Smoking is always a hot button issue, and smoking on a cruise is no different. While guests who smoke want to be able to smoke on their private balconies, guests who do not smoke may be bothered by the practice. Smoking is not allowed inside staterooms and many cruise lines either prevent or greatly limit smoking in indoor public spaces.
Earlier this week, Disney Cruise Line changed its policy on smoking onboard the four Disney cruise ships. The change will go into effect later this year.
Currently, cruisers are allowed to smoke on their verandahs, although smoking inside any stateroom is not permitted. Beginning November 15, 2013, smoking on verandahs will no longer be allowed. There will be designated open-air public spaces that will be designated as smoking areas.
Further, Disney Cruise Line will impose a $250 cleaning fee to anyone smoking on their verandah. “This fee covers a deep cleaning to include air filter replacement, carpet extraction, the cleaning and replacement of drapes, comforters, blankets, and pillows, along with verandah cleaning and maintenance,” according to the Disney Cruise Line website.
Here is a roundup of the smoking locations onboard the Disney ships
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder smoking areas:
- Outdoors on Deck 4 starboard side from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. only
- The starboard side open-air decks 9 and 10 (excluding the Mickey Pool area).
Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy smoking areas:
- Deck 4 port side, aft, the outside Promenade Deck from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Deck 12 port side, aft, the outdoor area that is accessible through the Meridian Lounge
- Deck 13 port side, forward, by Currents Bar
Following suit, Cunard and P&O cruise lines have also announced a ban on smoking on verandahs. Cunard will begin the new rule in April 2014 on the Queen Victoria, in May on the Queen Mary 2, and in June on the Queen Elizabeth. P&O will likewise stagger the policy change beginning in late March 2014.
Currently, smoking on verandahs is also prohibited on Celebrity, Princess, Oceania, Azamara, and Costa cruise lines.
Some lines are still allowing the practice. Among them are Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America and Norwegian cruise lines.
Of course policies are always subject to change, especially based on guest feedback. If you are planning a cruise and this issue is important to you (on either side of the argument), please check with the cruise line for any updates in their policies.
Bon voyage!