Smoking on Millennium..

[Napi's Mom]

I had though that ALL cruise-lines were in the process of outlawing smoking, at least in cabins. I find that the wonderful cabin we are now in reserve for (7049) on the 1/18/09 New Zea/Aussie cruise will most likely be a smoking cabin as port side IS smoking according to the FAQ's page on website. This is really upsetting to me. After all the fires etc., how can they still allow smoking in cabins! We are obviously, both non smokers.

Can anyone (Non smokers would be the only ones to know) advise me as to how badly the rooms reek ? (Yes I know smokers don't like that term, please try not smoking for a while and see what term YOU'D use, for how all the soft-goods and even walls smell!!) We were on Oceania, then Azamara on our last 2 cruises and it was SOOO wonderful to have smoking regulated to 2 specific spots we could avoid. :(

[DeltaOne]

I find that the wonderful cabin we are now in reserve for (7049) on the 1/18/09 New Zea/Aussie cruise will most likely be a smoking cabin as port side IS smoking according to the FAQ's page on website.

Unfortunately, smoking is permitted in _any_ cabin.

 

We haven't encountered a smelly cabin yet (in seven cruises). Occasionally you'll read a post here from someone that did get a smelly, smokey cabin. When asked the steward's will bring in special equipment and clean everything. That usually solves the problem.

[dkjretired]

I had though that ALL cruise-lines were in the process of outlawing smoking' date=' at least in cabins. I find that the wonderful cabin we are now in reserve for (7049) on the 1/18/09 New Zea/Aussie cruise will most likely be a smoking cabin as port side IS smoking according to the FAQ's page on website. This is really upsetting to me. After all the fires etc., how can they still allow smoking in cabins! We are obviously, both non smokers.

Can anyone (Non smokers would be the only ones to know) advise me as to how badly the rooms reek ? (Yes I know smokers don't like that term, please try not smoking for a while and see what term YOU'D use, for how all the soft-goods and even walls smell!!) We were on Oceania, then Azamara on our last 2 cruises and it was SOOO wonderful to have smoking regulated to 2 specific spots we could avoid. :([/quote']

 

All Cabins on Celebrity currently are smoking, the port/starboard regulations only apply to exterior spaces not the cabins. That has always been their policy. The cabin attendents do an excellent job of cleaning the cabins and I have never smelled anything in the cabins.

[SadieC]

Just got back from our cruise on the Millenium, and I like you was surprised that the port side was all smoking. Our cabin was totally fine though...you would never have been able to tell if smokers were in our cabin at all.

I was very surprised by the amount of smokers too on the ship. We live in Vancouver and there has been a smoking bylaw for years now in restaurants and other public places. Kinda thought that was the norm...guess not!

[jimh49]

I also just go off the Millenium. I am fairly sensitive to smoke and, although my cabin was on the Port side, the cabin was very clean and no smell of smoke. So you should be OK. But stay away from the casino - very low ceiling, so smoke is quite bad. Have a wonderful cruise.....Jim H.

[elena7seas]

I am a non-smoker, and very sensitive to the smell of smoke, but truly have never noticed even a whiff of stale smoke in any of our Celebrity staterooms, on either side of the ship.

 

Housekeeping does a marvellous job!

[JackieT]

All cabins can be smoking cabins I found out on the ship a few weeks ago. We were lucky that ours didn't smell like smoke but every time we went into the hall it was awful, enough for us to question the smoking policy. That's when we found out that anyone can smoke in any cabin.

 

Just avoid the smoking side of the ship throughout. Sometimes we'd be walking through the smoking section on accident and had to hold our breath it was really that bad at times.

 

Celebrity really needs to revisit this policy. They said they are for their new ships coming out.

[Napi's Mom]

I am a non-smoker, and very sensitive to the smell of smoke, but truly have never noticed even a whiff of stale smoke in any of our Celebrity staterooms, on either side of the ship.

 

Housekeeping does a marvellous job!

I thank you all for this reassurance. I have heard that there is some electronic cleaner that does a great job...but it seems most motels/hotels don't use them. Guess they were developed for houses with smoke damage from minor fires. The time is right around the corner tho that all ships will be following the more upscale lines to banning smoking to small portions of the ship. Cigarette smoke actually bothers me more than some pipes and cigars, if they are of quality tobacco I guess. I tolerated 2nd hand smoke most of my life, but now even my sons go outside at my house to smoke, my DH stopped many years (About 20) ago. Since my father died of cancer...after smoking all 3 of the deadly types of the weed all his life, I really hate smoking. Then having my tiny baby grand-daughter coming to my house smelling like an ashtray for years, it made me angry! No more smoke in my home!

[hajekfam]

Smoking (cigarettes only) is allowed in all staterooms has always been Celebrity's policy.

If you look up the smoking policy on Celebrity's website

What is your onboard smoking policy?

Subject: Ship and Stateroom Details

 

Cigarette Smoking is permitted:

 

• In staterooms.

• In designated areas on the port (left) side of most public areas (Lounges, Bars, Decks).

 

Cigarette Smoking is not permitted:

 

• In the Celebrity Theater.

• In the Cinema.

• In the Conference Center.

• In the Dining Room.

• In the Elevators.

• On the starboard (right) side of the ship, either indoors or outdoors.

 

Pipe and Cigar Smoking:

 

• Pipe and cigar smoking is only allowed in specifically

designated areas on outer decks of the vessel.

• Please check with the Guest Relations Desk for these specific venues.

• Please note that at no time is cigar and pipe smoking permitted in staterooms/suites or on their verandas

Celebrity might be rethinking their policy - as a captain's club elite member, I received a survey dealing with smoking a short while back.

I have never noticed a smokey smell in any stateroom. The only place where I have noticed a smoke smell was in a lounge if you have a chair next to the smoking section, on the cabin verandah when there is a smoker in the next room, walking through the smoking sections of the public areas, and the aft deck that they use as a cigar bar when someone is smoking a cigar or pipe.

[tbelian]

I had though that ALL cruise-lines were in the process of outlawing smoking' date=' at least in cabins. [/quote']

 

I'm just wondering how you had this thought?

 

A recent article right here on Cruise Critic broke down the cruise lines that allow smoking in cabins, compared to those that don't. The majority of cruise lines allow it.

 

Outlawing is an interesting choice of words.

 

You may know this, or may not, but smoking happens to be a frequent topic of discussion. It also tends to be a topic that gets heated (pun intended). Consequently the threads often go 'poof'. (Also, pun intended).

 

Smoke is bad, granted. On the other hand, people do smoke. They may be a minority, but it is what it is. Non smokers tend to be quite vociferous and adamant about their position. On the other hand to expect that change will happen solely based on what is posted here would be delusional.

[dkjretired]

I'm just wondering how you had this thought?

 

A recent article right here on Cruise Critic broke down the cruise lines that allow smoking in cabins, compared to those that don't. The majority of cruise lines allow it.

 

Outlawing is an interesting choice of words.

 

You may know this, or may not, but smoking happens to be a frequent topic of discussion. It also tends to be a topic that gets heated (pun intended). Consequently the threads often go 'poof'. (Also, pun intended).

 

Smoke is bad, granted. On the other hand, people do smoke. They may be a minority, but it is what it is. Non smokers tend to be quite vociferous and adamant about their position. On the other hand to expect that change will happen solely based on what is posted here would be delusional.

 

Tbelian

 

Based upon the thread from last week that was closed, I sent an email to Celebrity to ask if they were changing their policy. The response I received is they have not and do not intend to change their policy in the future. I posted this on a seperate thread however it was removed for whatever reason.

[Janan]

I agree with the last 2 posters; (BTW I stopped smoking about 15 years ago) But I find the op's attitude abit concerning...... Just like you would not want smokers to force their beliefs upon you, it should also be the reverse. Since cruising is a business, I imagine that the cruiselines would want to cater to as many people as they can; seeing that the dollar is not doing well against other currencies (especially the euro) There is a chance for them to make more money......Alot of people in Europe smoke (I would say a majority, but I do not have the statistics...so let me say it appears that there may be a majority) people also smoke here in the US, is the OP going to make up for the lost revenue of the cruiselines if they disenfranchise smokers.....I really don't think that the cruiselines will change their policies in the near future.

 

Can they tweak their policies ...sure, will they go totally non-smoking...doubtful.

 

My suggestion to the OP is to either familiarize yourself with the smoking policies before you book the cruise....or find a cruiseline that limits smoking enough for you to be comfortable.......BUT PLEASE do not suggest even for a minute, that your wants or needs is anymore important than anybody elses

 

Andy

[tbelian]

BUT PLEASE do not suggest even for a minute, that your wants or needs is anymore important than anybody elses

 

Andy

I think the counter point to this often used by non smokers is that smokers 'force' them to be exposed to 2nd hand smoke. Even that description, I think, is a bit 'over the top'. I dont think anyone literally 'forces' someone to be exposed. The smoker does not bind your hands and feet, strap you down in the chair, and require you to stay there while they disperse smoke in your proximity. Can circumstances be such that smoker and non smoker are in the same place at the same time? Yes. Do both parties have to stay in that place and time? No.

[Gonzo70]

I agree that Celebrity needs to make significant changes soon. They have truly become the most smoker friendly cruise line. I have heard they are looking into making changes in the near future; if they do not they will be losing a ton of business. The cruise lines in general or lagging far behind the rest of the world in restricting smoking but Celebrity in particular seems determined to discourage non-smokers from sailing on their ships. If they wait much longer to implement the changes they keep promising us that they are considering, it may be too late for them.

[Desertbelle]

As fewer and fewer people begin to smoke the policies about public smoking, on land and at sea, will change. It's not going to happen over night. I feel sure that in the next 20 years smoking will be all but abandoned, not by laws but by people's choice.

 

In the mean time, we have to remember that people who smoke aren't bad people. Most smokers are considerate and understand that their habit infringes on others, and though they probably hate that they are restricted to certain areas, they accommodate the rules. Their smoking world is collapsing around their heads, and they know it.

 

Those of us who don't smoke need to find a small amount of compassion for smokers. Walking through a smoky lounge only takes a few moments, to make a big deal out of it, or to mention loudly how horrible it is, or to make people who are following the rules feel badly, only makes the situation worse. Certainly the smell is no worse than someone who is sitting next to you with body odor, too much horrible perfume, or who is having gas....just remove yourself from the area and go on about your day. Simple and easy.

 

As for cruising, we have never had a cabin that smelled smoky. We have only, on rare occasions smelled a whiff of smoke from another balcony...certainly nothing that would drive us off our balcony. When we cruise with my parents and sister, we often sit in the smoking areas to be by them and it's not so horrible. One day my parents will be gone and I will miss those times with them, smoking or not.

 

I think we can all live together harmoniously, with just a bit of compromise on both sides. I think it's worth it...life is just too short to let such matters make you unhappy. :)

[tbelian]

I agree that Celebrity needs to make significant changes soon. They have truly become the most smoker friendly cruise line.

 

I disagree with the statement that Celebrity is the most smoker friendly cruise line. Again, going back to the article posted previously on Cruise Critic, breaking down the smoking policies of many cruise lines, the Celebrity smoking policies are similar (in fact almost identical) to cruise lines like Princess, Disney, HAL, Carnival, and a whole host of others. To say that Celebrity is 'the most smoker friendly cruise line is just patently false and misleading.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

As fewer and fewer people begin to smoke the policies about public smoking, on land and at sea, will change. It's not going to happen over night. I feel sure that in the next 20 years smoking will be all but abandoned, not by laws but by people's choice.

 

In the mean time, we have to remember that people who smoke aren't bad people. Most smokers are considerate and understand that their habit infringes on others, and though they probably hate that they are restricted to certain areas, they accommodate the rules. Their smoking world is collapsing around their heads, and they know it.

 

Those of us who don't smoke need to find a small amount of compassion for smokers. Walking through a smoky lounge only takes a few moments, to make a big deal out of it, or to mention loudly how horrible it is, or to make people who are following the rules feel badly, only makes the situation worse. Certainly the smell is no worse than someone who is sitting next to you with body odor, too much horrible perfume, or who is having gas....just remove yourself from the area and go on about your day. Simple and easy.

 

As for cruising, we have never had a cabin that smelled smoky. We have only, on rare occasions smelled a whiff of smoke from another balcony...certainly nothing that would drive us off our balcony. When we cruise with my parents and sister, we often sit in the smoking areas to be by them and it's not so horrible. One day my parents will be gone and I will miss those times with them, smoking or not.

 

I think we can all live together harmoniously, with just a bit of compromise on both sides. I think it's worth it...life is just too short to let such matters make you unhappy. :)

 

Margie, thanks for your reasoned and gentle post. Militant attitudes are hard to be around. I think that's why all these smoking threads go up in smoke eventually.

 

A nonsmoker who sails with a smoker.

[CatServants]

As fewer and fewer people begin to smoke the policies about public smoking, on land and at sea, will change. It's not going to happen over night. I feel sure that in the next 20 years smoking will be all but abandoned, not by laws but by people's choice.

 

In the mean time, we have to remember that people who smoke aren't bad people. Most smokers are considerate and understand that their habit infringes on others, and though they probably hate that they are restricted to certain areas, they accommodate the rules. Their smoking world is collapsing around their heads, and they know it.

 

Those of us who don't smoke need to find a small amount of compassion for smokers. Walking through a smoky lounge only takes a few moments, to make a big deal out of it, or to mention loudly how horrible it is, or to make people who are following the rules feel badly, only makes the situation worse. Certainly the smell is no worse than someone who is sitting next to you with body odor, too much horrible perfume, or who is having gas....just remove yourself from the area and go on about your day. Simple and easy.

 

As for cruising, we have never had a cabin that smelled smoky. We have only, on rare occasions smelled a whiff of smoke from another balcony...certainly nothing that would drive us off our balcony. When we cruise with my parents and sister, we often sit in the smoking areas to be by them and it's not so horrible. One day my parents will be gone and I will miss those times with them, smoking or not.

 

I think we can all live together harmoniously, with just a bit of compromise on both sides. I think it's worth it...life is just too short to let such matters make you unhappy. :)

 

Desertbelle - I don't smoke. Never have. Can't stand it. It makes my sinuses go all wonky. I lost my father to tobacco. And you know what? I applaud and support your attitude! Like happy cruiser 3131, I appreciate the cool heads and reasoned attitudes of you, tbelian, and dkjretired among others.

 

I also don't know where people get the idea that all the luxury lines are banning smoking on board their ships. I suspect that will be news to Silversea! Be careful about the info we give. Avoidance of misinformation should be everyone's goal. Of course, we should all research any/all ship policies which might affect our cruise experience and not accept opinions as fact. My opinion included!;):)

 

If I don't want to be around smokers, I just move away. I find most people (smokers and non-smokers alike) to be thoughtful and courteous, I would hope they find me to be the same. There's room on the ship for all of us!

 

I've NEVER smelled smoke in any of my cabins. I once smelled a strong cleaning agent, but never smoke. If your cabin smells of smoke (or anything else you find unpleasant), contact your cabin steward. I'm sure the situation will be taken care of immediately!

 

Happy cruising!

 

Denise

[Gonzo70]

I disagree with the statement that Celebrity is the most smoker friendly cruise line. Again, going back to the article posted previously on Cruise Critic, breaking down the smoking policies of many cruise lines, the Celebrity smoking policies are similar (in fact almost identical) to cruise lines like Princess, Disney, HAL, Carnival, and a whole host of others. To say that Celebrity is 'the most smoker friendly cruise line is just patently false and misleading.

 

You are completely incorrect. Let's take HAL for example. Approximately half of their bars/lounges are 100% smoke free. The main pool is 100% smoke free. The casinos are sometimes smoke free.

 

Now Celebrity permits smoking in 100% of their bars/lounges on some of their ships and on M Class ships only has a single smoke free bar/lounge, allows smoking in half of the main pool area, and generally allows smoking all the time in casinos.

 

Out of all the mass market cruise lines, Celebrity has the fewest non-smoking public areas. It is not acceptable in this day and age and if they wish to remain successful they need to make changes ASAP.

[usha]

As fewer and fewer people begin to smoke the policies about public smoking, on land and at sea, will change. It's not going to happen over night. I feel sure that in the next 20 years smoking will be all but abandoned, not by laws but by people's choice.

 

In the mean time, we have to remember that people who smoke aren't bad people. Most smokers are considerate and understand that their habit infringes on others, and though they probably hate that they are restricted to certain areas, they accommodate the rules. Their smoking world is collapsing around their heads, and they know it.

 

Those of us who don't smoke need to find a small amount of compassion for smokers. Walking through a smoky lounge only takes a few moments, to make a big deal out of it, or to mention loudly how horrible it is, or to make people who are following the rules feel badly, only makes the situation worse. Certainly the smell is no worse than someone who is sitting next to you with body odor, too much horrible perfume, or who is having gas....just remove yourself from the area and go on about your day. Simple and easy.

 

As for cruising, we have never had a cabin that smelled smoky. We have only, on rare occasions smelled a whiff of smoke from another balcony...certainly nothing that would drive us off our balcony. When we cruise with my parents and sister, we often sit in the smoking areas to be by them and it's not so horrible. One day my parents will be gone and I will miss those times with them, smoking or not.

 

I think we can all live together harmoniously, with just a bit of compromise on both sides. I think it's worth it...life is just too short to let such matters make you unhappy. :)

Let me join CatServants & Happy cruiser 3131 in patting you on the back for that thoughtful and thought-provoking post.

[Drew B]

I disagree with the statement that Celebrity is the most smoker friendly cruise line. Again, going back to the article posted previously on Cruise Critic, breaking down the smoking policies of many cruise lines, the Celebrity smoking policies are similar (in fact almost identical) to cruise lines like Princess, Disney, HAL, Carnival, and a whole host of others. To say that Celebrity is 'the most smoker friendly cruise line is just patently false and misleading.

 

Here is the URL for the article tbelian mentioned:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/features/articles.cfm?ID=225

 

At least according to this comparison, Celebrity is pretty much identical to Carnival and MORE restrictive than Princess, HAL or Disney which apparently don't restrict smoking to one side of outdoor decks... Costa, MSC and other European cruise lines are even more permissive. By no means is Celebrity the MOST smoker-friendly...

[tbelian]

You are completely incorrect. Let's take HAL for example.

 

Sure, Hal is ONE example. Go back and read the article again. here is a link for your convenience:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/features/articles.cfm?ID=225

 

I did a quick reread of the article, and , with the exception of HAL , and maybe a few others, the majority of cruise line smoking policies are right in tandem with Celebrity's. A couple examples:

 

Carnival Cruise Lines

Where You Can Smoke: Smoking is permitted on one side of the ship in bars, lounges and open decks

 

Crystal Cruises

Where You Can Smoke: Smoking is permitted in cabins, on open decks, and in designated smoking areas in most bars and lounges.

 

Princess Cruises

Where You Can Smoke: Smoking is permitted in cabins, including balconies, on the open decks and in designated areas in most public rooms.

 

Seabourn Cruise Line

Where You Can Smoke: Smoking is permitted in cabins, including balconies, on open decks and on the port side of the public rooms.

 

 

I don't want to dwell on it, but I still contend that generally the smoking policies are more the same than they are different, and thus, Celebrity is no more the smokers line of choice than ohers such as Carnival, Crystal, Seabourn, Princess, etc.

 

PS. Sorry, I see I was right in the middle of this while Drew was essentially writing the same thing.

[Addict]

A thread last week mentioned that some people were getting their docs which said that there was NO smoking in cabins and balconies onboard Celebrity ships. I emailed Celebrity to clarify, and a friend also made 3 phone calls to Captains Club and Celebrity who all said the policies have NOT changed.

 

I emailed celebrity.co.uk and celebrity.com and received the answers below...

 

Thank you for your email, Cigarette smoking is permitted at this time in staterooms and on verandas. Cigar & pipe smoking, however, are not allowed in either the stateroom or on verandas. The documents reflect this same information.

Please let me know if I could be of further assistance. Thank you for choosing Celebrity Cruises, Inc.

and from the UK office...

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for your email.

Smoking is permitted on stateroom balconies and designated areas onboard. However guests with an inside stateroom are not permitted to smoke.

Thank you for choosing Celebrity Cruises.

So even Celebrity staff are confused. One thing they DO agree on is that you CAN smoke on the balconies.

 

[Drew B]

Here is what that article says about HAL:

 

Holland America Line

 

Where You Can Smoke: Smoking is permitted in cabins, including cabin balconies, on open decks and in designated areas in most public spaces.

 

Where You Can't: All restaurants are non-smoking, as is the show lounge during performances.

 

That doesn't match up to what Gonzo posted. I wonder why. I've never sailed them, so I have no first-hand knowledge. According to their website, this is their policy:

 

Smoking

For the comfort of all of our guests, designated smoking and nonsmoking areas are available in most lounges. Smoking is not permitted at any time in dining areas. Our ships do not have "nonsmoking" staterooms; however, all rooms are thoroughly cleaned after each cruise to assure the comfort of our guests. All showrooms are nonsmoking during performances.

 

The word "most" doesn't make it sound as though half of the bars are 100% smoke free... If there is a discrepency between their stated policy and what they actually provide and enforce onboard, I think that is a problem...

[Blondie007]

I now take what I read about smoking on this forum with a pinch of salt! I was worried sick after reading the nasty comments about smokers on this board prior to our cruise on Constellation. In reality, the smoking side on the ship was mobbed... with as many if not more smokers than non smokers,.. AND NOBODY BUT NOBODY, caused an issue on board that we could see. Both parties respected on another, and both seemed to stick to their own areas....no problem from either side!

I think ONCE I got annoyed at a smoker ligHting up a cigar thru the day in a restriced area.. I thought that was extremely rude and un thoughtful..and he was American incidentally not EU.. ...

As a smoker however, I still say they should make the entire floor on M class ships where the rendezvous lounge is non smoking...smoke rises, and I think it would make a lot of people happy to see that area in particular where the celings are pretty low..non smoking.. it would make sense. I can appreciate that for non smokers, it must be pretty nasty in that particular floor... I reckon smokers would be happy with a restriction on having port side on the deck above, and leaving that lower deck smoke free..

I cant see it being a problem for smokers if they did that.. and many of the non smokers seemed to enjoy that area for dancing in the evening.

JUST MHO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)