Smoke smell Grand Princess

[mikefang]

We need your input folks. We are on the Grand, April 6th, Vancouver to Hawaii, 15 days. We have been offered an upsell to a 'Category S7 Suite' which appears to be the group on Deck 6, starboard side, window suite.

We are concerned about the proximity to the casino as DW has asthma and any prolonged exposure to the smoke can be more than difficult.

Does anyone have experience with this group of window suites, deck 6, starboard side adjacent to the casino?

Any input appreciated.

Mike

[avalon1025]

I had a window suite and had asked for them to keep the cabin hallway doors close to the casino closed as smoke could be smelled in my room. After they closed the door, it was fine

[mikefang]

Thank you for the response.

[Colo Cruiser]

If you do a search there are many threads on this very subject about window suites. ;)

[IECalCruiser]

We had a WS on the Grand. We found the ventilation in the cabin to be quite good with no smoke odor, even if there was a faint smell in the hallway from time to time. This was in F311.

[Coveguy4]

Twice I have stayedin WS but on the Golden. Both times in F307, and smoke never was an issue. They are wonderful cabins....

[waltd]

We also were in F311. Great cabin. No smoke in that cabin at all. You did smell smoke when you left the hallway going into the Atrium or the opposite end of the hallway. The door to the hallway going into the atrium is always closed but the door at the other end was always open so I'm not sure I would want a cabin at that end like F301 or F303. We did not miss the balcony at all. Big windows in the cabin with great views.

[Ahhh]

You did smell smoke when you left the hallway going into the Atrium or the opposite end of the hallway.

 

I would think any voyage would be impacted by the number of smokers on the ship who use the casino to either gamble/smoke, or just smoke, as there are few indoor venues that allow smoking.

 

I've noticed on Grand Class Ships that the Reception Desk, and a good portion of the Atrium can smell of smoke if the Casino is full of smokers...and THAT is a crapshoot on any sailing!

 

You never know till you are onboard, and some people are more sensitive, or allergic to cigarette smoke than others. There is no clear answer to the OP's question, especially being that his wife has asthma

[SadieN]

We were on the Grand in January and checked out the hallway. We smelled little to no smoke there.

Both doors were closed when we were there.

[morriscats]

Another Grand WS 311 past resident (and future). I have asthma and smoke bothers me and I had no problem in this room. Loved it.

[cr8tiv1]

Another Window Suite Alumni...F311 most times. Just got off on 3/4 to Hawaii. You shouldn't have any smoke smells inside the Window Suites (higher number is a better location). After all these years, I was finally showed how to shut the doors to the hallway (although your cabin steward, Arnel....is super fantastic and will keep them closed / please tell him Renee said hello). The doors are held open by a very strong magnet. High up is a rocker switch that will release the doors.

 

My opinion about the smoke odors "outside" the cabin:

 

On my most recent cruise, the casino was not really busy. Can't say how that will be on your Canadian cruise.

 

I did notice that the Piazza (public area) was constantly tainted with the smell of smoke (all three decks). I may just be more sensitive than most.

 

Another benefit is that you can use your private hallway to avoid going through the casino to get to Deck 6 of the Princess Theater.

 

I would not hesitate to take an upsell to a Window Suite. Hope you are not too late to respond to the offer. Best location on the ship, especially since there are no central staircases on the Grand.

[mikefang]

Thanks again to all of you.

Mike

[Pam in CA]

I did notice that the Piazza (public area) was constantly tainted with the smell of smoke (all three decks). I may just be more sensitive than most.

You're not more sensitive. The smell of smoke on deck 6 in the Atrium was awful... really bad at the Passenger Services Desk. Not too bad on 5 and 7. Princess needs to install much better air systems in the Casino. It was even worse in Club 6 on the Royal.

[Lovetocruiseprincess]

You're not more sensitive. The smell of smoke on deck 6 in the Atrium was awful... really bad at the Passenger Services Desk. Not too bad on 5 and 7. Princess needs to install much better air systems in the Casino. It was even worse in Club 6 on the Royal.

 

I could never understand why they don't have doors on the casinos (on any of the ships) or at the very least an air curtain. I piety the employees who have to work under those conditions for hours on end. Now that the casinos have been turned into an indoor smoking facility there's more need than ever for something to be done.

[smslms]

Window suites are great. Have never had even the tiniest hint of the smell of smoke in the cabin or in the hallway for that matter. Our room steward has always kept the hallway doors closed. For that matter they are seldom opened as most passengers have no idea what is on the other side of them.

[shredie]

I piety the employees who have to work under those conditions for hours on end. Now that the casinos have been turned into an indoor smoking facility there's more need than ever for something to be done.

 

Tee hee. ;) I have wondered if there is some extra money in it for those employees. In any case, I have never heard anyone complain about smoke in the WS. Everyone I have talked to just loved them.

[PescadoAmarillo]

The smoke smell on the Grand Princess on Deck 6 around the casino area is the worst I have ever experienced on any cruise ship. I could not even stand to be in the Piazza on Deck 6, and luckily did not have to go to the PSD on that cruise (DH took care of getting on board spending statements for me). Even if the smoke did not make it to the window suites, I would not want to have to walk through any area around them just to get to them.

 

YMMV. I have moderate to severe asthma and am very sensitive to smoke. But encountering the Grand Princess casino smoke just about shut down my ability to breath at all. Also, on the Caribbean Princess, I could actually quickly walk through the casino on a smoking night and not be affected the way I was outside the casino on the Grand Princess.

[mikefang]

We appreciate all the responses and referrals. We decided to give it a try and we have F307, S7 Window Suite.

We will post an update during the cruise or after our return.

Mike (and Fang)

[Lovetocruiseprincess]

Also, on the Caribbean Princess, I could actually quickly walk through the casino on a smoking night and not be affected the way I was outside the casino on the Grand Princess.

 

I tried to get the wife to walk out on the deck a few time to avoid going through the casino but she always complains about the wind & her hair.:cool:

[shredie]

I tried to get the wife to walk out on the deck a few time to avoid going through the casino but she always complains about the wind & her hair.:cool:

Clearly, you are a guy and don't understand the issues with wind and a hairdo. ;) There are a few of us here who could tell you some horror stories about what can happen on an open deck. :D

 

I guess, though, if the hair picks up smokey smells walking through the casino, maybe the wind will blow them away. :)

Edited March 18, 2015 by shredie

[Colo Cruiser]

Window suites are great. Have never had even the tiniest hint of the smell of smoke in the cabin or in the hallway for that matter. Our room steward has always kept the hallway doors closed. For that matter they are seldom opened as most passengers have no idea what is on the other side of them.

 

That certainly helps, keeping those doors closed. ;)

[marykhal]

I spoke with Princess this morning and expressed concern about the reported smoke and mold issues. (We have a May 16 sailaway date). I have great news (although too late for the aforementioned Hawaiian cruise), however the Grand will be dry docked in early May to address the water leak/mold issues on decks 14/15 as well as the smoke ventilation issues in the casino/piazza locations. Well, they didn't specifically say WHY they were working on these areas, as I am presuming the rationale. I was just told deck 14/15 and casino/piazza are the areas of focus, etc. With the 2011 upgrades of adding Alfredos and Leaves, (and all the other refurbs) it would be a shame to let some mold and smoke diminish the experience. Glad to know the concerns are being addressed. :o