Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will introduce a totally smoke free indoors environment on all five of its vessels in the fleet beginning early in 2009.

Smoking will be banned in all indoor areas, and permitted only on cabin balconies and  specially designated areas of deck space.

This new ruling will come into effect initially on three vessels:  Boudicca, Black Prince, and Braemar will become smoke free from their first sailings in 2009 (January 1, 5 and 8 respectively).   Black Watch and Balmoral will follow suit after completion of their 2009 world cruises (April 13 and May 29, respectively).

At present, indoor smoking on Fred. Olsen vessels is restricted to specially designated areas of certain lounges on each of the five ships.

“A recent very extensive survey among our current and past passengers has proved to us without a doubt that this course of action is what most people want and, frankly, expect.   Even those passengers who are committed smokers understand the situation and accept that smoking on board will be restricted to balconies and specified deck areas,” said Mike Rodwell, managing director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.   He continued:  “While we may have a few negative comments initially, I am confident that many new customers who are non-smokers will be encouraged to cruise with us in the future.”

Fred. Olsen operates a fleet of five ships on unique itineraries of varying lengths. Braemar will be based in Miami for the winter 2008-09 season and Boudicca will be based in Barbados.