Ships travelling in British waters face a complete smoking ban in 2009 as P&O cuts back on lighting up. The Department for Transport is considering banning smoking inside vessels within 12 miles (19km) of the British coast. This means that smokers could light up for only 17 of the 29 miles between Dover and Calais.

William Gibbons, director of the Passenger Shipping Association, said that announcements would be made to let passengers know when smoking was permitted. “The rules will apply to all ships, whatever the flag,” he said.

P&O Cruises is the latest cruise line to ban smoking inside three of its ships – the Oceana, Ventura and Artemis. Passengers will be allowed to light up only in designated outside areas or on private balconies. A spokesman said: “We do not believe we will lose passengers. We hope that becoming smoke free will create a more pleasant environment.”