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 ‘designated areas’, 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 workers’ 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: “This research shows the apparent need for consistent smoking policies across all cruise operators so that confusion amongst passengers can be reduced.
“One 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.
“Perhaps 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.
“By being careless with used cigarette ends, some smokers are risking their fellow passengers’ safety, which should be controlled by having regulations in place on board all ships.â€
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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