Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship?

Yes! You can smoke on cruise ships, but only in specific designated smoking areas.

Most indoor public areas are strictly non-smoking with the exceptions of the casino (or a portion of it), the cigar lounge (if available) or a limited amount of other lounges/nightclubs. For outdoor spaces, smoking is limited to small areas on specific decks only.

Designated Smoking Areas on Cruise Ships

Just as we have nonsmoking areas on land, the same principle applies at sea. Most cruise ships offer limited outdoor areas designated for smoking. These areas are usually located on specific decks, away from main traffic routes to minimize inconvenience to non-smokers.

Aboard the Carnival Magic, for instance, smokers can enjoy a cigarette with a view on deck 5 (starboard side) and on deck 11 (also starboard side). On the Norwegian Breakaway, smokers have a dedicated area at Waves Pool Bar.

Designated smoking areas serve a dual purpose – they allow smokers to indulge their habit without feeling ostracized while ensuring non-smokers enjoy an environment free of second-hand smoke.

Smoking in Casinos, Cigar Lounges and Nightclubs

On many cruise ships, smoking policies permit the enjoyment of tobacco products in casinos, cigar lounges, and nightclubs. These venues serve as designated smoking areas that are built with special ventilation to ensure non-smokers are minimally affected.

When it comes to casinos on a cruise ship, not all areas allow you to puff away while playing blackjack or spinning the roulette wheel. Look for signs or ask staff members to point out the smoking sections.

Cigar lounges are another haven for smokers. These venues are often tastefully decorated with plush seating and quality ventilation systems.

Nightclubs have restricted smoking policies. Some allow it on dance floors; others limit it to certain outdoor areas. The key is always respect for your fellow passengers and adherence to posted signage.

Smoking Policy for Vaping, Marijuana, Cigars and Pipes

Let’s delve into the specifics. Different cruise lines have differing smoking policies for vaping (electronic cigarettes), marijuana, cigars and pipes. This is important knowledge for smokers who enjoy these types of products.

• Vaping (electronic cigarettes) are treated the same as traditional cigarettes when it comes to smoking policies.
• Marijuana is prohibited on all cruises, whether it is recreational or for medical use. Cruise ships sailing from U.S. ports are governed by federal laws, not state law so all cannabis usage is illegal.
• Cigar and pipe smoking is even more limited than cigarette smoking, and in most cases they are limited to the cigar lounge (if the ship has one) and one area on a designated outdoor deck.

Can You Smoke on Your Cruise Ship Balcony?

Smoking is strictly forbidden on balconies for all products (cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigar and pipes).

Consequences of Breaking Smoking Rules on a Cruise Ship

So, what happens if you get caught breaking the rules?

First off, warnings are typically given to those found smoking outside the designated areas. Consider this a friendly reminder from your cruise line that they value the comfort and health of all passengers aboard.

However, if you choose to ignore these warnings, be prepared for steeper consequences. Fines may be levied, which can definitely put a damper on your vacation budget. Some cruise lines might charge as much as $250 as a cleaning fee if you’re found smoking in non-smoking areas like your cabin or balcony.

And for those who continue to flout the rules? You might find yourself facing the ultimate consequence: possible removal from the cruise ship. Yes, it’s a drastic measure, but it’s a clear indicator of how seriously cruise lines take their smoking policies

Smoking Policy by Cruise Line

Each cruise line has its own set of rules when it comes to smoking (regardless of cruise line – you are NOT permitted to smoke in your cabin or on your cabin balcony). Let’s break them down:

Carnival Cruise Line: Allows cigarette smoking in designated outdoor areas, casinos (when smoker is playing), and some nightclubs. Cigar and pipe smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas.

View Carnival Cruise Line Smoking Policy

Celebrity Cruises: Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Cigar and pipe tobacco is limited to designated outdoor areas and cigar bars (if the ship has one).

View Celebrity Cruises Smoking Policy

Disney Cruise Line: Smoking is limited to designated areas on outdoor decks only.

View Disney Cruise Line Smoking Policy

Holland America Line: Smoking is allowed is designated outdoor areas, cigar bars (if one is onboard), and some casinos. Cigar and pipe smoking is limited to designated outdoor areas and cigar bars (if the ship has one).

MSC Cruises: Smoking is permitted in certain areas of the outside decks, cigar bar (if the ship has one) and some casinos.

Norwegian Cruise Lines: Smoking is allowed in casinos (when actively playing), designated outdoor areas and cigar bars.

View NCL Smoking Policy

Princess Cruises: Designated smoking areas can be found both indoors (in cigar lounges and a section of the nightclub) and outdoors in clearly marked smoking areas. Smoking is allowed in the casino only while playing designated slot machines.

View Princess Cruises Smoking Policy

Royal Caribbean: Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas, the casino, which has designated areas for both smoking and non-smoking guests. Cigar and pipe tobacco are limited to designated outdoor areas and Cigar Bars only.

View RCL Smoking Policy

Virgin Voyages: Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas, the lounge attached to the casino and on the top deck outdoor area.

View Virgin Voyages Smoking Policy

Remember, every cruise line is serious about their policies – so let’s respect them to keep the sea breezes fresh for everyone!