Regent's New Smoking Policy

In a move that's been both applauded by nonsmokers and criticized by smokers, Regent Seven Seas has decided to limit smoking on all of its cruise ships.

According to a statement sent to travel agents, the line says, in part, "While we will always give smokers a warm welcome on our ships, we also recognize the need to restrict where smoking is permitted so as not to cause discomfort to, or provide a health or safety hazard for, the majority of our guests who do not smoke."

Here's the current smoking policy:

No smoking in any enclosed dining areas. Cigarette smoking is only permitted in designated areas of the outdoor Pool Grills.

Other than open deck areas, the following are the only public rooms or areas where cigarette smoking is now permitted:

Seven Seas Voyager: Connoisseur Club, Casino, Voyager Lounge (designated area), Horizon Lounge (outside area only), Pool Bar

Seven Seas Mariner: Connoisseur Club, Casino, Horizon Lounge (outside area only), Stars Nightclub (designated area), Pool Bar

Seven Seas Navigator: Connoisseur Club, Casino, Stars Lounge (designated area), Galileo's (outside area only), Pool Bar

Paul Gauguin: La Palette (outside area only), Le Grill (designated area), Pool Bar

Pipe smoking is only permitted in the Connoisseur Club aboard Seven Seas Voyager, Mariner, and Navigator. Pipe smoking in open deck areas is considered an extreme fire hazard and is not permitted. Cigar smoking is only permitted in the Connoisseur Club aboard Seven Seas Voyager, Mariner, and Navigator, and in the designated area of the Pool Bar area aboard all four vessels.

As of the following dates, smoking will be prohibited in all staterooms, suites, and balconies fleet-wide.

Seven Seas Voyager: December 21, 2007
Seven Seas Mariner: December 21, 2007
Seven Seas Navigator: December 27, 2007
Paul Gauguin: December 29, 2007

Failure to comply with this ban will result in guests being asked to leave the ship at their expense, without refund or credit for the unused portion of their cruise.

What do you think of Regent's new smoking policy? Will other cruise lines follow their lead? Will smokers ditch Regent in favor of cruise ships with a more liberal smoking policy?