Loved Regent...can Oceania Compare?

[traveller333]

Chatkat, smoking is not allowed in hallways, LaVeranda, nor all bars. It is allowed on only one side of the pool and all of about 3 tables in Compass Rose. I think it's time for you to move on to Oceania as it probably will be more to your liking. Your ranting is making it sound like RSSC ships are smoke filled and I'm here to tell others who may be contemplating their first Regent cruise, this is not the case. ChatKat your facts are either incorrect or misleading. You have a right to your own opinion but not your own facts.

[jhp]

Kathy, I am a smoker, and I think I am a considerate one. I don't light up in Horizon's Lounge, I can go outside to do that, or just go to Conn. Lounge which is adjacent (not going to try to spell that word~) and designated just for smokers. Whatever CR section is appropriated to smoking is so small that anyone wanting to avoid it can well do so, as ventilation is great. Smoking is not allowed inside in Veranda. I don't gamble, except maybe once or twice on a cruise for slots, and lose my allotment for the night so quickly that I am in and out! I do, however, want to smoke on my balcony, as I think that is the sure way I am not going to offend anyone, and I don't want to stink up the cabin for future cruisers, nor have that smoke waft out into the hallways. I think your idea to have non-smoking suites/balconies is excellent. Can't figure out why Regent has not done this, except that maybe they have a reason...people wedded to cabins that all look the same anyway?

 

I'm all for finding a way to keep smokers and non-smokers interests in mind. If a neighbor of mine on a cruise would just say to me, please don't smoke when I'm out here, I would comply! (Well, so long as they weren't out there 15/7. I am willing to share that space.

[joannapvb]

The smoking issue is a no win. Kathy, I still have pretty good memory - if I recall you were "alerted" (probably by the very thoughtful Marcie in the very very early booking process) to the fact you had 3 consecutive cabins to your left with smokers who would be smoking on their balconies. I believe you said you understood but wanted your particular cabin for photo opts?? I am sure any of us would have taken your "problem" into account had we realized it as we all are considerate smokers - it seems disingenuous to complain on a public board if you never took the time to mention the problem while it was bothering you. I am great believer in telling people right upfront if something is bothering me - and 99% of the time they are more than gracious in helping to resolve the problem - certainly would have been the case with cabins 735, 737, and 739 - Joanna

[ChatKat in Ca.]

JoAnna,

 

I did not say where the smoke came from but it was constant. No one ever alerted me that it would be a problem. It was the first time that it actually was an issue for me onboard any of the Regent ships - but - it should not have been an issue at all.

 

There was smoking in Horizon lounge the night that John Barron sang and it was a problem for an entire section - about 5 tables left for the actions of a few.

 

Traveller 333, sorry you feel that way, but, this was my experience. I had one woman in the Casino when I requested she hold her cigarette on the other side from where I was playing, she blew smoke in mine and another persons face. Rude. I have seen peope smoking in hallways many times. It's sad that it has to be dictated by the cruise lines and hotels.

 

The good solution for all is to have non smoking rooms and smoking rooms so that it is fair for all.

[Pam]

Kathy, you missed my question, I guess. Which ship allows smoking inside La Verandah?

[ChatKat in Ca.]

Both Mariner and Voyager allow smoking. It's allowed in one area.

 

Editing to add this from the RSSC website:

 

Q: What is your smoking policy?

 

A: Certain public venues have been designated as non-smoking areas. Generally, the portside (left side) of the ship is non-smoking and the starboard side (right side) allows for smoking. There are no restrictions concerning smoking in suites/staterooms.

[traveller333]

Pam, I'd like to hear this from someone who just recently sailed. I have eaten many a dinner and breakfast in LaVeranda on both Mariner and Voyager and never could you smoke inside LaVeranda. I think ChatKa is mistaken unless this is something brand new. I still say if it ain't broken, don't fix it.

[Pam]

We just got off Voyager on September 10, and there were no ashtrays inside La Verandah nor did anybody ever light a cigarette inside while we were there. And we ate there more than anywhere else. I just believe Kathy is mistaken on this.

 

We were only in a lounge for tea, but during that time I didn't see anybody smoking. I have had to move in the casino once, but that was on Navigator in the smaller casino. And I moved rather than say anything (former smoker here, and I remember people being rude to me, even when I had sat down first).

[ChatKat in Ca.]

I was on the 8/30 Mariner and the June 9th Voyager. I will be on the December 11th Navigator. I'd say that was pretty recent.

[joannapvb]

Kathy - your message came through loud and clear - I was in cabin next to you - - you were told very very early on there were smokers next to you - this is in no way a pro smoking post - just a pro truth post -

[joannapvb]

No smoking in LV to my knowledge - but you'll never hear the words "I was wrong" from certain posters - rather.... bad info

[joannapvb]

Recent is not correct -

[curiouscruiser]

The only place I have ever seen anyone smoking on any ship near LaVeranda is outside. As for Compass Rose, we actually sat in the smoking section one night because we wanted a table for two and were not bothered by the smoke. Ventillation is excellent. I don't disagree with designating "smoking" and "non-smoking" rooms but that's not going to guarantee that you'll never get a whiff. I'm a non-smoker and think Regent has offered a very good middle ground.

 

Editing to add - I appreciate the courteous smokers like Joanna and JHP. (I sailed with both of these nice ladies last year.) I have sailed with less mindful smokers who actually forget to put out thier cigs or are so used to smoking they don't thik twice about walking down the hall smoking if they wre smoking when they left their room. They are not intentionally discouteous, and a polite request is all it usually takes, but they are the exception.

[petlover]

Well this thread certainly has grown overnight. I will add my take on all of this as others have.

 

Oceania is a new cruise line. It originated with non-smoking passengers from the beginning. Radisson (now Regent) did not originate this way. If smoking rules were to change, they would lose a great many passengers. Even those who may not smoke may be traveling with a spouse (as in my case) or a family member who does not smoke so they are losing both members in the cabin or in some cases a group of friends/family members traveling together. I am familiar with the World Cruise and I will say that there is a core group there, they go on the WC every year....it is their winter home. I do not see Regent changing the smoking policy and risk losing this revenue or revenue from other cruises from loyal passengers. From my own experience, I have never heard someone say "I will not cruise Regent due to their smoking policy". I think their smoking policy is pretty much in line with most other cruiselines.

 

As for where you can and can't smoke on Regent ships. I have never been on the PG or the Navigator but have several hundred of nights combined on Mariner and Voyager so can speak for these two ships. Smoking is not allowed in bars except for a small area in both the Stars Lounge and the Voyager Lounge. There is a very small area in the Mariner Lounge where smoking is allowed. Smoking is not allowed in LaVeranda, Latitudes or Signatures but there is a tiny area in Compass Rose that most people don't even know about so it's not an issue there. Horizon Lounge does have 4 tables that allow smoking on the port side at certain times of day. It is allowed in the evening and during bingo but never during tea time or afternoon trivia. Smoking is also allowed inside the casino, and port side of the pool and pool grill outside and of course the connoisseur room. Smoking is never allowed in the Observation Lounge, Constellation theater, the computer room, hallways or open public areas.

 

Joanna, you are correct that I was the one who brought up smoking cabins early on before MUSH Alaska cruise. As I recall, AnaLuisa & Peter were the only ones who switched (but later ended up canceling). Suzanne, a non-smoker, was my next door neighbor and specifically said she wanted to stay put (we have roomed together and she knew I smoked outside). Kathy, you did know full well that you were next door to Joanna & Tony and they smoked on their balcony. I think it would have been logical to have mentioned it to them that it was bothering you. I know them both well enough that I'm positive they would have made sure they did not smoke when you were on your balcony. All you needed to do was make it known.

 

I say happy cruising to all, regardless of what cruiseline fits your lifestyle!:)

[curiouscruiser]

Marcie - you are so right! And sorry I didn't mention you earlier as everyone I sailed with last year fall into the same category as Joanna and JHP. And though I don't smoke, RSSC would lose our whole family if they changed their policy. Since my SO doesn't enjoy cruising, the only time I go are family events. It's great that there are enough cruise lines out there that everyone can find one that suits their needs - we still enjoy RSSC the most!

[pwolftx]

I agree with Traveler333. I think the "Smoking Fascists" just need to limit themselves to Oceana or some other cruise line that restricts smoking if it's such a big deal to them. The rest of us who enjoy Regent, seem to get along just fine--smokers or non-smokers. If Regent decides to become a "Nanny" cruise line and restrict smoking (or anything else--unless maybe it's whining), we'll just give our business to some other cruise line that believes that most people (smokers or not) have enough sense to be courteous to others around them. Yes, there's rude smokers, but there's also a lot of other ways that people can be rude--like cutting in lines, or whining about every little thing--now that's rude!!!!

[petlover]

Smoking is also allowed inside the casino, and port side of the pool and pool grill outside

 

Sorry I meant to say starboard side of the pool and pool grill, not port side.

[ChatKat in Ca.]

Peggy,

 

Sad to say, but cutting in line or complaining never killed anyone that I know of, but as the packages in Europe say on the cigarette packages, Cigarettes kill. Many smokers are very kind and courteous. JHP for one. But, there were people oblivious to the rules who light up when non smokers are present in places that they shouldn't be smoking according to the rules - like hallways, La Verandah, etc. Those who want to enjoy their cigarettes are welcome to do so where it's appropriate if they are considerate. It's the actions of a few who cause a few non smokers to become fanatical about it - and who will ruin it for those who are kind and courteous.

[ridolphi]

uuummm maybe its time to put this one to bed!!! Everyone has their own opinion, which they are entitled to, and I definetely have my own, but this one has been beaten to death as far as I am concerned.

 

Board moderator, or host where are you??????

 

Yeah, I know I will be flamed and told not to read this if its annoying to me. Whatever!!! Maybe this is a situation where it should be agreed to disagree and put it to rest. We could be debating this in the year 2010 at this rate.

 

This is one of those situations where "you will never, never please all the people all the time".

 

So I say "let it go".

[jhp]

Me, too, JoAnn. I have been a member of this board for a long time, going back to when it was only available to AOL members, and every time this smoking issue comes up it gets very emotional and goes NOWHERE to convince one side or the other to settle anything. Best thing is to air it out now and then, and this has been done here. Enough for this thread, like you said. Readers can decide what they want, whether the more restrictive Oceania policies in favor of non-smokers, or the standard cruise policies that seem to give everyone their rights in one way or another. Not to say either side is right or wrong. Geez, I am one of those evil smokers, and I know you are not! When I am entertaining guests at my home, I open the porch door before they come to air out the kitchen! When they are here, I step out the door to smoke! (Like I THOUGHT I did on my balcony)

[joannapvb]

If you scroll to top and look at person who started the no smoking thread - being so helpful as usual - consider the source - no latest updates from the source - wink wink

[joannapvb]

Scroll up and look at person who started the smoking thread - any news source????

[mfitzbooks]

HI

 

I have been trying to chime in here but couldn't get my password to work no matter how many times I tried to log in and get a new password. . So I had to reregister. I was marylizbeth and asked about comparison of two cruise lines.

 

It has turned into a fight over smoking policy. Ironically I am an anti-smoking advocate and I can unequivocally say this:

 

SMOKING KILLS PEOPLE YOU LOVE. There is no benefit to smoking--for anyone. Second Hand smoke kills as well. No one should smoke and no one should be subjected to smoke.

 

My dear mother died of oral cancer from smoking for years...I know about the treacherous effects of smoking first hand.

 

Smoking is incredibly addictive. I do not blame smokers. I feel for them. Cigarettes are more addictive than heroin. The cigarette companies should never make a profit for killing people and making them suffer.

 

As for cruise ships...no way should they allow smoking on the ship....besides the fact that it could cause fire on board--they are putting everyone's health at risk.

 

Don't smoke. There is nothing good about it.

 

Again, it is interesting that my question about comparing ships led to this thread...but maybe there was a reason.

 

I hope someone quits tonight. Your family and loved ones will be happier for it.

 

Marylizbeth

[jhp]

Mr. Iamboatman, since you arethe one who started this debate in the first place, can you tell us more? My TA does not seem to have your sources!

[joannapvb]

Never happen - wink wink again - IAMINADELIMMA -