Carnival Bans Smoking on Balconies

Carnival Cruise Lines is banning smoking on stateroom balconies, effective Oct. 9, and also is increasing its tips recommendation from $11.50 to $12 per person, per day.

The updated tobacco policy, announced on July 8, is similar to those on most other major cruise lines. Carnival prohibits smoking inside the staterooms. Guests who smoke in staterooms or on balconies will be charged a $250 cleaning fee.

Smoking will still be allowed in designated open deck areas, as well as night clubs and certain areas within the casino and casino bar.

Carnival said the smoking policy was changed due to guest feedback, but the news predictably fired up heated reaction online.

Carnival also said the 50-cent increase in daily recommended gratuities to $12 marks the first increase in nearly three years and now “places Carnival’s recommended gratuities in line with other major cruise operators.”

Gratuities are automatically added to Sail & Sign onboard accounts, although guests can always increase or decrease the amount once on board.

Source: Travel Pulse, http://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/carnival-bans-smoking-on-balconies.html