Cruise lines have varying policies when it comes to smoking. Most major cruise lines allow smoking in certain designated outdoor areas of the ship. However, smoking is typically prohibited in cabins and indoor public spaces. Here is a quick overview of the smoking policies of some major cruise lines:
Carnival Cruise Line
Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor areas on Deck 9, 10, 11 and the pool decks of Carnival ships. Smoking is not permitted in any dining venues, theaters, corridors or elevator foyers. Smoking is not allowed in cabins or on cabin balconies. Electronic cigarettes are permitted in cabins but not in public areas of the ship.
Royal Caribbean
On most Royal Caribbean ships, smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas, including the casino, cigar bars and lounges, a section of the pool deck and other open deck spaces. Smoking is prohibited in all cabins, balconies and indoor public spaces. The use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices is allowed in designated outdoor areas and cabins.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line has a strict no smoking policy inside cabins, balconies, restaurants and most indoor public areas. Smoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas like the casino bar, certain areas of the pool deck, Cigar Bar and the bar on Spice H2O. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are permitted in these areas.
Princess Cruises
Smoking on Princess ships is limited to designated outdoor areas. Smoking is not allowed in cabins, balconies or any indoor spaces. Acceptable outdoor smoking areas include the casino, nightclubs, certain bars and lounges, and sections of the pool deck. Electronic cigarettes can be used in cabins and outdoor smoking areas.
Disney Cruise Line
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all cabins, on cabin verandahs and in indoor public spaces on Disney ships. The only designated outdoor smoking areas are on the starboard side (right side) of Deck 4 and the port side (left side) of Deck 5. Use of electronic cigarettes is limited to cabins only.
Holland America Line
Holland America has designated certain outdoor areas of the ship where smoking is permitted, including the Sea View Bar, a section of the pool deck and lounges like the Crow’s Nest and Explorations Cafe. Smoking is prohibited in all cabins, balconies and indoor public spaces. Electronic cigarettes are allowed in cabins and the casino.
Will I be able to smoke at all during my cruise?
Yes, most cruise lines do allow smoking in certain designated outdoor areas of the ship. Popular spots for smoking include sections of the open deck, casinos, select bars, lounges, and nightclubs. The best course of action is to identify where the ship’s designated smoking zones are located so you know where you can and cannot light up.
Can I smoke on my balcony?
No, smoking on cabin balconies is prohibited by all major cruise lines. Those caught smoking on balconies are typically subject to penalties or disembarkation. The smoke detector in the cabin will usually detect cigarette or cigar smoke on the balcony and trigger an alarm. For the comfort of neighboring guests, smoking of any kind is not allowed on balconies.
What are the penalties for smoking where it’s not allowed?
The penalties for smoking in non-smoking areas vary between cruise lines. For a first offense, you will typically receive a verbal warning or notice. Repeated violations can result in fines starting around $250 per occurrence, mandatory attendance at a smoking cessation class, or even disembarkation at the next port. Your cruise line will notify you if smoking in prohibited areas leads to penalties.
Can I use electronic cigarettes or vape on a cruise?
The rules surrounding electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and vaping devices vary by cruise line. Most allow them only in cabins and designated outdoor areas. Indoor public use is typically prohibited. For example, Carnival permits e-cigs in cabins but not public venues, while Royal Caribbean allows vaping in cabins and some outdoor spaces. Check your cruise line’s policy.
Do any cruise ships offer smoking cabins?
Most cruise lines have implemented entirely smoke-free cabin policies. However, there are some cruise ships that still offer designated smoking cabins. These are typically older or smaller ships. For example, Carnival Ecstasy has smoking staterooms, and so do some of the ships in the P&O Cruises Australia fleet. But smoking cabins are a rarity in the mainstream cruise industry today.
Can I smoke cigars on a cruise?
Many cruise lines do permit cigar smoking in certain areas, usually in designated outdoor smoking zones and cigar bars or lounges. For example, on Royal Caribbean ships you can smoke cigars in the Connoisseur Club cigar lounge as well as in sections of the pool deck and casino. Most cruise lines prohibit cigar smoking in cabins, on balconies and in restaurants and theaters.
Are there any cruise ships that allow smoking indoors?
Most large cruise lines prohibit indoor smoking completely except in very limited designated areas mainly for cigars and pipes. However, there are some smaller cruise ships and river cruises that do allow smoking in certain indoor lounges and bars. For example, American Cruise Lines riverboats allow pipe and cigar smoking in the Grand Saloon. But it’s very rare to find mainstream cruise ships permitting indoor smoking areas today.
What about medical marijuana and CBD – can those be used on a cruise?
No, marijuana (including medical marijuana) and CBD oil use is prohibited on cruise ships even if it’s legal in your home state. This applies to recreational and medical use. Most cruise lines indicate that marijuana, cannabis and CBD oil is not allowed on board or in passengers’ luggage. Violating the rules could result in disembarkation. Discuss alternative pain relief options with your doctor before your cruise.
Will I be able to purchase cigarettes on board?
Yes, cigarettes and other tobacco products are available for purchase in the onboard gift shops and convenience stores on most cruise ships. Major brands like Marlboro and Camel cigarettes are typically sold along with cigars, cigarillos, pipes, lighters, and rolling tobacco. You can also find electronic cigarettes, vaping liquid and related accessories for sale in the onboard stores.
Should I bring my own cigarettes and cigars?
It is advisable to bring your own preferred cigarette or cigar brands if you want to ensure you have exactly what you like on your cruise. Ship stores have limited selections and brands compared to land-based tobacco shops and convenience stores. Bringing several packs of your regular cigarettes or some of your favorite cigars helps avoid any shortages.
Can I smoke cigarettes or cigars anywhere in the ports of call?
The rules for smoking around the ports of call vary significantly. In some Caribbean islands like Barbados, there are no laws prohibiting smoking in public areas. But other ports like Bermuda prohibit smoking in parks, beaches and other public places. Research the local laws at your ports of call to determine where you can legally smoke outside of the ship.
Will I have access to lighters and matches on board?
Yes, lighters and matches are sold in the onboard gift shops. You can purchase disposable plastic lighters and matchbooks along with your cigarettes and cigars during your cruise. Many bars around the ship will also have complimentary matchbooks available upon request. Bringing your own reusable lighter from home can also ensure you have a way to light up.
Are there designated smoking areas at the cruise terminals?
The availability of smoking areas at cruise terminals varies by port. Some modern cruise terminals like Port Canaveral in Florida have designated outdoor smoking zones set up outside the buildings. At smaller or older terminals, there may not be formally designated smoking areas. Review the rules of the terminal where you’ll be embarking and disembarking to be prepared.
Can I smoke on a balcony that is shared with another cabin?
No, if you book a stateroom that has a balcony which is shared with an adjoining cabin, smoking is not allowed on that shared balcony. Even if your traveling companion doesn’t mind, smoke could drift into the next door cabin so smoking is prohibited. Look for cabins with private balconies if you want direct outdoor access for smoking from your room.
Are there designated cigar lounges on board?
Many modern cruise ships offer luxurious cigar lounges where cigar aficionados can enjoy a fine smoke in comfortable leather chairs amid elegant decor. For example, Norwegian Escape has The Cigar Lounge with hand-rolled premium cigars, whiskeys and cognacs. Viking Cruises offers the Torshavn Cigar Lounge. Smaller ships may just have an outdoor area for cigar smoking rather than a full lounge.
Can the public smoking areas get crowded?
Yes, the designated outdoor smoking zones on a cruise ship can get quite crowded, especially after meal times and during evenings when people are out socializing on the decks. Areas like the casino bar and nightclub patios will be the busiest. If crowds bother you, it’s best to visit public smoking spots during off-peak times when there will be fewer people gathered.
Are any cruise lines entirely smoke-free now?
A few small cruise lines have implemented entirely smoke-free policies with no public smoking allowed anywhere on their ships. For instance, Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions prohibits smoking on all its ships. Luxury river cruise lines like AmaWaterways are also entirely smoke-free. But most major cruise lines still offer designated outdoor smoking areas for passengers.
Should I inform the cruise line ahead of time that I smoke?
That is not necessary, as most cruises still accommodate smokers in designated areas. But if you need to smoke for medical reasons and require easy cabin access to the smoking lounge, you could contact the cruise line ahead of time to discuss the availability of suitable cabins near outdoor public smoking areas.
Are smoke breaks allowed during shore excursions?
Most cruise tours and shore excursions do not build in smoke breaks as part of the detailed itinerary. However, guides may be willing to accommodate brief smoking breaks if the group asks and conditions allow. Buses used for shore excursions will not permit smoking aboard. You’ll need to smoke outdoors during any stops at tourist sites.
Can I throw cigarette butts overboard?
No, throwing any type of garbage or waste overboard from the ship is prohibited by maritime law. Cruise ship railing are also typically too high to discard cigarettes overboard safely. Cigarette waste and ash must be disposed of properly in the designated receptacles around the ship. Throwing anything overboard can incur fines starting at several hundred dollars.
Are there covered outdoor smoking areas?
Most outdoor public smoking zones on ships are not covered. There are some lounges with partially covered deck space that allows smoking, but fully enclosed designated smoking areas are rare. Inclement weather may mean you temporarily cannot smoke outdoors on your cruise. Bring rain gear if the forecast looks unfavorable.
Can I use chewing tobacco or oral nicotine pouches?
These forms of smokeless tobacco are allowed on most cruise lines. You can use chewing tobacco, dip, snuff or nicotine pouches in permitted outdoor smoking areas as well as in your cabin if your cruise line allows smokeless tobacco there. Just be sure to dispose of the waste properly and not spit over railings or on deck areas.
Do any Alaska cruises allow smoking marijuana?
No, even cruises that depart from Seattle and Vancouver where recreational cannabis is legal still prohibit marijuana use on board. Federal maritime law banning all forms of marijuana applies on Alaska cruises even through the state has legalized recreational cannabis. You cannot bring or use marijuana products even on cruises within Alaska waters.
Can I use a disposable vape pen?
Disposable e-cigarette and vape pens are permitted for use in authorized outdoor smoking zones and cabins on most cruise lines. However, any devices with loose cartridges of vaping liquid are typically banned. Disposable vape pens are an easier option since they do not involve handling and refilling vape juice containers. Follow your cruise line’s vaping device policies.
Conclusion
Cruise lines today all accommodate smokers to some degree while restricting smoking to outdoor areas only. By learning the smoking rules of your chosen cruise line and ship, you can ensure you are only lighting up in designated zones. Carefully research smoking policies before booking to find a cruise line that suits your needs and provides comfortable options for enjoying your cigarettes, cigars or vaping device.