Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship?

When planning a cruise, whether for relaxation, adventure, or both, it’s essential to understand the onboard rules and regulations, especially regarding smoking. Whether you’re a smoker looking to unwind with a cigarette or a non-smoker concerned about secondhand smoke, knowing the cruise line’s policies can make your experience more enjoyable. So, can you smoke on a cruise ship? The answer is yes, but with restrictions.

Cruise ships are designed to cater to a wide variety of guests, and this includes balancing the needs of both smokers and non-smokers. As a result, smoking is generally allowed on most cruise ships but only in designated areas. These areas are often limited to specific sections of the ship, and the rules can vary significantly depending on the cruise line.

Where Can You Smoke?

1. Designated Outdoor Areas: Most cruise lines permit smoking in certain outdoor areas, such as sections of the deck, near specific bars, or by the pool. These areas are typically marked with signs and equipped with ashtrays to help maintain cleanliness. The exact locations can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check the ship’s map or ask the staff when you board.
2. Casino: Some cruise lines allow smoking in the casino, recognizing that many gamblers enjoy a cigarette while they play. However, this can also vary; some ships have non-smoking nights or designate only certain sections of the casino for smoking.
3. Cigar and Pipe Lounges: For those who prefer cigars or pipes, some luxury cruise lines offer dedicated cigar lounges. These spaces are usually indoors, providing a comfortable environment to enjoy your smoke without affecting non-smokers.
4. Balconies: Smoking on balconies is a contentious issue. Many cruise lines have banned smoking on private balconies due to safety concerns and the potential impact on neighboring cabins. However, a few lines still allow it, so it’s crucial to confirm this policy before you book if it’s a priority for you.

Where Smoking is Prohibited?

1. Indoor Public Spaces: Smoking is typically prohibited in most indoor public areas, including restaurants, theaters, lounges, and elevators. This rule is in place to ensure a comfortable environment for all guests, especially non-smokers and those with respiratory issues.
2. Cabins: Smoking in cabins is usually forbidden, with strict penalties in place for those who violate this rule. The reason for this is the potential fire hazard and the difficulty of removing the smoke smell from the room, which could affect the next guests.
3. Non-Smoking Decks: Some cruise ships designate entire decks or sections of decks as non-smoking areas. These zones are often located away from the designated smoking areas to minimize the impact on non-smokers.

Specific Cruise Line Smoking Policies

Different cruise lines have varying policies regarding smoking, so it’s important to check the specific rules of the cruise line you’re sailing with. Below are some specific guidelines from major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is dedicated to the safety of all guests and crew, and as such, smoking is strictly limited to specific exterior deck areas that can be closely monitored. Here are some key points from their smoking policy:

• Smoking Areas: Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas. All staterooms and suite accommodations, including outside balconies, are non-smoking.
• Prohibited Substances: All forms of smoking, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaporizers, electronic cigarettes, and marijuana, are prohibited in non-smoking areas. Carnival also strictly prohibits the possession and use of recreational and medicinal marijuana, even if permitted by law in some jurisdictions.
• Penalties: Violating the smoking policy will result in a $500 charge per violation, applied to the guest’s Sail & Sign® account. Continued violations may lead to disembarkation without a refund, and guests may be banned from future cruises with Carnival.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean takes a similar approach to smoking, with designated smoking areas to balance the comfort of all passengers. Here’s what you need to know:

• Smoking Areas: Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas and in certain parts of the casino. Signs will clearly mark where smoking is allowed, and ashtrays are provided.
• Prohibited Areas: Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public spaces, including dining venues, theaters, bars, lounges, hallways, and elevators. Additionally, smoking is not allowed in staterooms or on stateroom balconies. Violations will result in a cleaning fee of $250 USD and may lead to further actions.
• Casino Policies: Smoking is allowed in designated areas within the Casino Royale®, but there are exceptions based on the ship’s location, such as Australia and the United Kingdom, where the entire casino may be non-smoking.
• Age Restrictions: Guests must be at least 21 years old to purchase, possess, or use tobacco on sailings from U.S. ports, and 18 years old on sailings from other ports.

Tips for Smokers on a Cruise

• Check the Policy: Before booking your cruise, make sure to read the cruise line’s smoking policy thoroughly. This will help you avoid any surprises and ensure you have access to smoking areas.
• Respect the Rules: Adhering to the designated smoking areas is crucial, not only to avoid fines or penalties but also to respect the experience of non-smoking passengers.
• Bring Supplies: If you use a specific type of cigarette, cigar, or pipe tobacco, it’s a good idea to bring enough with you, as the selection onboard might be limited and expensive.

Tips for Non-Smokers on a Cruise

• Choose Non-Smoking Areas: When booking your cabin, consider choosing a location away from smoking areas, such as non-smoking decks or areas far from the casino.
• Know the Layout: Familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout so you can avoid areas where smoking is permitted if that’s a concern for you.

So, finally what?

Yes, you can smoke on a cruise ship, but it’s essential to understand and adhere to the specific rules of your chosen cruise line. By doing so, both smokers and non-smokers can enjoy their cruise experience in harmony, ensuring a pleasant journey for everyone on board.