In 2026, smoking on a cruise is strictly prohibited in almost all indoor areas, including staterooms and private balconies, due to fire safety regulations and passenger comfort. However, most major lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian provide designated outdoor smoking zones, typically located on one side of a specific open deck. Some ships also feature specialized indoor venues like cigar lounges or specific ventilated sections of the casino where cigarette smoking is permitted during active play. Vaping and e-cigarettes are generally subject to the same restrictions as traditional tobacco and must only be used in these marked areas. Violating these rules, especially smoking on a balcony, can result in a significant "cleaning fee" (often $250 or more) and potential removal from the ship, as discarded butts pose a severe fire hazard and an environmental threat to marine life.