Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
10 September 2013 13:54
The right to an on-balcony cigarette aboard cruises has become an increasingly divisive subject
British cruise passengers strongly support a ban on passengers being able to smoke on their cabin balconies, research shows.
More than half (54%) of those questioned by cruise reviews website Cruise Critic believe smoking on balconies - even when the balcony belongs to the passengers' personal cabin - should not be permitted.
Going one step further, nearly a quarter (24%) claim smoking should be banned in all areas of cruise liners.
Only a fifth (18%) of British travellers who regularly book cruises disagreed with the idea of banning smoking on balconies, arguing that a cigarette is a personal choice.
Smoking at sea is currently a hot topic, with numerous cruise operators forbidding their customers from lighting up on board.
It may be a hotly disputed debate, but it is important that travellers don't forget to book things like cruise travel insurance before they set off.
Royal Caribbean recently became the latest major cruise operator to ban smoking on the balconies of its ships.
The order is due to come into effect from the beginning of 2014, with those caught facing fines of US$250 (£190). However, the company's Asia-based liners are currently exempt from the ban.
Smoking is already banned inside all staterooms on Royal Caribbean vessels - and in public areas except for casinos, and on the starboard side of outer decks.
Rival operators such as Cunard, Seabourn, P&O Cruises and Disney Cruise have already restricted smoking areas on their ships.
Some passengers regard smoking as an acceptable practice conducted in the privacy of their cabins, while others complain that smoke drifting into neighbouring rooms is unfair.
"Smoking on board cruise ships is a highly debated and contentious issue within the cruise industry," said Adam Coulter, the UK editor of Cruise Critic.
"Cruisers have very strong opinions on this topic. However, while a large number of cruisers support this ban, it is important to acknowledge that many feel they should be offered a choice."
22 February 2019
Just half an hour of exercise every morning could be as effective as drugs at lowering daily blood pressure, research suggests.
[more...]
21 February 2019
A British man accidentally used the wrong passport to fly from Prague to the UK, leaving his friend stranded in the Czech capital.
19 February 2019
Hundreds of passengers have had their travel plans cancelled following the collapse of airline flybmi.
16 February 2019
Holidaymakers were left fuming after a "lack of clarity" over Brexit led a Romanian airline to cancel flights from Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.
15 February 2019
British Airways celebrated Valentine's Day with a special flight where all members of the cabin crew were couples who work for the airline.
14 February 2019
The "concerning" level of stigma surrounding the human papilloma virus (HPV) could be putting some women off going for vital check-ups, campaigners are warning.
13 February 2019
Older people living with depression should be given better access to community activities and therapy instead of being prescribed antidepressants, researchers have urged.
12 February 2019
The Government has been criticised for failing to act on warnings about the link between processed meats and cancer, by the scientist who co-authored the original advice.
09 February 2019
A grandfather who has battled three types of cancer is cycling from Twickenham to Tokyo in time for the Rugby World Cup - all in aid of charity.
08 February 2019
Lovers of traditional fish and chips are embracing a more health-conscious version of their favourite food, a new study suggests.
07 February 2019
Two thirds of UK adults don't know they're able to lower their risk of developing dementia, new research has shown.
06 February 2019
More than 600 people a day are quitting their jobs to care for relatives, a charity has warned.