smoking and non-smoking sections on ships!

[JerseyJaguar]

I wonder though if the reason that NCL is prohibiting smoking in cabins (as is Princess) has to do with the cost and effort associated with "de-smoking" them? Obviously I do not know what the impetus was for the change, but I think it may have more to do with cleaning costs than it does with militant non-smokers forcing a change. Regardless of the reaosn, you may have a point though about non-smokers having a harder time enjoying a smoke free envrionment if smoking in the cabin is off limits.

Well, they've done tons of surveys and as you can tell, the anti-smoking folks complain about smoking even when it's on a cruiseline they don't often cruise (see Happy). We've been told it's because this is what the people want, but it isn't. As Happy proves, she really won't be happy till she makes every smokers' life difficult whether it's her cruiseline or not.

 

I'm sure that those are the same people who then complain when they sit in the smoking area of the ship and people are actually smoking. Co-existing is not something they are capable of.

[stephenandrew]

I'm sure that those are the same people who then complain when they sit in the smoking area of the ship and people are actually smoking. Co-existing is not something they are capable of.

 

Well, not so sure I can agree with that--most of the non-smokers I know would be looking to completely avoid the smoking section of the ship, not land smack dab in the middle of it. As far as coexisting, yes, I am sure you are right, there are anti-smoking zealots who probably carry things a bit too far. I don't give a lot of weight to people who complain about people who smoke within the rules on NCL's ships--yes, they may "annoy" fellow non-smoking passengers while grabbing a smoke out on the balcony, but they have every right to be there. There have been times when I was on a balcony and had to deal with the smell of smoke---no I did not like it, and I probably did curse under my breath about them polluting "my" air. But too bad for me---nothing I could do to stop them from smoking. And while I would loved to have been able to tell them to knock it off, I had no such authority to do so. Had I said anything to them, they would have had every right to tell me to take a flying leap.

[madelinerose]

oops, wrong thread. sorry.

[oldguysandgalls]

RCL already enforces a strict rule on smoking in cabins. Two years ago, when we sailed on the Grandeur of the Seas, the fine for violating the non-smoking policy in cabins was I believe $250.00

 

We are smokers (still trying to kick the habit) so the non-smoking rule actually worked for us since we already have our own non-smoking rule by not smoking in our cabin, balcony or the casino.

[Richie2pies]

Did anyone ever think that some smokers will pay the extra $259 (if they are caught) to smoke on their balcony? If a neighbor complains they could always deny it. At night, pretty tough to get caught while the lights are out and the ship is moving.

[che5904]

Did anyone ever think that some smokers will pay the extra $259 (if they are caught) to smoke on their balcony? If a neighbor complains they could always deny it. At night, pretty tough to get caught while the lights are out and the ship is moving.

 

 

But smoking is allowed on balconies, not need for an extra $259.

[blindrid]

Cruise ships are pressurized, so it is impossible that smoke will get into your cabin from a next door balcony. Your are not overly sensitive to smoking, but to the issue of smoking....loosen up.

 

Gerrie: Just a side note: I'm down to a pack a day now........ :) (though this may be the first time my thread has been mistaken me for a non-smoker though).

[In_Search_Of_A_Beach]

We love NCL but are trying Princess out later next year. I hear they have a new non-smoking policy going into effect in Jan but smoking on balconies will still be allowed. I was wondering if that would mean MORE smoke smell coming from there. We shall find out soon enough!

 

Princess' new smoking policy goes into effect for cruises sailing after January 15th, 2012 and does NOT allow smoking in staterooms or on balconies. We got our trip in just under the wire (my husband smokes) and are now switching to NCL because of it. I love Princess, so I have to get him to quit before we can sail them again!

I am not going to read this entire thread, but I hope your husband finds the power and support to quit.

[halos]

You might want to check the facts. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2006 20.8% of U.S. adults smoked cigarettes (there may be later data, but the overall trend for many years is a decline in the percentage of adults who smoke, so it's highly unlikely that the 20.8% figure has suddenly ballooned).

 

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5644a2.htm

 

Cigarette Smoking Among Adults --- United States, 2006

 

One of the national health objectives for 2010 is to reduce the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults to <12% (objective 7-1a) (1). To assess progress toward achieving this objective, CDC analyzed data from the 2006 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that in 2006, approximately 20.8% of U.S. adults were current cigarette smokers.

 

I can't say what the national figures are but they had some numbers for our state back about a year ago and smoking has actually increased here.....Don't get me started on how utterly stupid that seems to me.

 

I 'get' that there was a time prior to the science, that people smoked and became addicted not knowing the implications and I can only imagine how insanely difficult it is to quit (and I give huge kudos to those that have)

 

For someone to start now, in this point in time where you are aware of the physical dangers let alone the cost of cigarettes????

Seriously...WTH??!!

 

As for smoking on ships, there have been times that I was bothered on my balcony, but those times were few and I don't get upset. There are so many restrictions on smokers and it is far easier for me to find a smoke free area than it is for a smoker to find a place to smoke.

You have to be reasonable.

[stephenandrew]

I would mention that I am a non-smoker and just got back from a 7-day cruise on the Epic; my first on NCL. I had no issues with the smell of lingering smoke in my cabin--NCL seems to have a good smoke mitigation/cleaning process, so the cabin seemed like it was a "non-smoking" cabin. I have seen a lot of people raise concerns about the levels of smoke in the public areas, particualrly the casino and surrounding areas. When I walked through the casino and surrounding areas, I could sometimes smell smoke, but it was a lot more subdued than what I was expecting--hardly the large floating clounds of smoke that have sometimes been characterized. Also, I never smelled any smoke in any other public areas. Only once, did I smell smoke coming from an adjacent balcony--obviosuly, that was just good fortune in our case.

[Medtech2]

I'm glad you haven't had any issues in all your years of cruising. Please tell me how smokers smoking where they are permitted to smoke (on their own balconies) is deemed "inconsiderate".

Inconsiderate are those who habitually light a cigarette, then never smoke it but just wave it around or leave it smoldering in an ashtray, even after they have left the premises....

[Medtech2]

Cruise ships are pressurized, so it is impossible that smoke will get into your cabin from a next door balcony. Your are not overly sensitive to smoking, but to the issue of smoking....loosen up.

So not true. We had chain smokers next door to our balcony room and yes indeedy that smoke got in....

[Medtech2]

I can't say what the national figures are but they had some numbers for our state back about a year ago and smoking has actually increased here.....Don't get me started on how utterly stupid that seems to me.

 

I 'get' that there was a time prior to the science, that people smoked and became addicted not knowing the implications and I can only imagine how insanely difficult it is to quit (and I give huge kudos to those that have)

 

For someone to start now, in this point in time where you are aware of the physical dangers let alone the cost of cigarettes????

Seriously...WTH??!!

 

As for smoking on ships, there have been times that I was bothered on my balcony, but those times were few and I don't get upset. There are so many restrictions on smokers and it is far easier for me to find a smoke free area than it is for a smoker to find a place to smoke.

You have to be reasonable.

Well, smoking literally closes my sinuses. I lose all ability to breathe through my nose or taste anything. Some perfumes do it to me also.

 

My son was vehemently anti-smoking as a small child, once crying until we left a restaurant that had a smoking section. He now smokes! He has no money ever, is a poor college student, knows the risks ( I work in a hospital), and yet chooses to smoke. Once he tried it he was immediately addicted and now says he cannot stop. We have an ashtray on the front and back porch for him.

 

I noticed over the holidays he would just get up from a family gathering and I just assumed he went outside to smoke, and then come back. He knows that smoke smell will affect the resale of his car but still smokes in it. He is now 21. He is an adult and in charge of his own destiny. Those of us who tried it and did not get hooked wonder how this can happen in today's society but it does, every day...

 

Personally I would rather smoking be restricted to cabins and not allowed elsewhere but I can surely believe the policy change has everything to do with costs of burns and cleaning and nothing to do with my nonsmoking preferences.

 

BTW, for any who were curious, the Epic had a gorgeous cigar lounge right next to the Shakers Martini Bar. It was always empty when I looked and was a nice place to get away from the crowds....;)

[Bobbye]

I've always wondered why they don't sell the electronic cigarettes on board. They are getting more widely accepted and a lot of the smells are bakery and fruity -- far from the smell that a regular cigarette gives off. We actually saw one of the Carnival Captains doing this on a cruise -- in both smoking and non-smoking areas.

[sharonny]

OK first of all I'm a smoker who quit for 5 years. Restarted and have failed many times trying to quit again. I hate the smell of cig smoke on me or my clothes (go figure). I don't smoke in my car or house. Have friends who do smoke and friends who don't. I wouldn't get a balcony cabin just to smoke, I have no problem going to designated areas. That said, if I paid for a balcony and am allowed to smoke on that balcony, I would. Would I be considerate of my neighbors, absolutely, but I also expect them to be considerate of me. I don't expect to hear someone complaining constantly because I lite up for what 5 minutes max. Some anti-smokers feel that they have more rights (so to speak) than those that choose to smoke. If I'm in a non-designated smokers spot, feel free to call the smoke police but if I'm in a location designated allowed then please shhhhh! I'm aware that some smokers make us all look bad, but really most of us are considerate and aware of our surroundings.

 

On one cruise I was out on our balcony (a non-smoker then) with my family watching the dolphins. Smelled a brief faint smoke smell, very faint. Next thing I know my neighbor it cursing up a storm, sticks his head around the divider and calls me a few names threatening to call security for ruining his trip. Tried to tell him we don't smoke. My not so nice self flipped him off and told him to go call security.:eek:

[halos]

That said, if I paid for a balcony and am allowed to smoke on that balcony, I would. Would I be considerate of my neighbors, absolutely, but I also expect them to be considerate of me.

 

Totally agree with you.

[che5904]

Inconsiderate are those who habitually light a cigarette, then never smoke it but just wave it around or leave it smoldering in an ashtray, even after they have left the premises....

 

Actually I will disagree with your first statement since as I pointed out, they are smoking where permitted regardless to how many they actually smoke or as you say wave around.

 

As for the latter part of your statement. On a cruise ship, leaving your cigarette smoldering in an ashtray, with or without, leaving the premises on a balcony I wouldn't deem inconsiderate, I would deem that to be down right stupid. Sorry I don't buy into all the hoopla over fire issues on a ship due to smoking, however, that would be a big fire issue. Those "safety" ashtrays they provide are only saftety as far as not allowing any sparks to fly around once the ashes are put in or cigarette is put out in them.

[che5904]

I've always wondered why they don't sell the electronic cigarettes on board. They are getting more widely accepted and a lot of the smells are bakery and fruity -- far from the smell that a regular cigarette gives off. We actually saw one of the Carnival Captains doing this on a cruise -- in both smoking and non-smoking areas.

 

No they are not getting more widely accepted. There are more bans on electronic cigarettes than there are on regular cigarettes. If you know someone who uses them and cruises, you may want to warn them before they cruise to check their port countries.

 

They are banned in a few states, they are banned in Canada if they contain nicotine and they are illegal in some places like Mexico and other countries.

 

Nice try but because of pressure from the pro-no-smokers, no Government will do full tests on them to see that they are not dangerous.

[johnql]

Nice try but because of pressure from the pro-no-smokers, no Government will do full tests on them to see that they are not dangerous.

Just curious - what do you base this statement on? Couldn't it be that cigarette makers are lobbying against the electronic cigarettes since it could cut into their profits? I would think that pro-no-smokers (as you put it) would very much prefer people using the e-cigs vs real ones.

[che5904]

Just curious - what do you base this statement on? Couldn't it be that cigarette makers are lobbying against the electronic cigarettes since it could cut into their profits? I would think that pro-no-smokers (as you put it) would very much prefer people using the e-cigs vs real ones.

 

I switched over from cigarettes to the e-cigs last Christmas. As I stated we can have them here in Canada as long as they don't contain nicotine.

 

Went to the states for the weekend at New Years and was stopped at the border coming back and they wanted to take them. After quite the hassle (over an hour at customs) I did convince them that mine didn't contain nicotine and therefore did not fall under our food and drug act, the brand I had also did not claim to help you quit so they didn't fall under the medical act.

 

So since I had done little research prior to using them except to see that the tests that had been done on them came back saying they were safe. I decided a little more research before my cruise in February was in order, to assure me I wasn't going to have issues any where else. Comically enough I was headed to Mexico on my cruise and in Mexico they are illegal and I could have been thrown in jail. Glad I looked further into them.

 

While doing the research I found the above information that I stated. It had to do with the fact these look like cigarettes that the pro-non-smoking groups were fighting governments allowing them. Using things like they would look cool to teens who would then branch from them to real cigarettes or just smoke real cigarettes because these looked like them. Also that if it looked like a cigarette it must be bad. Also that because from a distance you cannot tell them from the real thing. The latter is the same reason that airlines have now banned them, because they got tired of trying to explain to other passengers that this was vapor and not smoke and was not harmful.

 

As for your statement "I would think that pro-no-smokers (as you put it) would very much prefer people using the e-cigs vs real ones" (Sorry without being rude I don't know what term to use for those who are so against smokers, because not all non-smokers are). I would have thought so too which was the exact reason that I started using them. I was terribly wrong unfortunately. There is also a video done by a newscaster here (I believe it's CBC Canada) about a year after they hit the market here in Canada. He took them to a large city to a few bars and coffee shops to get the reaction of others. Non-smokers were outraged even when told about them, just because they looked like a cigarette.

[STARFISH*4]

my first balcony and no prob with smokers, but there were a few smokers on the wrong side of the ship and and the crew did let them know.

[johnql]

I switched over from cigarettes to the e-cigs last Christmas. As I stated we can have them here in Canada as long as they don't contain nicotine.

 

Went to the states for the weekend at New Years and was stopped at the border coming back and they wanted to take them. After quite the hassle (over an hour at customs) I did convince them that mine didn't contain nicotine and therefore did not fall under our food and drug act, the brand I had also did not claim to help you quit so they didn't fall under the medical act.

 

So since I had done little research prior to using them except to see that the tests that had been done on them came back saying they were safe. I decided a little more research before my cruise in February was in order, to assure me I wasn't going to have issues any where else. Comically enough I was headed to Mexico on my cruise and in Mexico they are illegal and I could have been thrown in jail. Glad I looked further into them.

 

While doing the research I found the above information that I stated. It had to do with the fact these look like cigarettes that the pro-non-smoking groups were fighting governments allowing them. Using things like they would look cool to teens who would then branch from them to real cigarettes or just smoke real cigarettes because these looked like them. Also that if it looked like a cigarette it must be bad. Also that because from a distance you cannot tell them from the real thing. The latter is the same reason that airlines have now banned them, because they got tired of trying to explain to other passengers that this was vapor and not smoke and was not harmful.

 

As for your statement "I would think that pro-no-smokers (as you put it) would very much prefer people using the e-cigs vs real ones" (Sorry without being rude I don't know what term to use for those who are so against smokers, because not all non-smokers are). I would have thought so too which was the exact reason that I started using them. I was terribly wrong unfortunately. There is also a video done by a newscaster here (I believe it's CBC Canada) about a year after they hit the market here in Canada. He took them to a large city to a few bars and coffee shops to get the reaction of others. Non-smokers were outraged even when told about them, just because they looked like a cigarette.

Thanks for the detailed answer. I can't really dispute anything that you've said but I still think the more powerful and more influential lobbying group is the cigarette manufacturing bloc. I believe their influence on government far surpasses what the general public feels about the e-cigs. Just a supposition on my part. I have no facts to back it up other than the history of how government works. It's the old "follow the money" line of thought.

[che5904]

my first balcony and no prob with smokers, but there were a few smokers on the wrong side of the ship and and the crew did let them know.

 

Not defending those who were in the wrong place, but I think NCL should do a little better job at signage. On our cruise the smoking side of the pool was well marked but the non-smoking side wasn't. They had tiny little signs glue in the center of the tables. So if the tables were occupied and things on them, you could be standing on that side and not even know you were in the wrong section.

 

Glad to hear the crew shooed them to the proper location.

[Rounder]

my first balcony and no prob with smokers, but there were a few smokers on the wrong side of the ship and and the crew did let them know.

 

not sure what cruise line you were on, but with NCL there is no wrong side

 

Norwegian Cruise Line

 

Where You Can Smoke: Smoking is permitted in designated ares on open decks, in casinos and in cigar bars. Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Spirit have cigar bars. Until January 1, 2012, smoking is allowed in cabins and on balconies.

 

Where You Can't: All indoor public areas except casinos and cigar bars are non-smoking. Effective January 1, 2012, smoking will be prohibited in cabins. Cigarette smoking will still be allowed on balconies; however, cigar and pipe smoking on balconies will be prohibited ;)

[che5904]

Thanks for the detailed answer. I can't really dispute anything that you've said but I still think the more powerful and more influential lobbying group is the cigarette manufacturing bloc. I believe their influence on government far surpasses what the general public feels about the e-cigs. Just a supposition on my part. I have no facts to back it up other than the history of how government works. It's the old "follow the money" line of thought.

 

As I said I would have thought so too. But nothing in my research proved me right, so I can only go by what I found. And if you research e-cigs even on CC NCL you will find some of the statements that I found in my online research coming from CC (pro-no-smokers).

 

Too bad they really could have helped both sides come to a compromise and get along.