Karen, you are quite right. People who don't want to encounter smoke at all will not be totally satisfied with Regent's new policy. They could go to Oceania and be happier. But even those folks would no doubt opine the new policy is better than the old one, a step in the right direction. And, for that matter, they aren't cruising Regent now. Never have. They are already over on Oceania. I believe there are very few nonsmokers who are that adamant.

For most people, I believe, this is a matter of degree. I prefer Oceania's smoking policy to Regent's. But not so strongly that I would walk away from luxury cruising to enjoy it. I am very happy Regent has taken a policy step in the right direction. The company is offering a cruising option that is not available to others booking luxury cruises. Bravo! And yes, Richard, offering smoking and nonsmoking cabins would eliminate my concern about walking into a stinky cabin. I would prefer that policy change to no change at Regent. But I like new policy even better because it changes the ratio of smokers to nonsmokers on the ship in favor of nonsmokers. Every little bit helps. I think given the changes taking place in our society, the ratio of smokers to nonsmokers on all ships will change anyway. Regent has just nudged it along. Patrick