Smoking.

[NODAK1979]

My wife and I are non-smokers, and if we end up in a room that has stale smoke we end up feeling sick...I have an allergy to tobacco and although she hasn't been tested, she may as well.

 

When I selected my room, there wasn't any distinction made about which rooms are smoking versus non-smoking. Obviously, if smoking is allowed in all rooms this could be a huge deal for us because the people before us could have smoked like chimneys and left us with a room smelling like day old cigarettes.

 

What's your experience with this?? I can't believe i didn't think about this. I'm angry with myself, because this could actually ruin a cruise for us.

[cb at sea]

Somehow, someway, the cruiselines are MASTERS at getting the "smokey" smell out of cabins....not sure about NCL's smoking in the cabin policy, but they can and will rid any cabin of any remnants of smokiness....no worries!

[block]

Don't get me started on smoker's....

 

Just hope you don't have a balcony and the people next door enjoy smoking.

 

I used to think they to had rights..they could do as they please..But come on do it in a dark alley away from me.

Sorry.Very Sorry.

[iheartbda]

OP, I see you are new to Cruise Critic.....welcome.:)

Just to give you a heads up, smoking is one of the most polarizing subjects on any of the various cruise line boards and smoking threads can get very heated. No, there are not smoking and non-smoking cabins but, I for one, have never encountered a smokey smelling cabin on NCL or any other line. Others will come along and said they did.

[sdmike]

NCL allows cigarette smoking in the cabin and on the balcony. I think allowing smoking in the cabin is crazy (safety issues), but that's the policy. I was on a brand new ship so I didn't expect there to be a smell issue, but people here will confirm that somehow the cruiseline found a way to remove all traces from the rooms. If you get a room that still has an issue, go see the customer service desk. If your issue isn't resolved, contact the hotel manager.

[johnql]

The stewards do a fantastic job of eliminating smoke odors from the cabins. I seriously doubt if you will encounter a problem, but in the unlikely event that you do, just tell your steward and he will bring in the ionizing machine to neutralize the smell.

[Squidward Q Tentacles]

How does your allergy to smoking affect you? Is it just tobacco smoke or any kind of smoke?

 

WOH and I stayed in a cabin on the Sun and I could not smell any smoke.

[Partyatsea]

I'm angry with myself, because this could actually ruin a cruise for us.

 

I believe Celebrity has no smoking in thier cabins. You may want to check them out.

[NW Pacific]

Have 5 cruise with NCL, cabins did not have any odor

[angelsonefive]

The stewards do a fantastic job of eliminating smoke odors from the cabins. I seriously doubt if you will encounter a problem, but in the unlikely event that you do, just tell your steward and he will bring in the ionizing machine to neutralize the smell.

This little machine is magic. They use them in hotels and onboard. For a really bad room it can take a few hours, but it does work very well.

[NODAK1979]

Thanks guys (and gals). You've alleviated many of my concerns.

 

To the person who asked about my allergy...basically, I'll feel stuffed up and mildly sick if I'm constantly around cigarette smoke, especially if I end up sleeping in that situation. We once had a room at the Luxor in Vegas where we were supposed to have non-smoking but they overbooked somehow and we got a smoking room. Both my wife and I felt HORRIBLE the next morning. It's like we both had head colds. That's why I say that my wife may have the same allergy I do.

 

Anyway, didn't mean to start a thread about a subject that apparently gets heated. It was just a really big concern of mine. If the room smells badly of smoke I'll see a manager.

[msmusco]

Thanks guys (and gals). You've alleviated many of my concerns.

 

To the person who asked about my allergy...basically, I'll feel stuffed up and mildly sick if I'm constantly around cigarette smoke, especially if I end up sleeping in that situation. We once had a room at the Luxor in Vegas where we were supposed to have non-smoking but they overbooked somehow and we got a smoking room. Both my wife and I felt HORRIBLE the next morning. It's like we both had head colds. That's why I say that my wife may have the same allergy I do.

 

Anyway, didn't mean to start a thread about a subject that apparently gets heated. It was just a really big concern of mine. If the room smells badly of smoke I'll see a manager.

I have a very bad allergy to cigarette smoke. Lost 5 weeks of work when it first started. I have learned to stay far away from it. I hope it works out for you. I also pray that the people next to us don't smoke so we can enjoy our balcony. I don't understand why you are allowed to smoke in cabins for fire reasons either, but who knows.

[2Cruise4Ever]

Definitely stay away from the casino, too. Very smokey in there.

[Us2inFL]

Somehow, cruise ships handle eliminating smoke odor better than land based hotels. Many hotels no longer permit smoking in the room or on the balcony.

 

You will encounter permitted smoking on the port side of the pool deck, and on other lower exterior decks. The casino goes without saying.

 

If somke causes that big a problem, you really need to look into a totally non-smoking cruise or cruise line.

[mtwingcpa]

To the person who asked about my allergy...basically, I'll feel stuffed up and mildly sick if I'm constantly around cigarette smoke, especially if I end up sleeping in that situation. We once had a room at the Luxor in Vegas where we were supposed to have non-smoking but they overbooked somehow and we got a smoking room. Both my wife and I felt HORRIBLE the next morning. It's like we both had head colds. That's why I say that my wife may have the same allergy I do.

 

I've been on five NCL cruises and agree with others that you will most likely not encounter obvious smoke odor in your cabin. However, I wonder about residual chemicals, etc., so-called "third hand" smoke.

 

My physical reaction to smoke (of any kind) is similar to yours. And I came home from one NCL cruise (on the Spirit) with the same congestion and chest pain that I associate with smoke, even though smoke was not readily detectable in my cabin. So I don't know...

 

I have enjoyed cruising on NCL, but at this point I will avoid them (and most other cruise lines) unless/until their policy changes.

[lambs2]

I hope and pray for a NON-SMOKING CRUISE LINE!

 

Celebrity is about as close as you can get right now. No smoking in cabins, balconies and the majority of ship public areas.

[mtwingcpa]

OP I havent cruised NCL yet, but from what I have read on CC I dont think it will be an issue from previous passangers. More likely it will be a problem if your neighbors are heavy smokers next door. If that happened I would move a mattress to the prominade deck at night for some clean fresh air. ;)

 

Note that NCL permits smoking on their promenade decks (all sides, in my experience). Late night revelers often step out of the bars (where smoking is prohibited) to light up on the promenade. And I am therefore leery of balcony cabins on the deck immediately above the promenade.

[Us2inFL]

I wonder how people who are hypersensitive to these types of things experience day-to-day living?

[sdmike]

I wonder how people who are hypersensitive to these types of things experience day-to-day living?

 

I suspect that most people on the boards who say they're allergic are not really. There's a difference between a true allergy and just being annoyed or irritated by something. I'm bothered by smoke and don't like either direct exposure or the horrible smell on clothing. It burns my eyes and dries my throat. That doesn't mean I'm allergic (like I am to grass pollen)

[Squidward Q Tentacles]

I wonder how people who are hypersensitive to these types of things experience day-to-day living?

 

#1 Myth: People are Allergic to Smoke

The truth is that no one really is allergic to smoke. This is why some people find no relief by taking allergy medications to relive their symptoms after being exposed to smoke. The truth is that smoke is considered an irritant and not a true allergen. Cigarette or cigar smoke will often generate an allergy-like reaction or cause other allergies (like those to pollen, dust, pets, etc) to become exacerbated. So the key to preventing the “smoke allergies” is finding out whether you have one of two common conditions:

 

 

Two Main Types of Smoke Sensitivity

 

 

· Smoke Aggravating Underlying Allergies: your body is weakened by smoke and begins reacting to all the tiny bits of nearby pollen, dust and dander that usually would not have been a problem.

· Vasomotor Rhinitis: this is a condition that has all the same symptoms as allergic rhinitis (which is also called nasal allergies or hayfever), but cannot be treated by antihistamine allergy medicine.

 

More About Smoke-Aggravated Allergies:

Allergens are tiny particles that are made up of proteins that the body has mistaken for a dangerous intruder like a virus or other germ. Smoke contains tiny tar ash particles (that form a white cloud as the tobacco burns), but these are not the same as a true allergen because they are not protein based.

 

Smoke particles are classified as an irritant, which can cause you quite a bit of discomfort, worsen illnesses like asthma and allergies, and cause other serious health problems. So, even though no one can truly be allergic to smoke, they may actually be suffering from a complication of their existing allergies or another illness.

If you already have allergies or allergic asthma, smoke can trigger an allergic reaction because it is putting an extra strain on your body and immune system. The speck of cat dander drifting through the air might not have usually set off a violent reaction, but with the addition of tobacco smoke, your body can no longer handle the allergens. In these situations, the tiniest allergen will become the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Asthma becomes dangerous when mixed with exposure to tobacco smoke-even deadly for some.

It is likely that you have Smoke-Aggravated Allergies if:

1. You know that you are allergic to other things like pollen, pets, mold or dust mites.

2. You have eczema or food allergies.

 

 

Treatment

· Avoid as many situations as you can where you are exposed to smoke.

· See an allergist to optimize your existing allergy treatment, or see if you have developed new allergies.

· Run an air purifier to reduce the number of allergens in the air. Even a smaller, portable air purifier like the CT500 Home Smoke Eater is effective at removing allergens in guest rooms of smoking family members.

 

More About Vasomotor Rhinitis:

This is a form of inflammation and irritation of the nasal area as well as the throat and eyes. Seasonal or indoor allergies are called "allergic rhinitis". Vasomotor rhinitis is different from the allergic type because it is not caused by allergens and is sometimes called "non-allergic rhinitis". The symptoms you experience are triggered by your nervous system rather than allergens. It causes many of the same symptoms that an allergic reaction would, but is caused by highly sensitive or excessive amounts of blood vessels in the delicate tissue of the sinus area.

 

This means that while another person may be able to tolerate a certain amounts of cigarette smoke, a person with vasomotor rhinitis will experience significant discomfort with that same amount of smoke. So you are not being a overreacting when you complain about small amounts of smoke - these small amounts REALLY ARE affecting you more severely than those around you.

In addition to cigarette smoke, often strong odors or weather conditions will also cause symptoms, so you may find that many aspects of your environment cause allergy-like symptoms. Some individuals will actually experience allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis simultaneously.

It is likey that you have Vasomotor Rhinitis if:

1. You are highly sensitive to other elements like perfume, strong odors, changes in weather, changes in temperature, or even spicy foods.

2. Walking into a slightly warmer (or cooler) room makes your nose runny or feel completely dry.

3. Antihistamine medications do not alleviate the symptoms.

 

Treatment

· Avoid as many situations as possible where your condition might be aggravated-this includes smoke, as well as some of the other vasomotor rhinitis triggers like wearing perfume, using scented candles, etc.

· Talk to your doctor about treatment options. Some over the counter medications like oral decongestants and saline nasal sprays may offer you some relief. Some prescription medications that have been proven effective are antihistamine nasal sprays (as opposed to oral antihistamines which typically have no effect on vasomotor rhinitis), anti-drip anticholinergic nasal sprays and corticosteroid nasal sprays.

· Limit your exposure to smoke and smoke odor as this is often the cause of many vasomotor rhinitis cases. Use an air purifier like the Home Smoke Eater to minimize airborne pollutants.

A Note to Those with Existing Allergies:

 

Inhaling even small amounts of smoke over a long period of time can actually cause you to develop new allergies or even asthma. In young children, second hand tobacco smoke inhalation greatly increases the likeliness of developing allergies when they get older. If you live with a smoker, you are likely to have more cases of bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and other respiratory illnesses.

The best thing you can do for yourself make your living space a zero-tolerance smoke area. If this is not an option, you might want to consider an air purifier as an investment in your health.

Some of the symptoms of sinusitis (sinus infection) can closely resemble the vasomotor rhinitis and allergic rhinitis described in this article. Be sure to see your doctor to help you diagnose your condition if tobacco smoke has you feeling under the weather.

For more information about the full effect that tobacco smoke has on you, your home and your finances, see my 6 Reasons to Put out Your Cigarette article.

 

http://www.airqualitytips.com/109/the-1-myth-about-smoke-allergies/

[sdmike]

Very informative post, Squidward

[mypleasure]

Great information by the squid. I found it very interesting reading.

I have allergies but I carry epipens for mine...If a wasp stings me please dial an ambulance...I may die...

Smoke, pollen etc do not affect me but perfume causes me breathing problems and severe headache.

[Squidward Q Tentacles]

Great information by the squid. I found it very interesting reading.

I have allergies but I carry epipens for mine...If a wasp stings me please dial an ambulance...I may die...

Smoke, pollen etc do not affect me but perfume causes me breathing problems and severe headache.

 

It is a funny thing how our bodies react to antigens, in your case I would assume that you were stung by a wasp and nothing happened, so you thought. You body reacted to the antigen and now if you get stung again your body may react violently risking you with anaphylactic shock. Have you had a bad reaction to a wasp sting yet? I hope you never have to use your EpiPen, but if you do I wish you the best.

 

Many people claim to have allergies but have never been tested. If you think you may be allergic to something, go to a doctor and find out for sure. Your life could depend on it.

[luddite]

I suspect that most people on the boards who say they're allergic are not really. There's a difference between a true allergy and just being annoyed or irritated by something. I'm bothered by smoke and don't like either direct exposure or the horrible smell on clothing. It burns my eyes and dries my throat. That doesn't mean I'm allergic (like I am to grass pollen)

 

Well, tobacco isn't an allergen. It doesn't accomplish anything to point this out, however.

[Sauer-kraut]

I wonder how people who are hypersensitive to these types of things experience day-to-day living?

 

What did they do 10 short years ago when there wasn't much of a smoking ban anywhere? Restaurants, trains, airplanes, public restrooms, etc.