A Sea Change in Cruise Ship Casino Smoking Policies
The cruise industry has long been a popular choice for travelers seeking relaxation, entertainment, and adventure at sea. However, the rising awareness around health and the effects of secondhand smoke has led to a significant change in how smoking is regulated on cruise ships. Recently, two of the largest names in the industry, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, made a substantial change to their casino policies, introducing dedicated smoke-free casinos on select ships. This move follows similar actions by Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises, creating a new wave of smoke-free entertainment spaces on cruise ships.
In this article, we’ll explore the latest changes by Carnival and Royal Caribbean, the industry-wide shift towards smoke-free environments, and what it means for both smokers and non-smokers.
The Current State of Smoking Policies on Major Cruise Lines
The shift towards a smoke-free casino environment has been gradually gaining traction across the cruise industry. Celebrity Cruises, for example, has taken the bold step of entirely banning smoking in its casinos—a move that stands out in the travel industry where even most land-based casinos still allow smoking. Virgin Voyages offers a compromise by relegating smokers to a small, enclosed room within the casino area. This setup keeps the main casino floor smoke-free, which reduces secondhand smoke exposure for both passengers and staff.
With a reputation for innovation, Virgin Voyages’ approach has sparked discussions about whether more cruise lines should adopt a stricter stance on smoking. This setup has the added benefit of protecting cruise ship workers from prolonged secondhand smoke exposure, a concern the American Cancer Society has highlighted as a serious occupational hazard.
Carnival and Royal Caribbean’s Approach to Smoke-Free Casinos
While Celebrity and Virgin Voyages took more aggressive steps in limiting smoking, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have taken a different approach. Traditionally, both cruise lines offered designated smoking and non-smoking sections within the same casino, relying on ventilation systems to mitigate smoke drift. However, passengers frequently reported that smoke would still travel between sections, making it hard to maintain a truly smoke-free environment.
To address these concerns, Carnival and Royal Caribbean have introduced separate, smoke-free casinos on select ships. Royal Caribbean, for instance, has implemented smoke-free casinos across its Oasis-class ships and plans to offer similar options on its upcoming Icon-class ships. Carnival, on the other hand, has retrofitted popular ships such as Dream, Magic, Breeze, Vista, Panorama, Venezia, and Firenze with smoke-free casinos. Additionally, their newer ships, including Celebration, Jubilee, and Mardi Gras, were built with smoke-free casinos from the outset.
This decision represents a compromise that allows Carnival and Royal Caribbean to cater to both smokers and non-smokers, providing a dedicated space for those who wish to avoid exposure to smoke altogether.
The Debate: Smoke-Free Casinos or Smoke-Free Zones?
The mixed approach by Carnival and Royal Caribbean, which involves having both smoking and smoke-free casinos, has led to a lively debate among passengers. Many believe that non-smokers should have the larger, main casino space to avoid unwanted exposure to secondhand smoke. The argument is that this approach would better protect non-smoking guests from the health risks associated with secondhand smoke. In fact, numerous Carnival passengers voiced their opinions on this topic on the brand’s official social media channels, with many requesting a layout where smokers are relegated to a smaller, enclosed space, similar to Virgin Voyages’ model.
Royal Caribbean International’s CEO, Michael Bayley, weighed in on this debate, acknowledging that while non-smoking casinos are ideal for health reasons, they may not generate as much revenue as smoking-allowed spaces due to the higher spending habits of smokers. Bayley’s insights reflect a common reality in the gambling industry: smokers tend to spend more time and money at the tables and slots, leading to higher revenue.
Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke for Casino Workers and Passengers
The push for smoke-free casinos isn’t solely about passenger comfort—it also addresses the health risks associated with secondhand smoke. The American Cancer Society has been vocal about the dangers of secondhand smoke, which contains over 70 harmful chemicals linked to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illness. These hazards extend beyond those who actively choose to smoke, posing significant risks to employees who work long hours in smoky environments.
On land, this has been a primary concern for many casino workers, and it’s a concern that extends to cruise ship workers as well. Given that some casino staff, from dealers to security personnel, spend most of their shifts on the casino floor, prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke becomes an unavoidable occupational hazard. In this context, a fully smoke-free casino environment not only benefits non-smoking passengers but also protects the health of cruise ship employees.
Carnival and Royal Caribbean: A Step in the Right Direction
The addition of smoke-free casinos by Carnival and Royal Caribbean signals an encouraging shift towards healthier environments on cruise ships. By offering these spaces, both cruise lines provide non-smoking guests and health-conscious passengers with an option that caters to their preferences. The availability of separate casinos also represents an important step forward in creating a more inclusive onboard experience, as it recognizes the diverse needs of passengers.
For now, it remains unlikely that either Carnival or Royal Caribbean will completely eliminate smoking from all of their casinos, given the revenue-driven dynamics of the gambling industry. However, the introduction of smoke-free casinos marks a notable commitment to improving the onboard experience, allowing both smokers and non-smokers to enjoy themselves in separate, tailored spaces.
What This Means for the Future of Cruise Ship Casinos
The recent changes by Carnival and Royal Caribbean reflect a larger trend within the cruise industry to adapt to evolving passenger expectations and health standards. While Celebrity Cruises and Virgin Voyages have implemented policies that significantly restrict or eliminate smoking in their casinos, Carnival and Royal Caribbean’s compromise approach allows them to cater to a wider range of passengers.
Moving forward, the success of these smoke-free casinos may influence more cruise lines to reconsider their own policies. As public awareness of the risks associated with secondhand smoke continues to grow, cruise lines will likely face increasing pressure to create healthier environments onboard.
Will Smoke-Free Casinos Become the Norm?
The decision by Carnival and Royal Caribbean to introduce smoke-free casinos on select ships highlights a growing trend in the cruise industry towards health-conscious policies. As cruise lines compete to attract a diverse audience, accommodating both smokers and non-smokers through dedicated spaces may become an industry standard.
Ultimately, the move towards smoke-free casinos on cruise ships like those by Carnival and Royal Caribbean is a win-win for passengers, employees, and the overall cruise experience. Whether you’re a non-smoker seeking a fresh-air environment or a smoker who prefers the option to enjoy a designated space, these smoke-free policies are designed to enhance the onboard experience and ensure that everyone can enjoy their time at sea.
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