Is Smoking Permitted on Cruise Ships? What You Need to Know
Cruise holidays represent a new generation of travel experiences, serving as both an escape and a haven of comfort. However, one of the most frequently asked questions about cruise travel is: Is smoking permitted on cruise ships? Passengers often wonder whether smoking cigarettes, cigars, or e-cigarettes is allowed on board.
For both your health and comfort, you should be aware of each ship’s smoking policies. It is also important to know the details, such as prohibited and permitted areas.
As a cruise ship interior design firm, CITA Design does not just create aesthetically pleasing ship interiors. We also meticulously monitor indoor air quality, passenger comfort, and safety standards. Below, we outline the current policies regarding smoking on board and the designated areas where it is permitted.
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Cruise Ship Smoking Policies: General Situation
Indoor Public Spaces: On most cruise ships, smoking, cigars, and vaping are prohibited in enclosed areas such as restaurants, theatres, lounges, and bars.
Outdoor Spaces: Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas and, on some ships, in special cigar bars.
Cabin Balconies: Cabin balconies are generally no-smoking zones. Although some routes allow exceptions, this is very rare and usually involves special arrangements.
Smoking policies vary slightly from ship to ship, but they are all subject to general rules for passenger health and safety.
Where You Can & Can’t Smoke Onboard
| Place | Cigarettes / Vaping |
|---|---|
| Enclosed restaurants/theatres / public areas | Not permitted – Indoor spaces are smoke-free. |
| Special cigar bars (Cigar Lounge) | Permitted on some ships. |
| Casinos | Allowed in certain sections on some cruise lines. |
| Outdoor decks / Open deck areas | Generally permitted; depends on ship policy, docking, and air quality conditions. |
| Cabin balconies | Prohibited by most cruise lines; rare exceptions. |
Why Restrictions Exist
Smoking inside cruise ships poses many dangers, including fire hazards and passenger discomfort. Smoking is prohibited on cruise ships for three main reasons:
Fire Risk: Cigarettes are highly flammable, making indoor smoking extremely dangerous.
Second-hand Smoke: Exposure to passive smoke negatively affects non-smoking passengers.
Comfort & Design Compatibility: Enclosed common areas on cruise ships (dining areas, cabins, lounges) are specially designed for clean air usage. Therefore, marine-grade plywood and certified fabrics are used in interiors to maintain safety and hygiene.
Practical Tips for Smokers & Non-Smokers
Before your voyage begins, check the designated smoking areas on your ship. This information can be found in brochures or through customer service.
Smoking on enclosed balconies or inside cabins can lead to cleaning fees or fines.
If smoke odour affects non-smoking areas, choose a cruise with advanced ventilation systems. This is where interior design plays a vital role—well-planned design ensures proper air circulation and comfort.
Learn in advance if there are specific rules for cigars or vaping, as these may differ by cruise line.
CITA Design’s Approach to Interior Design in Line with Smoking Policies
Cruise ship interior design cost
At CITA Design, we offer professional solutions for cruise & yacht interior design, ensuring compliance with smoking policies while enhancing passenger comfort:
Policy-Compliant Designs: We create interiors that comply with shipboard smoking regulations.
Conceptual Cruise Ship Design: Smoking areas are designed to align seamlessly with the overall interior concept.
Brand-Oriented Design: We enhance air quality in both open and enclosed areas, protecting user comfort and brand prestige.
Material Selection & Application: By using marine-grade plywood and fire-resistant, easy-to-clean materials, we minimise the negative effects of cigarette smoke and odour.
Smoking Policies on Ships & Enhancing Passenger Comfort with CITA Design
To summarise, smoking is permitted on cruise ships—but only in designated areas and within strict regulations. Enclosed spaces and cabin balconies are generally smoke-free zones across almost all cruise lines. These restrictions exist for health, comfort, and safety reasons.
With CITA Design, you gain an interior design process that balances comfort, aesthetics, and safety. We specialise in creating cruise ship interiors that elevate the passenger experience while protecting brand prestige.
If you are looking for fresh air, safety, and stylish design in your ship interiors, CITA Design is the right address. Contact us today, and let’s design safe, elegant, and user-friendly spaces for your next cruise ship project.
