Cruise Line Ends Bans on Smoking, Children

Renaissance Cruises, which for more than two years claimed to be the only major line that bans children, has reversed that policy. And it has also loosened its ban on smoking. The new policies apply to bookings made April 2 or later and to sailings departing Dec. 1 and later.

In 1999, saying “that’s what our customers wanted,” the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based company stopped taking reservations for anyone under 18. But spokesman Brad Ball said last week that the line had been losing group bookings as a result.

‘We’re still billing ourselves as an adult-oriented cruise company,” he added. Cigars and pipes are still banned throughout the ships, and about 98% of passenger areas are smoke-free. Smoking is allowed in some public areas, depending on the ship.