Smoker don’t book bliss

[Doug R.]

I am 68 and suffer from COPD. Luckily it is mild enough that all I need is an inhaler. I quit a three pack a day habit in 1991 and still paid the price. If what my mother called the "Happiest Smoker in the World" could quit, so can you. Just think with the money you save, you could finance another cruise each year!

 

Having said that, I rarely complain about smoke smell, but the absolute stench kept me out of the casino on the Getaway. It even stunk on the morning of disembarkation when no one was smoking. Design flaw IMHO. I can walk through the smoking sections at Atlantic City casinos without a similar problem.

 

Funny thing, my wife complained about the smokers cage on the pool deck. I passed it many times getting adult beverages from the bar and never noticed it.

[CruisingSince1982]

Just got onboard there is only one small area to smoke in deck 17 tiny area of spice and a sectioned off area of the casino but only when open. That’s an extremely long walk to have a smoke if you are in any of the bars or at the pool.

 

 

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Excellent news!

[AlaSKa_64]

"AFAIK theres an enclosed area in the casino for smokers AND a small area outside for them to smoke. That is definitely accommodating."

 

 

Well, I cannot agree with this comment at this point as I have not been on the Bliss...yet. If/when the casino is open, there is another option for smoking. However, you must be gambling while smoking, as stated in NCL's policy and the casino is not open a fair amount of the time, so that is a limited smoking area. As far as "definitely accommodating", it seems as they are not accommodating all passengers who smoke, as the OP originally stated. The point I am trying to make is, if the area that NCL has designated for smoking cigarettes has changed (re: no more cigarettes in the Humidor lounge) and there is not enough room for the smokers on board to enjoy themselves on their paid vacation, then they need to take that into consideration and adjust accordingly. It would seem enlarging the outside area to accommodate more people who smoke and changing the active gambler's policy wouldn't be that hard to do. If they don't have enough areas for people to enjoy a cigarette "legally", I would imagine it will make more "illegal" smoking incidents happen more frequently.

[Maniacal Cruiser]

Perfect! One step closer to 100% smoke-free ships!

 

 

I have been saying for a long time that sooner or later it will happen and I stand by it 100%. What may or may not have happened when attempted previously is irrelevant. At some point all cruise lines will be 100% smoke free.

[Maniacal Cruiser]

I don't smoke but I feel its the right for anyone to live the life they choose.

 

 

Except there is no RIGHT to smoke, then again I am using the term RIGHT correctly.

[Maniacal Cruiser]

It seems to me that if you restrict the areas smokers can smoke to the point where it's too uncomfortable or inconvenient you will get more "cheating" and people sneaking smoking on balconies or in other public places. Switching to a non-scented vape is another option for smokers; it's easier to cheat with vaping because it can be very discrete without any smell. That could expose far more people to whatever second-hand effects the vaping has than the current system that has adequate places for people to smoke.

 

 

Smoking electronic cigs is more dangerous than smoking tobacco cigs. The industry has done a great job in convincing people otherwise, almost as good a job as another industry has convinced people that they cannot live without getting their water prepackaged in plastic bottles, but I digress. This has absolutely nothing to do with the smell or aroma. It is the absolute fact that a huge portion of the liquid used in SMOKING electronic cigarettes contains liquid nicotine which is one of the most highly carcinogenic substances known to man. There is absolutely no regulation on electronic SMOKING devices or on the substance used in them. Anyone who SMOKES electronic cigarettes thinking it is safe, safe than smoking a tobacco cigarette, or a good way to stop smoking tobacco cigarettes is sadly mistaken. Then it again it is their own life and if they want to commit suicide on the time delay plan go for it, just do not take anyone else with you. Remember that there is no 'right' to smoke (tobacco or electronic) cigarettes.

[JennyM75407]

This is important for us non-smokers to remember. Our sensitivity is enhanced because we are not used to smoke any longer.... Where were all those people when I was a kid and every public place had hundreds of smokers?

 

When I was a kid, my Dad smoked Winstons like they were free. I grew up allergy free.

 

There is a marked difference in the amount of crap that goes into a circa 2018 cig vs a 1970 cig. It's not just burning paper and tobacco; there is a whole lot more going on, and adding to 'noxious' fumes. Nowadays? Second hand smoke gives me a migraine. Go figure. And it stinks! Old smokes used to kind of smell good; not a chance in Hell that I'd say that now.

 

But as you can already see from the remarks, a totally non smoking ship will result in loss of passengers. As long as smoking is legal ships should have a place or a couple places for smokers. BTW, I am a non smoker.

 

Nita, I bet if all of the smokers said BS! and cancelled, NCL could post that 400 non smoking 'slots' were available on a 100% non smoking ship and they would be slammed with business.

 

****

NCL Bliss Feb 23 2019

NCL Dawn Feb 24 2018 **

NCL Epic Feb 24 2017 *****+

[Maniacal Cruiser]

Someone (smoking and electronic cigarette) on their balcony isn't going to have any second hand health effects on anyone else. I am a non-smoker and would much prefer reduced open smoking on the ship (like apparently the Bliss has) and (smoking electronic cigarettes) allowed on balconies.

 

 

100% factually inaccurate.

[Maniacal Cruiser]

Thanks for the info....I know how frustrating is can be to find a place to enjoy a smoke on a cruise ship and other places as well....trying to obey the rules and trying not offend any non-smokers....(even though they apparently don't have any trouble offending other people)

 

Fingers crossed for me, I've been on the patch and non smoking for approx 5 weeks now (with a couple of cheats in the beginning)...but I will never be the 'shaming' non smoker that tries to tell people how to live their lives....

 

Some people on this board need to take a good look at themselves before judging other people....you have as much right to a non smoking area as smokers do to have a smoking area....Nowadays, smokers have to go out of their way to find places to smoke... so to you non-smokers...If the smell of smoke has that much effect on your health, you may have to go OUT OF YOUR WAY to find a spot that is completely smoke free....smoke happens....

 

POT - KETTLE - BLACK

 

BTW no one can OFFEND YOU. You can CHOOSE TO BE OFFENDED however.

 

In case you did not know this, there is no RIGHT to smoke.

[jakesnana]

Non-smoker....but I agree. There has to be some compromise.

 

I get watery and itchy eyes in the open with bus fumes, strong perfumes, dog/cat fur (which I is another heated topic....bringing pets onto cruise ships), etc.

 

I take allergy meds, which help. But, not all the time. When you combine cig smoke with strong colognes or perfumes, things get really miserable for me. I learn to walk (OK...jog) away from those scenarios when I come upon them.

 

Personally, I don’t think there are as many as 400 smokers on even the largest ships. Smoker stats may indeed by in the 15% range. But, it’s also true that smoking is more prevalent among those in lower socioeconomic-economic status’. Those folks don’t or can’t cruise because of their finances. I say the ratio of smokers who cruise are much, much lower.

Not meaning to demean those who are in higher income brackets who smoke. Just an observation given I cruise fairly often.

 

Sounds like the NCL Bliss is trying to accommodate smokers. And, I’m not certain if they’re succeeding. But, maybe something along the lines of a bar and an area of the casino that allows smoking? Maybe install better air filters in those areas? I know there have been ships I’ve sailed that seem to be better at filtering smoke than others. They must be employing something better to dissipate the smoke.

 

Kicking smokers to the curb is not the right answer.

 

I'm not sure where you're getting your "smoker stats" from, but I disagree that it is more prevalent in lower socio-economic bracket, especially in high cost of living areas where a pack of cigarettes could cost close to $10.

 

Also, while I do agree that 15% is probably a little high for a smoking demographic on a cruise ship, I'll bet it is close to 10%, so on a ship with 3,000 passengers, that would be 300 people. If you do not think this is the case, you have not been paying attention to the smoking areas. I AM a smoker and know just how crowded the "allowed" smoking areas can get.

[KarlChilders]

I'm not sure where you're getting your "smoker stats" from, but I disagree that it is more prevalent in lower socio-economic bracket, especially in high cost of living areas where a pack of cigarettes could cost close to $10.

 

<snip>.

ti wasn't my comment, but a quick google search found this. Do you believe the CDC? https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/disparities/low-ses/index.htm

[smplybcause]

I'm not sure where you're getting your "smoker stats" from, but I disagree that it is more prevalent in lower socio-economic bracket, especially in high cost of living areas where a pack of cigarettes could cost close to $10.

 

Also, while I do agree that 15% is probably a little high for a smoking demographic on a cruise ship, I'll bet it is close to 10%, so on a ship with 3,000 passengers, that would be 300 people. If you do not think this is the case, you have not been paying attention to the smoking areas. I AM a smoker and know just how crowded the "allowed" smoking areas can get.

They've done numerous studies. A Google search will pop them up, as well as a search of the CDC website for smoking stats. Smoking rates are inversely related to the education level and socioeconomic level of the person. Ie those that have less education and make less money smoke more.

 

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[NLH Arizona]

I'm not sure where you're getting your "smoker stats" from, but I disagree that it is more prevalent in lower socio-economic bracket, especially in high cost of living areas where a pack of cigarettes could cost close to $10.

 

His information is correct. A couple of examples:

 

1. Nearly 3 of 4 smokers are from lower income communities. That is 72% of the smokers.

 

2. 30% of those with an income less than $5,000 smoke. 16% of those with incomes of $60,000 to $89,999 smoke and 13% of those with incomes of $120,000 or more smoke.

 

3, About 25 of every 100 adults who live below the poverty level (25.3%) smoke and about 14% of every 100 adults who live at or above the poverty level (14.3%) smoke. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/adult_data/cig_smoking/index.htm

[my3sonsnj]

ti wasn't my comment, but a quick google search found this. Do you believe the CDC? https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/disparities/low-ses/index.htm

 

I once had a casual conversation with a psychiatrist about smokers. His theory was that smoking is a coping mechanism people use to deal with untreated/unresolved mental health issues, specifically anxiety and/or depression.

 

If that theory is correct, it would explain some of the CDC demographics since treating mental health issues requires a lot of time and money. Then there is also the stigma associated with a diagnosis that many may want to avoid even at higher SES's.

 

But go ahead, keep bashing away . . .

[billco]

I think a great compromise would be if they added more smoking areas, but walled them in (like the smoking area of the casino), so the smoke doesn't travel to other parts of the ship.

[NLH Arizona]

Bigger and more comfortable and that would work.

[Barb Nahoumi]

This ship would be "Blissful" for DH and me.

[DKane]

Perfect! One step closer to 100% smoke-free ships!

 

I'm with you on this one!

[tedwit]

This is important for us non-smokers to remember. Our sensitivity is enhanced because we are not used to smoke any longer.

 

I'm also convinced a lot of people are drama queens about smoking and have a form of hysteria that they say makes them "allergic" to the smell of cigarette smoke 150' away. Where were all those people when I was a kid and every public place had hundreds of smokers? Like a lot of hysteria, the reaction is real enough to the people experiencing it, and smells are one of the main triggers for hysteria. We had an incident in a hospital decades ago where the smell of MDSO on a patient brought into the ER caused MDs and BSn's to faint and pass out, and it was simply mass hysteria - as the smell mimicked toxic fumes even though the smell was 100% harmless.

 

I quit smoking cigarettes 30 years ago. I don't like the smell of cigarette smoke but I don't make a big deal about people that do smoke. I do however avoid the elevators as much as possible because of women that bathe in perfume. That really makes me physically ill. I would never be rude enough to suggest that the cruise lines ban perfume because I don't like it and it makes me ill. I think that most of these non smokers that get sick from being within 100 feet of a cigarette are just talking it into themselves that they are getting a serious reaction to it.

having a reaction.

[DKane]

I don't smoke but I feel its the right for anyone to live the life they choose.

 

Yes, I agree about letting them live the life they choose. But let them live it on a ship where there are plenty of smoking areas. Finally Norwegian gave in to the nonsmokers complaints from those who cannot stand the smell of cigarettes and do not want to be affected by second-hand smoke.

[MrsTabs]

ahh I was going to book the Bliss as well

 

 

I will look for another ship, I am a considerate smoker and only smoke where I am allowed to, but 1 tiny outside area on deck 17 and that's it? It would and is a deal breaker for me sorry

[Maniacal Cruiser]

"AFAIK theres an enclosed area in the casino for smokers AND a small area outside for them to smoke. That is definitely accommodating."

 

 

Well, I cannot agree with this comment at this point as I have not been on the Bliss...yet. If/when the casino is open, there is another option for smoking. However, you must be gambling while smoking, as stated in NCL's policy and the casino is not open a fair amount of the time, so that is a limited smoking area. As far as "definitely accommodating", it seems as they are not accommodating all passengers who smoke, as the OP originally stated. The point I am trying to make is, if the area that NCL has designated for smoking cigarettes has changed (re: no more cigarettes in the Humidor lounge) and there is not enough room for the smokers on board to enjoy themselves on their paid vacation, then they need to take that into consideration and adjust accordingly. It would seem enlarging the outside area to accommodate more people who smoke and changing the active gambler's policy wouldn't be that hard to do. If they don't have enough areas for people to enjoy a cigarette "legally", I would imagine it will make more "illegal" smoking incidents happen more frequently.

 

And thus more people paying the smoking fine (or whatever you want to call it). Your whole point boils down to "the should not make a rule if people are going to just break it".

[graphicguy]

I'm not sure where you're getting your "smoker stats" from, but I disagree that it is more prevalent in lower socio-economic bracket, especially in high cost of living areas where a pack of cigarettes could cost close to $10.

 

Also, while I do agree that 15% is probably a little high for a smoking demographic on a cruise ship, I'll bet it is close to 10%, so on a ship with 3,000 passengers, that would be 300 people. If you do not think this is the case, you have not been paying attention to the smoking areas. I AM a smoker and know just how crowded the "allowed" smoking areas can get.

Bev.......I made the comment about the correlation between smokers and sociology-economic status. Those facts are fairly well known and published by respected groups pretty widely.

 

My intent was not to insult anyone. I know there are folks who are economically sound who also smoke and like to cruise.

 

My point, I don’t think there are as many smokers on board especially over the last 2-3 years) as the statistics of total population who smoke would lead you to believe. I think it’s far, far less.

 

I’ve taken multiple cruises in the last 24 months. I can say the numbers I’ve observed are much, much less than 15%....or even 10%.

 

For good or ill, the number of areas you’re allowed to smoke have dwindled dramatically. So, assuming most smoke in designated areas (I’m sure a few don’t), I see the number of smokers on board to be much, much lower than the stats point to with the general population.

 

Maybe it’s because I don’t hang out in the smoking areas (usually, just passing through). But, when I do, I see a dozen, maybe. Take into consideration not all smokers will be smoking at the same place, at the same time, maybe 50 people that I observe. Let’s say I’m missing half of the rest of the smokers. I’ll be generous and say 100 smokers are on board a ship with 3,000 passengers.

[Tura Lura]

This is great to know about Bliss. Breakaway nearly killed me with all the smoke throughout, crossed NCL off my list since i figured all the newer ships were the same design. Good to know i have an option with Bliss that won't have a smokestack in the middle of the ship.

[MrsTabs]

OMG you actually have to WALK to get somewhere? :D

 

well frankly yes I am waiting for a hip replacement so this would be a huge factor to me