I Found an Ash Tray in My Cruise Cabin (Hundreds Told Me I Was Wrong)

I recently posted a video about an atrium view cabin I had stayed in. It had lots and lots of views and hundreds of comments.

Many comments were about how I had stupidly “mistaken” the soap holder in the bathroom for an ashtray.

This wasn’t the case, this was an older ship, and ashtrays were incorporated as part of the original bathroom design.

The ship I was sailing on was the wonderful Queen Mary 2 – the last Ocean Liner at Sea.

The Queen Mary 2, The Last Ocean Liner At Sea

Queen Mary 2 was launched in January 2004. This was long before bans on smoking inside came into force in the UK, and before the fire on Star Princess made the cruise industry reconsider their smoking policies.

Queen Mary 2 was designed and built to replace Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2.)

She is the flagship of the Cunard Line.

After Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 retired, Queen Mary 2 took over her routes, becoming the last transatlantic ocean liner at sea.

In my opinion, she is a very special ship, quite unlike any other ship I have sailed on.

Find out more about that here:

Queen Mary 2 vs. Other Cruise Ships: What Makes Her Unique?

When Was Smoking In Cabins Banned?

In May 2013, Cunard banned smoking in cabins onboard their ships.

Prior to May 2013, guests were able to smoke in their cabins, hence the ashtray I found in my room.

It would make little sense for Cunard to actually remove the ashtrays, as there would be a lot of remedial work and cost entailed in doing so.

Cunard’s smoking policy now says:

Smoking policies
For the safety, comfort and enjoyment of our guests, smoking (including electronic alternatives) is not permitted in staterooms, on stateroom balconies or in public rooms. You will find designated areas on the open decks, where smoking is permitted. The only exception to this is Churchill’s Cigar Lounge, which is reserved for cigar and pipe smokers only. This policy is designed through direct feedback from our guests and is for the safety and comfort of all guests.

Cunard

Why Was Smoking Banned?

Smoking inside was banned way back in 2007 in the UK, so British passengers wouldn’t be expecting to be able to smoke inside a ship.

Some states of the USA also have banned smoking indoors.

In 2006, there was a fire onboard the Star Princess. This made it clear to guests and cruise lines how dangerous smoking onboard ships could be.

Find out more about that disastrous fire, thought to be caused by onboard smoking, here:

Where Did I Find The Ashtray?

The ashtray was situated by the toilet, above the toilet roll holder – which seems a rather odd place.

Many comments told me that this was actually a soap dish – but surely a soap dish would be placed nearer the sink?

What Did It Look Like?

The ashtray was rectangular in shape, made of plastic, and had a series of indents for you to place your cigarette on.

This type of ashtray is still available to buy in some countries.

Watch the video that caused all the controversy here:

Which Cruise Lines Still Allow Smoking?

Some cruise lines still allow smoking on their balconies, but not inside the actual ship cabins or in public areas.

Find out more about that here;

Cruise Line Balcony Smoking Policies – On These Four Lines You Can Still Smoke On The Balcony

I took a cruise with the traditional British cruise line, Fred.Olsen. I could have smoked on my balcony had I wanted to! (Of course, I didn’t, as I have never smoked…)

There were many other unusual things about cruising with Fred.Olsen too. Find out all about that memorable cruise here:

Before You Go

Find out about more things that used to be acceptable but now aren’t on a cruise ship here:

6 Things Once Allowed on Cruise Ships But Are Now Banned (For Good Reason!)

Find out more about the differences between Ocean Liners and modern cruise ships here:

Cruise Ships vs Ocean Liners – Measurable Differences You Need to Know