The Smoking Issue Onboard Cruise Ships

There is no law concerning smoking on cruise ships as they travel across international waters, nor are there any laws concerning smoking on cruise ships when docked.

A recent survey conducted by Cruises.co.uk found that 66% of the respondents were unaware of smoking policies onboard, and the reality is that there is no universal policy adopted by every cruise ship. Each has been to their own, and passengers have reported both personal confusion and concern for their own health as well as the health of fellow passengers and staff.

Passive smoking was considered a serious health issue by the respondents, with 74% believing that smoking should be banned onboard bars and lounges, where there is little ventilation away from other smokers.

Whilst on deck, however, 23% of respondents have admitted to seeing fellow smoking passengers throwing their cigarette butts into the ocean.

‘Smokers are risking their fellow passengers’ safety,’ said Sukie Rapal to TravelMole.com. Rapal is head of marketing at Cruises.co.uk and has concluded that the survey results all indicate ‘the apparent need for consistent smoking policies across all cruise operators.’

The confusion with each vessel’s smoking policies are not confined to British vessels. US owned cruise lines all have their various policies, as well as policies which have changed over time. Carnival’s Paradise had introduced completely non-smoking cruises in 1998. It was even heralded by the American Cancer Society at the time as the only cruise ship ‘leading the no smoking effort.’ Now the Paradise allows smoking again, though in limited areas.

Renaissance Cruises has been rated by Cruisecritic.com as the most restrictive non-smoking cruise line, with only two very small smoking areas and a lot of stern policies.

The least restrictive cruise line is a Pullmantur vacation. The line permits smoking anywhere – even during a massage or within a hot tub.

If smoking is an issue for you – whether you wish to be in a smoke-able or smoke-free environment – it is important to remember to mention this to your booking agents when researching for your trip, in order not to be surprised or offended when you arrive onboard.

How do you feel about this non-consistent smoking policy accross cruise lines? You are welcome to discuss this issue at our cruise vacation forum.