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I have repeatedly called for enhanced smoking restrictions in places of public accommodations and will continue to do so until all public places are smoke free, inside and out. Below is a very interesting perspective on smoking on cruise ships by Artie Beavis, which enlightens us to the dangers of allowing smoking on oceangoing vessels.

by Artie Beavis (Follow on Twitter @ArtieBeavis)

Envision yourself aboard a luxury cruise, where you are taking in the tranquility of the night and the smooth ocean waves. Suddenly, your lower deck cabin is engulfed by a cloud of smoke, you hear passengers panic at the sight of fire, and you begin to experience a heat sensation from the blaze. One can only dread the forthcoming events.

Dating back a few years, a smoldering cigarette was the suspected cause of a deadly fire aboard the Star Princess cruise ship, which at the time carried 2,690 passengers and 1,123 crewmembers. Luckily, the vessel only suffered one casualty aside from 11 injuries and the destruction of nearly 100 cabins. This is still one life too many…It had taken the blackening of a luxury ship for industry executives to become cognizant of the tremendous dangers that surround cigarette smoking aboard their liners.

Since then, North American cruise lines have taken a moderate approach to smoking policies with the implementation of limited restrictions. Let us dare pose the question to industry executives: Is it worth accommodating the 12% of smoking passengers and endangering the lives of the remaining 88% of travelers and crewmembers?

As the hospitality industry undergoes an enduring revolution of smoke-free establishments, it is time the cruise sector considers the hazards of cigarette use and take the necessary precautions. Unlike its industry siblings—hotels, bars and restaurants—each of whom are also at risk of unintentional fires and detrimental health effects in response to cigarettes, cruise ships are not accessible to a majority of rescue teams. A fire truck won’t be just down the road; conversely, you are in the middle of international waters!

Vaguely speaking, cruise ships tend to be smoke-free in most of its public areas; however, a majority of American cruise lines are rather acceptable of their smoking guests. On a positive note, no major brand permits the smoking of passengers in their main dining areas; however, the unhealthy habit is allowed throughout casinos, bars, nightclubs, open decks, pool areas and staterooms onboard.

Recently aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, I had the opportunity to explore their smoking policies firsthand. Their policy was as follows:

“Smoking is only allowed inside in your stateroom, the Casino, Topsiders Bar “port side designated seating,” Sky High Bar & designated outside deck areas where wall mounted ashtrays are available.”

As a result of this policy, I found myself taking in cigarette fumes while sitting next to travelers at the pool as well as the casino. Upon leaving the casino and counting my winnings from the roulette table, my temporary high was quickly eradicated by the reek of cigarettes that was instilled into my clothing, hair, and normally-sized nostrils. Not only did I have to shower and change my clothes, but the smoke transpired into a sore throat, dry sinuses and watery eyes the very next day. This is something most guests can do without!

Although cruise lines, such as NCL, offer limited smoking to their passengers, it only takes ONE minor cigarette mishap to engulf a ship and puts thousands of lives at risk. Aside from the serious health threats that come at hands of secondhand smoke in small-capacity and highly-populated areas such as the casino and bar areas, it is quite ironic that the dining rooms must use fake candles but matches and lighters are allowed on board. If you can’t smoke on airplanes with recycled air or in a restaurant while surrounded by peers, why should it be acceptable to smoke onboard a cruise? Afterall, smoke is a gas so and therefore, is not bound by walls.

The issue affects the health and overall travel experiences of each and every individual aboard the ship. Although cruises have experienced mixed reviews on prior and current smoking restrictions, only one cruise ship has ever dared to ‘test the waters’ (pun intended) of an entirely smoke-free ship. Carnival’s Paradise had gone smoke-free for a short period of time; however, this regulation only lasted a few years before passengers were given the permission to light up once again. The industry must not be afraid of losing patrons; if the industry all comes together and restricts smoking, the public will have but not choice to adhere to the amendments.

Just as an unseen iceberg can become a damaging facet, a flame can be the next major cause of disaster. It is imperative for industry executives to reconsider the current smoking policies aboard their ships and improve these regulations to avoid future adversity. Keep in mind, it only takes one lit cigarette.

Would you prefer cruises to be smoke-free?