The idea of smoking in the casino on board Royal Caribbean’s "Utopia of the Seas" has gone up in smoke.
In a move to accommodate non-smoking patrons, Royal Caribbean has been actively converting select venues into non-smoking casino spaces on their cruise ships.
According to Royal Caribbean blogger Matt Hochberg, Notably, the longstanding club and comedy lounge on Utopia of the Seas, the Attic, has now been relaunched as a smoke-free casino.
His latest article was posted on the Royal Caribbean Blog's X account:
The move is now making headlines as a part of this trend and comes on the heels of an announcement that cruise ship casinos are making it easier to track and report both your wins and losses.
Comedy Club Transformed Into Non-Smoking Casino
The Attic, once a hotspot for comedy shows and dance parties, still has a bar but now focuses on offering a smoke-free casino experience. Gamblers can enjoy playing without worrying about smoke in the air.
Similarly, the Crown Lounge, another area on the ship, is set to become a smoke-free casino as well. This lounge was once an exclusive spot for high-level Crown and Anchor members but will move to Deck 16, taking over the Teen Club space. These changes show Royal Caribbean's dedication to meeting the needs of their guests.
Royal Caribbean "Utopia of the Seas" Part of the Latest Trend
The cruising industry, particularly major lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, have a long history of accommodating smoking within their onboard casinos.
Traditionally, casino spaces onboard were divided into smoking and non-smoking sections. However, the proximity of these sections often rendered the distinction futile as the smoke would inevitably permeate even the non-smoking areas.
Enhanced ventilation systems have certainly made strides in mitigating this, especially post-Covid, but the issue persists.
Royal Caribbean's CEO, Michael Bayley, acknowledged the challenge during the 2022 President's Cruise.
He admitted that a significant segment of casino patrons prefer to smoke while gambling, which has long been the norm. Nevertheless, as societal attitudes towards smoking have shifted and the demand for smoke-free environments has grown, cruise lines are being prompted to reassess and adjust their offerings accordingly.
On the Royal Caribbean Blog's Facebook page, someone commented, "I don't mind the smoking casinos but they need to put them somewhere out of the way. Forcing non-smokers to almost HAVE to walk thru a smoke-filled room is ridiculous! Put it up on the top floor of the ship not on the 5th floor in the middle of the ship."
A second added, "Royal needs to go completely smoke free if you watch half the people they just let their cigarettes burn and barely smoke them."
Another person wrote, "It’ll be interesting to see the revenue profile of the smoking casino versus the non smoking casino, to see which one draws more revenue per square foot."
Cruising Towards a Smoke-Free Experience
Royal Caribbean has been at the forefront of this trend, experimenting with non-smoking casinos starting with the debut of Wonder of the Seas.
As the concept gained traction, many more of their ships followed suit. This shift is evident across Oasis-class and Icon-class ships, with an increasing number of dedicated smoke-free casino spaces.
With the Wonder of the Seas relocating to Miami and beginning short cruises in September 2025, these changes are expected to continue.
According to Hochberg, for many non-smokers, the introduction of these smoke-free zones enhances their cruising experience, and continues to attract more guests looking for a healthier environment on board.
Casino Gaming Without Setting Sail
For those who want to enjoy the thrill of casino games but prefer to forego the cruise experience, online sweepstakes casinos offer a compelling alternative.
These platforms provide a diverse array of games, recreating the excitement of a casino from the comfort of your home. With just an internet connection, players can access their favorite games at any time and place, tailored to their liking.
However, it's important to remember to gamble responsibly.
Just like in physical casinos, setting limits and maintaining control over one's gaming habits are crucial. Whether onboard a luxurious cruise ship or in the virtual realm of online gaming, the key is to enjoy the experience without overindulging.
