Is smoking on Costa's Mediterranean cruises worse?

[Tapi]

Hi:

 

Looking at an Eastern Mediterranean cruise on the Costa Magica. Although the itinerary looks very appealing, I'm having second thoughts about booking this cruise. Reading reviews and replies on other threads, it sounds like smoking is a serious issue (at least from non-smokers' perspectives).

 

I understand that you can get an occasional whiff of smoke on any ship, but not being able to escape it is another thing. While I'm tolerant and accepting of smokers, that doesn't mean that I wish to spend a week on a ship that smells like stale cigarettes.

 

So are the reports of smoke overblown or are they realistic? Thanks!

[cruisetrail]

Yes, I saw crowds of smokers and clouds of smoke on Costa Favolosa.

Yes, atrium port side in the morning smelled like an old ashtray.

But we don't spend cruise time in casino and bars, so smoking has never been a problem for us (non-smokers) on any ship.

We wouldn't sail on the Magica for different reasons.

[AnonymousCruiser69]

EDIT: after reading your poll thread, OP, do NOT book with costa. you'll be miserable.

 

there's a 'smoking thread' going here. take a look at it. I think you will have your question answered.

 

the long answer is 'yes' because costa in general has the most liberal smoking policy afloat. as far as I know, costa is the only line where smoking is allowed in the cabin these days. they also have smoking areas in various bars. almost all lines have banned it from every interior space except the casino (some not even there).

 

nobody can predict the percentage of smokers on any voyage, but I only sail costa these days because of their smoking policy.

[Dancer Bob]

UKBayern is a pretty astute and unbiased observer. It really does depend a lot on the passenger mix on each cruise.

For shore excursions, be warned, there's still heavy smoking in Turkey, Greece is almost as bad.