Yes, many cruise ships do permit smoking in designated areas within their casinos, but specific rules and restrictions apply. This allowance is typically limited to guests who are actively playing games and are seated.
Common Casino Smoking Policies
While policies can vary by individual cruise line and even by ship, there are general guidelines most follow regarding smoking in the casino:
- Permitted for Players: Smoking is generally allowed for guests who are seated at gaming tables or slot machines and are actively playing. This is often an attempt to cater to a segment of their clientele while minimizing impact on non-smokers.
- Restrictions at Casino Bars: Smoking is typically not permitted at casino bars, even if they are located within the same general casino area. These areas are usually designated as smoke-free.
- Casino Closure Rules: When the casino is closed, smoking is not allowed anywhere within the casino space. The entire area becomes a non-smoking zone.
- Cigar and Pipe Policies: On most ships, the smoking of cigars and tobacco pipes is far more restricted than cigarettes. These are often only permitted in specific outdoor smoking areas, and generally not within the indoor casino environment.
To provide a clearer overview, here's a summary of common casino smoking allowances:
| Activity/Location | Smoking Permitted? | Common Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Casino (seated & playing) | Yes | Only for actively participating guests |
| Casino Bar | No | Regardless of play status or time of day |
| Casino (when closed) | No | The entire area is smoke-free when not in operation |
| Cigar/Pipe smoking | Generally No | Usually restricted to outdoor designated areas, not indoor casinos |
Understanding Cruise Line Variations
It's crucial to remember that smoking policies are determined by each cruise line and can sometimes vary even between ships within the same fleet or depending on the itinerary. Some cruise lines have moved towards more stringent restrictions, including entirely smoke-free casinos, while others maintain traditional smoking sections.
Before booking, or certainly before boarding, it's always advisable to consult the specific cruise line's official policy page. This will ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding all smoking areas on board, including the casino. For a general overview of various cruise line policies, you can often find resources on reputable travel and cruise information sites.
For more detailed information on specific cruise line smoking policies, you can often refer to comprehensive guides provided by travel sites. Understanding these policies in advance helps ensure a comfortable experience for both smokers and non-smokers on your voyage.
