Smoking these days, short of poking someone in the eye with a sharp implement, has become probably one of the most unacceptable of social endeavours, certainly in public places. The major cruise lines have all amended their smoking policy in recent times with some no longer allowing smoking even on private balconies.
While still providing designated outdoor areas for the cigarette lovers among us (albeit extremely limited and increasingly reducing areas) , those who choose to partake are generally regarded as one demographic below that of ‘leper‘.
I say this as attitudes within the cruise industry seem to differ greatly when it comes to your choice of smoke. Cigars are still allowed to be enjoyed indoors, in comfortable surroundings with a quality glass of your favourite tipple without the stigma attached to those smoking cigarettes.
Take a look at some of the industry’s big players cigar rooms;
Norwegian Cruise Line provides smoking retreats and cigars sold by the stick from makers including Davidoff, Gurkha, Cohiba and Fuente, as well as some selections by the tin. Lounges are named differently on various ships: the Corona Cigar Club on the Norwegian Gem and Pearl, the Havana Club on the Jade and Dawn, The Smoking Lounge on the Spirit, and The Humidor Cigar Lounge on the Epic and Breakaway.
On Silversea, cigar smokers can light up in the Connoisseur’s Corner, a lounge where the menu includes a wide selection of cigars and fine cognacs. Princess Cruises has Churchill’s cigar lounges, and The Connoisseur Club on Regent Seven Seas‘ three ships provides guests with an elegant hideaway where they can relax in large leather armchairs and enjoy rare vintage cognac and a selection of Cuban cigars.
On Royal Caribbean’s Freedom- and Voyager-class ships, the Connoisseur Club has a menu that focuses on cigar education — detailing information on dozens of brands. What’s in stock differs by itinerary, but the collection includes Fuente, Montecristo, Rocky Patel and Davidoff, while Churchill’s Cigar Lounge is the cigar smokers’ hangout spot on the three Cunard ships. Their cigar menu features classics including Montecristo No. 2.
So how does it appear that Cigar smoking seems to be fine when cigarette smoking most definitely is not? It appears cigar smoking slips gently under the radar of those wanting to change the living habits of others and causes much less of an issue.
Nothing polarises opinion like smoking. Are you a cigar smoker, a cigarette smoker or a non-smoker?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on such a divisive issue.