Are Vapes Allowed on Cruises?

Vaping rules on cruise ships are often misunderstood. While many travelers assume vapes are treated the same as cigarettes, cruise lines enforce their own policies that can vary widely by brand, ship, and itinerary. If you’re planning a cruise and wondering are vapes allowed on cruises, the answer is yes—but only under specific conditions. This guide breaks down where vaping is permitted, what’s banned, how major cruise lines handle e-cigarettes, and what happens if you don’t follow the rules.

Are Vapes Allowed on Cruise Ships?

Most major cruise lines do allow vapes on board, but vaping is strictly regulated. Vapes are generally treated the same as traditional cigarettes, meaning use is limited to designated smoking areas only.

You cannot vape freely around the ship, and vaping in non-smoking areas—especially cabins—is one of the fastest ways to receive fines or penalties.

Key takeaway: Vapes are allowed on cruises, but only in approved smoking areas and in compliance with the cruise line’s policy.

Where Can You Vape on a Cruise?

While policies differ slightly between cruise lines, vaping is usually permitted in the following areas:

• Designated outdoor smoking decks
• Specific sections of open-air lounges
• Certain casino smoking areas (varies by ship)

Vaping is not allowed in:

• Cabins or cabin balconies (even if doors are open)
• Indoor public spaces
• Restaurants, theaters, elevators, or hallways
• Non-smoking casino areas

Most cruise lines now use smoke and vapor detection systems. Even discreet vaping in your cabin can trigger alarms.

Can You Vape in Your Cruise Cabin or Balcony?

No. Nearly all cruise lines strictly prohibit vaping in cabins and on private balconies.

Even though balconies are outdoors, cruise operators ban smoking and vaping there due to:

• Fire risk
• Wind carrying vapor into nearby cabins
• Damage to ship furnishings

Violations can result in cleaning fees, fines, or even disembarkation at the next port.

Vape Policies by Major Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line

• Vaping allowed only in designated smoking areas
• Banned in cabins and balconies
• Fines may apply for violations

Royal Caribbean

• Treats vapes the same as cigarettes
• Smoking areas are clearly marked on each ship
• Balcony and cabin vaping prohibited

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

• Allows vaping in designated smoking zones
• Some ships require a daily smoking permit for certain areas

Disney Cruise Line

• Very strict policy
• Limited smoking areas on outdoor decks only
• No vaping in cabins, balconies, or indoor spaces

Always check your specific ship’s policy before departure, as onboard rules can differ even within the same cruise brand.

Can You Bring a Vape on a Cruise?

Yes, you can bring a vape on board, but there are important restrictions:

• Vapes must be packed in carry-on luggage, not checked bags
• Lithium batteries are not allowed in checked luggage
• E-liquids must comply with port and airline liquid limits

Some cruise lines may restrict or ban certain disposable vapes depending on local port regulations.

Are Vapes Allowed at Cruise Ports and Destinations?

Cruise ship rules are separate from local laws at ports of call.

• Some countries restrict nicotine strength
• Others ban disposable vapes entirely
• Certain ports prohibit vaping in public spaces

Passengers are responsible for following local laws once off the ship. Confiscation at customs is possible in some destinations.

What Happens If You Vape Where It’s Not Allowed?

Consequences vary but may include:

• Onboard fines or penalties
• Cleaning or damage fees
• Confiscation of your device
• Disembarkation at the next port in serious cases

Cruise staff take vaping violations seriously, especially in cabins.

Conclusion

Vapes are generally allowed on cruise ships, but their use is tightly regulated. Most cruise lines treat vaping the same as smoking, meaning it’s only permitted in clearly designated smoking areas, usually on specific outdoor decks or limited casino sections. Vaping in cabins, on balconies, or in indoor public spaces is strictly prohibited and can lead to fines or other penalties. While passengers are typically allowed to bring vapes onboard in their carry-on luggage, they must also follow local vaping laws at each port of call, which may be more restrictive. Overall, vaping on a cruise is possible, but only if you follow ship rules and destination regulations carefully.

FAQs

1. Are vapes allowed on cruise ships?

Yes, most cruise lines allow vapes on board, but vaping is only permitted in designated smoking areas. Cruise lines generally treat e-cigarettes the same as traditional cigarettes, with strict rules on where they can be used.

2. Can you vape in your cruise cabin or on the balcony?

No. Vaping in cruise cabins and on private balconies is prohibited across nearly all cruise lines. Doing so can trigger smoke detectors and may result in fines or other penalties.

3. Where can you vape on a cruise ship?

Vaping is usually allowed only in designated outdoor smoking areas and, on some ships, in specific casino smoking sections. Vaping is not allowed in restaurants, theaters, elevators, or other non-smoking areas.

4. Can you bring a vape or e-cigarettes on a cruise?

Yes, passengers can bring vapes and e-cigarettes on a cruise, but they should be packed in carry-on luggage due to battery safety rules. Some cruise lines or ports may restrict certain disposable vapes.

5. Are vapes allowed at cruise ports and destinations?

Vaping rules at ports depend on local laws. Some countries restrict nicotine strength or ban certain vape products, and customs officials may confiscate devices that don’t comply with local regulations.