Strike Three! Holland America Tightens Smoking Policy, Too

Hands up!  Who here expected Holland America would have an announcement on smoking today, too?  You are correct!

Completing the trifecta of North American-based brands of Carnival Corporation, late this afternoon Holland America announced changes to their smoking policy, effective January 15, 2012, most notably prohibiting smoking in cabins BUT allowing it on cabin verandahs.  There will be designated smoking areas both indoors and on open decks.

Similar in language to their sister brands, Holland America said the change in policy is "in keeping with the majority of guest preferences today."  They also will impose $250 per incident fines for those caught violating the policies.

The discussion over on my Facebook pages at CruiseResource and SoloCruiseResource is strongly, but far from universally, on the non-smoking side, but the big division is about smoking on balconies.  Smokers feel that's open air, non-smokers are sharing personal stories of smoke from neighbors' balconies affecting their cruise.

Come join in the conversation and tell us what you think!  Princess has banned smoking on balconies, Carnival and Holland America are going to remain allowing it but ban it only in the cabins.  Is this a fair division allowing smokers some options while still restricting it enough for most non-smokers?  Will this distinction change which cruise lines you book in the future?

For reference, the lines which ban smoking on balconies will be Princess, Celebrity, Azamara, Oceania, Crystal and Regent.
Lines banning smoking in cabins will be Princess, Celebrity, Azamara, Oceania, Regent, Royal Caribbean and Disney.  Confused yet?  That's why I'm here!

Hope you'll hop over to Facebook and add your opinion.  It's a good discussion!