Smoking and vaping onboard cruise ships often raises confusion because rules differ among cruise lines. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean’s guidelines are clear, passenger-friendly, and easy to follow. In short:
Yes, you can bring cigarettes on Royal Caribbean.
Yes, you can bring vapes and e-cigarettes onboard.
No, you cannot smoke or vape in your cabin or on your balcony.
There are designated smoking areas only.
But there’s much more you need to know—how many packs you can bring, what device types are allowed, how to store them, and what the onboard penalties are for breaking rules. The sections below explain everything in detail.
Royal Caribbean’s rules apply to both cigarettes and vapes. That means no matter what device or tobacco product you use, the ship follows one uniform policy.
Royal Caribbean designates certain outdoor sections (usually on starboard side) as smoking zones. These vary by ship class, but commonly include:
An outdoor deck near the pool (starboard)
A designated lounge or smoking room
The casino (but only in clearly marked sections)
On most ships, signs clearly indicate smoking areas so guests cannot miss them.
To maintain guest safety and comfort, smoking is strictly prohibited in several zones:
Guest staterooms
Stateroom balconies
Main pool deck (except smoking zones)
Dining venues
Bars (except designated indoor smoking lounges)
Theaters
Elevators
Indoor public spaces
Doing so may lead to fines and even removal from the ship.
Cruisers can bring cigarettes in:
Carry-on luggage
Checked luggage
Purses or pockets
Royal Caribbean imposes no strict limit on the number of packs you can bring for personal use. However, it’s wise to bring a reasonable quantity for your voyage length.
Due to battery safety rules, Royal Caribbean (and TSA/airport rules) require you to:
Pack vapes in your carry-on bag
Do NOT pack them in checked luggage (fire hazard due to lithium batteries)
This includes:
Vape pens
Box mods
Pod systems
Disposable vapes
Charging cables
If you fly to your embarkation port, airline rules also apply—and all airlines require vape devices to be carried onboard, not checked.
Vape liquids, pods, and cartridges are allowed. You can pack them either in:
Carry-on bags, or
Checked bags
If flying to your cruise port, follow airport liquid rules:
Bottles must be 100 ml or less in carry-on
Larger bottles must be placed in checked bags
Vaping accessories such as:
Coils
Tanks
Pods
Cotton
Chargers
Screwdrivers
are permitted. There are no restrictions as long as they are for personal use.
Royal Caribbean’s onboard duty-free shops typically sell:
Marlboro
Camel
American Spirit
Newport
Local international brands depending on itinerary
Prices are usually significantly lower than those on land.
Duty-free purchases come with customs limits when returning home. This varies by:
Country of residence
Ports visited
Total value of goods
The ship will inform you of the exact allowance before disembarkation.
Rules differ from country to country.
Some ports allow smoking freely outdoors, while others have strict restrictions. Caribbean islands tend to be more relaxed, but European ports, Alaska, and Canada often have stricter smoke-free laws.
Certain destinations regulate or ban vape products entirely. For example:
Some Caribbean islands restrict public vaping
Parts of Asia may not allow vape liquid import
Australian ports have strict nicotine liquid laws
Always check port-specific guidelines before your cruise begins.
Royal Caribbean enforces strict penalties, including:
A cleaning fee of up to $250 per incident
Possible removal of the guest from the ship
Confiscation of smoking devices
These rules apply even to:
Cigarettes
Cigars
E-cigarettes
Disposable vapes
Cruise balconies have flammable furniture and curtains, and ocean winds can cause ashes to blow into other staterooms. Even a small spark can cause fire hazards.
Although ships sell tobacco, supplies can be limited—especially vape pods and coils. Always pack enough for the full cruise.
Because you cannot use the cabin balcony, you’ll carry your device to designated areas often. A pouch or small case keeps everything safe and organized.
If you rely on vapes, bring:
Extra pods
Spare coils
Backup disposable
Charging cable
You’ll avoid running out mid-cruise.
Many passengers are non-smokers. Royal Caribbean encourages all smokers and vapers to follow designated rules to keep the environment comfortable for everyone.
Allowed onboard
Designated smoking areas only
Strict balcony restrictions
Permitted
Often not allowed in the casino
Lounge areas may vary by ship
Allowed onboard
Must be in carry-on when flying
Same designated smoking areas as cigarettes
In other words, all smoking devices fall under the same policy.
Even in smoking areas, large vape clouds can drift into public walking sections, so choose low-vapor settings.
Use ship trash bins—do not throw vape pods overboard or leave them lying around.
Lithium batteries require careful handling, so:
Charge only in your cabin
Never leave devices plugged in overnight
Avoid using damaged chargers
Although rare, non-compliance can lead to strict consequences:
Most first-time offenders receive a verbal warning.
A mandatory $250 fine is applied for smoking in cabins or balconies.
Royal Caribbean security can remove violators’ cigarettes or vapes.
In extreme cases—especially repeat violations—the guest may be disembarked at the next port.
Yes. Disposable vapes are allowed for personal use.
Yes, you can bring:
One lighter, or
One book of matches
Torch lighters are prohibited.
No. Vaping in cabins is strictly prohibited.
No. Balcony smoking is prohibited 24/7, even at night.
Not always. Most ships do NOT sell vape liquid, coils, or pods—only cigarettes and cigars.
Yes, as long as all items comply with battery safety rules.
Here’s the short and sweet recap:
Yes, cigarettes are allowed onboard.
Yes, vapes and e-cigarettes are allowed.
Smoking/vaping is allowed only in designated areas.
Smoking/vaping is prohibited in cabins and balconies.
Vapes must be packed in carry-on luggage (due to batteries).
Liquids and accessories are allowed within airline rules.
Royal Caribbean accommodates smokers and vapers—but safety rules and courtesy guidelines are strictly enforced.
If you follow the ship’s policies, you’ll enjoy a smooth, stress-free vacation without any issues.
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