Sneaking a smoke...possible or not??

[Megamania]

Seriously,,,I need to know if I need to have a bedtime smoke,,,on my balcony,,,on Celebrity Century ship,,,4 nite cruise,,,will I be busted?? What is the worse case scenario. Has anyone done it?? Do I have to get dressed and go to one of the smoking areas. I really cannot believe that when you are on vacation you cannot smoke "outdoors" which is what a balcony is.

I need you to be honest,,,have you done it,,,what happened,,,and what is the worst that can happen. We are on holidays,,,dress code,,,rules,,,,etc.etc. I sure hope that I did the right thing by booking a cruise to see if I like it.

 

Thanks:confused:

[6rugrats]

Effective October 1, 2008 for all Celebrity ships, smoking will no longer be permitted inside any stateroom or on any stateroom veranda. Cigarette smoking will only be permitted in designated indoor and outdoor areas of the ship, while cigar and pipe smoking will only be permitted in designated outdoor areas. Smoking will not be permitted in any dining venue, theater, hallway, elevator or corridor. Violations to this smoking policy will result in a $250 cleaning fee being charged to the guest's onboard account and may also be addressed through Celebrity Cruises' Guest Conduct Policy. Cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco must be properly disposed of and never thrown overboard. A guest must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use tobacco onboard.

 

It appears that no, you cannot smoke on your balcony. I guarantee, most non-smokers will probably report this violation in an instant. The worst that would happen is that you would be asked to leave the ship.

[serene56]

Effective October 1, 2008 for all Celebrity ships, smoking will no longer be permitted inside any stateroom or on any stateroom veranda. Cigarette smoking will only be permitted in designated indoor and outdoor areas of the ship, while cigar and pipe smoking will only be permitted in designated outdoor areas. Smoking will not be permitted in any dining venue, theater, hallway, elevator or corridor. Violations to this smoking policy will result in a $250 cleaning fee being charged to the guest's onboard account and may also be addressed through Celebrity Cruises' Guest Conduct Policy. Cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco must be properly disposed of and never thrown overboard. A guest must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use tobacco onboard.

 

It appears that no, you cannot smoke on your balcony. I guarantee, most non-smokers will probably report this violation in an instant. The worst that would happen is that you would be asked to leave the ship.

 

wow-- thanks for this post-- I ws looking for the Celebrity Soltice for 2010- nevermind--SO would kill me for sure if I booked a cruise and he couldnt smoke on the balcony.

[Travalerie]

Probably not the answer you are looking for, but to give you the other side....

Some people on your cruise may choose Celebrity because of its smoking policy. I have bad allergies and small children and would see it as selfish for someone to knowingly violate the smoking policy and potentially disturb the comfort of other guests. I was on a recent HAL cruise and had to put up with the smoking because it was allowed in cabins and on balconies, but when I chose HAL I chose their smoking policy. I think the same goes for you. You chose Celebrity and should respect the smoking policy.

[fann1sh]

I suggest you go to the Celebrity boards to get more input:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

 

Here's a recent thread:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=856371

 

It's regrettable you find the rules inconvenience you....but just wanted to let you know people like me (with medical conditions) choose cruise lines on the basis of those smoking rules, expecting they will be followed, so we know how to keep ourselves healthy.

 

Since neither the smoking policy not the dress code of Celebrity is pleasing to you, may I ask why you chose X? Perhaps you should take a look at smoking policies on other cruise lines, and reconsider your cruise choice:

 

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

 

(I was typing while Travalerie posted with similar views.)

[kg66]

Maybe someone has a link to this one....

 

When we cruised NCL Jewel in March 2008 we were docked beside the Star Princess. Somebody decided to "sneak a Smoke " on their balcony and toss it over board after. Well it drafted back into the ship, and into someones balcony and started a horrendous fire that I believe damaged 100 cabins. 1 man died, not of the fire but had a heartattack when they tried to evacuate. They were in Jamaica at the time, and some whos cabin was not affected were able to finish their cruise , others were put up in hotels in Jamaica and flown home.

 

Not a great choice in my eyes....

[katier825]

Fire safety is a big concern on a cruise ship. Just do a google search and look at the Star Princess fire pictures from March or April 2006.

 

I believe the final concensus was that it was started by a cigarette. There was a lot of talk at the time about the materials the balconies are made of, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone's door was open and the curtains caught fire.

 

Even with ashtrays nearby, a lot of smokers through their butts over the side, which is a dangerous thing to do. The wind can carry them back to the ship. It's not like you can call the fire department when your out in the middle of nowhere. They had to lower lifeboats to fight the blaze. I have nothing against smokers, as long as they dispose of their butts properly. If you don't, you are putting everyone's safety at risk.

 

Have a great cruise! :)

[AllieInMD]

Same here - we'd looked at a Celebrity cruise but when they made no smoking on balconies we took them off our list and went with another Royal Caribbean cruise.

 

wow-- thanks for this post-- I ws looking for the Celebrity Soltice for 2010- nevermind--SO would kill me for sure if I booked a cruise and he couldnt smoke on the balcony.

[AllieInMD]

Ah, the Star Princess. The final report said it was 'probably' a cigarette, but they couldn't say conclusively. The person who occupied that room was not in the room and there was no one on the balcony of where it started. And yes, the report talked about the combustible materials used in construction of the balcony and the toxicity of those materials when they caught fire. Yes, I did actually read the final report.

 

 

 

Fire safety is a big concern on a cruise ship. Just do a google search and look at the Star Princess fire pictures from March or April 2006.

 

I believe the final concensus was that it was started by a cigarette. There was a lot of talk at the time about the materials the balconies are made of, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone's door was open and the curtains caught fire.

 

Even with ashtrays nearby, a lot of smokers through their butts over the side, which is a dangerous thing to do. The wind can carry them back to the ship. It's not like you can call the fire department when your out in the middle of nowhere. They had to lower lifeboats to fight the blaze. I have nothing against smokers, as long as they dispose of their butts properly. If you don't, you are putting everyone's safety at risk.

 

Have a great cruise! :)

[AllieInMD]

Don't know that anyone was 'sneaking' a smoke - Princess still allows smoking in cabin and on balconies I believe

 

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

 

 

 

Maybe someone has a link to this one....

 

When we cruised NCL Jewel in March 2008 we were docked beside the Star Princess. Somebody decided to "sneak a Smoke " on their balcony and toss it over board after. Well it drafted back into the ship, and into someones balcony and started a horrendous fire that I believe damaged 100 cabins. 1 man died, not of the fire but had a heartattack when they tried to evacuate. They were in Jamaica at the time, and some whos cabin was not affected were able to finish their cruise , others were put up in hotels in Jamaica and flown home.

 

Not a great choice in my eyes....

[Kim.]

Is smoking allowed on the NCL ships? (Jewel, specifically)

 

I don't smoke and would really be disappointed to have smoke from another cabin ruin my balcony experience.

[roe2ship]

wow-- thanks for this post-- I ws looking for the Celebrity Soltice for 2010- nevermind--SO would kill me for sure if I booked a cruise and he couldnt smoke on the balcony.

 

Same here - we'd looked at a Celebrity cruise but when they made no smoking on balconies we took them off our list and went with another Royal Caribbean cruise.

 

Ditto, we couldn't wait to try the new solstice class.....DH would NEVER agree, hopefully they change that in the future.

[Megamania]

Well, as I assumed,,,many people who disagree with smoking replied, and I understand where you are coming from. I was also asked why did I choose Celebrity...well,,,being a newbie,,lacking info, etc. I booked this cruise thru RCI cruise. I did specifically ask about smoking, but was told probably not in cabin but the balcony would be fine. I also asked questions about dress code,,,was told not to worry about it,,,nice shirt and tie would be fine (that would be without a jacket) to a formal meal. After I booked and room was assigned,,,I started seeing some of the comments about new smoking laws.

I questioned my RCI cruise specialist and was told that oh yeah,,,the new law is in effect Oct /08. So you see,,,I guess I should have known about this forum and others.....seemed like I did a reasonable amount of research,,,but, again, being a newbie,,,,guess you live and learn.

Celebrity looked like a nicer cruise line,,,so I took it over Carnival. What can I say??

I would never be stupid enough to throw a butt over board, or anything of the nature.

Sorry if I offended any of you non-smokers, or people with allergies. But,,there still are some considerate smokers out there and I happen to be one of them just wanting to have a relaxing,,non stressful holiday. LIke I said, I guess I have learned that in the future, if I like cruising,,,Celebrity is NOT the way to go!

I do appreciate all the answers,,,even though some of them were pointing fingers at smokers and painting us all with the same brush.

[Shifra]

Just remember not all cruise lines are as strict. If you decide you like cruising just pick a different line in the future.

 

I too wanted to book another Celebrity cruise but because of their extreme no smoking policy my dh and I will not book with them. It is unfortunate that we all can't cruise in harmony.

[yellowbird23]

I just came back from a 13 nighter on NCL Spirit and had a balcony, although smoking is allowed in all cabins. First of all, it was the main reason that I chose NCL in conjunction with Freestyle dining on top of it. I did smoke on my balcony, but I did not do it if I heard one of my neighbors coming out. Also, I brought along a concentrated spray of vanilla for my cabin so as not to offend the stewards or anyone walking in the hallway. It was a very enjoyable cruise for me because I got to do what was relaxing to me. As for sneaking a smoke, I wouldn't think of doing that because rules are rules. There are more choices than Celebrity and I hope that you have an enjoyable cruise on the line that you decide upon, as well as other passengers. Consideration is the key here...AND I NEVER throw butts overboard as my love for the ocean is so enjoyable and I want to keep it that way.

[AllieInMD]

Celebrity is definitely more 'upscale' than Carnival -but there are lines in between the two with more reasonable smoking policies - so don't give up on cruising. Last time I cruised Royal Caribbean you could smoke inside cabins, this time you can't so I paid for a balcony. If they ever go to no smoking on balcony (unlikely, can't alienate all those smokers when they have Oasis and Allure to fill) then we'll move to a different line or back to land based vacations - but in the interim RCCL is pretty reasonable.

 

 

Well, as I assumed,,,many people who disagree with smoking replied, and I understand where you are coming from. I was also asked why did I choose Celebrity...well,,,being a newbie,,lacking info, etc. I booked this cruise thru RCI cruise. I did specifically ask about smoking, but was told probably not in cabin but the balcony would be fine. I also asked questions about dress code,,,was told not to worry about it,,,nice shirt and tie would be fine (that would be without a jacket) to a formal meal. After I booked and room was assigned,,,I started seeing some of the comments about new smoking laws.

I questioned my RCI cruise specialist and was told that oh yeah,,,the new law is in effect Oct /08. So you see,,,I guess I should have known about this forum and others.....seemed like I did a reasonable amount of research,,,but, again, being a newbie,,,,guess you live and learn.

Celebrity looked like a nicer cruise line,,,so I took it over Carnival. What can I say??

I would never be stupid enough to throw a butt over board, or anything of the nature.

Sorry if I offended any of you non-smokers, or people with allergies. But,,there still are some considerate smokers out there and I happen to be one of them just wanting to have a relaxing,,non stressful holiday. LIke I said, I guess I have learned that in the future, if I like cruising,,,Celebrity is NOT the way to go!

I do appreciate all the answers,,,even though some of them were pointing fingers at smokers and painting us all with the same brush.

[Two@Sea]

Megamania, I don't believe you mentioned the date of your cruise, but if you are not sailing within the next three months or so, it may still be possible for you to cancel and rebook with another line. I loved Celebrity, but will no longer sail with them since the initiation of their new smoking policy. I am considerate of others, and aware of my second hand smoke, but feel I should be able to enjoy my cruise also... and that means a cigarette with my morning coffee and evening wine, and at all hours in between.

[serene56]

royal caribbean you can smoke on your balcony---not in the cabin.

Disney same thing--no smoking in the cabin. (dont know if you can smoke on the balcony.

 

Princess and Carnival you can smoke in the cabin and the balcony.

[LizaMM]

Read the contract as to the consequences and make your decision baed on that. personally, I don't think I would break the rule.

 

I have always sailed on Carnival and do have to say that I very much enjoy having a smoke on my balcony in the morning in my robe drinking coffee that I had delivered by room service....as well as the cigarette I enjoy with a glass of wine while sitting peacefully on my balcony before heading to the Dining Room for dinner...etc

 

However, I do not smoke inside of my home or in my car so I am used to going outside for a smoke....It is not the worst thing in the world and although it would not be my ultimate vacation hopefully other things about the cruise will be so great it will make up for you having to go to an alternate location for a cigarette.......

[G'ma]

Maybe someone has a link to this one....

 

When we cruised NCL Jewel in March 2008 we were docked beside the Star Princess. Somebody decided to "sneak a Smoke " on their balcony and toss it over board after. Well it drafted back into the ship, and into someones balcony and started a horrendous fire that I believe damaged 100 cabins. 1 man died, not of the fire but had a heartattack when they tried to evacuate. They were in Jamaica at the time, and some whos cabin was not affected were able to finish their cruise , others were put up in hotels in Jamaica and flown home.

 

Not a great choice in my eyes....

 

This is absolutely false and misleading information. The cause of the fire on the Star Princess has never been determined. There are "suspicions" that it MIGHT have been caused by a cigarette but no one can confirm that.........and, that fire was in 2006 - not 2008.

 

All you need to do is google it and you'll see all the information concerning this tragedy.........and find the class action lawsuit against Princess for inadequate fire suppression and sprinklers that didn't work. There is also an article that includes info from a firefighter who was onboard as a passenger and was involved in the action. Even he said that the nature of the fire belies a cigarette starting the fire due to the way it spread and where it started.......

[househunter]

I am a non-smoker and if I booked a Celebrity cruise to guarantee that I could fully enjoy my balcony without smoke from a neighbor that is what I would expect. Sorry- but if you were smoking next to me, I would report it.

[GottaLuvCruising]

I am a non-smoker and if I booked a Celebrity cruise to guarantee that I could fully enjoy my balcony without smoke from a neighbor that is what I would expect. Sorry- but if you were smoking next to me, I would report it.

 

Same here. I prefer the more casual cruise experience offered by Princess, Royal Caribbean and Carnival. But smokers nearby have taken away our balcony enjoyment for the last time. We're done with balconies on ships that still allow smoking on them and would be very quick to report infractions.

[moniquet]

If they do allow smoking on the balconies I think safe ashtrays should be provided, not the small glass ones. Maybe something with sand or water inside.

 

can't see that people would spend a great deal of time smoking on the balconies anyway. Probably one before bed when most balcony doors are shut. I do agree if people have booked a smoke free ship it should be just that.

[Harry and Lucille]

I've been a smoker for over 60 years now. Know I should quit but.........

 

Researched many of the new smokeless products that are on the market and settled on one called Aeros. Great hold over product for those tough times in the airport, hotel, shipboard, etc. Just a plastic tube. Nip the ends off and use like a regular smoke. Each one lasts up to three days. No smoke, no smell, no junk. Have Menthol, Regular and Cigar flavors. Not the sensation of the real deal but sure cuts the edge. First few puffs of a fresh one need to be taken slowly. Will set you back on your heels. :eek:

[PurpleCow]

If they do allow smoking on the balconies I think safe ashtrays should be provided, not the small glass ones. Maybe something with sand or water inside.

Although I no longer smoke, and didn't smoke very much, nor indoors, when I did, the ashtray provided by my room steward for use on the balcony was one of those that captured the butt inside. After butting out the cigarette you would press a button on the top and it would open up and the butt would drop down inside. Then the top would close again. I was both pleased and surprised. I didn't smoke anywhere else on the ship so I don't know what the other ashtrays were like.