P&O CRUISES TO BAN SMOKING ON SHIPS

P&O Cruises is to ban smoking from all inside areas on three ships in its fleet.

The operator will not allow smoking on Oceana, Ventura, and the adult-only Artemis from this October. From that date smoking will be limited to designated outside areas and on outside cabin balconies.

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “Since Britain went smoke free in July 2007 the British public has become accustomed to being in a smoke free environment with 76% of the general public supporting the ban.

“We hope that becoming smoke free will give all our passengers, especially children, a cleaner and more pleasant environment in which at enjoy their holiday on board.

“Cruise ships already provide so many ways to have a fun and healthy holiday, such as spas and fitness centres, and this is another step towards an even healthier holiday experience for all.

“Ventura and Oceana are both child friendly, and between them could have over 1,000 children on board at any one time, therefore we want to ensure they are breathing clean air on board as well as clean ocean air out on open deck.”