I recently got back from a family cruise, it’s something we do once a year or so. Our entire family goes, including the in-laws, my brother-in-law, and his wife and kids. Usually, we pack quite a few cigars and spend some time smoking between adventures. It’s a great time. But like flying on a plane, there are certain things you can and can’t bring so I thought I’d offer some cigar tips for a cruise — if you’re planning one anytime soon.
We had [almost] all of our torch lighters confiscated
Like flying and TSA requirements, you’re technically not supposed to bring a torch lighter on your cruise. However, I’ve been on about seven cruises at this point and I’ve never had anything confiscated at security before; frankly, neither has my brother. Unfortunately, this time they snagged us and took away our torch lighters. I packed three and my brother packed four.
Here’s the funny part: They missed one of his lighters and one of mine — and they looked right at both. That means we were still able to get a couple of torch lighters on. Now, you may be thinking, serves you right. But here’s why I always bring them anyway. Wind. The wind on a cruise is pretty bad and there’s no way to light a cigar properly with matches or even a regular Bic-style lighter. Trying to do it without a torch lighter sucks. Arc lighters don’t work either, by the way.
Regardless, if you plan to bring some never bring anything expensive like an ST. Dupont lighter. Always bring something cheap and disposable, and that includes your cutters too. They do sell lighters on the ship but they’re way overpriced and you really don’t want to be toasting your cigar with them. You can’t buy torch lighters in port either because you go back through a small security checkpoint to re-enter the ship.
Next, the tools. Because it’s a few days, I usually use a one-year Boveda bag to store my cigars instead of a case. However, I will bring a 5 to 10-count travel case with me still. When I’m ready to smoke I’ll take my cigars out of the Boveda bag and toss them into the case with my lighter and cutter.
But here’s what else you’ll need on your cruise:
A proper lighter
A cigar cutter or scissors
Something to store your cigars such as a leather or herf case
Because you’re on the water, or more specifically in the ocean, your cigars will begin soaking up humidity almost immediately — as soon as you take them out of the cellophane. If they’re over-humidified already that’s going to be bad. You might even want to dry box some of your finicky cigars before the trip.
That said, they’ll also be soaking up salt with that moisture which can and does affect the taste. In some cases, you’ll pick up an almost sulfur flavor or aroma from the added salt.
As for what smoked well and what had problems, it’s all trial and error. Some of the cigars that are more reliable at home ran into burning and tunneling issues. Some of the more flavorful cigars we brought lost their flavor. It wasn’t necessarily a bad experience, we still enjoyed smoking and had a great time, but it’s something to consider if you’re getting ready to sail away.
There’s almost always another smoking area
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Depending on which cruise line you take — we were on Royal Caribbean — the smoking section varies. There’s usually a smoking area on the top deck, but it always turns into a wind tunnel. Even with open windows and an open design the wind blows right through and does a number on your lit cigars.
My brother and I almost always use a secondary smoking area, down by the main deck. It’s usually on one side or the other, it’s blocked off with ashtrays, and tends to be more empty — fewer people and fewer cigarette smokers. Since I always get the drink package it’s also worth noting there’s usually a bar nearby, which is always a plus.
Sometime after you get on the ship take a few minutes to seek out the smoking areas and scope out where you’ll be spending your time.
Don’t buy cigars at the port. They’re almost always fake or poor quality. Bring your own. There are cigars on the cruise ships but they’re way overpriced and most stores don’t have a good selection. Besides, you’re limited to a handful of options and there aren’t very many exclusives, if at all. That’s going to result in a less-than-favorable experience and nobody wants a bad experience with cigars.
You might also be able to smoke when in port
For this trip, we ventured to Cozumel, Mexico. While there, we lit up while walking around the shops. It was extra windy but there were fewer concerns with the moisture, as we were a little further away from the water. The areas were open with lots of space so we weren’t bothering anyone, and there were plenty of places to sit down if you didn’t want the exercise.
The point here is really that you might also be able to smoke when in port, depending on where you go. The Bahamas are similar in layout, so there are lots of places to smoke. Moreover, if you want to wait for the private islands — owned by the cruise lines — there are even plenty of places to smoke there.
If you don’t want to smoke on the actual ship there are other options. Either way, enjoy!
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
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