It has emerged that Carnival Cruise Lines are testing a new non-smoking policy which will restrict smoking areas within their cigar bars and alternative lounges. Welcomed by non-smoking passengers who previously have had to avoid smoking rooms, the new policy being tested includes disposing of many former areas where smoking was allowed, restricting individuals to alternative arrangements.

A constant debate within the cruise holidays sector the tested policies have been welcomed by some and criticised by those not wishing for the habit to affect their breaks. On many Carnival liners access to the onboard internet cafe is only provided by walking through cigar lounges, an option which many non smokers were not happy with. Changing cigar smoking spots on the Carnival Glory, Carnival Destiny and Carnival Freedom passengers will now have to take to a sports bar or outside deck space until a final decision is made.

Speaking of the changes to restrict smoking areas Carnival's senior cruise director, John Heald, expressed the cigar bars on Carnival Glory, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Destiny are now totally 100% non-smoking and on other classes of ships some lounges that were smoking are now non-smoking. Now, no final decision has been made and won't be for some time. However, whilst many may criticise the move Carnival's policies on smoking are already far less restrictive than those that many cruise companies operate, with many banning smoking indoors altogether.