Cruise lines ban smoking on cabin balconies

ine have banned smoking on cabin balconies following customer feedback.

Cunard and P&O said the changes had been made "for the safety and comfort" of passengers.

A spokesman for Cunard said: "It means that all passengers will be able to enjoy full use of their private balconies, without the effect of drifting smoke."

The changes will be brought into effect on Queen Victoria from April 28 and on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth from May 9.

The changes on P&O will take effect from March 26 on Ventura and will be rolled out throughout the fleet with the last ship, Adonia, changing to the new policy on April 29.

Arcadia will change its smoking policy on April 13, Aurora on April 24, Azura on April 4, Oceana on April 5 and Oriana on April 18.

Disney Cruise Line has also banned smoking on balconies, with the changes coming into effect from November 15.

The line said anyone found smoking on a balcony will be charged a $250 fee which covers deep cleaning. There will be designated smoking areas.

Seabourn said has also altered its smoking policy and said the decision was "in keeping with the preferences of the majority of guests".

The luxury line said: "In addition to the public areas of the ships already designated as non-smoking, smoking will no longer be permitted inside guest suites.?

"Smoking will be allowed on verandas (Odyssey, Sojourn, Quest) and in the Observation Lounge after 8pm.

"Smoking will not be allowed on the B category balconies (Pride, Spirit, Legend) but will be allowed on the CS and OW category verandas."

The new policy will take effect from February 1 on Spirit, February 2 on Pride, February 3 on Legend, February 11 on Odyssey, May 1 on Sojourn and March 22 on Quest.

There will be designated areas and cigarette smoking is still permitted on suite verandas (Categories V1 and higher).?

Seabourn added that cigar and pipe smoking continues to be restricted to certain outdoor areas