E Cigarettes

[Pet Nit Noy]

"... the task at hand is to assure that e-cigs will be subject to the same restrictions as cigarettes and cigars, including a ban in staterooms, verandas, dining and bar venues and all other public places on the ship other than the single designated outdoor and single designated indoor areas.

 

We can deal with the "cabin police" question or a "smokeless" ship later. Right now, we need the e-mails described earlier.

 

And the collective "we" has succeeded. Here is the email I just received from Mr. Jason Montague, President and COO of Oceania and Regent:

 

"Thank you for your email below. To provide a little background, the policy that allowed e-cigarettes to be smoked in all public spaces excluding the restaurants was implemented back in 2012 and up until recently we had not heard of any concerns with this policy. Upon hearing the concerns of our guests recently we revised the policy to only allow it in the designated areas in the public spaces as well as staterooms. The reason we initially chose this path was that based on our research it was our understanding that e-cigarettes leave no lasting remnants or smells that would not be eliminated completely by the thorough cleansing we give each stateroom/suite in between sailings so it was our belief that this would not have an impact on future guests or any guests in public spaces. This was further supported by the fact that multiple cruise lines in the industry allow e-cigarettes to be smoked in their staterooms. Having said all this, we have listened to several guests like yourself explain the reasons why they believe this is not a good policy and accordingly we will be updating the policy to now restrict e-cigarettes to only existing designated smoking spaces and they will not be allowed in the staterooms. I hope this helps explain the initial logic we went through and the corrective actions we have taken once we received feedback from our valued guests. We do hope we will have the opportunity to welcome you back onboard on a future cruise."

 

 

I appreciate the detail that Mr. Montague shared in his email and I'm delighted by the final e-cigarette policy.

 

Of course, we all need to ask ourselves how the original version of the policy --e-cigarettes anywhere except restaurants -- could have been in place since 2012 and no one on this alert, aware board seems to have known anything about it.

[cbb]

As much as I like the change in policy re: e-cigs, I am much more delighted by the response of corporate.

 

It is wonderful to know that someone reads these threads and responds to the consumer.

 

Thank you O! c

[kimanjo]

Most excellent news!

[Cruseforme]

As much as I like the change in policy re: e-cigs, I am much more delighted by the response of corporate.

 

It is wonderful to know that someone reads these threads and responds to the consumer.

 

Thank you O! c

 

 

 

Ditto that statement. That is what sets Oceania apart from the rest! :)

[LadyCruisers]

As of just now, the website has been updated:

 

"Electronic cigarettes allowed only in the designated smoking areas".

 

It is concise and definitive and not open to interpretation the way in reads in their smoking policy.

 

Thank you Oceania for listening to your valued guests and showing us you care as well as for the health and well being of not only us but your crews and newly refurbished vessels and falling into line with the likes of Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Azamara and yes even Carnival (with the exception of their night clubs and casino) on e-cig/vapors policy. Also thank you to all here who rallied hard and made their feelings known to management which resulted in Oceania taking the high road. Now excitedly looking forward to many more sailings on Oceania.

[Flatbush Flyer]

Mr Montague's handling of this has been a textbook example of great customer service! I just discarded that Azamara brochure that was sitting on my desk.

Edited May 19, 2015 by Flatbush Flyer

[Lindy028]

Well done Oceania, I am delighted that they have listened to their customers and acted so swiftly and correctly. I would not be prepared to sail with Oceania again if this policy had not been changed.

We can now look forward to our August cruise without worrying if the previous occupant of our stateroom has been vaping 24/7.