Today, fewer Americans smoke now than at any other time in history.
“Current smoking has declined from 20.9% (nearly 21 out of every 100 adults) in 2005 to 11.5% (nearly 12 out of every 100 adults) in 2021,” according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Those numbers have likely dropped even further since then, but a significant number of people still smoke, and cruise ships have to allow it. The exact manner and locations in which smoking is permitted vary by cruise line.
Both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean allow players to smoke in their casinos; they also allow smoking in an outdoor area near the pool deck and usually on another outdoor deck. Other cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises, which is owned by Royal Caribbean Group, allow smoking outdoors, but not in the casino.
No cruise line allows smoking in staterooms or on private balconies. However, passengers have been known to break those rules. It's something that's made easier for some types of vape smokers, for reasons “K” explained to Carnival brand ambassador John Heald.
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Carnival responds to a question about vaping
Heald noted that answering any questions about smoking might not be the easiest way to start the day.
“I must be a bit of a fool, actually I must be a huge yak-sized fool because I'm going to start the day with the tobacco issue. Actually, 'K' is the guy who will do it and I'll follow up later,” he wrote.
“K” objected to Carnival (and other cruise lines) putting vape users in the same category as cigarette or cigar smokers.
“E-cigarette devices do not set off alarm bells and there is no lasting smell or evidence of vaping. Vapers should be treated differently from smokers and should be free to smoke wherever they want,” they wrote.
“K” then launched into a tirade based on his status level in Carnival's VIFP loyalty program.
“We're sick of being treated like third-class cruise passengers. Four of my friends and I vape. Three are Gold and I'm Platinum. Our last reservation was on the Miracle. Check out how much we spent on board. We vape and we're here. Get used to it,” they add.
Heald kept his response, at least the direct part, brief.
“I don't know anything about vaping except that it is considered smoking and can only be used in outdoor smoking areas or while playing in smoking sections of the casino,” he wrote.
“I respect your right to vape. Please respect the rights of people who don't like to vape and you should not and cannot vape in non-smoking areas. If you are caught, there will be consequences, including replacing your vape with a kazoo.”
Carnival passengers overwhelmingly support its smoking and vaping policies
Nearly 700 people commented on Heald's post.
“Thanks for treating vaping like it's the same as smoking. I don't want random chemicals in my lungs no matter what the tests say or don't say,” Tony Swicer wrote.
Many people reject the idea that e-cigarette smoke has no smell.
“My friend smokes and it smells bad,” Debbie Clemens posted. “I don't know how long it lasts. I run away when she brings it out. I used to smoke so I can tell the difference between the two. Nowadays I prefer not to smell either but I don't like it in my face. That being said, vaping is the same as smoking.”
Some accused “K” of being insensitive toward people who choose not to smoke or vape.
“Why do some people find it so difficult to understand that most non-smokers don't want to be around smokers? They made the choice to live smoke-free, including vaping,” Kathy Clark wrote.
Some vapers and smokers appreciated having smoking areas on board.
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“I'm a vaper and I have no problem going into the area where there are smokers,” wrote Lydia E. Medina. “They tend to come over because I have some flavored ones. I especially like the pineapple coconut one because it reminds me of the beaches, but that's just my opinion. Thanks for all you do, John, and happy boating, everyone.”
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