First-Time Cruisers

MSC Cruises Smoking and Vaping Policy: Where You Can and Can't

Published 20 July 2026 · 3 min read · Cruise Questions Canada editorial team

Quick answerMSC Cruises prohibits smoking and vaping in all staterooms and on all balconies fleet-wide, allowing both only in clearly marked designated outdoor areas (typically a section of an open deck) and, on most ships, a designated smoking section of the casino — with a cleaning fee of several hundred dollars charged for smoking in a cabin or on a balcony.

MSC Cruises's smoking rules are strict, consistently enforced, and easy to follow once you know the map.

Where smoking and vaping are allowed

Designated outdoor areas only — typically a marked section of one open deck, sometimes a smoking-permitted zone near an outdoor bar. Locations are listed in the daily program and marked with signage; ask guest services on embarkation day rather than assuming any open deck qualifies.

Where they're banned

Staterooms and balconies, fleet-wide, no exceptions — the balcony ban is a fire-safety rule every major line shares, as covered in Smoking and Vaping Rules on Cruise Ships. Indoor public spaces, restaurants, theatres, pool decks outside the designated zone and children's areas are all non-smoking.

The casino

Generally yes — MSC typically allows smoking in a designated section of the casino for players, in keeping with its European market; some ships differ. Where casino smoking is permitted it's usually restricted to players actively at machines or tables in a designated section, on specific nights or hours.

Vaping

MSC Cruises treats e-cigarettes and vapes exactly like cigarettes: designated outdoor areas only. Using a vape on a balcony draws the same fee as a cigarette.

The penalty

A cleaning fee — typically several hundred dollars — charged to the onboard account for smoking in a cabin or balcony, with removal from the ship possible for repeated violations. Crew do notice; balcony smoke drifts to neighbours who complain.

Cannabis

Illegal aboard regardless of Canadian law, since ships follow the laws of their flag state and the US ports they call at. MSC prohibits cannabis regardless of local law.

More MSC Cruises policies

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Knowing the map before you sail

If designated areas matter to your trip, the locations on your specific ship — and current casino rules for your itinerary — are worth confirming before booking, since they vary more by ship than by line.

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Frequently asked questions

Can you smoke on your balcony on MSC Cruises?

No — balcony smoking and vaping are banned across the MSC Cruises fleet for fire safety, with a substantial cleaning fee charged to the onboard account of anyone caught, and disembarkation possible for repeat offences.

Does MSC Cruises allow smoking in the casino?

Generally yes — MSC typically allows smoking in a designated section of the casino for players, in keeping with its European market; some ships differ. Policies vary by ship and region and change over time — check the daily program or ask guest services on your specific sailing.