Holland America Line's newest cruise ship is the Rotterdam, which has been in service since 2021 and is the company's seventh iteration of that name. The Rotterdam was my fourth post-pandemic cruise ship vacation, sailing during January-February 2024.
Smoking cigars on the HAL Rotterdam was limited to the outdoor Sea View Bar on the ninth (Lido) deck near the back (aft) of the ship on the right (starboard) side, only. The smoking area was mostly covered, but the sun could still be an issue depending on the position of the ship and time of day. Although a small variety of cigars are sold in the ship's gift shop, it is always better to bring your own. For another option, you can also purchase cigars at many ports of call.
During my 9-day cruise, I smoked five premium cigars. However, the weather (especially the wind) was not always conducive to smoking a fine premium cigar outside. On one occasion, my cigar was almost impossible to light, even with a triple torch lighter. So you might say that I enjoyed only four premium cigars on this cruise. However, cigar smokers are still very fortunate to have a place to smoke on any cruise ship, even if it means having to share one designated outdoor smoking area with a greater number of cigarette smokers.
If smoking a cigar on your cruise ship vacation is important to you, always inquire about a particular ship's smoking policy as it relates to cigars before booking any cruise. If you book your cruise months in advance and make a refundable deposit, be aware that smoking policies can change, so always double-check your ship's current policy before making the final payment.
More Cruise Ships and Cigars:
Caribbean Princess (Updated June 2023)
Carnival Sunrise (May 2023)
Sky Princess (February 2023)
Carnival Vista and More (pre-pandemic)
