Onboard Smoking & Vaping Rules: What's Actually Allowed
Nearly every major cruise line has moved to a smoke-free stateroom and balcony policy, restricting smoking (and vaping, which is treated the same way under most policies) to specific designated open-deck areas only - typically a section of one or two outdoor decks, and sometimes a designated area of the casino for cigarette smokers specifically.
Enforcement tends to be strict because the fee for violating it is substantial: most mainstream lines charge a cleaning and re-certification fee in the $250-$500 range if smoking is detected in a stateroom or on a private balcony, on top of a formal warning, since smoke detectors in staterooms are sensitive and the fire risk on a ship is taken seriously.
Cigars and pipes are sometimes restricted even further, limited to a specific outdoor cigar bar or lounge rather than the general designated smoking deck, given the stronger smell and ash. If you have specific questions about a cruise line's exact designated smoking areas before you sail, our advisors at +1-800-406-8495 can confirm current policy for your ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on my stateroom balcony?
No - virtually every major cruise line now prohibits smoking in staterooms and on private balconies, restricting it to designated open-deck areas only.
Is vaping treated the same as smoking cigarettes onboard?
Yes, on nearly every cruise line's current policy, e-cigarettes and vape devices are subject to the same restrictions as traditional smoking.
What's the fee if I'm caught smoking in my cabin?
Typically in the $250-$500 range for cleaning and re-certifying the stateroom, on top of a formal warning - exact amounts vary by cruise line.
Are there designated smoking areas on every ship?
Yes, every major cruise line designates specific open-deck areas for smoking, though the exact location and size varies by ship - check your cruise line's deck plan or app for the current layout.
Can I smoke cigars anywhere on the ship?
Often more restricted than cigarette smoking - many lines limit cigars and pipes to a specific cigar bar or lounge rather than the general designated smoking deck.
Do casinos still allow smoking onboard?
Some ships designate a smoking section within the casino specifically for cigarette smokers, separate from the ship's general no-smoking policy elsewhere, though this varies by line and is being phased out on some newer ships.
How does the ship detect smoking violations in staterooms?
Modern smoke detectors in staterooms are sensitive enough to flag cigarette or vape smoke specifically, and cabin stewards can also detect lingering odor during regular cleaning.
Are e-cigarettes allowed to be brought onboard even if I don't use them in my cabin?
Generally yes, you can bring vape devices in your luggage - the restriction is on where you use them, not on possession.
Who can tell me exactly where smoking is allowed on my specific ship?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can confirm the designated smoking areas for your specific ship before you sail.
Do smaller luxury or expedition ships have the same smoking rules?
Generally yes, the same designated-outdoor-area approach applies, though smaller ships may have just one small designated section given limited deck space.