Would not book a balcony again until...

[golfb4cruzing]

We had an Aft balcony on the Glory in '06. Woke up to a soot covered balcony every morning. Now we do side balconies, not as large but cleaner.

[MissDiva1]

Then you've probably never been on an aft balcony.

 

That's right! And I have no desire to have an aft balcony:)

[iceleven]

I am so tired of reading comments like this..."you are free to cruise another line."

 

Well, so are the smokers. Perhaps for the same reasons why people chose Carnival (cheap, cheap, and more cheap) you all could cruise a more expensive cruise line and smoke as much as you like. I just read this on Cruise Critic about another cruise line that allows smoking anywhere and everywhere. So why not go for it?

 

If you are a smoker and want to light up at any time, anywhere, book yourself a Pullmantur vacation. This Spain-based cruise and tour operation runs several cruises in the Mediterranean. You can smoke during your massage, between courses at meals, in the hot tubs, during bingo ... All in all you can totally revel, in bliss, pretty much anywhere.

[hubofhockey]

Good points but if you have a smoker under your balcony, then even if your is a "smoke free" balcony (e.g. Spa cabin) you will smell it. So the only way to be assured of avoiding this problem, which will get worse on the balconies as smokers will have to be there in greater numbers then when they were once-upon-a-time in their cabins smoking, is too choose a non-smoking balcony ship.

 

There are two smoke free decks on the Magic. If you book Deck 12, you will not have smokes directly below you. I didn't smell a thing up there.

 

As far as the comments by smokers about the ship's pollution versus your smoke. I can go out on my balcony and enjoy the smell of the ocean air when I don't have to smell your smoke. When you smoke, all anyone near you can smell is your smoke. It might be pleasant to you. It's not to everyone. It can be pretty disgusting to many others. That is how the OP feels and it is a legitimate complaint to her. Her complaint isn't with the smokers and smokers shouldn't take it pesonally. The complaint is with the cruiseline for its rules. There are other cruise lines (Celebrity & soon to be Princess) where OP and others will be able to enjoy their balconies without smoke. I wouldn't count on Carnival updating its policies anytime soon. So either book a spa balcony if you can or explore other cruise lines if you want a smoke free balcony.

[sjn911]

I hate smoke especially from forest fires or legal burns ..and that does give a few days of bad throat problems. I had a bad smokey cruise in 92 with doors at close right angles directly vented at bottom and got my cabin filled with smoke all the time from inside cabin smoke at right angles to me..2 heavy smokers..Have lived in condos and apts with the deck issues and those are getting more restrictive too i hear..ah the smoke issues on and on issues..but honestly...things lean more and more to non smokers favor all the time.

 

I do not think there will be more smoke in balconies than before because if only 27 % of pop are now smokers..the same ones that can afford balconies or not afford balconies will make it all not much difference..most smokers like clean air too and smoke alot outside and ones who did will be no more....so i say our rooms will be even more smoke free and a balcony will be worth the crap shoot and share with those still dealing with the tough addiction..when ship is moving smoke must flow out and away too..I'll probably be more apt to splurge on a balcony where no smoke is there as well ..but still love Carnival and their inside cabin air was great for me before these rules..so that will even more assured and will be cool...Sarah

[hubofhockey]

There are two smoke free decks on the Magic. If you book Deck 12, you will not have smokes directly below you. I didn't smell a thing up there.

 

As far as the comments by smokers about the ship's pollution versus your smoke. I can go out on my balcony and enjoy the smell of the ocean air when I don't have to smell your smoke. When you smoke, all anyone near you can smell is your smoke. It might be pleasant to you. It's not to everyone. It can be pretty disgusting to many others. That is how the OP feels and it is a legitimate complaint to her. Her complaint isn't with the smokers and smokers shouldn't take it pesonally. The complaint is with the cruiseline for its rules. There are other cruise lines (Celebrity & soon to be Princess) where OP and others will be able to enjoy their balconies without smoke. I wouldn't count on Carnival updating its policies anytime soon. So either book a spa balcony if you can or explore other cruise lines if you want a smoke free balcony.

 

want to clarify a bit. While deck 12 on the magic only as spa cabins, only the deck 11 cabins under the deck 12 cabins are spa cabins and deck 11 also has smoking cabins. So, there may be some spa balcony cabins on 11 where you have a smoker on one side of you and below you. If that is a concern, book a spa balcony cabin on deck 12. Deck 12 is also much more convenient to the spa itself. It would be nice if Carnival created this class of cabin on more ships. Maybe the logistics are too tough.

[halos]

All true but it reduces my desire to book amother balcony on Carnival and also encourages us to look for alternatives for future cruises.

 

Don't let it....unless you're next to a chain smoking person that rarely leaves the cabin, it's really not a big issue.

 

We like Carnival and while we don't like the smoke, we just deal with it.

 

Toni

 

Exactly. It's not something that anyone shouldn't be able to deal with.

Annoying but doable.

 

I am so tired of reading comments like this..."you are free to cruise another line."

 

 

 

Well, so are the smokers. Perhaps for the same reasons why people chose Carnival (cheap, cheap, and more cheap) you all could cruise a more expensive cruise line and smoke as much as you like. I just read this on Cruise Critic about another cruise line that allows smoking anywhere and everywhere. So why not go for it?

 

 

 

If you are a smoker and want to light up at any time, anywhere, book yourself a Pullmantur vacation. This Spain-based cruise and tour operation runs several cruises in the Mediterranean. You can smoke during your massage, between courses at meals, in the hot tubs, during bingo ... All in all you can totally revel, in bliss, pretty much anywhere.

 

 

 

I'm a non smoker..and I have to say that your post is ridiculous.

 

CCL alllows smoking on the balcony so smokers have NO reason to go elsewhere nor should they. If you or I think it's unbearable, then we have to find an alternative line....simple.

[halos]

Do those self righteous non smoking posters really think they are getting a point across? Yes, they are! The point is....you are making us smokers more determined to smoke in areas we are allowed just to get your reaction. I'm going to smoke on my balcony come Hell or highwater! I've got emotions about smoking I never had before when I was more considerate. My caring has greatly subsided. You got your wish to cut smoking in areas previously allowed. Now we have piano bars smoke free but infested with kids. Kids don't belong there. It sure takes away the adult atmosphere of what it was intended. Cigars, now are an "outside" activity, those cigars have no where else to go! So, eat it up non smokers. All your preaching has done nothing but irritate us. For all of you with your "allergies", oh, well. Those Allergies did NOT stem from us!!

So, there are a few non smokers who are being ridiculous (as there always are) and your response is to do the same???

If you actually were once considerate, I hope that this response was just a knee-jerk reaction and now that you've had a night to sleep, you see how childish it is.

[cawagner]

I am so tired of reading comments like this..."you are free to cruise another line."

 

Well, so are the smokers. Perhaps for the same reasons why people chose Carnival (cheap, cheap, and more cheap) you all could cruise a more expensive cruise line and smoke as much as you like. I just read this on Cruise Critic about another cruise line that allows smoking anywhere and everywhere. So why not go for it?

 

If you are a smoker and want to light up at any time, anywhere, book yourself a Pullmantur vacation. This Spain-based cruise and tour operation runs several cruises in the Mediterranean. You can smoke during your massage, between courses at meals, in the hot tubs, during bingo ... All in all you can totally revel, in bliss, pretty much anywhere.

 

I am not tired of hearing that. There ARE other lines that forbid smoking on any balconies. So if you want to be 100% certain you dont get a whiff of smoke on your balcony, book those cruises.

 

The point is you ARE allowed per Carnival to smoke on your balcony, you always have been, this is nothing new. I feel if someone is so offended by the smoke then don't book a balcony, end of story. As long as Carnival allows smoking on balconies smokers will go there, you can not tell someone to not smoke there when it is perfectly within the rules to do so.

[richstowe]

That's what makes it so great that non smokers can take their business to Celebrity or Princess. What is so great about that?

 

But we are talking about Carnival and as of now, smokers can smoke on the balconies and non smokers that continue to book on Carnival knowing this, just have to deal with it or move on.

 

We like Carnival and while we don't like the smoke, we just deal with it.

Toni

While you are right that for now we will "just have to deal with it or move on"(which was my point), you are ignoring the fact that in the end

Carnival will react to pressure as they have done by limiting smoking areas.

10 years ago most would not have bet on Carnival banning cabin smoking. Go back to CC threads like this one from just 2 years ago.

I don't think most believed Carnival would shortly ban cabin smoking.

 

I'm betting that in the next decade you will be able to book a non smoking balcony.

 

Pressure does work eventually.The % of smokers continues to shrink and the desires of the majority will force change.

[StillPooh]

CCL alllows smoking on the balcony so smokers have NO reason to go elsewhere nor should they. If you or I think it's unbearable, then we have to find an alternative line....simple.

 

The point is you ARE allowed per Carnival to smoke on your balcony, you always have been, this is nothing new. I feel if someone is so offended by the smoke then don't book a balcony, end of story. As long as Carnival allows smoking on balconies smokers will go there, you can not tell someone to not smoke there when it is perfectly within the rules to do so.

 

 

I'm betting that in the next decade you will be able to book a non smoking balcony.

You already can. Carnival calls them spa cabins.

[newbie101]

Sorry you feel that way. As others have posted, smokers are (and will be Dec.1) simply following the rules. I'm not picking a fight (honest!), but rather than expecting the smokers go up on deck, why don't the non-smokers? Is one group more "entitled" to their balconies than the other?

 

You always have the option of booking a spa balcony or sailing another line. Can't offer many suggestions beyond that if you're looking for a cruise vacation.

 

Again, sorry you feel that way.

 

Yes, non smokers are a more entitled group because "not smoking" does not negatively affect others. In addition, majority rules I'm afraid (that is democracy) and smokers represent only 20% of the total population. In short, why must we always cater to smokers if they are the minority???

[newbie101]

You folks just won't be happy until smoking is completely banned, will you?

 

Is it not enough that we are being driven out of our own rooms??? Maybe if all the outrageous and exaggerated claims of smelling smoke from INSIDE a room from next door or (I saw this claim once) that you can smell smoke from SEVERAL rooms away, you wouldn't force the smokers out to the balcony just a few feet away from you.

 

And anyone who claims they are "allergic" to smoke, nobody is allergic to cigarette smoke. It's a myth. Smoke is an irritant, and not an allergen. In other words... it irritates you. Get over it.

 

Correct... we won't be happy until it is banned... period.

 

Oh, and since clearly you are uneducated, allow me to broaden your understanding a little. Smoke is an allergen. The chemicals and smoke particulates have the potential to cause a histamine response in anyone (as does all smoke).

 

I am constantly amazed by smokers who are so addicted to smoke that they will just not listen to reason. Case and point is my mother. Her father got lung cancer, doc said it was directly caused by his 25 years of smoking. She is convinced that the Dr. is heavily invested in nicoteen patches, and that her dad had the kind of lung cancer not caused by smoke. She still smokes to packs a day (and has all sorts of health problems related to smoking). She is also broke, can't afford bill payments, but has no trouble affording her trusty pack of smokes. It is sad really... addiction has such a powerful grip on people. Smokers have my empathy and pity.

[babyher]

Yes, non smokers are a more entitled group because "not smoking" does not negatively affect others. In addition, majority rules I'm afraid (that is democracy) and smokers represent only 20% of the total population. In short, why must we always cater to smokers if they are the minority???

 

 

Oh yea smokers are always catered to. We get a postage stamp sized area to smoke and the non smokers ***** about that .

[mebecindi]

I get so sick and tired of people complaining about smoking on the balcony. Yes we are smokers, yes we booked a balcony for our upcoming cruise, actually a Cove Balcony.... However, I did not book a balcony to sit on it all day. We will smoke out there in the mornings and probably in the evenings. I will not smoke in the non-smoking areas but I will smoke where it is allowed which includes my balcony. Someone mentioned that they would ask the neighbor not to smoke if it bothered them. Sorry, but I would very politely remind them that I paid for that balcony and will smoke if I want. People take this to the extremes....

[mebecindi]

oh yea smokers are always catered to. We get a postage stamp sized area to smoke and the non smokers ***** about that .

 

 

amen!!!!!!!!!!

[KruznKel]

I get so sick and tired of people complaining about smoking on the balcony. Yes we are smokers, yes we booked a balcony for our upcoming cruise, actually a Cove Balcony.... However, I did not book a balcony to sit on it all day. We will smoke out there in the mornings and probably in the evenings. I will not smoke in the non-smoking areas but I will smoke where it is allowed which includes my balcony. Someone mentioned that they would ask the neighbor not to smoke if it bothered them. Sorry, but I would very politely remind them that I paid for that balcony and will smoke if I want. People take this to the extremes....

 

I agree.. but I wouldn't be so polite as to say you paid for the balcony.. I would let them know that the BALCONY is an ALLOWED SMOKING AREA period... if they don't like it they can go to a non allowed smoking area if it bothers them that much.. like inside the cabin...:rolleyes:

[babyher]

I agree.. but I wouldn't be so polite as to say you paid for the balcony.. I would let them know that the BALCONY is an ALLOWED SMOKING AREA period... if they don't like it they can go to a non allowed smoking area if it bothers them that much.. like inside the cabin...:rolleyes:

 

Exactly ....I would never go into a non smoking area and ask "Do you mind if I smoke ?" So don't come into a smoking allowed area and ask me if I mind putting it out .

[newbie101]

It has not been scientifically proven that the "smell" of a cigarette from 3 cars in front of you or 2 balconies down from you or from the opposite side of the pool is hazardous to anyones health.

 

I booked balconies when I smoked & still book balconies now that I don't smoke. Different cruise lines have different decor, different entertainment, different menus and different smoking rules so that customers have options. Exercise your options.

 

The chances of booking a balcony on Carnival and not having a smoker in close proximity are going to be slim & none after the new rules are in place.

Exercise you options.

 

Actually, yes it has. Now I fully admit that I am splitting hairs here, but smoke of any kind (including cigarette smoke) is a carcinogen. Carcinogens have a "build up effect" inside the body. So even from three cars away, it has negative health effects. Now, the reality is, while it might still have an effect, the three cars in front of you spewing out noxious fumes are having a significantly more profound effect.

 

In truth, second hand smoke kills with high exposure... but it also kills when combined with all other toxins over a long period. That's simple irrefutable science... plain and simple. Is it right to suggest that smoke from a balcony has a negative health effect, yes. Is it significant, probably not. Is it annoying, absolutely! Is it allowed, sadly, yes... thus to all you balcony smokers... smoke away.

 

However, if they do change the rules on Carnival ships (which will happen at some point), don't complain about not being able to smoke on your balconies.

[StillPooh]

 

However, if they do change the rules on Carnival ships (which will happen at some point), don't complain about not being able to smoke on your balconies.

Kind of a double standard, wouldn't you say? Since the rules haven't changed, and you non-smokers won't stop complaining? :rolleyes:

[newbie101]

Kind of a double standard, wouldn't you say? Since the rules haven't changed, and you non-smokers won't stop complaining? :rolleyes:

 

Can't speak for the other non smokers... but I am not actually complaining. As I said, if it is allowed, then do it. But the rules will change... they always do. Where I live smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas, including bars and restaurants (but not in casinos, which is a bit odd considering casinos are not really big business here). Initially there was a huge uproar from the smoking community (of which my parents were two). "I will eat at home from now on" they would say... or "they'll miss my business because I will never go back unless I can smoke. Business dropped off for a month or so... then they all came back. The threat of lost business is an empty threat really. Carnival will change there policy, but will likely be the last to do it... not because they are slower to act, or because they want to cater to smokers... but because they are owned by Princess, so they can can make more money this way for now.

[QUAKE]

I have tried to stay away from these discussions... but here I am .. Bottom line here folks just be respectful to your neighbours! Some of us are supersensitive.. and maybe need to grow thicker skin and some of us believe we are the only one that matters on the planet. This is a vacation that we have all agreed to share some time having fun.. remember?? Try to be kind to your neighbours and I bet the favour is returned! I love the balconies and the fresh air too. I don't let the door slam when closing it in the morning, I try to be as quiet as possible when returning to my cabin late at night.. I don't chat in front of someone else’s cabin in the hallway (some people have naps in the afternoon). I don't think asking smokers to stop is the answer but maybe if they can be mindful of others instead... When we are docking .. lots of kids hanging out on the balconies that would be a good time to hold off a bit instead of hanging that cigarette 4 feet away from there face. Just the simple things can make it better for everyone... If these things seem to be unreasonable to ask, maybe you should be looking for vacations that don't include hundreds of other people in close quarters. This is a free country.. that means all of us!

[newbie101]

Oh yea smokers are always catered to. We get a postage stamp sized area to smoke and the non smokers ***** about that .

 

Sadly, your smoke can't stay in tat stamp sized area. That's the problem. It is not you we ***** about, or the fact that you smoke. It is the fact that your smoke travels and invades our stamp sized area. What baffles me here (and I'll admit that I don't understand because I am not addicted to smoke) is the passion smokers have about their "right" to smoke. I understand that it is your right to smoke... I just don't understand why you want to smoke. Addiction aside, what is so great about smoking that we non smokers are missing?

[StillPooh]

I don't think asking smokers to stop is the answer but maybe if they can be mindful of others instead... When we are docking .. lots of kids hanging out on the balconies that would be a good time to hold off a bit instead of hanging that cigarette 4 feet away from there face

Unless your little darlings are making disturbing amounts of noise, how would anyone next door even know they are out there?

 

Why not take 'em up on the Lido and let 'em inhale stack smoke instead?

 

I understand that it is your right to smoke... I just don't understand why you want to smoke. Addiction aside, what is so great about smoking that we non smokers are missing?

You don't need to understand it. It's none of your business, and smokers don't have to justify themselves and their LEGAL BEHAVIOR to you.

[newbie101]

Unless your little darlings are making disturbing amounts of noise, how would anyone next door even know they are out there?

 

Why not take 'em up on the Lido and let 'em inhale stack smoke instead?

 

You don't need to understand it. It's none of your business, and smokers don't have to justify themselves and their LEGAL BEHAVIOR to you.

 

I get that. I am really just asking honestly now. What is it I am missing? Just curious really. Is there actually an answer?