Royal Caribbean bans smoking on cabin balconies

Industry giant Royal Caribbean is the latest cruise line to ban smoking on cabin balconies.

The line this week announced the use of cigarettes, cigars and other smoking products on balconies will be forbidden effective Jan. 1, 2014, and customers found in violation will face a $250 penalty.

Smoking already is banned in the interior part of cabins on Royal Caribbean's 21 vessels.

As part of this week's announcement, Royal Caribbean also said it is extending its interior smoking ban to all public spaces on its 21 vessels, with the exception of casinos.

A caveat: The new smoking restrictions will not be enforced on cruises sailing in Asia.

Royal Caribbean's move comes in the wake of similar announcements from Disney Cruise Line and Cunard Line. Also tweaking its smoking policy just this week was MSC Cruises.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean says its new smoking restrictions are the result of "careful consideration and review of guest feedback."

In addition to casinos, passengers still will be able to smoke in the Connoisseur Clubs found on select vessels as well as some areas on the starboard side of outer decks, Royal Caribbean says.

The new restrictions apply to electronic cigarettes.

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