Smokers Against None Smokers !

Wow what a debate !

Here at www.cruise.co.uk, our marketing team released an article yesterday about passengers thoughts on “smoking on balconies ” whilst on board a cruise, which I published on my Facebook page.

I have to say I was utterly astounded at some of peoples comments.  Yes I am a smoker but I also have respect for people that don’t smoke, as I understand there is two sides to this debate.

Just because the minority of people want to enjoy a cigarette does not mean we need to be pushed out and not enjoy our cruises too.

It is amazing how so many none smokers these days want cruise liners to be totally smoke free, or want smokers on one side of the ship and none smokers on the other. Now really would this possible to happen ? To be honest I really don’t think so.

Understandably today most people don’t smoke, but you have to also remember you do still have a minority of people who do enjoy lighting up a cigarette, including myself.

Over the past few years we have seen smoking being abolished from public places and cruise ships are no different.  No cruise liner is entirely smoke free as of yet, understandably there are increasingly fewer places where smokers are free to partake in their habit.

If you are a smoker like myself maybe we should be opting for cruise liners such as : Costa Cruises, Fred Olsen, Hebridean and Holland America which allow passengers to smoke on their balconies. (Cunard and Fred and Olsen also permit e-cigarettes in the cabins as well). Carnival, MSC and Princess are among the major lines that smoking is permitted in certain sections of clubs, casinos and they even have a ‘cigar lounge’ especially for us smokers.

For guests who prefer a cruise liner that is most restrictive on smoking policies are : Azamara Club and Oceania, which have only two tiny outside smoking areas. Then you have Sea Dream Yacht Club which hold an extremely strict non-smoking policy with it only being allowed on some decks, and during dining hours the ship becomes completely smoke free!

One thing I will say, if you are ever caught on board smoking in your cabin or try to sneak a cigarette in a place you are not allowed to, be prepared to be charged a hefty fine of at least $250, or you could even be asked to leave the ship. It is really not worth breaking the rule. I do understand people that don’t smoke but on the other hand people that don’t smoke have to understand us smokers simple !