Are Vapes Allowed on Cruises? A Complete Guide for 2025 Travelers

For cruise passengers who vape, one of the most common questions before boarding is whether vaping is allowed on cruise ships. Policies vary across major cruise lines, and strict rules are in place to protect onboard safety and comply with international maritime regulations. If you’re planning a trip and want to avoid confiscation, fines, or misunderstandings, here’s a clear and up-to-date guide on what to expect.

Are Vapes Allowed on Cruises?

Most cruise lines allow passengers to bring vapes on board, but where you can use them is heavily restricted. Vaping is generally treated the same as smoking: only permitted in designated smoking areas. Using a vape in your cabin or on your private balcony is prohibited on nearly all major lines due to fire safety concerns.

General Cruise Vape Policies

✔ Bringing Vape Devices Onboard

• E-cigarettes, pod systems, and disposable vapes are typically permitted in carry-on luggage during embarkation.
• Cruise lines may limit the quantity of e-liquid or disposables you can bring, but most allow personal-use amounts.
• Batteries must be carried, not checked, due to fire regulations.

✔ Using Vapes Onboard

• Vaping is allowed only in assigned smoking areas found on open decks or specific lounges.
• Public indoor areas—restaurants, theaters, casinos, and elevators—strictly prohibit vaping.
• Tampering with smoke detectors or vaping in a non-designated area can result in fines or removal from the ship.

✘ Vaping in Cabins or Balconies

• Nearly every cruise line bans vaping in staterooms and balconies.
• Violations can lead to cleaning fees that range from $250–$500.

Vape Policies by Major Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line

• Vaping allowed in designated smoking sections.
• Not allowed in cabins or balconies.
• Strict penalties for violations.

Royal Caribbean

• Uses smoking/vaping areas on select outdoor decks.
• Banned in staterooms and balconies.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

• Vapes allowed only in the same areas as cigarettes.
• Staterooms and balconies are smoke- and vape-free.

MSC Cruises

• Some cigar lounges allow vaping; most public spaces do not.
• Outdoor smoking areas are available.

Disney Cruise Line

• Very limited smoking/vaping zones, typically on upper decks only.
• Entire ship, including all rooms, is vape-free.

Can You Vape During Shore Excursions?

Vaping regulations vary by country and port city. Some destinations, including parts of Asia and the Middle East, have strict anti-vaping laws. If your cruise docks in a region where e-cigarettes are banned, you should avoid using them in public and check for local rules beforehand.

Tips for Vapers Before You Board

• Pack devices and spare batteries in your carry-on bag.
• Bring enough pods or e-liquid for the entire trip—ships rarely sell vape supplies.
• Learn your ship’s smoking area locations early to avoid violations.
• Store disposables safely to prevent auto-firing from heat exposure.

Conclusion

Vapes are allowed on most cruises, but usage is highly regulated to ensure passenger safety. As long as you follow the ship’s designated smoking rules and local laws during shore visits, cruising with a vape is straightforward and stress-free.

FAQs

1. Can I bring my vape on a cruise ship?

Yes. Most major cruise lines allow passengers to bring vapes, pods, and e-liquids onboard. Devices and spare batteries must be packed in carry-on luggage, not in checked bags, due to fire safety regulations. Bringing a reasonable amount for personal use is typically acceptable.

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

No. Vaping inside cabins or on private balconies is prohibited across nearly all cruise lines. These spaces are fitted with sensitive smoke detectors, and using a vape there can result in fines ranging from $250–$500 or even removal from the ship.

3. Where can you vape on a cruise ship?

Cruise lines only allow vaping in designated smoking areas, usually located on open-air decks. Some ships may offer specific lounges or casino sections where smoking and vaping are permitted, but indoor public spaces remain strictly vape-free.

4. Do cruise ships sell vape products or e-liquid?

Most ships do not sell vape devices, pods, or e-liquid. Shops onboard focus mainly on duty-free cigarettes and cigars. It’s best to bring enough vape supplies for the entire voyage, as restocking during port visits depends on local vape laws.

5. Are there countries where I can’t vape during shore excursions?

Yes. Some destinations have strict restrictions or outright bans on e-cigarettes, including parts of Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East. Using or even carrying a vape in these regions can result in confiscation or fines. Always check local laws before leaving the ship.