Cx ES due to change in smoking policy

[springs741]

Okay, Cruise Critic friends and foes, I need some assistance.

First this is not a smoking debate thread. The changes are in place there is no further need to debate the issue.

Secondly, I am not trying to break or get around the rules. (I was a smoker and now vape but the same rules apply and I will follow them)

Here is my question: When the change in smoking policy was announced part of the announcement was that due to the rule change Early Savers could cancel without penalty. What I can’t find and can’t remember is the cut off for those changes. Was it Cancel before the rule change became effective on October 9, 2014 or was it cancel before final payment?

If you could provide links to official information regarding the policy I would very much appreciate the information.

[Spudder]

Off of the GoCCL website:

 

I don’t like the new smoking policy; can I cancel my cruise without penalties? The new smoking policy for stateroom balconies goes into effect on October 09, 2014, allowing guest’s time to cancel outside the penalty period if they feel the new policy will impact their ability to enjoy their cruise. Once the penalty period starts, normal penalties will apply. Guests booked under the Early Saver promotion for sailings October 09, 2014, and onward may cancel prior to the final payment due date and receive their deposit back if the change in policy will adversely impact their cruise experience.

Edited October 22, 2014 by Spudder

[springs741]

Thank you so much. I looked for it and could not find it in all my emails. The threads on here and FB were just too long and often times ugly to sort through. The hamster that runs on the little wheel in my head that powers my brain must have fallen off. I didn't even think to search Carnival. Please forgive me. And thanks again for the link.

Edited October 22, 2014 by springs741

[katiel53]

My thought on this is that if you booked after the new policy announcement went into effect, you would not be able to use the no-smoking clause. I think, but I haven't actually seen a date mentioned, that if the cruise was booked before the announcement, you could cancel.

 

That makes sense to me, but not all things that make sense are fact!

[Havingfun2010]

Okay, Cruise Critic friends and foes, I need some assistance.

First this is not a smoking debate thread. The changes are in place there is no further need to debate the issue.

Secondly, I am not trying to break or get around the rules. (I was a smoker and now vape but the same rules apply and I will follow them)

Here is my question: When the change in smoking policy was announced part of the announcement was that due to the rule change Early Savers could cancel without penalty. What I can’t find and can’t remember is the cut off for those changes. Was it Cancel before the rule change became effective on October 9, 2014 or was it cancel before final payment?

If you could provide links to official information regarding the policy I would very much appreciate the information.

 

So it really sounds like you want to cancel your trip, and use this as an excuse? Why would you ask, if you don't smoke, please tell us!

[Spudder]

So it really sounds like you want to cancel your trip, and use this as an excuse? Why would you ask, if you don't smoke, please tell us!

 

She Vapes so she would fall under the same rules...

[springs741]

So it really sounds like you want to cancel your trip, and use this as an excuse? Why would you ask, if you don't smoke, please tell us!

As spudder said, I vape and that does fall under the same rules. I follow rules. It is not an excuse it is a valid reason to cancel. As I stated I don't want a debate I just wanted to know the cut off dates.

 

The trip in question was booked in March of 2014 for August of 2015. So it was well before the smoking rule change.

[qsuzi]

So it really sounds like you want to cancel your trip, and use this as an excuse? Why would you ask, if you don't smoke, please tell us!

 

Really! After reading what the OP said you still posted this?

Edited October 22, 2014 by qsuzi

[RuthlessBoss]

As spudder said, I vape and that does fall under the same rules. I follow rules. It is not an excuse it is a valid reason to cancel. As I stated I don't want a debate I just wanted to know the cut off dates.

 

The trip in question was booked in March of 2014 for August of 2015. So it was well before the smoking rule change.

 

If you plan to cancel, you should do it now while the ban is practically new. If you wait too long, they will assume it's really not the smoking issue, but using it as an excuse to cancel.

[crusinpsychRN]

No one at Carnival ever asked me if I smoke when I book a balcony, even with the change, to let me know of the policy change. I think some people might be surprised. But then some people don't know the name of the ship they're on.....

[springs741]

If you plan to cancel, you should do it now while the ban is practically new. If you wait too long, they will assume it's really not the smoking issue, but using it as an excuse to cancel.

Thank you RuthlessBoss. I had thought of that, which is why I am asking. Last cruise was right before the ban. We have a cruise booked for February and I will see how it goes. I just want to know my options and play by the rules.

[RuthlessBoss]

Thank you RuthlessBoss. I had thought of that, which is why I am asking. Last cruise was right before the ban. We have a cruise booked for February and I will see how it goes. I just want to know my options and play by the rules.

 

I still smoke, but booked a cruise recently and doing my trial run this weekend with an OV and directly next to an elevator going to Lido. I've tried and have vaping equipment, but just can't mentally accept it. I think I'll be okay. I sure will miss the balcony though.

[CAnative1]

Or just go, and then refer to the great vacation guarantee that they have. Tell them it is not great within 24 hours and get your money back. Of course, only if you are within a penalty period.

[travler27]

Invoking the GVG will only work if you have a passport. And you are willing to pack up all your junk. And you are willing to lug it all to the small island airport. And you are willing to sit in the airport for hours waiting on a flight. And you are willing to land at the home port city airport with your car parked at the cruise terminal. And you are willing to lug all your junk to the taxi. And you are willing to unload all your junk from the taxi and load it in the car. And you are willing to give up your vacation just to try to make a point.

 

The GVG is not easy to invoke. I doubt many will do it for the fun of it.

Edited October 23, 2014 by travler27

[Namelocg]

I just got back from the first Conquest cruise after the ban started (10/12 to 10/19). I thought I would miss smoking on my balcony but to be honest it was not a problem. The current smoking areas are deck 3 starboard, the casino bar and some tables and machines in the casino on deck 5, and deck 10 starboard where they have added comfortable chairs, couches and tables, some with umbrellas and some in the shade. I really didn't miss being able to smoke on the balcony. I would suggest you try it before cancelling any future cruises. JMHO.

[springs741]

Thank you Namelocg, that is the plan with the February cruise. If we are just absolutely miserable not being able to vape on the balcony then at least now I know I have the option of cancelling the August cruise without penalty. Who knows by then the rules for vapping may change or I might have been able to quit. Honestly the only time I think it will be a problem is first thing I the morning with my coffee. The rest of the time I do fine without or can easily step out.

Edited October 23, 2014 by springs741

[Havingfun2010]

As spudder said, I vape and that does fall under the same rules. I follow rules. It is not an excuse it is a valid reason to cancel. As I stated I don't want a debate I just wanted to know the cut off dates.

 

The trip in question was booked in March of 2014 for August of 2015. So it was well before the smoking rule change.

 

Ok, but Vaping you can do on the balcony, or in a stateroom without much chance of getting caught. I really don't believe, that your ability to "vape" will control your life that much since restrictions are in place all over the place and I am sure your are already use to the restrictions. That led me to believe, that your really just want to cancel and trying to find a loophole to do so.

 

This was not a smoking debate, just a casual observation giving you credit that a small toy will not control your life so much.

[champagne123]

Ok, but Vaping you can do on the balcony, or in a stateroom without much chance of getting caught. I really don't believe, that your ability to "vape" will control your life that much since restrictions are in place all over the place and I am sure your are already use to the restrictions. That led me to believe, that your really just want to cancel and trying to find a loophole to do so.

 

This was not a smoking debate, just a casual observation giving you credit that a small toy will not control your life so much.

 

I was going to say something very similar to your statement, but did not want to start a debate...vaping equals "breaking the rules" BUT ..how on earth would anyone know? They wouldn't!!!!!

[RuthlessBoss]

Thank you Namelocg, that is the plan with the February cruise. If we are just absolutely miserable not being able to vape on the balcony then at least now I know I have the option of cancelling the August cruise without penalty. Who knows by then the rules for vapping may change or I might have been able to quit. Honestly the only time I think it will be a problem is first thing I the morning with my coffee. The rest of the time I do fine without or can easily step out.

 

The coffee thing, gotcha! Me too. I'm not vaping, but going solo this weekend so I can stay longer as it's not affecting a travel companion. Not sure I'd appreciate having to go to a smoking area to puff my alternate device.

A big difference might be how far your cabin is from an approved area. I booked my cabin to almost hug the elevator that gives a straight shot up. When we were on Liberty a while ago, had a balcony for our morning fix, but the rest of the time we went to the smoking area on deck 10. That was one heck of a hike from our cabin location.

[springs741]

Thanks Ruth, moved our staterooms on the Freedom cruise to deck 10 starboard so I can just walk out onto the smoking deck.

 

Havingfun2010, not looking for a loophole, just trying to follow the rules but I can see where you might have thought that was the case.

 

Champagne, same thing, trying to follow the rules. You are right I don't think anyone would know if I vapped on the balcony. But I won't do it.

 

We have children and grandchildren that cruise with us. For me it is very important to lead by example and follow the rules. And before anyone jumps on me about smoking and vapping around the children, I don't. Do they know? Yes, they are not stupid.

 

In any case I have my answer about cancelling before final payment and will see how things go on the Freedom cruise.

 

Thanks to all for the information, support and for not turning this into a great debate.

[CAnative1]

Invoking the GVG will only work if you have a passport. And you are willing to pack up all your junk. And you are willing to lug it all to the small island airport. And you are willing to sit in the airport for hours waiting on a flight. And you are willing to land at the home port city airport with your car parked at the cruise terminal. And you are willing to lug all your junk to the taxi. And you are willing to unload all your junk from the taxi and load it in the car. And you are willing to give up your vacation just to try to make a point.

 

The GVG is not easy to invoke. I doubt many will do it for the fun of it.

 

haha... well if you put it like that.

 

BUT if you WERE going to go the route of the GVG anyway.... why pack all kinds of things? You pack light, and if anything you still have at least some time away from your daily routine at home. Now if you are a short drive away from your port of departure, well it would make it even easier to do such a thing. Not everyone has to fly to their port. I had to fly on my first two cruises, but I won't be flying on my next one.