There are a couple rules of thumb to keep in mind regarding smoking on cruises:
1)No U.S.-affiliated cruise ship still allows smoking anywhere in dining rooms/restaurants.
2)No U.S.-affiliated cruise ship still allows smoking anywhere in theaters.
3)Just because smoking is permitted somewhere, it doesn't mean that all forms of tobacco can be smoked there. Cigar/pipe smoking is generally only permitted in cigar bars and designated outdoor areas while cigarette smoking may be permitted in jazz clubs, dance clubs, food-serving bars, and casinos. It all depends on the ship.
4)Most U.S.-affiliated cruise ships have an e-cigarette policy, and most of the time, e-cigs are treated the same as analog cigs in terms of smoking (
vaping) restrictions.
vaping in your non-smoking room is recommended if you are worried about being scolded for vaping in a non-smoking area.
5)Designated outdoor smoking areas are generally on only one side of the ship (either port or starboard).
6)Smoking policies do not intentionally conform to any state, territory, or country smoking bans.
7)Never make assumptions about a smoking/vaping policy even if something seems obvious, common sense, or intuitive. Look for indicators of a smoking or non-smoking section (i.e. ashtrays or "no smoking" signs respectively). While it would "make sense" for them to allow smoking or vaping in casinos, it doesn't mean that they do.
8)Just because vaping/smoking is prohibited inside your room, it doesn't mean that it's permitted on your balcony.
9)If you smell smoke, it doesn't mean that the entire indoor establishment permits smoking/vaping. Smoking may only be permitted in designated areas of that establishment. Carnival Freedom is a good example. They permit smoking in casinos in designated areas only. Once again, look for ashtrays on tables and counters and note which tables and counters have ashtrays and which do not.
10)If you are vaping/smoking in a designated smoking/vaping section, blatantly ignore anyone (most likely a non-smoker) who complains about you smoking/vaping.