smokng policy

[Stags14]

As will we. We cruise RCI BECAUSE they allow smoking on our balcony, and would patronize a different line if that were changed.

 

Honestly, as a non smoker - it absolutely does not bother me that you smoke on your balcony. I think it's fair to allow people to smoke anywhere outdoors - 1 side of the pool is fair as well. If I'm out on my balcony and you're smoking next to me it either a) won't bother me or b) I'll go inside and ask you to bang on the wall when you're done lol.

 

It's just the indoor venues where it starts to become intrusive. And I don't blame you - if I smoked I would smoke wherever I was allowed to smoke, nobody is doing anything wrong. It just sucks for people who don't enjoy smoking and want to enjoy those venues as well. That's all. I'm sure you understand.... There should be a relaxing place where smokers can smoke, but at the same time non-smokers should be able to enjoy the same things.

 

As it stands now, I am the one who needs to go to a different line, and I understand that. However, that doesn't mean that I have to agree with it. I like RCI's product... however after the cruise I currently have booked I am going to try a Celebrity cruise.

[jerin]

If the casino is a big part of your cruise, then yeah, cruising Royal Caribbean may be a problem for you. That being said, as a smoke-sensitive individual, I haven't had much of a problem avoiding smoke (but I don't really do the casino, so that helps). There are usually a couple of bars, the casino and one side of the promenade to avoid. That still leaves the rest of the ship, which is very workable for us. We don't usually have a balcony, so that isn't an issue. The one time we did have issues with smoke on the balcony was on a Celebrity cruise before the new policy. Even then, it wasn't so bad when we were underway.

[drarill]

Honestly, as a non smoker - it absolutely does not bother me that you smoke on your balcony. I think it's fair to allow people to smoke anywhere outdoors - 1 side of the pool is fair as well. If I'm out on my balcony and you're smoking next to me it either a) won't bother me or b) I'll go inside and ask you to bang on the wall when you're done lol.

 

It's just the indoor venues where it starts to become intrusive. And I don't blame you - if I smoked I would smoke wherever I was allowed to smoke, nobody is doing anything wrong. It just sucks for people who don't enjoy smoking and want to enjoy those venues as well. That's all. I'm sure you understand.... There should be a relaxing place where smokers can smoke, but at the same time non-smokers should be able to enjoy the same things.

 

As it stands now, I am the one who needs to go to a different line, and I understand that. However, that doesn't mean that I have to agree with it. I like RCI's product... however after the cruise I currently have booked I am going to try a Celebrity cruise.

Celebrity's smoking policy is the best!!! Their food is also better, but our kids didn't have too much fun. What I don't get is that RCCL is suppose to be a family oriented cruise line and I will expect it to provide a healthier environment for families. The Oasis has the worst smoking policy and I think that the Allure is not going to be better. There is too much indoor smoking allowed, and the Royal Promenade smell was really bad.

If our cruise experience is affected by the smoke, we complain on the survey. I also wrote a couple of emails to Adam Goldstein and received calls from his staff about the issue. I think that they need more feedback to make changes, if RCCL smoking policy bothers you, please let them know.

[BriBooVa]

What I don't get is that RCCL is suppose to be a family oriented cruise line and I will expect it to provide a healthier environment for families.

 

In my opinion, nothing is more family oriented than Disney and even they have dedicated smoking areas.

 

That being said, I too agree that limiting the smoking to one or two bars and one side of the outside decks is the way to go. Also, the Casino had several "non-smoking" nights on the past two cruises we were on...sure, it smells like stale smoke, but there is no active smoke in the air and doesn't bother my allergies. :D

[drarill]

In my opinion, nothing is more family oriented than Disney and even they have dedicated smoking areas.

 

That being said, I too agree that limiting the smoking to one or two bars and one side of the outside decks is the way to go. Also, the Casino had several "non-smoking" nights on the past two cruises we were on...sure, it smells like stale smoke, but there is no active smoke in the air and doesn't bother my allergies. :D

I agree with you, nothing is more family oriented than Disney and we have cruised with them too. I don't expect a smoke free cruise, but indoor smoking is really "last century". Most US cities don't allow smoking in restaurants and bars and peope still go to these venues. I'm old enough to remember flying on planes where smoking was allowed, I just hope that some day we will talk about indoor smoking on a cruise as something ancient;)

[Stags14]

This may be true on Celebrity (I have heard), but not any Royal ship. They let you smoke on the balconies, but I wasn't sure which cruiseline you were referring to.

 

I'm sorry, you are right. They just don't want you to flick 'em down for that prupose.

 

Celebrity's smoking policy is the best!!! Their food is also better, but our kids didn't have too much fun. What I don't get is that RCCL is suppose to be a family oriented cruise line and I will expect it to provide a healthier environment for families. The Oasis has the worst smoking policy and I think that the Allure is not going to be better. There is too much indoor smoking allowed, and the Royal Promenade smell was really bad.

If our cruise experience is affected by the smoke, we complain on the survey. I also wrote a couple of emails to Adam Goldstein and received calls from his staff about the issue. I think that they need more feedback to make changes, if RCCL smoking policy bothers you, please let them know.

 

I sent them an e mail and explained that I am considering cancelling my next cruise to try a non smoking cruise. But that after this next cruise I am definately going to be forced to try a different line b/c of the smoking policy.

 

It does seem kind of silly that they still allow smoking at so many indoor areas. Outside I don't really care b/c you can find fresh air but inside you have no choice. Oh well... hopefully they will catch on eventually.

[tlc59]

We just finished our cruise on Mariner of the Seas and the smoking was more noticeable then any of the other cruise we have been on. I have severe asthma and I couldn't enjoy the promenade because of all the smoke from the wig and gavel. Plus we had a smoker in the balcony cabin next to us and when we explained to them that I can't breath around smoke they continued to smoke. I don't mind that people smoke on the pool deck or in the casino, because I don't gamble and I stay on the other side of the pool away from the smoke. This cruise has changed my mind about cruising with Royal and we will start looking at other cruise lines.

[tip]

... indoor smoking is really "last century". Most US cities don't allow smoking in restaurants and bars and peope still go to these venues. I'm old enough to remember flying on planes where smoking was allowed, I just hope that some day we will talk about indoor smoking on a cruise as something ancient;)

 

Well said!

[The Martins]

For the record, I don't smoke. However, I can't understand why anyone would choose a cruise line that allows smoking and then complain that people are smoking on board. Is this a surprise? That's like moving into a house beside an airport and complaining about jet noise.

[mathewsman]

I agree. If you don't like smoking, go on a non smoking ship!

[Addict]

We have never experienced this.

We have never sailed on a Royal ship were the English pub was non-smoking.

 

Adventure of the Seas is non smoking in the English pub. As is the whole promenade area.

 

We have switched over FROM Celebrity to Royal Caribbean because of their smoking policy.

 

We also changed from Celebrity to Royal as it suits our smoking habits better. We are not so arrogant to believe that RCI would change their policies on Celebrity just for us - so we changed to Royal - and love it.

 

As will we. We cruise RCI BECAUSE they allow smoking on our balcony, and would patronize a different line if that were changed.

 

Agree - although we wouldn't want to stop cruising Royal. But we will buy the product that suits us best. :D

[Addict]

For the record, I don't smoke. However, I can't understand why anyone would choose a cruise line that allows smoking and then complain that people are smoking on board. Is this a surprise? That's like moving into a house beside an airport and complaining about jet noise.

 

Well said.

[drarill]

For the record, I don't smoke. However, I can't understand why anyone would choose a cruise line that allows smoking and then complain that people are smoking on board. Is this a surprise? That's like moving into a house beside an airport and complaining about jet noise.

Most cruise lines allow smoking. And my children love the flowrider, ice skating and the Adventure Ocean. As I said we tried Celebrity but they didn't like it and you don't want to travel with kids that are not having a good time. I will never move close to an airport, but I can complain about a policy that needs change. If you do a small google search with "smoking lawsuits" you will find that last month a jury in Florida awarded $80 million dollars to the daughter of a man that smoked during six decades. But most interesting; a NJ casino settled a second hand smoke, $4.5 million lawsuit. Last year a hospital in the US announced that they are not hiring smokers. Lets face it, RCCL smoking policy needs to change. Nobody is asking for a complete ban, but as soon as some employees start lawsuits against this industry for the second hand smoke problems, we will see a change. Until then I will keep my complains if I feel that my cruise experience is affected by their policy.

[tip]

If you don't like smoking, go on a non smoking ship!

 

That is why I have booked Celebrity for my next cruise. If more people voted with their feet, maybe RCCL would get the message.

[Tazsamp]

I'm a smoker myself, but even as such I don't like smoking in an enclosed environment. Maybe with having gotten used to having to go outside for a cigarette, I find it uncomfortable to smoke indoors. If I don't like it I can only imagine how uncomfortable it must be for non-smokers and especially those who are very sensitive to it.

 

You'll find me hanging out on the smoking side of the pool deck on my upcoming cruise!

[drarill]

I'm a smoker myself, but even as such I don't like smoking in an enclosed environment. Maybe with having gotten used to having to go outside for a cigarette, I find it uncomfortable to smoke indoors. If I don't like it I can only imagine how uncomfortable it must be for non-smokers and especially those who are very sensitive to it.

 

You'll find me hanging out on the smoking side of the pool deck on my upcoming cruise!

Thank you very much!!! Love your attitude!! I really don't appreciate when I'm asked to move to a different cruise line, because I'm sensitive to cigarette smoke. Hope to have smokers like you on our next cruise. :)

[Langley Cruisers]

I agree. If you don't like smoking, go on a non smoking ship!

 

Interesting! Could you please point me in the direction of one, then?

 

There are none. All the cruise lines allow smoking to some degree. Please see the information at the link below:

 

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

[IrishCC]

We tried Celebrity but we were bored to tears! So it is back to RCCL smoke and all for us! I also send in a complaint after every cruise . . . .I especially take issue with folks being allowed to smoke on their balconies . . . .it can really ruin a cruise.

[Stags14]

"Go to a ship that doesn't allow smoking" lol... most non-smokers are searching for a happy median and some smokers are saying - go find another cruise line.

 

I absolutely want you to be able to smoke on your cruise. Just not inside - that's all. You aren't affecting me out on the pool deck, but inside there is simply no fresh air to move to.

[CVU]

We tried Celebrity but we were bored to tears! So it is back to RCCL smoke and all for us! I also send in a complaint after every cruise . . . .I especially take issue with folks being allowed to smoke on their balconies . . . .it can really ruin a cruise.

We comment every cruise as well. We love RCL but would love no smoking inside or on balconies. Smoking side of the upper deck is fine.

 

We had chain smokers on our cruise on Oasis-the balcony beside us, they were out there all the time smoking and had room service. So, there was no escaping it and we were not able to enjoy our balcony!!!

We were B2B and when their door was open on change over day it reeked of smoke, our cabin attendant commented on it too. I guess it blew in?

[Blue Darter]

Most cruise lines allow smoking. And my children love the flowrider, ice skating and the Adventure Ocean. As I said we tried Celebrity but they didn't like it and you don't want to travel with kids that are not having a good time. I will never move close to an airport, but I can complain about a policy that needs change. If you do a small google search with "smoking lawsuits" you will find that last month a jury in Florida awarded $80 million dollars to the daughter of a man that smoked during six decades. But most interesting; a NJ casino settled a second hand smoke, $4.5 million lawsuit. Last year a hospital in the US announced that they are not hiring smokers. Lets face it, RCCL smoking policy needs to change. Nobody is asking for a complete ban, but as soon as some employees start lawsuits against this industry for the second hand smoke problems, we will see a change. Until then I will keep my complains if I feel that my cruise experience is affected by their policy.

 

The first employee that files suit about second-hand smoke will likely find a termination letter and (maybe) a flight ticket home in their quarters. That ain't gonna happen. All of RCI's ships (and almost ALL cruise ships everywhere) are "flagged" in foreign countries so they're exempt from almost all US law (including minimum wage law in case we want to turn this into a useless thread about smoking AND the need to provide adequate tips).

 

RCI is a business and they're in business to make money for their stockholders. There's not a market for non-smoking cruise ships (they tried it and failed miserably), so either try to avoid the inevitable smoky areas or find a different vacation option. Complaining might make you feel better, but they're not going to totally ban smoking on RCI ships regardless of how many times you include it on your guest comment card.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

I get a kick out of references to the non-smoking cruises that failed. The non-smoking ship was one of Carnival's smallest and least attractive. Plus it left out of Port Canaveral. I've no idea what the itinerary was, but I clearly remember the ship because it had a huge circle with a cigarette inside it and a slash through the circle. That was painted on the sides of the ship.

 

When I saw that ship, I was on Mariner of the Seas. Even non-smokers such as myself would prefer to be on Mariner with all its attractive amenities than to be on the tiny ship relegated to avid non-smokers. No wonder the concept failed. No surprise at all.

 

I recall back in the days of smoking sections in restauarnts in Florida. The non-smoking section was usually in the least attractive seating of the house...similar to what Carnival did with their ill-fated non-smoking cruise ship. Of course their half-hearted experiment failed, but to this day is repeatedly cited as the reason why non-smoking cruises are doomed to failure.

[CdnMessKit]

I think the issue comes down to finding a happy median. My DW and I won an upgrade on one of our cruises, and yes I did smoke on the balcony. I did not think of the other balconies... I apologies to anyone who might have been uncomfortable from my smoke.

 

My wife does not smoke, I do. I do not smoke inside the house (in the garage yes). I cannot smoke on the property of my unit (fire marshall can't find a suitable area). Aboard the Canadian Navy ships you cannot smoke inside the vessel, it is against Canadian law to smoke in the workplace (even on submarines...).

 

Normally I will smoke on the pool deck aboard the ships. I even try to curtail my smoking during the high jogging times. I do consider it a treat to sit in the pub to have a beer and a smoke, but I always try to sit near the smoke eater. Normally however, I will go outside and smoke there... it's beautiful outside (not like 5 feet of snow and a bitterly cold wind chill of Canada).

 

I think courtesy, both from smokers and non, is whats required.

[Wilda]

Just off Explorer and there were at least 3 nights that were deemed non-smoking in the casino during our 9 night cruise.

[Stags14]

Just for those who are curious, I did send in a comment on the smoking policy. The customer service Rep claimed she agreed with me. They put these issues into a database and most likely if it gets piled up enough they will address it somehow.

 

She informed me that there likely won't be any changes in the short term but that she thinks eventually it will change some. I suggest that if you have an issue with the current smoking policy, to say something. You can't smoke in any bars where I live or in NYC, no reason people couldn't handle that on a ship :eek: