10 Secrets for Finding the Best Cigar Events and Lounges on a Cruise Ship
Most cruise passengers quickly figure out the dining rules, elevator shortcuts, and daily schedules, but cigar policies onboard can still catch people off guard. Rules often change depending on the cruise line, the specific ship, and even the designated smoking areas available during the trip. Some ships offer dedicated cigar lounges and events, while others limit smoking to a few outdoor sections. Here’s how to figure it out.
Start With The Official Rule Page
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Check the cruise line’s official policy page first. Royal Caribbean restricts cigar and pipe tobacco use to specific outdoor zones and dedicated lounges. Carnival lists approved areas by ship, specifying exact deck numbers and sides of the vessel. Norwegian also outlines distinct rules for different public spaces and venues. Reviewing these details early should prevent an uncomfortable correction from staff during the trip.
Watch The Planner For Small Notices
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Cigar events on cruise ships are often easy to miss because they are not promoted as heavily as stage shows or deck parties. Many appear as small listings inside the ship’s daily planner, such as the Cruise Compass on Royal Caribbean International sailings. Events like “Cigars Under the Stars” may appear on certain trips, but they are not guaranteed every night. It helps to treat these gatherings as occasional extras.
Understand What a Cigar Bar Means
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Cigar policies vary across cruise ships because every vessel uses a different layout. Royal Caribbean permits cigars and pipes in specific outdoor spots and select lounges. Their U.K. guidelines also note indoor cigar clubs on Freedom and Voyager Class ships. On other vessels, your designated smoking spot might simply be a clearly marked deck outside.
Avoid The Balcony Assumption
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Balconies seem private, but smoke moves easily between cabins. Royal Caribbean prohibits smoking and vaping in rooms and on balconies, and enforces a $250 fine for violations. Most cruise lines use similar rules to keep the air clear for nearby guests. Anyone assuming an outdoor balcony is a safe place to light up should read the fine print before facing an expensive surprise on their final bill.
Check Refueling Day Restrictions
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Boarding day is always hectic, so it’s easy to overlook specific cruise regulations. Carnival bans outdoor smoking entirely during embarkation and debarkation because the ship is actively refueling. This restriction means your favorite smoking spot might be completely off-limits at the very beginning and end of the voyage. Pay close attention to crew instructions and temporary signs, as they always dictate the rules during these port windows.
Let Signs And Ashtrays Guide You
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Royal Caribbean installs clear signs and ashtrays to mark designated smoking zones. These visible cues ensure guests never have to guess where smoking is permitted. Cruise guidelines strictly prohibit throwing cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco into the ocean. Careless disposal at sea poses a serious fire hazard and causes unnecessary pollution. Following these rules keeps the vessel safe and the waters clean for everyone.
Stay Clear of Food And Kid Areas
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Norwegian Cruise Line strictly bans smoking near food venues, jogging tracks, sports decks, and kids’ pools. This policy covers pipes and cigars. It also extends to premium areas such as Vibe Beach Club, Posh Beach Club, and The Waterfront. Royal Caribbean takes a similar approach, limiting smoking to designated zones with clear signs. The main takeaway is simple: avoid lighting up anywhere people are eating, working out, or watching children.
Ask The Crew Instead Of Guessing
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Deck maps offer guidance, but details may change when a cruise begins. Approved locations or special cigar events may move around the ship, so the Cruise Compass and crew directions are the best sources of accurate information. Checking ahead saves valuable time on large vessels, where a single wrong turn can create confusion. Speaking directly with the crew always works better than relying on rumors from fellow passengers.
Know The Tobacco Age Rule
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Royal Caribbean enforces a strict minimum age of 21 for tobacco use on cruises leaving from U.S. ports. For ships departing from other countries, the age limit drops to 18. This rule applies to buying, carrying, and smoking tobacco while onboard. Families traveling together should note that these policies remain active throughout the entire journey. Counting on looser rules in international waters will only lead to trouble with ship security.
Plan Around Smoke-Sensitive Areas
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Non-smoking passengers should check the ship layout before picking a spot to relax. Designated smoking areas may be found near certain outdoor bars or casino spaces, depending on the ship, but jogging tracks and family-heavy areas should be safe. Guests can use the Cruise Compass, deck signage, or crew recommendations to find the cleanest air for their lounge chairs.