Carnival bans smoking on balconies

By Tom Stieghorst

Carnival Cruise Lines said that smoking will no longer be allowed on cabin balconies on its ships, starting Oct. 9.

Smoking inside cabins is already prohibited.

Smoking will continue to be allowed in designated open deck areas, as well as nightclubs and certain areas within the casino and casino bar, Carnival said.

The change is consistent with policies at most other cruise lines. Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line continue to allow smoking on balconies.
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Royal Caribbean, MSC further restrict smoking

By Tom Stieghorst

Two cruise lines have announced new restrictions on smoking.

Royal Caribbean International has done away with smoking on stateroom balconies, leaving Norwegian Cruise Line as the only major holdout.

In addition, Royal Caribbean extended its ban on smoking to almost all indoor areas except the casino, which will have a designated nonsmoking section.

However, on select cruises departing from China, a nonsmoking section in the casino will not be available.

Smoking is allowed in the cigar bars on Freedom- and Voyager-class ships and in The Vault, a nightclub on Voyager of the Seas.

The changes take effect starting Jan. 1.

Separately, MSC Cruises said that starting Nov. 2, when the MSC Divina departs Venice on a repositioning cruise to Miami, it will limit smoking on that ship to the Cigar Lounge and the port side of designated outdoor decks.

Smoking won't be permitted in the Top Sail or Black & White lounges or in the MSC Yacht Club area.

In addition, the casino will become nonsmoking, although MSC said the casino manager at his discretion may allow some players to smoke in clearly designated areas.

Divina is scheduled to sail year round from Miami.

Royal Caribbean Smoking Policy Change

Smoking Policy Change effective 1 January 2014 Dear valued guest, In consideration of ongoing guest feedback and evolving industry standards, Royal Caribbean International is revising its onboard smoking policy, effective for all sailings departing on or after 1 January 2014. Under this new policy, all indoor public spaces will be smoke free, with the exception of the Casino and the Connoisseur Club on Freedom and Voyager Class ships. In the Casino, there will be designated smoking and non-smoking areas. Additionally, smoking will not be permitted in the staterooms or on stateroom balconies. Outdoor smoking areas will be designated on the starboard side of all ships. Indoor smoking areas permit electronic cigarettes. Cigars and pipe tobacco can be enjoyed in designated outdoor areas, or in the cigar club on the ships that offer this venue. Please consult our Smoking Policy FAQ for more details. Royal Caribbean International is committed to continually enhancing the guest holidays experience. To find smoking venues and areas while onboard, please consult your Cruise Compass, or visit Guest Services, where we will be happy to assist you. Thank you and we look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. Royal Caribbean International