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
- Norwegian Cruise Line Policy
- Celebrity Cruises Policy
- Holland America 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
Looking for vaping rules in other travel situations? Check our guides on rental cars, airports, and our complete vaping laws guide.