Cruising is a relaxing escape for many, but for non-smokers hoping to enjoy fresh sea air from their balconies, it can become a nuisance and potentially a danger. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1.3 billion people globally smoke tobacco, a habit that doesn’t take a break even while sailing the seas.
Although cruise ships offer clearly marked designated smoking areas, some passengers continue to flout the rules by lighting up on their private balconies—an act banned on many vessels due to the serious fire risk it poses. Carnival Cruise Line, one of the world’s largest cruise operators, has reiterated its strict no-smoking-on-balconies policy and is now encouraging guests to report any violations immediately.
Carnival’s Policy: Where Smoking Is—and Is Not—Allowed
Carnival Cruise Line’s official guidelines make their position clear:
- ‘On board our ships, smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas on deck and in designated bars.’
- ‘Smoking is not allowed in restaurants, bistros/cafés and lounges as well as theatres.’
- ‘Furthermore, we ask passengers not to smoke in the cabin and on the balcony belonging to the cabin.’
- ‘The cruise company reserves the right to impose a fine if the smoking ban is violated.’
Balconies may be desirable for their ocean views and privacy, but Carnival explicitly bans smoking there due to the risk of fire and discomfort to neighbouring guests. Despite the premium cost of balcony rooms, safety takes precedence.
Ambassador’s Advice: ‘Please Report It Immediately’
The cruise line’s long-time ambassador, John Heald, recently responded to a guest’s dilemma: ‘Would you report your neighbour for smoking on [the] balcony? This has happened to us on a few cruises.’ The guest added that the smell had prevented them from enjoying their own outdoor space.
Heald’s reply was firm: ‘For the safety of the ship, I would report it immediately. We encourage you to please report it immediately.’ He added that any complaints made would be anonymous, ensuring passengers can alert the crew without fear of confrontation.
Heald also stressed that improperly discarded ash and cigarette butts could start a fire in minutes. Carnival Cruise Line provides designated smoking zones on all its ships, including open-air sections and specific bars. In some cases, smoking is also permitted in casinos, provided the guest is ‘seated and playing’.
Why Balcony Smoking Is a Serious Threat at Sea
While smoking on a balcony might seem harmless, cruise safety experts warn it can be anything but. The combination of sea winds and improper disposal of ash or cigarette butts makes balconies a high-risk zone for fires. In such a contained environment, even a small flame could lead to disaster.
Hot ash falling onto balcony furniture or decking has been linked to past cruise ship fires, prompting lines like Carnival to adopt a zero-tolerance approach. According to experts cited by MailOnline Travel, guests who ignore rules risk upsetting the crew and endangering everyone on board.
Smokers Still Welcome—In The Right Places
Carnival is not banning smoking altogether. Instead, it offers clearly marked areas where smoking is allowed, balancing the needs of both smokers and non-smokers. Guests can consult maps and signage once onboard to locate approved smoking zones. This ensures that passengers can still enjoy a cigarette or cigar without risking the safety or comfort of others.
While some guests argue the rules are strict, Carnival’s firm stance on balcony smoking is part of a broader safety strategy. For those sailing soon, it’s wise to familiarise yourself with your cruise line’s smoking policies and to remember that when it comes to fire prevention at sea, every rule exists for a reason.
