Carnival and Royal Caribbean are rolling out new smoke-free areas, making waves among their passengers. Keeping thousands of people happy on a cruise ship can be as tricky as herding cats, especially when it comes to the great divide between smokers and non-smokers.
Life on a Cruise: A Floating College Dorm
Cruise ships are like floating college dorms, minus the ramen noodles and term papers. You’ve got small rooms, lots of people, and the shenanigans of a few can impact the many. Imagine having a noisy neighbor arguing (or, uh, celebrating) in their cabin at 2 AM. Or someone leaving a buffet table looking like a tornado just hit.
And then there’s smoking. While you can move away from a loud talker or dodge an overenthusiastic eater, escaping cigarette smoke is much trickier. Enter Carnival and Royal Caribbean, with their new smoke-free zones designed to keep everyone happy.
Smoking Rules on Cruise Ships
Generally, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival allow smoking in designated sections of the pool deck. The problem? Unsuspecting passengers often walk through these smoky zones and get an unwelcome surprise. The two lines also designate some lower deck areas for smoking, but these are less of an issue since they’re not heavily trafficked.
In the casinos, the situation gets smokier. In theory, you’re only supposed to smoke if you’re actively gambling. But, as with many theories, enforcement is spotty. And even with top-notch air filtration, smoke tends to drift, much to the annoyance of sensitive non-smokers.
New Smoke-Free Casinos: A Win-Win for Non-Smokers
To tackle this, both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have been experimenting with secondary smoke-free casinos on select ships. Royal Caribbean turned the “Jazz on 4” space into a small, smoke-free casino on all its Oasis-class ships. Meanwhile, Carnival has followed suit, adding smoke-free casinos to ten of its ships.
Carnival’s new Excel Class ships, including the Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Mardi Gras, all feature secondary smoke-free casinos. The same goes for six other ships: Carnival Firenze, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Vista, Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Breeze.
The Financial Gamble: Smoking in Casinos
Allowing smoking in casinos is a financial decision, not a health one. Look at the Las Vegas Strip, where casinos remain smoker-friendly despite efforts to ban it. The reality? Some gamblers won’t part with their money if they can’t light up while doing it.
Royal Caribbean’s CEO, Michael Bayley, learned this the hard way. During Royal Caribbean’s 2022 President’s Cruise, he explained that banning smoking in casinos leads to fewer gamblers. “There’s a large group of people who do want to smoke in the casino,” he said. “Every couple of years, we test this, banning smoking in one or two or three ships. And the result is fewer people go in the casino.”
A Balancing Act on the High Seas
Carnival and Royal Caribbean’s new smoke-free areas are a balancing act, attempting to keep both smokers and non-smokers happy. It’s a bit like being a referee in a match where both teams insist they’re right. But these new initiatives show that cruise lines are listening to passenger feedback and striving to create a more pleasant experience for everyone.
As you plan your next cruise, whether you’re a smoker or a non-smoker, you can look forward to more options and less smoke. It’s a win-win, or at least a step in the right direction. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for a fresher, breezier cruise experience!
Now, let’s dive into the lighter side of life on board and the joys of a smoke-free vacation!
Fun and Freshness at Sea
Imagine lounging by the pool, the sun warming your face, a cocktail in hand, and not a whiff of smoke in the air. That’s what Carnival and Royal Caribbean are aiming for with their new smoke-free areas. It’s not just about avoiding the smoke; it’s about enhancing the overall experience. Because let’s face it, nobody wants their piña colada served with a side of second-hand smoke.
Picture this: You’re in the casino, lady luck by your side, and the only thing filling your lungs is the sweet air of victory. No more smoke-filled nights or holding your breath while you place your bets. Whether you’re hitting the jackpot or enjoying a friendly game of poker, it’s a fresher, more enjoyable experience.
And let’s not forget the dining areas. No more worrying about smoke wafting over from a nearby table while you’re savoring your gourmet meal. These smoke-free zones ensure that the only thing you’ll be tasting is your delicious food.
So, here’s to a new era of cruising where everyone can breathe a little easier and enjoy their vacation to the fullest. Carnival and Royal Caribbean are making it happen, one smoke-free zone at a time. Cheers to that!
Smooth Sailing Ahead
With these new smoke-free areas, Carnival and Royal Caribbean are charting a course for smoother, fresher, and more enjoyable cruises. Whether you’re a smoker or not, these changes promise a better experience for everyone. So set sail with confidence, knowing that your next cruise will be a breath of fresh air!
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