First let me preface my comments that while I understand others feelings, I'm personally glad that I won't have to deal with smoke wafting towards me when I'm on my balcony. (It has happened.) I know that I have stayed out of some of the lounges and also the casino because of smoke. I still will have to avoid the casino and some of the lounges, but at least I'll be able to enjoy the balcony. I apologize for wanting the right to enjoy my balcony without smoke drifting towards me and I personally applaud Regents decision.

I do however feel for the smokers. It would be nice for there to be some sort of middle ground if one could be found. Quitting is very hard to do. I know, I was a smoker who quit 20+ years ago. I also understand about that morning cigarette and that last one before retiring for bed.

I was speaking to one of the officers on our cruise about the smoking policy. I was told that it takes many more man hours and materials to clean a suite where there was smoking, than one with non-smokers. Everything has to be cleaned, carpeting, bedding, walls, drapes, etc. It is not a small task to make a room pleasent smelling after smokers have been in the room and to eliminate the haze that permeates, especially after a long cruise.

Smoking rooms might be the way to go except who gets the non-smoking rooms next to the smokers rooms?

If anything, this new policy will make me more willing to cruise with Regent.