How do you pack cigars for a cruise?

If you have 1 or 2 cigars, you can carry those on board in your carry-on or even your pocket (being careful not to damage them). I usually carry mine in a travel case (holding 5 good-sized cigars) in my check-in luggage.



Packing cigars for a cruise requires balancing protection from physical damage and humidity control. For 2026 travelers, the "gold standard" is using a hard-shell travel humidor (like a Pelican case or a Xikar travel humidor) which is crush-proof and features a rubber gasket for an airtight seal. Inside, use a Boveda humidity pack (typically 69% or 72%) to keep the cigars fresh in the salty, changing sea air. You should always pack your cigars in your carry-on luggage rather than checked bags to avoid extreme temperature shifts in the cargo hold and potential rough handling. While most cruise lines allow you to bring an unlimited number of cigars for personal use, remember that you can only smoke them in designated outdoor smoking areas or specific cigar lounges onboard; smoking on cabin balconies is strictly prohibited and carries heavy fines. If you buy cigars in port, ensure they are factory-sealed to pass through ship security smoothly upon re-boarding.

Excellent question! Packing cigars properly for a cruise is crucial, as the humid, salty sea air can quickly ruin them if they’re not protected. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your cigars arrive and stay in perfect smoking condition.

The Golden Rule: Humidity is Everything

Your goal is to maintain a stable humidity level (around 65-70% RH) for your cigars from the moment you leave home until you light up on deck.

Step-by-Step Packing Guide

1. The Primary Container: A Good Travel Humidor Hard-Sided Case (Best Option): A cedar-lined, airtight travel humidor (like a Xikar or Herf-A-Dor) is ideal. It’s crush-proof, airtight, and often comes with a humidification device. Soft-Sided Humidor Pouch: A good second choice if you have fewer cigars. Look for one with a humidifier sleeve or Boveda pocket. Tupperdor (DIY Champion): A small, airtight plastic container (like Sistema or Lock & Lock) with a Boveda pack is incredibly effective and affordable. Line it with a small piece of cedar from a cigar box if you have one.

2. Humidification: Boveda Packs are Your Best Friend Forget gel or foam tubes. Use 65% or 69% RH Boveda packs. They are two-way humidification (adds or removes moisture as needed), TSA-friendly, and leak-proof. Use one 60-gram Boveda pack for every 25 cigars your container could hold, not just the number you’re bringing. For a 10-count travel case with 5 cigars, still use a 60-gram pack. Pro Tip: Bring at least one extra Boveda pack in a ziplock bag as a backup.

3. Selecting and Preparing Your Cigars Choose Robustly: Opt for cigars with thicker wrappers (Maduro, Habano) over delicate ones (Connecticut Shade). They travel better. Cellophane On or Off? Leave the cellophane on. It acts as a protective barrier against damage and helps buffer humidity changes. It’s a matter of personal preference, but for travel, protection wins.

People Also Ask

Don't let cigars roll around in a suitcase with extra space. If you plan to smoke the cigars within a few days, they should stay in good shape if you put them in a Ziplock bag then store them in a firm container. If your trip will last more than a few days, pack your cigars in a travel humidor.

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As goods are only permitted for personal consumption and not for re-selling purposes, a customs officer may question the amounts you are transporting if they are over: 800 cigarettes. 200 cigars. 400 cigarillos.

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Wet an unused kitchen sponge with distilled water and place in a clean zip-seal bag along with your cigars and zip it closed. Monitoring the humidity level won't be an exact science with this method – without the hydrometer the humidor provides – but it is a simple and effective method to keep cigars from drying out.

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You can try. But they will be visible on an x-ray scanner, and, unless you hide them really well amidst other organic matter, they will be even quite distinct, as are cigarettes, for that matter.

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Alcohol and tobacco: Each traveler over 21 years of age may import up to one liter of alcoholic beverage and either 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or two kilograms of smoking tobacco for personal use. Cigars may not be of Cuban origin. beverages, perfumes containing alcohol with a retail value of more than $5 or cigarettes.

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Royal Caribbean offers the Connoisseur Club on the Freedom of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas for their cigar-smoking guests. Norwegian Cruise Lines provides its guest on the Bliss, Joy, Escape, Getaway, and Epic ships with a Humidor room to enjoy their cigars.

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Most public areas on board, as well as guest suites, are smoke-free. Guests must refrain from smoking anywhere inside the ship, including in guest suites, on verandas and balconies. Smoking of electronic cigarettes is permitted in guest suites, as well as other designated smoking areas.

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The Head of Household must declare all merchandise purchased or acquired abroad and which he/she is bringing back into the United States. That includes items purchased in duty-free shops (on board) and in port as well as items received as gifts. It also includes items the guests have begun to use or are wearing.

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You only have to go through customs when the cruise is over. Customs is located right inside the cruise terminal. Once past that, you can exit, go to the airport, get in your car, or any other method to begin your journey home.

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