Non-smoking passengers on a Royal Caribbean ship can now enjoy casino games in an unconventional location.
Spicing up the Seas: Royal Caribbean adds a smokeless casino to Freedom of the Seas
The waves are about to get a bit livelier on the Freedom of the Seas, as a new casino, dubbed Casino Royale Non-Smoking, is set to debut on this 2006 vessel after a maintenance drydock in Cadiz, Spain.
Say goodbye to Vintages, the ship's beloved wine bar known for its extensive wine selection and comfy seating. Instead, rejoice in the prospect of reeling in some luck without the distracting haze that comes with playing cards where fumes are thick.
Interestingly, this non-smoking casino will be conveniently positioned just one deck above its smoky counterpart. A nearby staircase will ensure gambling enthusiasts can easily navigate between the two, depending on their preference.
The addition of this smokeless gaming zone may mark a new trend for Royal Caribbean, mirroring changes implemented on the Oasis Class ships like Wonder of the Seas. In 2023, these ships started converting their jazz clubs into non-smoking casinos, offering an escape for those who dislike the aroma of tobacco mingling with the scent of victory.
The non-smoking casino isn't an attempt to put out the flames completely; passengers interested in smoking during play can still enjoy the main casino, which, while technically non-smoking for non-active players, has often functioned more like a glorified indoor smoking lounge.
The decision to introduce a non-smoking casino has engaged passengers in an ongoing debate about smoking in casino environments. Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International, acknowledged the ongoing controversy during an event in 2022, admitting that "smoking in the casinos is a bit of a conundrum."
As passengers vocalize their opinions on the matter, it seems Royal Caribbean aims to play the hand that balances the preferences of both smoking and non-smoking patrons.
While the new smokeless casino may be a great opportunity for non-smokers to dive into the game, it could stir up resentment among passengers, especially frequent cruisers, who may now find their usual hangouts, such as comedy clubs or lounges, repurposed into casinos.
Factors such as customer loyalty and a positive experience for first-time cruisers will play a significant role in determining the success of this move. After all, libraries attract readers, and casinos entice gamblers-and Freedom of the Seas is set to start cruising again from Fort Lauderdale on February 16, giving passengers the chance to see if this newly shuffled deck holds the royal flush for Royal Caribbean.
As for the other improvements made during the drydock, Freedom of the Seas will emerge with a fresh coat of paint, renewed carpets, and its engine humming like a well-oiled machine, ready to embark on another journey across the waves. Its itinerary includes a seven-night voyage visiting Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. John's, Antigua, before making its way to Miami in May.
Sources:www.royalcaribbeanblog.com
- It looks like a strategy for Royal Caribbean to offer non-smoking casino locations to address passengers who don't want to be exposed to secondhand smoke.
- Non-smoking casinos on ships like Freedom of the Seas could broaden the gambler demographic, potentially increasing revenue.
- Conversion of spaces like comedy clubs and lounges to casinos could lead to tensions among passengers who prefer entertainment over gambling, but relocating shows to larger venues may help mitigate backlash.
- The strategic change to offer non-smoking casinos on older ships like Freedom of the Seas, combined with full non-smoking casinos on newer vessels like Utopia, allows Royal Caribbean to cater to both preferences while minimizing regulatory risks.
- As the cruise line expands its casino offerings, its revenue from this business sector, which already ranks among its top generators, may continue to grow.
- The Freedom of the Seas, following its maintenance drydock, is introducing Casino Royale Non-Smoking, a smokeless casino, as part of a potential trend by Royal Caribbean.
- The smokeless gaming zone on Freedom of the Seas could broaden the demographic of gamblers, potentially increasing revenue.
- The conversion of spaces like comedy clubs and lounges to casinos on the Freedom of the Seas might face resistance from passengers preferring entertainment over gambling, yet relocating shows to larger venues might help alleviate backlash.
- Royal Caribbean seems to be catering to both smoking and non-smoking patrons by offering non-smoking casinos on older ships like Freedom of the Seas and full non-smoking casinos on newer vessels like Utopia, aiming to minimize regulatory risks.
- As Royal Caribbean continues to expand its casino offerings, the revenue generated from this sector, already a top earner, may experience further growth.
