Most cruise ships today restrict smoking, but did you know one ship once banned it completely?
Carnival Paradise, the world’s first fully non-smoking cruise ship, set sail in 1998
The total cruise ship smoking ban didn’t last long, though. Here is the story of how it all started, why it failed – and what smoke-free cruising looks like today.
The Birth of a Smoke-Free Cruise Ship
Carnival Paradise was launched in 1998, as part of Carnival’s Fantasy-class fleet.
Carnival Paradise was marketed as the world’s first completely non-smoking cruise ship.
The ship was designed from the ground up to be smoke-free. Anti-smoking and cancer-prevention groups endorsed this policy at the time.
Reportedly, shipyard workers were even barred from smoking during the ship’s construction.
Giant “No smoking” signs were displayed on the ship’s exterior.
Strict Rules at Sea
Not only was the act of smoking forbidden, but absolutely no smoking materials were allowed onboard the ship.
If any smoking materials were discovered on board, the guest would be fined $250 and removed from the ship at the next available port. (That is equivalent to about $490 today – not a small sum!)
They would then have to pay their own way home.
This policy was strictly enforced and was seen as revolutionary at the time.
Why It Failed
Carnival soon noticed non-smokers tended to drink and gamble less, and profits were down.
Carnival Paradise had lower bar revenue and weaker casino spending when compared to other ships in the fleet.
By December 2003 Carnival had admitted defeat, and the smoke-free experiment came to an end.
The no-smoking signs were literally painted over the same day the ship arrived in Long Beach, California, after being repositioned from Miami, Florida.
Carnival Paradise Today
Carnival Paradise is still sailing with Carnival, now in the line’s updated livery (as of 2021).
She is no longer smoke-free, but continues to serve the Caribbean market.
She was one of cruising’s boldest experiments, but I can’t help wondering whether a no-smoking policy would be more successful now, as attitudes to smoking have changed.
What About Smoke-Free Cruises Now?
No major cruise line today is 100% smoke-free.
Most ships ban smoking in cabins, on balconies, and in restaurants, but allow it in designated areas.
- Exceptions to the general rules :
- Celebrity Cruises has some of the most restrictive policies, including smoke-free casinos.
- Virgin Voyages limits smoking to very small outdoor zones.
- The industry leans heavily towards “restricted” rather than a “total ban.”
Some cruise lines do still allow guests to smoke on their own balconies. Find out all about that here:
Cruise Line Balcony Smoking Policies – On These Three Lines You Can Still Smoke On The Balcony
Why Smoking On Cruise Ships Can Be Dangerous
Cruise lines are keen to keep smoking strictly to designated smoking areas because of the risk of fire.
A discarded cigarette butt allegedly started a fire onboard the Star Princess in 2006. This prompted industry-wide changes to improve fire safety on cruise ships.
Find out all about that, and the changes that were implemented as a consequence of the fire here:
Before You Go
Find out more about lifeboats on cruise ships below. Yes, they do have enough for all passengers and crew onboard!
Do Modern Cruise Ships Have Enough Lifeboats? (Safety at Sea)
Only 1% of the ships sailing are cruise ships. Find out what the other are here:
1% of Ships are Cruise Ships, Here’s What The Rest Are
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