Carnival Dream cruise ship (photo by Ruth Peterkin)
Carnival Cruise Line has updated its smoking policy and violators may be disembarked from the cruise ship.
The policy will take effect on 1 December, but the information on the web pages have already been updated. It is clear that when you smoke in the stateroom or balcony, you — as well as everyone in your stateroom — will be kicked off at the next stop.
In the past, Carnival charged a fairly substantial cleaning fee to those who smoke in their staterooms or on the balconies. Now, the cruise line is imposing a much stricter policy.
Smoking policy
On the Carnival web page specifically devoted to smoking-related issues, the question is asked: “What happens if a guest is caught smoking in a stateroom or balcony?”
“They will be assessed a USD 500 charge, per violation, on their Sail & Sign account. Information on this charge is included in Section 8 of Carnival’s Cruise Ticket Contract. The assessment of this charge does not allow a guest to continue smoking in his/her stateroom.”
It is important to note that it does not mean that simply paying the fee will allow the person in question to continue to violate the policy.
“All guests in the stateroom may be disembarked from the vessel”
The site continues: “If a guest is found to be in violation of our smoking policy, all guests in the stateroom may be disembarked from the vessel and risk not being allowed to sail on Carnival in the future. Guests will be responsible for all financial charges and expenses to return home, and no refund of unused cruise fare will be provided.”
Carnival advises guests that if they saw someone violating the rules, fellow passengers should contact guest services as opposed to confronting the situation directly. “This will help avoid uncomfortable situations between guests,” the website explains.
Harsher punishment
Although the page says that the policy “is consistent with the policy of other major lines,” Carnival Cruise Line policy is stricter.
Norwegian’s written policy states that “smoking inside your stateroom or on our balcony will result in a USD 250 cleaning charge added to your onboard account” with no mention of disembarking.
Royal Caribbean’s smoking policy also cites a USD 250 cleaning charge, but adds that the passenger “may be subject to further action pursuant to the ‘Consequences Section’ of the Guest Conduct Policy.” That section lists several scenarios, including the possibility of being disembarked.
To avoid hefty fees and being kicked off the cruise, Carnival has designated smoking areas.
