I agree with ChatKat - DH and I are betting that the liability carriers are driving this somehow. But how odd then, that RCI will allow smoking on the balconies - lots of conflicting signals.

I don't smoke anymore, so for me the policy would be mostly a plus. But I have to say that on our last cruise we had a balcony next to a very loud group who brought a boom box and played their favorite music for all of us in the general area. I would have much preferred a quiet smoker on that balcony, I can assure you. :)

And I really feel for all of our LCT family members who do smoke and will be negatively impacted by this.