News on Summit

[dkjretired]

We wrapped up a Med cruise in September and everyone seemed to be dressed quite lovely - I didn't see anything on our cruise as you describe.

 

But then, we are a tad more relaxed on the dress code - I am totally comfortable with DH wearing a dark suit - not tux on formal nights, etc.

 

I know there were many issues this year with European ports, particularly Italy and lost or seriously delayed luggage. Maybe the first night folks didn't have their luggage yet? Just a thought.

 

I know dress code is an issue that is problematic for some, but I've never seen a problem. Smoking on the other hand . . . is definately a problem for me. Partly because of allergies and partly because I watched my Mom die far too young and her death certificate reads: cancer due to cigarette smoking.

 

My Mom was finally able to kick the habit -she had tried many times and felt it was an addiction that was just too strong. When she remodeled, she decided that this was the opportunity to start cutting back on her smoking. She stopped smoking indoors - this made it a little less convenient for her to smoke . . . and before you knew it, she had severely cut back . . . then managed to stop completely! Unfortunately, the damage was already done though and a few years later we learned that she had terminal lung cancer.

 

Before dying, she spoke with each of her children and begged them not to smoke, that she regretted ever doing so, and wished she had known it would kill her . . . and made us promise that we would shar the message with our children (my kids were toddlers and would not have appreciated the message at that age.)

 

I don't want to prevent anyone from their right to smoke - but at the same time I don't think I should be forced to smoke with them. Some of the suggestions from some on these boards for smoking areas are great and I love that Celebrity is trying to test some ideas to improve and try to address the needs of all their passengers. We now know the health risks of cigarette smoking, and thankfully, fewer and fewer people smoke. We know also know that second hand smoke is a health risk. As a result, hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, etc. are having to modify their policies to respond to the market place. What may not have worked 5 or 10 years ago . . . might find significantly different conditions today. Even Las Vegas has several non-smoking hotels, non-smoking tables, non-smoking restaurants and some of the high roller poker rooms are completely non-smoking. But they aren't doing it because it is healthier for their employees (however a great idea) - they are doing it because the marketplace is changing and demanding it. It is becoming good business.

 

I think both groups (smokers and non-smokers) can be accomodated. Mind you, I also recognize a few vocal grumpy folks who won't like any situation short of an all or nothing policy. But I think the vast majority (and many are silent and afraid to weigh in on these issues because conversation is often quickly reduced to personal attacks) would support a compromise (some smoke free areas.) I am booked on two upcoming Celebrity cruises and must admit we are rethinking and may go with another line because of the smoking policy. Knowing I have other choices that would mean a more pleasurable experience is tempting us greatly. I've written directly to Celebrity to share my ideas . . . I am hoping Celebrity adopts a new policy - of the lines we have cruised, so far we prefer X. So I will hold out a little longer since they seem to at least be considering a change . . . we will see what happens.

 

My 2 cents . . . please don't take offense, I promise none was intended.

 

Excellent, common sense post....

[Coreopsis]

Thank you! From someone with so many CC credentials - I am honored :)

 

One of these days, you are going to have to tell me which 3 conversations.

[Ma Bell]

Unfortunately I had the same experience with my own mother so I know exactly how you feel. It's a horrible way to die and it really hurts me to think that there are so many others who will leave their families because of smoking.

[sfcsu]

I will be on Summit in February, and am looking forward to the change. I personally would be even happier if the entire ship is non-smoking. I travel a great deal for work and now stay almost exclusively in Marriot hotels since they are now all completely non-smoking. I would go out of my way to book a non-smoking ship.

 

I realize that there are people who smoke, but I prefer that it is nowhere near me.

[Drew B]

Whatever policy they adopt, I hope they publicize it so that people can make the proper decision. I would choose NOT to sail on a ship that didn't have smoking tables available in the casino, and I would be absolutely furious if I paid for a cruise where I presumed I could smoke at a blackjack table only to find that I couldn't. Trying that sort of "experiment" without warning people and giving them the opportunity to choose another ship is patently unfair! Especially on the Summit doing a Hawaii itinerary. With all those sea days, the casino will be a very important amenity for the gamblers - much more so than on a more port-intensive itinerary.

 

I don't mind if X chooses to make this change. There are plenty of other lines I can choose. I just want to know BEFORE I get locked into a contract.

 

For me, the casino is one of the main reason I choose cruising over land-based resorts. I play table games and I smoke. While I could leave the table occasionally to smoke elsewhere, that is not good for the casino (it's never good when a player gets up from a table, particularly if the spot is held for their return), and it's not good for my enjoyment of my cruise.

[Alysia]

I will be on Summit in February, and am looking forward to the change. I personally would be even happier if the entire ship is non-smoking. I travel a great deal for work and now stay almost exclusively in Marriot hotels since they are now all completely non-smoking. I would go out of my way to book a non-smoking ship.

 

I realize that there are people who smoke, but I prefer that it is nowhere near me.

 

I second that motion. I would love for the whole ship to be nonsmoking. Why should we have to breathe that smoke in??? If the smokers would quite smoking they would save a ton of money, save their health and would be able to go on even more cruises!!! I just don't understand why people want to burn their money???

[Lsimon]

Whatever policy they adopt, I hope they publicize it so that people can make the proper decision. I would choose NOT to sail on a ship that didn't have smoking tables available in the casino, and I would be absolutely furious if I paid for a cruise where I presumed I could smoke at a blackjack table only to find that I couldn't. Trying that sort of "experiment" without warning people and giving them the opportunity to choose another ship is patently unfair!

 

Drew B - I'm all for any non-smoking policy - but you raise an excellent point. It is important that any such policy not be a surprise to anyone and be established far enough in advance so that anyone unhappy about it has ample time to make changes.

[sasset]

Not trying to fan anything here, like I sometimes do, but if they made the change too late for someone to cancel without penalty couldn't they defend it the same way they can almost anything they do? The cruise contract pretty much let's them change anything that they want to.

 

Regards

[dkjretired]

There is actally a recent precedent on this whole thing. Go and check the Azamara board and there are numerous threads of people having booked on Celebrity only to have them change the policies when they announced Azamara. Lots of cancellations and also people booking because of the new policies.

[Drew B]

Not trying to fan anything here, like I sometimes do, but if they made the change too late for someone to cancel without penalty couldn't they defend it the same way they can almost anything they do? The cruise contract pretty much let's them change anything that they want to.

 

Regards

 

 

If I found myself in that situation, I'd certainly re-read the contract and see what it has to say...

[barryod]

other rules I'd like to see enforced are : no children in the aqua spa during non children's hours... no children in the hot tubs, no children in the pools or hot tubs who are in diapers or should be...- and no children wandering the ship without parental supervision....and enforcement of dining dress codes,,,,infractions of these rules involve health safety & enjoyment by others as well!

 

]

 

Maybe it would be easier for you if they just banned children altogether:mad:

 

I've run into a number of adults who should not be allowed in the above mentioned areas. Those same adults should be banned from eating areas as well, for they have a tendency to exhibit bad table manners which insult my grandchildren when we sail together. Guess I'll just simply continue to mention it to those who abuse the rules....I've never had a problem doing that:D .

 

Barry

[caviargal]

other rules I'd like to see enforced are : no children in the aqua spa during non children's hours... no children in the hot tubs, no children in the pools or hot tubs who are in diapers or should be...- and no children wandering the ship without parental supervision....and enforcement of dining dress codes,,,,infractions of these rules involve health safety & enjoyment by others as well!

 

Celebrity, and other lines, seem to only enforce rules that affect their bottom line. Bringing wine and booze onboard apparently costs them money. Kids running amok and dress codes ignored just makes less life less pleasant for those of us who would enjoy seeing these things enforced. If they advertise it, they should deliver it. JMO.

 

As for the casinos, I don't even walk through them as the smoke is too much for me. Since I don't gamble, it does not affect me personally but I think it is a positive move.

[barryod]

Darcie,

Forgot to thank you for your update as to what's going on on Summit. I quit smoking four years ago after 42 yrs of smoking. I rarely let other's smoking bother me but can understand concern of those who don't smoke. I like smoking kept on the port side of ship. On a lighter side, I use to drink and I often wonder what today's non-smokers feel about drunks in the casinos or by the pool, etc. When people fall off ships, it is usually associated with booze. Love the answers like,"when someone drinks on board, it doesn't affect me" yea, right. Maybe we should have cruise ships with no smoking, no kids, no booze, 1% body fat, and proper table manners:rolleyes: . Borrrrrrrrrring....I'll just continue to enjoy how I cruise and eat waffles and if your smoking, drinking, or kids bother me, I'll let you know.

 

Barry

[travelwide]

In April we did a TA on the Westerdam and they tried a no smoking night in the casino on about the third night. It was a huge success and and they extended the trial for about 4-5 nights with the same result.

[Drew B]

I don't doubt that a non-smoking casino would get a lot of gamblers. I question whether the stakes would be as large. On my last Mercury cruise, there was a guy who was in the casino pretty much the entire time. He played three hands of blackjack at all times, betting the table maximum ($300 per hand) on each of the three hands. He also chain-smoked the entire time. Yes, if he wasn't there, they could fill his spots. However, I'm guessing they would fill his spots with folks betting $5 -$10 per hand. I don't know why, but big gamblers seem to be much more likely to smoke than the average person. That one guy's play was probably worth more than at least half of the rest of the table players in the casino at any given time...

[Luckyladym]

I'm sure your facts are correct...but it would be interesting to know if the casino's at sea, have the same statistics.

 

Karryanne;

I do doubt that the statistics would be the same. A great preponderance of the players (high rollers in particular) in the Vegas casinos are european and asian visitors and smoking is still acceptable in most of those countries.

 

I'm curious to know if the same non-smoking rules are being introduced and/or inforced on cruises in the Med. or in Asia?

 

Anyone have any first hand knowledge?

[Coreopsis]

Summary of Gambling and Tobacco study:

It was suggested that gambling problems and tobacco dependence have similar characteristics. The data has implications for treatment and anti-smoking legislation in gaming venues.

[Gonzo70]

I don't want to prevent anyone from their right to smoke - but at the same time I don't think I should be forced to smoke with them. Some of the suggestions from some on these boards for smoking areas are great and I love that Celebrity is trying to test some ideas to improve and try to address the needs of all their passengers. We now know the health risks of cigarette smoking, and thankfully, fewer and fewer people smoke. We know also know that second hand smoke is a health risk. As a result, hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, etc. are having to modify their policies to respond to the market place. What may not have worked 5 or 10 years ago . . . might find significantly different conditions today. Even Las Vegas has several non-smoking hotels, non-smoking tables, non-smoking restaurants and some of the high roller poker rooms are completely non-smoking. But they aren't doing it because it is healthier for their employees (however a great idea) - they are doing it because the marketplace is changing and demanding it. It is becoming good business.

 

I think both groups (smokers and non-smokers) can be accomodated. Mind you, I also recognize a few vocal grumpy folks who won't like any situation short of an all or nothing policy. But I think the vast majority (and many are silent and afraid to weigh in on these issues because conversation is often quickly reduced to personal attacks) would support a compromise (some smoke free areas.) I am booked on two upcoming Celebrity cruises and must admit we are rethinking and may go with another line because of the smoking policy. Knowing I have other choices that would mean a more pleasurable experience is tempting us greatly. I've written directly to Celebrity to share my ideas . . . I am hoping Celebrity adopts a new policy - of the lines we have cruised, so far we prefer X. So I will hold out a little longer since they seem to at least be considering a change . . . we will see what happens.

 

Wow, excellent post! I could not have phrased it better and am 100% with you. Hopefully Celebirty is listening; I too am considering canceling my Celebrity cruise in favor of a line that is more accommodating to non-smokers. I am dying to try Celebrity because of all the great things I have heard about the food, service, ambiance, but do not want to spend my vacation avoiding most public areas because of cigarette smoke.

 

I think that their is plenty of space on cruise ships to accommodate the smokers and non-smokers (at least all but the extremsists on both sides). As of now Celebrity is not being fair to the majority of their passengers (non-smokers). Some of their ships do not even have a single smoke free bar/lounge.

 

I too tend to avoid casinos because of the smokiness. Illinois is about to commence their state wide public smoking ban and I already have a pub crawl planned to celebrate and am starting to plan a casino trip as well. Times are changing and I think that companies that are overly permissive in permitting smoking are the ones that will be hurt in the coming years.

[Hondu]

When people fall off ships, it is usually associated with booze. Love the answers like,"when someone drinks on board, it doesn't affect me" yea, right. Maybe we should have cruise ships with no smoking, no kids, no booze, 1% body fat, and proper table manners:rolleyes: . Borrrrrrrrrring....I'll just continue to enjoy how I cruise and eat waffles and if your smoking, drinking, or kids bother me, I'll let you know.

 

Barry

 

I have been on 22 cruises and never witness a drunk. How often does a drunk fall overboard? However, can't say anything good about people smoking in the cabin with the door to the hallway open, on balconies, and their $2.49 a pack odor that is prevalent as they walk by. Talk about a cheap perfume!

[dkjretired]

I have been on 22 cruises and never witness a drunk. How often does a drunk fall overboard? However, can't say anything good about people smoking in the cabin with the door to the hallway open, on balconies, and their $2.49 a pack odor that is prevalent as they walk by. Talk about a cheap perfume!

 

Hondu:

 

I don't want to get involved in this but I thought you might find the below link interesting. It is a list of man overboard incidents and if you scroll down a short summary of the events. Most are drunks and suicides. At the very least its interesting.

 

http://www.cruisejunkie.com/Overboard.html

[Gonzo70]

I have been on 22 cruises and never witness a drunk. How often does a drunk fall overboard? However, can't say anything good about people smoking in the cabin with the door to the hallway open, on balconies, and their $2.49 a pack odor that is prevalent as they walk by. Talk about a cheap perfume!

 

In Chicago it is about $7.95 a pack, but it doesn't smell any better!

 

I too have not found drunks to be nearly as disruptive to my cruise experience as smoking. And when you or the drunk moves away, no odor lingers whereas with smoking the smell is stuck to my clothes, hair, and skin until I shower and the clothing is washed. Drunks falling overboard do occur, but are extremely rare. If somebody is truly intoxicated and out of control, I would hope that secuirty would intervene if the person's cruising companions do not step in first.

[barryod]

Hello Gonzo70 and Hondu,

Price is about the same in NYC Gonzo. Not to kick a dead horse, but on Galaxy a few years back, my DW and I were lucky enough to walk onto an elevator right as the male of a nice young couple got sick due to drinking too much. We felt bad for the young woman and assisted her and her sick friend back to their cabin. We told an attendant about the elevator and I'm sure it was cleaned. I don't care for the smell of smoke or the smell of that elevator. Celebrity was kind enough to pick up the cost to clean my tux and shoes as well as my DW's dress and shoes because that smell has a tendency to stick around too.

Some day this will all be worked out but part of me says it will happen long after my cruise days are over.

Be well and keep cruisin':D .

 

Barry

[Tisambas]

How was the smoker inconsiderate? Were they blowing smoke directly at you? Since they permit smoking (for now), I'm just wondering how, in this particular case, the smoker is inconsiderate?

Even though smoking is allowed- it seems as inconsiderate as passing gas around others. It is not illegal, but disturbs others that are not smoking or not farting. On a serious level- anything that harms someone else's health is inconsiderate.

[Blondie007]

If I found myself in that situation, I'd certainly re-read the contract and see what it has to say...

 

 

I totally agree with you. I too get so furious at companies (not just cruiselines) who do not clearly spell out the rules at the time of booking.

 

We have a group of 8. We come from all over the world and it took us months to sort out dates and an itinerary which suited all of us for a cruise. We booked Azamara...

Having all paid deposits, we then booked flights, hotels etc and made business arrangements.

We are ALL high end spenders, spend lots $$$$$ on drink, casino etc.. we are not in the "go to bed early" category. We ALL obey rules, and one point we make when we book ANY vacation, is to firstly check the policies regarding smoking, children etc. We book on the basis of those policies.

When Azamara "announced" the policy, (had we not been tracking internet we still would have been none the wiser), we cancelled our cruise. We were told we could not have our deposits refunded, but we could transfer.

We have of course now transferred. BUT many of us lost our deposits for our flights and hotels which were all booked to coincide with the azamara cruise. This enfuriated us.

I have no problem with any company enforcing rules, fine, so be it, BUT only if this is done at least 18 months in advance BEFORE brochure publications and BEFORE they take our money.

We often go to a land based resort where smoking indoors is banned. We dont have a problem with that at all. We can still smoke on our baclonies, and there are so many restaurants and bars outdoors, it is not the same as being at sea and therefore not an issue.

The same resort is adult only,..so therefore, suits us perfectly.

This resort however, makes it clear in its publications, the rules...

We are cruising in a matter of weeks and yet all of us, still wonder, will there be changes even as we board. We sincerely hope not or there may be "mutiny".. We have paid thousands and thousands of pounds for this cruise, not to mention the fact that we are self employed and time out for us is extremely precious.

There were loads of other cruiselines which we could travel with, but like you Drew, my argument is... dont change the rules after you take our money!

Rightly or wrongly, smoking or non smoking, it really is not important, what IS important is that the company, whomever, wherever, comes clean and clearly comes clean (not in tiny small print) PRIOR to brochure publications. This also should apply to dress codes, alcohol codes etc.

Give us your rules BEFORE you take our money and WE can make the choice.

[barryod]

So Darcie, any other changes? I've read in another thread that Summit was going into dry dock for a few weeks next year to spruce her up. Could it be for my cruise in Jan. '09?:D

 

Barry