P&O (Aust) clears the air

P&O Australia has announced (and immediately enforced) a non-smoking policy for all internal areas aboard their ships, including cabins, the Casino and upon balconies in Balcony Staterooms.

The move has been well accepted among both smokers and non-smokers (given the dangers in some areas of the ship) however P&O has reserved plenty of 'smoking areas' along one side of open decks and pool areas.

"There's more than enough space for us smokers" one passenger said to me (aboard Pacific Jewel's promotional 1 night cruise last week)

Smoking is now restricted to the outdoors, and in areas designated for those who want to light up without causing disturbance to the non-smokers; and in the safety of the areas that can cope with it.

P&O (Aust) announces "No tipping for Aussies"

Australian and New Zealand cruise customers have been excused from Automatic Tipping; the liner saying "The change is in response to passenger feedback and recognises the different approach to tipping in the Australian and New Zealand market.

Auto tipping will remain in place until October 2010 "And we encourage passengers to continue to utilise the Auto Tipping service" says P&O, "However after this time, it is the passengers’ choice to reward onboard crew for exceptional service at their own discretion"

Aussie passengers warned by US Cruise Agents

Australian passengers seeking cheap American based agency cruise deals have been warned (by those agents) "Cross-border selling is no longer allowed by most cruiselines, however I can book your cruise but we can not be held responsible for any action (against us) which may be described as 'misdealing' at the time of boarding.

ie. The US Agency accepts no responsibilty if the passenger is refused boarding at the time of embarkation.

The letter (from a renowned US cruise agency) has been distributed among Australian agents and we warn "Buyer Beware" !

I know some of these deals look like they're too good to believe, but often they are just that. Fiction. Check with us at Cruisescene and ask about our price matching policy which will not only have you enjoy these reduced rate cruise fares, you'll deal with an Australian Cruise Agency who don't pass you off once we've got your money!

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