Smoking--Huge Concern

[BHappy2Day]

My husband and I are planning a Sep 2010 cruise to the Med--this will be our first cruise in Europe.

 

I noticed great itineraries and good prices on Costa's new ship, Pacifica, BUT :eek: I read a few reports that smoking is widely permitted. I just hate the smell. I have some questions for the experts:

 

Is smoking allowed in cabins on Costa ships in Europe? (That would be a deal breaker.)

 

Is smoking allowed in other areas?

Dining room?

Theatres?

Other public venues?

 

Are the Samsara (health spa) decks smoke free?

Are the Samsara dining areas smoke-free?

 

I am considering, even though I admit great cowardice, doubling my cruise cost and going with the good old Disney Magic, which will also be in the Med in Sep. My best Caribbean cruise ever was on that ship.

 

Please help this newbie. I don't want to be a coward and hide on a Disney ship in Europe, but I won't go to sea on a ship that smells like cigarettes!

[kitty9]

European based cruise lines such as Costa tend to have more smokers than other lines and according to another website I follow, Costa has the most liberal smoking rules of just about any line. They allow smoking in the cabins, balconies, casino, every bar and lounge---the only exceptions are no smoking in the restaurant and main show loungs. If you want a nearly smoke free environment, try Celebrity. They have the most restrictive smoking rules of any line. No smoking in cabins, balconies, restaurants, casino and most lounges. The only inside venue where smoking is permitted is one lounge on the port side.

[Essiesmom]

When comnsidering Costa and MSC in ther Med, consider that the lines are geared toward Europeans, and they often travel just for the cruise, not the ports. Many never get off the ship. Therefore, port times may be shorter, tours (if you book through the ship) may be limited and often not in English. If an English language tour is offered, it may be cancelled if not enough book. EM

[Gonzo70]

Definitely look at Celebrity. They have very limited smoking areas and are a great line. They have multiple ships in the Mediterranean, so you should be able to find an itinerary that suits you.

[mypleasure]

You need to decide what is most important to you. Others have given good accounts of the policies Costa operates. If you sail Costa then you will save money but need to be prepared to handle the smoke issues and decide whether this is going to spoil the cruise for you. If you cannot handle the smoke issues then you need to shell out more money to sail another line with maybe not the same itinerary but have a more comfortable and enjoyable time.