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Seems Royal caribbean is still losing bookings,because of smoking band.

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JosieCat-MN

JosieCat-MN

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Posted (edited)

I haven't read any of the responses - read enough of the previous threads so I really didn't need to. My opinion is that it won't affect much. I will still cruise with Royal, but I won't bother to spend the extra money to get a balcony if I can't smoke on it. Not that big of a deal. I actually enjoy going up on deck first thing in morning to have coffee and a few cigarettes.

 

It should be interesting to see what actually happens once you can't smoke on your balconies anymore and all of those people are now up on the deck smoking :) My guess is that won't be too popular either.

Edited by JosieCat-MN
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big al

big al

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This has been one of the several hot topics here on CC for years, along with the dress code, quality of the food, MTD vs. traditional dining, specialty restaurants and $$, and a few more...I don't smoke, but I have found that ESPECIALLY in the ships that have the British Pubs, smoking was a problem..also in the casino...balconies was a tough one,too...IMO, I think RCI ( and maybe other cruise lines) should consider isolating either one deck, or maybe a certain group of balcony cabins, inside cabins, etc., for just smokers..RCI agents when discussing booking a cabin should be instructed to disclose that YOU have booked right next to a smoking balcony cabin...I think the isolated decks is a better idea because then you would know that ALL cabins on deck 6 or 7 are smoking cabins...in America, 76% of people are non-smokers, 24% smoke. In other countries that cruise a fair amount ( like UK,Canada,some Latino countries,etc.) that number is slightly higher. I believe in what Mr. Spock said in Star Trek ( and I use this line always for many things..) : "The needs of the many ( 76%) outweigh the needs of the few ( 24%) or the one"...RCI must take a stand and consider opening a smoker's lounge/ bar, and even perhaps an separate area in the casino ( off to the side) where smokers can gamble....there have been many times I've stopped in the British Pub, and had to leave after a short time, because I couldn't stand the smoke- that's a shame because EVEN in the UK now, smoking IS BANNED in the pubs!! If you want to smoke in the UK, you must now go outside...and don't think RCI is losing cabin sales due to this, all cruise lines now have some restrictions on smoking..I once was married to a smoker, and when her Mom came to visit, it was even worse, and between the two, I could barely breath in our small apartment..I know how this situation can infringe on your rights as a non-smoker..I leave tomorrow on the Disney Dream, where they banned balcony smoking a few months back as well...TG!!

 

Big Al

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caribbean sailor

caribbean sailor

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This has been one of the several hot topics here on CC for years, along with the dress code, quality of the food, MTD vs. traditional dining, specialty restaurants and $$, and a few more...I don't smoke, but I have found that ESPECIALLY in the ships that have the British Pubs, smoking was a problem..also in the casino...balconies was a tough one,too...IMO, I think RCI ( and maybe other cruise lines) should consider isolating either one deck, or maybe a certain group of balcony cabins, inside cabins, etc., for just smokers..RCI agents when discussing booking a cabin should be instructed to disclose that YOU have booked right next to a smoking balcony cabin...I think the isolated decks is a better idea because then you would know that ALL cabins on deck 6 or 7 are smoking cabins...in America, 76% of people are non-smokers, 24% smoke. In other countries that cruise a fair amount ( like UK,Canada,some Latino countries,etc.) that number is slightly higher. I believe in what Mr. Spock said in Star Trek ( and I use this line always for many things..) : "The needs of the many ( 76%) outweigh the needs of the few ( 24%) or the one"...RCI must take a stand and consider opening a smoker's lounge/ bar, and even perhaps an separate area in the casino ( off to the side) where smokers can gamble....there have been many times I've stopped in the British Pub, and had to leave after a short time, because I couldn't stand the smoke- that's a shame because EVEN in the UK now, smoking IS BANNED in the pubs!! If you want to smoke in the UK, you must now go outside...and don't think RCI is losing cabin sales due to this, all cruise lines now have some restrictions on smoking..I once was married to a smoker, and when her Mom came to visit, it was even worse, and between the two, I could barely breath in our small apartment..I know how this situation can infringe on your rights as a non-smoker..I leave tomorrow on the Disney Dream, where they banned balcony smoking a few months back as well...TG!!

 

Big Al

 

 

 

If your numbers are correct MR Spock twenty four percent can add up to a large amount of lost bookings and money.Live long and prosper.From one non-smoker to another.Have a great cruise. :) :)

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poncho1973

poncho1973

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Posted (edited)

I just wanted to say one nice thing about e-smokers.

 

 

If your e-cig has some unnatural flame color, I commend you. You are doing your thing and making it extremely obvious that you are not smoking a real cig. Thank you.

 

Admittedly, I don't know a lot about the health issues possible with e-cigs, but I don't have to smell your cigs and I appreciate that. I have the hope that any bad things with e-cigs that are limited to only the user and there are no secondhand problems. I believe this is likely from what little I've read and as long as that's true it's a win for the rest of us. No stank. No secondhand health issues. Win-win.

 

E-smokers with orange or red tips... boo. You are making it more difficult for yourselves needlessly. You are making it worse for your fellow smokers by making it more difficult for enforcement of smoking (real smoking) policies.

Edited by poncho1973
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nopulitzer

nopulitzer

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We sailed on Explorer on 10/7-11/3. I have a bad feeling when the ban starts you won't be able to breathe on the pool deck because of all of the smokers forced out of their balcony cabins. Even the Royal Promenade reeked of stale cigs wafting up the stairs from the casino. The stench from smokers was the only negative thing I remember from the cruise. Even the rough seas on 11/2 didn't bother me as much as the folks with addictions they can't control.

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Maxiecat3

Maxiecat3

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What happens if a cruiser gets caught or reported smoking on their balcony?

 

If you are caught, there is a $250.00 "cleaning fee" (fine). If caught multiple times, a good chance you will asked to leave the ship and find your own way home.

 

Gregg

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Zou Bisou Bisou

Zou Bisou Bisou

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Doesn't look like it. Both our cruises are sold out!

 

I have been on two week long cruises on Royal Caribbean in the past couple of months. Both had prices trending up in the weeks before the cruise and both eventually sold out. If smokers are canceling then others are picking up the bookings.

 

I am just hoping we get smoke free casinos on Royal soon. I know so many Royal cruisers who skip the casino because of the smoking. Would be nice if they could enjoy the casino in a smoke free environment.

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Big_G

Big_G

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I have been on two week long cruises on Royal Caribbean in the past couple of months. Both had prices trending up in the weeks before the cruise and both eventually sold out. If smokers are canceling then others are picking up the bookings.

 

I am just hoping we get smoke free casinos on Royal soon. I know so many Royal cruisers who skip the casino because of the smoking. Would be nice if they could enjoy the casino in a smoke free environment.

 

Wishful thinking for anyone who thinks that the change in smoking policy will hurt bookings. CCers on the Carnival boards have already praised the move and are either planning a cruise with Royal or are just waiting and hoping that Carnival will to do the same.

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Irene7

Irene7

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These kind of 2nd hand rumors/stories have often failed to materialize.

 

Something as big as the cabin/balcony smoking ban policy and all the corresponding announcements would likely not be reversed. Agree holding one's breath will only lead to alot of blue faces.

 

If this is true and that is a big IF, the only thing I could imagine it being would be allowing ecigs on balconies. But I kind of get the feeling that poster is a (mix up the pot and run type of poster).

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Zou Bisou Bisou

Zou Bisou Bisou

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Exactly! As a smoker I am OK with the restrictions but I think they've gone as far as they can without losing revenue.

 

Sorry I just don't agree. I think smokers still think they have the numbers….they don't. So many people have quit smoking and smoking has a stigma more now than ever before. The health ramifications are overwhelming…no more discussion needed.

 

I love to go to the casino late in the evening. I put up with the smokers. Many won't. I wake up in the morning on the ship coughing and feeling liked I smoked several cigarettes, only I didn't, I just breathed it in for a few hours. As a former smoker I know what causes the cough. Second hand smoke is real.

 

Everyone should be able to enjoy the casino, not just the smokers. It is only a matter of time and the folks I know who stay out of the casino because of the smoke will appreciate being able to spend their money there once smoking is banned. I know my lungs will certainly appreciate a ban on smoking in the casino.

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Gilgo Surfer

Gilgo Surfer

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Sorry I just don't agree. I think smokers still think they have the numbers….they don't. So many people have quit smoking and smoking has a stigma more now than ever before. The health ramifications are overwhelming…no more discussion needed.

 

I love to go to the casino late in the evening. I put up with the smokers. Many won't. I wake up in the morning on the ship coughing and feeling liked I smoked several cigarettes, only I didn't, I just breathed it in for a few hours. As a former smoker I know what causes the cough. Second hand smoke is real.

 

Everyone should be able to enjoy the casino, not just the smokers. It is only a matter of time and the folks I know who stay out of the casino because of the smoke will appreciate being able to spend their money there once smoking is banned. I know my lungs will certainly appreciate a ban on smoking in the casino.

 

They have the numbers and it's the smokers who spend.

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SammiC72

SammiC72

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I can't speak for anyone else, but I love to see one smokin' band!

 

And on another note, so glad Royal has further restricted smoking on their ships. Anyone who does not like it has other options and those who were already booked were given more than adequate notice.

 

Beg to differ, we are booked and received the notification update of smoking policy email in mid -oct within the period that we would lose our deposit if we cancelled. My DH and I always booked a suite so we could smoke on our balcony. Now perhaps we can cruise in the cattle class and do it on the cheap?!?!

 

Oh wait.. I hear you say well not everyone can afford to travel in a suite and it's their choice to travel in an inside stateroom, well it was my choice to smoke on my balcony of my suite under RCCL's old smoking policy.

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ripjerry95

ripjerry95

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Posted

Smoking isn't completely banned just on balcony and in certain areas right? I smoke and completely get it. I hate that I smoke and I am working on quitting. For me making it harder for me to smoke is a good thing! Lol!

 

 

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SammiC72

SammiC72

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Smoking isn't completely banned just on balcony and in certain areas right? I smoke and completely get it. I hate that I smoke and I am working on quitting. For me making it harder for me to smoke is a good thing! Lol!

 

 

Send from device_name using Cruise Critic your_app_name App

 

No Jerry, just on your balcony and possibly mid ship deck. There were always designated areas but I believe they have been reduced.

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cruzeluver

cruzeluver

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Beg to differ, we are booked and received the notification update of smoking policy email in mid -oct within the period that we would lose our deposit if we cancelled. My DH and I always booked a suite so we could smoke on our balcony. Now perhaps we can cruise in the cattle class and do it on the cheap?!?!

 

 

No need to beg. ;)

 

They have restricted smoking in ONE location. They have not banned it completely from their ships. If they had, I could see the need for advanced notice, but just on balconies? Nah. Prior to quitting smoking three years ago we always managed to make do with the smoking areas provided and I am sure if we still smoked would make do under the new policy. I like to eat strawberries by the pool, but I don't think Royal should have to give me advanced notice or change my cancellation policy if they decide to ban strawberries from the pool deck.

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poncho1973

poncho1973

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They have the numbers and it's the smokers who spend.

 

This is outdated and a myth. Smokers are a dying breed, at least in the Western World. They don't have the money-spending power they once had. Numbers are ESPECIALLY down in people above the poverty line. Those are the people with the disposable income. Poor people are buying their smokes and lottery tickets, but they aren't tossing around the cash and are certainly the wrong audience to woo with nicer vacations.

 

States starting banning smoking in certain locations many years ago. Smokers said that bars everywhere would close up and die. They didn't. Some did, but some bars die naturally all the time.

 

MORE states starting banning smoking indoors. Smokers said this is the end of the world as we know it! This could never happen in a smoke-happy Europe! They know what is up! Everything was fine.

 

European counties and cities stating banning smoking indoors. Smokers said that wouldn't work because Europeans love to smoke. It is working and smokers are declining in many European countries.

 

It's happening.

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