Smoking Issues on Eastern European Cruise

[panda24]

I'm trying to pick which cruise line to take for an Eastern European cruise. I realize that the majority of passengers will probably be European and they have a different view on smoking. However, my mother is highly susceptible to cigarette smoke. Even the remnants of it left in staterooms. That's why I always take an air-cleaning product with us. Has anyone taken this itinerary with RCCL and found that there was/wasn't a major problem? Any information you have would be greatly appreciated because I don't want to take her on a vacation only for her to spend the entire trip sick.

[LongTimeTvlr]

We took an Eastern Mediterranean cruise on Celebrity Solstice this last August. They have some of the best no-smoking rules among the mass market lines.

 

Check out their prices for the itinerary you have in mind.

 

We had a great time and never had an issue with smokers. My wife and I are both non-smokers and try to avoid smoke as much as possible.

[amybeth4]

I haven't done a European itinerary so I can't help much, but I do want to make sure you know that you can't smoke in cabins on RCCL ships, so at least THAT won't be an issue for her.

 

If people start saying that smoke has been a problem on this itinerary, maybe you should switch to Celebrity. I hear they have a stricter smoking policy. For example, apparently you can't smoke on Celebrity balconies but you can on RCCL.

[Gonzo70]

Definitely look into Celebrity. They have competitive prices for Europe cruises and very restrictive smoking policies (no smoking in casino, all indoor bars but one, all food venues, all staterooms, all hallways, all private balconies, entire Solarium pool).

[Aubiecruiser]

All RCI ship have the same smoking rules. Last year we took a 12 day Med cruise on the Brilliance and the areas that allow smoking are very limited. No smoking at the pool bars and smoking is only allowed on the open common decks and then only on the port side. Smoking was allowed in the sports bar and casino bar only with the exception of the three formal nights where the casino was totally non smoking. Smoking is allowed on private balconies but not in any staterooms, dining areas including the outside dining area for the Windjammer, the Schooner bar, Colony Club, Champagne Bar, Solarium, and the list goes on. As a smoker, I wasn't completely happy with all the new rules but understand the need for the changes. At no time did I see, or hear of any problems with any of the passengers following the rules.

Aubie

[tally10]

All RCI ship have the same smoking rules. Last year we took a 12 day Med cruise on the Brilliance and the areas that allow smoking are very limited. No smoking at the pool bars and smoking is only allowed on the open common decks and then only on the port side. Smoking was allowed in the sports bar and casino bar only with the exception of the three formal nights where the casino was totally non smoking. Smoking is allowed on private balconies but not in any staterooms, dining areas including the outside dining area for the Windjammer, the Schooner bar, Colony Club, Champagne Bar, Solarium, and the list goes on. As a smoker, I wasn't completely happy with all the new rules but understand the need for the changes. At no time did I see, or hear of any problems with any of the passengers following the rules.

Aubie

 

On our Nov. 23rd transatlantic from Southampton (with stops in France, Spain, and Madeira), the Independence of the Seas did not seem to allow smoking anywhere except for the Labrynth Lounge and on the Balconies. Not even the casino (I did see some signs for a smoking area but did not see anyone smoking). I was floored and they explained that the ship's origin was Southampton and England has a no smoking policy and it was enforced for the entire cruise until the ship reached Ft. Lauderdale. Then, of course, it is now an "American" ship and smoking is allowed in the designated areas. We are very much non-smokers due to health issues but to be on the safe side, I would go Celebrity.

[yogimax]

Which eastern european cruise?

[CruisingGoddess]

Just went to the 7-night night Med cruise with Royal Caribbean last month. We had a mid-ship balcony room. After returning from port one night, I left our balcony door open to let in some fresh air. I had to close it after a few minutes because cigarette smoke was going through from someone smoking on their balcony. This was the only problem I had during the whole cruise but I honestly didn't go on the balcony that much.

 

If you plan to get a balcony and enjoy it, I would suggest going with Celebrity as well since you can't smoke on stateroom balconies on that line. If you go with an oceanview or inside cabin, I don't think it will be a problem. Just stay clear of the casnio, pub, and smoking bars/areas.

[panda24]

Thank you all so much!! We're looking at one of the cruises that leaves Italy and goes to: Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. But of course it depends on the itinerary offered. The main objective is Greece. Any suggestions?

[pezeli]

You really shouldn't have a problem. Onboard ship the rules of the cruise line are in effect. Most European countries have public smoking bans. Actually most Europeans I have met do not smoke and really do not like it any more than you or I do.

[andrzej5914]

Thank you all so much!! We're looking at one of the cruises that leaves Italy and goes to: Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. But of course it depends on the itinerary offered. The main objective is Greece. Any suggestions?

 

Eastern European?

 

Actually most Europeans I have met do not smoke and really do not like it any more than you or I do.

 

perhaps the ones you met, but smoking is alive and well in Europe. While it's true that Europe or much of it has adopted smoke-free policy in any and all kind of public establishments, Europe still has the highest per-capita consumption of cigarettes in the six World Health Organization regions, and the European Community is the second largest producer of cigarettes after China.

[berwyn]

On our Nov. 23rd transatlantic from Southampton (with stops in France, Spain, and Madeira), the Independence of the Seas did not seem to allow smoking anywhere except for the Labrynth Lounge and on the Balconies. Not even the casino (I did see some signs for a smoking area but did not see anyone smoking). I was floored and they explained that the ship's origin was Southampton and England has a no smoking policy and it was enforced for the entire cruise until the ship reached Ft. Lauderdale. Then, of course, it is now an "American" ship and smoking is allowed in the designated areas. We are very much non-smokers due to health issues but to be on the safe side, I would go Celebrity.

Can the UK's laws be enforced while at sea, or does the ship just maintain the no smoking ban as a courtesy to the English passengers?

[boulders]

Have a look at Celebrity Equinox's sailings. Their "Holy Land" sailings next fall have the itinerary that you described.

[tnt10]

On our Nov. 23rd transatlantic from Southampton (with stops in France, Spain, and Madeira), the Independence of the Seas did not seem to allow smoking anywhere except for the Labrynth Lounge and on the Balconies. Not even the casino (I did see some signs for a smoking area but did not see anyone smoking). I was floored and they explained that the ship's origin was Southampton and England has a no smoking policy and it was enforced for the entire cruise until the ship reached Ft. Lauderdale. Then, of course, it is now an "American" ship and smoking is allowed in the designated areas. We are very much non-smokers due to health issues but to be on the safe side, I would go Celebrity.

 

I speak from experience. On that sailing smoking was allowed in the following areas: The upper level of the Labrynth; The Connossour's Lounge: The "Smoker's Corner" in the Casino Daily from 0900 to 1130; The Starboard side of the pool area of deck 11; The Starboard side of the Promanade on deck 4; and of course, stateroom balconies.

As others have said, if smoking is a major concern, even on balconies, a cruie line such as Celebrity may be a better fit for your party.

Happy Cruising,

TnT