We've just completed our third cruise on Carnival, we've been on the Imagination once, and this was our second trip on the Paradise. We chose the Paradise because it is the only non-smoking cruise ship in the U.S. (probably the world). Unfortunately, Carnival has announced that as of October 2004, the Paradise will shift to west coast and become a standard smoking-allowed ship.
I haven't read any official word from Carnival on why they are discontinuing the non-smoking cruises, but the crew offered several opinions: * In the past they've had trouble getting enough non-smoking staff, although currently there is a staff waiting list to work on the Paradise. * The Paradise does not make as much money in extras (alcohol and casino) as it does on the smoking ships. Many smokers also drink and gamble, and this is a strong source of revenue on-board. Non-smoking guests are not as profitable and I guess Carnival would rather that the less profitable guests take their tightwad habits to the other cruise lines.
Personally, I'd be happy paying a little more for my ticket so I can enjoy a non-smoking boat. I had forgotten how nice it was until I was on a shore trip in St. Thomas and other people on the beach next to me started smoking.