Royal Caribbean update their smoking policy.

From the 1st January 2014 Royal Caribbean are amending their smoking policy and will no longer permit smoking on their balconies or in the majority of  indoor public spaces.

However do not despair if you are a smoker there are still plenty of spaces to go to enjoy your cigarette. Smoking will still be permitted in the Casino and Connoisseur Club  (Cigar lounge)on Freedom and Voyager Class ships and outdoors there will be designated smoking areas on the Starboard decks of all ships. (Port side for Oasis class ships.) Cigars and pipes will only be permitted in the Cigar lounges and outdoor areas.

In order to enforce the policy the cruise line will be fining anyone caught smoking in their stateroom and a $250 cleaning fee will be added to your account, further action could also be taken.

Royal Caribbean have announced this new policy following ongoing guest feedback and evolving industry standards and to be honest I am surprised that it has not been introduced sooner and I am sure that this policy will be well received by the majority of guests.