Carnival Cruise Lines’ “new” ban on smoking on your balcony is “old news”, according to Australians, who have not been permitted to light up on Carnival Spirit since it was based in Sydney two years ago.
But in the US, the decision will affect the rest of the Carnival fleet for the first time, from 9 October.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has also changed its rules this week, prohibiting balcony smoking from November 2014.
So, what about the other cruise lines?
Holland America Line is the only major companies to still allow passengers to smoke on their private balcony.
Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest also allow guests in suites to smoke on balconies; on the smaller Seabourn Spirit and Legend, smoking is permitted on your verandah if you’ve booked a suite in categories CS or OW.
See below for a few comments from readers on the Cruise Weekly Facebook page.
Relaxing with a smoke on your balcony is a rare treat these days.
Margaret Ernst: “Great change… nothing worse than sitting on your balcony and smoke wafting over…yuck.”
Billy Jo: “Good. Absolutely hate when smoke drifts into your cabin and you’re a non smoker.”
Melissa Clark: “I think designated areas should suffice. I smoke but don’t think non-smokers should be subjected to my 2nd hand smoke in the comfort of their rooms/balconies.”
Ann Charlotte Campbell: “Great that they have taken this action. When somebody smokes on the balcony I have to go inside and can’t have my door open. I may sound selfish but they should have designated smoking areas only.”
Lori Anne Huysman: “I’m actually quite worried about going on ships that allow smoking in public areas inside. Being asthmatic, it never occurred to me before that overseas ships allowed it. I just got used to P&O where you can’t.”
What do you think? Comment below.
The few remaining indoor smoking venues at sea include:
Mariner of the Seas: Connoisseur Club
Crystal Symphony & Crystal Serenity: Connoisseur Club
Queen Mary 2: G32 nightclub
QM2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria: Churchill’s Cigar Lounge (cigars and pipes only)
MSC: Cigar Lounge
Silversea: Connoisseur’s Corner
Seabourn: port-side half of the Observation Bar after 8pm.