Smoking has become less popular in the U.S., but it has not fallen fully out of favor.
That creates a challenge for cruise lines, as they must accommodate smokers while also taking into account the health and safety of nonsmoking passengers.
Cruise ships are not bound by U.S. laws that prohibit smoking indoors in every place except in select casinos. In addition, cruise passengers can't simply leave the ship to smoke, and they most certainly can't smoke in their cabins.
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So if the cruise lines want to attract smokers to sail on their ships, they must designate smoking areas. Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) ships, much like rival Royal Caribbean's ships, designate multiple smoking areas.
Both cruise lines also allow smoking in part of their casinos while also having designated outdoor smoking areas on the pool deck. Smokers generally want more smoking areas while nonsmokers, especially casino players, don't like being exposed to secondhand smoke.
It's challenging for both companies as they want to keep all their passengers happy. In the case of the casino, the answer has been dictated by money. Royal Caribbean has tested banning smoking in its casino multiple times, and it results in lower revenue, so the decision to allow smoking in parts of the casino is clear.
Where to allow smoking outdoors, however, is a bigger question, and Carnival's brand ambassador, John Heald, recently weighed in on the controversial topic.
Image source: Getty Images
Carnival says no to smokers
Carnival has an area on its ships called the Serenity Decks. These are adults-only areas that vary by ship, but they generally have hot tubs, a pool, a bar and plenty of seating for people to enjoy the outdoors away from children,
"Look, you'll still be on the same ship as the kids, the hoopla, and all the Carnival-style excitement ... but you could easily forget because when you’re at Serenity you could not be further from it all," the cruise line says on its website.
"The world you'll find yourself in is one of complete peace, sea breezes, and, of course, a nearby bar. It's the place to get done the kind of stuff you just can't seem to do anywhere else — reconnect with your partner, finish that book, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all."
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"One thing I will not be able to help with are the changes people requested for the gorgeous Serenity Decks we have on our ships," he said. "Firstly a request to make one side a smoking section. 'P' said 'we live in a free society, and if Carnival’s smokers want to smoke, then that is their right and that includes on Serenity Deck.'”
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Heald made clear that that was not going to happen.
"Well, we do indeed live in a free society but we also live in a more non-smoking world than ever before. So while we will continue to provide outdoor smoking areas for as long as possible we will not be allowing smoking on Serenity Deck," he added.
Carnival passengers share their smoking thoughts
Where people can smoke on a cruise ship is a contentious issue, but it's not a simple one, where all smokers want more smoking areas.
"Good morning! I am a smoker but I totally agree with no smoking on the Serenity Deck because just because I smoke not everyone else does. I respect that," posted Angel Goins.
That's not an uncommon feeling even among smokers.
"Thank you for keeping the serenity deck smoke-free. I’m a smoker and find the smoking areas to be quiet, kid-free, and relaxing," Tessa Jones added.
Other smokers would like to see the current rules modified.
"Vaping should be allowed on Serenity and more outside areas. There is no fire, hazardous smoke, or ash," Jeff Henderson wrote.
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Many nonsmokers shared their appreciation for Carnival limiting where passengers can smoke.
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"People who smoke, unfortunately, do have a right to kill themselves. That being said, they DO NOT have the right to take us with them. That's why I appreciate Carnival keeping them away from me," posted Frances Storey.
