Cruise Holidays and Smokers
February 5th, 2010
For smokers, cruise holidays can vary on the do’s and don’ts of lighting up on board. As cruise and stay getaways cover a wide variety of countries across the world, it can be unclear as to what laws will be applicable to passengers.
Some of the major lines have banned smoking indoors, on their ships, altogether. P&O cruises, for example, have prohibited indoor smoking on their Artemis, Oceana and Ventura vessels since 2008 and passengers are only allowed to enjoy a cigarette on their own private balcony or designated outside areas. Guests who don’t abide by the rules could face a fine. Costa Cruises have adopted a similar policy.
However, if you are looking for smoking freedom, Carnival cruises, have a much more relaxed approach and allow smoking in the casinos, piano bars and live music venues, but not dining areas and the main lounges. Princess Cruises have been a little more technical with their handling of the smoking issue and cigarette smoking is allowed indoors, but cigar and pipe smokers will have to go out on the open deck.
Whether you are a smoker or someone who could do without cigarette smoke for their cruise holiday, it will be worth your while reading up on the policies for different ships. Non-smokers should select a room and balcony as far forward as possible, as when the ship pulls off, smoke from other balconies will blow back towards the stern.
Much will also depend on the nationality of the cruise line; local Mediterranean and Red Sea cruise companies often allow smoking on board.