QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Smoking on a Cruise

I do think that the "pariah" image of smokers is often exaggerated.

I read lots of complaints in ship reviews about offensive smoking - usually relating to passing through the casino. It isn't a problem for me - I do smoke cigars - and the cigar lounges are usually kept clean enough for an enjoyable experience. I will say that when the HVAC or ventilation goes out - smoking lounges can become sties. I do think that the "pariah" image of smokers is often exaggerated.

I read lots of complaints in ship reviews about offensive smoking - usually relating to passing through the casino. It isn't a problem for me - I do smoke cigars - and the cigar lounges are usually kept clean enough for an enjoyable experience. I will say that when the HVAC or ventilation goes out - smoking lounges can become sties. I do think that the "pariah" image of smokers is often exaggerated.

Ex smoker here. I followed this smoking debate on several forums over the years and the simplest solution, although not always adhered to by both sides, is to do as the cruiseline guidelines on the matter.

I'm not a smoker and have been on 13 Carnival cruises. 12 of which I hardly noticed the smell of smoke, even in the casino. Was on the Vista out of NYC 11/2016, the vent system was out or not working. The smell of smoke reached the lobby and I couldn't even enter the casino. BTW My muster station was in the casino. Lucky Me.

I think it depends a lot on the layout of the ship. We don't smoke, but if the ship wants to have smoking on the starboard side of the pool deck and parts of the casino or other specified areas, we can deal with that. What we don't like, is people bringing their ash trays over to the nonsmoking areas, or smoking from their balcony. If you really can't handle smoke, stay off of NCL Breakaway. The entire casino is smoking and it is open to the decks above and below it. Personally, I think cigar smokers should be allowed wherever cigarette smoking is.

Better ventilation on ships is the best solution.

As a non-smoker, I only object to the fact that on many ships, passengers have to walk through a smoke-filled casino to get to the theater. Yes, one could walk up or down a deck to get there but that is a little unrealistic when walking with others. Personally I wish that all ships were non-smoking but that is not going to happen. I wish that ships would have better ventilation so smokers could smoke in more places without it annoying non-smokers. I have friends who are very allergic to smoke.

We only notice the smoking as we pass through the casino, which isn't often, so we have no complaints.

I am an ex smoker. Until recently, the smoke from areas did not bother me, but that has changed a bit. Now it does bother me a bit. As an ex smoker I really do sympathize with smokers, and the way we/ they are treated in some areas. BUT there are designated areas to smoke and if they bother you--stay away.

I can see soon the return of non smoking cruises, it is the evolution of the beast--- but another issue will come up..... Pot smoking will be allowed... everywhere.... Like having a beer.....

Now we got issues....