Smoking policies on cruise ships have become increasingly restrictive, and as of 2026, smoking is strictly prohibited in almost all indoor areas, including guest staterooms and private balconies. This rule is primarily driven by fire safety—the greatest threat at sea—as well as the comfort of other passengers. Most major lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival, provide designated outdoor smoking zones, typically located on one side of an upper deck or in a specifically ventilated corner of the casino. If you are caught smoking on your balcony, you can face a "cleaning fee" of $250 to $500 added to your onboard account, and repeat offenders may even be asked to disembark at the next port. This policy also applies to vaping and e-cigarettes, which are treated the same as traditional tobacco. For those who enjoy a cigar, some luxury ships still maintain dedicated "Cigar Lounges" with high-end ventilation, but for the vast majority of modern cruisers, the habit is confined to small, well-marked sections of the open-air decks.