Smoking Inside Was Banned in 2007: But Not on Cruise Ships! – Here’s Why

I am really too young to remember a time when smoking was allowed in pubs, bars and restaurants in the UK.

Up until 2007, in the UK, smoking in restaurants and bars was fine, but in 2007, a blanket ban was brought in on smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces.

In the USA, smoking bans are implemented at state and local level, not federally, and vary widely across the country.

While there isn’t a nationwide ban, many states and cities have implemented their own restrictions, including bans on smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and other public places.

These bans began at roughly the same time as those in the UK, and global public support for smoking bans has grown over the years.

In contrast with indoor smoking bans on land, you can step into a cruise ship casino – an enclosed public space – and see people smoking.

You might wonder why this is still allowed at sea. I certainly did when I got on my most recent Carnival cruise. The casino was located near the main atrium, and tobacco smoke wafted up through the public areas of the ship.

The 2007 Ban (and What It Meant on Land)

Smoking in enclosed public places was banned in England from 1 July 2007. Although initially unpopular, particularly with the hospitality industry, public support has grown for the ban over the years.

The ban was the result of a long campaign, beginning with studies in the 1950s, demonstrating the link between smoking and lung cancer.

A UK Government survey from 2014 found that 82% of adults in Great Britain supported smokefree laws, with 54% of smokers also in favour. 

Although laws vary from state to state in the USA,  according to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, 82.1% of the U.S. population lives under a ban on smoking in “workplaces, and/or restaurants, and/or bars, by either a state, commonwealth, or local law”

Most people would assume the same smoking ban rules would apply everywhere…

Why Cruise Ships Are Different

Cruise ships don’t always have to follow the laws of the country they sail from.

They operate under the rules of their “flag state.” Most flag states don’t enforce indoor smoking bans.

Find out why cruise lines register their ships in different countries in the article below. There are many reasons it is beneficial for them.

Almost All Cruise Ships Fly Foreign Flags – Here Are Three Reasons Why

Casinos seem to be singled out as an exception when it comes to indoor smoking.

This is doubtless because the casinos are a great source of revenue for the cruise line. If people don’t have to go outside the ship to smoke, they will doubtless stay and gamble longer.

Where Can You Still Smoke at Sea?

• Many American cruise lines (like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian) and the Italian line MSC allow smoking in parts of their casinos.
  • Some limit it to one side of the casino floor.
• A few offer non-smoking casino nights or even separate smoke-free casinos.
  • British cruise lines (P&O, Marella, and Ambassador) usually ban indoor smoking completely.
• A few European cruise lines allow smokers to smoke on their own, private balconies.
  • This has become far less common in recent years, since a major fire onboard Star Princess prompted industry-wide changes.
• In designated smoking areas onboard.
  • These are on the outside decks of the ship, often on the pool deck, or at the back of the ship.
• In designated “Cigar lounges”.
  • Some cruise lines, like Cunard, Princess, Norwegian and MSC, have dedicated cigar lounges onboard.

In my experience, British guests seem to gamble less than other nationalities. Casinos on British cruise ships are far smaller than on their American counterparts. In some cases, casinos have been removed altogether.

What It’s Like Onboard

For non-smokers, it can be a bit of a shock, especially when casinos are located in places where the smoke can escape and waft to other parts of the ship.

Ventilation varies, newer ships manage the smoke well, older ones sometimes less so.

There are cultural differences. In the UK, because of the blanket ban on indoor smoking, we don’t expect to see people smoking inside. Americans seem to be far more accepting of smoking than we are!

I was shocked to find that the casino on Carnival Miracle had been extended into the bottom of the atrium. As a consequence, the smoke wafted up through the atrium and into other parts of the ship.

Find out all about that here:

Will It Change?

There seems to be a growing demand for smoke-free spaces at sea.

Some cruise lines are trialling smoke-free casinos or limiting smoking hours.

Pressure from passengers (especially from countries with bans) could push the industry further.

Very few cruise lines allow passengers to smoke on their own balconies now. One of the few who did, Fred. Olsen has recently changed their policy to ban it.

Many cruise lines only allow smoking in the dedicated smoking areas, which are on the outside decks.

A few cruise lines, like Cunard, have cigar lounges with purpose-built ventilation systems, so that tobacco smoke can not be smelled outside the lounge.

One cruise line that allows smoking on balconies, as well as designated smoking areas, is Costa, an Italian cruise line.

Their cruises often offer excellent value for money, but it’s nothing like cruising with American Cruise Line!

Find out what I thought of my last Costa cruise here:

If You Don’t Like Being Around Smokers…

If you are a non-smoker or sensitive to tobacco smoke, it would be sensible to check where the smoking areas on board are before you book.

Also, check your cruise line’s smoking policy before booking, and be aware that European cruise lines like Costa, Aida and TUI do allow smoking on the balconies.

Some of the biggest cruise lines – Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian – allow smoking in their casinos.

Check that your cabin isn’t by the smoking area or casino, you might smell the smoke.

Try to avoid the cruise ship’s casino.

I once stayed in a cabin directly above a ship’s pub and outdoor smoking area.

Although many people would have found that a deal breaker, for me, it was a minor inconvenience. I was out and about enjoying the entertainment, and I didn’t spend too much time in the cabin on that short cruise.

Find out more about that here:

The risk of fires starting on board is taken very seriously by the cruise lines. Guests should not throw their cigarette buts over the edge of the ship, as they could be blown back onboard by the wind and start a fire. Ashtrays are provided.

Cigarette butts also contribute to marine pollution.

Cruise ships are equipped with comprehensive fire safety systems. Systems include fire detection and suppression technologies, fire-resistant materials, and rigorous crew training.

All crew members are trained in fire safety and basic firefighting skills before joining the ship.

Many cruise lines have dedicated fire patrols, including teams specialising in engine room fires, all trained and coordinated by the onboard Safety Officer.

This would seem at odds with the fact that cruise lines continue to allow smoking inside the ship in the casinos!

I would guess that cruise lines don’t want to give up a lucrative source of income and want to encourage smokers to stay inside the casinos as long as possible.

Find out about the fire onboard Star Princess, which prompted industry-wide changes on cruise ships below:

Whether cruise lines continue to allow smoking in casinos remains to be seen. There is a growing demand for smoke-free options, as many non-smoking passengers prefer smoke-free casinos

Before You Go

I never worry about my safety when I am onboard a cruise ship, but it seems to be a real concern for first-time cruisers. I am often asked what happens in an emergency. Are there enough lifeboats? Yes, is the simple answer! Find out more about ship’s lifeboats here:

Do Modern Cruise Ships Have Enough Lifeboats? (Safety at Sea)

A major worry for my mum when we booked our first cruise was whether it would be safe for children, particularly my brother, who was always into mischief! Well, yes, they are – and my brother is still here to tell the tale! Read the article below if you are concerned:

Are Cruise Ships Really Safe For Kids? (Real Picture Examples of Cruise Ship Decks and Safety Barriers)