RCCL New Smoking Policy Discussion (merged)

[Bakincakes]

So, They could say, we are now charging for all food and beverages on the cruise, and you would have to abide? It's absurd but not ALL that different.

 

Your point is not absurd. Look at the restriction about bringing alcohol on board. And look how many passengers, non smokers included, who are trying to figure out how to circumvent that new rule.:rolleyes:

 

Cruiselines are removing transfats from their recipes. Transfats often add flavor or substance to sauces and baked goods. If you notice a difference in the foods you are served this could be one of the reasons.

 

Cruiselines can move the goalposts but they should have to inform guests of those rules. When people book they give addresses or email addys. All passengers that have booked should be informed of any changes in the policy that were in effect when the cruise was booked. I'm betting they don't because they don't want there to be a slew of cancellations. Not everyone who cruises belongs to a site, such as this, and not all passengers get the same information.

[CRUIZINMOMMANJ]

I have to tell you - and not to sound rude, but as a non-smoker as well this is my point of view.

 

First of all - if you are going to get lung cancer - your gonna get it. Especially in todays world. You are not going to solve that issue by not going on a cruise.

 

We get a balcony state room - all the time - and even with my husband smoking - my daughter does not go next to him while he smokes....but does go on the balcony at times on the cruises - I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN SECOND HAND SMOKE FROM ANOTHER BALCONY. The only thing I have ever smelled is pot or cigars from another balcony. I have been on 15 cruises ... and I truly do not think this should ruin or change your vacation plans.

 

If the kids are on the balcony that much - (which I am sure they wont be since there is so much more to do) I would try to book a balcony as high up as you can go ... and at the front of the ship - that way winds will bring the smoke away from you.

 

Another option is asking your TA - or RC to see if they can check the cabins around you - above and under if there are smokers....which I am sure is not going to work - but you can always do it.

 

My daughter and I are actually allergic to smoke ... and we have never had any issues, I promise. I just watch around us in public areas...and walk away when we need to.

 

Good luck to you!!

[GottaLuvCruising]

We've sailed 25 times, but only three times with a balcony. We absolutely loved having a balcony and strongly prefer it (when budget allows).

 

However, we have been bothered by smoke wafting our way on each of our balconies. It was very annoying to have to smell it (and retreat to our stateroom), regardless of any health implications. Some smokers just don't understand how strong the odor is or how it carries. Since it isn't bothersome for them, they decide that it isn't bothersome to others. But they are mistaken.

 

Given RCI's new policy for 2008, I'll be inclined to book a balcony all the way forward to minimize the risk of smoke smell on my balcony. I do wish they would make balconies smoke-free on one side of the ship, but I'll have to accept the improvements in baby steps.

[MrPete]

There is now a new policy that will be launched in 2008.

 

Check it out!

 

We already book balcony cabins for DW to smoke. Now that it's the closest place for her to smoke, NO ONE better complain about smoking on the balconies. It's a designated smoking area.

[isujim]

I have just got off the phone from RCCL UK and was told that I WOULD NOT be able to cancel and have a refund of my deposit. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was given a telephone number for the UK RCCL Resolution Centre. The lady I spoke to was not even aware of the change to the smoking policy and put me on hold while she read up about it!!!! She then came back and said, "NO REFUND OF MY DEPOSIT". She says it is in the small print....RCCL reserves the right to change its policies.

 

I am LIVID :mad: , If I were in the US, I could cancel without any reason whatsoever and receive a full refund with over 70 days to go.

 

Chubbas

 

I have to agree with you on this one..............just doesn't seem right after they changed the rules..........whether you agree or disagree with the new policy, seems like once rules are changed (by them) after you have booked you should be allowed to cancel your booking if you choose. Keep after them and keep us posted.

[cegmar]

Then you had better buy your babies a bubble. If you actually took the time to research why non smokers die from lung cancer you would find that air pollution is the number one cause. That includes the use of cleaning fluids and sprays in your home. Do you clean your house? Do you allow your kids to play outside? Do you take them to the mall? Do you barbeque any foods? Have they ever been in a home that has a fireplace? Have they ever sat around a campfire? I'm betting you do and they have and yet you only get your panties in a wad at the thought of them inhaling some second hand smoke on a cruise ship?:rolleyes:

 

Well, although I will agree with you that there other factors that come into play as causes of lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers, your analysis of air pollution being the number one cause for non-smokers is off.

 

I mean if you are able to provide proof to back that up, then I would be very interested in reading it, but in all the research that I have done, although external pollutants are listed as raising the likelihood of developing lung cancer, it is certainly never identified as the number one direct cause.

 

Like I said, the are many factors that come in play, such as genetics for example. This why one person can smoke for 25 years and not develop cancer, but another person will. But there is one undeniable fact which is that cigarettes and cigarette smoke have a direct link into causing lung cancer and other health issues.

[Mark_K]

I am a first time cruiser and about to book on the Radiance for February 2008 with my two children. I was planning to book a balcony room and just read about the new smoking policy. I am a nonsmoker and hate the smell of smoke. I do not want my children exposed to second hand smoke in any way. Dana Reeves (Christopher Reeves wife) died of lung cancer and was a nonsmoker. Does anyone know if the smokers are being limited to a section of balcony rooms or can they occupy any balcony room on the ship? Even if I got an ocean view room instead, do the rooms smell of second hand smoke from prior occupants? Is the pool area smokey? Now, I am concerned. Are there any smoke free ships that sail Caribbean?

If you live in, or near, any large city, you're children are likely to get cleaner air to breathe on a ship - even with the occasional wafting of killer tobacco smoke - than they get playing outside at home.

[Tocruise2]

Just got the update from RCI on thier new smoking policy....it sounds good and should make a lot of people feel warm and fuzzy.. But like so many businesses RCI is adopting the policy to be politically correct! If they truly cared about the health and well being of the passengers they would also make the following changes to their policies:

1. No one would be allowed on board if they had a cold or any other communicable disease...but they won't do this because they would lose too much doing last minute refunds...Hypocricy # 1

2. No liquor would be sold or allowed....there is nothing worse than a bunch of drunks who think because they are on vacation they can be abnoxious..but they won't do this because they will lose too much money Hypocricy #2

3. No colognes would be allowed to be worn or sold on the ship..a lot of us out there are allergic to fragrances They won't do this because they would lose too much money selling fragrances! Hypocricy #3

4 The crew would be screened better and US standards for employment would be adopted...they won't do this because they would lose too much money Hypocricy #4

5. All food should contain 0 bad fats, there should be no grease used and the menus should feature all natural food....they do this because they would lose too much money Hypocricy #5

 

After receiving this new policy I think I will cancel my future BOOKINGS with RCI and spend the time visiting nursing homes with all the lovely elders in their 80's, 90's and some are over 100 and who spent most of their lives in homes with lead paint, asbestos, hazardous chemicals, and yes even had smoked filled rooms.... I guess back when they were living their lives..." Political Correctness" did not exsist!

 

Ok...time to put on my suit of armor and be prepared to get bashed...Here is the 1st thing you hit me for...the spelling in this posting...but don't go there.. because it is politically in correct to make fun of people's weaknesses...in fact because of this spelling challenge I think I deserve some govenment benefits and RCI should spell everything on thier menus so I can read them in my thought process!!

[Captain Jake]

Smoke bothers you from the other side of the pool deck? Are you in the non smoking area? The two sides of the ship are pretty far apart for that to happen not to mention you are out on a open deck. That will still be the same on all ships on the starboard side which is where the pool smoking section will remain. As far as I can see the new policy doesn't change a thing for smokers that book balconys and suites and non smokers should be thrilled as smokers will never book interiors or OV's anymore so non smokers have all those cabins that are completely non smoking to choose from now. :) Many non smokers on here have been asking to book non smoking rooms and RCCL just gave them their wish.:)

 

 

They just need to extend it to balconies on one side of the ship.Non-smokers should be able to enjoy their balcony too.Smokers and non-smokers can enjoy balcony,95% of both groups should be happy.Yes the non-balcony rooms are all non-smoking but telling me I need to leave my room for fresh air is no different than telling someone to leave their room to smoke

[brmoqueen]

Dh quit smoking this march after flying to Las Vegas for a biz trip and they have removed the smoking lounges in the two airports he goes from and to. The Venetian Hotel/Casino also only allows smoking in the casino or your room...no hallways, lobby or anyother places...He got tired of dealing with all the nonsmoking versus smoking issues. He has smoked over 30 years. I'm glad I don't have to inform him that RCL has changed rules......sure don't want to give up my cruising bcuz of his smoking....

 

It isn't fair to smokers but the country is changing in that aspect. More and more areas are becoming non smoking.

 

I do feel for the smokers who are booked and now the rules have changed....Good luck in getting things changed.

[Lightsluvr]

I really am beginning to think that all of you non-smokers just like to hear yourselves talk! Chill out and give the smokers a break.

 

I can honestly say that 99% of the smokers are very courteous and go out of their way to not smoke in small cramped spaces.

 

If you don't like the new rules go to Azamara or Oceania.

 

 

I can honestly say that I haven't met 99% of the smokers, but the ones that I have met have no problem blowing smoke freely. I personally love the courteous smokers who turn their heads so they won't blow smoke in faces at their own table, but instead blow it in the face of a person at the next table...:rolleyes:

 

Ah, the debate rages on...

 

LL

[Schplinky]

I think this is strictly a business move, not a health one. The success of companies like Westin, who took the gamble and banned smoking in their hotels, points to the wisdom of the move. Besides making their room a safe haven for the majority of the population (according to the CDC, only 20.9% of the population smokes), it's also good business sense since smoking also means that the cabins wear out faster. Who among us has not seen cigarrette burns in carpet in a hotel or cruise cabin? That also points out the last element, which is safety. If smoking is banned in cabins, this might reduce the number of people who smaoke in bed, a cause of fires.

[Schplinky]

Cigar smoke doesn't bother me, I actually like it. :eek: Smoke outside doesn't bother me either. It does really effect my mother and Aunt though. I'm very happy about this new policy. I sent my email off thanking RCCL for what they have done! I would suggest all of those people who feel the same to do so as well.

 

That being said, I love my friends that smoke, I just would like to have them around a little longer if I can. :) (I know I could certainly go first! :o )

 

I'm one of those odd ducks who hates the smell of cigarettes but loves the smell of cigars. I hope you're near me (but out of ear-shot of my partner)

[MrPete]

The success of companies like Westin, who took the gamble and banned smoking in their hotels, points to the wisdom of the move. Besides making their room a safe haven for the majority of the population

 

My thoughts are that in a hotel, one tends to stay in their room.

 

On a cruise ship, many will attest that they choose the lesser accomodations, cause "who stays in their room, except to sleep and shower?"

 

So, why not ban smoking in the rooms that no one is in during their waking hours. :confused:

[alcheme]

I have to agree with you on this one..............just doesn't seem right after they changed the rules..........whether you agree or disagree with the new policy, seems like once rules are changed (by them) after you have booked you should be allowed to cancel your booking if you choose. Keep after them and keep us posted.

 

I don't agree. They shouldn't have to change their cancellation policies because of every change to an onboard policy. In reality, this is a pretty minor change. I doubt it would ruin most smokers' vacation to have to go to one of the open decks or lounges to have a smoke (or to their balcony, if they have one). I do find it odd that their deposit refund policies are more strict in the UK. I'm not sure of the reasoning behind that, but I don't think they should have any obligation to change it, because of this change in where smoking is allowed. I suppose I might feel different, if it were a complete ban on smoking.

[rsscaptain]

I'm one of those odd ducks who hates the smell of cigarettes but loves the smell of cigars. I hope you're near me (but out of ear-shot of my partner)

 

Are you gonna be sneaking a cigar? LOL I won't tell. :D

[Schplinky]

My thoughts are that in a hotel, one tends to stay in their room.

 

On a cruise ship, many will attest that they choose the lesser accomodations, cause "who stays in their room, except to sleep and shower?"

 

So, why not ban smoking in the rooms that no one is in during their waking hours. :confused:

 

Likely because the next guest, who given the probabilities of a 21% smoking rate will not be a smoker, will object to the smell.

 

If nobody does anything but sleep and shower in their room, then not smoking in it won't be hard, but the reality is that folks do spend more time than that there.

 

When we convince friends to try cruising, they are often stunned and hesitant to book when they find out there is no such thing as a non-smoking room. This will erase those fears for 79% of the population.

[isujim]

I don't agree. They shouldn't have to change their cancellation policies because of every change to an onboard policy. In reality, this is a pretty minor change. I doubt it would ruin most smokers' vacation to have to go to one of the open decks or lounges to have a smoke (or to their balcony, if they have one). I do find it odd that their deposit refund policies are more strict in the UK. I'm not sure of the reasoning behind that, but I don't think they should have any obligation to change it, because of this change in where smoking is allowed. I suppose I might feel different, if it were a complete ban on smoking.

 

I certainly respect your opinion, but don't agree......certainly agree with you this is a minor change and agree it wouldn't ruin most smoker's vacation......but.........when a company changes the rules after you have made a deposit under old rules, I see no reason not to allow a cancellation with a full refund.

 

RC whether across the pond or in the US, could have avoided all of this by just starting with a date where no itineraries have been released yet. I realize you have to start somewhere and where do you draw the line......but there is NO argument that the UK and US aren't playing by the same rules..........of course being a supporter of corporate America....nobody says they have to either:)

[Schplinky]

Are you gonna be sneaking a cigar? LOL I won't tell. :D

 

 

No, I don't smoke, I just like the smell of a cigar. I tried to smoke one once and threw up.

[booze brothers]

ME.... with the biggest, nastiest, smelliest cigars I can find.... and I don't even LIKE cigars. The nicotine police irritate me to no end. I keep my smoking in private... now we can't smoke in our staterooms AWAY from everyone else? I bet I aquire a taste for cigars by the time my next two cruises are over..... It's ok for you booze hounds to jump overboard and wreck my vacation... it's perfectly acceptable to get all ripped up and drive your car... booze is socially acceptible. My cigarettes aren't.... go figure. Maybe because I don't drink and don't like the smell of the beer that someone spilled on the carpet, maybe we should get the cruise line to ban alcohol? Nothing but KoolAide and Juice Boxes for you from now on... and yeah, I have had drinks spilled on me on cruises... why should I have to put up with that? Why should I have to explain to my kids why "that person is walking, acting so funny"?

 

Goes both ways. Hope you enjoy cigar smoke. I will make certain I am out there on my balcony more than usual... and on deck as well. Anyone care to join me?

 

Very immature attitude. What next ~ ringing door bells and running.Your remarks are tipical of the disregard of others health as well as your own.

[alcheme]

Cruiselines are removing transfats from their recipes. Transfats often add flavor or substance to sauces and baked goods. If you notice a difference in the foods you are served this could be one of the reasons.

 

Do you know what trans fats are? They are synthetic fats produced by chemically altering certain poly-unsaturated fats (usually some type of vegetable oil). They are not essential to any type of cooking, but rather were developed as substitutes for other natural fats. The belief at one time was that these were healthier than the natural alternatives, like butter, because they contain less saturated fats. Later study led to the realization that they have a slightly different structure than natural unsaturated fats (I could go into the chemistry, if you're really interested) and are actually worse for your body than the saturated fats they were meant to replace. The main reason many food producers still hang onto using them is that they're cheaper than the natural alternatives.

[ancldaca]

To the OP:

 

I too emailed C&A last night about cancelling both the cruise and C&A membership.

 

I'm livid because I booked on-board just two weeks ago on th AOS. Had I known that in 2008 these regulations would have been in place, I surely wouldn't have booked.

 

Now they have my $250 deposit hostage... I'm fairly certain they will refund, but it's now a matter of how long they will take to do that so that I can turn that deposit around and give my business to another cruise line...

[jerseygirl63]

This is a big step in the RIGHT direction for RCCL. Disney not too long ago announce that all there hotels were smoke free and the response has been great. We were on the Sovereign this past May and the crowds around the non smoking rullette(sp?)table and blackjack table were huge every night. It would be great if they banned smoking in the casino. I feel more passengers would spend time and money there if they didn't have to breathe "chain-smoking Pete's" fumes:D Good job RCCL:)

[Grumm]

Very immature attitude. What next ~ ringing door bells and running.Your remarks are tipical of the disregard of others health as well as your own.

 

Immature is such a slur on someone giving their honest opinion...Judge not, lest ye be judged!

 

Smokers Unite!!!

 

Alan

[alcheme]

I see no reason not to allow a cancellation with a full refund.

 

I certainly don't think it would be wrong for them to allow cancellation because of this, but I can certain see a reason they might not. They might not want to set a precedent with this change. Where, then, would you draw the line? What if someone is upset with a slight change in the itinerary (which happens a number of times)? Do you allow refund for that? What if you decide to make the casino non-smoking for half the days? Does that change qualify for a full refund? What if someone loved the old menu, but you change that after they've booked . . . . . ??? Some people, smokers included, would find those changes more important than whether or not they could smoke in a small, enclosed space.