Balcony Smokers on Allure

[Computer Nerd]

Here is an example how Celebrity deals with ignorant smokers:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=49335336&postcount=39

 

they weren't ignorant because they were informed and just didn't give a damn. they may be stupid but they weren't ignorant.

 

also, we're not on celebrity so what they do doesn't really matter on an rccl ship. someone else could say on a hal ship they bring you a lighter and an ashtray to your balcony but that wouldn't be relevant either.

Edited April 26, 2016 by Computer Nerd

[Computer Nerd]

Either not enough smokers are asking for private lounges where they can smoke, or the cruiseline has determined catering to them is not a money maker. One or the other.

 

every ship already has a private smoking lounge. it's called the casino. :D

[Computer Nerd]

I always book a balcony, as I prefer fresh air to canned air. Since RCCL has banned smoking on balconies, it is reasonable to expect a smoke free environment on the balcony. It is also reasonable to expect RCCL to enforce this rule.

 

Suggesting people NOT book a balcony because inconsiderate, non rule following smokers are asses is just plain stupid. Those who chose to smoke on their balconies run the risk of being fined or kicked off. I chose not to tolerate cigarette smoke and make a loud general announcement that smoking is banned and if it continues, I will make a report to guest services.

 

again, people keep making the false assumption that not being allowed to smoke on your balcony equals a smoke free environment. if you pick or get assigned a balcony that is close to an authorized smoking area it is very probable.....since more people now smoke in those areas and there is probably more smoke being generated there.....that your balcony will be actually smoky and there is nothing rccl or you can do about it. please do not confuse the two. no one has been guaranteed a smoke free environment. it is simply a rule that one cannot smoke on their balcony.

[Computer Nerd]

Non-Smoker here. Father, a 50+year smoker, died from lung cancer. Watched him suffer terribly from the chemo radiation one-two punch.

 

Having said that, if I am unlucky enough to have balcony neighbors who chain smoke, if it got really bad, I'd ask to be moved. If I couldn't move, then I'd ask for some sort of credit. I don't like confrontation, especially on my vacation, so I'd probably just refrain from going on my balcony. Yes, that is wrong and I paid for that balcony to sit and enjoy, but what can I do??? I'd rather throw up my hands than confront strangers about it.

 

But I can totally understand those who feel differently, and I understand both sides of this argument in this thread. This is a toughy. Eventually when RCCI receives enough complaints about the smoke, they'll devise a way to put a stop to it on the balconies.:o We're moving towards a smoke-free society, no smoking in buildings, airplanes, many restaurants, etc. Eventually it will get to cruise ships except casinos, which I think is a compromise. Bring back the Cigar rooms like on the smaller Navigator ships. I remember those. They were nice.

 

Meanwhile what do I take away from this thread? Pack away one of those cute, tiny little hand-held, non-electrical, personal fans, they are very small and non-intrusive. And use them discretely on the balcony at the appropriate time.

 

does the obc keep someone from getting sick :confused:

[Computer Nerd]

This sounds like a scene from a comedy. Maybe cast someone like a George Constanza to ask the question.

 

Sorry, but 9 outta 10 would still respond, um, "unfavorably"....

 

has the world gotten so bad that politeness and common courtesy is considered a scene from a sitcom :confused: that's so sad.

[Christine Frances]

not sure if this is Intimidation or a passive Threat, either way, this is exactly what I was speaking to in my previous posts.

 

Sorry neither. On another cruise, rather than being "in their face" we have stuck X's smoking policy from the Celebrity today with a "happy face" on their cabin door. The next day we got a finger around the divider. Made for an uncomfortable 14 night cruise. Since then we let the cruise line deal with it. They chat them up nicely, drop a copy of the rules etc. But.. next violation is a "cleaning fee" of $250. Oh a lot of people thought that is was a one time fee and figured they could just pay that and keep on smoking. Not Sometimes they get a second cleaning fee but the 3rd time they are off the ship. We have found our neighbours take Security Officers much more seriously than DH saying "Howdy neighbour" but then again Celebrity seems to take balcony smoking more seriously than RCI. X doesn't even have smoking in the casinos or anywhere in the interior of their ships. I guess we are spoiled but will just have to hope for the best. The itinerary is stunning.

[nealstuber]

every ship already has a private smoking lounge. it's called the casino. :D

 

 

Yeah just what every smoker wants with their morning coffee, a trip from their private balcony in their bathrobe (or less) with the sun rising and spouse still resting in bed nearby. Of course they should be denied this and schlep down to the casino because they are so stupid and we have no vices.

 

Also I hear the casino is really happening when the ship is still in port as it was when this ridiculous thread started.

Edited April 26, 2016 by nealstuber

[Goodtime Cruizin]

Sorry neither. On another cruise, rather than being "in their face" we have stuck X's smoking policy from the Celebrity today with a "happy face" on their cabin door. The next day we got a finger around the divider. Made for an uncomfortable 14 night cruise. Since then we let the cruise line deal with it. They chat them up nicely, drop a copy of the rules etc. But.. next violation is a "cleaning fee" of $250. Oh a lot of people thought that is was a one time fee and figured they could just pay that and keep on smoking. Not Sometimes they get a second cleaning fee but the 3rd time they are off the ship. We have found our neighbours take Security Officers much more seriously than DH saying "Howdy neighbour" but then again Celebrity seems to take balcony smoking more seriously than RCI. X doesn't even have smoking in the casinos or anywhere in the interior of their ships. I guess we are spoiled but will just have to hope for the best. The itinerary is stunning.

 

First, you should never start a conversation with 'Sorry' & then proceed. If you're truly sorry m then you wouldn't continue the conversation. I'm not saying that you shouldn't express yourself/comments but to do so under the guise of 'Sorry' starts the topic off w/ hypocrisy from the get go.

 

Second, whatever you think works best is your call, but the way it's handled will show in the results. A note is very impersonal and sets a tone in that you are not ready to discuss this face to face. Adding a bit of humanistic qualities with dialgoue & tone is a bit more neighborly. I doubt I would have flipped you off, but we wouldn't have much to say to one another that's for sure. But whatever floats your boat.

 

Thirdly, if it wasn't intimidation or a passive threat, what was it? It didn't sound as if her husband wanted to come over and enjoy a brandy & cigar.

 

Lastly, it appears your eagerness to explore the itenary takes priority over other things that you hold dear. You should stick w/ X as you've mentioned it in each of your posts.

 

BTW, we're sailing on X for the first time in 2017 and looking forward to the new experience!

Edited April 26, 2016 by Goodtime Cruizin

[LMaxwell]

if your question is 'why is there a difference if i say something to my neighbor instead of a cruise line employee' the answer is simple. a neighbor talking to a neighbor will usually yield better results because of the friendly nature....hopefully.....of the conversation. if a cruise line employee is doing the talking then it's an authority position which people are not as receptive to.

 

I see it differently. If someone has no authority to enforce a rule, bringing it up is going to get the "eff off buddy" response. Then when you escalate to those who are authorized to handling it you get the person who was in the wrong retaliating. I think people that break rules they know about aren't going to stop just because another guest asks them to, no matter how politely. Better to avoid any possibility of a belligerent response and just let the company handle it. After all, that is what you have paid them thousands of dollars for, a vacation experience and if there is an issue the right thing is to let them know so they can correct it.

[LMaxwell]

Yeah just what every smoker wants with their morning coffee, a trip from their private balcony in their bathrobe (or less) with the sun rising and spouse still resting in bed nearby. Of course they should be denied this and schlep down to the casino because they are so stupid and we have no vices.

 

Also I hear the casino is really happening when the ship is still in port as it was when this ridiculous thread started.

 

Maybe smokers should save their money and not book balconys but book insides and oceanview rooms closer to the areas that allow smoking...logical idea.

[LMaxwell]

every ship already has a private smoking lounge. it's called the casino. :D

 

for now, but I wouldn't count on that for too long

[brigittetom]

The window entering that particular restroom was floor to ceiling glass and you could see EVERYTHING. I turned around right away and just thought "Yikes, I hope the ladies' room doesn't have that problem. .

 

I'm pretty sure that there isn't a woman out there that wouldn't notice a floor to ceiling window with a ship docked right next to it. That's a man thing. :D

Edited April 26, 2016 by brigittetom

[Goodtime Cruizin]

I see it differently. If someone has no authority to enforce a rule, bringing it up is going to get the "eff off buddy" response. Then when you escalate to those who are authorized to handling it you get the person who was in the wrong retaliating. I think people that break rules they know about aren't going to stop just because another guest asks them to, no matter how politely. Better to avoid any possibility of a belligerent response and just let the company handle it. After all, that is what you have paid them thousands of dollars for, a vacation experience and if there is an issue the right thing is to let them know so they can correct it.

 

See, this right here is what and how we are so different! I don't spend thousands of dollars for RCI to be the social police. It's a mind set. We be big time different.

Edited April 26, 2016 by Goodtime Cruizin

[nealstuber]

Maybe smokers should save their money and not book balconys but book insides and oceanview rooms closer to the areas that allow smoking...logical idea.

 

 

Maybe, but Maybe treating this minority like second class citizens,, not worthy of a balcony, and putting the offense on par with violence and disorderly conduct was a mistake. And maybe those charged with enforcing this rule feel the same way which is why you see apathetic enforcement.

 

We tried prohibition too.

Edited April 26, 2016 by nealstuber

[LMaxwell]

See, this right here is what and how we are so different! I don't spend thousands of dollars for RCI to be the social police. It's a mind set. We be big time different.

 

I pay a premium for a balcony on a cruise line that doesn't allow balcony smoking. If there's smoking, I tell the company. Why exactly do you think this is wrong?

 

Maybe, but Maybe treating this minority like second class citizens,, not worthy of a balcony, and putting the offense on par with violence and disorderly conduct was a mistake. And maybe those charged with enforcing this rule feel the same way which is why you see apathetic enforcement.

 

We tried prohibition too.

 

Easy on the dramatic response. I don't think smokers are second class citizens or not worthy of a balcony, but if smoking is so important, don't pay the premium for a balcony that you are not allowed to smoke on. save the money and book closer to approved smoking areas. I defy you to go through this entire thread and find any post I've made where I put smokers on par with violent offenders. You will only find that I've tried to stop any and all strawman arguments.

 

So I ask you; if I pay a premium for a balcony on a cruise line that doesn't allow smoking, and my neighbor is smoking, why do you think I should not do anything about it? Don't i have a reasonable expectation for a smoke free balcony? Since I'm not an authority figure on the ship (not an employee of the company), why would I try to take matters into my own hands and have a confrontation?

 

I'm genuinely asking you to explain to me this sans strawman dramatics.

[LMaxwell]

I'm still waiting for any smoker to tell me why I have to compromise on allowing / scheduling time with a smoker on a balcony on a ship where the policy is no smoking on balconies.

[nealstuber]

Maybe smokers should save their money and not book balconys but book insides and oceanview rooms closer to the areas that allow smoking...logical idea.

 

 

Oh yeah, let's not. Forget that the smoking area is a moving (and striking target). Just 'cause you booked near the smoking area (under the noisy lido deck with countless threads to avoid) does not mean it would be (sort of) easy to get to the area that has been designated once you board. And of course the current smoking areas are so, so, easy to determine from the ships deck plans. Besides, if logic was involved, smokers would not smoke and cruisers would not cruise. More logical uses for most of our dollars.

[nealstuber]

I'm still waiting for any smoker to tell me why I have to compromise on allowing / scheduling time with a smoker on a balcony on a ship where the policy is no smoking on balconies.

 

 

I'm not a smoker, but I'll answer anyway.: Because you want them to enjoy their cruise too.

[LMaxwell]

I'm not a smoker, but I'll answer anyway.: Because you want them to enjoy their cruise too.

 

They can smoke. They just need to go to designated smoking areas first.

 

Stateroom balcony is not a designated smoking area.

[BND]

I'm not a smoker, but I'll answer anyway.: Because you want them to enjoy their cruise too.

 

Seriously? Smoking is not allowed on balconies, period.

[LMaxwell]

Oh yeah, let's not. Forget that the smoking area is a moving (and striking target). Just 'cause you booked near the smoking area (under the noisy lido deck with countless threads to avoid) does not mean it would be (sort of) easy to get to the area that has been designated once you board. And of course the current smoking areas are so, so, easy to determine from the ships deck plans. Besides, if logic was involved, smokers would not smoke and cruisers would not cruise. More logical uses for most of our dollars.

 

Smokers are welcome to book a balcony stateroom and enjoy their balcony, just not to smoke on their balcony.

 

If they are booking the balcony primarily as a space to smoke they will be disappointed and they may be better off saving some money and booking closer to a smoking area; no one said it had to be a noisy spot under the pools.

[First and Ten]

Looking back thru this thread, I haven't seen one post from a smoker saying you have to compromise your time, so it would seem you are being a bit dramatic....Just curious, if you saw a group of smokers out on deck, smoking in a non smoking section, they weren't anywhere near your stateroom, but they were still breaking the rules....is your expectations the same?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[LMaxwell]

Looking back thru this thread, I haven't seen one post from a smoker saying you have to compromise your time, so it would seem you are being a bit dramatic....Just curious, if you saw a group of smokers out on deck, smoking in a non smoking section, they weren't anywhere near your stateroom, but they were still breaking the rules....is your expectations the same?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

Nope, just keep right on walking by. Plenty of public places I can be. It is of no impact to me.

 

But, okay, if no smokers are saying I have to compromise my time, guess I won't. :cool:

[MommaBear55]

I'm still waiting for any smoker to tell me why I have to compromise on allowing / scheduling time with a smoker on a balcony on a ship where the policy is no smoking on balconies.

 

You continue to try to bring a logical and rational approach to a subject that should be cut and dry. However, it is like teaching a pig to sing: it wastes your time and irritates the pig.

 

People are going to continue to ignore rules and somehow they think that is okay. It is a shame that somehow this has become a societal norm.

[murmoo]

It is shameful the number of posts telling this person to mind her business and do better things with her vacation. Maybe the point of these posts and free speech is to be able to express our concerns and if it not a concern of yours, then just move on to the next post. For me, I paid a lot of money to be on my upcoming cruise on Allure with a balcony and it would ruin MY vacation if people in balconies near me were violating rules. Violating rules that impact others negatively from a health or safety perspective is unacceptable. So to answer the many negative postings, don't you worry about whether this woman enjoyed her cruise, give her the right to express her opinion without being jerks about it. I enjoy CC and don't need the ugliness of these postings to ruin that experience either. RESPECT!! Give that a try for once.