Crystal steps up smoking restrictions

Though most areas of its ships have been non-smoking for several years, “in keeping with lifestyle trends,” Crystal Cruises will soon prohibit smoking on verandahs of all staterooms and suites on the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

Non-smoking areas dominate most of the bars and lounges on Crystal ships. Cigarettes are allowed in private accommodations, but pipe smokers and cigars are permitted only in the Connoisseur Club.

“We respect that smoking is a personal lifestyle decision but there is growing discomfort from non-smokers about verandah smoke negatively impacting the enjoyment of their personal outdoor space,” said Gregg Michel, Crystal’s president.

The new smoking policy will take affect May 7 on the London-to-Rome cruise in the Serenity and May 25 on the Athens-to-London cruise on the Symphony.