It was a nightmare. Supposedly the smoke detector went off, but we're not clear on that because neither of the boys was in the cabin at the time. Later, when the boys tried to return to the cabin, the door was sealed and they were told to get their parents. The ship's security wanted to search their room and immediately found the cigarettes -- they seemed to know exactly where to look in my nephew's suitcase.

Remember: no one was caught smoking.

There was no due process or anything, and, in addition to paying four fares (my husband and brother-in-law had to go with them) to Miami, we had to pay a $250 fine. Plus, my husband said the cab ride in Jamaica was truly harrowing.

Carnival told me this is a weekly occurrence!

I'm going to do a "Taking the Kids" column about it but please print this letter. People need to know how seriously Carnival Cruise Lines takes this rule.

Ms. Eileen Ogintz is the syndicated columnist of "Taking The Kids" published in more than 70 North American newspapers.