Smokers are running out of places to hide. Three more cruise lines this week joined the ranks of those that ban smoking on cabin balconies.
Disney Cruise Line is to bring in the change – which they say is a result of passenger feedback – from November 15. Passengers who flout the ban face a $250 “stateroom recovery fee.”
Smoking continues to be allowed on some outside decks.
P&O and Cunard announced a similar policy change this week, to be phased in during the course of next spring and summer. They also cite “feedback from our guests and the results of customer research.”
The companies said: “This change has been made for the safety and comfort of our passengers and means that all passengers will be able to enjoy full use of their private balconies, without the effect of drifting smoke.”
Ventura will introduce the change from its Mediterranean cruise departing on March 26. Other P&O ships follow suit throughout April, with Cunard last to catch up in May and, finally, Queen Elizabeth on June 8.
As an ex-smoker, I welcome the restrictions. While I would once have been delighted to escape to my balcony for a cigarette with my pre-dinner G&T, I now realise how off-putting the smoke can be for passengers in neighbouring cabins.
Others may be less tolerant; some who have already booked for next year are threatening to cancel.
A few lines still allow smoking in limited indoor areas on their ships, particularly in casinos. Even there, however, there is a growing trend to introduce non-smoking evenings.
• Another policy change announced by Disney this week is less welcome – they are to allow passengers to wear shorts in the dining rooms. Whatever would Donald Duck say?
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