IF you’re getting ready to go on a cruise, you might be wondering if you can smoke while on board.
Here’s everything you need to know about smoking and other important rules while you’re enjoying your cruise.
Can you smoke on a cruise ship?
All cruise ships allow smoking in certain areas which tend to be in designated outdoor smoking zones and sometimes in casinos, nightclubs, cigar lounges and cabin balconies.
However, the remaining areas of the ships are strictly no smoking.
If you are caught smoking in an area that you are not allowed to, then the consequences could be serious.
You can be fined or even disembarked for smoking on cruise ships in prohibited areas.
Do any cruise ships allow smoking on balconies?
Yes, some cruise lines allow smoking on private balconies.
You are able to smoke on Fred. Olsen cruise balconies, but this will become prohibited from April 1, 2025.
You can smoke on the balconies of the following cruise lines:
- Fred. Olsen (until April 1, 2025)
- Costa Cruises
What are you not allowed to do on a cruise ship?
There are multiple rules that you should abide by while you’re on board a cruise ship.
Rules to follow while on a cruise ship
Here are the rules you must follow while on a cruise ship
- No smoking indoors
- No underaged drinking
- No taking drugs or alcohol on board
- No climbing on railings
- You must attend the safety drill
- Return by all-aboard time
- No open flames or fire hazards
- No weapons
- No guests in crew areas
- No reserving lounge chairs
As well as following on-ship rules, there are also a number of items that you are not able to take on your trip.
Here are what you cannot take on a cruise ship:
- Firearms
- Weapons
- Alcohol
- Fire hazards
- Drugs and banned substances
- Drones
What is the fine for smoking on a cruise ship in a non-designated smoking area?
Passengers who violate the smoking policies of their cruise line may face penalties.
This will vary depending on the cruise line but could include being taken off the ship and/or paying a fine.
If you’re caught smoking in your cabin, you will typically be charged a cleaning fee which could be around £150-£200.
If you continue to break the rule then you may be forcibly removed from the ship.
When it comes to smoking e-cigarettes, they are mostly treated the same as cigarettes while on board.
Vaping tends to be banned in most public areas, in private cabins and on balconies.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
However, some lines will let you smoke an e-cigarette in your room but you should check with who you are travelling with first.
It’s important to check the rules of specific cruise lines before you head off on your trip.
