Information and Policies

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Families with Children

Most cruise lines welcome children to travel on their ships, though infants and pregnant women are subject to some restrictions.

Families booking more than one cabin may be subject to minimum age requirements for kids staying in a separate cabin. Your Vacations To Go cruise counselor can check these requirements for you once you have found a cruise that interests you.

Guests Under 25 Years of Age

All cruise lines require that at least one person in each cabin meet a minimum age requirement. The lowest minimum age requirement for any cruise line is 18. The information that follows was provided by the cruise lines at the time of this writing, is subject to change and should be verified with your Vacations To Go cruise counselor prior to booking.

The following cruise lines require that at least one person in each cabin is 18 or older:

Cunard, Explora Journeys, MSC Cruises (when departing from international ports), Oceania, P&O Cruises, Ponant, Quark Expeditions, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, SeaDream, Star Clippers and Virgin Voyages.

The following cruise lines require that all passengers in a cabin are 18 or older or that at least one person in the cabin is 21 or older:

Disney Cruise Line, Silversea and Viking.

The following cruise lines require that at least one person in each cabin is 21 or older:

Azamara, Celebrity, Holland America, Hurtigruten, MSC Cruises (when departing from ports in the U.S.), Norwegian Cruise Line, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn Cruise Line.

The following cruise lines require that all passengers in a cabin are 21 or older or that at least one person in the cabin is 25 or older:

Carnival, Costa and Windstar Cruises.

For Carnival and Windstar, an exception may be made for underage married couples, as long as they are both 18. For Costa, an exception may be made for underage married couples, as long as they are both 21. These couples may be asked to show proof of their marriage. This exception is based on individual cruise line policy and should be confirmed by your Vacations To Go cruise counselor prior to booking.

Carnival also makes exceptions for qualified U.S. Military personnel who are at least 18 years of age. Proof of military eligibility will be needed when booking, as well as the appropriate verification documents at embarkation.

Carnival and Costa guests between the ages of 18 and 21 on a booking may have their own cabin, only if the booking is cross-referenced with the adult relative or guardian's stateroom.

Your age on the date of sailing is generally considered your age for the length of the cruise.

Consumption of Alcohol

Once you've left port, the minimum age for the consumption of alcohol varies by cruise line.

P&O Cruises allows all passengers 18 and older to consume any type of alcoholic beverage they choose.

The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ships is 21. However, on cruises departing from European and South American countries, where the legal drinking age is typically lower than 21, a parent who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) who is between the ages of 18 to 20, may sign a waiver allowing the 18 to 20 year old to consume alcoholic beverages.

Costa and MSC Cruises require passengers to be at least 21 for cruises departing from the US, but passengers 18 and older are able to consume alcohol for non-US departures.

Cunard allows guests 18 and older to consume alcoholic beverages, except when in US waters, in which case no alcohol may be purchased or consumed by any passengers under the age of 21.

Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, Hurtigruten, Norwegian, Oceania, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Ponant, Princess, Quark Expeditions, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn Cruise Line, SeaDream, Silversea, Star Clippers, Viking and Windstar require passengers to be at least 21 to consume any type of alcohol.

Gambling Onboard

Gambling, a popular form of entertainment on cruise ships, also has age restrictions that differ between cruise lines. Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, P&O, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and SeaDream require passengers to be 18 or older to play in the shipboard casinos. Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean require passengers to be 18 or older to play in casinos, except for Alaska cruises (passengers must be 21 or older). MSC Cruises, Princess, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar restrict the casinos to travelers 21 and older.

Families with Children

Most cruise lines welcome children to travel on their ships, though infants and pregnant women are subject to some restrictions.

Families booking more than one cabin may be subject to minimum age requirements for kids staying in a separate cabin. Your Vacations To Go cruise counselor can check these requirements for you once you have found a cruise that interests you.

Guests Under 25 Years of Age

All cruise lines require that at least one person in each cabin meet a minimum age requirement. The lowest minimum age requirement for any cruise line is 18. The information that follows was provided by the cruise lines at the time of this writing, is subject to change and should be verified with your Vacations To Go cruise counselor prior to booking.

The following cruise lines require that at least one person in each cabin is 18 or older:

Cunard, Explora Journeys, MSC Cruises (when departing from international ports), Oceania, P&O Cruises, Ponant, Quark Expeditions, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, SeaDream, Star Clippers and Virgin Voyages.

The following cruise lines require that all passengers in a cabin are 18 or older or that at least one person in the cabin is 21 or older:

Disney Cruise Line, Silversea and Viking.

The following cruise lines require that at least one person in each cabin is 21 or older:

Azamara, Celebrity, Holland America, Hurtigruten, MSC Cruises (when departing from ports in the U.S.), Norwegian Cruise Line, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn Cruise Line.

The following cruise lines require that all passengers in a cabin are 21 or older or that at least one person in the cabin is 25 or older:

Carnival, Costa and Windstar Cruises.

For Carnival and Windstar, an exception may be made for underage married couples, as long as they are both 18. For Costa, an exception may be made for underage married couples, as long as they are both 21. These couples may be asked to show proof of their marriage. This exception is based on individual cruise line policy and should be confirmed by your Vacations To Go cruise counselor prior to booking.

Carnival also makes exceptions for qualified U.S. Military personnel who are at least 18 years of age. Proof of military eligibility will be needed when booking, as well as the appropriate verification documents at embarkation.

Carnival and Costa guests between the ages of 18 and 21 on a booking may have their own cabin, only if the booking is cross-referenced with the adult relative or guardian's stateroom.

Your age on the date of sailing is generally considered your age for the length of the cruise.

Consumption of Alcohol

Once you've left port, the minimum age for the consumption of alcohol varies by cruise line.

P&O Cruises allows all passengers 18 and older to consume any type of alcoholic beverage they choose.

The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ships is 21. However, on cruises departing from European and South American countries, where the legal drinking age is typically lower than 21, a parent who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) who is between the ages of 18 to 20, may sign a waiver allowing the 18 to 20 year old to consume alcoholic beverages.

Costa and MSC Cruises require passengers to be at least 21 for cruises departing from the US, but passengers 18 and older are able to consume alcohol for non-US departures.

Cunard allows guests 18 and older to consume alcoholic beverages, except when in US waters, in which case no alcohol may be purchased or consumed by any passengers under the age of 21.

Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, Hurtigruten, Norwegian, Oceania, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Ponant, Princess, Quark Expeditions, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn Cruise Line, SeaDream, Silversea, Star Clippers, Viking and Windstar require passengers to be at least 21 to consume any type of alcohol.

Gambling Onboard

Gambling, a popular form of entertainment on cruise ships, also has age restrictions that differ between cruise lines. Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, P&O, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and SeaDream require passengers to be 18 or older to play in the shipboard casinos. Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean require passengers to be 18 or older to play in casinos, except for Alaska cruises (passengers must be 21 or older). MSC Cruises, Princess, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar restrict the casinos to travelers 21 and older.

 If you plan to fly to your port of embarkation, you must decide whether to arrange airline tickets on your own or use the AIR/SEA program offered by the cruise line. Here are the main considerations to help you with your decision.

Advantages of Arranging Your Own Airline Tickets

The main advantages of securing your own airline tickets are that you will be able to select the airline you fly and you will have control over the timing and routing of your flights. You may wish to fly a particular airline to use frequent flyer rewards, or to earn frequent flyer miles, or because that carrier has nonstop service to your port city. If you arrange your own airline tickets you will have more control over these variables. If you utilize the cruise line's AIR/SEA program, you may be given an air schedule with an overnight flight, multiple connections, and in some cases, a forced overnight stay at your expense.

Advantages of Using the AIR/SEA Program

The main reasons to let us book your air at the same time you reserve your cruise -- through the cruise line's AIR/SEA department -- are convenience, better access to flights that make easy connections to your ship, and added protection in the event of a flight or sailing delay or cancellation.

Cruise lines meet their AIR/SEA passengers at the airport and transport them to the pier. These transfers are frequently free of charge, but even if a charge is levied it is typically less than what you would pay if you arranged your own transfers.

Cruise lines monitor the status of flights carrying their AIR/SEA passengers, and will sometimes hold a ship past its scheduled departure time to wait for guests arriving on a delayed flight, but only if that flight was booked through the cruise line.

Cruise lines reserve large blocks of seats on flights that make easy connections to their departing and returning cruise ships. These flights traditionally experience high load factors and you could have difficulty getting a low fare -- or a seat at any price -- as an individual, particularly for departure ports like Anchorage, Barcelona, Rome, Tahiti and Vancouver. On busy days like Saturday and Sunday, you might have to fly into your port of embarkation a day early if you book your own tickets, adding a day's meals and lodging to your cost.

And finally, sometimes unexpected things occur that affect travel plans. Flight delays or cancellations, changes in cruise ship arrival or departure times, and cancellation of sailings altogether, are some of the things that can force you to rebook at a later time or date or seek a refund for your airline tickets. If any of these things should happen before or during your vacation, you will not be eligible for assistance from the cruise line if you arranged your own airline tickets. However, if we secure your tickets through the cruise line's AIR/SEA program, some cruise lines will assist you in working with the airline to make alternate flight plans, help you catch up with your ship at the next port, or apply for a refund. Your cruise counselor will verify the details of each cruise line’s AIR/SEA program at the time of booking.

With newer cruise ships, it's all about choices! One evening you might enjoy the elegant atmosphere of the main dining room while another you opt for your ship's casual dining restaurant or one of the ship's specialty restaurants.

Regardless, you'll find an endless selection of entrees, appetizers, salads, soups, sides and desserts every time you sit down. And there's virtually no limit on what or how much you order. But just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-calorie, spa or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as those on the regular menu. Burning calories was never so much fun!

In addition to all the fabulous food and restaurants, a number of cruise lines allow guests to choose their own dining time. Norwegian's Freestyle Dining concept has been well-received by guests who love the freedom to dine whenever and wherever they like, and six-star lines such as Regent and Silversea also leave the option of dining time up to guests. Princess' Personal Choice Dining, Holland America's As You Wish Dining and Royal Caribbean's My Time Dining are now available in addition to their traditional dinner seating. There are even a few cruise lines that have eliminated the formal dress attire of traditional cruising for a more relaxed, casual dress code for dinner.

However, if you prefer traditional dinner seating with the same wait staff and table companions every evening, it is still available on most cruises and remains the favorite among new and past cruisers alike.

Shipboard dress is casual during the day. Shorts and tasteful T-shirts are acceptable even in the dining room. At dinner, dress codes will vary daily, among the following:

Casual: Slacks and sport shirt for men; slacks and blouse, sundress or pantsuit for women.

Informal: Jacket with or without tie for men; dress or pantsuit for women.

Formal: Dark suit or tuxedo for men; evening gown or cocktail dress for women.

Most 3- and 4-night cruises have one formal night; most 7-night cruises have 2 formal nights; most 10-night cruises have 3 formal nights, and so on. In general, the longer and more expensive (per day) cruises will be the most formal on formal night, but a dark suit and tie is acceptable attire on even the most exclusive ships.

Packing for a cruise is like packing for any resort-based vacation. You'll want to bring comfortable, casual clothing for daytime on board and in port, and swimsuits and workout clothes for pools, Jacuzzis, saunas and health clubs. 

Think about the kind of shore excursions you plan to take and pack accessories, where appropriate, such as hiking boots, ponchos or rain gear, fleece jackets and snorkel gear. When traveling to tropical areas, such as in Central and South America, it's a good idea to carry insect repellent.

Pack all of your medications, prescription or otherwise, in a bag you can carry onto your flights. Obtain extra prescriptions from your physician for any medications you are currently taking and carry them with you.

Most ships have 110-volt outlets in every cabin, which will accommodate U.S.-built hairdryers, travel irons and electric shavers. Most new ships provide hairdryers as well.

Bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses for bright, sunny days on deck. You'll have many opportunities to have your picture taken by the ship's photographers, but you'll naturally want to bring your own camera or video camera as well.

Passports are required for all travelers, including citizens of the U.S. and Canada, who enter or re-enter the U.S. by air, land or sea.

There are a few notable exceptions pertaining to land and sea border crossings:

• U.S. citizens on cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port and travel to destinations in Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean (except the French West Indies for certain cruise lines), the Bahamas or Bermuda are able to re-enter the U.S. with proof of citizenship other than a passport or passport card. Acceptable proof of citizenship includes a U.S. state-issued original or certified copy of their birth certificate (hospital certificates are not acceptable) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization and a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license). Passports are required for cruises that begin in one U.S. port and end in another.
   
• Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean cruises that visit islands in the French West Indies (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin and Saint Barts) require a valid passport regardless of departure port.
   
• Children under the age of 16 who are citizens of the U.S. or Canada are exempt from the passport requirement for land and sea border crossings. In lieu of a passport, children are able to use a U.S. state-issued original or certified copy of their birth certificate (hospital certificates are not acceptable) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization as proof of citizenship for entry into the U.S. by land or by sea. Children entering or re-entering the U.S. by air are required to have a valid passport.
   
• When minors are traveling with only one adult, Holland America and Princess require that all passengers have a valid passport.
   
• A new, lower-cost alternative to the passport, called a passport card, is acceptable for entries into the U.S. by land or sea. The passport card is not acceptable for air travel.
   
• The following cruise lines require a passport for all sailings, regardless of destination or port of departure: Azamara, Cunard, Hurtigruten, Oceania, P&O, Paul Gauguin, Regent, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea, Star Clippers, Virgin Voyages and Windstar.

Photocopies of required documentation are not acceptable in any circumstance.

Even though passports are not required at this time for U.S. citizens who sail on cruises to the above destinations that begin and end in the same U.S. port, we strongly recommend that all cruise passengers travel with a valid passport anyway. This is because guests who need to fly to or from the U.S. unexpectedly during their cruise will likely experience significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the U.S. if they do not have a valid passport with them. For example, a passenger missing a cruise departure due to a late inbound flight to Miami would need a passport to fly to meet the ship at the next port. Similarly, guests needing to fly to or through the U.S. before their cruise ends because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship's departure from a port of call, or a mechanical problem of some sort with the ship, would need a passport. Of course, situations like these are rare, but they can happen.

Passports are not required for U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from Hawaii or a U.S. territory, including Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Passports are required for cruise travel to all International destinations not mentioned above, and for cruises that involve air travel that begins or ends outside of the U.S. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the last day of travel.

Legal U.S. Residents (Non-Citizens)

Legal permanent residents of the U.S. must have a valid passport from their country of citizenship and a valid Alien Registration Card (Green Card) to enter or re-enter the U.S.

Non-U.S., Non-Canada Citizens

The following countries participate in a visa waiver program with the U.S., and citizens of these countries must have a machine-readable passport for entry into the U.S.:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom

Citizens of the countries listed above who do not possess machine-readable passports, and citizens of countries not listed above must present a valid passport and a valid United States visa upon entry into the U.S. For those whose travel plans include multiple entries into the U.S., such as a cruise that begins and ends in a U.S. port, a multiple-entry visa is required.

Visas

All travelers, including U.S. and Canada citizens, are responsible for verifying visa requirements with consular officials, and obtaining visas where required, for every country visited during their trip, including countries visited via connecting flights.

Always check at the time of booking to verify the documentation requirements for your vacation.

To reserve your stateroom and lock in the final price, you will be required to place a deposit on your cruise. For this deposit, the cruise line will require that you pay either a flat rate, anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per person, or a percentage of your final fare, anywhere from 10% to 25%. After you have placed a deposit to secure your reservation, you will be asked to pay the remaining balance of your fare at the final payment due date. Depending on the cruise line, this final payment date can be from 45 to 120 days before sailing. If you book your cruise within the final payment period, you will be required to pay in full in order to secure your booking.

Cancellation and refund policies vary by cruise line, with penalties generally increasing as the sailing date approaches. You may be eligible for a full refund after cancellation only if you cancel within the cruise line's designated time period. Please notify your Vacations To Go cruise counselor immediately of any cancellations or changes.

Cruise lines do not make exceptions regarding cancellation charges, so we strongly recommend that passengers secure appropriate cancellation/ trip insurance.

Deposit, payment and cancellation terms may differ for group bookings; please consult your Vacations To Go cruise counselor for the terms that apply. Changes to names or departure dates are treated as cancellations and new bookings by the cruise lines, and may incur cancellation penalties.

American Cruise Lines
Smoking is prohibited on all ships. However, smoking may be allowed in certain areas at the captain's discretion.

American Queen Voyages
Smoking is permitted in designated outside areas only. Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere inside the ship and in all passenger cabins.

Atlas Ocean Voyages
Smoking is not permitted in suites, staterooms or on balconies. There will be designated smoking areas onboard.

Azamara
Azamara's ships have a designated smoking area on the portside forward section of the Pool Deck. Smoking is prohibited in all other areas of these ships, including public rooms, restaurants, the Pool Deck, staterooms and suites, verandas and hallways. Additionally, smoking is prohibited on all components of the land tour portion of all Azamara Club Cruises cruise tours. This policy includes the use of products like electronic cigarettes.

Carnival
Cigarette and E-cigarette smoking is allowed in designated exterior open deck areas, as well as in the night club (except on Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Vista and Carnival Panorama), and in certain areas within the casino and casino bar. Cigar and pipe smoking are allowed in designated exterior open deck areas only.

Cigarette, E-cigarette, personal vaporizer, cigar and tobacco pipe smoking are allowed in the Jazz clubs on all ships except the following: Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Vista and Carnival Panorama.

Smoking is prohibited in all guest staterooms. All staterooms and suites, including balconies, are entirely smoke-free. This policy includes all forms of smoking, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes), tobacco pipes and personal vaporizers.

Guests who smoke in their staterooms or on their balconies will be assessed a $250 cleaning and refreshing fee on their Sail & Sign account.

Celebrity
Smoking is prohibited in all staterooms and on stateroom verandas, as well as in any dining venue, casino, theater, hallway, elevator or corridor onboard. This policy includes smoking-like products such as electronic cigarettes. Cigarette smoking will only be permitted in designated outdoor areas of Celebrity's ships. Any guest caught violating this policy will be subject to a $250 cleaning fee, which will be charged to the guest's onboard account and may also be addressed through Celebrity Cruises' Guest Conduct Policy. Cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco must be properly disposed of and never thrown overboard. In addition, smoking is prohibited on all components of the land tour portion of all Celebrity Cruises cruise tours.

Costa Cruises
Smoking of cigarettes, cigars and pipes is not allowed in all internal areas of the ship including private guest cabins with the exception of any designated cigar lounges clearly indicated as smoking areas. Electronic smoking devices can be used in private guest cabins and any designated cigar lounges, but cannot be used in other internal public spaces. Smoking is allowed at clearly indicated external smoking areas and on guest cabin balconies, where wind proof ashtrays will be made available.

Cunard
Smoking is not permitted in staterooms, on stateroom balconies, or in public rooms. You will find designated areas of the open deck on each ship where smoking is permitted; these will be clearly signposted on board and listed in the Daily Programme. The only exception to this is Churchill's Cigar Lounge, which is reserved for cigar and pipe smokers. Electronic cigarettes may be used in staterooms and on stateroom balconies; however, they are not permitted in non-smoking public areas. Electronic cigarettes that do emit a vapor should be used in designated smoking areas only.

Disney
Smoking is prohibited in all interior areas of Disney's ships in accordance with the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act. Guests are not permitted to smoke on stateroom verandahs. However, portions of open-air decks on each ship will remain as designated smoking areas. Guests will be charged a $250 cleaning fee if smoke is detected in a stateroom or on a balcony.

In Disney World Parks, guests are only permitted to smoke in designated areas.

Emerald Cruises
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on outside decks.

Explora Journeys
In compliance with global standards, smoking is freely permitted in dedicated areas throughout the ship and those areas are equipped with a special air extraction system.  Smoking is strictly prohibited in the suites and the suite terraces. Smoking will only be allowed on the outside area of the cigar lounge as well as in the following areas: Deck 5: Starboard Side on the outdoor promenade of the Coffee Lounge; Deck 11: Forward, Port Side, outdoor area of the Observation Lounge; Deck 12: Forward, Port Side, section of the Forward Pool Bar; Deck 13: Aft, Port Side, section of Panoramic Bar.

Holland America
For the comfort of all of our guests, all staterooms (cabins), showrooms and most other indoor areas are designated non-smoking. No smoking of any kind will be permitted on any stateroom verandah.
 

Designated Smoking Areas
Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, Zuiderdam

• Sea View Bar area
• Oak Room (Noordam only, including cigar and pipe smoking)

Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam

• Sea View Bar area
• Casino-smoking is allowed in designated areas for active players only and only when outside of 12NM from the Netherlands

Volendam, Zaandam

• Sea View Bar area
• Casino-smoking is allowed in designated areas for active players only and only when outside of 12NM from the Netherlands
• Sports Deck, outside Crow's Nest

Cigar and pipe smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the ship; it is only permitted on the outside decks where smoking is otherwise allowed.

Electronic cigarettes are not permitted in staterooms or in other public areas of the ship other than designated smoking areas.

Any guest who smokes inside staterooms or on verandahs in violation of our policy will be charged a US$250 cleaning fee per day of violation and will risk being removed from the ship for repeated violations.

Hurtigruten
On all ships, smoking is only permitted in designated areas on outside decks. Smoking is not permitted when the ships are in port and fuelling, and staff will advise guests when they are not allowed to smoke outside. Smoking in cabins is prohibited and subject to a fine.

Lindblad Expeditions
Smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated areas on outside decks.

MSC Cruises
Smoking is permitted in several bars on each ship, and on one side (indicated by signage) of the principal outdoor pool deck areas, where ashtrays are provided. Smoking is not generally permitted in any food service areas (buffets and restaurants), medical center, childcare areas, corridors or elevator foyers, areas where guests are assembled in groups for safety exercises, disembarkation or tour departures, public restrooms, or in bars directly near areas where food is served. Smoking in all cabins and on cabin balconies (including use of electronic cigarettes) is prohibited.

Norwegian
Public areas throughout all our ships are smoke-free. If you smoke regular or electronic cigarettes, you can do so in designated areas only. If you prefer pipes or cigars, you can smoke in the Cigar Bar or designated smoking lounge. Smoking cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars and pipes is permitted in outdoor public guest spaces and open decks where designated by the ship's management based on the ship's specific characteristics and arrangement. Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited in or near venues serving food, the jogging track, outdoor sporting venues, The Haven outdoor areas and children's pool areas. On ships with The Waterfront, smoking is permitted on the starboard side excluding any food service areas. Active Casino players may smoke cigarettes in the Casino during gaming hours. Cigarette smoking is not permitted in any other indoor venue or location.

Guests are not permitted to smoke cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars or pipes in their staterooms or on their balconies. Cigar and pipe smoking in staterooms and on balconies is prohibited. Smoking inside your stateroom or on your balcony will result in a $250 cleaning charge added to your onboard account. If cigarette burns on furniture, linens, towels or carpeting are detected; guests will be advised and charged for the damages.

Electronic cigarettes cannot be used in public areas where there is a No Smoking policy in force; simply because these cigarettes look so realistic and therefore other guests' perception is that we are not enforcing the No Smoking rule.

Oceania Cruises
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all staterooms and suites, on verandas, or in any area that is not specifically designated as a smoking area, which also includes all restaurants, lounges and the Casino. Smoking is only permitted on Deck 9 in the forward starboard corner of the Pool Deck, and on Deck 10 in the aft port corner of Horizons. Cigar and pipe smoking is only permitted on the forward starboard corner of the Pool Deck. The use of electronic cigarettes is only permitted in designated smoking areas.

Any guest who does not comply with this policy will be disembarked at the next port of call and may also be subject to fines imposed to cover the costs associated with damage to and the required cleanings of affected areas.

P&O Cruises
Smoking is not permitted in staterooms, balconies or public areas, but is permitted in designated areas of the open deck. Electronic cigarettes which do not emit smoke are not permitted in public areas and can only be used in designated smoking areas.

Paul Gauguin Cruises
For the comfort, convenience, and safety of all our guests, smoking and vaping is prohibited in public rooms, dining rooms, staterooms, suites, and private balconies aboard the ship, and pipe smoking is not allowed on board. Smoking and vaping is permitted only in specifically designated outdoor smoking areas including the forward outdoor areas on Deck 5 (starboard and port sides), La Palette (outside area, starboard side only), and Bar Du Soleil (starboard side only).

Ponant
All ships are non-smoking vessels. Please smoke only in the outside areas of the ship. The indoor areas (lounges, dining-room, staterooms, reception, etc.) are all non-smoking areas.

Princess
Non-smoking areas include all dining rooms, or any other food service area, and show lounges and theaters on Princess' ships. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. The smoking of pipes and cigars is only allowed in the cigar lounge and designated areas on deck. Smoking in passenger staterooms and balconies is prohibited. The use of electronic cigarettes is allowed in passenger staterooms (balcony not included) and in designated smoking areas only.

Quark Expeditions
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on outside decks.

Regent
For the comfort and safety of all of our Guests, smoking is not permitted in any enclosed dining area, certain public venues, elevators, the Theater, and all suites and balconies, and is only permitted in specific designated smoking areas. The use of electronic cigarettes is allowed within designated smoking areas only.

Cigarette smoking is only permitted in designated areas of the outdoor pool area and the following public rooms:

Seven Seas Explorer: Smoking Lounge on Bridge Deck, Connoisseur Club, Pool area (designated area opposite side of the Pool Bar)
Seven Seas Voyager: Connoisseur Club, Horizon Lounge (outdoor one side designated area), Pool area (designated area opposite side of the Pool Bar)
Seven Seas Mariner: Connoisseur Club, Horizon Lounge (outdoor one side designated area), Pool bar
Seven Seas Navigator: Galileo's (outside area only), Pool bar

Cigar Smoking is only permitted in the Connoisseur Club on applicable ships and the designated area on the opposite side of the Pool Bar.

Pipe smoking is only permitted in the Connoisseur Club. Pipe smoking in open deck areas is considered an extreme fire hazard and is not permitted.

Failure to comply with the above smoking policy will result in guests being asked to leave the ship at their expense, without refund or credit for the unused portion of their cruise.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Smoking onboard is only permitted in The Humidor on Deck 10.

Royal Caribbean
Cigarette, cigar, e-cigarette and pipe smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas of the starboard side of all ships; with the exception of Oasis-class ships that will allow smoking on the port side of the ships. To assist in locating areas where smoking is permitted, guests will find visible signage posted within all smoking areas and ashtrays that are provided for use. Outdoor areas near restricted areas, food venues, and kids play areas and pools will not allow smoking. On Oasis class, smoking is not permitted in Central Park or the Boardwalk neighborhoods.

Casino Royale allows smoking and has a designated area for non-smoking guests. There will be visible signage indicating the non-smoking area in the casino. There are select cruises departing from China that will not have a non-smoking area in the casino.

Onboard all interior public spaces are smoke free. Smoking is not permitted in any dining venue, theater, bar, lounge, hallway, elevator, and jogging track.

Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom and any stateroom balcony. This applies to all stateroom categories onboard. If a guest is in violation of this stateroom policy, a cleaning fee of $250 USD will be applied to their SeaPass® account and may be subject to further action pursuant to the "Consequences Section" of the Guest Conduct Policy.

Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are only permitted within the designated smoking areas.

Scenic Cruises
Scenic Eclipse is a non-smoking vessel in all public areas. There is a designated outside smoking area on Deck 6 for guests. All suites, including suite verandas and terraces are non-smoking.

Seabourn

Smoking of electronic cigarettes is permitted in guest suites. Smoking of water-pipes, glass-pipes or other smoking devices is not permitted on board. Smoking is not permitted on open decks during fuel bunkering operations in port.

Inside smoking of cigarettes is not permitted.

Outside smoking of cigarettes is permitted in designated areas of Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Encore:

• On the starboard half of the Sky Bar on Deck 9 including the bar stools on Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest. On the starboard half of the Sky Bar on Deck 10 including the bar stools on Seabourn Encore.
• On the starboard half of the open terrace aft of The Club on Deck 5.
• Smoking of cigarettes, pipes and cigars is permitted on the starboard half of the open terrace aft of Seabourn Square on Deck 7. This is the only area on board where pipe and cigar smoking is permitted.

Guests are asked to refrain from smoking anywhere inside the ship, including in guest suites, on verandas and balconies. If you have any doubts about any area, please consult your onboard staff.

Any guest who smokes inside staterooms or on adjoining verandas in violation of our policy will be charged a US$250 cleaning fee per day of violation.

SeaDream Yacht Club
Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited in staterooms and all enclosed public rooms. SeaDream permits smoking in designated areas on the outside deck.

Silversea
Most areas on board are non-smoking, and smoking is not permitted in guest suites or guest suite verandas or balconies. However, cigarette, cigar, electronic cigarette and pipe smoking is permitted in the Connoisseur's Corner and in specifically designated areas. These areas include designated tables outside of the Panorama Lounge and the Pool Bar, as well as on open Decks 9 and 10 aboard Silver Spirit, Silver Whisper, Silver Shadow and Silver Muse; on open Deck 9 aboard Silver Cloud and Silver Wind; in specifically-designated outside areas on Decks 5 and 6 aboard Silver Explorer; in a designated outside area on Deck 4 aboard Silver Galapagos; and in the designated smoking area on Deck 6 on Silver Discoverer.

Star Clippers
No smoking is allowed inside the ship or on the aft deck. However, there are designated smoking areas in the Tropical Bar and on the Sun Deck.

Viking Cruises
All Viking ship interiors, staterooms and balconies are nonsmoking except for the designated outdoor smoking area on the starboard side of Deck 8. Smoking restrictions also apply to e-cigarettes.

Virgin Voyages
Smoking will only be permitted in a designated smoking room and on the top deck outdoor area. Smoking is not allowed on any cabin terraces.

Smoking of any kind outside of designated areas (even with a "vape" device) will result in a $1000 fee, is a material breach of your ticket contract, and may result in you being disembarked at the next port with no refund. Any repatriating fees will be charged to your onboard account.

Windstar
Smoking or vaping is not permitted in any stateroom, suite, or public place, including all restaurants and corridors. Smoking and vaping is permitted on the outside decks in designated smoking areas only.

How much and who on your cruise should be tipped? When and how should tips be given? The whole custom can be the source of considerable anxiety.

Tipping guidelines vary slightly from line to line and are detailed on each cruise ship profile on this site. Generally, you should plan to tip your room steward $5.50 to $6.50 per person, per day, and plan an equal amount for your dining room waiter, and half of that for the busboy.

On most ships, tip the maitre d' or dining room captain only if you ask for special favors or table-side service; $5 to $10 is normal. Bartenders and wine stewards are tipped 15 to 18 percent, but many cruise lines will automatically add this gratuity to your bar or beverage bill. Check the bill to see how it is handled. Also, tips for special services such as salon & spa treatments and room service are left to the discretion of the guest, depending on services rendered.

Guidelines will be given onboard, probably by your ship's cruise director. Gratuities are placed in envelopes from your cabin's stationery supply. Generally, passengers on cruises of 10 days or less will tip at the end of the cruise. On longer voyages, tipping weekly may be the norm.

In order to make tipping as convenient as possible, many cruise lines including Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian, Oceania, P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Viking and Windstar now charge gratuities to your account automatically. If you feel this amount needs to be adjusted, whether increased or decreased, arrangements can be made onboard the ship, generally at the end of your cruise.

Some lines do not encourage tipping, including American Cruise Lines, American Queen Voyages, Azamara, Emerald, Hurtigruten, Paul Gauguin, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas, Ritz-Carlton, Scenic, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea and Virgin Voyages. Crew members are reportedly higher paid and not tip dependent. Some passengers tip anyway for outstanding service or special favors.

Tips on Tipping

Cabin steward
$5.50 to $6.50 per person per day

Waiter
$5.50 to $6.50 per person per day

Assistant waiter
$3.50 to $4.50 per person per day

Bartender, wine and deck stewards
15-18% of the bill

Maitre d'
$5.00 to $10.00 tip for each special service