Will NCL Follow ????

[newmexicoNita]

I know my wife and I are looking at Celebrity now, yeah its a little more expensive but I am will to pay a little more not to have a room that stinks.

have you been in a cabin (room as you call it) that stinks? Celebritys new policy is about the same as RCIs that went into affect in January. As for smoking in cabins: I am a rare smoker but do indulge on occassion. There was a time when I was a heavier smoker and probably did smoke in the cabin (25 years ago) today I can't imagine doing so, the cabins are just too small to have the smell hanging over us. I think many smokers may feel this way and are more than willing to go along with no smoking in the cabins as long as there are places to indulge. To switch lines because of this is your choice but unless you have experienced smokey cabins I am not sure why you would choose to change lines. all lines are attempting to satisfy both smokers and non smokers.

 

Nita

[98Charlie]

OH GOOD LORD !!!

 

If I hear one more person say there could be a fire becuase look what happened on the Star ,because people thowing butts overboard . Some idiot left a cig. burning in the cabin. You know they should not do laundry either,

there have been more fires caused by the laundry and kitchen than all others put together. And why hasnt some one said " Hey , I pay good money for a balcony so I can sit out there and smoke ".

If you hate smoking , call your Congressman and have it made ilegal .

Untill then hold your breath.....:rolleyes: ( no I dont smoke ).

Oh and what about the trays ???/

Rant away !!

 

MPK

 

Please entertain me with your statistics and causes of ship board fires which originated in the Laundry or Kitchen facilities. Also please list your sources of reference ?????

Curiosity go the best of me:D Checking Events At Sea

I found

• 2008 – Fire in the incinerator room, deck 3, Star Princess.
  
• 2007 – Fire in engine room, NCL Spirit. Jewel of the Seas – fire in laundry room. Pacific Star – fire in electric panel sufficient enough to call for mustering of crew for possible emergency. Mariner of the Seas – fire in incinerator on Deck 0. Norwegian Star – fire in engine room. Disney Magic – fire near Palo Restaurant due to a misfire of fireworks.
  
• 2006 – Fires aboard Seabourn Spirit, Radiance of the Seas, Oosterdam, Enchantment of the Seas, Statendam, Seabourn Pride, Star Princess (the cigarette fire)
  
• 2005 – Costa Classica, Carnival Legend, Infinity (stateroom, poss cigarette?), Seven Seas Navigator,
  
• 2004 – Carnival Destiny, Majesty of the Seas
  
• 2003 – Explorer of the Seas
  
• 2002 – Statendam, Disney Magic
  

I got tired of typing in the causes but, you can go to the site via the above link and read them. The engine room and incinerator rooms seem to be the most often cited for cruise lines followed by the laundry and galley. There were a couple of fires that involved cabins but no citation of source of the fire, could be smoking or heat producing device left on, etc.

 

The list goes back further if you want to continue checking the stats.

 

Charlie

[98Charlie]

In answer to the original question, yes NCL will follow........eventually.

 

Smoking is not something that is going to go away quickly or quietly for a number of reasons. The 2 biggies are that (1) it is extremely addicitive to some people. And 2 it's big money for the government who will tell you they want you to quit but, IMHO, doesn't really want to give up the income stream from the taxes. From the Retirement Living Information Center web site

About 82% of what consumers pay for a pack of cigarettes (average cost $4.63 - including statewide sales taxes but not local cigarette or sales taxes) ends up going to the government in taxes and other payments rather than for the cigarettes.

 

Charlie

[electricron]

Curiosity go the best of me:D Checking Events At Sea

I foundI got tired of typing in the causes but, you can go to the site via the above link and read them. The engine room and incinerator rooms seem to be the most often cited for cruise lines followed by the laundry and galley. There were a couple of fires that involved cabins but no citation of source of the fire, could be smoking or heat producing device left on, etc.

 

The list goes back further if you want to continue checking the stats.

Charlie

 

To add, the cigarette fire on the Star Princess came from a butt thrown overboard onto a balcony. Not necessarily from an above balcony either, it could have come from the Sun or Lido Decks atop the ship. The very place the non-smokers wish to put the smokers eventually.

Princess used non fire retardant material on their balcony furniture, and worse yet, non fire retardant balcony dividers too. Hopefully, the use of fire retardant materials everywhere on a ship becomes the standard procedure from now on.

The idea that smoke lingers on balconies while the ship is traveling at 20 knots is over the top. Within a few seconds, the ship sails away from the smoke. And when stopped in port, any winds will blow the smoke away. There's much more smoke coming from the diesel exhaust smokestack, and it's more dangerous health wise.

[Dolphins]

As you know, Carnival tried a totally non smoking ship. It did not last. The workers said that the tips were the worst they have ever had. I don't smoke, but I never sailed on that ship. Evidently not enough non smokers did either. Nancy

 

Carnival Paradise was the only Carnival ship I sailed on because it was totally smoke-free. It was a very popular ship and always sailed full. The reason Carnival discontinued this experiment was because the ship had the lowest bar and casino revenue of any ship in the Carnival fleet. Evidently, non-smokers don't drink or gamble nearly as much as smokers. I really enjoyed that ship and would have sailed her again if she had remained smoke-free.

[lovesublime]

To add, the cigarette fire on the Star Princess came from a butt thrown overboard onto a balcony. Not necessarily from an above balcony either, it could have come from the Sun or Lido Decks atop the ship. The very place the non-smokers wish to put the smokers eventually.

Princess used non fire retardant material on their balcony furniture, and worse yet, non fire retardant balcony dividers too. Hopefully, the use of fire retardant materials everywhere on a ship becomes the standard procedure from now on.

The idea that smoke lingers on balconies while the ship is traveling at 20 knots is over the top. Within a few seconds, the ship sails away from the smoke. And when stopped in port, any winds will blow the smoke away. There's much more smoke coming from the diesel exhaust smokestack, and it's more dangerous health wise.[/quote]

 

So wrong here. I can personally verify that my family (non smokers) smelled like smoke ALL day long because of the smokers on the balcony next to us. It REALLY DOES linger and saturate our clothing, hair and skin-even while underway. Yes, we did smell the diesel coming from the smokestake, but our bodies and clothing never smelled like diesel.

[Toothfairy754]

My guess is, for the time being NCL will keep their present policy. They were the first line to implement the strict non smoking policy across the fleet, last year. Actually except for the casino bar and cabins there really is no place passengers can smoke on NCL ships now. Oh I forgot the cigar bar on ships that have cigar bars, which isn't every ship and those that do; the bar is very small. Actually Celebrity's policy allows more smoking areas than some other lines.

 

Nita

 

You can also smoke all over the outside port side of the ship... including by the swimming pool.

[newmexicoNita]

You can also smoke all over the outside port side of the ship... including by the swimming pool.

yes, you are right, I was referring to inside areas. There is an exception to the outdoor smoking, the staff can decide to restrict smokers from smoking even on the port side at any time. I can't imagine this happening but it was part of NCLs non smoking policy that went into affect last year.

 

Nita

[hoonsagain]

Just returned from our wonderful cruise on the Spirit out of NOLA. The only time I was ever bothered by the smoke was in the casino. I wonder why it is allowed there? Is there a misconception that gamblers and smokers are synonymous? We have only smoke free casinos here in British Columbia, and they are always packed. Same as the bars. Getting rid of the smoking in these places may alienate a small percentage of smokers, but it inevitably brings back a ton of non-smokers who would not have previously patronized the smoking joints.

[yogimax]

 

Getting rid of the smoking in these places may alienate a small percentage of smokers, but it inevitably brings back a ton of non-smokers who would not have previously patronized the smoking joints.

 

Yes, absolutely correct.

 

I believe Celebrity estimated that only 10% of their clientelle were smokers. It is just a matter of time before all cruise lines move to more restrictive smoking policies.

 

Another reason, in an era of tightening profits, is the cost savings. It takes extra time and greater expense to clean the cabins of smokers and public areas frequented by smokers.

[newmexicoNita]

Just returned from our wonderful cruise on the Spirit out of NOLA. The only time I was ever bothered by the smoke was in the casino. I wonder why it is allowed there? Is there a misconception that gamblers and smokers are synonymous? We have only smoke free casinos here in British Columbia, and they are always packed. Same as the bars. Getting rid of the smoking in these places may alienate a small percentage of smokers, but it inevitably brings back a ton of non-smokers who would not have previously patronized the smoking joints.

htis may abe true in BC, but in most casinos where there are non smoking areas these areas are not as utilized as the smoking area. Yes, gambling and smoking do go together. This isn't to say only smokers gamble and only gambers smoke or all gamblers smoke, but the two are tied is some ways. Many lines are now offering one or two non smoking nights in casinos. This is a fair way to handle the problem. We did notice, the non smoking night on the Princess, the casino was only about 70% full compared to jamped the other 6 nights.

 

Nita

[giraffenana]

I think Celebrity's new policy on smoking is a great thing. Just one more reason to book our next cruise on this line.

 

Some friends of ours booked a balcony cabin on the Pride of America and were not able to use the balcony due to the smoking habits of the occupants of other cabins around them. It really affected the enjoyment of their cruise. As to the theory that since the cruise is traveling at 20 knots the smoke is blown away, perhaps they wanted to sit on their balcony when the ship was traveling slower, during the day, or when the ship was in port if they decided to stay on the ship or come back early from a day of sightseeing. For this reason, we have never been that excited about a balcony.

 

I think having several places on the ship, both inside and outside on deck, where smokers can be accomodated is the fairest compromise between smokers and non-smokers. As for the casino, I despise having to walk through such a smelly, smoky place and will literally take a deep breath and walk through it as fast as I can to reach the other side before having to breathe again. I would not even consider spending any time there.

 

Joy

[newmexicoNita]

I think Celebrity's new policy on smoking is a great thing. Just one more reason to book our next cruise on this line.

 

Some friends of ours booked a balcony cabin on the Pride of America and were not able to use the balcony due to the smoking habits of the occupants of other cabins around them. It really affected the enjoyment of their cruise. As to the theory that since the cruise is traveling at 20 knots the smoke is blown away, perhaps they wanted to sit on their balcony when the ship was traveling slower, during the day, or when the ship was in port if they decided to stay on the ship or come back early from a day of sightseeing. For this reason, we have never been that excited about a balcony.

 

I think having several places on the ship, both inside and outside on deck, where smokers can be accomodated is the fairest compromise between smokers and non-smokers. As for the casino, I despise having to walk through such a smelly, smoky place and will literally take a deep breath and walk through it as fast as I can to reach the other side before having to breathe again. I would not even consider spending any time there.

 

Joy

on most ships you do not have to walk through the casino.

 

NIta

[goldmom]

One of the problems is that since NCL instituted their new smoking policy, the Casino is the only indoor public area where you can smoke. This means that everyone who wants to smoke will congregate in the casino even if they are not gambling to have a cigarette. This makes the casino even smokier than usual especially after the show lets out. It also makes the Casino much more crowded with smokers taking up seats in front of slot machines and not gambling.

 

I really think that NCL should have a least one bar designated as a smoking area. This would definitely alleviate some of the congestion in the casino.

 

In all honesty, I don't think there is a solution to this problem that will satisfy both smokers and non-smokers. Friends of ours switched cruise lines to NCL because they still allow smoking in the cabins. And these are people that book Garden Villas, so the cruise line they left definitely lost some big bucks. It would be really nice if there was a fair compromise that would make everyone happy, but I sure can't figure out what it is.

[newmexicoNita]

One of the problems is that since NCL instituted their new smoking policy, the Casino is the only indoor public area where you can smoke. This means that everyone who wants to smoke will congregate in the casino even if they are not gambling to have a cigarette. This makes the casino even smokier than usual especially after the show lets out. It also makes the Casino much more crowded with smokers taking up seats in front of slot machines and not gambling.

 

I really think that NCL should have a least one bar designated as a smoking area. This would definitely alleviate some of the congestion in the casino.

 

In all honesty, I don't think there is a solution to this problem that will satisfy both smokers and non-smokers. Friends of ours switched cruise lines to NCL because they still allow smoking in the cabins. And these are people that book Garden Villas, so the cruise line they left definitely lost some big bucks. It would be really nice if there was a fair compromise that would make everyone happy, but I sure can't figure out what it is.

you are right on both counts: there doesn't seem to be any answer. Non smokers, at least the majority of them won't be happy until the world is totally non smoking; smokers are griping cause all their rights are being taken away. Too bad we can't learn to understand the other side of the coin, no matter what side we are on. As for the casino and the casino bar, I have thought since the policy went into affect, it would be better if there was one smoking bar other than the casino and I am not referring to the little cigar bar that holds 12 to 20 people only.

 

Nita

[CruisnGram]

Everyone can be made happy if there are smoking and non smoking cabins. I think it would work to have one side of the ship smoking cabins, the other side non smoking. Or perhaps smoking and non smoking decks. Aft cabins could be non smoking since they are much preferred by many people. If a smoker wants one bad enough, they will have to agree not to smoke in their cabin or on their balcony. Hotels do it all the time so I don't see why it would be such a big deal.

 

Some smokers might complain that perhaps they aren't allowed to book the cabin of their choice (aft, or perhaps a certain deck) but they should be used to problems by now. They live in a non smoking world and if they want to smoke, then they accept the cabins that are offered. Not saying that they should be stuck in lousy cabins, just saying that they will have to accept the fact that their cabin choice is more limited if they chose to smoke.

 

If one side/deck fills up faster then the other, so be it. Another reason to book early so you get your preferred side/deck of the ship. If non smoking cabins are left a smoker could choose to be on the non smoking side/deck of the ship. The same for a non smoker if non smoking is filled and smoke doesn't bother them. After final payment, cruise lines discount anyway, and people will still buy the empty rooms who want a great deal and don't care where they are.

 

I reallly do think this is the only solution to satisfy everyone.

[yogimax]

 

Everyone can be made happy if there are smoking and non smoking cabins.

 

Not really!

 

The unhappiest would be the room stewards who are assigned the smoking cabins!

[CruisnGram]

Not really!

 

The unhappiest would be the room stewards who are assigned the smoking cabins!

 

Grrrrr. I will not reply, I will not reply, I will not reply. Maybe if I keep saying that over and over enough I will get past the retort that is on the end of my tongue (or rather my fingers).

 

Suffice it to say that some people are never happy unless things are run 100% their way.

[AFT_LOVER]

and all will be happy, as they do in Vegas.

 

Rumor has it Vegas will go smoke free...........

 

Half & half as Canada was before it finally went smoke free was a great idea. So NCL can cut the casino in half to non & those who have to smoke.

 

 

htis may abe true in BC, but in most casinos where there are non smoking areas these areas are not as utilized as the smoking area. Yes, gambling and smoking do go together. This isn't to say only smokers gamble and only gambers smoke or all gamblers smoke, but the two are tied is some ways. Many lines are now offering one or two non smoking nights in casinos. This is a fair way to handle the problem. We did notice, the non smoking night on the Princess, the casino was only about 70% full compared to jamped the other 6 nights.

 

Nita

[yogimax]

Grrrrr.

 

Not sure what has led you to "Grrrr"s.

 

It is a fact that it was the flight attendant's union that was among the most influencial groups in leading the fight to ban smoking on airplanes.

 

My comment was simply pointing out that those cabin stewards who would be assigned the smoking cabins would not be happy and might (notice I said "might") be putting their health at risk.

 

It is a proven fact that smoking cabins take longer to clean than non-smoking cabins. And what is wrong with an employee protesting their work conditions. I'm sure those cabin attendants who are non-smokers and even many of those who are would not want to spend eight or more hours a day in a confined area that has been smoked in. But then again, there are people who consider the room stewards to be more servants than anything else. What's wrong with focusing on the rights of the workers as well as the clients?

[Lowie]

i must say that all 4 adults in my party would have gambled much more and much longer if the casino was smoke free. we also had a neighboring balcony who was a cigar smoker, and although it only affected us once, it was during sailaway and my family had to go inside and shut the door.

[nyflush]

i must say that all 4 adults in my party would have gambled much more and much longer if the casino was smoke free. we also had a neighboring balcony who was a cigar smoker, and although it only affected us once, it was during sailaway and my family had to go inside and shut the door.

 

The Casino is my time to Smoke I don't smoke in my house or in front of my son, i'm a closet smoker shhhh I would not be in the casino long if it was smoke free, I don't think I would even cruise NCL.

[CruisnGram]

Okay, I lost the battle not to respond. :eek:

 

 

Not sure what has led you to "Grrrr"s.

 

You're unwillingness to even consider the possiblity that my suggestion would work. Your digging deep to fine a reason to reinforce the opinion that smoking should be banned in cruise ship cabins.

 

It is a fact that it was the flight attendant's union that was among the most influencial groups in leading the fight to ban smoking on airplanes.

 

This is apples and oranges. Flight attendants were working in an enclosed area (airplane), serving people, and breathing in ACTIVE smoke. Of course they had a right to a smoke free environment. Who wants to work somewhere with some guy blowing smoke in your face?

 

My comment was simply pointing out that those cabin stewards who would be assigned the smoking cabins would not be happy and might (notice I said "might") be putting their health at risk.

 

How do you know it would make them unhappy? How do you know it would make any difference to them at all? You are assuming that is the case with no evidence to back it up.

 

Also, please tell me when any agency, even the American Lung Association has claimed that if you enter a room where someone smoked previously, that your health is at risk. There is no way a room steward is putting his health at risk by entering a room that someone has smoked in when he wasn't even THERE at the time the person smoked. The statement is absurd but you threw it in, again making a stab at coming up with something to discredit my idea.

 

It is a proven fact that smoking cabins take longer to clean than non-smoking cabins. And what is wrong with an employee protesting their work conditions.

 

A proven fact? By whom? Why is a smoking cabin any more difficult to clean then any other cabin? If you are referring to getting the smell of smoke out it, my suggestion would eliminate that problem. Only smokers would stay in smoking cabins so there would be no need to fumigate the room and make it acceptable for the next occupants since they would be smokers also. So why would a smoking cabin be more work for them?

I'm sure those cabin attendants who are non-smokers and even many of those who are would not want to spend eight or more hours a day in a confined area that has been smoked in.

 

Other then the smell, as stated, there would be no heath risks and I'm sure that stewards have to contend with worse smells then smoke. Have you see what some people do to a bathroom?

 

But then again, there are people who consider the room stewards to be more servants than anything else.

 

Just another way for you to insinuate that smokers are people who don't care about others. An uncalled for comment.

 

What's wrong with focusing on the rights of the workers as well as the clients?

 

Focus all you want. Stewards working in the smoking cabins would not be at any more risk then any other steward. But if it bothers you so much, the suggestion could be made to rotate the stewards from smoking to non smoking on a schedule. Then all of them at one point or the other would have to take care of the low life, filthy, stinking smokers who don't care if they make other people sick and treat room stewards like servants.

[lowerdegrl]

:) This post is in no way meant to offend anyone but I am sure I will as do most posts, it seems, on sensitive subjects but I am only reflecting my opinions and I do not mean to perpetuate the argument further just putting my 2 cents in.

In response to the post that said that it takes stewards longer to clean a smoking room than it does non smoking room that is with the current way of things, they have to clean each room as best they can so that the next quest does not know anyone was smoking in the room

But if they ships have smoking and non smoking rooms then they would not have to work any harder to clean the rooms. My point being, that if they have to steam something to get the smell of smoke out, if it is a smoking room then they do not have to worry about it.

If I go to a hotel and say I do not care if I get a smoking or non smoking room then if I get a smoking room a fully expect it to smell like smoke.

It is a shame that some inconsiderate smokers have done bad things to make the non smoker hate them so much but it is one of those situations that I would have to say I think we have to agree to disagree. I am sympathetic to both sides of the debate but as is there is no changing either side’s view. Maybe in the future we can hope for smoking and non smoking ships. That then, would at least be a happy median.

As to the poster who said that her family had the smoke permeate their skin on their balcony from their smoking neighbors. Now I do know that smoke can permeate skin and clothing because in some bars it is still allowed and you leave smelling like an ashtray. But I, personally, have never been in an open air environment and had smoke permeate my skin, so I feel sorry for that unfortunate family. But at the same time I find this hard to believe. Oh and the poster who mentioned that a sign that says “NO SMOKING” was something that you could understand in any language. Please rethink what you are saying. I would truly hope you see something wrong with that statement. I say this because if I go to Russia and there is a sign that is printed in Russian that says no smoking I am not going to be able to read it, are you? I know I am picking but I don’t mean to offend.

As is I smoke but I consider myself a considerate smoker I pay attention to those around me so I do not offend. I know I am the minority. All I can say is put yourself in someone else shoes. As I said I smoke but I do not drink but when you are on a cruise all you see is bars and bars and waiters to get you another one and every one drinking. I could then consider myself a non drinker. Should I be offended at this just like the non smoker. I don’t mind it for the pure fact I understand it is just a fact of life. People are different and like different things.

I know I am rambling so I will end this by saying life is short why stress.

[ukbecky]

A lot of us who do not like smoke, don't like the smell of it. I don't want anyone doing anything on the next balcony that produces an offensive smell - forcing me to leave the balcony that I paid for.

 

What you're drinking has no effect on me or anyone else - it's apples and oranges.

 

I think Celebrity has the right idea, but ultimately the market will decide(as it should).

 

As far as revenue lost, smokers hung out in the casino on my last NCL cruise and many of them weren't playing the slots, just sitting around in big circles socializing and smoking and noone said a word to them. There were machines I wanted to play but couldn't because someone was parked there to smoke, not play. I would eventually just leave since it's silly to have to work that hard to find an open machine just to lose money :) NCL's loss, my gain.