Can You Vape on a Cruise Ship? The Short Answer
Yes, but only in designated smoking areas:
- Staterooms/cabins: Banned on ALL cruise lines
- Indoor public areas: Banned on most cruise lines
- Designated outdoor areas: Allowed on most lines
- Balconies: Varies by cruise line
- Casinos: Varies by cruise line (often smoking section only)
- Cigar lounges: Usually allowed
Cruise line vaping policies treat e-cigarettes similarly to traditional cigarettes. You're limited to designated smoking areas, which vary significantly by cruise line and ship.
Vaping Policies by Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line
| Area | Vaping Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Staterooms | No |
| Balconies | No |
| Casino (designated area) | Yes |
| Outdoor decks (designated) | Yes |
| Restaurants/bars (indoor) | No |
| Pool deck | Designated area only |
Carnival policy highlights:
- Designated smoking areas on open decks
- Casino has smoking section (vaping allowed there)
- Balcony vaping prohibited (fire risk cited)
- Carnival Smoking Policy
Royal Caribbean
| Area | Vaping Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Staterooms | No |
| Balconies | Yes |
| Casino | No |
| Outdoor decks (designated) | Yes |
| Restaurants/bars (indoor) | No |
| Solarium | No |
Royal Caribbean policy highlights:
- Balcony vaping permitted (differs from Carnival)
- Casino is entirely non-smoking/vaping
- Designated outdoor smoking areas on port side
- Royal Caribbean Policy
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
| Area | Vaping Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Staterooms | No |
| Balconies | Yes |
| Casino (at sea, designated) | Yes |
| Outdoor decks (designated) | Yes |
| Restaurants/bars | No |
| Waterfront areas | Designated only |
NCL policy highlights:
- Balcony vaping allowed
- Casino smoking/vaping allowed at sea only
- Cigar bar allows vaping
- NCL Smoking Policy
Princess Cruises
| Area | Vaping Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Staterooms | No |
| Balconies | No |
| Casino | No (separate smoking room nearby) |
| Outdoor decks (designated) | Yes |
| Cigar lounge | Yes |
Princess policy highlights:
- No balcony vaping
- Casino entirely non-smoking
- Churchill's Cigar Lounge allows vaping
- Limited designated outdoor areas
Holland America Line
| Area | Vaping Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Staterooms | No |
| Balconies | No |
| Casino (designated section) | Yes |
| Outdoor decks (designated) | Yes |
| Explorer's Lounge | No |
Holland America highlights:
- No balcony vaping
- Casino has dedicated smoking/vaping area
- Limited outdoor designated areas
Celebrity Cruises
| Area | Vaping Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Staterooms | No |
| Balconies | Yes |
| Casino | No |
| Outdoor decks (designated) | Yes |
| Michael's Club/Cigar | Yes |
Celebrity highlights:
- Balcony vaping permitted
- No casino vaping
- Cigar club allows vaping
- Designatedstarboard side outdoor areas
MSC Cruises
| Area | Vaping Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Staterooms | No |
| Balconies | Varies by ship |
| Casino (section) | Yes |
| Outdoor decks | Designated areas |
| Cigar lounge | Yes |
MSC highlights:
- Casino has smoking/vaping section
- Check specific ship for balcony policy
- European line with varying rules
Disney Cruise Line
| Area | Vaping Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Staterooms | No |
| Balconies | No |
| Casino | N/A (no casino) |
| Outdoor decks | Very limited designated areas |
| All family areas | No |
Disney highlights:
- Most restrictive major cruise line
- Very limited designated smoking areas
- Family-focused, minimal accommodation for smokers/vapers
- Only small outdoor sections on upper decks
Summary: Balcony Vaping by Cruise Line
| Cruise Line | Balcony Vaping |
|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Yes |
| Celebrity | Yes |
| Norwegian (NCL) | Yes |
| MSC | Varies by ship |
| Carnival | No |
| Princess | No |
| Holland America | No |
| Disney | No |
Bringing Vapes on a Cruise
What to Pack
Carry-On (required for batteries):
- Vape devices
- Spare batteries in cases
- E-liquid bottles (check TSA liquid rules for flights)
- Chargers
Checked or Carry-On:
- Extra e-liquid (unlimited quantity for cruise, not flights)
- Coils and spare parts
- Accessories
How Much to Bring
A 7-day cruise requires planning:
| Daily Usage | 7-Day Supply |
|---|---|
| Light (5mL/day) | 35mL minimum |
| Moderate (10mL/day) | 70mL |
| Heavy (15mL/day) | 105mL |
Recommendation: Bring 50% more than you think you'll need. Ship shops have minimal or no vape supplies.
Airport to Ship
- TSA rules apply for flights to embarkation ports
- E-liquid in 3.4oz or smaller containers for carry-on
- Larger bottles in checked luggage
- Devices always in carry-on
Embarkation
- Security screening at port
- No specific restrictions on vape products
- Keep devices in carry-on bags
- Be prepared to show if asked
Finding Designated Smoking Areas
Typical Locations
Most cruise ships have designated areas on:
- Open decks - Usually one side of the ship (port or starboard)
- Pool deck areas - Far end, away from main pool
- Promenade deck - Outdoor sections
- Near casinos - Adjacent outdoor areas
How to Find Them
- Check deck plans - Usually marked on ship maps
- Ask guest services - They'll direct you
- Look for ashtrays - Designated areas have them
- Ask crew members - They know the ship
What to Expect
- Ashtrays/receptacles provided
- Usually uncovered - Weather may affect you
- Seating limited - May be standing room
- Other smokers - Traditional cigarettes too
- May be crowded - Especially on sea days
Penalties for Cabin Vaping
Detection
Cruise ships can detect vaping:
- Modern smoke detectors can sense vapor
- Other passengers may report you
- Housekeeping may notice/smell
- Casino surveillance may catch you
Consequences
| Offense | Typical Penalty |
|---|---|
| First warning | $250-$500 fine charged to account |
| Second offense | Confinement to cabin, higher fine |
| Repeated violations | Removal at next port (at your expense) |
| Severe cases | Banned from future sailings |
Real Consequences
Being removed at a foreign port means:
- Finding your own way home (expensive flights)
- No refund on cruise fare
- Potential legal issues depending on port
- Future cruise bans from that cruise line
It's not worth the risk. Use designated areas.
Tips for Vaping on Cruises
Before You Book
- Check cruise line policy - Especially balcony rules
- Consider itinerary - Long sea days = more time in designated areas
- Book balcony cabin if line allows balcony vaping
- Research the ship - Location of smoking areas
Onboard Tips
- Locate smoking areas on Day 1
- Bring pocket-friendly devices - Easier to carry to designated areas
- Have a backup device - Ship shops won't help you
- Use nic pouches for times/places you can't vape
- Respect fellow passengers - Even in designated areas, be considerate
- Charge devices in cabin - Safe when not in use
Excursion Days
- Research port policies - Some countries ban vaping entirely
- Don't vape on tenders/shore excursion buses
- Be aware of local laws at each port
- Keep devices secure - Don't lose them ashore
Cruise Line Policy Links
- Carnival Smoking Policy
- Royal Caribbean FAQ
- Norwegian Cruise Line Policy
- Princess Cruises Policy
- Celebrity Cruises Policy
- Holland America Policy
- Disney Cruise Line Policy
- MSC Cruises Policy
Cruise Ship Vaping: Key Takeaways
- Cabin vaping banned on all major cruise lines - No exceptions
- Balcony policies vary - Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL allow it; Carnival, Princess don't
- Designated outdoor areas are your primary vaping locations
- Casino rules vary - Check specific cruise line
- Bring all supplies - Ship shops have minimal/no vape products
- Penalties are real - $250-$500 fines, possible removal from ship
- Smoke detectors work - They can detect vapor
- Pack devices in carry-on - TSA requires batteries in cabin luggage
- Research ports - Some destinations ban vaping entirely
- Consider balcony cabin if your cruise line allows balcony vaping
References
- Carnival Cruise Line Official Smoking Policy
- Royal Caribbean Smoking FAQ
- Norwegian Cruise Line FAQ
- Princess Cruises Onboard Policies
Looking for vaping rules in other travel situations? Check our guides on rental cars, airports, and our complete vaping laws guide.