Smoking question

[mesci14]

The more and more I am reading, I am coming up with a HUGE concern. We will be traveling on the Dawn in July. My son has allergies and allergy induced asthma. Smoke is a problem for him and to be honest because we are so smoke free, smoke causes bronchial irritation for me as well. Smokers who smoke outside in public areas can induce a medical reaction. My concern from what I am reading is that there are no designated smoking areas that are enforced that we can avoid. It sounds like on the Dawn smoking is allowed outside everywhere. Is this true??? I realize to each their own, but because smoking is a health hazard; it would be my hope that there would be smoke free areas that can be enjoyed...particularly those areas frequently inhabited by children. This way those who choose to smoke may do so and those who choose to be smoke free or must be medically can enjoy that as well. Any information on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[DMH15]

I was on the Dawn a few years ago and I don't remember smoke being an issue. My mother has to avoid smoke so it would have been memorable had it bothered her. Of course the casino is the smokiest place, but I don't thnk your son is into slots yet. Just kidding.

 

I want to say a lot of people come on here to ask about smoke but few post as nicely as you did.

 

Have a great cruise on the Dawn. She's a lovely ship.

[che5904]

The smoking policy on NCL is covered in the FAQ on their web site.

 

"We want you to be comfortable on board, so public areas throughout all NCL ships are smoke free. If you smoke cigarettes, you can do so in your stateroom, on your balcony, in the casino or Cigar Bar (where available). If you prefer pipes or cigars, you can smoke in the Cigar Bar or designated smoking lounge. Also, you can smoke cigarettes, pipes and cigars outside on open decks (just not around food venues, sport decks, kids' pool areas and other designated non-smoking areas)."

 

On ships I have been on smoking has only been permitted on the port side of outside decks, that may not pertain to all ships. That is the way it was on the Dawn before drydock. So if it is still that way, the way to avoid it on outside decks is to stay on the starboard side.

 

Regardless to the pros, cons, fors or againsts, insides out or upside down of this issue. That is the policy. The policy is not an issue to some and is an issue to others. It has been fought to death on these boards. Some say it's a major problem, others say they didn't even notice. Some will claim it was a problem even if it wasn't because the total idea of smoking allowed anywhere on earth is apalling to them.

[Planer's Edge]

Perhaps if this is a very strong issue for you, you have chose the wrong cruise line.

 

 

I am curious as to why you think NCl would be a bad choice for OP as compared most other lines? With the exception of allowing smoking in your cabin and on your balcony, NCL's smoking policy is the same as almost all other mass market cruise lines.

 

PE

[che5904]

I am curious as to why you think NCl would be a bad choice for OP as compared most other lines? With the exception of allowing smoking in your cabin and on your balcony' date=' NCL's smoking policy is the same as almost all other mass market cruise lines.[/color']

 

PE

 

LOL PE I was in the middle of re-reading and editing my post when you wrote this. I realized that the explanation to explain why I made this statement based on numerous smoke fighting threads that claim NCL and Carnival have the most lenient rules, was going to get too confusing and chose to just omit it.

 

LOL I guess you are just too quick :D

[mtwingcpa]

When I was aboard the Dawn in November 2009, I found NO designated non-smoking areas on outside decks. Even in the pool area smoking was openly tolerated on both sides (unlike other NCL ships where one side is clearly designated "non"). Although the overall impact generally wasn't horrible, I did find the need to "keep moving" when outdoors. For this and other reasons the Dawn is my least favorite of the four NCL ships I've cruised on.

[time2cruise1]

When I was aboard the Dawn in November 2009, I found NO designated non-smoking areas on outside decks. Even in the pool area smoking was openly tolerated on both sides (unlike other NCL ships where one side is clearly designated "non"). Although the overall impact generally wasn't horrible, I did find the need to "keep moving" when outdoors. For this and other reasons the Dawn is my least favorite of the four NCL ships I've cruised on.

 

What I love about the boards so many different experiences on the same ship. I have been on the Dawn 9 times. First time she was 2 months old and last summer the last. Booked for number 10 next year. Every time the port side of the pool deck was smoking and starboard non smoking. Sure every once in while a smoker sits down in the wrong area but I have found most smokers are trying to be more considerate then we give them credit for. I just mention smoking is only in the other area and 9 of 10 times they move or go have their smoke on the port side and return. No need for us to move.

[wg6530]

I am a bit sensitive to smoke. Not as sensitive as your son, but enough to understand your concerns.

 

even though smoking is allowed in NCL cabins, I have not yet have a smelly cabin on any ship. that was good enough for me, but I do not know it is good enough for your son.

 

to the best of my knowledge, Celebrity has the most restrictive smoking policy of the mainstream lines. If smoke is really a significant health concern, you may wish to look at Celebrity. No smoking in cabins or balconies. No smoking in casino. with their restrictions, Celebrity now just seems to draw fewer smokers, we some smokers fleeing to Princess, HAL, etc. You may need to balance smoking policy against kids programs. I do not generally sail with youngsters, so I cannot say much about kids programs. I do not usually see many kids on Celebrity, but I select longer cruises while school are in session. YMMV.

[ShipShape4me]

The smoking policy on NCL is covered in the FAQ on their web site.

 

"We want you to be comfortable on board, so public areas throughout all NCL ships are smoke free. If you smoke cigarettes, you can do so in your stateroom, on your balcony, in the casino or Cigar Bar (where available). If you prefer pipes or cigars, you can smoke in the Cigar Bar or designated smoking lounge. Also, you can smoke cigarettes, pipes and cigars outside on open decks (just not around food venues, sport decks, kids' pool areas and other designated non-smoking areas)."

 

On ships I have been on smoking has only been permitted on the port side of outside decks, that may not pertain to all ships. That is the way it was on the Dawn before drydock. So if it is still that way, the way to avoid it on outside decks is to stay on the starboard side.

 

Regardless to the pros, cons, fors or againsts, insides out or upside down of this issue. That is the policy. The policy is not an issue to some and is an issue to others. It has been fought to death on these boards. Some say it's a major problem, others say they didn't even notice. Some will claim it was a problem even if it wasn't because the total idea of smoking allowed anywhere on earth is apalling to them.

 

I would question if the non-smoking areas are enforced any better than the saving and holding pool chairs? As I read the different responses from different folks on the same ship, I would suggest that the smoking issues really depend on who your fellow passengers are....

[che5904]

I would question if the non-smoking areas are enforced any better than the saving and holding pool chairs? As I read the different responses from different folks on the same ship, I would suggest that the smoking issues really depend on who your fellow passengers are....

 

All I can tell you is what I personally know or have seen. I really have no idea how well it is monitored or enforced because if there was a "you can smoke here sign", as there is on the Dawn at the port side of the pool area I smoked there, if there was a universal no smoking symbol as there was on the starboard side tables of the pool area, I did not smoke there. Deck 7 there were no signs to the affect that I seen unless it was around the pub entrance but there were wall ashtrays on the port side and none on the starboard. I took that to be an indication (since I would have no where to put on the cigarette butt) that that meant no smoking starboard side. Saying that there could have been no smoking signs there too but I noticed the lack of wall ashtray and went to the other side. The tiers that led to deck 13 had no signs either way. We didn't spend any time there but I assumed that was covered under the "open deck" policy since it was not marked. I did see smokers come and stand near our table on the port side of the pool to have their cigarette and then return to their party on the other side when finished.

 

I have heard because the policy is just marked "open decks" that some will inadvertently light up if the symbol on the table has been covered by something and they didn't know. I thought the welcome booklet specifically designed for my ship really should have had the areas marked better for both to know. JMO

 

I also would assume if I chose to attempt to smoke in one of the restaurants or bars (all no smoking) that an NCL employee would be quick to tell me it wasn't allowed. I didn't try it or see anyone else attempt this so I have no way to know for sure if it would have been enforced.

[che5904]

When I was aboard the Dawn in November 2009, I found NO designated non-smoking areas on outside decks. Even in the pool area smoking was openly tolerated on both sides (unlike other NCL ships where one side is clearly designated "non"). Although the overall impact generally wasn't horrible, I did find the need to "keep moving" when outdoors. For this and other reasons the Dawn is my least favorite of the four NCL ships I've cruised on.

 

This photo was taken on the NCL Dawn Feb/Mar 2009. The sign "You can smoke here" (the white and green sign) was posted on every 2nd pillar. The posts in between had "slippery when wet"

 

Not sure how much more clearly you would wish it to be marked.

[ShipShape4me]

All I can tell you is what I personally know or have seen. I really have no idea how well it is monitored or enforced because if there was a "you can smoke here sign", as there is on the Dawn at the port side of the pool area I smoked there, if there was a universal no smoking symbol as there was on the starboard side tables of the pool area, I did not smoke there. Deck 7 there were no signs to the affect that I seen unless it was around the pub entrance but there were wall ashtrays on the port side and none on the starboard. I took that to be an indication (since I would have no where to put on the cigarette butt) that that meant no smoking starboard side. Saying that there could have been no smoking signs there too but I noticed the lack of wall ashtray and went to the other side. The tiers that led to deck 13 had no signs either way. We didn't spend any time there but I assumed that was covered under the "open deck" policy since it was not marked. I did see smokers come and stand near our table on the port side of the pool to have their cigarette and then return to their party on the other side when finished.

 

I have heard because the policy is just marked "open decks" that some will inadvertently light up if the symbol on the table has been covered by something and they didn't know. I thought the welcome booklet specifically designed for my ship really should have had the areas marked better for both to know. JMO

 

I also would assume if I chose to attempt to smoke in one of the restaurants or bars (all no smoking) that an NCL employee would be quick to tell me it wasn't allowed. I didn't try it or see anyone else attempt this so I have no way to know for sure if it would have been enforced.

 

OK... your point is well recieved... but comparing smoking in the dinning room is like comparing nude sun bathing in the Kids pool. I am sure NCL would enforce wearing a swim suit. (This comment is more humor intended than serious, please don't take me too seriously as you and I seem to agree on this issue). Cheers!

[che5904]

OK... your point is well recieved... but comparing smoking in the dinning room is like comparing nude sun bathing in the Kids pool. I am sure NCL would enforce wearing a swim suit. (This comment is more humor intended than serious, please don't take me too seriously as you and I seem to agree on this issue). Cheers!

 

I even agree with your humor :). It definately is not comparable, I just didn't break any rules to find out in either place. ;)

[CTKath]

to the best of my knowledge' date=' Celebrity has the most restrictive smoking policy of the mainstream lines. If smoke is really a significant health concern, you may wish to look at Celebrity. No smoking in cabins or balconies. [b']No smoking in casino[/b].

 

Really?? {running to Celebrity website to research for next cruise} :D

 

I know Oceania isn't considered one of the mainstream lines, but it's smoking policy was wonderful for us non-smokers! You can only smoke in one place inside and one place outside. That's it! I could actually enjoy the casino (it's not like we're gamblers, but just like to play slots once and awhile) and if I had to go by the outside smoking area, I just held my breath. Which is something I do whenever I have to go into or out of buildings. Now if only theaters had policies on not to light up as soon as you hit the outside door!

[mtwingcpa]

This photo was taken on the NCL Dawn Feb/Mar 2009. The sign "You can smoke here" (the white and green sign) was posted on every 2nd pillar. The posts in between had "slippery when wet" Not sure how much more clearly you would wish it to be marked.

 

But (as of November 2009) there was no signage or table emblems on the other side of the pool proclaiming it to be NON smoking. So people carried ashtrays across from the area you photographed, sat down and smoked. And nearby personnel did nothing to stop it. I would have complained, but in the absence of signage proclaiming a non-smoking area, it didn't seem my compliant would have basis.

 

The Daily on my November 2009 cruise stated as follows: "You can smoke cigarettes, pipes & cigars outside on open decks (just please don't smoke around food venues, sports decks or jogging areas, kids pool areas and OTHER DESIGNATED NON-SMOKING AREAS [emphasis added])." But that was the irony: There WERE NO designated non-smoking areas. The Daily did NOT say "you can only smoke where you see a 'smoking permitted' sign." Nor did the Daily state that one side of the pool is non-smoking, as is generally the case on other NCL ships.

[melligene]

When I was aboard the Dawn in November 2009, I found NO designated non-smoking areas on outside decks. Even in the pool area smoking was openly tolerated on both sides (unlike other NCL ships where one side is clearly designated "non"). Although the overall impact generally wasn't horrible, I did find the need to "keep moving" when outdoors. For this and other reasons the Dawn is my least favorite of the four NCL ships I've cruised on.

 

We were on the Dawn for our very first cruise in November 2008. On the Jewel 2009. My observation: smoking permitted where there are ashtrays.

Typically both sides of the promenade deck (deck 7) port side of deck 12 and and your own balcony state/mini-suite.

[mesci14]

Thanks everyone for the good info. I am feeling better about it. My son is a teenager so he is able for the most part to manage his health needs that is why I was hoping that around the pool would be nonsmoking as well as the area near teen center and some of the deck space/sporting/walking areas. He/we have no problem using only areas that are for non smoking and respect the rights of others to do as they choose. I was just hoping that there would be dedicated non smoking areas which it sounds like there may be (according to some). Good to know about the celebrity. Any ideas where they sail from? What makes this cruise more affordable to us is the fact that we don't have to have airfare (from where we live airfare is outrageous). Also good to know that you have had good experiences with the removal of smoke from the rooms. Thanks everyone.

[che5904]

mesci14 this photo is taken from the starboard (non-smoking) side toward the port (smoking) side. There is a lower platform between the pool and the actual deck where the smokers are. So there is even a quite a space between the pool and the deck. I don't think your son should be bothered by it.

 

If you have any issues, I'm sure asked politely if they realized they were on the non-smoking side that they would go over where they are supposed to be. Mostly you will get rebellious, rude, appear to be uncaring smokers when we feel attacked or treated rudely by non-smokers, or treated rudely when we are where we are allowed to be.

 

NCL has clear cut rules, just not always clear cut signage. Such as on the non-smoking side there were no pillar posted signs like on the port side but tiny no smoking symbols on the tables.

[wg6530]

Really?? {running to Celebrity website to research for next cruise} :D...

Yes, really, the casinos on Celebrity are smoke free. Best smelling casino I have experienced. There must be an indoor smoking location, but, as a non smoker, I do not recall where it was. I do recall a outdoor but sheltered smoking area that seem well utilized.

?...Good to know about the celebrity. Any ideas where they sail from? What makes this cruise more affordable to us is the fact that we don't have to have airfare (from where we live airfare is outrageous). Also good to know that you have had good experiences with the removal of smoke from the rooms. Thanks everyone.

For Celebrity, the closest port to Maine would be Port Liberty, NJ. celebrity's newest ship will soon dock there. She should be a beauty, but I do not know if she is within your ground transportation range.I am not trying to hard sell Celebrity, especially on an NCL board. The two cruise lines have significantly different styles. I happen to really like both styles, but I do not know how many people would share that view. Sometimes a casual freestyle cruise is just right. Other times a dressier line with fancier menus appeals to me.

[CTKath]

Sometimes a casual freestyle cruise is just right. Other times a dressier line with fancier menus appeals to me.

 

Exactly!!! :D

[Hikini]

I have not been on the Dawn but I have been on the Star 3 times and they are sister ships. I am guessing that the layout is very, very close to the same. In that case, avoid choosing seats on the starboard side of the Stardust theater on the 6th floor. Because the casino is on that same side and the smoke from the casino comes wafting right into the theater, it's awful.

 

I am sensitive to smoke too, only because I hate it. I am always apprehensive the first 24 hours or so on our balcony because I am certain that we will be surrounded on both sides by smokers. Thankfully that's only happened one time.

[mtwingcpa]

My observation: smoking permitted where there are ashtrays.

 

Agreed, I think that was the "concept" aboard the Dawn (November 2009). But they made no effort to prevent people from moving the ashtrays to tables where they weren't originally placed, so the rule or policy or whatever it was didn't work from a non-smoker's perspective. As I said in an earlier message, I needed to "keep moving" while on deck to avoid smoke.

[DMH15]

Celebrity is my second favorite line. When I sailed the Summit they had a whole section of slots that were non-smoking. Since I sailed I have heard they have made the casino 100% smoke-free. But alas, I love NCL's suite perks so much that has kept me loyal. Wish NCL would institute a few smoke-free nights or even a few hours during the day where one could avoid smoke. I understand we've got to all get co-exist within the rules. But darn, the casino is a place I love to go to and sometimes it is just really bad.

 

I had to find a short weekend west coast cruise so went on Carnival in March. They had a non-smoking section of slots near the entrance, but the problem was I didn't care for any of them. So I had to go into the clouds to play the ones I liked. We made acquaintance with the casino manager who is a non-smoker. He has worked in the casino for 2 years and was recently promoted. I just found that a puzzlement.

[4774Papa]

On NCL smokers can smoke on their balconies, and it sometimes is noticeable, although faintly.

You do need to stay away from the casino, which is always smoky.