I have to agree with Island Cruiser. Regent needs to hear from those of us who agree with these changes.

On the 2007 World Cruise we had good friends who both smoked heavily in a nearby suite for 111 days. We could smell the smoke every time we passed their doorway. We had pity for those who were booked into that suite just 5 hours after we got off the ship. These restrictions will certainly cut down the expenses of trying to make such rooms "odor-free" on tunrover day. Plus, they will improve the lives of the stewardesses...from both the standpoints of workload and second-hand smoke.

While on-board the World Cruise, Mark Conroy said the UK was due to pass a law banning smoking on balconies...so that too may have played into the decision.

As for smoking in the restaruants...RSSC is just catching up to what prevails in a good part of the USA and the world.

We were not able to enjoy the music in the Voyager Lounge very often due to the very prevelant smoke most evenings. It also was very noticeable at times in the back of the Horizon Lounge. Plus we saved some money in the casino...when the 21 table got too crowded with smokers, I cashed in.

I too think that RSSC is just an early adaptor to the way the world is turning. As more and more places become smoke-free, our noses become more sensitive to the presence of smoke. It's just a fact of life.

Regent seems to be able to raise its prices and still keep attracting customers. Demand is growing and they haven't announced any "new Builds" -- so hopefully they will be able to weather whatever defections these policies engender and have an even better product.

Sorry for the rants for those who smoke, but....