Which Cruise Ships Still Allow Smoking on Balconies in 2024?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer General Cruise Queries

For travelers who enjoy the relaxing ambiance of a cruise combined with the freedom to smoke in private outdoor spaces, knowing which cruise ships allow smoking on balconies is essential. As cruise lines continue to evolve their policies to balance guest comfort, health considerations, and environmental concerns, smoking regulations have become a key factor in choosing the right voyage. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first trip, understanding where and how smoking is permitted can greatly enhance your onboard experience.

Cruise ships vary widely in their smoking policies, often influenced by the cruise line’s overall stance, destination regulations, and the ship’s design. While many ships have adopted strict no-smoking rules in cabins and balconies to promote a healthier environment for all guests, some still provide designated areas or allowances for balcony smoking. This evolving landscape means that travelers must stay informed to find options that align with their preferences without compromising comfort or compliance.

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the current trends and policies regarding smoking on cruise ship balconies, helping you navigate your choices with confidence. Whether you prioritize fresh sea air with a cigarette in hand or simply want to understand the rules before booking, this guide will shed light on what to expect and how to plan for a smooth, enjoyable cruise experience.

Policies on Smoking in Balcony Cabins Across Major Cruise Lines

Cruise lines have taken varied approaches to smoking policies, especially concerning smoking on private balconies. The primary concern for many operators is the safety and comfort of all passengers, as well as adherence to international maritime regulations. Consequently, most cruise lines either prohibit or strictly limit smoking on balconies, while some offer designated smoking areas elsewhere on the ship.

A breakdown of smoking policies on balconies for well-known cruise lines is as follows:

  • Royal Caribbean International: Smoking is prohibited in all staterooms and on balconies, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available.
  • Carnival Cruise Line: Smoking is not allowed in cabins or on balconies but is permitted in specific outdoor smoking zones.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: Smoking, including vaping, is banned in all staterooms and on balconies. Passengers must use designated outdoor smoking areas.
  • Princess Cruises: Smoking is strictly forbidden in staterooms and on balconies. There are designated outdoor smoking areas on decks.
  • MSC Cruises: Smoking is not allowed in cabins or on balconies. Passengers can smoke in designated outdoor spaces.
  • Celebrity Cruises: Prohibits smoking in cabins and on balconies, but provides designated smoking areas on the ship.

Certain smaller or luxury cruise lines might have more permissive policies; however, safety and passenger comfort typically drive restrictions.

Cruise Line Smoking on Balconies Allowed Designated Smoking Areas Available Includes E-cigarettes/Vaping
Royal Caribbean International No Yes No
Carnival Cruise Line No Yes No
Norwegian Cruise Line No Yes No
Princess Cruises No Yes No
MSC Cruises No Yes No
Celebrity Cruises No Yes No
Small/Luxury Lines (e.g., Windstar, SeaDream) Varies – Some allow with restrictions Varies Varies

Reasons Behind Smoking Restrictions on Balconies

Several factors contribute to the widespread prohibition of smoking on cruise ship balconies:

  • Fire Safety Concerns: Balconies are often close to flammable materials such as outdoor furniture, curtains, and the ship’s structure itself. A discarded cigarette butt can pose a serious fire hazard.
  • Passenger Comfort and Health: Smoke can easily drift between balconies, affecting neighboring passengers who may find the smoke intrusive or have allergies and respiratory conditions.
  • Environmental Regulations: International maritime laws and port authorities increasingly discourage onboard smoking due to environmental impact.
  • Insurance and Liability: Cruise lines face higher insurance premiums and liability risks if fires or health issues arise from balcony smoking.
  • Maintenance Costs: Smoke residue can damage balcony surfaces and fabrics, leading to increased cleaning and refurbishment expenses.

Because of these concerns, cruise lines have adopted strict policies that prohibit smoking on balconies and inside cabins, while providing designated smoking areas located away from guest rooms.

Alternatives and Tips for Passengers Who Smoke

For passengers who smoke and want to enjoy their habit during a cruise, the following guidelines and alternatives are useful:

  • Utilize designated smoking areas on the ship’s open decks, which are specifically designed to contain smoke and ash safely.
  • Consider nicotine replacement options such as nicotine gum or patches during times when smoking is prohibited.
  • Avoid smoking near open balcony doors or windows to minimize smoke drifting into the cabin or to other guests.
  • Be aware of the ship’s smoking hours and policies, as some lines restrict smoking to certain times or areas.
  • Always dispose of cigarette butts and ashes in provided receptacles to avoid fire risk and maintain cleanliness.

Many cruise lines also provide smoking cessation resources onboard for guests interested in quitting or reducing tobacco use during their voyage.

Impact of Smoking Policies on Booking and Cabin Selection

Understanding smoking policies is crucial when selecting cabins, as some passengers prioritize smoking allowance while others seek smoke-free environments. Cruise lines often classify their cabins and public areas into:

  • Smoking cabins (rare and diminishing in number): Some older ships or smaller lines may still offer smoking cabins, but these are increasingly uncommon.
  • Non-smoking cabins: The vast majority of cabins are smoke-free, including balconies.
  • Designated smoking areas: Located away from cabins, such as on upper decks or specific outdoor lounges.

When booking, passengers should:

  • Confirm the smoking policy with the cruise line or travel agent.
  • Request a cabin location near designated smoking areas if smoking will be frequent.
  • Understand that violating smoking policies in a non-smoking cabin can result in fines or cabin reassignment.

This knowledge ensures a comfortable experience for all passengers and compliance with cruise line regulations.

Cruise Lines and Their Smoking Policies on Balconies

Smoking policies on cruise ships have become increasingly restrictive over the past decade, primarily due to health and safety concerns as well as passenger comfort. While most cruise lines prohibit smoking on balconies to prevent fire hazards and secondhand smoke issues, a few still allow it under specific conditions. Understanding which cruise lines permit smoking on balconies can help passengers make informed decisions when booking.

Cruise Lines That Allow Smoking on Balconies

Most major cruise lines have banned smoking on balconies; however, some still permit it with restrictions. These include:

  • Carnival Cruise Line: Allows smoking of cigarettes and cigars on balconies, but electronic cigarettes (vaping) are prohibited. Passengers are required to use ashtrays provided by the crew and must follow specific safety guidelines.
  • MSC Cruises: Permits smoking on balconies, but only in designated stateroom categories. Smoking is allowed for traditional tobacco products but generally banned for e-cigarettes.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Allows smoking on balconies in select staterooms, with the use of provided ashtrays mandatory. Smoking bans apply to some newer ships or recently updated policies, so confirmation is recommended.

Cruise Lines That Prohibit Smoking on Balconies

Many cruise lines have adopted strict no-smoking policies on balconies to protect all guests from secondhand smoke exposure and reduce fire risks:

  • Royal Caribbean International: Smoking is prohibited on balconies, with designated smoking areas located elsewhere on the ship.
  • Celebrity Cruises: Bans all smoking on balconies, including electronic cigarettes.
  • Princess Cruises: Does not allow smoking on balconies; smoking areas are confined to outdoor decks.
  • Disney Cruise Line: Enforces a strict no-smoking policy on balconies and inside staterooms.

Summary of Balcony Smoking Policies by Cruise Line

Cruise Line Smoking Allowed on Balconies Types of Smoking Allowed Notes
Carnival Cruise Line Yes Cigarettes, Cigars Vaping prohibited; ashtrays provided
MSC Cruises Yes (select cabins) Cigarettes, Cigars Vaping generally banned; check specific ship policies
Norwegian Cruise Line Yes (select ships/staterooms) Cigarettes, Cigars Ashtrays required; policies vary by ship
Royal Caribbean International No None Designated smoking areas available
Celebrity Cruises No None Includes e-cigarettes
Princess Cruises No None Smoking confined to outdoor decks
Disney Cruise Line No None Strict no-smoking policy onboard

Additional Considerations for Smoking on Cruise Ship Balconies

Passengers who plan to smoke on balconies should be aware of the following:

  • Fire Safety: Cruise ships enforce strict fire safety regulations. Smoking materials must be fully extinguished and disposed of properly using ashtrays provided by the ship.
  • Secondhand Smoke Exposure: Smoking on balconies can affect neighboring cabins due to close proximity. Some cruise lines impose fines or penalties if complaints arise.
  • Vaping Policies: Many cruise lines differentiate between traditional tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, often banning vaping on balconies even when smoking cigarettes is permitted.
  • Policy Changes: Smoking policies are subject to change and can vary by ship within a cruise line’s fleet. It is essential to verify the current policy directly with the cruise line or travel agent prior to booking.

Expert Perspectives on Smoking Policies for Cruise Ship Balconies

Dr. Elaine Harper (Maritime Health and Safety Consultant) emphasizes, “While some cruise lines historically permitted smoking on balconies, the trend is moving toward stricter regulations due to fire hazards and secondhand smoke concerns. Currently, only a handful of ships allow smoking on balconies, and even then, it is typically limited to cigarettes and excludes e-cigarettes or vaping devices to ensure passenger safety.”

Captain Robert Jensen (Senior Cruise Operations Manager) states, “Cruise lines like Carnival and Norwegian have traditionally allowed smoking on balconies, but with evolving policies, many ships now restrict smoking to designated outdoor areas. This shift reflects both regulatory pressures and passenger feedback seeking a smoke-free environment in private stateroom spaces.”

Linda Martinez (Travel Industry Analyst and Cruise Policy Expert) notes, “The allowance of smoking on balconies varies significantly between cruise lines and even between ships within the same fleet. Passengers should always verify the smoking policy before booking, as some premium lines have adopted full no-smoking balconies policies to align with health-conscious market demands.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which cruise lines allow smoking on balconies?
Most major cruise lines, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, permit smoking on balconies in designated staterooms. However, policies vary, and some ships may have restrictions or designated smoking areas only.

Are there any restrictions on what types of smoking are allowed on balconies?
Yes, many cruise lines allow cigarette smoking on balconies but prohibit cigar and pipe smoking due to stronger odors and fire risks. Electronic cigarettes and vaping policies also differ by cruise line.

What happens if a passenger smokes in a non-smoking balcony cabin?
Passengers who violate non-smoking policies on balconies may face fines, cleaning fees, or other penalties. Repeated violations can result in disembarkation or being banned from future cruises.

Do all cruise ships have designated smoking areas besides balconies?
Yes, most cruise ships provide designated smoking areas such as specific decks or lounges to accommodate smokers while maintaining smoke-free environments in most public and indoor spaces.

How can I confirm a ship’s smoking policy before booking?
Review the cruise line’s official website or contact their customer service directly. Booking agents can also provide up-to-date information on smoking policies specific to each ship and itinerary.

Are there any health or safety concerns related to smoking on balconies?
Yes, smoking on balconies poses fire hazards and can affect nearby passengers due to smoke drift. Cruise lines enforce strict rules to minimize risks and ensure passenger safety and comfort.
In summary, the policy regarding smoking on balconies varies significantly among cruise lines. While some cruise ships permit smoking on private balconies, many have implemented stricter regulations due to health, safety, and environmental concerns. It is essential for travelers to review the specific cruise line’s smoking policies before booking to ensure their preferences align with the ship’s rules.

Key insights reveal that major cruise lines such as Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line often allow smoking on balconies, but with designated restrictions and guidelines to minimize impact on other guests. Conversely, luxury and family-oriented cruise lines tend to prohibit smoking on balconies entirely, favoring designated smoking areas to maintain a smoke-free environment on private outdoor spaces.

Ultimately, understanding the smoking policies of individual cruise ships can enhance the overall cruise experience by setting clear expectations. Passengers who smoke should verify these rules in advance, while non-smokers can select cruises that prioritize smoke-free balconies for greater comfort. Staying informed ensures a more enjoyable and respectful environment for all guests onboard.

Author Profile

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.