Smoking on QM2

[colmil]

We have today arrived back from our 6 days on the QM2.

 

When we first went down to the pub, the smell of cigarette smoke hit us immediately we left the lift, and was completely unexpected!

 

I am amazed that Cunard have not banned smoking in public rooms throughout the ship, we enjoy the Trivia quizzes but we always ended up coughing when we left. Whilst there are only four tables where smoking is allowed no-one seems to have realised that smoke drifts and does not go straight up into the air and disappears!

 

Thr casino, too, was out of bounds to us and it absolutely stunk of stale smoke.

 

I asked a crew member why smoking is allowed and I was told that Cunard would like to ban it but there is opposition from regular cruisers.

 

Funny how they have to accept a ban in the UK and USA !

 

I filled in my comments form and said that I would not book again until a total ban is in place, Fred Olsen have just gone to a complete ban this week I understand, too.

 

This was our first with Cunard, the service and food were excellent, the high teas were superb.

 

However, we found the activities boring and the entertainment was abysmal, surely people want something more that a few singers and dancers these days. The exception were the Night club band Fusion who were very good

 

The safety drill was a total shambles, no-one checked which cabins were represented, they simply went through the motions, this has never happened to us before and surely was breaking the law.

 

Finally, much praise for the Medical Centre, I was unwell during the journey and was there four days for varying times the whole of the staff there were excellent and it is reassuring to know that I was in good hands.

 

I bet this post will receive a lot of replies!

[Host Sharon]

Not yet having sailed on QM2 (two weeks and counting), I am only going to comment on one thing. In 15+ cruises on a variety of ships, they have never checked which cabins are represented at muster drill. Things are done differently nowadays, with a search system. Roll calls are not held unless an emergency situation develops. Muster drill is compulsory for all passengers. This surely complies with current maritime law?

[penguinmad]

Having travelled on QM2, QE2 and just a couple of weeks ago Grand Princess I found QM2 to be the least smokey by far! I couldn't even go into the casino on Grand Princess and QE2 was just as bad. On QM2 I found that nobody ever smoked next to me at a table, yes the pub was smokey but the Chart room which I prefer was not, now I understand that has gone no smoking so will be even nicer. The QE2 was ridiculously smokey in her last days when we were used to less smoke around - one week I got off QM2 and on QE2 a couple of days later and immediately noticed it was a smokier atmosphere.

 

Regarding smoke - we notice it more now that it is the exception rather than the norm. Some months ago I saw Paul Weller in concert at Cliffs Pavillion in Southend (it made the news google it!). I was seated WAY up in the balcony and Weller started smoking on stage during the concert. In a large auditorium ONE person was smoking and it could be smelt throughout!

 

As Colmil said I've never had a roll call at lifeboat drill. On Grand Princess they stated that they only do one if they actually think somone is missing - they said they have "better" ways of ensuring everyone is there. I have to say having been on QM2 and NOT been to a drill (I was doing a B2B - you only have to go once) there are not many people around the public areas during the drill.

 

Cunard are by far not the only line to be allowing smoking. On Grand Princess every complaint we made about ANYTHING was brushed off by the very rude and abrupt South Africans on the pursers desk with LIES and pathetic excuses. They can do whatever they want allegedly because that ship is registered in Bermuda! This included showing a PG13 film on the giant screen above the swimming pool on a glorious sunny at sea day when the pool was full of kids. At least I always find I am treated like a valued customer on Cunard and not smoked out at every opportunity.

[colmil]

We have been on three NCL and one Holland American and they really insisted that eveyone attended so they knew what to do.

[penguinmad]

Everyone is required to attend - they just have a better way of checking than doing roll call. Anyone who isn't attending is in transit - you only have to attend once.

[BritNavyGal]

:eek: OMG! do people STILL smoke? Are we going to be poisoned as we play blackjack? or try to eat our sheppards pie?

[SeaMatesNYC]

We have been on three NCL and one Holland American and they really insisted that eveyone attended so they knew what to do.

 

On HAL, not only is Roll taken (assuming your cabin # has not already been spotted by the crew with the clipboards), you have to actually GO ON DECK to your boat. I really appreciate knowing where my boat assignment is, precisely. So far as I know, HAL is the only line still mustering in this manner, and is proud of it.

[colmil]

Perhaps people with breathing problems such as Asthma should be banned instead?

 

Smoking is not allowed over lunchtime in the bar.

[rjms74]

Hello,

 

Having been a regular passenger on QE2 over the years the only place I objected to smoking, I am a non-smoker, were the restaurants - all had smoking sections apart from the Princess Grill. Yes it is true many Cunard's regular passengers like to smoke & I know many friends who are not happy on the newer Cunard ships that smoking is getting very much restricted in public areas & have talked about going to other lines that allow more smoking!

 

I used to hate it in the Queens Grill on QE2 when after an excellent meal & great Company when you retired to your cabin your clothes just smelt a lot of stale smoke & I used to have to leave out jackets for a few days to 'air out in my cabin'! It was great to be in the equivalent Grill on QM2 a few weeks ago & not have any smoke at all in the Restaurant! I also found it very smoky in G32 - usually I would not mind but it's quite an enclosed space with no chance of getting some sea air like in the Yacht Club on QE2! Plus the fact there are no sea-views from this Night Club like on QE2!!

 

They may ban smoking on Fred Olsen but Cunard is very much catering for a more international clientele many of whom may wish to smoke & the Line have to provide areas for them to do so - if they want their continued custom of course!

 

 

Kind Regards,

 

 

RJMS74

[SeaMatesNYC]

Perhaps people with breathing problems such as Asthma should be banned instead?

 

Certainly not, but they should make sure that they seek out in advance the precise smoking rules of a ship before they book, so as to ensure their health and comfort. The rules are in writing and therefore should come as no surprise to anyone with a particular issue in this regard.

[BritNavyGal]

Hello,

 

Having been a regular passenger on QE2 over the years the only place I objected to smoking, I am a non-smoker, were the restaurants - all had smoking sections apart from the Princess Grill. Yes it is true many Cunard's regular passengers like to smoke & I know many friends who are not happy on the newer Cunard ships that smoking is getting very much restricted in public areas & have talked about going to other lines that allow more smoking!

 

I used to hate it in the Queens Grill on QE2 when after an excellent meal & great Company when you retired to your cabin your clothes just smelt a lot of stale smoke & I used to have to leave out jackets for a few days to 'air out in my cabin'! It was great to be in the equivalent Grill on QM2 a few weeks ago & not have any smoke at all in the Restaurant! I also found it very smoky in G32 - usually I would not mind but it's quite an enclosed space with no chance of getting some sea air like in the Yacht Club on QE2! Plus the fact there are no sea-views from this Night Club like on QE2!!

 

They may ban smoking on Fred Olsen but Cunard is very much catering for a more international clientele many of whom may wish to smoke & the Line have to provide areas for them to do so - if they want their continued custom of course!

 

 

Kind Regards,

 

 

RJMS74

 

 

RJMS74, living in Canada we have a non-smoking policy now from our government that doesn't allow smoking anywhere in public places.

 

We went on a visit to las vegas las week and they smoke in public places. I guess different countries have different laws.

[DKNYC]

RJMS74, living in Canada we have a non-smoking policy now from our government that doesn't allow smoking anywhere in public places.

 

We went on a visit to las vegas las week and they smoke in public places. I guess different countries have different laws.

 

In the US these types of things are governed by local laws within individual States. Usually on a county or city level. So Las Vegas may not have a smoking ban , but some other places in Nevada may have (or may not).

 

Denise

[Boytjie]

Not yet having sailed on QM2 (two weeks and counting), I am only going to comment on one thing. In 15+ cruises on a variety of ships, they have never checked which cabins are represented at muster drill. Things are done differently nowadays, with a search system. Roll calls are not held unless an emergency situation develops. Muster drill is compulsory for all passengers. This surely complies with current maritime law?

 

On HAL ships they do a roll call at the muster drill after boarding.

[Andiamo]

Certainly not, but they should make sure that they seek out in advance the precise smoking rules of a ship before they book, so as to ensure their health and comfort. The rules are in writing and therefore should come as no surprise to anyone with a particular issue in this regard.

 

Bravo!

[nfcu]

There are only two bars/lounges on the QM2 that allow smoking in very small areas. All others, including the Chart Room, Commodore Club, Sir Samuel's, Queen's Room, Winter Garden, Veuve Clicquot Bar, Atlantic Room, etc. are non-smoking. Plus, the casino has non-smoking nights.

 

Cruise lines, Cunard included, try to accommodate everyone.

[seabourndt]

where exactly are the smoking areas? just the golden lion? cabins or balconies? as i am going on qm2 in oct. i am really sorry for non smokers if the only public room for cigars is the pub and it wafts into the rest.

dave

[moniquet]

There is a small smoking area by the pool.

 

I heard many complaints re. smoke coming from the Red Lion. Problem is that the smoking area opens directly to the doors to the Brittania restaurant. I could smell the stale smoke in that area and I am a smoker. Perhaps they should think about re-designing the pub.

[garigoun]

I heard many complaints re. smoke coming from the Red Lion. .

 

Is that the Red Lion that's just down the road from the Bricklayers Arms in Heckmondwyke?

Gari

[Cruachan]

Is that the Red Lion that's just down the road from the Bricklayers Arms in Heckmondwyke?

Gari

 

Nay lad,

 

that one were shut down years ago for selling dodgy ale. It's the one right next door to 't Dockers' Rest in Goole.

 

J

[garigoun]

Nay lad,

 

that one were shut down years ago for selling dodgy ale. It's the one right next door to 't Dockers' Rest in Goole.

 

J

The bloody dockers are always resting in Goole.

G.

[Cruachan]

The bloody dockers are always resting in Goole.

G.

 

That's because they can't get near the ships for gangs of marauding photographers!

 

J

[moniquet]

Is that the Red Lion that's just down the road from the Bricklayers Arms in Heckmondwyke?

Gari

 

:D Twas but a blonde moment!

[garigoun]

:D Twas but a blonde moment!

 

The Cruachan/Gari Provisional wing accept no excuses and show NO mercy. In fact we are world famous round here for our mercylessness to the extent that we are collectively referred to as 'JimGar The Merciless'.

Ha Ha Ha ha Hahahaha Hahahahahaha.

A Disturbed Gari.

[Cruachan]

The Cruachan/Gari Provisional wing accept no excuses and show NO mercy. In fact we are world famous round here for our mercylessness to the extent that we are collectively referred to as 'JimGar The Merciless'.

 

Ha Ha Ha ha Hahahaha Hahahahahaha.

 

A Disturbed Gari.

 

NURSE!

 

Our Gari's having one of his turns again - get round here with the medication pronto!

 

J

[AstroExeter]

I can't believe the OP found the activities boring!! We attended terrific lectures, fascinating planetarium shows and great entertainment. If you can't find something to do on QM2 then I can only suggest you are very hard to please!!

 

Nice to see the Gari/Cruachan collective is still reaching the parts other posters can't reach!! :D