It’s so important for smokers and non-smokers to know where (and where not!) smoking is allowed on your cruise. Whether you hate kids smoking on family cruises or you’re a smoker wondering where you can smoke on a cruise, this article will give you everything you need to know before going on a cruise. In this cruise ship smoking policy guide, I’ll explain the guidelines for where smoking is allowed on cruise ships and where smoking is strictly prohibited.
Know About Smoking on a Cruise Ship
If you do smoke, you don’t have to worry. Cruises will take into account that there are still plenty of places where passengers want to smoke and they will make sure that those places are open to you. Still, cruise lines also consider people who don’t want to be exposed to cigarette smoke. Smoking areas are usually kept away from other passengers.
While it’s important to research different cruise lines, most ships have outdoor areas as designated locations.
When planning a trip, you’ll want to compare and contrast different cruise lines. While most policies are similar, there are some small differences. Take note of each cruise’s policy to see if it meets your specific needs.
Smoking Policies on a Cruise Ship
MSC Cruises Smoking Policy
MSC Cruises allows smoking on board, although this is limited. As mentioned on their website, smoking is limited to designated areas marked with ashtrays and signs.
However, smoking is not allowed in the cabin or on its balcony.
On MSC cruises, you are not allowed to smoke anywhere other than designated smoking areas. Smoking regulations should be strictly adhered to on any cruise ship.
Norwegian Cruise Line Smoking Policy
Smoking is allowed on Norwegian cruise ships. As their website explains, they have several rules about where smoking is and is not allowed.
Norwegian Cruise Line has cigar lounges, but these lounges are strictly non-smoking.
Casinos also allow smoking, except for cigars and pipes.
It’s worth noting that Norwegian Cruise Line does not allow smoking in its first class, and doing so will result in a fine. Additionally, different cruise ships have different outdoor smoking policies on their itineraries. You will need to check the designated smoking areas on the specific vessel you will be cruising.
Silversea Smoking Policy
Like most cruise ships, Silversea has significantly more designated smoking areas than non-smoking areas.
However, each ship has designated areas where smoking guests may smoke. However, these are limited and vary on every ship. It is important to check which boat you will be on and plan accordingly.
Aurora Expeditions Smoking Policy
Aurora Expeditions has a fairly strict smoking policy. Their policy prohibits any of the following:
- Smoking in any indoor area
- Smoking while docked (on or off the boat)
- Smoking outside in areas not expressly designated as smoking areas
Aurora Expeditions’ smoking policy also covers your disembarkation time. This cruise ship explores the North Pole and does not allow tourists to smoke ashore. This is important if you are on a smoking cruise ship.
Oceania Cruises Smoking Policy
Smoking is considered a fire hazard in most places. This explains why staterooms and indoor areas are generally prohibited on cruise ships. Oceania Cruises takes this into account in its smoking policy.
When you travel on an Oceania cruise, you will find that smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Smoking is not permitted outside these designated areas.
Azamara Smoking Policy
The smoking policy on the Azamara ship is very limited. On each of their ships, there is only one designated area where smoking is allowed.
In addition to one area on each Azamara ship, there are other areas, including your time on land, where you can smoke. It’s important to consider this if you smoke, as there will be restrictions on where you can smoke during your trip.
Regent Seven Seas Smoking Policy
When you travel with the Regent Seven Seas, you will find that they do not allow smoking in the dining area on board. Cigarettes may only be smoked in designated areas on each ship.
All ships allow smoking in designated pool areas
Why Cruise Lines Have Smoking Policies
Every cruise is unique. Everyone has policies based on what they think is best for their customers. They have policies in place to create the best possible experience for everyone on board.
However, smoking policies on cruise ships appear to restrict smokers for two main reasons.
1) The number of smokers is declining
More recently, smoking has steadily declined. According to the American Lung Association, the percentage of adults who smoke has fallen from 42.4% in 1965 to 13.7% in 2018.
To be sure, these numbers will continue to decline for decades to come.
So cruise lines have had to adapt to the numbers. The truth is that most people don’t smoke anymore, so it’s more likely that people who travel by boat prefer to avoid smoking.
As numbers dwindle, cruise ships need to act in the best interests of potential passengers. They want everyone to enjoy their time on the boat.
2) Smoking is a fire hazard
Cruise ships have also had to adjust their safety measures over the years. Many cruise lines have cited smoking, pipe smoking, and cigars as fire hazards on board.
It is too risky to allow smoking in guest rooms. All it takes is a single wandering burning ash to cause major problems.
Cruise ships take health and safety very seriously. Each of them is committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone on board, and they realize that in order for this to happen, they need to be vigilant about their safety measures.
Can You Smoke On A Cruise Ship?
All cruise ships allow smoking on board. While many people like the idea of smoke-free cruise ships, in reality, every cruise ship has at least one smoking area.
With 13 percent of U.S. adults regularly smoking and 5 percent vaping, a complete ban on smoking on cruise ships in 2022 would be neither realistic nor profitable for cruise lines.
Smoking Areas On A Cruise Ship?
Smoking on cruise ships is only permitted in designated areas. Smoking areas on cruise ships are usually secluded and easily avoided by non-smokers.
When you board the cruise ship, you’ll receive a deck plan that highlights useful areas like smoking areas, toilets, and elevators. If you want to make your cruise virtually smoke-free, make a mental note of where smoking areas are and you’ll find them easy to avoid.
Most smoking areas are outside, but there is usually a covered area to shelter from the rain. Some cruise lines also allow smoking in indoor smoking rooms, cigar bars, or casinos.
What Can You Smoke On A Cruise Ship?
Cruise ships allow passengers to smoke in designated smoking areas. However, no cruise line is allowed to use any form of cannabis or CBD on its ships. This applies to smoking and smoking materials, as well as edibles and topical creams. Even with a prescription, this is still not allowed.
What If You Smoking In A Non-smoking Area On A Cruise Ship
Cruise lines are very strict about their smoking policies and can impose huge fines on people who smoke in non-smoking areas. They can even kick you off the ship at the next port!
No, if you disembark for violating cruise policy, you will not get a refund. You’ll also need to find your way home at your own expense – not a fun way to end your vacation!
What If You See Someone Smoking In A Non-smoking Area
No one likes small talk, but in addition to keeping the onboard environment free of unpleasant odors, there are smoking rules in place to be safe.
As you may have heard during the onboard muster drills, fires are the biggest risk any vessel faces, and cruise lines try to reduce the risk by limiting the areas passengers can light.
If you are a smoker, please keep the above points in mind and be polite to your companions. They may have breathing problems and need to avoid irritants like smoke, or they may just want some fresh air while strolling on the Lido deck or sunbathing on the balcony.
Conclusion
Smoking on cruise ships is still possible in today’s world, but it’s as regulated as anywhere else. All cruise ships allow people to smoke, but access is limited.
If you are a non-smoker, it is also important to pay attention to the smoking policy on board. Most non-smokers do not want to be near people who smoke. In order for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, it is best to refer to the policies of each cruise ship and its respective vessel.
