17 March 2008

Majority want smoking stubbed out on cruise ships

Two-thirds (66%) of people admit to not knowing what the smoking policy is on cruise ships, eight months after the smoking ban was introduced in England.

And cruise companies are adding to the confusion by often not specifying what they term as ââ¬Ëœdesignated areasââ¬â¢, according to cruise community website www.CRUISES.co.uk.

The online poll of 5,500 people shows that 68% of respondents believe British ships should follow UK law and ban smoking completely.

The confusion arises as British law does not apply to cruise ships either docked or travelling within international waters, according to the company. 

As a result cruise lines are left to apply their own laws meaning different rules apply to different vessels. 

This lack of consistent regulations has left passengers baffled and at a higher risk of passive smoking, and 53% still thought cruise ships should not decide their own smoking policy.

The results revealed a concern for cruise ship workersââ¬â¢ health with nearly three quarters (74%) saying smoking should be banned in bars and lounges to protect staff.

Almost a quarter (23%) admitted to either throwing a cigarette overboard, or seeing someone else do it. 

Sukie Rapal, head of marketing at www.CRUISES.co.uk, said: ââ¬ÅâœThis research shows the apparent need for consistent smoking policies across all cruise operators so that confusion amongst passengers can be reduced.

ââ¬ÅâœOne solution could be for the operators to make their own policies clearer in all marketing collateral such as websites and brochures. However, it does seem to be more of a legal issue that needs to be overcome.

ââ¬ÅâœPerhaps more worrying is that people appear to be oblivious to the potential hazards of smoking onboard a ship - simply because they are free from regulation. 

ââ¬ÅâœBy being careless with used cigarette ends, some smokers are risking their fellow passengersââ¬â¢ safety, which should be controlled by having regulations in place on board all ships.ââ¬~

by Phil Davies

• PRINT
• SEND TO A FRIEND
• SHARE

Post your comment

Your Comments (4)

, be the first to post a comment.
Your email:

Your comment title:


Your comment:

Email other comments made to this story

5 characters

• bad effects of smoking
  
  

  smoking is worst and it should be avoided by the cruise companies

  By sandhya arora, Monday, March 24, 2008
• Here we go again!!!
  
  

  I'm getting a little sick of Big Bother telling me what I can and can't do. I am happy not to smoke in a cabin. If I paid for a balcony, I would want to smoke on it. I don't throw butts overboard, that would be irresponsible & fine people if they do it. On certain cruise lines you are asked only to smoke on one side of the ship in the outdoor areas, what is wrong with that???? Can we have a little common sense please, there are larger issues in the world than this!!! Thank You

  By Christian Dean, Monday, March 17, 2008
• The dangers of smoking on cruise ships
  
  

  I believe that cruise companies should follow suit and ban smoking from cruise ships in all inside areas and have a dedicated area or areas for smokers on deck with suitable extinguishing provisions. It is essential that if smoking is moved to the external parts of a ship, then passengers are discouraged from the temptation of throwing the cigarette end overboard. This act is dangerous and is the most likely cause of the fire on the Star Princess (Princess Cruises) a few years back.

  By Ian Venner, Monday, March 17, 2008
• smoking on board
  
  

  Ocean Village have a policy that one of their bars is a smoking zone, but this bar is where you have to go to watch any sport. Passive smoking at its worst.

  By carol coulter, Monday, March 17, 2008