smoking and non-smoking sections on ships!

[che5904]

I chose NCL specifically because of a change in smoking policy on another cruiseline. I was booked on HAL's Baltic cruise in an oceanview when I got an email saying they were stopping cabin smoking and only allowing it on balconies. Well, their balcony would have cost me $2,000 more so I looked for another line and found a balcony on NCL's Baltic cruise that was the same price as my oceanview on HAL (yes, it's less days, but 2 of those 3 are sea days and I'm only losing one country).

 

I expect there will be more people like me, who chose NCL for their affordable balcony smoking option over ships that either don't have that option or charge too much for a balcony. If they take the balcony smoking away, I will find another cruiseline or another vacation option.

 

See NCL this is at least 3 new customers you've gained.

 

Welcome to NCL JerseyJaguar

[stephenandrew]

And, in the meantime, can't we all just get along?

 

(Note: if any stranger's smoking bothers me,if even for an instant, I picture my sweet sister in law's face. I wouldn't hurt her for the world. My brother has never smoked, and he wishes his wife would quit, and she has tried every method known to man! I love my SIL so any nameless, faceless smoker I imagine as her.)

 

I have said twice before that smoking on NCL in accordance with their guidelines is "cool"--no issues/probelms for me. NCL's ships, NCL's rules. I am more than willing to adjust my behavior/expectations and be flexible. As I have also said, if I have to "bend" more than I would prefer, then I may have to look for other vacation options.

[sdmike]

I agree, but if one were to believe these figures, wouldn't it stand to reason that the fair thing to do would be to give us approx. 20% of public space instead of less than 4%. Just sayin' :rolleyes:

 

That assumes that your smoke would stay within your 20%, which it doesn't :)

[fleet]

I have said twice before that smoking on NCL in accordance with their guidelines is "cool"--no issues/probelms for me. NCL's ships, NCL's rules. I am more than willing to adjust my behavior/expectations and be flexible. As I have also said, if I have to "bend" more than I would prefer, then I may have to look for other vacation options.

 

Count me in as the last cruse with NCL. Lot's of places to spend your vacation dollars with smoking options.

[1 HappyCruiser]

See NCL this is at least 3 new customers you've gained.

 

Welcome to NCL JerseyJaguar

 

Yep, they were smokers who were annoyed by other cruise lines tightening of their smoking policies which might only hasten the inevitable change on NCL in the not to distant future. ;)

[che5904]

Yep, they were smokers who were annoyed by other cruise lines tightening of their smoking policies which might only hasten the inevitable change on NCL in the not to distant future. ;)

 

Well see that is one of the many differences between you and I. You want companies, people etc to change for what you want.

 

I control myself and don't try and control others. I am content with with the status quo, if they change things, fine. If they change things to what I don't like, then I just go elsewhere. My life does not revolve around cruises. I only started cruising 2 years ago and have enjoyed many many years of various types of vacations before this and would again.

[1 HappyCruiser]

Well see that is one of the many differences between you and I. You want companies, people etc to change for what you want.

 

My self & a majority of most cruisers are calling for the change. Whether it'll happen on NCL will be something we'll have to see but my guess is that it will someday soon.

 

I control myself and don't try and control others. I am content with with the status quo, if they change things, fine. If they change things to what I don't like, then I just go elsewhere. My life does not revolve around cruises. I only started cruising 2 years ago and have enjoyed many many years of various types of vacations before this and would again.

 

You're content because it suits you desires right now but as you say if they do change you'll find another vacation option. I'm sure all the cruise lines have calculated those few losses but since we spend most of our "vacation" money on cruises & it represents the largest portion of our budget & expect the best possible environment and will continue to comment on the surveys about problems created by others.

[che5904]

You're content because it suits you desires right now but as you say if they do change you'll find another vacation option. I'm sure all the cruise lines have calculated those few losses but since we spend most of our "vacation" money on cruises & it represents the largest portion of our budget & expect the best possible environment and will continue to comment on the surveys about problems created by others.

 

Yes I'm sure they have calculated those losses, they are a business and if they didn't they wouldn't stay in business very long.

 

You missed my point, yes if they change I would find an alternate vacation (controlling what I do). You on the other hand want to change everyone but you. If you are not happy with something you also have the same options as I do...change where you vacation.

 

As I said my point was thats one of the many places we differ.

[stephenandrew]

Yes I'm sure they have calculated those losses, they are a business and if they didn't they wouldn't stay in business very long.

 

You missed my point, yes if they change I would find an alternate vacation (controlling what I do). You on the other hand want to change everyone but you. If you are not happy with something you also have the same options as I do...change where you vacation.

 

As I said my point was thats one of the many places we differ.

 

I am curious--in many (maybe all) places in the US, there are local ordinances that limit smoking in restaurants, pubs, etc. Some oridnances are more restrictive than others. For example, where we live, there is no smoking in any restaurants or bars. This policy was implemented not by "market forces" but through the political process. Personally, it beneifts me. How do things work up in the Great White North? Can you smoke in restaruants, etc or does the government limit smoking in publci places? Just curious more than anything else. Thanks.

[che5904]

I am curious--in many (maybe all) places in the US, there are local ordinances that limit smoking in restaurants, pubs, etc. Some oridnances are more restrictive than others. For example, where we live, there is no smoking in any restaurants or bars. This policy was implemented not by "market forces" but through the political process. Personally, it beneifts me. How do things work up in the Great White North? Can you smoke in restaruants, etc or does the government limit smoking in publci places? Just curious more than anything else. Thanks.

 

OK not sure what your point is to this question but I will answer it because you asked. Yes we have most of the same limitations as you do.

 

This was about balcony cabins and the availability of smoking on them, since NCL has taken smoking out of the cabins as of Jan. You will never hear me say I like the changes or the fact I can't smoke whereever, but again my point is I have choices. It's no different than when I book a hotel room in Canada, U.S, Caribbean, South America or wherever else I travel. I will choose to book one that either allows smoking or has a balcony that I can step out onto to smoke. If that is not available then I will vacation elsewhere, it's quite simple. I'm actually very easy to please and can find joy in a staycation if I choose that.

 

So again I will try and make my point. I have control over ME, I don't have control over anyone else, nor do I try to.

[stephenandrew]

OK not sure what your point is to this question but I will answer it because you asked. Yes we have most of the same limitations as you do.

 

This was about balcony cabins and the availability of smoking on them, since NCL has taken smoking out of the cabins as of Jan. You will never hear me say I like the changes or the fact I can't smoke whereever, but again my point is I have choices. It's no different than when I book a hotel room in Canada, U.S, Caribbean, South America or wherever else I travel. I will choose to book one that either allows smoking or has a balcony that I can step out onto to smoke. If that is not available then I will vacation elsewhere, it's quite simple. I'm actually very easy to please and can find joy in a staycation if I choose that.

 

So again I will try and make my point. I have control over ME, I don't have control over anyone else, nor do I try to.

 

No point--I was really just curious how things worked up there--just taking advantage of your local knowledge. I basically agree with your perspective on controlling one's own actions. I did not know NCL was eliminating smoking in cabins in January.

[che5904]

No point--I was really just curious how things worked up there--just taking advantage of your local knowledge. I basically agree with your perspective on controlling one's own actions. I did not know NCL was eliminating smoking in cabins in January.

 

Yes they are eliminating it in the cabins. The remaining areas that have smoking that the non-smokers could avoid are:

 

Your own personal balcony (yes I know everyone the smoke doesn't stay there)

Part of the port side of the promenade deck provided it is not near any sports area or dining venue. (where applicable, since the Epic doesn't even have a promenade and we are not sure of the Breakaway yet)

The port side of the pool deck (back from the pool)

And possibly a sundeck (if applicable)

I've never been on a ship with the great outdoors but from what I've read they may offer a small section there as well.

The casino if not in port when the casino is closed

A cigar lounge (if applicable, some have already been removed)

[1 HappyCruiser]

Yes I'm sure they have calculated those losses, they are a business and if they didn't they wouldn't stay in business very long.

 

You missed my point, yes if they change I would find an alternate vacation (controlling what I do). You on the other hand want to change everyone but you. If you are not happy with something you also have the same options as I do...change where you vacation.

 

As I said my point was that's one of the many places we differ.

 

I understand that you can control where you spend your dollars but at the same time there aren't many places with as loose smoking restrictions like balconies similar to cruise ships. Since that is where we spend a good portion of our vacation dollars, that's more important to us to have changed and not simply throw up our hands & retreat to our cabins every time we smell smoke. If we lived like that they still would be smoking in the restaurants & show lounges like many years ago.

I am curious--in many (maybe all) places in the US, there are local ordinances that limit smoking in restaurants, pubs, etc. Some oridnances are more restrictive than others. For example, where we live, there is no smoking in any restaurants or bars. This policy was implemented not by "market forces" but through the political process. Personally, it beneifts me. How do things work up in the Great White North? Can you smoke in restaruants, etc or does the government limit smoking in publci places? Just curious more than anything else. Thanks.

 

I couldn't have said it any better. :D

[DMH15]

Just as NCL gains new customers (smokers whose previous lines of choice have made smoking more restrictive) it seems likely some nonsmokers will change to those lines that favor them. It is a choice.

 

If nonsmokers like me choose NCL BECAUSE OF OTHER FACTORS, we can't make smokers who are following the rules as "the bad guy".

[JerseyJaguar]

I understand that you can control where you spend your dollars but at the same time there aren't many places with as loose smoking restrictions like balconies similar to cruise ships. Since that is where we spend a good portion of our vacation dollars, that's more important to us to have changed and not simply throw up our hands & retreat to our cabins every time we smell smoke. If we lived like that they still would be smoking in the restaurants & show lounges like many years ago.

 

But as che has pointed out over and over, maybe if you and others like you hadn't tried to control what others do in their own cabins, you wouldn't be having issues with the balconies. I've seen very few people who had smoke issues in their cabins, but miltant non-smokers still insisted the smoking in cabins be stopped. So it's your own doing that has brought the smokers to the balconies. I'd still be in an oceanview on HAL if they hadn't succumbed and had more affordable balconies.

 

And I will make sure that cruiselines know that I won't be cruising with them, nor wll my family, if I can't access smoking in my pajamas.

[1 HappyCruiser]

But as che has pointed out over and over, maybe if you and others like you hadn't tried to control what others do in their own cabins, you wouldn't be having issues with the balconies. I've seen very few people who had smoke issues in their cabins, but miltant non-smokers still insisted the smoking in cabins be stopped. So it's your own doing that has brought the smokers to the balconies. I'd still be in an oceanview on HAL if they hadn't succumbed and had more affordable balconies.

 

And I will make sure that cruiselines know that I won't be cruising with them, nor wll my family, if I can't access smoking in my pajamas.

 

I can't buy that logic of spreading out the smoke to alleviate the problem. It's annoying no matter where you find it. Some of the worst problems I've encountered were in cabins which just happened to be on NCL, not that it hasn't happened on other cruise lines as well. As far as most non smokers see it, the last major remaining smoke problem is the balconies & when that's terminated I'm almost positive that the complaints will dwindle to a trickle.

Princess, which we mostly cruise on is a perfect example come January. It will be interesting to see how it goes & how much increase people notice in the designated smoking areas. NCL might even see an increase in sales to smokers. :D

[stephenandrew]

I've seen very few people who had smoke issues in their cabins, but miltant non-smokers still insisted the smoking in cabins be stopped. So it's your own doing that has brought the smokers to the balconies. I'd still be in an oceanview on HAL if they hadn't succumbed and had more affordable balconies.

 

It is interesting that you say that. I have always been amazed that whenever I have had a cabin on Princess (which allowed smoking in cabins when I sailed), that I never smelled any smoke in my cabin. As the line did not have non-smoking cabins, it stands to reason that at some point, prior to my occupying the cabin, some of the previous guests were smokers. I am not sure what Princess did to clean or "freshen up" the cabin, but it really worked well---I never once had an issue with the lingering smell of cigarette smoke. I assume Princess does not have a trade secret when it comes to "de-smoking" cabins, and that other lines do just as well. So, you are right, when it comes to cruising, I agree it would be better for non-smokers if smoking were permitted inside the cabin as opposed to on the balconies. 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.

[04cruises]

I can't buy that logic of spreading out the smoke to alleviate the problem. It's annoying no matter where you find it. Some of the worst problems I've encountered were in cabins which just happened to be on NCL, not that it hasn't happened on other cruise lines as well. As far as most non smokers see it, the last major remaining smoke problem is the balconies & when that's terminated I'm almost positive that the complaints will dwindle to a trickle.

Princess, which we mostly cruise on is a perfect example come January. It will be interesting to see how it goes & how much increase people notice in the designated smoking areas. NCL might even see an increase in sales to smokers. :D

 

I really don't understand that if you travel Princess mostly,why do you feel the need to come to NCL and complain about their policy.Just cruise Princess and be happy.It is called travelling with the public.You give and take.

[1 HappyCruiser]

I really don't understand that if you travel Princess mostly,why do you feel the need to come to NCL and complain about their policy.Just cruise Princess and be happy.It is called travelling with the public.You give and take.

 

Yes we do sail mostly Princess but also on NCL as well, hence my concern. Seeing that Princess will have the non smoking edge in Jan we just might continue with them until NCL changes also. ;)

[tercar]

The cruise lines would not adopt this because it could result in an excessive number of empty cabins on one side or the other of the ship.

 

More likely is the banning of smoking in all cabins and balconies. (which some lines have done already)

however people still dohave a sly smoke on their balconies now and again, it is so sad that people squabble over this. i m sure if some of the back cabins were utilised for this it would cause less problems as if your sailing the winf would cary it back ways and then wouldnt affect any one who didnt smpke where ther is a will there is a way and all people need to be happy on their cruise as they hyave paid a lot of money

[tercar]

however people still dohave a sly smoke on their balconies now and again, it is so sad that people squabble over this. i m sure if some of the back cabins were utilised for this it would cause less problems as if your sailing the winf would cary it back ways and then wouldnt affect any one who didnt smpke where ther is a will there is a way and all people need to be happy on their cruise as they hyave paid a lot of money

ps I need a new pc some of my letters are jamming and my spelling appears atrotious lol

[che5904]

however people still dohave a sly smoke on their balconies now and again

 

Are you saying people "do" or people would. Passengers already can still smoke on their balconies, no need to do it on the sly. :confused:

[tercar]

Are you saying people "do" or people would. Passengers already can still smoke on their balconies, no need to do it on the sly. :confused:

On celebrity it is fobidden ha, and that is why people do ahve a sly smoke now and then ha, you know most people maybe book a cabin for that resason thinking they cas sit out ther with a drink a a ciggie watching the world go by \i probably would lol xx

[che5904]

On celebrity it is fobidden ha, and that is why people do ahve a sly smoke now and then ha, you know most people maybe book a cabin for that resason thinking they cas sit out ther with a drink a a ciggie watching the world go by \i probably would lol xx

 

Well as I said it isn't on NCL so I guess this is a non-issue at this time for this thread.

[tercar]

:oif i could smoke on balcony I would be very aware of my neiighours, I would involve them in the decision as to wherter i would smoke or not on my balcony, usually if i do it is is int he middle of the night when no own is around, and then its only if i cant get to sleepl, this usually helps. I AM THE SAME IN MY OWN HOME I DONT SMOKE IN SIDE ;););););)