Crystal updates smoking, dress policies

In keeping with the increasing national and international restrictions on smoking in public spaces, Crystal Cruises is designating more areas of its ships as smoke-free. Effective with the cruise line’s first cruises in 2013, smoking will be prohibited in the Avenue Saloon and Casino, joining most areas of the ships, including The Bistro, inside the Lido Café, Palm Court, Stardust (Crystal Serenity), Starlight (Crystal Symphony), the Crystal Dining Room, Prego, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar restaurants, and the Galaxy Lounge. There are designated smoking and non-smoking tables in some bars and lounges. Crystal has also issued the following new recommendations for attire on board. During the day, casual wear is appropriate in any onboard lounge and dining venue. This includes resort-style attire, shorts and jeans. After 6 p.m., shorts and baseball caps are not permitted for men or women. For all venues on board, the recommended evening attire is one of the following: !!! Resort Casual: Slacks and a sweater or shirt for men; casual dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women. Ties and jackets are not required. !!! Elegant Casual (Informal): Suit or slacks with a jacket over a sweater or shirt for men. Ties are optional. Cocktail dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women. Jeans are not appropriate. !!! Black Tie (Formal) Optional: While Elegant Casual is always appropriate in the evening, a Black Tie Optional evening offers a celebratory opportunity to dress more formally on a special evening(s). For men, this includes a dark suit with tie or tuxedo; for women, this includes a formal cocktail dress, evening gown or dressy evening separates. On Black Tie Optional evenings, it’s requested that jeans not be worn in any dining venues or lounges, including the Casino. (http://www.crystalcruises.com)