In the News: Royal Caribbean Enacts New Smoking Restrictions

Industry giant Royal Caribbean is the latest cruise line to ban smoking on cabin balconies.

The line this week announced the use of cigarettes, cigars and other smoking products on balconies will be forbidden effective Jan. 1, 2014, and customers found in violation will face a $250 penalty.

Smoking already is banned in the interior part of cabins on Royal Caribbean's 21 vessels.

As part of this week's announcement, Royal Caribbean also said it is extending its interior smoking ban to all public spaces on its 21 vessels, with the exception of casinos. The new rule will apply to all ships except those based out of Asia.

Royal Caribbean's move comes in the wake of similar announcements from other cruise lines.  Most recently, Cunard and Seabourn tightened their rules on smoking and P&O Cruises and Disney Cruise Line announced the ban on balcony smoking last month.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean says "After careful consideration and review of guest feedback, Royal Caribbean International has adjusted its smoking policy on its fleet of 21 ships. Effective January 1, 2014, all indoor public spaces will be smoke-free on all ships with the exception of those sailing in Asia. Smoking will not be permitted in any interior space, including but not limited to restaurants, theater, bars, lounges, corridors, elevators, staterooms and stateroom balconies."

In addition to casinos, passengers still will be able to smoke in the Connoisseur Clubs found on select vessels as well as some areas on the starboard side of outer decks, Royal Caribbean says.

On some cruise lines the new restrictions also apply to electronic cigarettes.

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