Norwegian bans smoking on balconies

Norwegian Cruise Line has joined with other cruise lines in banning smoking on cruise ship balconies effective November 1, 2014.

Smoking will be allowed in casinos but only from active players. Smokers will also be able to light up on the starboard side of waterfront areas on Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway, but not near outdoor dining locations.

Electronic cigarettes will also be banned in public areas where smoking is prohibited. The cruise line says that e-cigarettes will be banned because they look too realistic and other passengers might think that the line’s smoking policies were being violated or no longer enforced.

Any passenger who violates the new anti-smoking policy will face a $250 fine, which will be added to their shipboard account. Other cruise lines such as Carnival already have similar anti-smoking policies in effect.