Just in. Starting in December 2007, Regent has announced it will no longer permit smoking in Staterooms, (I thought they were all Suites), Suites or on balconies. "Failure to comply with this ban will result in guests being asked to leave the ship at their expense, without refund or credit for the unused portion of their cruise."
Smoking will not longer be permitted in the Compose Rose or any indoor dining area.

This is what I found in the Travel Agent Center section of the website:

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Smoking Policy

While we will always give smokers a warm welcome on our ships, we also recognize the need to restrict where smoking is permitted so as not to cause discomfort to, or provide a health or safety hazard for, the majority of our guests who do not smoke.

Cigarette smoking is not permitted in any enclosed dining areas, whether it be the ships' main dining rooms or the alternate dining venues. Cigarette smoking is only permitted in designated areas of the outdoor Pool Grills. Other than open deck areas, the following are the only public rooms or areas where cigarette smoking is now permitted:

Seven Seas Voyager: Connoisseur Club, Casino, Voyager Lounge (designated area), Horizon Lounge (outside area only), Pool Bar
Seven Seas Mariner: Connoisseur Club, Casino, Horizon Lounge (outside area only), Stars Nightclub (designated area), Pool Bar
Seven Seas Navigator: Connoisseur Club, Casino, Stars Lounge (designated area), Galileo¿s (outside area only), Pool Bar
Paul Gauguin: La Palette (outside area only), Le Grill (designated area), Pool Bar

Pipe smoking is only permitted in the Connoisseur Club aboard Seven Seas Voyager, Mariner and Navigator. Pipe smoking in open deck areas is considered an extreme fire hazard and is not permitted. Cigar smoking is only permitted in the Connoisseur Club aboard Seven Seas Voyager, Mariner and Navigator, and in the designated area of the Pool Bar area aboard all four vessels.

Update as of July 5, 2007:
In light of continuing legislative changes in smoking policies around the world as well as the comfort, health and safety of our guests and crew, both in terms of the proven dangers of second hand smoke and the fire hazard that smoking presents, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will be changing our policy of smoking in staterooms, suites and on private balconies. Not only does smoking present a fire hazard, but it is also an inconvenience to other guests as the smoke, or its odor, invades surrounding suites, balconies and public areas, creating discomfort for the guests in these areas. Smoking will therefore be prohibited in all staterooms, suites and balconies fleet-wide.

This change will take effect on the following dates:

Seven Seas Voyager: December 21, 2007
Seven Seas Mariner: December 21, 2007
Seven Seas Navigator: December 27, 2007
Paul Gauguin: December 29, 2007

Failure to comply with this ban will result in guests being asked to leave the ship at their expense, without refund or credit for the unused portion of their cruise.

I am not a smoker, and am very sensitive to smoke. I always found smokers considerate on the ship and have only found it bothersome in one venue -- the Voyager lounge and have had to leave on occasion. I never noticed it anywhere else on the ship...even in the dining rooms. It is a shame that they can't designate a section of rooms for smokers.

I wonder how many passengers they have lost to other lines because of the current smoking policy? I realize there are passengers who will stop cruising or change lines with the new policy, but since the population of smokers continues to decline, with people quitting and recognizing the impact to a healthy lifestyle, this is an interesting development! Of course since I have been quite vocal on the subject, I am very happy to hear this.

I will be booking the closest cabin to the Connoisseur Club, lol. Actually my quit date to totally quit was the end of this year (I have cut down quite a bit) so this really doesn't bother me much.

I don't think this policy is all that much different than what it is now, with the exception of cabins and balconies so I don't think it will draw non-smokers who have stayed away because of the current policy. Smoking is still permitted nearly everywhere that it is now, in the public rooms.

I haven't seen anyone smoking in Compass Rose in ages.

Editing to add, the start of this new policy is in effect the day after LAMB ;)

Wow, I agree that they could have tried to designate some smoking suites. We are both non-smokers, but David's a recovering smoker, and neither of us feel very good about denying people their rights, although I do appreciate the non-smoking lounges and dining room.

One thing I did find annoying on the Navigator was that the connoisseur club was closed nearly every night for private functions. I really would rather smoke in a designated smoking room rather than smoke where there are non smokers but on that trip, it was difficult!
I believe I just broke the record for using the word "smoke" in a sentence :)

I am totally speechless , as well as many others who have not answered this thread. When we were on board in April, Mark Conroy promised everyone that not only would there still be smoking allowed, but they would build a special area in CR to accomodate us. I know there are many non-smokers who will be thrilled, but this will force us over to Seabourn and anyother cruise line that doesn;t have such draconian rules. I can certainly understand the dining room as there is hardly anywhere you can still dine and smoke, but the cabins, that is too much.

Paul, thank you for posting. It's nice to hear from you. What do you think all the world cruisers that were smoking will say about this?

I am really stunned by this news.

Cruise Crazed aka: Howard

I too am in shock. It was only 2 months ago on the World Cruise that Mark Conroy and Christian were on board and this subject was heavily discussed. My understanding (and other World Cruisers who are currently onboard the Voyager with us right now)was that the best solution would be to have some blocks of rooms that did allow smoking. This may not be as big a problem on shorter 1 or 2 week cruises but for the 4 month World Cruise......WOW!!! This is NOT going to go over well at all!!! This is NOT what was discussed (I was at both meetings). Both smokers and non-smokers were very much in favor of the "block of rooms idea" that seemed like a win-win for everyone.

We will likely take a wait and see approach and see what other cruise lines do (or don't do) with their policy before making any decisions. We have approximately 350 nights on RSSC, with 3 future cruises booked. Up until this new policy, everything was close to perfect in our opinion.

I agree - as a medical professional, I'm all in favor of getting people to quit, but the change here seems a little draconian. In particular, the loss of balconies to smoke on seems to be guaranteed to drive people away. Admittedly, because of recent events such as the fire on the Star Princess which was likely caused by a cigarette thrown overboard, it was a matter of time before all cruise lines barred people smoking on their balconies ... but still ....

My sympathies for those of you affected.

Masaki

Like Karen, I'm hoping to quit (for good, for once) over the winter. But if my headspace was elsewhere and I wasn't planning to quit, I'd be thinking of alternative cruise lines for sure. As Marcie said, especially if I was considering long, long cruises. I don't like to smoke inside my suite, and I've never smoked in Compass Rose, but I've always enjoyed my cigarettes on the balcony in the morning with my coffee, and at other times. This is a bizarre twist.

On a side note, Karen, have you tried the "smokeless cigarettes" called Aeros? I ordered some from the U.S., they're quite amazing. I used them for my long flight to Roma last month, they really helped (and I could've sold them for about $50 each to the Italians on board - LOL). I use them occasionally at work when I can't get out for a cigarette, etc. I think they're going to be an effective tool in helping me finally quit.

The only thing that makes sense to me about deciding to not allow smoking in cabins and on balconies is that ALL the cruise lines are going to change to that policy.
If not, I can see World cruiser switching to Silversea. What is Silverseas smoking policy, btw?

Charlene, I am going to order some Aeros!

Here are Silverseas and Seabourn smoking policies:

Silversea:
SMOKING

For the comfort of all our guests, The Restaurant, indoors at the Terrace Café, Saletta, the Show Lounge, Card/Conference Room, Library, Spa/Fitness Centre, Internet Point and Gift Shops/Boutiques are smoke-free. Cigarette smoking is permitted in designated areas of The Bar, outside at the Terrace Café, Pool area, Panorama Lounge and Casino Bar. Cigar and pipe smoking is permitted in designated areas outside at the Terrace Café and The Champagne Room.


Seabourn
Q: What is the smoking policy onboard?

A: For the comfort and convenience of all guests, we ask guests to refrain from smoking:


* In the Restaurant, Veranda Café and Restaurant “2” (inside and outside)

* In the main show Lounge during performances and lectures.

* On the starboard side (right side facing forward) in the Observation Lounge, The Club and the main show lounge.

* In the ship’s elevators.


In addition, we ask that guests refrain from smoking pipes and cigars anywhere inside the ship, including in guest suites. After dinner, an area of the Sky Bar is set aside for this pastime.

Well, I guess Pubs will be our last cruise with Regent. I know Regent is going to lose a lot of business because of this; especially folks who do the WC. It's been fun, but we'll find something else to do for travel.

I suspect that Regent is not the only one who will have this new policy. I am betting that it will be across the board in the industry because of insurance and fire hazards.

I agree with Masaki and Kathy-as a lung doctor, I do all I can to help my patients stop smoking when they are ready, but the only way this policy makes sense is if all the competition is about to do the same thing. I know how upsetting this news is to many on LCT.

Kathy I think you hit the nail on the head why this policy was put in place.

For Tom who has asthma this is great - for myself I have problems being around smoke, too. Yet I do feel for those on LCT that are smokers. On our Mariner cruise last July we never once encountered anyone smoking on the ship.

Since Regent is going to get a lot of grief about this from smokers, I think it is important they hear from those of us who are delighted. To me, this new policy is one additional selling point for booking a Regent cruise (like the all inclusive policy was). When we stepped into our cabin (877) for our second Regent (Radisson) cruise, our noses informed us the previous occupants were smokers. It didn't ruin the cruise for us but it did annoy. On subsequent cruises we have found ourselves reporting to our cabin silently thinking "I so hope we are not following another pair of smokers." So far, so good. We'll be sporting the same thought on CROSS this November. But then, freedom!!!! Bravo for Regent.

I think they may all go to this policy. Like Masaki said, it may have something to do with the fire on the Star Princess. Did the regulations just recently change. I noticed the reference on the Oceania website to the "newly enacted International Maritime Organization regulations governing fire safety", but that had to do with leaving personal belongings out on the verandas. Here is their smoking policy.

------------------------------------------------
What is the smoking policy of Oceania Cruises?

For the safety and security of all guests and staff onboard, Designated Smoking Areas are available on Deck 9, the forward starboard corner of the Pool Deck, and Deck 10, in the aft, port corner of Horizons. These areas are comfortably furnished and conveniently located near food and beverage areas.

Smoking is expressly forbidden in all Staterooms and Suites, on verandas, or in any areas of the ship other than officially Designated Smoking Areas. Smoking in a stateroom or suite or on a veranda represents a serious fire and safety hazard to all guests and staff. Guests choosing to disregard this policy will be disembarked at the next port of call and may also be subject to additional fees that will be imposed to cover the costs associated with any damage to and the required cleaning of furnishings, verandas and surrounding deck and accommodation areas.

All areas other than those specified as Designated Smoking Areas will remain smoke-free. This includes all guest suites and staterooms, verandas, restaurants, public areas, the Casino and all other areas of the ship. Cigar and Pipe smoking is only permitted on the forward starboard corner of the Pool Deck. In compliance with newly enacted International Maritime Organization regulations governing fire safety, we kindly ask that you refrain from leaving towels and other personal belongings on your veranda.

For your convenience, Stateroom Attendants will remove any personal items from your veranda during the course of their evening housekeeping duties and place them back in your Stateroom or Suite.

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....

We had the same experience as Island Traveler this past January. Our cabin had a very bad smoke odor when we arrived. Housekeeping shampooed the rug and changed/cleaned all the curtains which improved the situation, making the cabin livable for us. Both Reilly (spelled wrong, I know) and the assistant housekeepers asked us a number of times if everything was OK. It was but I'm glad to see the new policy.

I'm sure as well that is about to be industry standard. The Carlsons aren't about to go out there alone.

Peggy

adding: Although I am not happy to be next to smokers, I have no right to complain if they are in "designated" areas and it is my right to walk away without comment. Making a fuss doesn't help anyone or anything.

As I said earlier, I've never smoked in my cabin or in the dining room(s), so the only "change" for me would be the balcony. Personally, I can survive that. I can survive having my cigarettes in the designated areas. And all you non smokers I think are being very kind, very thoughtful and cosiderate to those of us addicted.

There are, of course, non smokers who are not as pleasant, I've run into them on the ships. For example, on last month's cruise, I was having a cigarette and a drink at the pool bar, and was engaged in the most wonderful conversation with this pensioner from England. His friend came up to say something to him, and immediately turned to me and said "I'd stay, but SHE'S smoking", and stormed off. I felt like crying. My pensioner was so embarassed. There's really no need for that kind of response, this was one of the few designated smoking areas, I wasn't out of line (and, I was there with cigarette lit up first!).

So, it means a lot to me that all you non smokers, who truly would prefer none of us smoke (and rightfully so), recognize the addiction, aren't making us feel like the scum of the earth. Which is what we feel like 90% of the time anyway. At least on Regent, unlike most cities, we can have a cigarette and be "sheltered from the storm". We can have a cigarette AND a drink (what a concept) under an awning in the rain, or under an umbrella. You can't do that in Toronto! It's illegal.

In fact, I would say smokers are the only group in the world, that it's not only acceptable to discriminate against, it's become legislated to do so. You must, according to the law here, descriminate against them. Not shelter them from the storm. Illegal, to allow them to sit under an awning in the rain or snow.

I personally will not stop sailing Regent as a result of the new rules....they're a great outfit. I hope that they fare better than bars and pubs in Toronto did. The non smokers vowed and swore to frequent these places more once the laws were enacted, but the sad reality is, they didn't. The keeners didn't pick up the slack, so many businesses have suffered. I understand tht, because I don't go out to restaurants and/or bars often any more, I prefer to be in the homes of my friends (or my home), where even if I don't smoke inside (and I don't), I can go into their garage or under an awning for one!

But again, thank you non smokers, doctors, everyone, for not making us feel like we should be shot on sight. This website is so likeable, isn't it. It never gets "ugly", like some others do!

Charlene

Aloha
We had the same experience as several others. On our last cruise, SFO-Alaska, we inherited a cabin that had been occupied by two smokers. Our cabin attendant tried to clean but it took 3 days at least for the odor to dissipate. Thanks to RSSC for this policy but I think that having some suites set aside for smokers is a good idea except for the problem of fire.
Our next cruise is in February, so I guess we won't have the the same problem again.

John & Christina

I was hoping that this message would stay on track and not turn into a who-has-the-most-rights debate and of course, everyone stated their opinions without being unkind.

Charlene said it best, thanks to all for keeping this conversation civil.

I just do not know how to say what I want. Firs of all, I am a smoker, but do most of it either in Connoseur Lounge or my balcony. I love Regent but my favorite parts of the day is coffee and a cigarette on the balcony in the morning and then right before I go to bed to sit out and have a cigarette and watch the stars. I am sorry Regent has decided what it did. I also think it is a shame that one fire out of how many cruises per year is responsible. I have read this board and cc on this topic, and until Regent changed their policy, I had seen maybe 6 posts that people on Regent had a problem with smokers. Now they are coming out of the woodwork with complaints. I find that odd.
I am very happy that I got to meet some of the great people of LCT this year on TAP, but I am afraid that with the single supplement, rising fares, and no smoking, I will learn to live not as great a lifestyle on another line.
Lynn

I'm a non-smoker (ex-smoker of ten years) and I disagree with this policy as far as smoking in suites is concerned. Just a few years ago, lines of lesser accomodation (such as NCL, for heavens sake) had designated smoking and non-smoking staterooms. It was a good policy, in that I (as a non-smoker) could book a non smoking room and get it. And a smoker could do the same. Ten years ago, this was industry wide policy. Well, it must have been too much of a burden on the lines to offer separate accomodations. It is the only reason I can think of for abandonment of this policy, which suited everybody.

Regent's change seems to me to be another example of how the lines are trying to accomodate THEMSELVES instead of the guests. And a line that charges as much as Regent does now should be trying VERY hard to accomodate ALL guests! Regent is marketing to an international group of guests. Not all countries are as anti-smoking as is the US. For Regent not to offer designated smoking suites is a big mistake for them. And I say this as a non-smoker.

We were discussing this tonight and tossing around why Regent did this and other cruise lines have not yet done this to such an extent. We just can't believe that Regent didn't perform an economic impact assessment of non-smokers vs. smokers and view that more of the dollars are coming from non-smokers and the potential loss to revenues from smokers wouldn't be large. I would imagine that they also figured into their decision a competitive and market assessment. Regent is a sharp company, and they seem to have rethought their original plan regarding a block of rooms,so there must be some other force out there, e.g., governmental factors, insurance, etc. Perhaps, unbeknownst to us, as others have stated above, all cruise lines will be moving in this direction, and Regent is just the earliest adopter? Noting Karen's remark, however, Regent should no longer book the Connoiseurs Club with private parties if that is one of the few special venues left for smokers. That wouldn't be right. We're sorry to see that these rules may cause some great folks to reconsider cruising with Regent.

Dolebludger and Chefpa,

I have tried to reply to you both on another forum with no success re the non smoking debate. Am I being sabotaged ? I don't know what I did wrong other than express my personal opinion. My post was deleted.

For me a foreignor, it is sad that I cannot express an opinion on a forum that I considered to be a demorcratic and tolerant site.

Has Regent some grave worries ?

Cheers.

Piri, if you are talking about posting on Cruise Critic, Host Dan locked the smoking post so that no one can post new messages.

As for Chefpa, I am not sure if he is a member of this board.

I was fowarded an email in this regard on my last day on the Voyager. Not being able to confirm anything I was going to check this out on my return to the office on Monday. I am currently in Heathrow airport. Since it is now on the Regent website there is no doubt that this policy is going to be put into effect.

As Karen mentioned some will like it and some will not. What each one of us feels about the Regent decision will not change anything. The reality is that this is now the new smoking policy for Regent. Everyone will now make their decision as to whether to sail Regent or not based on their own personal preferences.

My guess is that the other cruise lines will follow suit.

I have to agree with the no smoking on the veranda policy. On a long cruise our next suite neighbor smoked constantly on the veranda, the smoke drifted to ours and made it unpleasant to be outside. I also avoid the Voyager Lounge when there are a lot of smokers because my clothes stink from the second hand smoke. The Mariner Lounge is better because it is more open and smokers stay to one end. I also think other top lines will soon follow suit on smoking.

I seriously doubt that there were any "shaddow factors" involved here. The obvious solution would be to have non- smoking and smoking suites. Fires and safety? How many fires have been caused by smoking in all the years ships have been doing cruises and crossings? Name one! Government regulations? Cruise ship lines claim that they are free from any governmental regulation on the high seas -- and perhaps they are. What it boils down to (donning my flame proof suit) is that to have non-smoking and smoking suites would mean that Regent might have to hire one more minimum wage employee to keep track of suite assignments, and it would be just too much for them to do so with our $700 per deim fares!

Think I'm not the Regent "cheerleader" I once was? Right! Too many vibrating (no, shaking) suites. Too many times being booked with Regent air and not being met at the airport. And too many rate increases for it to be the "best bargain" it once was. I'm just happpy that we took so many Radisson/Regent cruises earlier in this decade when it still was the "great deal" it used to be. We took all those cruises because we knew it couldn't last. And, it didn't.

Regent's managment has just gone dumb. Carnival (on one ship) and Ren. went the "no smoking" route, and both efforts failed miserably. Regent has two ships with vibration problems that are far worse than "normal" for a cruise ship (the stern of the Voyager being the worst)They have another ship with a bad pod (the Mariner). And they can't get the matter fixed, and can't muster the guts to warn booking guests about it, and are getting a worse reputation for it as time goes by. And what do they do? They restrict lawful activities by the guests such as smoking, and raise rates. (BTW, I am a non-smoker.)

This is typical corporate behavior. Get a good reputation, then reduce quality and raise prices. The exact philosophy that got General Motors where it is today! And the same managment team dreamed up this smoking policy. What did we expect?

I really wish for the return of the RSSC I knew and loved in '02 to '04. But it is not going to happen.

Masaki has said it the best in this thread.

I think it is the government, policies that are being influenced on the cruise ships.
Also, lately the news people report a weekly cruise ship problem. I know there is a cruise line out there that is smoke free- not sure which one that is doing fine with the new policy.

Our country club just built a new clubhouse and when it opened last Sept- it has a no smoking in the clubhouse. Also, some of Disney properties have put that policy in.

The smokers that I know- they don't smoke in their cabins- their husbands stopped smoking. And since the Star fire- that is best not to smoke on the balcony. I know that the Princess ships installed sprinklers on their balconies.

Regarding the Voyager do they have sprinklers on their balconies. Since we had to cancel out a week before the 5/26 Europe sailing, I didn't get to look at it. Yes, I check that out on each cruise ship now since the Star Fire.

happy sailing!

This is just another example of Regent trying to act “in loco parentis” for its guests. I personally think they are making another mistake. I doubt they’re betting the competition will change policy, I think they expect that non-smokers switching to Regent will more than make up for the loss of smokers switching away or who stop cruising entirely. This (LCT) thread seems to leans against the new policy, while the one over on CC seems to lean rather strongly in favor. Time will tell.

I do know this (the good news): the population of people willing to shell out big bucks to cruise on Regent (i.e., demand for premium and luxury cruising) is going to shrink with the new policy, and with other top cruise lines building new ships, supply is going to increase. Economics tells us this combination will drive prices down, forcing the lines to lower rates, offer more specials, etc. Or change their policies.

IMHO, a better policy would have been to continue to allow smoking just on balconies, perhaps (with full tongue in cheek) in the aft sections and stern, where smokers would be helped to flick their ashes by the vibration which seems so often mentioned back there (but which we’ve personally never really noticed.)

For the record, I quit smoking in August 1995, having smoked heavily (up to four packs a day) since 1953. In the past five years, I don’t think I’ve really thought about (not) smoking until something like this thread brings it up. And for that I am truly grateful! It is really very hard to quit.

No smoking now is the law in the UK for all public places...

Economically speaking, I believe Regent made a mistake in doing this before they had to by maritime law. I personally know of 12 full world cruisers who have cancelled the 2008 WC already, as well as 1 couple who were doing two segments. We've cancelled all '08 cruises on Regent. That's over a million dollars in revenue lost already. What really bothers me is that they have not been open and above board with loyal customers. Not two months ago they said this was not going to happen.

I quit smoking almost five years ago, because Mark's health wasn't good and wasn't going to get a lot better. One of us had to make some kind of effort to stay healthy, and it was obviously going to have to be me. It was horribly hard, I only managed to do it by telling myself that I never wanted to have to go through that torment again. I recently walked through a mother's worst nightmare, and never even thought about a cigarette until it was over (when I realized I hadn't thought about one), so I guess I am truly "cured".

That being said, the only cruise that I have noticed cigarette smoke was on Voyager, the British Isles cruise. I would walk down the hallway toward the laundry room, and could smell it but couldn't tell which suite it was coming from. I'm sure Regent has a reason for doing this now, I hope they manage to get through the fallout.

Being both an avid non-smoker and Libertarian, I find this thread most interesting. I really could argue both sides and think you all make good points.

I found this article on line .... it may give insight into Regent's decision and the way the entire cruise industry may go..

"Mark Conroy: There is currently legislation pending in the U.K. and Europe that may ban smoking on balconies and even in the staterooms.

(NOTE: Mr. Conroy's comment about pending legislation in the U.K. and Europe that could affect smoking regulations on balconies is most intriguing, as it could lead to dramatic changes for ships sailing within those areas. Whether such legislation could be enforced on ships sailing in international waters, and which are registered in other countries, could certainly lead to some interesting legal arguments.)

The bottom line is that smoking policies on ships are most certainly in a state of flux, with a significant trend to more areas onboard being designated smoke-free. We'll have to wait and see if this ever evolves into a rebirth of Carnival's earlier attempt at a totally smoke-free cruise ship."

Here is another article:
On a related "wellness" note, Deilmann has also announced that it will be expanding the no-smoking policy on its nine river ships to include all areas inside the vessels, beginning in 2008. Smoking will now be permitted only on the open decks.

"We are happy to have our river ships smoke free now that the laws in Europe are evolving to ban smoking indoors," said Ron Santangelo, Deilmann's North America president. "This change fits surprisingly well with the growing interests of the majority of Americans, who seem to prefer non-smoking environments."

Sedona, you have brought up the one point that must take precedence over everything else. The UK and Europe may want anything they like, but since most ships are registered in other countries they would not need to follow these laws until they are in port. Now, once in port, they might have to obey these rules. Since the ships leave port in the evenings, at least most evenings, this then is a moot point. I certainly understand about the balcony issue, but, I like having a cigerette before I retire. I am not going to go to the Cigar lounge in my robe and then rush back to my room. Aint gonna happen.

I have advised my agent to cancel Regent for next year and rebook us on Seabourn. Yes, the other cruise lines may also adapt these rules, but for now they aren't in any rush to make their client base annoyed prematurely.

If you remember back to when Carnival tried a non-smoking ship. it failed. Why? Not enough passengers to pick up the slack. Regent may rue the day they did this, especially when the laws aren't even written yet. By that time however, we will probably not care.

I will say again that we met some wonderful people, inclding many non=smokers and I will be sorry not to see them again as I'm certain they won't cancel, even to make a statement to management.

So, au revoir to you, I will definitely stay in touch with those of you that care,

Cruise Crazed aka: Howard

Though I am a non-smoker, my dad (at 77) is a heavy smoker. He is not going to change his habits at this point. Since our cruises were basically mini family reunions, this will eliminate Regent from our plans. I am sad that what had been our favorite line could not have found some accomodation for smokers. Surely some way could have been devised to keep track of a designated number of smoking cabins. (I don't equate smoking with being handicapped, but if they can designate handicapped cabins surely they could designate smoking cabins) If additional safety measures were necessary, I think most smokers who love Regent would even have paid a slightly higher fare in order to enjoy their vacation and cruiseline of choice. When law dictates this move then fine. But why now?