Nonsmoking casino test

[Cruise a holic]

On 6/13/2023 at 3:29 PM, PWP-001 said:

A ship that sails full may not be profitable.

Specialty restaurants can add to profitability-- after subtracting for food and labor costs.

Debt service has risen even more sharply than prices.

 

Your observations overlook the importance of the casino as a revenue center for the cruise line.

 

Yes, people will point out that Disney does just fine, and they've never relied upon casinos; it's not part of their business model.  But anyone who's priced a Disney cruise pre-COVID knows that their fares --in general-- were substantially higher than other brands with casinos.  The Royal business model depends upon substantial revenues being generated in the casino, and that's why their loyalty program treats their top tier players like VIP's.

 

 

I remember when smoking was banned in Restaurants and clubs.  People initially were horrified that business would decrease.  However that didn't happen and perhaps the healthier environment benefits staff and patrons.

[PWP-001]

7 hours ago, SHIP TRAVELER said:

 

I am concerned that there will not even be poor payout video poker available in the non smoking casino being proposed.  I usually don't play on RCL unless there is a non smoking night.  I do play on Celebrity where the entire casino is non smoking and where you can buy credits prior to sailing with a 10% bonus to off set losses.  I take advantage of the cancel anytime Blue Chip Casino cruise prices at 60% off.  I still don't win but I don't lose any more than it costs to eat in a  couple of specialty restaurants. 

I've visited the N/S mini casinos on two Oasis class ships that are located in the former Jazz on 4.

 

They just don't have a good look and feel of a casino.  Nice thought, but poor execution.  Seems like a closet.  I'm a N/S and HATE cigarette smoke, but I'd rather endure it in the big casino than play in the small, lifeless room.

[PWP-001]

3 hours ago, Cruise a holic said:

I remember when smoking was banned in Restaurants and clubs.  People initially were horrified that business would decrease.  However that didn't happen and perhaps the healthier environment benefits staff and patrons.

But according to a number of studies, it won't benefit Royal's coffers.  Read the studies as to why smokers are a deeper and more profitable gambler for the casino.

 

Your analogy to restaurants and clubs is off and in no way compares to what happens in the casino.

At a restaurant or club, many times there's now an outdoor patio to sit where smoking is permitted.  Or smokers will walk outside during their visit to take a cigarette break. 

 

Casinos do NOT want their smokers to venture away from a machine for a cigarette break.  Even more important is the trance inducing state that cigarette smoking (nicotine) helps create and maintain.  Slots on there own are intended to do that for everyone, non-smokers included.  But add nicotine, and the smoker generally spends a far greater time gambling.

 

I will share that I am a non-smoker and a gambler.  

[SHIP TRAVELER]

14 hours ago, PWP-001 said:

I've visited the N/S mini casinos on two Oasis class ships that are located in the former Jazz on 4.

 

They just don't have a good look and feel of a casino.  Nice thought, but poor execution.  Seems like a closet.  I'm a N/S and HATE cigarette smoke, but I'd rather endure it in the big casino than play in the small, lifeless room.

I think I would agree with you.  We are sailing on the Harmony in December so maybe I will get a first hand look then.  I am D+ and I do love RCLs drink voucher system, and entertainment.  I do not love the smoking casino and all of the kids but it is a trade off between Celebrity and Royal because of the shared loyalty program. 

[coops]

Bottom line is a true gambler whether they smoke or not will still go to the casino. No matter if it is all non smoking or not. 

 

[KKB]

100% thrilled!

Smoke drove me from the casino on Princess & MSC.

PLENTY of people hanging out...JUST SMOKING.

 

I remember this same BS argument when our bars/restaurants went 100% smoke free. They are doing fine.

 

Love Celebrity since it is no smoking. 

They say casino revenues are "down"--but exactly how much?

(guessing not much since they have remained smoke free)

I'm going to bet MOST gamblers do not smoke--just as MOST people do not smoke.

 

Edited June 19, 2023 by KKB

[BND]

Someone's convinced that they know everything.  

 

I do wish Celebrity would come back to Baltimore and sail out of PC.   When we were on Summit a few years ago, the casino was very busy every night.

[Another_Critic]

2 hours ago, BND said:

I do wish Celebrity would come back to Baltimore 

 

Will Millennium class will fit under the Key Bridge?

[yogimax]

For me, ir's a matter of corporate ethics and responsibility.  Not everything can be measured in dollars and cents.

 

As a shareholder, I care more about the physical well being of my fellow passengers than whether the company makes a nickel more a share.  Will RCCL take its ethical responsibility seriously?

[BND]

5 hours ago, Another_Critic said:

 

Will Millennium class will fit under the Key Bridge?

I don't know as I'm not sure of Millennium class dimensions.  I can guarantee it's been discussed on CC at some point, but I can't remember.

[FamilyCruiserUK]

I have no issue either way about smoking in the casinos as its not a place i go too. Dont see the appeal of it tbh. I think also casinos are not a big thing in the UK. However it is annoying when that smoke drifts out of the casino. Its up to people if they smoke its their choice at the end of the day but smoking is one of those vices that effect others around them. 

As for smoking inside its been so much better here in the UK since smoking has been banned inside. Even my hardcore smoking friends enjoy it more. 

Again its another cultural issue where you put many cultures together in a small place and want to cater for all. You will not please everone. 

[mickeygirl78]

I'm really excited to try the non-smoking casino when I sail Oasis later this year.  On most of my cruises I only end up gambling for like 20 minutes because the smoke bothers me so much.  I think it's great they'll have an option for those of us that don't want to breathe in the smoke.

[Pratique]

I’ve stuck my head in both casinos on Oasis several times this week and I see lots of empty tables with bored dealers in the main casino but it’s been busier in the non smoking one. FWIW.

[kirlie]

On 6/12/2023 at 10:22 AM, yogimax said:

The real question is whether RCCL will have the ability to choose health over profit.  Yes, banning smoking in the casino may impact the bottom line but we have to ask the ethical question... which is more important, corporate profit or customer health? 

 

 

I don't know how much this would really effect their bottom line.  I would probably spend more time in the casino if it were smoke free.  There are times when I'll leave a machine or the casino all together because the smoke bothers me.  

[Tree_skier]

The more I drink the less the smoke bother me. The answer isn't to ban smoking.  The answer is to give me free drinks.

[3yorkies]

During the pandemic the casinos here in Tucson went non-smoking to keep people wearing the mask.   When the mask mandate ended the casinos, by a vote of their tribe that runs them, decided to KEEP the smoking ban in place.   It has been about 2 years now.   They are as busy, or more so, than they were when smoking was allowed.   People go outside to smoke.   And many people who did not go before, or like me would not always stay very long when my eyes started burning, now go more often and stay longer.