butts overboard (a major environmental hazard)
• Ensure smoke does not enter neighboring cabins or common areas
• Comply with crew instructions if complaints arise

Common Types of Smoking Restrictions

Most cruise lines categorize smoking into three main types:

• Cigarette and cigar smoking: Often restricted to outdoor designated areas or balconies (if allowed). Prohibited indoors and on most public decks.
• Vaping (e-cigarettes): Treated similarly to traditional smoking. Some lines allow vaping on balconies, while others ban it entirely.
• Hookah or water pipes: Rarely allowed due to fire risk and strong odor. Most lines prohibit these outright.

It’s also important to note that enforcement varies. Some cruise lines have dedicated crew members who monitor balconies and public areas, while others rely on guest reporting. Violations can result in fines (typically $250–$500), removal from the ship at the next port, or even bans from future cruises.

Cruise Lines That Allow Smoking on Balconies

While most mainstream cruise lines have banned balcony smoking, a few still permit it—under strict conditions. These lines tend to cater to older demographics, luxury travelers, or those with a more relaxed approach to onboard policies. Below are the cruise lines that currently allow smoking on balconies in 2024, along with their specific rules and exceptions.

1. Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean allows smoking on private balconies for cigarettes and cigars, but with important caveats. The policy states:

• Smoking is permitted on balconies, but not in staterooms or interior hallways.
• Guests must use provided ashtrays and dispose of butts properly.
• Smoking is prohibited during embarkation and debarkation in ports with local bans (e.g., California, Canada).
• Vaping is allowed on balconies, but not in staterooms.

Tip: Royal Caribbean’s newer ships (e.g., Icon of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas) have advanced air filtration systems, but guests are still expected to be courteous. If smoke drifts into a neighbor’s cabin, crew may intervene.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL permits smoking on balconies for cigarettes, cigars, and vaping. However, they emphasize:

• Smoking is allowed only on the outdoor portion of the balcony—never through an open balcony door into the cabin.
• Guests must not blow smoke into common areas or adjacent balconies.
• Ashtrays must be used; littering results in a $250 fine.

NCL’s policy is one of the more lenient among major lines, making it a popular choice for smokers. That said, they’ve been tightening rules in recent years, especially on ships sailing from U.S. ports.

3. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival allows smoking on balconies, but with a key restriction: only on balconies facing the ocean, not those facing the interior of the ship (e.g., balconies overlooking a central atrium or pool deck). This is to prevent smoke from drifting into public areas.

• Cigarettes, cigars, and vaping are permitted on ocean-facing balconies.
• Smoking is banned on balconies during port stays in smoke-free jurisdictions (e.g., California, Alaska).
• Guests must use ashtrays and avoid excessive smoke.

Practical Example: On the Carnival Horizon, ocean-facing balcony cabins on decks 6–10 are ideal for smokers. Interior-facing balconies (e.g., those near the Lido deck) are off-limits.

4. Holland America Line

Holland America, known for its traditional and mature clientele, allows balcony smoking with few restrictions. Their policy includes:

• Smoking permitted on all private balconies (cigarettes, cigars, vaping).
• Ashtrays provided upon request.
• No time-of-day restrictions, but guests are encouraged to be considerate.

This leniency makes Holland America a favorite among cigar smokers. However, they do monitor complaints, and repeat offenders may be asked to limit smoking or use designated outdoor areas.

5. Cunard Line

Cunard, the luxury British line, allows smoking on balconies across its fleet (e.g., Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth). Their policy is:

• Smoking permitted on balconies, but not in cabins or interior spaces.
• Cigars are especially welcome in the open air.
• Vaping is treated the same as traditional smoking.

Cunard’s older demographic and formal ambiance mean fewer complaints, and the line actively promotes balcony smoking as part of the traditional cruise experience.

Cruise Lines That Prohibit Balcony Smoking (And Alternatives)

Many cruise lines have completely banned smoking on balconies, including some that previously allowed it. These changes reflect a broader industry trend toward smoke-free environments. Below are the major lines with strict no-smoking-on-balcony policies and what alternatives they offer.

1. Disney Cruise Line

Disney has a zero-tolerance policy for smoking anywhere on board, including balconies, staterooms, and public decks. The only exceptions are:

• Designated outdoor smoking areas (typically on the starboard side of Deck 4, away from family zones).
• Smoking is prohibited during all port calls and at night.

Disney’s policy is non-negotiable. Violations can lead to immediate removal from the ship. For smokers, Disney cruises are not recommended unless they’re willing to abstain or use nicotine patches.

2. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises bans smoking on balconies, staterooms, and interior areas. The only permitted smoking is in:

• Designated outdoor smoking zones (usually on Deck 7, starboard side).
• Smoking lounges on select ships (e.g., Royal Princess, Discovery Princess).

Princess emphasizes that balconies are considered part of the cabin, and smoking there risks smoke entering the room or neighboring cabins. They also prohibit vaping on balconies.

3. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity, known for its wellness-focused brand, prohibits smoking on balconies and in staterooms. Permitted areas include:

• Outdoor smoking zones (starboard side, aft of the pool deck).
• Smoking lounges on Edge-class ships (e.g., Celebrity Edge).

Celebrity’s policy is strictly enforced, and guests are encouraged to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, which are available onboard.

4. Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages takes a bold stance: no smoking anywhere on the ship, including balconies, staterooms, and public areas. This includes cigarettes, cigars, vaping, and even cannabis (where legal). The only exceptions are:

• Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor zones on the top deck, far from guest areas.
• Guests must leave the ship at ports to smoke.

Virgin’s “adult-by-design” ships are smoke-free sanctuaries, making them ideal for non-smokers but a poor fit for smokers.

Alternative Options for Smokers

If your preferred line bans balcony smoking, consider these alternatives:

• Smoking lounges: Many ships have dedicated indoor or outdoor lounges with ventilation.
• Port smoking: Plan shore excursions with smoking breaks (e.g., in the Caribbean, where smoking is widely permitted).
• Smoking-friendly excursions: Book private tours with smoking breaks (e.g., rum tastings in Barbados).
• Nicotine patches or gum: Available in onboard shops; can help reduce cravings.

Regional and Port-Specific Smoking Rules

Even if a cruise line allows balcony smoking, local port regulations can override onboard policies. This is a critical factor for smokers to consider, especially on itineraries with strict anti-smoking laws.

U.S. Ports: California, New York, and Alaska

• California: Bans smoking on all cruise ship decks during port stays. Violations can result in fines from the state.
• New York: Similar to California; smoking prohibited on decks and balconies while docked.
• Alaska: Some ports (e.g., Juneau, Skagway) have local smoking bans. Cruise lines often suspend balcony smoking during port calls.

Tip: Always check your itinerary and research port smoking laws. For example, a Royal Caribbean cruise from San Francisco to Alaska may allow balcony smoking at sea but ban it in Juneau.

European and Asian Ports

• Italy and Spain: Generally allow smoking on decks and balconies during port stays, but some cities (e.g., Barcelona) have local restrictions.
• Japan and South Korea: Strict anti-smoking laws; smoking on balconies may be prohibited in ports like Tokyo or Busan.
• Caribbean: Most islands allow smoking, but some (e.g., Bermuda, Cayman Islands) have designated zones.

How Cruise Lines Communicate Port Rules

Most lines provide:

• Pre-cruise emails with smoking policy updates.
• Daily newsletters listing smoking restrictions for upcoming ports.
• Crew announcements during port arrivals.

Ignorance is not a defense—fines for violating port smoking laws are often the guest’s responsibility.

Smoking on Luxury and Niche Cruise Lines

Luxury and niche cruise lines often have more flexible smoking policies, catering to older, affluent travelers who may smoke cigars or pipes. These lines also tend to have fewer passengers, reducing the risk of complaints.

1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent allows smoking on balconies for cigarettes, cigars, and vaping. Their policy is:

• Smoking permitted on all private balconies.
• Ashtrays provided in all suites.
• No time restrictions, but guests are encouraged to be discreet.

Regent’s all-inclusive model and high staff-to-guest ratio mean crew rarely intervene unless a complaint is filed.

2. Oceania Cruises

Oceania permits balcony smoking with minimal restrictions:

• Cigarettes, cigars, and vaping allowed on balconies.
• No smoking in staterooms or interior areas.
• Guests must use ashtrays and avoid littering.

Oceania’s smaller ships and refined ambiance make it a top choice for cigar enthusiasts.

3. Silversea Cruises

Silversea allows balcony smoking across its fleet. Key points:

• Smoking permitted on balconies, but not in suites or interior spaces.
• Cigar smokers are welcome; some ships have cigar lounges.
• Vaping is treated the same as traditional smoking.

Silversea’s all-suite accommodations and butler service mean guests are more likely to be respectful of neighbors.

4. Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn permits balcony smoking with a caveat: guests must close balcony doors while smoking to prevent smoke from entering the cabin or hallway. Other rules:

• Cigarettes, cigars, and vaping allowed on balconies.
• Ashtrays provided upon request.
• No smoking during port stays in restricted zones.

Seabourn’s emphasis on privacy and discretion makes it a favorite among high-net-worth smokers.

Data Table: Smoking Policies on Major Cruise Lines (2024)

Cruise Line	Balcony Smoking Allowed?	Allowed Types	Restrictions	Fines for Violations
Royal Caribbean	Yes	Cigarettes, cigars, vaping	No smoking in ports with local bans	$250–$500
Norwegian Cruise Line	Yes	Cigarettes, cigars, vaping	Must use ashtrays; no smoke drift	$250
Carnival Cruise Line	Yes (ocean-facing only)	Cigarettes, cigars, vaping	No smoking in interior-facing balconies	$250
Holland America	Yes	Cigarettes, cigars, vaping	Ashtrays required; be considerate	$250
Cunard Line	Yes	Cigarettes, cigars, vaping	No indoor smoking	$250
Disney Cruise Line	No	None (designated zones only)	No smoking anywhere	Removal from ship
Princess Cruises	No	None (designated zones only)	No balcony or cabin smoking	$250
Virgin Voyages	No	None (top deck zones only)	No smoking anywhere except designated areas	Removal from ship
Regent Seven Seas	Yes	Cigarettes, cigars, vaping	Ashtrays provided	$250
Oceania Cruises	Yes	Cigarettes, cigars, vaping	No indoor smoking	$250

In 2024, the landscape of cruise smoking policies remains diverse. While most major lines have banned balcony smoking to prioritize guest comfort and health, a handful—especially luxury and traditional brands—still allow it under controlled conditions. For smokers, the key is to research each line’s policy, understand port-specific rules, and choose a cruise that aligns with your preferences. Whether you’re a cigar lover on a Cunard transatlantic crossing or a cigarette smoker on a Royal Caribbean Caribbean cruise, there are still options that respect your habit while maintaining the cruise experience for all. Always read the fine print, pack ashtrays or portable holders, and be courteous to your fellow travelers. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smoke on your balcony—safely, legally, and respectfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines let you smoke on the balcony in 2024?

As of 2024, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) allow smoking on private balconies, but only with traditional cigarettes or cigars—e-cigarettes and vaping policies vary. Always check the most recent guidelines before your sailing, as rules can change.

Can I smoke on my cruise balcony with Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean prohibits smoking on all balconies, including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes, due to safety and guest comfort policies. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas on select decks.

Do any major cruise lines allow balcony smoking?

Yes, a few major cruise lines, like Carnival and NCL, still permit smoking on private balconies for traditional tobacco products. However, most lines, including Princess and Disney, have banned it entirely.

Are e-cigarettes allowed on cruise balconies?

E-cigarette policies vary by cruise line. For example, Carnival treats vaping like smoking and bans it on balconies, while NCL allows it. Always confirm with your specific cruise line’s smoking on balcony rules before booking.

What happens if I smoke on a balcony where it’s prohibited?

Violating balcony smoking policies can result in fines, mandatory debarkation, or a ban from future sailings. Cruise lines enforce these rules strictly to ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Which cruise lines have the most flexible smoking policies?

Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line are among the most flexible, allowing traditional smoking on balconies. However, even these lines have strict rules about where and when you can smoke, so review their policies closely.