Regent Seven Seas Revises Smoking Policy

Smokers booked on Regent cruises after December should take note: the luxury cruise line is banning smoking in all staterooms, suites and balconies. Regent said it made the change because of the potential fire hazard of smoking and discomfort to other non-smoking guests. The ban will take effect December 21 on Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, followed by Seven Seas Navigator on December 27 and Paul Gauguin on December 29. Guests who violate the ordinance will initially be issued a written warning and repeat offenders will be disembarked at the next port of call. Passengers booked with Regent after the smoking ban goes into effect still cannot cancel without penalty. Smoking is still permitted on the open decks, in most of the ships' casinos and at pool bars. Smoking has become a hot-button issue for the entire hospitality industry. A year ago, Marriott completely prohibited smoking in all of its North American hotels, following the act of Westin Hotels, a Starwood Hotels & Resorts brand, which went smoke free in late 2005.