The North American cruise industry moved closer to being smoke-free with the latest announcement from Carnival Cruise Lines. As of early October, the company will forbid smoking on all outside balconies, thus expanding the current smoking ban in all staterooms. Cruisers can still enjoy a puff in designated locations on the open deck and in select areas in casinos and nightclubs.
Carnival’s smoking ban is just the latest in an industry-wide movement to restrict smoking on board, especially on ships operating out of North American ports. Of the remaining large cruise lines, only Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America (a subsidiary of Carnival) still allow smoking on balconies.
Although it can be a contentious issue on cruisers’ and smokers’ forums, cruise lines’ smoking policies generally reflect a wider trend seen in entertainment businesses throughout North America. As fewer people are lighting up in the US, there has been a growing demand for smoke-free cruises. According to Carnival spokespeople, the company instigated the recent smoking ban based on feedback from their guests. So far, response to the ban has been largely positive.
What about E-Cigarettes?
In the past several years, “e-cigs” have become more and more popular as an inoffensive alternative to traditional cigarettes. A few cruise lines (for example, Princess Cruises) have enacted special policies to accommodate e-cigarette users. Most cruise companies, however, still treat these devices the same as regular cigarettes, so shipboard smoking bans generally apply to e-cigarettes, as well.
Smoking and Cruising beyond North America
Cruisers who sail farther abroad than the Caribbean or the North American coasts may find many ships with more moderate smoking restrictions. Ships that service primarily European or Asian guests tend to have more relaxed policies, as smoking is much more prevalent in those countries.
To avoid any unwelcome surprises, it is a good idea for Royal Holiday cruisers who smoke to examine a specific ship’s smoking policy before boarding. With a little preparation, all passengers—smokers and non-smokers alike—can enjoy a restful and trouble-free cruise vacation.
