The Best Cruise Ships for Smokers

The smoking policies for cruise lines have been steadily changing as new laws and regulations continue to limit where smokers can light up. Before choosing a cruise, take a look at the current smoking policies for the different cruise lines. Smokers who assume that all ships allow smoking anywhere on the ship may be surprised to find that their smoking areas will be limited or, on some cruise lines, nearly non-existent. Some ships have eliminated smoking in cabins and balconies, as well as many public areas on the ship. All restaurants and many indoor areas are now smoke free on cruise lines. The least restrictive cruise lines generally allow many onboard areas for smoking. This may be an important consideration for smokers who have itineraries with several sea days.

The Least Resrtictive Smoking Policy Cruise Lines

Carnival
The smoking policies on Carnival allow smoking in cabins and on balconies. Bars, lounges, casinos, and open decks also allow smoking. The smoking policies on Carnival are among the most liberal.

Princess
One of the hallmark features of Princess cruise ships is the large number of balcony cabins. The prices of balcony cabins tend to be lower than other cruise lines, making Princess a good choice for smokers who want to enjoy a cigarette on their balcony. Smoking is permitted in cabins and balconies on Princess cruises, though non-smokers may request a non-smoking room on the pre-cruise preferences form. Open deck areas, bars, and lounges have designated smoking areas.

Norwegian
The smoking policies onboard Norwegian cruise ships allow for smoking in cabins and on balconies. Smoking is also permitted in the casinos and on most decks.

Crystal
Crystal cruises may cost more than some of the cruise lines but their smoking policies are not restrictive for smokers. Smoking is permitted in cabins and on open decks. Bars and lounges have designated smoking areas on Crystal cruise ships.

Holland America
Smoking policies aboard Holland America cruise ships permit smoking in cabins and on balconies. Holland America cruise ships also have designated smoking areas on open decks and allow smoking in the casinos. Some lounges are smoke free, while other bars and lounges permit smoking.

Costa
Costa cruise line allows smoking in cabins and on balconies and in many public areas such as bars and lounges. Designated smoking areas on open decks are available for smoking.

Cruise Lines with Restrictive Smoking Policies
Smokers should be aware that some of the more restrictive cruise lines will no longer allow smoking in cabins, or balconies on some. Celebrity, Disney, Azmara, MSC, and Royal Caribbean cruise lines no longer permit smoking in cabins. At this time, Royal Caribbean and Disney cruise lines still allow smoking on balconies.