Where You Can Smoke on Explora Journeys | Smoking Areas on Explora I
One of the questions we see most often about Explora Journeys is simple but surprisingly hard to answer: “Can you smoke on board?”
For a luxury line that prides itself on a relaxed, resort-style atmosphere, the rules aren’t always obvious — especially if you enjoy a cigar, the occasional cigarette, or just like to know where smoking is (and isn’t) allowed before you sail.
During our Explora I voyage, we made it our mission to find every designated smoking area on board, from the top deck to the quieter corners of Deck 5. Here’s what we discovered.
Smoking Areas on Explora I — Deck by Deck
???? Deck 14 – Sky Bar
Right at the top of the ship, the Sky Bar has one of the most popular outdoor smoking sections. It’s spacious, breezy, and has plenty of comfortable seating — the kind of spot where you can enjoy a drink and a view without bothering anyone else.
???? Deck 12 – Helios Pool Bar
A smaller but still pleasant smoking area sits near the Helios Pool Bar. It’s handy if you want to relax by the pool with a cigarette or cigar, though this area can get windy depending on the ship’s direction.
???? Deck 11 – Cigar Lounge
Explora’s Cigar Lounge is a proper, enclosed venue — elegant, wood-panelled, and complete with its own ventilation system. This is the only indoor place where smoking is permitted, and it’s limited to cigars only. You can purchase cigars directly from the lounge, and the staff are knowledgeable about pairings with brandy or whisky its popular after the nights entertainment.
???? Deck 11 – Explora Lounge (Forward)
At the front of the ship, the Explora Lounge has a large outdoor smoking section with panoramic views. It’s arguably the best spot on board if you prefer a quiet, scenic setting. There are even telescopes on the deck, so you can enjoy a sunset (or a stargazing break) while you smoke.
???? Deck 5 – Crema Café
Finally, down on Deck 5, the Crema Café features a wide outdoor terrace that also doubles as a smoking area. It’s shaded, comfortable, and tends to be quieter during the day — a good option for morning coffee or a late-night chat.
Our Take — Thoughtful Design, but Some Room for Improvement
Overall, Explora Journeys has done a good job of providing enough designated smoking areas without letting smoke drift into the ship’s main public spaces. The outdoor lounges feel thoughtfully placed, especially the Explora Lounge terrace and Sky Bar — both stylish and well ventilated.
That said, we did notice one issue during our cruise: despite smoking being officially prohibited on balconies, a few guests were smoking on theirs anyway. It’s a small minority, but the smell can drift easily. While the crew handled it discreetly when reported, it’s a reminder that enforcement can be tricky on any ship.
For those who stick to the rules, the options are genuinely good. Having five separate smoking areas, including one elegant cigar bar, gives plenty of flexibility — something you don’t always find on luxury ships.
Cruise Smoking Etiquette Tips
If you plan to smoke on Explora I (or any ship, really), a few courtesies go a long way:
- Stick to the clearly marked smoking zones — balcony smoking isn’t permitted.
- Dispose of cigarette butts properly; don’t flick them overboard.
- Be considerate with cigars — even in designated spaces, the aroma can be strong for others nearby.
- Ask crew members if you’re unsure — they’re usually happy to direct you to the right spot.
Explora Journeys aims to maintain a calm, elegant atmosphere, and the designated spaces help balance that with comfort for those who smoke.
Final Thoughts
We appreciated that Explora I offers both comfort and clarity when it comes to smoking areas. Whether you’re looking for a quiet corner with a view or a social spot for a post-dinner cigar, you’ll find something to suit.
It’s also worth noting that policies can evolve, so if you’re sailing soon, it’s a good idea to check the latest smoking guidelines with the cruise line or your travel agent.
For a full walkthrough of all five smoking areas — including footage of each spot — watch our video below. And if you’ve sailed with Explora Journeys yourself, we’d love to hear: did you find the smoking setup worked well?
