Breaking News: Princess Smoking Policy Changes

In a release just out, Princess has announced a more restrictive smoking policy for all their ships, effective with sailings January 15, 2012 and beyond.

Stating that it was to ensure a "comfortable onboard experience" for every passenger, smoking will be entirely prohibited in passenger staterooms and balconies.  There will be designated smoking areas in the nightclub, part of the casino, and a portion of open decks.  In addition, there is a cigar lounge aboard their ships.

They stated:

Countries around the world from North America to Europe are moving to more restrictive smoking policies and our latest consumer studies show that smokers are a small minority of our passengers. In fact, the vast majority of cruisers value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As you know, balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises and we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the passenger's stateroom account. Keeping with the global trend and honoring the wishes of our passengers, we feel this change will enhance our onboard experience and do more to help our passengers escape completely.

Yes, you saw right.  There will be a $250 fine for violating the policy.

As a non-smoker who is terribly allergic to smoke, this is personally good news. I'm one of those people who can walk through the casino to get to the show lounge for example, and be congested by the time I reach the other side.  However, I do have some clients who are smokers who will be disturbed by this announcement, as they want to smoke in their cabin or on their balcony. 

I must say, after the Star Princess fire a number of years ago, where it is suspected a lit cigarette improperly disposed of from a balcony started the huge blaze, I expected that Princess would implement more stringent smoking policies.  Other lines moved quickly after that to restrict smoking in cabins/balconies, but sister brands Princess and Holland America surprisingly kept the more permissive policies in place.

The big question now is how long it will take Holland America to follow suit?  Will they become the only premium brand to allow smoking on balconies?  Or will the ever-present smoking-on-balcony debate be a thing of a past on cruise forums?

What do you all think?  Should Holland America keep more open smoking policies to provide an option for those who do still smoke?  For non-smokers, if they don't limit smoking will that keep you from sailing Holland America, due to the fear that a higher number of smokers then sail HAL? 

Come join the conversation over on Facebook at CruiseResource or SoloCruiseResource.  We'll be talking about it there and I want to hear your opinions.  Smokers and non-smokers welcome!