Royal Caribbean Bans Smoking on Balconies

[dadroy]

I have cruised a few times in my life on various cruise lines. I always got inside rooms until the last three. So I have always gone to smoking areas to smoke. The ban on the balcony is not going to affect me, I will just go to a smoking area.

 

I think the enforcement of this rule will be the same as all the rules the cruise lines don't enforce. Examples, swimsuits in the buffet line, barefoot in the buffet, chair hogging, "formal" nights etc. For those of you who have read about shouting matches between passengers, drunks passed out in hallways and stumbling about, security simply ignores them.

 

I will be really surprised if they ever do more than "talk" to an offender. Can you imagine a smoker who is fined disputing the charge with the credit card company? Doubt the cruise line could ever prevail by providing proof of the violation.

 

Closing thought. How many cruisers are hit with a charge for a missing towel or something from the cabin mini bar and contested it. Quick reversal because the cruise line knows they would not prevail. I will wait to read a post where a non-smoker is charged a smoking fee by mistake.

[BND]

Just emailed RC to complain about the smoking ban. I feel they sold me the balcony stateroom under false pretenses. I booked a balcony so that I could smoke. Otherwise, I could have saved some money.:(

 

You mean kind of like when I booked a cruise that was going to make me Diamond and then they changed the tiers and I wasn't with that cruise? I didn't cancel because we cruise because we LOVE to cruise.

 

Seriously, that's the ONLY reason you booked a balcony? We book our balcony/suites because we like hearing/seeing the ocean.

 

Also, everyone can cancel at this point without penalty because the ban doesn't go into effect for 4 months. No one has made final payment on a cruise that starts after the ban at this point that isn't refundable.

[Charles4515]

Well I am on the explorer in 3 weeks. I will look around and see if any camera's are facing my balcony. If so, I will just toss a towel on it..........lol.

Or even better, I will hold up a sign that I am being held hostage by a balcony smoker........help.....help...help.

 

As I understand it some kind of video surveillance system is being placed on cruise ships to document person overboard incidents. Whether it could be used to catch smoking.....maybe... or maybe not.

[BND]

Just emailed RC to complain about the smoking ban. I feel they sold me the balcony stateroom under false pretenses. I booked a balcony so that I could smoke. Otherwise, I could have saved some money.:(

 

And I just emailed them to thank them, so I guess our emails zero each other out.:rolleyes:

[cruzeluver]

This same uproar occurs each time another line moves to further restrict smoking. And some very vocal smokers cancel their bookings and move on. That is until the next line also bans balcony smoking. And then they will move again. And on and on and on it goes. Carnival, NCL and HAL will eventually make the move that Royal has now made. To think otherwise is foolish. Celebrity took this step years ago. Cunard and Disney just announced further restrictions as well. Can't stop progress.

[Cruising89143]

Definitely. They need to hold true to their decision as it's the correct one. There are still other areas of the ship that smokers can use without disturbing people on their balconies trying to enjoy their vacations. Seems very fair to me, I don't get it. The "Me Me Me, Want Want Want" mentality today is really a shame.

 

I will be very surprised if RCI changes anything. They knew that some would cancel. In time more will come. I let Adam know that I was happy with their decision. It will mean an easier choice to choose RCI again.

[Charles4515]

This same uproar occurs each time another line moves to further restrict smoking. And some very vocal smokers cancel their bookings and move on. That is until the next line also bans balcony smoking. And then they will move again. And on and on and on it goes. Carnival, NCL and HAL will eventually make the move that Royal has now made. To think otherwise is foolish. Celebrity took this step years ago. Cunard and Disney just announced further restrictions as well. Can't stop progress.

 

And it will be repeated again at the time in the future when Royal bans smoking in the casino, as they surely will someday.

[cruzsnooze]

As an asthmatic I can't tolerate smoke. Usually, not always, smokers on the balcony leave their sliding door to the balcony open. That smoke permeates the drapes at the door and wafts into the cabin. I would call guest relations to deal with the smoker. All they have to do is ask the cabin steward in the area you think the smoker is and they will find them. The cabin steward will have seen a cup with butts if an ashtray wasn't used. If nothing is done I'll call every hour and complain until they enforce their rule which is for my health and well being. I'll tell guest relations I'll be needing free medical and inhalers for my asthma, that will get them moving :D I had to do this on NCL once with a cigar smoker next door that ruined my balcony usage. Thank you RCL for this new policy.

[Guest maddycat]

Let RCCL know you SUPPORT the balcony smoking ban and don't want them to change their decision:

 

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/contactUsOnline.do?ref=postcmnt

 

Done.......I let RCI know that we are thrilled with the new smoking policy.

[tiessa]

And it will be repeated again at the time in the future when Royal bans smoking in the casino, as they surely will someday.

 

 

I'll bet they don't! A lot of gamblers smoke. They're not going to hit themselves where they make money. To me, if 2nd hand smoke is the concern, that is the first place they should ban smoking not the last. Money is the name of the game.

[dadroy]

Don't feel like this is the only issue that bothers people.

 

I read a thread where Holland America changed the brand of hot tea they offered and people were cancelling their cruises. I don't think many of we smokers will stop cruising with Royal, we will adapt. We will smoke in the casino and non smokers will complain about having to walk through the smoke to get anywhere.

 

Holland also recently cut back on the amount of wine that can be taken. Took it from unlimited to 2 bottles. Very upset customers, they will adapt.

 

If Royal stopped people from carrying any liquids on boards to prevent smuggling (sodas, water, shampoo, cough medicine etc), many would complain, but we would adapt.

[bigeagle12]

Ok, a little explanation of the Corporate view on this matter. Emails and phone calls in favor of or against the new policy will virtually be ignored. RCI only cares about revenue, therefore the only impact on them are cancelled cruises.

 

So, if the number of cancelled cruises over the next several months is higher than predicted ... then they may reconsider.

 

Some have also said that Diamond and above members will leave and that will show them ... no actually that will help them. The majority of cruisers are first time cruisers. Although the cruise lines love the elite cruisers ... they cost them a lot in perks ... and on average the first time cruisers spend more $$$ per person.

 

So, bottom line, if you are really unhappy find another cruise line. Personally the other choices would not thrill me. Carnival and NCL just do not provide the same quality product and HAL although they have great ships, service, and food cater to a crowd way to old for my taste.

 

One final point, you realize this is the trend, started with airlines, then restaurants, public buildings, government buildings, and hotels. So, it is just a matter of time and the smoking policies on all cruise lines will become more and more restrictive. So, if you leave RCI over this new policy, odds are good we will see you back in a couple years .. or less.

[Cruising89143]

There are always going to be people who are not happy about changes. On the HAL board they were not happy about the recent carry on policy of wine.

 

Celebrity and Princess survived the smoking policy change just fine. RCI will too. If too many smokers move to Carnival and NCL those cruise lines will lose the non smokers to the other lines. Also keep in mind that Cruise Critic represents a small segment of the industry.

[CVU]

Done.......I let RCI know that we are thrilled with the new smoking policy.

 

Yes, did that already!!!!!:):)

[Seaworthy01]

I see a lot of people canceling because of the new smoking rule and on the other hand a lot of people are praising the new policy. I know the cruise line companies monitor these forums, so I'm guessing this decision to make changes is not final. Will see what happens in the near future.

[tiessa]

I will be very surprised if RCI changes anything. They knew that some would cancel. In time more will come. I let Adam know that I was happy with their decision. It will mean an easier choice to choose RCI again.

 

 

I don't think they'll change anything either but everyone has a right to voice their opinion.

[Cruising89143]

I don't think they'll change anything either but everyone has a right to voice their opinion.

 

And did I say that you didn't?

[Cruzin-K]

At least it will reduce a little of the temptation for the recent quitters since it will be more of a chore to go find someplace to have that first morning cigarette. I guess smokers will now be booking cabins closest to the stairs/elevators that will get them to the nearest smoking area.

 

I lost one uncle to lung cancer when he was just 57. A second uncle is about to lose his five year battle with the disease and is 59. Both of them were lifelong chain smokers, one after another after another. I miss my one uncle, and will miss the other soon too. However, I don't feel as sorry for them as I do for the family they left/will leave behind. The uncle who is currently dying will leave behind a new baby grandson less than a year old, who will never know his grandfather. Yes, I know smokers don't give a rats patootie about any of this, but you can bet your non-smoking family members care.

[Cruising89143]

Ok, a little explanation of the Corporate view on this matter. Emails and phone calls in favor of or against the new policy will virtually be ignored. RCI only cares about revenue, therefore the only impact on them are cancelled cruises.

 

So, if the number of cancelled cruises over the next several months is higher than predicted ... then they may reconsider.

 

Some have also said that Diamond and above members will leave and that will show them ... no actually that will help them. The majority of cruisers are first time cruisers. Although the cruise lines love the elite cruisers ... they cost them a lot in perks ... and on average the first time cruisers spend more $$$ per person.

 

So, bottom line, if you are really unhappy find another cruise line. Personally the other choices would not thrill me. Carnival and NCL just do not provide the same quality product and HAL although they have great ships, service, and food cater to a crowd way to old for my taste.

 

One final point, you realize this is the trend, started with airlines, then restaurants, public buildings, government buildings, and hotels. So, it is just a matter of time and the smoking policies on all cruise lines will become more and more restrictive. So, if you leave RCI over this new policy, odds are good we will see you back in a couple years .. or less.

 

Good post. It all comes down to the bottom line. This policy change was a business decision and nothing else.

 

I have cruised on Carnival, NCL and HAL and for me none of them are a good fit and certainly not as good as RCI for what we enjoy in a cruise vacation. If other want to move over then I say go for it. We shall see if Carnival is having this incredible wave of bookings as prices would reflect that. I highly doubt that it's happening.

[Langley Cruisers]

Ugh. What I wouldn't give for a dress code thread right about now. ;):D:p

 

Bwahahaha!!

[setsail]

And this

 

http://www.rclinvestor.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=103045&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1029186&highlight=

 

And, if you want to read what your fellow cruisers had to say about it

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=595820&highlight=smoking+on+royal+caribbean

[Cruzin-K]

Ugh. What I wouldn't give for a dress code thread right about now. ;):D:p

 

Bwahahaha!!

 

There may be one started about appropriate attire to wear when heading up to the deck at 6am for that first morning ciggy. Are pajamas acceptable? robes? :p

[setsail]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=595820&highlight=smoking+on+royal+caribbean

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

The bigger issue, as far as I'm concerned, is that allowing smoking at all is a fire hazard. I have dealt with smokers on the balconies next to me and have just dealt with it because, well, what can you do, really? I hate the smoke and get instant headaches, but to me, that is life and you just deal with it. And I would continue to "Deal with it" had this new policy NOT been put into effect. But the fire hazard issue has always bothered me. Concerns me being out to sea on a passenger vessel where people (some irresponsible) are smoking all around me. I'm sure some will roll their eyes at that, but in my world that is a definite concern.

[mdwcruises]

Wonderful news!