I really wish RCI would change their policy about smoking on the balconies!

[Minoushka]

I totally agree with non smoking balconies If enough people ask for them RCI will do it Keep writing it in your cruise comment

Princess just did it I loved Celebrity for it Give it time RCI will come around!!!

[Tigress974]

I know if the smoking policy changed, I would down grade from a balcony. I know I'm not the only smoker that would do the same.

[LiftLockCouple]

To the OP, we agree completely. Ban smoking on the balconies.

Here at home smoking has been banned for a few years now in all public places including areas normally associated with smoking such as bars and casino's. There was of course opposition from the business owners and smokers that it would effect business. It has not.What it has done is make it possible for us to go and enjoy any public venue without having to breath second hand smoke, even what seeps out from the "smokers" rooms that used to be in restaurants etc. In the case of the cruise industry, banning smoking on balconies will have no ill effect on business regardless of what the smoking lobby says.

As it stands with RCI, the smokers having paid for their balcony can smoke " close to home" instead of going to a higher or lower deck. By having paid the rate for their balcony they not only have the right to smoke on their balconies but also to have their smoke pollute the balconies of neighboring balconies with no consequence. Those are balconies they have not paid for but they get that right anyway. These are balconies that I and a majority have paid for with only a HOPE that there will be no pollution on their balcony on that cruise. After 3 cruises on RCI, we are batting 50%. A medium problem in '09 on the SOS, No problem on LOS in '11 and a huge problem early this month, on SOS again. We had chain smokers on both sides of us, every morning from 06:30 to when we docked and again after all aboard until dinner. No foul language, no loud music, no loud parties but lots of smoke.

Given that we as non-smokers have no defense to the ill health effects of second hand smoke other than to abandon our balcony and close the door we have decided that it will not happen again to us on an RCI ship. We will either cruise on Celebrity or not cruise at all. Of course we are just one couple out of many thousands, I have no idea how many feel as we do, so it is possible that nothing will change. If RCI changes the policy it will likely be an indication that money talks louder than verbal complaints by us non-smokers, regardless how loud we try to make the complaints.

[CruisingMouse]

I am hoping our balcony neighbors on our cruise in May DO NOT smoke! We have spent a Hugh amount of money on this trip and my favorite thing is to sit on my balcony in the morning with my coffe and in the evening. Cigarette smoke will ruin it for me!!

 

 

Gee that's funny, I too spent a Huge amount of money on my trip to sit on my balcony in the morning with my coffee and in the evening while I enjoy my smokes...

 

Why do you non smoker's think you are superior and deserve more than us non-smokers???

[CruisingMouse]

I know if the smoking policy changed, I would down grade from a balcony. I know I'm not the only smoker that would do the same.

 

 

Only reason I pay for a balcony is to smoke, as we are "permitted" to there, wouldn't give them an extra cent if they took that away.

[gabbygrrl]

I know if the smoking policy changed, I would down grade from a balcony. I know I'm not the only smoker that would do the same.

 

And for every down-grading smoker, there will be an upgrading non-smoker, who can't wait to have a smoke-free balcony finally. Just saying...

[kruzerci]

As a former smoker, I can understand both sides. I'm not immensely bothered by public smoking. I'd rather not have one, but it really doesn't bother me having a smoker in the balcony beside me. I'm sure there are others like me out there.

 

It seems the best solution would be to designate one side of the ship smoke free. If they can do it with deck 4 and the pool deck, why not balconies?

 

The people who book early would be able to pick a non-smoking room, and smokers would have the option of having a balcony where smoking was permitted. But as others have said, the situation could get sticky.

[encoresue2]

Anybody want to BAN SPITTERS..... because that goes gross WAAAAAY beyond smokers................................ Yet, that never gets much attention. I can think of a range of behaviors that perhaps not physically a problem for others are RUDE.....and cruisers do them all the time. :eek:

[MJonTravel]

Don't smoke, never have (well...the occasional cigar on my own porch or in the dedicated cigar lounges on ships that have them), and have never been bothered by folks that do smoke. Been fortunate to have good balcony neighbors I guess.

 

That said, one would think that with all the complicated computer software there is out there nowadays, they could allocate some percentage of the balcony cabins on one side of the ship towards the rear and then reallocate downward if not enough people are reserving smoking balconies. Then again, there might 10,000 reasons why this won't work. Still seems possible.

[Patty00]

We must have below you on deck 6 and agree every time we wanted to sit out on the balcony all we could smell was smoke, and we had cigarette buts on our balcony. No sympathy with smokers. Will think twice about having a balcony in future, what the point when you can't use it.

I second that. The last balcony we had, I hardly used it due to the chain smokers on each side. There was always the smell of smoke on our balcony....so, why sit out there.

[05mak05]

To the OP, we agree completely. Ban smoking on the balconies.

Here at home smoking has been banned for a few years now in all public places including areas normally associated with smoking such as bars and casino's. There was of course opposition from the business owners and smokers that it would effect business. It has not.What it has done is make it possible for us to go and enjoy any public venue without having to breath second hand smoke, even what seeps out from the "smokers" rooms that used to be in restaurants etc. In the case of the cruise industry, banning smoking on balconies will have no ill effect on business regardless of what the smoking lobby says.

As it stands with RCI, the smokers having paid for their balcony can smoke " close to home" instead of going to a higher or lower deck. By having paid the rate for their balcony they not only have the right to smoke on their balconies but also to have their smoke pollute the balconies of neighboring balconies with no consequence. Those are balconies they have not paid for but they get that right anyway. These are balconies that I and a majority have paid for with only a HOPE that there will be no pollution on their balcony on that cruise. After 3 cruises on RCI, we are batting 50%. A medium problem in '09 on the SOS, No problem on LOS in '11 and a huge problem early this month, on SOS again. We had chain smokers on both sides of us, every morning from 06:30 to when we docked and again after all aboard until dinner. No foul language, no loud music, no loud parties but lots of smoke.

Given that we as non-smokers have no defense to the ill health effects of second hand smoke other than to abandon our balcony and close the door we have decided that it will not happen again to us on an RCI ship. We will either cruise on Celebrity or not cruise at all. Of course we are just one couple out of many thousands, I have no idea how many feel as we do, so it is possible that nothing will change. If RCI changes the policy it will likely be an indication that money talks louder than verbal complaints by us non-smokers, regardless how loud we try to make the complaints.

This is one of the best posts I've seen on the subject. It will be interesting to watch the prices for the Christmas cruises out of Galveston. We have loyalty perks with RCI and hate not to cruise on the Mariner, however, the smoke was just awful this past December. We won't subject the grandchildren to that again.

So far, Disney is out of our price range so we've booked Princess for Christmas in the Caribbean. Smoking is banned on balconies and limited to the port side on other decks which should offer some relief. Princess will run $500 more pp as we won't get the balcony discount, etc, but at least our eyes won't water and we won't have headaches.

[Pushka]

I have never had a problem with people smoking on their balconies. I do not think that RCCL should change their rules just because some people do not like it.

 

 

Ah no. Like doesn't even come into it. It is a habit that not only kills the people who have it, but also affects those who are simply there. You are right, not liking something is not reason enough to ban it (although that happens too) but this is way past that rationale.

 

Smoking is banned here in cars where children are present. And it aint the children smoking!

[drarill]

We just came back from a fantastic cruise on the Indy. We had cabin #7408, one of the coveted corner afts. You've all seen photos of those corner afts. They are every bit as amazing as legend suggests. However...smoking from other passengers did mar the experience a bit. We had two smokers in the cabins below us. On aft balconies, smoke rises right up to the balconies above. It's really noticeable. And smokers' cough. Ewwww. The coughing comes through loud and clear when you have an aft balcony on Deck 7. Not fun to be greeted with the sound of someone hacking away while you're wanting a quiet minute to enjoy your morning coffee. It's nasty. :(

 

I wish RCI would, like Celebrity, take away smoking privileges from balconies. I don't begrudge the smokers their smokes but Deck 4 offers a huge space for them to enjoy it, and if one doesn't like the smell, it's easy to avoid. When you're on your own balcony and the smoke comes billowing up, not so much so. I don't know about the safety of smoking on balconies, either. We found cigarette butts on our balcony on two separate occasions that could only have blown in as it would be impossible for anyone to have thrown them (the older ladies who were our next door neighbors did not smoke). What if they'd been lit?

 

And yes, I obviously knew that we'd run the risk of being bothered by smoke when we booked our cruise, but I still wish RCI would get with it and restrict smoking to designated smoking areas. That way smokers could still enjoy their smokes, and those of us who don't could enjoy their balconies at all times, not just when the smokers have gone inside.

 

I agree with you. Please take the time to share your experience with Adam Goldstein. His email is AGoldstein@rccl.com

[Charles4515]

I totally agree with non smoking balconies If enough people ask for them RCI will do it Keep writing it in your cruise comment

Princess just did it I loved Celebrity for it Give it time RCI will come around!!!

 

Yep. I keep writing it on my comment card. And you are correct. It is only a matter of time before Royla Caribbean has the same policy as Celebrity.

[phoenix1181]

Yes, we did that on Brilliance - booked the farthest forward cabin we could - 1000 right next to the Bridge, as it were. Smoke was not an issue, but our loud drunk neighbors definitely were. You just never know what you're going to get. :p

 

 

:eek: :eek: :eek:

 

They were drunk on the Bridge??? :rolleyes:

[Movieguy214]

I definitely think what people are smoking has to be a factor in this. Seriously, if people don't get that crap like Marlboros are just poison, then they need a smack in the face. Now, a high quality cigar or even natural cigs or heck even weed smell doesn't bother me. But the smell of a low quality cigarette is heinous. I promise I'm not anti-tobacco. I'm anti what they put in crap cigarettes, and it is proven.

[herbanrenewal]

That's the problem with you non smokers. Give you an inch and you want the whole ship.

How kind of you to "not begrudge" the smokers . As if they need your permission.

 

I bet those smokers would not only like to keep on enjoying smoking on their very own, bought and paid for, balcony but they are wishing they could still smoke in the same bought and paid for cabin. Wasn't that long ago that the non smokers were whining that the cabins stink... and it's not as if the smokers won't be able to smoke.. they can smoke on their balcony.

All you ever hear about is inconsiderate smokers...I think it is the non smokers who are inconsiderate.

 

I mean, who wouldn't want to run up or down to deck four every time you want a smoke, eh!

Gotta make sure you have the whole back "aft" corner of the ship to yourself!

 

 

EMc

 

Your smoking habit is a right to slowly kill yourself. However, you have no right to kill me. since we must share the same air, I strongly resent your "right" to pollute the air I breathe. Your smoke triggers my bronchospams and COPD.

 

I totally disagree that your smoking is a right that takes precedence over my right to breathe.

[LML101]

I recently took a Royal Caribbean cruise, after many, practically smoke-free cruises on Celebrity. I was concerned about smoke from others on the balcony, but luckily it wasn't an issue on our balcony.

 

What became an issue was smokers around the pool. The first time someone next to me lit up, I held my breath (and my tongue). I later spoke to a security person who was nearby, and she said that smoking was not allowed next to the pool, and pointed to the smoking area (I think she thought I was a smoker). I mentioned that someone next to me by the pool was smoking, and she said it was not allowed.

 

During the cruise, at least four other people lit up cigarettes next to the pool (next to me-figures), nowhere close to the smoking area. Couldn't believe that kept happening. I got so sick of it that I pointed to their cigarette and pointed to the smoking area. I don't like to get confrontational, so I didn't make a big deal about it, and each time, the person would move to the smoking area the next time they wanted a smoke. I think they were just too lazy to move then they wanted to smoke, and figured they could get away with it.

 

The casino was so smokey that I refused to go in there.

 

I find it amazing that so many smokers are in denial that what they are doing is affecting the health of the non-smokers around them. It is not the same as spitting, or wearing smelly perfume, so that argument is just ridiculous.

 

I will probably never go on Royal Caribbean again because of the smoke.

[coordinator23]

Smolking is legal. Smokers pay for many services nonsmokers take advantage of through the high taxes they pay. A carton that costs $15-20 in the caribbean costs $60-70 in the Chicago area. The boat has restricted smoking. No one lights up in the theater or the dining areas and other areas where people once smoked. Before you go "crazy" on me, I am not a smoker. My husband is. He has tried to quit many times over ther past 50+ years. He restricts his smoking to the balcony and designated areas. When he began smoking, there were doctors who recommended smoking to people. A friend of mine was told to smoke to keep her weight down by a doctor. These people are hooked, but legally hooked. Most try to be considerate.

Why not instead "restrict" the alcohol consumption?? People get "stupid" when they drink. Some become loud mouths. Offering drinks aboard can feed into an addiction also. Some drinker's behaviors annoys me. And after all isn't this, and the cruise, all about ME. Oh, and since smokers tend to smoke more when they drink, eliminating alcohol would cut down and eliminate some of smoking. Flame away all you self-rightous ones!

[jamessemaj]

I have a balcony for the first time on an upcoming RCI cruise and I smoke. On Princess smoking was allowed in my interior, but I didn't do it, for me and for those who followed me in the cabin.

 

I will decide whether to smoke on my upcoming balcony or not. I will be aware of drifting smoke and if it might be a bother to others. I don't go on a cruise for confrontations, nor to be a nuisance to others, but I enjoy smoking.

 

Even other smoking designated areas, I always remain aware of sensitivities and avoid infringing on others space.

 

In the end, I also know that smoking, like political issues are beyond my control, and at some extreme point ignore both when they infringe on my rights and space.

[softsands]

That's the problem with you non smokers. Give you an inch and you want the whole ship.

How kind of you to "not begrudge" the smokers . As if they need your permission.

 

I bet those smokers would not only like to keep on enjoying smoking on their very own, bought and paid for, balcony but they are wishing they could still smoke in the same bought and paid for cabin. Wasn't that long ago that the non smokers were whining that the cabins stink... and it's not as if the smokers won't be able to smoke.. they can smoke on their balcony.

All you ever hear about is inconsiderate smokers...I think it is the non smokers who are inconsiderate.

 

I mean, who wouldn't want to run up or down to deck four every time you want a smoke, eh!

Gotta make sure you have the whole back "aft" corner of the ship to yourself!

 

 

EMc

 

Hey Bud, you want to burn your lungs out, that's your biz...but do it where I don't have to be party to it. I guess the walk down the hall's too much for your circulatory system.

[seatraveler24]

We just came back from a fantastic cruise on the Indy. We had cabin #7408, one of the coveted corner afts. You've all seen photos of those corner afts. They are every bit as amazing as legend suggests. However...smoking from other passengers did mar the experience a bit. We had two smokers in the cabins below us. On aft balconies, smoke rises right up to the balconies above. It's really noticeable. And smokers' cough. Ewwww. The coughing comes through loud and clear when you have an aft balcony on Deck 7. Not fun to be greeted with the sound of someone hacking away while you're wanting a quiet minute to enjoy your morning coffee. It's nasty. :(

 

I wish RCI would, like Celebrity, take away smoking privileges from balconies. I don't begrudge the smokers their smokes but Deck 4 offers a huge space for them to enjoy it, and if one doesn't like the smell, it's easy to avoid. When you're on your own balcony and the smoke comes billowing up, not so much so. I don't know about the safety of smoking on balconies, either. We found cigarette butts on our balcony on two separate occasions that could only have blown in as it would be impossible for anyone to have thrown them (the older ladies who were our next door neighbors did not smoke). What if they'd been lit?

 

And yes, I obviously knew that we'd run the risk of being bothered by smoke when we booked our cruise, but I still wish RCI would get with it and restrict smoking to designated smoking areas. That way smokers could still enjoy their smokes, and those of us who don't could enjoy their balconies at all times, not just when the smokers have gone inside.

I agree with you. That's why we now choose Celebrity over Royal. Why pay for a balcony when there's a chance you won't be able to enjoy it based upon your neighbors.

[Aquahound]

Yep. I keep writing it on my comment card. And you are correct. It is only a matter of time before Royal Caribbean has the same policy as Celebrity.

 

This morning, pulling in to Port Everglades on Liberty, some idiot on deck 10 flicked a lit cigarette from his balcony. The cigarette landed on the deck 4 walkway where it sticks out next to the dining room. It was still lit when it landed...laying there on the wood deck. Luckily, someone came walking through and immediately stomped it out. People like this shouldn't be allowed in public, let alone smoking on a ship.

[softsands]

Gee that's funny, I too spent a Huge amount of money on my trip to sit on my balcony in the morning with my coffee and in the evening while I enjoy my smokes...

 

Why do you non smoker's think you are superior and deserve more than us non-smokers???

 

We know we're superior because we don't engage in life threatening hobbies; and, we deserve the right to enjoy clean air in the space we've paid for.

[Big_G]

Smolking is legal. Smokers pay for many services nonsmokers take advantage of through the high taxes they pay. A carton that costs $15-20 in the caribbean costs $60-70 in the Chicago area. The boat has restricted smoking. No one lights up in the theater or the dining areas and other areas where people once smoked. Before you go "crazy" on me, I am not a smoker. My husband is. He has tried to quit many times over ther past 50+ years. He restricts his smoking to the balcony and designated areas. When he began smoking, there were doctors who recommended smoking to people. A friend of mine was told to smoke to keep her weight down by a doctor. These people are hooked, but legally hooked. Most try to be considerate.

Why not instead "restrict" the alcohol consumption?? People get "stupid" when they drink. Some become loud mouths. Offering drinks aboard can feed into an addiction also. Some drinker's behaviors annoys me. And after all isn't this, and the cruise, all about ME. Oh, and since smokers tend to smoke more when they drink, eliminating alcohol would cut down and eliminate some of smoking. Flame away all you self-rightous ones!

 

It took 69 comments before the two wrongs make a right argument. What were you waiting for?:rolleyes: