dangler25

Does anyone know of a good tobacco shop in near the port that sells pipe tobacco? TIA

You didn't have to jump at the top to get into the water- I just walked right in. A bit of a climb up but nothing hard, and the guides will lend a hand when needed. Just bring water shoes to prevent slipping on wet rocks. I don't remember anything there re snacks etc, but the scenery and swim were totally worth it!

I have to say, Out to Sea, I totally enjoy reading your posts- sounds like you have a level head and can see both sides- and- are not insulting to others!!!

Re- the e cigs. Are you using the tiny tips that you have to add drops to every few hours? If it's the ones that you fill and last a few days- 1- 3 ml, I think is standard- you can change the wick that you use to get a better 'hit', 'more smoke'. I use the lower ohm numbers- around a 1.9, and it seems to provide the even mix I like. And I agree- the cinnamon is great!!

Actually I have one but don't care for it much. I have to draw rather hard on it to get a decent amount of smoke. And actually, mine has a wonderful cinnamon smell that I love which which is probably why I still use it from time to time.

Right on!!!

based on this line of thought, since there have been many more injuries and deaths in the last few years due to the over consumption of alcohol, if the cruise line was there to protect the "many" and themselves, it would be prudent for them to immediately ban the sale and drinking of alcohol on board. :rolleyes:

In the letter I had said that I wouldn't be cruising anymore on lines where balcony smoking was not allowed. I have one booked for November, and told them that since I couldn't cancel flights, I would go, but would not spend anything on NCL sponsored shore excursions, drinks, gift shop purchases etc.

I explained that I did agree with no cabin smoking, but felt that NCL and other lines were not willing to accommodate this minority, who also spend their disposable income, by allowing some cabins to be balcony smoking, with the understanding that when you booked, you had no right to complain one way or the other depending on which type you booked. The person I spoke with did not have a specific set of questions, we discussed my opinion, the opinions of non smokers and industry wide changes- the main concern I felt, was my saying I would not cruise again. I'm not a person who only does cruises, but I did enjoy the freestyle cruising offered by NCL. I also pointed out that in my opinion, smoking being allowed only while actively gambling was nothing more than a cash grab, and did not correspond with their "policy" of making the cruise safer for all customers. In regards to the e-cigarettes- which I have used, I explained that I felt this was totally ridiculous- if it looks like a duck- it must be a duck?? Anyone who has used them knows that a great majority of them look nothing like a cigarette- and for the ones that do-right back to the duck!! And a great many of the people who use them do not use nicotine- that is an option- it is not standard in all e-cigarettes. They also range in flavors from bubble gum and cinnamon, to pipe tobacco and cigarette flavor.

I try not to post on here because, as I pointed out to her, there are smokers with strong opinions, and non smokers with strong opinions- to say one is right or wrong is very narrow minded. Any one of a number of groups is in the "minority" in society. I just want to be given the option to smoke- on a balcony that I also have paid for- and of their choosing if that is the case.

And yes- I've heard all the comments- good- stay home, more balconies for us non smokers. Again- you have the right to have that opinion. I also have a right to mine. I am fine with all inclusives, bus tours in Europe, there are so many other options out there. I will not stop travelling, I will just travel differently.

Inquiring minds wanna know lol. I'm curious to and as to what kind of questions they asked

Totally agree. I wrote a letter to Mr Sheehan, not an email. I actually got a response from one of his staff today in the way of a telephone interview.

Who knows if it made a difference, but at least I was able to voice my opinion and let them know my feelings on the subject.

talk about beating a dead dog....its ncl's pocket that just needs to be hit,myself if i didnt have a garden ville planned i would jump ship too :D

I will cruise HAL in the future if they continue to allow balcony smoking.

Please reply ONLY if you will continue to sail on HAL if smoking is permitted on balconies. No other replies asked. Please respect the statement.

 

Diane

There is a basketball court directly behind the garden villa on the star- I've been in the garden villa- and staff and passengers use this area.

I don't think Kevin is saying that at all. GVs have large sundecks -- maybe about 4000 sqft of private space at the top of the ship.

 

Not sure how smoking would bother anyone on the star or dawn since they're not balconies.

 

I know GVs on other ships have balconies off the rooms so they will probably say pax can't smoke there but on the sundecks and outdoor villa area they will be allowed.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

So Mr Sheehan is saying- if you spend lots of money-ie. the Garden Villa- then its ok to smoke there- nice Mr Sheehan- nice to see the priority is health and well being and not the bottom line-cash!!

Interesting. I wonder how this also applies to the DOS's on 15 or the Haven sun deck on 15. I would think no smoking, but who knows!

I called NCL yesterday asking for an email address for Kevin Sheehan- and was told they don't have one- I had to mail a letter of complaint to him- which I did!!

Interesting. I wonder how this also applies to the DOS's on 15 or the Haven sun deck on 15. I would think no smoking, but who knows!

Thank you, thank you!!!!!!

Planning for 2 years from now is even more exciting reading your posts and seeing the incredible pictures.

Looking forward to details when you get home re: private touring and companies used in Australia.

You'll be happy to know that you'll be missing the coldest night of the year here in Ontario tonight (as well as your neck of the woods in Ohio).

Rosa

Thanks Terry for all the great photos and insights!!!

Duncan (AussieCruiser) suggested I check your blog for ideas for a planned trip in 2014.

Great info and new places I want to see- I'll never get it all in but will have fun trying!!

Btw- you'll be happy to hear we're in the throes of another Polar Vortex- and your group is missing it!!!

Rosa

Hi All,

I'm Rosa, from Ontario Canada. My first solo trip was a Europe 16 day land tour. Although a bus full of people is not really solo- it was for me,lol. I had decided after trying to find a friend to go with and having no luck, if I ever wanted to travel again after my husband died, I'd better try going it alone. I had a wonderful time!!! Since then I've gone to an all inclusive alone and many short drive vacations (5-7 day sort of thing).

I've booked with NCL in October to the Caribbean (a group of new friends, but just me in the cabin).

Although I do like to travel solo, I find it very prohibitive with cruising because of the cost. Add to that, I smoke (balcony cabin only now).

I'd love to go to Australia and New Zealand at some point in the future.

I found the land tour much less expensive in regards to single supplements. Here's hoping more cruise lines realize how many solo cruisers there are out here when they're trying to reach their 100% occupancy.