Well, as a smoker...I will smoke where I'm permitted, if I choose to smoke. There was a time when we were able to smoke in the dining rooms...and that has been stopped, there was a time when we could smoke all over the ship...and now we can't, there was a time when we could smoke in the whole casino area...now in most ships we can't.
Smokers have given up quite a bit of their rights to accomodate non-smokers. Now, I will say this....I won't smoke where there isn't an ashtray and where it's not permitted, but you can bet your bottom dollar that when some sanctimonious non smoker starts being rude and making wisecracks when I'm smoking in a smoking area...they just might get a cloud floating their way! <G>
Smokers don't berate or try to make non-smokers uncomfortable, but I'll tell you this....when I take a cruise..I go first class...and I pay big bucks for a cruise and I'll enjoy myself...and I'll enjoy a smoke now and again.
As for those people who feel the need to tell others how they've seen horrible deaths due to smoking. Well, I've seen horrible deaths as well...and not from tobacco illnesses. I don't think it's necessary to go into the gorey details on a cruise board that's supposed to be for enjoyment of other cruisers.
Smokers don't need to be preached to anymore than drinkers need to be preached to, or fat people need to be preached to. So, please..save the lectures for another place and another time.
There's the Paradise and there are specialty cruises on other cruiselines that cater to non-smokers, non-drinkers, non-gamblers, and a host of other special interest groups. There's something for everyone, but if we're all going on the same ship..please don't make someone else's cruise miserable...non smokers and smokers alike.
Just my opinion.
