If you are a smoker or indeed, if you like keep in touch with cruise-related news in general, you’ll probably already be aware of the recent tightening up of smoking policies put in place by a number of cruise lines. For non-smokers, this is of course a good thing, for the smokers, well, at least there’s the positive outcome that they’ll know exactly where on-board their cruise ship they can and cannot smoke.
For many smokers, including specifically those who enjoy a particular kind of smoke, it’s seen as another step towards an outright ban, which would ultimately mean the end of a pleasurably activity seen by many to be quant hark back to a bygone age. I’m taking about the humble cigar, which, even as a non-smoker, I can appreciate as something very different that merely the means to satisfy an addictive craving. For cigar enthusiasts, it’s all about sampling different brands, different regions and different vintages, savouring the taste and of course, perhaps accompanying it with a good drop of brandy.
As I’m oft to say, Six Star Cruises lend themselves perfectly to helping cruisers recreate that bygone age with sophisticated ambience, refined dining choices and thankfully for cigar lovers, some nice cosy places to relax with a cigar, tipple and the latest broadsheet. Here’s a quick look at some of the best places to enjoy a chew on a Churchill.
Crystal Cruises As of April this year, the Connoisseur Club is the only interior place on-board Crystal’s vessels in which passengers can enjoy a smoke. Designed to create a refined atmosphere, this laid-back lounge offers a selection of well over 20 different brands, including Davidoff, Monte Cristo and Cuban Cohiba. Of course, the accompanying tipple is catered for too and you can choose from well-respected cognacs, ports and beers.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Also known as the Connoisseur Club, Regent Seven Seas’ stylish smokers’ retreat is kitted out with real leather armchairs for that authentic feel and guests can enjoy an impressive selection of imported cigars (Cuban a speciality) as well as the conversation. You can also order a glass of port with your smoke, or indeed a vintage cognac.
Silversea Cruises On all Silversea vessels, not including expedition vessels, it’s known as a Connoisseur’s Corner rather than a Lounge but of course, this is indeed a lounge with a satisfying club feel, where you’ll have the run of a comprehensive menu of cigars and specially selected cognacs.
By Simon Brotherton
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