I mean, it should be allowed—vaping on a cruise ship, right? Well, even though everyone onboard is out for one thing—fun, everyone’s definition of “Fun” is quite different, and also, there is no “one-rule-for-all” verdict for these things.
Part of what you should do when planning a cruise trip is to read the smoking and vaping rules of the cruise line you’re sailing with. Apparently, different cruise lines have different regulations regarding these things, which is why I initially said there is no “one-rule-for-all” answer to this topic.
But then, there is a general rule of thumb on whether you can vape on a cruise ship or not, based on feedback and reviews from many people who have been on cruise ships multiple times. That said, here’s a comprehensive overlook as regards vaping on cruise ships, whether you’re using disposables or mod carts.
Can You Bring a Vape on a Cruise Ship?
To be honest, anyone who has been on a cruise ship would want to get on the cruise again, some other time, just maybe, not with the same cruise line, for whatever reasons best known to them.
Getting onboard a cruise ship with your vaping gear sounds fun—you’ll be puffing your favorite disposable flavors or VG oils at will, right? Well, yeah, sounds more like it; but there are aviation and maritime regulations, as well as cruise-line-specific policies. Just as with flying with vapes, you’re to have your vape, oils, cart, and all whatnot accessories relating to vaping in your carry-on baggage—for cruise lines that support such devices to be brought onboard. The standard rule points out that you can carry a Li-ion battery up to 100Wh rating and e-liquids that comply with the 3.4oz rule under TSA guidelines.
Once on board, most major cruise operators permit vaping only within designated smoking areas, imposing strict bans in staterooms, balconies, indoor public spaces, and around non-smoking guests. Yeah, vaping is different from smoking, but most cruise lines have the same policy for both activities, including popular ones like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Violating the vaping policies of a cruise line can lead to hefty fines up to the tune of $500 or higher. For most of them, there are specified smoking/vaping rooms where you can go to vape, and for a good number of others, you can actually vape in your stateroom or balcony.
For example, the Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line allow vaping in specified outdoor decks and enclosed smoking lounges, whereas Princess and MSC enforce no-vape policies in cabins or balconies, restricting usage exclusively to clearly marked zones. Now you can see the picture, right?—You can come onboard with a vape, but you might not have the flexibility to use it anywhere of your choice, except for specific locations where the activity is allowed.
Now, while at this, we can’t overrule the point that there are cruise lines that prohibit coming onboard with e-cigs and vape accessories. Make sure you verify that your cruise line allows vaping before carrying your vapes along.
Popular Cruise Lines and their Vaping Policy
The good thing is, vapes are allowed to be brought onboard most cruise ships; it’s just the usage that has restrictions.
1. Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival permits traditional tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and personal vaporizers to be brought onboard, but you have to put them in your carry-on during the checks and all. For usage, you can only use these devices in designated outdoor smoking areas on specific decks (e.g., Deck 5 and Deck 11 on several vessels) and in enclosed casino smoking zones when seated and playing. Vaping in cabins, balconies, hallways, pools, or spas incurs up to a $500 fine and potential disembarkation under the company’s drug-free zones policy.
2. Royal Caribbean
For RC cruisers, vaping is disallowed in staterooms, balconies, and all indoor public spaces; violators incur a $250 cleaning fee plus further disciplinary measures. Uninterrupted vaping is confined to designated outdoor decks and the casino when seated. The rules are almost the same as Carnival but with a cheaper defaulting fee.
3. Norwegian Cruise Line
Also, for Norwegian Cruise Line, vaping and smoking of any sort is only allowed in enclosed Smoking Rooms (e.g., Deck 8 on Encore) and outdoor smoking zones (e.g., Deck 16 on Bliss). Indoor public areas, cabins, and balconies remain vape-free to uphold non-smoker comfort and inhalation risk management.
4. Princess Cruises
The rules with Princess Cruises are a bit stricter than other cruise lines, but still, it’s all about making sure you get to the designated rooms and vape in there—not just anywhere around the vessel. Princess enforces a zero-vape policy in staterooms, balconies, and all indoor areas; you can only vape outdoors, in specified smoking zones. Non-compliance carries a $250 penalty per infraction.
5. MSC Cruises
MSC applies a full no-vape prohibition in cabins, balconies, and all except clearly signposted outdoor areas with ashtrays. Repeated breaches can result in cleaning fees, disembarkation, and regulatory enforcement under international maritime law.
How to Not Get Into Trouble Carrying a Vape on a Cruise Ship?
If you’re getting on a cruise, you have to treat your vapes as though you’re getting on a flight, as the regulations are nearly the same—specified allowable batteries, e-liquid specifications, and packaging.
1. Locate Smoking Decks Pre-Boarding: Apparently, you must have confirmed whether vapes are allowed onboard or not before moving on to get onto the ship. So, at this point, study the ship’s deck plan and pinpoint ashtray icons and indoor lounges where you can stay and vape without confrontation.
2. Pack Your Vapes Properly: Store your spares in protective cases – preferably ziplocs – to prevent short circuits or spillage. Recharge the vape only at designated outlets, and never leave devices charging unattended.
3. Waste Disposal: If you’re on board with a disposable vape, do not toss the device overboard or try to flush it in the restrooms when the e-liquid finishes; use the ship-provided disposal bins.
4. Respect Everyone Onboard: Not everyone smokes, not everyone vapes; make sure to not taunt anyone that doesn’t vape—mutual respect is expected of everyone onboard, and there are fines for such uncultured actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Vape in my Cabin on a Cruise Ship?
Sadly, No. All major cruise lines prohibit vaping inside cabin staterooms and private balconies to maintain air quality and guest satisfaction. You have to get into the specified vaping rooms, do all your puffs there, and come out clean. Doesn’t sound fun, yeah? But that’s it. More so, you will find other vapers in there, too.
What Types of Vapes are Allowed on Cruise Ships?
You can come onboard with any type of vape device, provided it meets the capacity requirements of your cruise line. Whether you’re coming on with disposable devices or carts with oils, you must have to pack them in your carry-on luggage.
Are there Age Restrictions to Vaping on Cruise Ships?
Yes, there are. You must be at least 18 years old to possess or use vaping devices, aligning with tobacco-purchase laws and cruise-specific age policies. During checks, if a personnel sees you’re underage and possess a vape, they may have to inform your parents or guardian who’s on the ship with you—who may be subjected to a fine or disembarkation.
Do Cruise Ships Have Vape Detectors?
Well, cruise ships mostly don’t have vape detectors as you see in corporate spaces or school environs where vapes are prohibited, but they sure have smoke detectors, which can detect the vapor coming from your puffs. Also, except when in your cabin stateroom, there are chances of bumping into a crew member, and if that happens when you’re vaping in an unauthorized area, then you’re in for it.
Can I Stock Up on More Vapes Onboard?
Vaping supplies onboard are extremely limited or nonexistent; if you’re going to come with a vape onboard, then you must pack a good quantity that would be enough to cater to your satisfaction throughout the voyage. Online vape stores like VapingLand offer very good discount deals on bulk purchases, and for bundle shoppers, you could get a killer deal!
Can You Vape on a Cruise Ship Balcony?
On cruises, vapes are treated as traditional cigarettes. It is prohibited to vape on cruise ship balconies; the only places to vape are designated vaping/smoking rooms or in the casino rooms (when you’re seated).
Conclusion
I mean, cruise ships are fun to be on—meeting new friends, the alluring sea views, fun activities, and a whole lot of vibes. But while being all hyped about the voyage, make sure you’re fully aware of the vaping regulations by your chosen cruise line, and adhere to them. Most especially, be sure to respect other people who are on the cruise with you. As for vaping, you can always do that at the designated rooms and centers. Happy cruising!
