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If you smoke, finding a place to light up these days can be nearly impossible. But what about when you’re on a cruise? Can you smoke on a cruise ship?
Knowing when and where to enjoy a smoke can keep you out of trouble. Since we want to help you have a smooth experience, we’ll share everything you need to know.
Let’s get started!
Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship?
Policies for smoking vary from one cruise line to the next. However, in recent years, it’s become more common to restrict smoking because of health, safety, and environmental concerns. Generally, smoking is prohibited in most public spaces.
Smokers will be happy to hear that there are plenty of places throughout ships where they can smoke. Most ships have several decks with smoking sections, including the pool deck. We recommend avoiding these areas if you don’t enjoy the smell of smoke.
In addition, there are also a handful of locations indoors that allow smoking. However, we no longer live in a time when there are smoking sections for meals or on balconies. So make sure you know the cruise line’s rules and regulations for smoking before lighting up.
Where Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship?
There are a few places on ships where you can enjoy a smoke. Find one of these locations if you can’t longer resist the urge.
Casinos
One of the most common spots for smoking indoors is in casinos aboard a ship. On some ships, it’s like stepping back into the 1990s, with smoking and non-smoking sections. No magic wall separates the two; the non-smoking side typically still smells.
However, some cruise lines recognize that not everyone wanting to gamble wants to smell like smoke, so it’s becoming more common to see smaller, non-smoking casinos.
If you see ashtrays around where you’re gambling, there’s a good chance you can smoke. However, you should still verify the rules to avoid ending up in a sticky situation.
Designated Outdoor Spaces
Cruise ships typically have designated outdoor spaces designed for those who smoke. These areas allow smokers to scratch the itch without affecting the experience for non-smokers.
Unfortunately, the amount and location of these spaces will vary from one cruise line and ship to the next. Some of the most common areas include the various decks of the ship.
Talk to the customer service desk if you need help locating these designated outdoor areas on a ship. They’ll be able to provide you with detailed instructions on the various places that allow smoking.
Following the rules and only smoking in designated outdoor spaces can help ensure everyone has a positive experience.
Cigar Bars
Some cruise ships have cigar bars or lounges on board. These areas can create a comfortable environment where tobacco lovers can indulge in a cigarette. Because cruises try to offer a luxury experience, they’ll often sell premium cigars.
These spaces have a controlled ventilation system to help maximize the safety of everyone. If you’re a smoker, search for these locations before making a reservation.
Whether it’s a cigar bar or another designated area, ensure there will be a spot to smoke before making a reservation.
Get Familiar with Cruise Line Smoking Policies
Many cruise lines have comparable policies but with some minor differences. Let’s look at the smoking policies for five major cruise lines.
Royal Caribbean’s Smoking Policy
Royal Caribbean’s smoking policy states that they recognize that some guests do smoke. As a result, they provide several designated areas to smoke on their cruise ships.
These policies include cigarettes, cigars, pipe smoking, and vaping. Smoking is only possible in designated outdoor spaces and the cruise line’s casino.
The policy also states that you cannot smoke in any “interior public spaces,” including “dining venues, theaters, bars, lounges, hallways, elevators, and the jogging track.”
The location of the designated smoking spaces will vary by ship. So check with customer service or study a map of the vessel before lighting up.
Carnival Cruise Lines Smoking Policy
Carnival has more than 25 different ships across its entire fleet, and they have no one-size-fits-all approach to its smoking policy. As a result, you’ll want to check out the smoking policy specific to the Carnival ship you’ll be boarding.
Generally, the only areas on Carnival cruise ships that allow you to smoke are casinos and designated sites on decks. Again, each ship’s layout is unique, and these areas can vary in size and quantity from one vessel to the next. Some ships are more smoker-friendly than others.
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Celebrity Cruises’ Smoking Policy
Celebrity Cruises also accommodates smokers. Designated smoking areas typically have signage indicating a safe place to sneak in a puff or two. They provide ashtrays and expect guests to use them. You’ll want to use these smoking areas no matter what type of cigarette you’re smoking, including e-cigarettes.
When finished, Celebrity Cruises’ policy reminds guests to properly dispose of their cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco. You cannot toss it overboard. Find a safe and sanitary place to dispose of it.
Disney Cruises’ Smoking Policy
Disney Cruise Line has five ships that make up its fleet. Each vessel has areas that allow for smoking, including e-cigarettes. However, unlike most other cruise lines, some decks and areas have time restraints.
For example, Disney’s Dream/Fantasy Deck 4 typically only allows smoking from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. This ensures plenty of time for non-smoking families to enjoy the entertainment activities available on these decks without worrying about smoke.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Smoking Policy
All public areas on Norwegian Cruise Line ships are smoke-free. However, you can smoke pipes and cigars in the Cigar Bar or a designated smoking lounge on board the vessel.
Smoking is acceptable in some outdoor spaces, but those areas are unique to each ship in the Norwegian fleet. Generally, areas near food, the jogging track, or outdoor sporting venues do not allow smoking. The only public smoking area on their ships is inside the casinos.
Keep in Mind: Not sure if taking a cruise is worth it? Here’s why you should reconsider taking a cruise next summer.
What Happens If You’re Caught Smoking on a Cruise Ship?
If caught have a smoke on a cruise ship, it can be a severe issue. You could end up with a cleaning fee charged to your account. In addition, if the staff discovers your cigarettes caused permanent damage to the furniture, linens, towels, or carpeting, you could be on the hook for more expenses.
Depending on the situation, they may first warn you about smoking in the wrong places. However, they could remove you from the ship if you ignore their rules. You would then be on the hook for securing and funding transportation back home.
Know Where to Smoke and Where Not to on a Cruise Ship
Before taking a puff, knowing the rules and regulations specific to the ship you’re sailing on is essential. No two ships are the same, and you don’t want to cause any trouble for yourself.
Check the cruise line’s website or call customer service to clarify specific situations. If you thought smoking was expensive before, try adding a cleaning fee.
