The use of vapes has beenincreasing globally thanks to providing a more discreet andhealthier alternative to traditional combustible cigarettes. Former smokers aren’t the only people who like vapes, with young people attracted to the wide range of flavors on the market.

Vapes are also great for traveling as they are so portable. Just like you can bring your vape incarry-on luggage on airplanes, you can also bring your vape with you on most cruise ships, but there are restrictions. Before you set sail, ensure you know the vaping rules on your chosen cruise line. Here, we look at how to vape on the high seas. 

General Rules for Bringing Vape Devices on Cruise Ships

Most cruise lines treat Vaping devices like cigarettes or personal electronic devices. Like on airplanes, you can bring your vape in carry-on luggage. Unlike airplanes, you can use your vape in designated areas on board. Here are some of the most popular cruise lines’ rules on vaping:

• Carnival - “Smoking is strictly limited to designated areas only and never in your stateroom or on the balcony. Smoking in undesignated areas, including staterooms and balconies, and discharging any item overboard is prohibited and will result in a $500 charge per violation. This applies to all forms of smoking, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaporizers, electronic cigarettes, and marijuana.” 

• Royal Caribbean - “For the comfort and enjoyment of our guests, our ships are designated as non-smoking; however, we recognize that some of our guests do smoke. To provide an onboard environment that meets all needs, we’ve designated certain areas of the ship as smoking areas.” 

• Norwegian - “As the health and well-being of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance, indoor public areas, with the exception of the cigar lounges and the casino, throughout all our ships are smoke-free. Dedicated outdoor areas are assigned to smoking.” 

• Princess-“Clearly marked “Designated Smoking Areas” are available on board and include a sufficient number of ashtrays that are emptied regularly. Generally, these areas include cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub, and a portion of the open decks.” 

• Celebrity - “We recognize that some of our guests smoke. Therefore, to provide an onboard environment that also satisfies smokers, we have designated certain areas of the ship as smoking areas.” 

When you’re on board, it should be pretty clear where you can vape. However, vaping laws vary in countries you may visit during your cruise, so double-check with your cruise concierge or do your own research ahead of time, depending on where you’ll be disembarking. 

Packing Your Vape for a Cruise: What to Know

Vapes and additional batteries must be packed in carry-on luggage when you board your cruise ship at the port. Cruise ships generally follow the same restrictions as airlines, so bottles must be under 100 ml in carry-on luggage.

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You can pack more significant amounts in checked baggage. Additionally, full bottles can split or leak, so you should bring partial bottles with you instead. Bringing large amounts may raise suspicions as to why you would need excessive amounts on a cruise, but you’ll want to make sure you bring enough to get you through the whole cruise.

When packing your vape, it's best to keep it in the original packaging if you can. Or, separate the tank from the mod to prevent leakage and accidental activation during transit. Passengers can also carry spare lithium batteries in their carry-on baggage. However, they need to be individually protected to prevent short circuits. 

Where You Can Vape Onboard a Cruise Ship

While each cruise ship will vary, most have designated smoking and vaping areas on board outside. Additionally, some cruise ships also have casinos on board with designated smoking rooms that allow vaping.

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Most cruise lines will give you a hefty fine if you smoke or vape in your room or even on your balcony. It’s essential to research or ask your cruise concierge about the local rules when it’s time to disembark, as different countries have different rules around vaping in public. 

Restrictions and Regulations to Keep in Mind

Research is essential before travel, or you may get a fine or worse. For example, vapes and e-cigarettes are entirely banned in Thailand, India, and Singapore, with the possession of a vape, use, or sale of one illegal and hefty fines and jail time on the cards if you break this law.

Meanwhile, Australians can only get their hands on a vape with a prescription, and other countries like Mexico and Hong Kong don’t allow the sale or promotion of vapes. 

Best Practices for Vaping on a Cruise

Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas on most cruise ships. However, many of these designated smoking areas will be frequented by non-smokers and non-vapers, too. For the comfort of other passengers, keep your puffs contained, and don't blow huge plumes into passing passengers' faces. 

Vapes could be handy on board due to the wind affecting the lighting of traditional cigarettes. Consider the wind when taking a puff and who it will send your vapor towards.

Always properly dispose of your vape, and never, under any circumstances, throw a used vape cartridge or disposable vape overboard. If you're unsure where to dispose of a vape, ask one of the crew members. 

Alternatives If Vaping is Restricted

Cruises can be a great time but can get a little stressful. If you plan on quitting, you want to give yourself the best chance of success, so you may want to wait until you get home.

However, people who are already on their quitting journey may want to look out for reduced nicotine vapes or bring a nicotine-free vape on board to help with cravings. Other more discreet alternatives like nicotine pouches, patches, lozenges, mints, and gums will also do the trick.

Smokers who want to ditch traditional cigarettes could use a cruise as a great time to try a vape, as it can be tricky to light a regular cigarette on board.

Conclusion

Vapes are welcome on board cruise ships in carry-on luggage upon arrival. While each cruise ship has different rules on vaping, most have designated areas for smoking and vaping outside.

Smoking or vaping inside your room or even on the balcony may result in a fine. Don't forget to bring enough e-liquid to get you through the whole journey, and double-check your cruise ship's policy on vaping before you set off.