Twoafloat Posted January 13, 2017 #1 Share Posted January 13, 2017 It appears that MSC is playing a political game with their smoking policy to appease the non-smokers. MSC official smoking policy_2015.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SydneyD'Augstralia Posted January 14, 2017 #2 Share Posted January 14, 2017 This information is now two years old. Why call it "politics"?:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twoafloat Posted January 14, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted January 14, 2017 This information is now two years old. Why call it "politics"?:confused: It was last revised in February 2015 and is their current policy as of 1-13-17. Politically correct because the policy is so convoluted on where and when and under what circumstances you may smoke, I'm afraid that smokers will just not bother to read and light up where they choose. I'm a non-smoker, and this policy leans toward the smokers, but given that this is an Italian ship, I can understand that bias. It's nice to have choices in which carrier you want to sail with. The possibility of being on a ship for 120 days (the 2019 Magnifica world cruise) it makes you look at all aspects of what your expected comfort level is. I don't think that MSC will make my preferred list until they come out with a more meaningful smoking policy, but I'm pretty sure my decision won't make or break them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HardToPort Posted January 14, 2017 #4 Share Posted January 14, 2017 It was last revised in February 2015 and is their current policy as of 1-13-17.Politically correct because the policy is so convoluted on where and when and under what circumstances you may smoke, I'm afraid that smokers will just not bother to read and light up where they choose. I'm a non-smoker, and this policy leans toward the smokers, but given that this is an Italian ship, I can understand that bias. It's nice to have choices in which carrier you want to sail with. The possibility of being on a ship for 120 days (the 2019 Magnifica world cruise) it makes you look at all aspects of what your expected comfort level is. I don't think that MSC will make my preferred list until they come out with a more meaningful smoking policy, but I'm pretty sure my decision won't make or break them. You've lost me TwoAFloat. In your initial post you seem to infer the policy favours non-smokers. In your subsequent post you infer it favours smokers and that smokers will violate the policy because it is convoluted (which it isn't). There are a few, small, outdoor smoking sections on every ship. (And occasionally in the casino on some ships). I've found these areas are adhered to by most, if not all smokers. Violators are usually dealt with promptly in my experience. Smokers will be unlikely to interfere with your cruise enjoyment regardless of your choice of line. Happy cruising, HTP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare nikkiw60 Posted January 15, 2017 #5 Share Posted January 15, 2017 Why post something random if you have no intention of sailing with MSC? We are non smokers never smoked and we were never even aware of an issue with people smoking. As in if people were smoking around us we were not aware of it at least not enough to bother us. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8420PR Posted January 16, 2017 #6 Share Posted January 16, 2017 For what it's worth, the Divina was one of the most smoke-free cruise ships I've been on. Both the casino and main pool were 100% smoke free (in Sept 2016). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursebob Posted January 16, 2017 #7 Share Posted January 16, 2017 Is there an area on the Divina in the YC where you can smoke? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1fifthavenue Posted January 16, 2017 #8 Share Posted January 16, 2017 On Splendida half the casino was smoking, half wasn't, one side of the open deck was smoking, the other wasn't, with no smoking allowed at the bar On Armonia, same principle although the entire casino was smoking as it is smaller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capricruiser Posted January 16, 2017 #9 Share Posted January 16, 2017 MSC ships sailing from US ports or those itineraries catering primarily to a North American market have a much stricter smoking policy. Smoking areas exist but they're few. In the Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge you cannot smoke at all (on the Divina for example) but in the same lounges on the three other Fantasia class ships sailing elsewhere in the world, one side of the lounge (about 25% of the space) is for smokers. Of course smoking is prohibited in the theater, restaurants, corridors, cabins, etc. on all MSC ships in accordance with Italian law. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rusky123 Posted January 16, 2017 #10 Share Posted January 16, 2017 MSC has different smoking rules for each side of the Atlantic. In the Med expect to meet smokers who will expect to smoke anywhere, even in Non smoking areas, certain nationalities will turn over the Non-smoking signs to make an ash-tray. If you sail from Cuba expect smokers anywhere, even in non-smoking areas, the cigars they light up are awful. In the US the smoking areas are observed. I like MSC, their ships are beautiful but they must learn to tell people off if they break the rules. I used to be a smoker and know what it is like to need a 'puff', but I would have never smoke in a no-smoke area. I did a 3 week transatlantic on Divina and the closer we got to Europe the more smoking areas opened up. One row of machines in the casino had a sign up that only players allowed to smoke, at least 3 not playing at every machine. Awful. MSC follow your own rules please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briceand4 Posted January 17, 2017 #11 Share Posted January 17, 2017 This is not really a political issue... There are non-smoking customers and there are smoking customers, and MSC is delineating where smoking can be done. It is good they do it, even if it is tedious to read - the expectations are set. I know where to avoid the smoke. I am thrilled to have the casino smoke free on the Divina... it will be nice to not have to avoid a smoker in an adjacent seat. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capricruiser Posted January 17, 2017 #12 Share Posted January 17, 2017 I tend to disagree with Rusky. In the Med (and elsewhere) I haven't noticed smokers doing it anywhere even in no-smoking areas. I believe the rules are followed by 99% of the guests who smoke, My wife is a light smoker and I am a non-smoker so I know the lengths she goes to to ensure she's in a smoking area before lighting up. I of course maintain my distance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stealthy Posted January 17, 2017 #13 Share Posted January 17, 2017 (edited) People. In the Mediterranean cruise season the Divina has extended smoking areas (I'm sure the rest of the fleet is the same). Get used to it if your going the the Mediterranean, simple as that. They won't change, it's a culture issue and they want to keep their European customers happy as well. It's just the way it is. Different markets drive different food, shows, announcements, even the way water is served. Don't like it? Don't go. It's not that hard. Now bring it on. 19 weeks! Edited January 17, 2017 by stealthy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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