E-mail back from Royal Caribbean about smoking policy

[tiessa]

My post began as an informational post as to what an email said that I received on the smoking ban on balconies and that they were "expanding" the other areas on board where you could smoke. If I missed that announcement when it came out it was because I was on the Freedom of the Seas last week and in the Dr's office Monday battling a bad virus I picked up on the cruise.

My decision to no longer cruise with RC was already decided when I got home but the balcony ban just cemented it. These were two of many reasons. But as usual if anyone even mentions they smoke they become snails to pour salt on. Yes I did get defensive when attacked and called a leper and I'm sorry about that. I do not smoke inside and would never sit down with anyone at a table and smoke. That is why the balcony was important to me. My point about adding more spaces to smoke would only add more fuel to the fire because it would effect far more people. It just seems counterproductive to me as it will only cause more people to be bothered. That was my point plain and simple. I found that humorous. Go get your salt and get ready for the next smoking thread.

 

 

I, for one, appreciated your post. Obviously we're not all adults on here and some have to continue to beat home their prejudices. Again, thanks for the info you shared.

[Paul65]

I find it humorous that now one of the only places nonsmokers can go that is smoke free is their balcony. Looks like they turned the tables on everybody.

 

I doubt it'll be expanded so much that there will be no outdoor public areas that are non-smoking. I would imagine it'll still be restricted on one side of the pool deck and on the jogging track level. It'll be interesting to see what they do mean by expanding the outdoor smoking areas, though.

[Paul65]

I, for one, appreciated your post. Obviously we're not all adults on here and some have to continue to beat home their prejudices. Again, thanks for the info you shared.

 

Actually, the opening post with a comment of, "I find it humorous that now one of the only places nonsmokers can go that is smoke free is their balcony. Looks like they turned the tables on everybody," was beating home a prejudice, so I'm not sure why you would try to insult those who responded in-kind.

[ohcruiserguy]

I smoked for six years from the time I was 15 to 21 its a bad very expensive habit. $5 a pack in our area to me it don't matter to me if people smoke on there balcony or not or casino or were ever. But I do think they are doing this to try to bring more guest in as only like 30% of the US population smokes I see other lines following suit, but as a share holder if it means more profit and a higher share price that's great:D

[Sky616]

Yes all the smokers are leaving, we here you all and we get it. Do we have to keep hearing it? Just go already.

[thegima]

My post began as an informational post as to what an email said that I received on the smoking ban on balconies

 

And then quickly turned into a jab for those who don't smoke with..

 

I find it humorous that now one of the only places nonsmokers can go that is smoke free is their balcony. Looks like they turned the tables on everybody.

 

Now I get to comment on how I find it humorous that all the smokers are whining and complaining about the new policy. See how much fun this isn't? :D

[JasonTehGreat]

It's like a Fox News announcement:

 

 

"Check in at 8 to see how Obama has turned the tables on everybody...." but when you tune it is all fluff and no substance.

 

Royal Caribbean didn't "turn the tables on everybody" that would make them lose all customers, not just the very slim smoker minority.

[Elvis1209]

Oh great! Another smoker vs. non-smoker debate! Wait a minute while I light my cigar and then you can have at each other!

 

Smokers: just come with me to the smoking area.

 

Non-smokers: just shut the hell up! You won! Move on! Those nasty drinkers need saving!

 

Elvis

[Selswick]

Oh great! Another smoker vs. non-smoker debate! Wait a minute while I light my cigar and then you can have at each other!

 

Smokers: just come with me to the smoking area.

 

Non-smokers: just shut the hell up! You won! Move on! Those nasty drinkers need saving!

 

Elvis

 

See you in the smoking area Elvis. Looking forward to the conversations we smokers have there.

 

Selswick

[mein18]

Just figured I would save us some time. Add if you wish.

 

What about the drunks? Suppose they ban booze? That would teach ya.

Smoke on my balcony ruined every cruise I have ever been on. Or at least the ones I would have been on if my boss at Subway would pay me more.

That perfume you wear is much worse then the smoke.

You have BO problems.

I agree, e-cigs aren't just water vapor, but it's stupid to make me stand in a smoking area and smoke my e-cig. Trying to quit.

I used to smoke and have forgotten that it was wonderful.

Smokers still have rights! This ain't Russia!

Good riddance. I will take all of your bookings, even though I really ain't got a dime to spend.

Smokers are low-lifes. Go get a job holding a sign in a construction area - then you can smoke all day.

I'm gonna write Congress.

There are NO considerate smokers. Everywhere I go they blow it in my face. It makes it hard to tuck the dollar bills.

I'm going to HAL and smoke with the geezers.

 

Bottom line:

If you smoke, the new rule sucks.

If you have been a non-smoker all of your life, you probably did give a darn (but feel a little sorry for the smokers).

If you are an ex-smoker, you are happy.

 

See you there.

[Familygoboston]

I sent one lauding the new policy and asking them to stand firm in the face of some criticism and maybe cancellations. Here is the text of the reply I received. It's pretty much a canned response that will apply to complaints or praise for the new policy. I'd love to see the text of your email, to see if there is another response being sent out.

 

Dear {redacted} family:

 

Thank you for your email. We would like to apologize for the delay in our response.

 

We appreciate your candid and valuable feedback regarding our enhanced smoking policy.

 

As with all feedback, comments from our guests are shared with our leadership team for review; however, there is no plan at this time to make any changes to the new smoking policy that will be put into place beginning January 1, 2014.

 

At Royal Caribbean International, our priority is to provide an onboard experience that is safe for all of our guests. Onboard policies, including the new smoking policy, are implemented after conducting extensive research to ensure that we continue to provide our guests with the award-winning vacation experience they have come to expect from Royal Caribbean International. Through this process, we found that many guests were displeased with second hand smoke that emanated from guests smoking on their balconies. Many of the policies on our ships are the result of feedback we have received from our loyal guests and consumers. We are confident that this new smoking policy will enhance the cruising experience for our guests.

 

We thank you for the time you have taken to share your concerns regarding this matter. We have certainly taken your comments into consideration.

 

Thank you, {redacted} family, for choosing Royal Caribbean International. We look forward to welcoming you onboard in the near future.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

{redacted}

Customer Service Representative

[poncho1973]

I sent one lauding the new policy and asking them to stand firm in the face of some criticism and maybe cancellations. Here is the text of the reply I received. It's pretty much a canned response that will apply to complaints or praise for the new policy. I'd love to see the text of your email, to see if there is another response being sent out.

 

Dear {redacted} family:

 

<snip>

Sincerely,

{redacted}

Customer Service Representative

 

I'm pretty impressed that you managed to find a rep with the exact same, very uncommon, name as your family! :) HAHAHA

 

 

This is just an affirming and interesting reply. It really validates everyone on both sides of the issue. :)

[BND]

I smoked for six years from the time I was 15 to 21 its a bad very expensive habit. $5 a pack in our area to me it don't matter to me if people smoke on there balcony or not or casino or were ever. But I do think they are doing this to try to bring more guest in as only like 30% of the US population smokes I see other lines following suit, but as a share holder if it means more profit and a higher share price that's great:D

 

According to the CDC it's 19% of all adults in the US smoke. Also, that one out of 5 deaths in the US is caused by smoking. Hmmm. 19% is about 1 in 5 also. And, as people get older, the percentages drop. Does that mean smokers die off so there are less? Or that people get smarter as they get older and quit?

 

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/adult_data/cig_smoking/

 

The only whining I'm hearing is from smokers about the new policy. Non-smokers are happy. :-)

[Familygoboston]

I'm pretty impressed that you managed to find a rep with the exact same, very uncommon, name as your family! :) HAHAHA

 

 

This is just an affirming and interesting reply. It really validates everyone on both sides of the issue. :)

 

Yeah, AND they use my CC screen name "family";)

 

I prefer that when people get "an email" that they post the text of the email, rather than just refer to it. It lends more credibility! So I thought I'd share the response I got:D I specifically mentioned in my email that I hoped they would stick with their newly stated policy, and yet their response says "however we have no plans to change..." rather than "you will be pleased to know we have no plans to change". So its seems like a standard response for anyone, no matter how they feel...I just wonder about these email responses that seem "unique", where did they come from:confused:

[BND]

Yeah, AND they use my CC screen name "family";)

 

I prefer that when people get "an email" that they post the text of the email, rather than just refer to it. It lends more credibility! So I thought I'd share the response I got:D I specifically mentioned in my email that I hoped they would stick with their newly stated policy, and yet their response says "however we have no plans to change..." rather than "you will be pleased to know we have no plans to change". So its seems like a standard response for anyone, no matter how they feel...I just wonder about these email responses that seem "unique", where did they come from:confused:

 

Here's the response I received which I posted on another thread:

 

Thank you for your email. We apologize for the delay in our response.

 

We appreciate your candid and valuable feedback regarding our enhanced smoking policy.

 

At Royal Caribbean International, our priority is to provide an onboard experience that is enjoyable for all of our guests. Many of the wonderful amenities and programs we offer on our ships are the result of feedback we have received from our loyal guests and consumers. In addition, onboard policies, including the new smoking policy, are implemented after conducting extensive research to ensure that we continue to provide our guests with the award-winning vacation experience they have come to expect from Royal Caribbean International. We are confident that this new smoking policy will enhance the cruising experience for our guests.

 

We thank you for the time you have taken to share your concerns regarding this matter. We have certainly taken your comments into consideration, and they have been shared with our leadership team for review. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you onboard one of our ships so we may demonstrate why Royal Caribbean International is the most preferred cruise line in the world.

 

Ms. Rivera, thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

Customer Service Representative

[Karma5]

Judging from your signature photo you seem to have a pretty bad habit yourself. Suppose they ban drinking alcohol. How would you feel about that. Because of the new drink packages there seemed to be more drunks on board than usual and they were pretty offensive to me. Lets ban all the alcoholics to a drunk tank so everyone else can enjoy their cruise. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

 

Smoking and smoke have proven to be harmful to health................get real ..............and have a nice day...............

[Big_G]

See you in the smoking area Elvis. Looking forward to the conversations we smokers have there.

 

Selswick

 

Please tell me you guys won't be whining about the smoking policy while I try to enjoy my cigar? :D

[hackwid]

I was on a 14 night transatlantic cruise on the Liberty. The cabin next to me had an elderly man who - other than meal periods- sat on the balcony and smoked a cigar - not once.

Not twice or even three times a day. Each and every time we wanted to enjoy our balcony we found him out there. It was one of those really foul smelling cigars and he sat in the deck chair closest to our cabin. We could hear him - we could see his outline at night and

the smoke seemed to just always come over to our balcony. So I ask - was that fair to us? We had 14 nights to enjoy our balcony. Because of the cigar smoke - guess how many hours let alone days we enjoyed our balcony?

We called and complained. We were told that there was no policy against; however, they did have someone ask him to limit the smoking of the cigar to - well not all day and night- so that we could enjoy our balcony. Did that help? NO!!!!!

So yes- when I read the policy I did a dance. I do not mind people who smoke quickly on their balcony. I can tolerate that. BUT, it would be nice if the smokers realize that it was people like this inconsiderate man - who only thought about his smoking happiness ... that probably caused this move by Royal Carribean.

We paid for a room with a balcony. But, did not enjoy it -

how sad!

Royal should sell smoking cabins on only one part of the ship. That would alleviate the issue.

[dixieva]

Well, this is very strange! Cigar smoking on the balcony has not been allowed in years on RCI. Cigs yes but not cigars. So why did they not make him stop????

[Maryscooking]

I sent one lauding the new policy and asking them to stand firm in the face of some criticism and maybe cancellations. Here is the text of the reply I received. It's pretty much a canned response that will apply to complaints or praise for the new policy. I'd love to see the text of your email, to see if there is another response being sent out.

 

Dear {redacted} family:

 

Thank you for your email. We would like to apologize for the delay in our response.

 

We appreciate your candid and valuable feedback regarding our enhanced smoking policy.

 

As with all feedback, comments from our guests are shared with our leadership team for review; however, there is no plan at this time to make any changes to the new smoking policy that will be put into place beginning January 1, 2014.

 

At Royal Caribbean International, our priority is to provide an onboard experience that is safe for all of our guests. Onboard policies, including the new smoking policy, are implemented after conducting extensive research to ensure that we continue to provide our guests with the award-winning vacation experience they have come to expect from Royal Caribbean International. Through this process, we found that many guests were displeased with second hand smoke that emanated from guests smoking on their balconies. Many of the policies on our ships are the result of feedback we have received from our loyal guests and consumers. We are confident that this new smoking policy will enhance the cruising experience for our guests.

 

We thank you for the time you have taken to share your concerns regarding this matter. We have certainly taken your comments into consideration.

 

Thank you, {redacted} family, for choosing Royal Caribbean International. We look forward to welcoming you onboard in the near future.

 

Sincerely,

 

{redacted}

Customer Service Representative

 

So it looks like there are slightly different versions of the same email going around. I bolded the differences from the email I received (in reply to my thanking them for the new policy) to the one above. My email also has an extra blurb at the end about my C&A status. So I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility that the OP's email looked different than ours. Here is the full text of the reply I received:

 

Dear Ms. maryscooking:

 

Thank you for your email. We would like to apologize for the delay in our response.

 

We appreciate your candid and valuable feedback regarding our enhanced smoking policy.

 

At Royal Caribbean International, our priority is to provide an onboard experience that is enjoyable for all of our guests. Many of the wonderful amenities and programs we offer on our ships are the result of feedback we have received from our loyal guests and consumers. In addition, onboard policies, including the new smoking policy, are implemented after conducting extensive research to ensure that we continue to provide our guests with the award-winning vacation experience they have come to expect from Royal Caribbean International. We are confident that this new smoking policy will enhance the cruising experience for our guests.

 

We thank you for the time you have taken to share your comments regarding this matter. They have been shared with management and our leadership team.

 

Ms. maryscooking, once again, thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International and for helping to make us the most preferred cruise line in the world and for being a Gold member of our Crown & Anchor Society We appreciate your loyalty and look forward to welcoming you onboard in the future.

 

Sincerely,

Michelle Peacock

Customer Service Representative

[tiessa]

So it looks like there are slightly different versions of the same email going around. I bolded the differences from the email I received (in reply to my thanking them for the new policy) to the one above. My email also has an extra blurb at the end about my C&A status. So I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility that the OP's email looked different than ours. Here is the full text of the reply I received:

 

Dear Ms. maryscooking:

 

Thank you for your email. We would like to apologize for the delay in our response.

 

We appreciate your candid and valuable feedback regarding our enhanced smoking policy.

 

At Royal Caribbean International, our priority is to provide an onboard experience that is enjoyable for all of our guests. Many of the wonderful amenities and programs we offer on our ships are the result of feedback we have received from our loyal guests and consumers. In addition, onboard policies, including the new smoking policy, are implemented after conducting extensive research to ensure that we continue to provide our guests with the award-winning vacation experience they have come to expect from Royal Caribbean International. We are confident that this new smoking policy will enhance the cruising experience for our guests.

 

We thank you for the time you have taken to share your comments regarding this matter. They have been shared with management and our leadership team.

 

Ms. maryscooking, once again, thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International and for helping to make us the most preferred cruise line in the world and for being a Gold member of our Crown & Anchor Society We appreciate your loyalty and look forward to welcoming you onboard in the future.

 

Sincerely,

Michelle Peacock

Customer Service Representative

 

 

At least they evidently got your name right. LOL!!! They addressed the email they sent me to someone else. So much for good customer service! LOL!

[Elvis1209]

Please tell me you guys won't be whining about the smoking policy while I try to enjoy my cigar? :D

 

We'll save a seat for you!

 

Elvis

[Maryscooking]

At least they evidently got your name right. LOL!!! They addressed the email they sent me to someone else. So much for good customer service! LOL!

 

That's kind of pathetic! Attempting to personalize replies by changing up the text of the email, but then forgetting to change the customer's name...

[Gon2hwe]

So it looks like there are slightly different versions of the same email going around. I bolded the differences from the email I received (in reply to my thanking them for the new policy) to the one above. My email also has an extra blurb at the end about my C&A status. So I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility that the OP's email looked different than ours. Here is the full text of the reply I received:

 

Dear Ms. maryscooking:

 

Thank you for your email. We would like to apologize for the delay in our response.

 

We appreciate your candid and valuable feedback regarding our enhanced smoking policy.

 

At Royal Caribbean International, our priority is to provide an onboard experience that is enjoyable for all of our guests. Many of the wonderful amenities and programs we offer on our ships are the result of feedback we have received from our loyal guests and consumers. In addition, onboard policies, including the new smoking policy, are implemented after conducting extensive research to ensure that we continue to provide our guests with the award-winning vacation experience they have come to expect from Royal Caribbean International. We are confident that this new smoking policy will enhance the cruising experience for our guests.

 

We thank you for the time you have taken to share your comments regarding this matter. They have been shared with management and our leadership team.

 

Ms. maryscooking, once again, thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International and for helping to make us the most preferred cruise line in the world and for being a Gold member of our Crown & Anchor Society We appreciate your loyalty and look forward to welcoming you onboard in the future.

 

Sincerely,

Michelle Peacock

Customer Service Representative

This is not the same email I received. Mine was a little more personalized addressing other issues we had on our last cruise but also addressed the balcony ban issue. Mine basically says the same thing that the one addressed to trainman says( he is writing a live Review onboard Allure ). Basically they are telling you they are happy your happy, but they are telling us they want to entice us backby expanding more and better places to smoke.

[Gilgo Surfer]

As a smoker, I'm fine with this new policy as long as there are a few indoor and outdoor venues where smoking is permitted. Non smokers have a right to enjoy their balconies too.

 

To me, a smoke filled room adds ambiance. To others (my sister included), they are very sensitive and can not be around cigarette and cigar smoke.

 

It's not the end of the world to have to leave your cabin for a smoke, you may even enjoy it.:)