OK, it is time to ask about the new smoking policy now in effect!

[reedl]

So with the new smoking policy in place, has anyone noticed any minor or major differences in the atmosphere on the ship? Has anyone noticed smoke on a balcony anymore? On Allure Bolero's was a smoking area, but is supposed to not be anymore. Other areas that were smoking are also non-smoking.

 

I am just wondering if anyone even notices the differences!

 

Basically, how are things going? Are they enforcing the balcony smoking policy?

Edited January 9, 2014 by reedl

[canuckcruiselover]

I am sure the no-smoking policy is being strictly enforced. When I booked my next cruise last week, the RCCL rep told me that most smokers are not booking balconies now.

[orville99]

When I booked my next cruise last week, the RCCL rep told me that most smokers are not booking balconies now.

 

 

How could they possibly know that:confused:

[LovesCruising]

All I can tell you is about my experience - we boarded Explorer 12/29

There are no venues indoors that I know if other than the Cigar Lounge and the casino that allow smoking - so that was unaffected come Jan 1

 

Out door smoking remained the same with designated smoking areas

 

I had an ash tray on my balcony - I fully expected an announcement either verbally or in the daily on January 1 reminding everyone of the changes - none came. The ashtray remained on the balcony until we disembarked on Jan 5.

 

I can confirm people were smoking on the balcony after Jan 1 without any consequence. It could be because the cruise started before the policy went into effect. IDK. It is possible those who boarded after Jan 1 were reminded of the new rule.

[reney313]

All I can tell you is about my experience - we boarded Explorer 12/29

There are no venues indoors that I know if other than the Cigar Lounge and the casino that allow smoking - so that was unaffected come Jan 1

 

Out door smoking remained the same with designated smoking areas

 

I had an ash tray on my balcony - I fully expected an announcement either verbally or in the daily on January 1 reminding everyone of the changes - none came. The ashtray remained on the balcony until we disembarked on Jan 5.

 

I can confirm people were smoking on the balcony after Jan 1 without any consequence. It could be because the cruise started before the policy went into effect. IDK. It is possible those who boarded after Jan 1 were reminded of the new rule.

 

 

I believe the balcony "rule" is for the first cruise Start Date after January 1 so it would not have impacted your sailing. the next sailing on Jan. 5 should be no smoking on balconies.

[riclop]

How could they possibly know that:confused:

Good point.

[canuckcruiselover]

How could they possibly know that:confused:

 

The rep asked me if I wanted a balcony. When I said I didn't because there is no more smoking on balconies, that was his reply.

[Nado44]

Just came off the 1/4/14 Liberty OTS cruise. My observation is that the smokers were going to the casino for their fixes. Venue was packed to the gills day and night and with many smokers sitting around the machines and near their ashtrays.

[jo24]

How could they possibly know that:confused:

 

Possibly people are asking about the policy when they are booking and stating that the only reason that they had a balcony before was because they smoked and now they can't, they won't pay the extra... Just a thought.

 

Jo :)

 

 

EDIT: Oops, just seen post #7 so it is as I thought.

Edited January 9, 2014 by jo24

[stones902]

A cigar smoker here - not cigarettes.

 

Does anyone know the designated outdoor venue on Radiance class ships - specifically the Serenade?

 

I'm assuming it will be the Sky Bar but could be wrong?

[Catperson]

So if you now see someone smoking on their balcony will you report them? Who would you report them to? Or would you nicely tell the smoker to butt out?

[LMaxwell]

So if you now see someone smoking on their balcony will you report them? Who would you report them to? Or would you nicely tell the smoker to butt out?

 

I don't invite confrontation on vacation. If I were trying to use my balcony and could smell someone smoking I would call guest services and let them handle it.

[orville99]

We were on Brilliance for NYE cruise that departed Tampa on 12/30, and that ship implemented the ban effective with that cruise(with a little note at the bottom of the cruise compass that they give you when you check in), but no other signage or notice anywhere on the ship. A lot of pax (including us) were surprised when we were challenged by the crew for using our PV's in places where we had always been able to use them in the past. So I guess it was left up to the ship to decide when and how it would execute the change.

[dixieva]

Just came off the 1/4/14 Liberty OTS cruise. My observation is that the smokers were going to the casino for their fixes. Venue was packed to the gills day and night and with many smokers sitting around the machines and near their ashtrays.

 

 

This is what I have been dreading! I like to play in the casino but have severe asthma and it was pretty bad before the new smoking rules. But at least we had formal nights which were no smoking in the casino. Now that is no longer the case. I usually make a generous "contribution" in the casino but now I'm thinking I'll have to stay out of there.

 

Seems to me that this will cause a loss to the cruise lines since us non-smokers will be avoiding the casino and it will be filled with a lot of folks who are just smoking and not gambling.

[CVU]

On IOS now.

 

Not doing a very good job enforcing it. Disappointed and mentioned it to the front desk as we can smell smoke on our balcony.

It is Up to the cabin Attendant to tell them the new rule or you to let front desk know if you smell smoke. Then they will deal with it. They Have to enter your cabin to see where it is coming from.

 

Old policy forms were in our cabin and no mention at Muster drill either. just there is no smoking in the cabins.

No other mention in the Compass or notice in the cabin.

 

We are b2b so see how the next cruise goes.....

[Cindy]

Just came off the 1/4/14 Liberty OTS cruise. My observation is that the smokers were going to the casino for their fixes. Venue was packed to the gills day and night and with many smokers sitting around the machines and near their ashtrays.

 

This is what I was afraid of. I already thought the casinos were smoky...the ventilation system doesn't seem very effective.

[LBumb]

why not have a designated area of the ship that would have smoking balconies, like the aft

[negc]

This is what I have been dreading! I like to play in the casino but have severe asthma and it was pretty bad before the new smoking rules. But at least we had formal nights which were no smoking in the casino. Now that is no longer the case. I usually make a generous "contribution" in the casino but now I'm thinking I'll have to stay out of there.

 

Seems to me that this will cause a loss to the cruise lines since us non-smokers will be avoiding the casino and it will be filled with a lot of folks who are just smoking and not gambling.

 

Guess the line is doomed if all the smokers cease booking because they can't smoke on their balconies and the non-smokers quit because of all the smokers in the casino.:rolleyes: More likely the smokers' time in the casino will eventually come to an end as well and we'll all be the healthier for it.:)

Edited January 9, 2014 by negc

[Aquahound]

So if you now see someone smoking on their balcony will you report them? Who would you report them to? Or would you nicely tell the smoker to butt out?

 

If they're right next to me, I will politely remind them of the rule and respectfully ask them to put it out. If playing the nice guy doesn't work or they aren't right next to me, yes, I will report them. I would call Guest Services.

[peteukmcr]

Just came off the 1/4/14 Liberty OTS cruise. My observation is that the smokers were going to the casino for their fixes. Venue was packed to the gills day and night and with many smokers sitting around the machines and near their ashtrays.

As mentioned by others, this is a disappointment as the casinos are not the best ventilated venues on board. I dread to think what the one on Allure is like as this was the worst for smoke I'd ever experienced in 2013.

 

However, although I'm no high roller, I do like to donate USD to RCI, but will no longer be doing so, which is great for my pocket!

[Sparky74]

This is what I have been dreading! I like to play in the casino but have severe asthma and it was pretty bad before the new smoking rules. But at least we had formal nights which were no smoking in the casino. Now that is no longer the case. I usually make a generous "contribution" in the casino but now I'm thinking I'll have to stay out of there.

 

Seems to me that this will cause a loss to the cruise lines since us non-smokers will be avoiding the casino and it will be filled with a lot of folks who are just smoking and not gambling.

 

Far be it from me to encourage anyone to throw their money away in a casino but...

 

Come Down-under. Smoking is not allowed in the casino on Australian itineraries.

[peteukmcr]

Come Down-under. Smoking is not allowed in the casino on Australian itineraries.

Another great reason for a return visit to Australia and to include a cruise this time!

[crusinpeg]

why not have a designated area of the ship that would have smoking balconies, like the aft

 

Aft balconies are prime real estate...some of the BEST balconies..cannot see giving them up to smokers.

[goodycruising]

I am glad there is no smoking in the casino on sailings from Australia. That would be really annoying. When the no smoking policy came into effect here in Aus many people feared the pokies venues would suffer greatly. As it turned out there has been many people that didn't go because of the smoking, so after a small time of adjustment I believe the statistics show that they are now doing even better. Maybe the ship casinos could research better when thinking that retaining these areas for smoking in some locations is a good idea. There are plenty of non smokers that like to donate to the casino!

[Mrs Cigar King]

Has anyone noticed if RCCL "enhanced" the smoking area. They had told me they were going to make it more comfortable and increase the ashtray supply.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1913841

 

We will be on the Liberty next week. If anyone has been there since the new policy was instituted, can you post about any improvements. The last time were were on that ship the smoking area on the pool deck was not a comfortable area.

Thanks.