Fred. Olsen Going Smoke-Free

Fred. Olsen Cruises will have smoke-free indoor environments on all of its five ships beginning early in 2009. Smoking will only be permitted on cabin balconies and designated areas of outdoor deck space.

This new policy will initially be instituted on three vessels: Boudicca, Black Prince, and Braemar, all of which will become smoke-free on January 1, 5 and 8, respectively. Black Watch and Balmoral will follow suit after completion of their 2009 world cruises, April 13 and May 29, respectively.

At present, indoor smoking on Fred. Olsen vessels is restricted to designated areas of certain lounges on each of the five ships.

"A recent very extensive survey among our current and past passengers has proved to us without a doubt that this course of action is what most people want and, frankly, expect," said Mike Rodwell, managing director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. "Even those passengers who are committed smokers understand the situation and accept that smoking on board will be restricted to balconies and specified deck areas. While we may have a few negative comments initially, I am confident that many new customers who are non-smokers will be encouraged to cruise with us in the future."

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