A request to non-smoker with allergies to tobacco

[reallyitsmema]

I agree, it's rare. However on our Indy cruise last December, we routinely saw people smoking on the non-smoking side of the deck 4 outside promenade. We saw it multiple nights, and the people were standing right next to the no smoking sign. Very unusual.

We experienced the same thing on the Mariner. We were standing at the rail after dinner, watching a storm in the distance (beautiful lightning). A guy came out lit up a cigarette. He looked at us, I pointed to the no smoking sign over his shoulder, he took a long drag, blew the smoke in my face and then flicked the cigarette over the side and walked away.:rolleyes::cool:

[alli]

 

 

What I don't get is why can you bring on your own cigaretts but you cannot bring more than 2 bottles of wine to enjoy in your stateroom? I drink wine and beer because it helps my condition. I want RCCL to confiscate cigaretts if people can't follow the rules with smoking.

 

 

interesting comment about beer and wine helping your condition. That's not the norm for allergy sufferers:

 

 

Studies have found that alcohol can cause or worsen the common symptoms of asthma and hay fever, like sneezing, itching, headaches and coughing.

 

But the problem is not always the alcohol itself. Beer, wine and liquor contain histamine, produced by yeast and bacteria during the fermentation process. Histamine, of course, is the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms. Wine and beer also contain sulfites, another group of compounds known to provoke asthma and other allergy-like symptoms.

 

 

Perhaps you should consider not drinking beer and wine on your next cruise and see if that helps your allergies...

[Bakincakes]

Someone who has a "severe allergy" to cigarette smoke will stand their ground if smokers come within a certain distance of them?:rolleyes:

 

Of course they should move..report the smokers..but the main action should be getting away from something that would trigger such a "severe" allergy.

 

Instead they sit there and argue with the smokers all the while inhaling that "deadly" smoke?

 

something doesn't add up.

[CruisesOnMyMind]

I generally try to refrain on posting on any of these smoking threads. I couldn't hold back this time.

 

The key is to act like a civil adult. I'm a smoker and I have to admit--the people that don't "say" anything and instead stand NEXT to me and start "fake coughing" really upset me. Now, if they asked civilly, "do you mind putting that out? Or blowing in the opposite direction", etc" then I respect them as they respected me by asking. I don't smoke in non-smoking areas--but I realize that sometimes the item to be watching/viewing, etc may happen to be in a smoking area and I am sensitive to sharing the space.

 

On the balcony, I try to meet my "neighbors" on the first day. I let them know the following "I'm a smoker. I don't sit out here all day and chain smoke. Does smoke bother you? If it does, then I ask them -- Can we make an agreement? If you walk out and I'm smoking, please wait a few minutes and I will finish shortly (it takes 7-8 minutes for me to smoke a cigarette so unless I just lit up the moment before they walked out then it's normally just a few minutes). If I walk out and you are already out on your balcony, I will promise to refrain from lighting up until you go back in or I will go to another spot on the ship". That generally puts everyone at ease. I also ask--If I do not notice you out here and I light up (I don't want to be looking around the glass and infringe on privacy either), then please just speak up. No bad feelings. I will put it out immediately. Just PLEASE DO NOT "cough, hack, or complain to your spouse".

 

Edit: I meant to add. I think many smokers are tired of hearing the excuses (real or not). Just ask pleasantly without making excuses as to 'why' you can't stand the smoke. And I agree, no smoker should be smoking in non-smoking areas. It could be a case of them not realizing it is non smoking (different ships have different areas. One ship on one line solarium type area may be smoking while on another it is not, etc. ). A simple "I'm sorry, it is non smoking 'here', would you mind going to a smoking area" will suffice. You don't need to provide any other reasoning or excuses. If they don't stop or go somewhere else, then it is perfectly within reason and a non smoker's right to inform a staff member. I would even do the same even though I'm a smoker.

 

 

I just have to say: You put so much thought into your response, that I wish you would put that much thought into quiting smoking for your own self being.

[johneeo]

 

Studies have found that alcohol can cause or worsen the common symptoms of asthma and hay fever, like sneezing, itching, headaches and coughing.

 

But the problem is not always the alcohol itself. Beer, wine and liquor contain histamine, produced by yeast and bacteria during the fermentation process. Histamine, of course, is the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms. Wine and beer also contain sulfites, another group of compounds known to provoke asthma and other allergy-like symptoms.

 

...

 

Great thread.:eek::mad: This info is quite revealing.

 

I should be dead soon.:rolleyes:

[matj2000]

How come nobody was allergic to smoke a few years back.

It was cool when Johnny, Desi, Lucy and everyone were smoking on TV and nobody said a word.

Now it has become "trendy" to have allergies.

If you don't like it, move.

 

The cruiselines like smokers because they tend to drink & gamble more and those both generate a huge profit.

 

Much more than cupcake decorating or scrapbooking....

[MommaBear55]

It is well documented that there is no such thing as an allergy to cigarette smoke. Just google it

 

I did Google it and it is possible to be truly allergic or just have your asthma react as mine does. I have not had a problem with smokers smoking in unmarked areas and I have stopped doing balconies because of the smoke. I just spend that money on something else! It is my problem that I have to avoid the casino and certain bars not the cruiseline.'s problem. However if there were to be smoking in non smoking areas I would speak up.

[travelplus]

I don't understand why someone that has a severe allergy to smoke or tobacco would risk their own health and life by booking a balcony. Not sure if OP would do that but I remember reading about a poster with a child with a very, very severe breathing condition and she was hell bent on reporting people and getting into a fight if anyone near her balcony dared to smoke on it and endanger her kids life. All I could think was YOU are the one endangering your kids life, lady! Smoking is allowed on balconies. If you don't want your kid to come in contact with smoke don't book one! Easy! :rolleyes:

 

Yes but per the ADA and Health Codes no public place can discriminate based upon medical or physical needs. RCCL would have to create a buffer zone if I am to get a balcony which I would love to have a balcony. If they do not create non-smoking balcony cabins wouldn't they be in violation of some codes even if one is a non-smoker and wants this as an option like at hotels.

 

I wish RCCl would adopt the hotel way of doing it and designate one side smoking and one side non-smoking for balcony's or have a buffer zone in each area. While Celebirity can be more expensive what if someone could not afford a Celebrity Cruise. Why doesn't RCCL just implement their smoking policies ship-wide and cater to both? This would mean opening a non-smoking casino and a smoking one.

 

I wish Las Vegas and other gambling casinos would do such a thing as they can lose money from those who don't smoke and want a smoke-free environment for many reasons which are too many to list here.

 

I am in no way being defensive and I respect that each person has their own beliefs and if they want to smoke fine but we as non-smokers should get the same amenities such as non-smoking balcony cabins .

 

I have moved when I saw a smoker and do everything within my power to avoid it. But telling me to go on Celebrity is like don't stay at a Marriott go to the Ritz Carlton. Royal Caribbean has features that I like and I want to be able to enjoy a balcony just like at hotels where they have non-smoking balconies.

 

Thanks for allowing me to give my two cents. I apologize in advance if there were any hard feelings as a result of my post.

[travelplus]

We experienced the same thing on the Mariner. We were standing at the rail after dinner, watching a storm in the distance (beautiful lightning). A guy came out lit up a cigarette. He looked at us, I pointed to the no smoking sign over his shoulder, he took a long drag, blew the smoke in my face and then flicked the cigarette over the side and walked away.:rolleyes::cool:

 

If this happened to me I would report this person an officer and explain my allergy. This is bad behavior and he should be sent to the brig for the evening for not following RCCL's policy :D

[BeachChik]

Yes but per the ADA and Health Codes no public place can discriminate based upon medical or physical needs. RCCL would have to create a buffer zone if I am to get a balcony which I would love to have a balcony. If they do not create non-smoking balcony cabins wouldn't they be in violation of some codes even if one is a non-smoker and wants this as an option like at hotels.

 

I wish RCCl would adopt the hotel way of doing it and designate one side smoking and one side non-smoking for balcony's or have a buffer zone in each area. While Celebirity can be more expensive what if someone could not afford a Celebrity Cruise. Why doesn't RCCL just implement their smoking policies ship-wide and cater to both? This would mean opening a non-smoking casino and a smoking one.

 

I wish Las Vegas and other gambling casinos would do such a thing as they can lose money from those who don't smoke and want a smoke-free environment for many reasons which are too many to list here.

 

I am in no way being defensive and I respect that each person has their own beliefs and if they want to smoke fine but we as non-smokers should get the same amenities such as non-smoking balcony cabins .

 

I have moved when I saw a smoker and do everything within my power to avoid it. But telling me to go on Celebrity is like don't stay at a Marriott go to the Ritz Carlton. Royal Caribbean has features that I like and I want to be able to enjoy a balcony just like at hotels where they have non-smoking balconies.

 

Thanks for allowing me to give my two cents. I apologize in advance if there were any hard feelings as a result of my post.

Smoking issues would not be covered by the Ada since it isn't a disability. I don't know that cruise lines have to follow the Ada anyway.

[travelplus]

I smoke, and regretfully have seen people smoke in the wrong areas, and as a smoker I point it out. They have always moved to correct areas.

 

Now my problem is perfume, some of those brands out there put me in a sneezing attack like you would not believe. And then all those looks when it starts in the dinning areas and its not like I have a cold.

 

Oh gosh yes perfume does it to me as well if you have 4 different people with perfume it can also flare up allergies and interfere with the taste of your food and wine. How about a non-perfume area of the dining room :)

[travelplus]

Smoking issues would not be covered by the Ada since it isn't a disability. I don't know that cruises have to follow the Ada anyway.

 

Actually there is something I believe like the Air Carrier Act for cruises which cover medical conditions. For instance the cruise line has to have accessible cabins, pools and access to pool areas. Under the medical conditions like food allergies the cruise lines would have to have something in order and this would go for those with allergies to tobacco or perfume such as requesting a table for 2 etc.

[Cigar King]

FWIW, I have also never seen a smoker light up in a non smoking area. That being said, I'm sure it happens. I'd suggest you should move and quietly inform security. It's not your job to inform people about your allergy, and ask them to move. You're on vacation, let the staff handle it.

 

Now if they're smoking in a smoking area, I'd say you're out of luck. You have options to cruise on ships with a more restrictive smoking policy. If you choose to cruise on a ship that allows smoking, and that bugs you, then you have only yourself to blame.

[JAYV1]

I have a severe allergy to smoke and if I smell smoke I start coughing and wheezing. So please be mindful of people who have severe allergies to tobacco and if they ask you politely to move away then please be mindful of

that. Other than that I know what areas to avoid etc.

 

Its all too often that I have politely asked a smoker to please smoke away from me due to my allergy that they became defensive. I went on to tell them if someone had a severe peanut allergy or food allergy and they asked you not to open your peanuts you would do anything within reason to help them.

 

If anyone becomes defensive with me after making my polite request I will be reporting them to an officer especially if they smoke in an area that is deemed non-smoking.

 

There needs to be better signage with regards to the smoking and non-smoking areas and it should be enforced especially with people who have a severe allergy to tobacco.

 

There has a been a lot of times when I stat wheezing to the point of becoming tired and it took some time to catch my breath. Its not asthma as my doctor checked me out for it he says I have an allergy to the tobacco.

 

I am so thankful for being allergic to tobacco since I can save money for other things and not waste it on a cancerous item.

 

What I don't get is why can you bring on your own cigaretts but you cannot bring more than 2 bottles of wine to enjoy in your stateroom? I drink wine and beer because it helps my condition. I want RCCL to confiscate cigaretts if people can't follow the rules with smoking.

 

I was inside the solarium and people started smoking in the sitting area where it was not even open. I told them to please move as I was sitting on my lounger and I have an allergy to smoke. I was there before them and this couple was rude especially after being polite to them and saying how my allergy can cause me a severe reaction. They just laughed at me and continued.

 

This is why I think RCCL should have a section of balconys where you cannot smoke on your balcony so those with allergies to tobacco can enjoy their balcony and if you don't want your kids to breath in the secondhand smoke.

 

 

In my opinion smokers should be very aware of non-smokers and they should learn that when a person who has an allergy to tobacco to move away after being politely told of their allergy. Heck if someone told me they had an allergy to a food item I would do everything in my power to help them avoid the food. If I was a smoker and someone told me that they had an allergy I would put out my cigarette or move and apologize.

 

Sorry for my rant but this is a true and diagnosed allergy. I have taken so much time to learn where the smoking and non-smoking areas are and smokers who don't follow the rules should be kicked off the ship. In my opinion if you want to smoke do so in your designated areas. There are designated areas for a reason such as this.

 

I look forward to reading comments from both smokers and non-smokers and those with allergies to the smoke to see how you cope.[

 

I am allergic to whining.

[DonnaK]

interesting comment about beer and wine helping your condition. That's not the norm for allergy sufferers:

 

 

Studies have found that alcohol can cause or worsen the common symptoms of asthma and hay fever, like sneezing, itching, headaches and coughing.

 

But the problem is not always the alcohol itself. Beer, wine and liquor contain histamine, produced by yeast and bacteria during the fermentation process. Histamine, of course, is the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms. Wine and beer also contain sulfites, another group of compounds known to provoke asthma and other allergy-like symptoms.

 

 

Perhaps you should consider not drinking beer and wine on your next cruise and see if that helps your allergies...

 

 

Another possibility is that alcohol in moderation can act as a smooth muscle relaxer, which could ease bronchoconstriction and bronchospasm associated with asthma and other respiratory disorders. By this mechanism, alcohol can indeed help the OP with her condition.

[Coralc]

Actually there is something I believe like the Air Carrier Act for cruises which cover medical conditions. For instance the cruise line has to have accessible cabins, pools and access to pool areas. Under the medical conditions like food allergies the cruise lines would have to have something in order and this would go for those with allergies to tobacco or perfume such as requesting a table for 2 etc.

 

What happened to the ignore option? Seriously. EDIT: Never mind, found it.

 

No wonder people think Californians are weird and whiney.

[lalalisa]

If it is truly an allergy, then why not pop one little 24 hour allergy pill a day and not have to worry about accidently walking into some smoke?

[amybear912]

 

I wish RCCl would adopt the hotel way of doing it and designate one side smoking and one side non-smoking for balcony's or have a buffer zone in each area. While Celebirity can be more expensive what if someone could not afford a Celebrity Cruise. Why doesn't RCCL just implement their smoking policies ship-wide and cater to both?

 

I have moved when I saw a smoker and do everything within my power to avoid it. But telling me to go on Celebrity is like don't stay at a Marriott go to the Ritz Carlton. Royal Caribbean has features that I like and I want to be able to enjoy a balcony just like at hotels where they have non-smoking balconies.

 

Thanks for allowing me to give my two cents. I apologize in advance if there were any hard feelings as a result of my post.

 

Designating one side of the ship smoking and one side non-smoking doesn't work because people like to choose their cabins based on location... Some are diehard port side, some prefer starboard, others like aft... How exactly do you propose pleasing everyone with those kinds of limitations?

 

Furthermore, let's say all the non-smoking balconies are sold out but there are smoking balconies available... You are right back where you started...

 

It IS as simple as choosing Celebrity or another line whose policies fit your lifestyle... It's about YOU making a choice... Yep, you might have to spend more money but hey, this is your health right? If its that important to you, why not spend the extra money?

 

When you spend your money on a vacation, you pick and choose what matters to you and sacrifice things that aren't as important in order to save a buck...

 

If a strict smoking policy is important enough for you to come on here with a rant about how confrontational you will become with smokers; then yes, you should reevaluate how you are allocating your vacation dollars...

[samj80]

 

On the balcony, I try to meet my "neighbors" on the first day. I let them know the following "I'm a smoker. I don't sit out here all day and chain smoke. Does smoke bother you? If it does, then I ask them -- Can we make an agreement? If you walk out and I'm smoking, please wait a few minutes and I will finish shortly (it takes 7-8 minutes for me to smoke a cigarette so unless I just lit up the moment before they walked out then it's normally just a few minutes). If I walk out and you are already out on your balcony, I will promise to refrain from lighting up until you go back in or I will go to another spot on the ship". That generally puts everyone at ease. I also ask--If I do not notice you out here and I light up (I don't want to be looking around the glass and infringe on privacy either), then please just speak up. No bad feelings. I will put it out immediately. Just PLEASE DO NOT "cough, hack, or complain to your spouse".

 

I think this is a reasonable, fair and polite solution. My DW and I are both non-smokers but I wouldn't having a balcony next to anyone with this attitude and approach.

[Elvis1209]

I just had to jump in. If someone is smoking in a non-smoking area then you are well within your rights to complain. I feel for you. I hate to smell other people's smoke also. That being said, let me add this: If I'm in a smoking area, enjoying one of my fine cigars that I paid good money for, and you happen to walk past me and are offended by my smoke, well, too bad! I didn't seek you out so I could smoke near you. Keep your comments to yourself. If you disagree with the placement of the smoking area, your complaint is with the cruise line, not me. Believe me, the last thing I want to do is offend anyone, but if I'm within my rights leave me alone. I usually confine my smoking to the cigar lounge where I know I won't offend anyone. It never fails! Once on every cruise someone inevitably sticks their face into the lounge and says in a loud voice, "It stinks in here!" No one asked for their opinion. And while we're on the subject, have a little compassion for the habittual smokers out there. It's not any easy thing to kick a cigarette habit! They don't need your insults!

 

Elvis

 

P.S. Celebrity ships are smoke free. Why don't you give them a try.

[jailer19]

Smokers are probably the most discriminated against. I am a smoker and there is no way I would purposely smoke in a non smoking area!!! If you walk through a smoking area, thats on you and you can't bitch about it!! If someone is smoking where they shouldn't be, by all means please alert staff. There are areas posted for a reason. Smoke in the places where its ok and be mindful of everyone!

[iheartbda]

Another possibility is that alcohol in moderation can act as a smooth muscle relaxer, which could ease bronchoconstriction and bronchospasm associated with asthma and other respiratory disorders. By this mechanism, alcohol can indeed help the OP with her condition.

With the use of the words possibility and could makes me think this is not based on medical evidence. I can personally attest that alcohol in moderation DOES NOT act as a muscle relaxer but only makes the constriction and spasms worse.

[fishtaco]

Is there such a thing as a "severe allergy" to Cigarette smoke and tobacco without having the same condition to all types of smoke?

 

The mind boggles:rolleyes:

[Bakincakes]

I've told this story before...

 

Cruise to Alaska...sitting in the buffet area on the ship...two women next to us complaining about the smell of cigarette smoke onboard..and how it will kill them before they finish the cruise.

 

Fast forward to a salmon bar-b-que..smoke billowing off of the pit..and who are standing in the smoke..waiting to be the first served? You guessed it..the two that were ready to collapse from cigarette smoke.

 

We got a laugh over that...here they are inhaling all that smoke from the bar-b-que and nary a sniffle...:rolleyes:

[Paul65]

How come nobody was allergic to smoke a few years back.

 

It was cool when Johnny, Desi, Lucy and everyone were smoking on TV and nobody said a word.

 

Now it has become "trendy" to have allergies.

 

If you don't like it, move.

 

The cruiselines like smokers because they tend to drink & gamble more and those both generate a huge profit.

 

Much more than cupcake decorating or scrapbooking....

 

People were allergic years back, they just felt a bit more powerless to do anything about it then. I started having major allergy issues back when I was a teenager, and that was 30ish years ago. I had allergy testing done, and tobacco smoke was what caused the worst reaction.

 

Now, for me, it's not any kind of deathly reaction. I get congestion, sneezing, tightness in the throat...things like that. It doesn't kill me, and a passing whiff doesn't affect me significantly, but significant exposure can make me feel bad for a day or two after the exposure.

 

By the way, I've heard before the supposed "fact" that you can't be allergic to tobacco, but that's pretty much BS. And the sources that do claim that usually acknowledge that you can have symptoms that mimic allergy, but it's not really an allergy. OK - whatever. But most allergies are caused by the body's overreaction to certain proteins, and last I checked, there are proteins in all plants and animals, including tobacco, so I don't buy the "impossible to be allergic" claim. But whether my reaction is a true allergy or an "allergy-like reaction" doesn't make much difference in how I feel.