Smoking Policy Question:

[its_my_dime]

According to the web site, smoking is allowed outside at the Terrace Cafe at all times.

 

Given all the postings about a "wellness program", is this still the case?

 

What is anybody's experience with smoking outside on the Terrace Cafe?

 

(Basically, for us, smoking is a deal-breaker. If we can't be assured of being able to eat outside in a smoke free zone, we won't book on the ship).

[duct tape]

Besides the outdoor areas, smoking is permitted on the port side of the Panorama Lounge. There is also a Humidor, a specially ventilated room, on the Shadow and Whisper with lovely overstuffed leather furniture. One of the pleasures of SS is that there are lots of folks besides Americans who have not yet been intimidated by the "nanny mentality". Enjoy.

[mistrtj]

,,,, and since cigar smoking is still permitted on the Whisper (albeit in very limited areas), we chose sail Silversea.

 

"For the comfort of all our guests, The Restaurant, indoors at the Terrace Café, Saletta, the Show Lounge, Card/Conference Room, Library, Spa/Fitness Centre, Internet Point and Gift Shops/Boutiques are smoke-free. Cigarette smoking is permitted in designated areas of The Bar, outside at the Terrace Café, Pool area, Panorama Lounge and Casino Bar. Cigar and pipe smoking is permitted in designated areas outside at the Terrace Café and The Champagne Room."

 

I'm a cigar smoker. I ENJOY my cigars. I enjoy the company of other cigar smokers. I find that almost every cigar smoker I spend time with is cognizant of the anti-smoking troups' disdain for my enjoyment and (keeping non-smokers in mind) will ONLY smoke our cigars where and when it is appropriate and permitted. That's just common courtesy. I won't smoke in your zone, please don't make faces, whine, bitch and wave your arms to clear the air when you're in my zones.

 

I'd say that if the pleasure police can't find enough "smoke free" spots at the; 'The Restaurant, indoors at the Terrace Café, Saletta, the Show Lounge, Card/Conference Room, Library, Spa/Fitness Centre, Internet Point and Gift Shops/Boutiques' then perhaps they should find an entirely smoke free ship to sail and let those who wish to partake in adult pleasures enjoy their trip.

 

(Oh, and FWIW, this might sound odd to some, but even though I smoke cigars, I find the stale stench of cigarette smoke obnoxious and cigarette smokers in general less courteous. :eek: "Hello? Pot? This is Kettle! LOL)

[cruisinsince75]

In the words of the Brothers Gibb,

 

You can tell by the way I tap my pack,

I'm a smoking man and that's a fact.

Light one up, tip burns warm

I've been kicked around since I was born.

And now it's all right, it's O.K.

And you may look the other way.

We can try to understand

The nicotine's effect on man.

Whether you're a brother

Or whether you're a mother,

You're smokin' outside, smokin' outside.

Feel the ship a-rockin'

And ev'rybody knockin'

And we're smokin' outside, smokin' outside.

Ah, ha, ha, ha,

Smokin' outside.

Smokin' outside.

Ah, ha, ha, ha,

Smokin' outside!

 

Now that is funny!!! :D

[DebbieH103]

We did not find Panorama to be well ventilated.

[Leonid]

Gotta add my two cents....both my wife & I do not smoke. I stopped smoking cigarettes some 40 odd years ago and my wife stopped 7 years ago due to lung disease...too many years of butts for her! That said, outdoor smoking has never, ever bothered us, especially if one is up wind. We've encountered cruisers who complain if someone is smoking on the stern and they are on the bow....and the wind is blowing bow to stern!!

Of the 29 cruises we have taken, the only one that was a problem was on the Seabourn Pride last summer. Four chain smokers declared squatters rights in the main forward lounge and proceeded to drive almost all the pax out. Had not seen a smoker light a cigarette off the one they were smoking for years. Hotel manager wouldn't do a thing even when we asked if the ventilation system could be adjusted to handle the excessive smoke. And they were all Americans who could not care less.

I have yet to experience Europeans or Asians who were indifferent to non-smokers. It's my own countrymen/women who don't feel the need to consider others.

And boy do I ever miss a cigar and a cognac! It's been 22 years and counting.

[CASHIPman]

I'm a cigar smoker. I ENJOY my cigars. I enjoy the company of other cigar smokers.

 

I don't smoke. I don't particularly like cigars or the aroma of cigars. Having said that, I do enjoy going with my partner (who will toke a stoagie from time to time) to the cigar lounge and enjoy the conversation. It's a different environment than what's found elsewhere and, oddly the conversation tends to be more in depth and intimate.

[DebbieH103]

That would be Shadow and Whisper, not Wind.

[lord of the seas]

Debbie,

Thurston is not as well travelled as he would have us believe

[melbcruise]

And the panorama is hardly ever crowded, maybe a little before dinner, but the cigarette smokers are relegated to a little area on the port side. Sit all the way on the other side and I doubt you're going to smell smoke. The only place it'll get smoky is the casino by the slots. It's like a closet back there. (Shadow and Whisper) not so bad on Cloud and Wind.

 

Even the bar isn't bad. At the pool, only tables port side have smoking. Steer clear of the chain-smoking officers (all Italian and sporting Marlboro Reds) and you'll be just fine!

[ORV]

Well said MrHighPockets.

 

When we were on the Whisper the Humidor was always unlocked, there just wasn't any bar service or anyone to buy cigars from in the daytime. If you take your own cigars you can go in there and smoke all day long if you care to. I found it to be a nice quiet place to go in the daytime and read while the wife was taking a nap. There is a bar(Panorama?) just above it to get drinks from.

 

Of course Carnival does have non smoking ships for those that crave such things.

[its_my_dime]

I appreciate everyone's comments. But, we are really only interested in smoking in the outside eating areas (we can avoid the casino and cigar bars with no difficulty).

 

So, cutting through all the poetry, I'm still looking for an answer to my initial post:

 

What is the smoking arrangement and policy for the (outside) Terrace Cafe (on the Silver Shadow) ? Is it restricted to one side of the ship or is it allowed all over?

 

Note to a previous poster: Smoking is a matter of policy, not size of the ship. The Windstar and SeaDream have smoke free outside eating zones.

 

We had a very unpleasant experience on Seabourn. Notwithstanding assurances that it wouldn't and could never be a problem (in part by posters on the SB Board who talked about how polite and considerate Seabourn passengers were), when we were on the Seabourn, we found that a few strategically placed smokers could and did blanket the small and somewhat overcrowded outside eating area to the point where we actually left our table. (I understand that Seabourn has since changed the smoking policy.)

 

So, unfortunately, we must be guided by written policy and its enforcement level. As initially posted, this is a deal-breaker.

 

Thank you.

[simonv]

Smoking is limitted to one side of the Terrace outside section. However, if the wind is blowing wrong direction you might have a problem. If some smokers sit right on the border table, you might have to make a scene. Smoking in the pool area is also limitted to one side.

[mistrtj]

Many posts above, I cut and pasted the policy directly from the SS website for you. In case you decided to ignore same, here it is again:

 

"For the comfort of all our guests, The Restaurant, indoors at the Terrace Café, Saletta, the Show Lounge, Card/Conference Room, Library, Spa/Fitness Centre, Internet Point and Gift Shops/Boutiques are smoke-free. Cigarette smoking is permitted in designated areas of The Bar, outside at the Terrace Café, Pool area, Panorama Lounge and Casino Bar. Cigar and pipe smoking is permitted in designated areas outside at the Terrace Café and The Champagne Room."

 

Now, if you want SS to GAR-UN-TEEEEE that there will be no breeze which might hamper your enjoyment of your space, then it'll probanbly be NO DEAL. I, for one, will be in said designated areas, with an Opus X Robousto between my formerly nicotine-stained fingers enjoying MY SPACE.

 

enjoy your cruise ;)

[its_my_dime]

Many posts above, I cut and pasted the policy directly from the SS website for you. In case you decided to ignore same, here it is again:

 

"Cigarette smoking is permitted in designated areas of The Bar, outside at the Terrace Café, Pool area, Panorama Lounge and Casino Bar."

 

Thanks. I misread what "designated areas" referred to. I first read it as meaning that smoking was permitted in: designated areas of the bar but ALL of the outside at the Terrace Cafe, Pool area, etc. Apparently, the Cafe, Pool, Lounge and Casino are partially restricted as well.

[Jimpeyton]

I just spent 21 days on the Silver Wind (Athens- Las Palmas.) in March. This consisted of a 12 and 9 day cruise joined together. On both legs of the cruise active cigarette smoke could be smelled in my own cabin! This drove me nuts! I feel at the bare minimum, you have a right to fresh/clean air in your own purchased space(cabin-623.) The cabin next to mine, also smoked cigars and every late afternoon the stench would diffuse into my cabin. This totally ruined my mood for about an hour each time this occurred.

On the Silver Wind, the Panorama lounge is not big enough to protect you from the smoke smell. Its not big enough and its certainly not ventilated sufficiently to get rid of the smoke. It was cold at times on my cruise. So where do you go (on the Wind), if you want to relax and just enjoy the view?? The Gym, (in reference to an above post)?

This is the big kicker. On the Silver Wind, if you want to relax you can't escape the "smokers!" To me, the small library with only 4 chairs, with a minimal view is unacceptable as a place to just chill. Smokers have the panorama lounge, the bar, the lobby areas, and all of outside. Plus the restuarants are only open during meal times, and its not a place to just hang out and relax.

For the smoke in my cabin which was verified by the concierge (Andrea,) I did get a $100 ship board credit. As we all know (smokers included),2nd hand cigarette smoke is a health hazard. No one should have to endure smoke in there own cabin -period. Everyone has a right to fresh/clean air. Unfortunately nothing could be done about the active smoke diffusing into my cabin, and it appears to be just a structural/design flaw. I will hesitate to do another cruise on that ship. In fairness, no one should beable to detect smoke in there own cabin, and the Panorama lounge should be smoke free. Sorry for the rant.

Jim

[its_my_dime]

Thank you for your "rant". It is only through posters like you that the rest of us get clear information about what is really happening.

 

As indicated elsewhere, we were very seriously considering 2 weeks on the Silver Shadow out of Ft. Lauderdale over Christmas. But based on a previous Seabourn experience, we had some considerations about the Shadow's smoking policy.

 

Your post suggests that our considerations were more than justified, at least in the case of your two trips. Indeed, the situation seems to have been much worse than we could have possibly imagined.

 

We are going to pass on this ship. Perhaps at some point, Silversea's new found discovery of "wellness" will extend past food and exercise to clean air at which time we will reconsider booking with them.

 

Again, thanks.

[meow!]

Perhaps the situation on the Shadow/Whisper may be better on the smoke issue. These newer ships have "humidor" rooms (with efficient ventilation directly up and out the chimney) where the serious smokers can go and smoke to their own content. Presumably for safety reasons, nobody is supposed to smoke in their cabin on any of the ships, though this may be difficult to enforce. We have never smoked, and during our week on the Shadow in December, 2004, we didn't feel that bad!

[Jimpeyton]

Thank you for your "rant". It is only through posters like you that the rest of us get clear information about what is really happening.

 

As indicated elsewhere, we were very seriously considering 2 weeks on the Silver Shadow out of Ft. Lauderdale over Christmas. But based on a previous Seabourn experience, we had some considerations about the Shadow's smoking policy.

 

Your post suggests that our considerations were more than justified, at least in the case of your two trips. Indeed, the situation seems to have been much worse than we could have possibly imagined.

 

We are going to pass on this ship. Perhaps at some point, Silversea's new found discovery of "wellness" will extend past food and exercise to clean air at which time we will reconsider booking with them.

 

Again, thanks.

 

You're welcome. Unfortunately, there are only one or two cruise ships that are totally non-smoking, & they are definitely not on the level of Silversea. Hopefully that will increase very soon. The problem with the Silver Wind and Cloud is that they are so small, that there is limited space to provide both non-smoking and smoking areas that will please both crowds. If there was another area equal to the panorama lounge for non-smokers, I would be fine. The smoke in my cabin is on a another level, and is not acceptable. Plus smoking is not discouraged in cabins from all that I smelled walking the hallways,plus the ash tray in plain sight in my cabin.

 

The Silver Wind is a nice ship, the small size also has its advantages, ( no crowds,intimate,& small ports of call.) Other than the smoking issue, I like what Silverseas has to offer.

Unfortunately, europeans make up a large part of their client base, and in my opinion there is a high rate of smoking among them. So I'm sure that will discourage them from changing there policy.

I'm doing the Silver Whisper in Dec., Bangkok to Singapore. I plan to voice my comments to Silverseas US home office. I only hope things will be different & that my cabin is not next to any smokers.

Jim

[DebbieH103]

We didn't know the situation on Whisper with the Panorama (I mean the policy). Perhaps it was/is readily available. There were 7 people in there waiting to disembark, but the chain smoker guy sat down after all of us. We could have moved, but we thought we'd be rather obvious. It was a 15 minute experience, and we lived.

[its_my_dime]

I don't believe that a ship needs to be totally non smoking. Both the Windstar and the SeaDream handle the situation by relegating smokers to a special part of the ship. Neither allows smoking where food is served.

 

I do believe that any ship (and especially one with balconies) that allows smoking in cabins is looking for difficulties.

 

Since you have already signed up for another cruise, I am curious to know what you expect the home office to do or say. Somehow, the "hope" that things will be better next time is not very reassuring.

[MrsWaldo]

We could have moved, but we thought we'd be rather obvious. It was a 15 minute experience, and we lived.

 

 

Unfortunately Debbie not all of us are so lucky. For some of us being in close confines with smokers even for as short a period as 15 mins can become a life threatening situation.

 

On the general topic...

For our part I have requested that our cabin be away from smokers. But in all honesty how are SS to know whether you are a smoker or not ..there's no check box or non smoking cabin request. We just have to take that risk.

 

For us i know if we are stting first near the pool and someone decides to sit on top of us and smoke I will have no hesitation in either getting up to move or if that's not viable asking the smoker to move away..politely of course. With our beautiful Aussie weather and al fresco dining (the only smoke option for restaurants) We have to choose to sit inside.. I expect that people have a habit that needs feeding and I have a choice to sit in the sun with smoke (or at least risk someone might) or to know I am safe inside

 

As for Europeans..I was almost physically attacked in France when we were in a park with plenty of space around us and a man came up and sat 2 feet away and lit up..when I began to cough he called me a "Rude American and then came at me..given i'm Australian made it even more laughable.. This has not been our only European bad attitude towards Non Smokers but by far was the worst...greece was by far the worst where at the airport people stood under the no smoking sign and puffed away..we got up and moved at least 3 times..:mad:

 

Now if I suffered from excessive flatulence and sat close upon someone and ..well I'm sure you get my drift...I'm sure comments would be made..and that offense whilst not pleasant is not harmful to anyone's health!:rolleyes:

[Jimpeyton]

I don't believe that a ship needs to be totally non smoking. Both the Windstar and the SeaDream handle the situation by relegating smokers to a special part of the ship. Neither allows smoking where food is served.

 

I do believe that any ship (and especially one with balconies) that allows smoking in cabins is looking for difficulties.

 

Since you have already signed up for another cruise, I am curious to know what you expect the home office to do or say. Somehow, the "hope" that things will be better next time is not very reassuring.

 

Your right its not very reassuring. I'm sure when I call, I'll get some BS response, ie. they will try there best to make my experience as best as possible...

Regardless, I will make my wishes/compliants known and upfront before the cruise. That way they will be somewhat obligated to do there best or lose a customer.

Regarding my situation with smoke coming into my cabin, the active smoke was not coming from the balcony, but either thru the front door or walls.

 

I'm hoping that with the recent fire on the cruise ship from a cigarette and evidence that 2nd hand smoke is harmful, a policy change is inorder.

 

We'll see..