I agree about it being an addiction. I also know how hard it is to quit and wouldn't wish it on anyone. I'm a former smoker myself (21 years without a cigarette), so yes I do have compassion for the need to smoke and do understand.

What I don't agree with is trying to classify it with true disabilities. To equate the need to smoke as something that should be classified under ADA with a need to have ramps in buildings, handicapped seating or accomodations for LD children so they can have the same opportunity to learn as non-LD children,is ridiculous.

While I'd personally love to see the ship smoke-free, I know this isn't going to happen in the near future. I do know that I'm very sensitive nowadays to smoke (and have developed a real allergy that causes asthma to it) and can smell it the minute I walk into a room. My guess is they took this step to keep cleaning costs down. As for the balcony, this is in direct response to what happened on the Princess cruise and in light of the fears is understandble.

While it's an unlikely scenerio, a room or balcony that catches on fire on a lower floor would spread upwards, and possibly even incapacitate the life boats. I know the smokers here on this board are very responsible, but who's to say others are? Just because they have the money to sail on a Regent ship, doesn't mean they're going to abide by common sense.

I also agree about the casinos being unfit to sit in. I have avoided them for that reason, even though I enjoy playing craps. Unfortunately like most things in life, Regent is not going to please everyone.

don't you think this would impinge on the emplyees?

Lastly, when NYC went smoke-free bar owners were up in arms that they were going to lose their customers. What happened? Nothing. Smokers stayed away for a short while and eventually came back. Now if you go to any trendy bar in Manhattan, you'll be lucky if you have enough room to squeeze in. And what started as an oddball idea in NYC is now spreading across the country, and even into other countries.