One of the biggest questions cruisers ask – whether they smoke or actively try to avoid it – is how smoking works in MSC cruise ship casinos.
The short answer is this: It depends on the ship.
MSC Cruises is in the middle of a major shift toward smoke-free indoor spaces. While some older ships still allow smoking in designated casino areas, many of the newest ships now feature smoke-free main casinos, with smoking restricted to small, separate rooms.
If smoking (or avoiding it) matters to you, ship choice makes a big difference.
MSC’s Big Shift Toward Smoke-Free Casinos
Over the last few years, MSC Cruises has quietly but significantly changed its casino smoking policies.
Instead of one-size-fits-all rules, MSC now uses different casino layouts by ship class, with a clear trend toward limiting or eliminating smoking from main gaming floors.
That means two cruisers on different MSC ships can have very different casino experiences.
Which MSC Ships Have Non-Smoking Casinos?
As of 2026, several MSC ships now offer smoke-free main casinos, a major change from traditional cruise ship casino layouts.
World Class Ships – Smoke-Free Main Casino
- MSC World America
- MSC World Europa
These ships feature:
- A 100% smoke-free main casino floor
- A small, glass-enclosed smoking room with a limited number of slot machines
- Clear physical separation between smoking and non-smoking areas
For smoke-sensitive cruisers, these ships currently offer the cleanest casino experience in the MSC fleet.
Meraviglia Class – Transitioning to Smoke-Free
- MSC Euribia
- MSC Virtuosa
These ships have implemented total bans on smoking in the main casino floor, aligning more closely with the World Class approach.
Other Meraviglia-class ships appear to allow smoking in a small part of the casino where slots are located, although that area is not walled off from the rest of the casino. This should apply to:
- MSC Meraviglia
- MSC Bellissima
- MSC Grandiosa
Seaside Class – Dual Casino Concept
- MSC Seaside
- MSC Seaview
- MSC Seascape
- MSC Seashore
These ships use a split approach:
- The large, main casino is non-smoking
- A smaller, separate casino area (often near the Sports Bar) is designated for smoking
This setup keeps smoke out of the main gaming space while still offering smokers a place to play.
Older Ship Classes – Designated Smoking Zones
- Lirica Class
- Musica Class
- Fantasia Class
On many older MSC ships:
- Smoking is allowed in designated sections of the casino floor
- Non-smoking and smoking areas may exist side by side
- Smoke separation depends heavily on layout and ventilation
These ships are where smoke is most noticeable, especially during busy evening hours.
The General Rule: Smoking While Playing
Even on MSC ships where casino smoking is permitted, there are strict rules.
Active Play Only
Smoking is generally allowed only if you are seated and actively playing:
- At a slot machine
- At a table game where smoking is permitted (the more modern classes do not have tables in the smoking area)
You cannot:
- Stand and smoke while watching others play
- Smoke while walking through the casino
- Smoke at the casino bar unless it is specifically designated
Table Games vs Slot Machines
Even on smoking-friendly ships:
- Many table games are non-smoking
- Blackjack and roulette tables are often smoke-free
- Slot areas are more likely to allow smoking
This is largely to protect dealers and other players.
What About Vaping in MSC Casinos?
MSC treats vaping and e-cigarettes exactly the same as traditional smoking.
That means:
- You can only vape in areas where smoking is allowed
- Vaping is not permitted in non-smoking casino sections
- Staff will intervene if vaping occurs outside designated areas
Vaping is not considered a loophole or a lighter alternative under MSC policy.
Does Smoke Drift Outside the Casino?
This is where experiences vary the most.
Factors that matter:
- Ship class and casino layout
- Time of day (evenings are worst)
- How busy the casino is
- Your personal sensitivity to smoke
Newer ships use advanced ventilation and “air curtain” technology that helps contain smoke. On older ships, smoke smell can sometimes drift into nearby walkways, especially since casinos often act as pass-through areas.
Some cruisers barely notice it. Others notice it immediately.
Tips for Smoke-Sensitive Travelers
If avoiding smoke is important to you, a little planning goes a long way.
Helpful strategies:
- Choose World Class or newer ships when possible
- Visit the casino earlier in the day, before peak hours
- Stick to clearly marked non-smoking areas
- Identify alternate walking routes on decks above or below the casino
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
MSC takes indoor smoking violations seriously due to fire safety concerns.
If you are caught smoking or vaping in a non-designated area, including:
- Non-smoking casino sections
- Your cabin or balcony
You can expect:
- A $250 (€250) deep-cleaning fee charged to your onboard account when smoking in your cabin
- Repeated violations may result in being asked to disembark at the next port
The Bottom Line
Yes, smoking is still allowed in some MSC casinos – but where and how depends heavily on the ship.
MSC is clearly moving toward smoke-free main casinos, and newer ships already reflect that shift. For cruisers sensitive to smoke, ship selection matters more than ever. For smokers, MSC still provides designated spaces, just with tighter rules and clearer separation.