why are irons not allowed?

[cruisestitch]

To asctony:

 

Yes, there is no smoking in those public areas. There are a few, very limited public areas where smoking is allowed, one indoors, the others outdoors. There is no smoking in staterooms or on verandahs. You will see many threads here about it. Sometimes a person has reported that people on nearby balconies lit up, security was called, and the problem went away. Sometimes the problem persisted even after security was called. But it does appear that compliance is pretty well adhered to. In the public areas, I would say that there is 100% compliance -- no smoking in casino, restaurants, all the bars (except one), library, spa, salon, lobby, and so forth.

[dkjretired]

This thread has gone on for years, and no one ever comes up with a valid reason about the irons. For each person that says fire hazard, folks come up with enough other electrical devices that would cause fires just as easy. And even on this board, the amount of folks that bring an additiona extension cord and put in there battery pack, computer, night vision googles, portable refrigerator and on and think of all the current that stuff is drawing.

Now I would agree that an Iron is a potential hazard but if one were to bring one, use it and cool it so it goes

 

But the answers have not changed in years, and as I mentioned there has yet to be a valid answer as to why no irons See the article below look at the fires on the cruise ship, hmmm is there a link wait no irons starting fires but cigarettes YUP

 

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2010/03/articles/fires-1/ten-years-of-cruise-ship-fires-has-the-cruise-industry-learned-anything/

 

Have a good day and press on

 

Pete

 

Actually a couple of months ago, there was an excellent post by someone who explained how the electrical systems are made up on cruise ships. After you read that post it made perfect sense why they would ban these items. I tried a couple of weeks ago to locate the post but couldn't at that time. It was the best explanation I have ever read on this situation...

[cruisestitch]

Moving off topic, but only a little, let me relate a story: my closest friends cruised another cruise line for years. They loved to take candles along. The kind in a glass container with a top on it. When I heard about it, I said "they aren't allowed, are they?" and they pooh-poohed my concern, saying "it's our vacation, we like the ambiance, we always put the top on before we fall asleep, etc, etc" So on one cruise, they had a candle going and the door to their stateroom was open for a moment when one of the staff housekeepers (not their room steward) happened to walk by and saw it. She knocked on their door and told them that candles were not allowed as they were a safety hazard. Ok, they said, we'll put it out. But later that night, they decided to go out on their verandah and take the candle out there. This was a verandah that was in that "semi-private" category where others could see it. Sure enough, busted. This time, a ship's officer came to the door, took the candle from them, as well as the little butane lighter device sitting out on the table, and gave them a dressing down. The next day, there was a letter from the hotel director explaining the danger, and so forth..

 

What a good story, they thought. Guess we had our hands slapped. The next cruise, guess what, they brought another candle. This time the room steward reported them. They were asked to give up the candle, which they did. And the letter which came to their room the following day said that if they did it again, they would be put off at the next port, to travel home at their own expense. And there was some sort of wording that implied that they were not welcome on that line again.

 

There are rules, and there are rules. There is the "no towels on the pool chair rule" which doesn't put anyone in jeopardy, and the "no candles rule" which does. Cruise lines all will tell you that the "no irons" rule is the second time. Whether they have ever had a fire because of an iron, or whether they haven't, it would appear that the "no iron" rule is more likely to fall in the second category.

 

Maybe there haven't been any iron-caused fires aboard ship because most people don't bring one aboard in the first place.

[Chicago Boy]

Hi There,

 

I would think it is because there are people out there who would go off and leave the iron ON which could cause a fire. There are lots of idiots in the world and they have to be kept safe from themselves.:) That's why celebrity offers laundry and pressing services.

[sptrout]

Moving off topic, but only a little, let me relate a story: my closest friends cruised another cruise line for years. They loved to take candles along. The kind in a glass container with a top on it. When I heard about it, I said "they aren't allowed, are they?" and they pooh-poohed my concern, saying "it's our vacation, we like the ambiance, we always put the top on before we fall asleep, etc, etc" So on one cruise, they had a candle going and the door to their stateroom was open for a moment when one of the staff housekeepers (not their room steward) happened to walk by and saw it. She knocked on their door and told them that candles were not allowed as they were a safety hazard. Ok, they said, we'll put it out. But later that night, they decided to go out on their verandah and take the candle out there. This was a verandah that was in that "semi-private" category where others could see it. Sure enough, busted. This time, a ship's officer came to the door, took the candle from them, as well as the little butane lighter device sitting out on the table, and gave them a dressing down. The next day, there was a letter from the hotel director explaining the danger, and so forth..

 

What a good story, they thought. Guess we had our hands slapped. The next cruise, guess what, they brought another candle. This time the room steward reported them. They were asked to give up the candle, which they did. And the letter which came to their room the following day said that if they did it again, they would be put off at the next port, to travel home at their own expense. And there was some sort of wording that implied that they were not welcome on that line again.

 

There are rules, and there are rules. There is the "no towels on the pool chair rule" which doesn't put anyone in jeopardy, and the "no candles rule" which does. Cruise lines all will tell you that the "no irons" rule is the second time. Whether they have ever had a fire because of an iron, or whether they haven't, it would appear that the "no iron" rule is more likely to fall in the second category.

 

Maybe there haven't been any iron-caused fires aboard ship because most people don't bring one aboard in the first place.

 

If anybody is interested about candles and home fires, here is a quotation from the National Fire Protection Association:

 

"Based on data from the U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA’s) National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA’s) annual fire department experience survey, NFPA estimates that candles were the heat source in an estimated average of 15,260 reported home fires annually during 2003-2007. These fires caused an average of 166 civilian deaths, 1,289 civilian injuries and $450 million in direct property damage per year. Roughly one-third (36%) of home candle fires started in the bedroom. More than half (55%) of the fires occurred because the candle was too close to something that could burn. Candles used for light in the absence of electrical power appear to pose a particular risk of fatal fire. Home candle fires climbed through the 1990s but have been falling since the 2001 peak. ASTM F15.45 has developed a number of standards relating to candle fire safety."

 

You can find a lot of other interesting data about homes at the NFPA's web site: http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=423&itemID=18255&URL=Research/Fire%20reports/Major%20causes

 

Interesting, when reseaching this subject a few months ago, I found that irons are not considered a home fire hazard based on several years of data, but there have been fires started by curling irons. Electrical distribution centers, and kitchens are the big problem areas.

 

For historial data for cruise ships check this web page out (writer of web page unknown to me), but interesting, the fires on ships seem to follow what I just said about home fires (electrical distribution centers & kitchens): http://www.shipdetective.com/advice/safety/fires.htm#top

 

BTW - - I am in no way endorsing irons on ships. There is no need for them so leave them at home.

[Ma Bell]

The difference with an iron at home is the room isn't on a moving ship. Also most full sized irons nowadays have an automatic switch off after a certain amount of time where travel irons don't.

[retiredldo]

The difference with an iron at home is the room isn't on a moving ship. Also most full sized irons nowadays have an automatic switch off after a certain amount of time where travel irons don't.

 

Ma Bell what does the moving ship have to do with the iron. I would venture to say that one is not setting in to do a weeks ironning but more of a touch and go, fix the creases, get rid of the wrinkles and shut it down. So not quite sure why the moving has an impact, could someone leave it up and the ship rocks and rolls and the iron tips over, possible but that could happen to many other electrical devices.

 

I am not an advocate of the irons, but think far to much from a negative point is made about the irons in lieu of many of the other issues that can create or cause a fire.

 

Side bar note, my wife was drying her hair once, ship board dryer putting out the heat, she was sitting at the desk area, well it appears she was pointing the heat up to the sprinker, not intentionally for sure. At any rate, we got a call and knock on the cabin door to see if everything was ok, looked up and the sprinkler was turning not spraying Sort of funny but response from the staff was outstanding

 

Pete

[Bridge Maven]

I am having trouble comprehending why anyone would want to do something that might cause a fire at sea, which is the worst thing that can happen on a cruise.

[Ma Bell]

Yes, if it's left on and tips over it might be a problem. As Bridge Maven said, why would anyone want to take the chance of causing a disaster at sea? The cruiseline obviously considers it a problem.

[wannatan]

If I found out that someone on my roll call was taking an iron, they would be busted.

 

Happy Sails to You

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

 

 

 

let me know when your going an i will make sure im never on your ship

[wannatan]

It says NO IRONS so NO IRONS. If you can't follow the rules, stay home. Don't put us all in jeopardy.

 

 

 

 

 

Calm down..Im not a complete idiot. It would be a new one!!! LOL :eek:

[wannatan]

mardon come on now "cant follow the rules stay home" so the folks that sneak in the booze whoops broke a rule, sharing a drink package, whoops broke a rule, put towels on the pool chairs no saving, whoops broke a rule

do you honestly think an iron is putting you in jeopardy or is it the fact that no one complies with all the rules yet you say stay home have you ever broken a rule on a cruise

 

press on

 

pete

 

 

hey pete thanks for that, feels like im getting an earful from everyone.

[rollie]

On our Serenade cruise last Fall, one of the couples traveling with us insisted on bring along an iron. When she used it she trip a breaker for several cabins in our area. Needless to say, she didn't use it again, and I said I told her so.

 

HI DOC.

 

Rollie

[wvufan]

let me know when your going an i will make sure im never on your ship

 

Well, if you insist on taking an iron, I suspect more people would want to know when YOU are going so they can make sure THEY are not on the ship ;)

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

[cruisestitch]

to Wannatan -- Since you are apparently determined to take an iron, please also take a heat-resistant cover to wrap it in, such as the ones sold for curling irons. And a heat-resistant cloth to set on the counter to keep from scorching it while you are ironing. Also a new extension cord (no frays). And perhaps a box of baking soda (good for putting out fires).

[wannatan]

Well, if you insist on taking an iron, I suspect more people would want to know when YOU are going so they can make sure THEY are not on the ship ;)

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

 

 

Do you think that everyone keeps to the rules!!!;) I dont think so. You have absolutly no idea what the person in the next cabin etc has brought with them and I can think of far worse than a new travel iron.

Maybe if cruise lines were not so greedy an had the odd laundry room to press your creased clothes then we would not be having this slangin match

 

After all If you are paying over £6,000 for two people wouldnt you expect to have things like that included.

[Bridge Maven]

Do you think that everyone keeps to the rules!!!;) I dont think so. You have absolutly no idea what the person in the next cabin etc has brought with them and I can think of far worse than a new travel iron.

Maybe if cruise lines were not so greedy an had the odd laundry room to press your creased clothes then we would not be having this slangin match

 

After all If you are paying over £6,000 for two people wouldnt you expect to have things like that included.

 

I don't want to get into a debate about whether or not every passenger should follow every rule, but a fire is the worst thing that can happen at sea and I don't think anyone has the right to jeopardize the safety of others on their cruise. If having perfectly pressed clothes is important to you, I think you should consider the price of having that done by the ship's laundry services as an incidental cost of the cruise.

[excitedofharpenden]

 

We will be travelling next year and the thought of no iron in the state room is not a nice thought. Bearing in mind we will have a transatlantic flight then a night stopover before we board our clothes are going to be quite creased. esp as I will prob pack 2 days before we leave.

I use tissue paper between the clothes when I pack and this keeps the creases out. I've done quite a number of transatlantic flights and even a week's travelling before a cruise with clothing left in the case and taken from the top and this method works for me and it's never been an issue. In addition the pressing facilities on the ship are good and cheap too.

 

Phil

[mapsmith]

Isn't the better question, "Why would anyone take a Clothes Iron on Vacation?" Hey, I'm on vacation and if I am willing to spend $12-15 for a Martini, or $25 per person for a specialty restaurant, when I have already PAID for the Main Dining Room, why can't I spend $12 to have my clothes pressed by the Laundry service?

[CathyCruises]

Someone once posted a link to the investigation of the disastrous fire on a ship a few years ago--one passenger died and of course the ship sustained major damage. After seeing that, I would never knowingly do ANYTHING that could possibly cause a situation like that. Maybe Wanna needs to see it. . .

 

Put me down in the group that wants to know when he/she is cruising, so I can avoid that trip. If you are spending $9000 on a cruise, don't you think you could splash out for another $20 for pressing????? Really ridiculous when you think of it.

[cruisestitch]

What you are paying for a cruise really has no bearing on allowing activities which jeopardize others' safety.

[teajak]

Isn't the better question, "Why would anyone take a Clothes Iron on Vacation?" Hey, I'm on vacation and if I am willing to spend $12-15 for a Martini, or $25 per person for a specialty restaurant, when I have already PAID for the Main Dining Room, why can't I spend $12 to have my clothes pressed by the Laundry service?

AMEN. I totally agree.:cool:

[We're The Groupnors]

Do you think that everyone keeps to the rules!!!;) I dont think so. You have absolutly no idea what the person in the next cabin etc has brought with them and I can think of far worse than a new travel iron.

Maybe if cruise lines were not so greedy an had the odd laundry room to press your creased clothes then we would not be having this slangin match

 

After all If you are paying over £6,000 for two people wouldnt you expect to have things like that included.

 

Perhaps you would like to try Princess Cruises, as they do provide laundry facilities on their ships.

 

As an aside to those people who like to follow the rules, but also like to "press" their own clothes, an alternative to a travel iron is a travel steamer. These work incredibly well on cotton garments, and you don't need an ironing board as you steam the items right on the hanger. I usually take along a pair of barbecue tongs from the dollar store to pull the cloth taut, then run the steamer down the length of the garment. We have never been stopped bringing one on board as there is no exposed element.

[cruisestitch]

From the X website

 

FAQ

 

 

 

Are steamers allowed onboard?

Subject: Ship and Stateroom Details

 

Steamers or irons are not allowed onboard. However, there is a full laundry and dry-cleaning service available onboard for a reasonable rate.

[We're The Groupnors]

From the X website

 

FAQ

 

 

 

Are steamers allowed onboard?

Subject: Ship and Stateroom Details

 

Steamers or irons are not allowed onboard. However, there is a full laundry and dry-cleaning service available onboard for a reasonable rate.

 

Thanks for pointing that out. Never knew, but have never been stopped with one, either.