Q – Quite frankly, we are disappointed that traveltruth does not have more questions about smoking on cruise ships. The vast majority of us are non-smokers and we feel that the last thing we need is to be exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke. We understand that smokers have rights, but we would choose a luxury cruise company based, in large part, on their smoking policy. Is there one of the top lines that is best for non-smokers, or, put another way, is there a line we should avoid. We love balcony cabins but we would never put up with someone smoking on the balcony next to ours.
A – We have had a sharp increase in questions about smoking aboard ships. Ironically, the mass market lines, which appeal primarily to Americans, have had strict anti-smoking policies in place for a while. Some of the deluxe lines, which appeal to more of an international clientele, allow smoking in various venues and one or two are still allowing smoking on stateroom or suite balconies.
We have a strong bias on this issue so let us state it openly. We believe that smoking on a balcony or an open deck is a serious fire hazard. We further believe that when it comes to the issue of second-hand smoke, smokers have no rights. Smoking is an act of self-loathing with dire health consequences. Second hand smoke is just as deadly as first-hand smoke and so, in our view, it represents a form of assault on another person. When children onboard a ship are exposed to second hand smoke, the issue becomes even more serious.
That stated, Crystal, Paul Gauguin, Sea Dream, Regent Seven Seas, and Silverseas do not permit smoking ion any guest stateroom or balcony. Regent Seven Seas has the strongest anti-smoking policy stating that guests who do not comply with their non-smoking policies “will be asked to disembark the ship without any credit or refund for the unused portion of their cruise.” Regent has rigorously enforced this policy.
The luxury line that does allow for limited balcony smoking is Seabourn. Their new smoking policy allows guests in upper-level suites the right to smoke on their verandas. This is a change from Seabourn’s previous policy which allowed all guests to smoke on their balconies and in their cabins. Smokers will still be permitted to light up in portions of the Observation Bar, the Sky Bar, and the Club on the Seabourn Odyssey, Quest, and Sojourn.
