Smoking in cabins on balconies, irrespective of cruise line.

[patwell]

YOUR balconies??? Why do you think they are YOUR balconies??? Several other non-smokers kept saying on this thread that they had paid for their balconies. Umm... did you never consider that smokers had paid for theirs too? No you never did I am sure. Your attitude SO sums it up for the attitude of non-smokers. You think you OWN the whole world and you want everything your way all the time. I am sure you know perfectly well that you can't possibly even notice smoking on a balcony when out at sea with a howling gale blowing it away in a nanosecond. But you just had to WIN. You had to OWN another bit of the world and tell other people what to do in it.

 

And it is so very sad that there are people like you who derive such intense JOY out of denying other people rights and pleasures.

 

I take note that you have not actually been on many Cunard voyages. Bet you won't go on many either. So Cunard ( who actually do own the balconies ) will be the losers because we smokers won't be going anymore and all you complainers probably won't go all that much either because you'll just find other things to complain about. :mad::mad::mad:

 

And well said to you too Spobird. This self righteous attitude that is so prevalent these days is so sad.

 

It reminds me of bullying kids on a playground who would only have things their way and when that didn't happen they'd throw a "hissy-fit"...that's Southern for a temper tantrum or as my dear British friends say, they'd "throw their toys out of the pram". Seems they never grew up and learned the art of compromise and instead want the world to march to their drum only. And when they get their way they delight in rubbing other's noses in it. Sigh......

 

Cheers, Penny

 

Penny’s “Affair to Remember” QM2 Review Dec. 2006

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=471053

November 10,2007...QM2 to the Caribbean again

October 16,2008...QM2 transatlantic in tandem with the grand QE2 on her final transatlantic voyage.

December 9, 2008...QM2...back to the Caribbean

July 30, 2009....QM2....transatlantic again...

August 7, 2009....QM2... “home” to Norway

Feb. 7, 2010....Emerald Princess to the Caribbean

Aug 14, 2010...QM2... return to Norway, all the way to the top!

Aug 22, 2011...Diamond Princess....North to Alaska!!

Dec 2,2011...Noordam to the Caribbean...outstanding! http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1544173

2012...Assorted land trips in my own stunning country

Oct 2012....OBX

2012...Booked on the lovely Noordam again

2013...5 months at our summer home on Cape Cod....priceless!

 

Several North Atlantic crossings from childhood thru college on ships of the old Norwegian America line and Swedish America Line...RIP to those marvelous old ships

[Salacia]

Let's hope Cunard finish what they started and bring in a $250 fine/cleaning charge for anyone breaking the rules. Celebrity Cruises enforce it very successfully. And for anyone who thinks I am gloating just remember I am one of the 80% of cruisers who do not smoke. Work it out - for every one smoker who cancels a cruise because of this new policy there are four more non smokers to fill that place. Congratulations Cunard for taking the commercial decision that some of your competitors took a while back. I am already looking at Cunard's 2014 brochures with joy.

 

Please, where did you get the statistic that 80% of cruisers do not smoke? Are you going by estimates of the general population in a specifc country? That is not applicable to cruise ship passengers. But even accepting your"guesstimate" of 20% of cruise passengers being smokers, that does not mean that 20% are in 20% of the cabins. There could be one smoker out of two in each cabin, which would then add up to one smoker in 40% of the cabins, or several other permutations and combinations. I believe you are drawing conclusions from an incorrect premise. You are certainly entitled to your own opinions, but not your own set of facts.

 

"Figures often beguile me, particularly when I have the arranging of them myself; in which case the remark attributed to Disraeli would often apply with justice and force: "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."

- Mark Twain's Own Autobiography: The Chapters from the North American Review

[patwell]

And then watch the policy change again - it is just horses for courses, as has been said the company will do what it can to maximise revenue - nostalgia is, unfortunately, also just a marketing ploy these days

 

How very true....Cunard will blow with whatever wind brings it the most profit. However I fail to see where all the profit goes when these ridiculous low offers keep dropping in my inbox. So either Cunard is trolling for passengers for empty cabins close to sailing or they've become terribly altruistic and are desperate to woo me back!!:rolleyes::rolleyes: Yeah, right!

 

Three years ago we and our traveling companions realized that the nostalgia that had first won us over had indeed become a marketing ploy and that frankly Cunard didn't believe in it anymore than I believe in Santa Claus. But it made for some elegant copy in brochures. Meanwhile with each passing year QM2 becomes a bit longer in the tooth as newer, attractive ships are introduced and interesting itineraries surface on other lines. And the public, being fickle creatures jumps ship....sorry, couldn't resist that.

 

Meanwhile, at that point, we'd had a couple of cruises with sloppy service, mediocre meals and indications that the dress code that had drawn us originally was rapidly going south as they say. We'd taken about all of the smoking cut backs that we were going to accept and so we went elsewhere with our cruising dollars.

 

I still love QM2 the ship. I have no loyalty to Cunard who I believe is slowly but surely dragging her to mainstream and eroding what cache she has had. And it makes me sad to say that. I've found other ways to enjoy life and spend my money.

 

Cheers, Penny

 

Penny’s “Affair to Remember” QM2 Review Dec. 2006

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=471053

November 10,2007...QM2 to the Caribbean again

October 16,2008...QM2 transatlantic in tandem with the grand QE2 on her final transatlantic voyage.

December 9, 2008...QM2...back to the Caribbean

July 30, 2009....QM2....transatlantic again...

August 7, 2009....QM2... “home” to Norway

Feb. 7, 2010....Emerald Princess to the Caribbean

Aug 14, 2010...QM2... return to Norway, all the way to the top!

Aug 22, 2011...Diamond Princess....North to Alaska!!

Dec 2,2011...Noordam to the Caribbean...outstanding! http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1544173

2012...Assorted land trips in my own stunning country

Oct 2012....OBX

2012...Booked on the lovely Noordam again

2013...5 months at our summer home on Cape Cod....priceless!

 

Several North Atlantic crossings from childhood thru college on ships of the old Norwegian America line and Swedish America Line...RIP to those marvelous old ships

[spobird]

And well said to you too Spobird. This self righteous attitude that is so prevalent these days is so sad.

 

It reminds me of bullying kids on a playground who would only have things their way and when that didn't happen they'd throw a "hissy-fit"...that's Southern for a temper tantrum or as my dear British friends say, they'd "throw their toys out of the pram". Seems they never grew up and learned the art of compromise and instead want the world to march to their drum only. And when they get their way they delight in rubbing other's noses in it. Sigh......

 

Cheers, Penny

 

 

Thanks, Penny. We are of the same mind. Will be leaving Cunard to the bullying kids and spending our money elsewhere like you. Have fun at that house in Cape Cod!

[spobird]

P.S. Penny - Just realized we were on that cruise on August 14 to Norway with you! It was our 35th wedding anniversary and a lovely cruise. We'll always have Norway....

[Salacia]

Smoking on balconies now also banned by Disney cruise line

 

Effective November 15, passengers no longer may smoke on cabin balconies; this includes electronic cigarettes. The policy change, a Disney spokeswoman told Cruise Critic, was prompted by past passenger feedback. Anyone caught smoking on a balcony will be charged a $250 stateroom recovery fee.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/news/news.cfm?ID=5485#

 

Here's the kicker:

"Previously, shorts, along with swimwear and tank tops were considered unacceptable dining attire. Shorts may be worn in any of the ships' main dining room, including on formal nights. Shorts are not acceptable in the specialty restaurants Palo and Remy." copied from http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=5485 (emphasis mine)

 

As Disney goes, so goes Mickey:D

[Salacia]

And here is the newly revised Seabourn policy (copied from

http://www.seabourn.com/luxury-cruise-vacation-planning/Planning-And-Advice.action?tabName=Frequently+Asked+Questions

 

 

 

Revised Smoking Policy Beginning

 

Seabourn Pride: February 2, 2014

Seabourn Spirit: February 1, 2014

Seabourn Legend: February 3, 2014

Seabourn Odyssey: February 11, 2014

Seabourn Sojourn: May 1, 2014

Seabourn Quest: March 22, 2014

 

For the comfort of all guests, most public areas on board, as well as guest suites are smoke-free. Cigarette smoking is permitted in the following areas:

 

On All Seabourn Ships:

 

Smoking of electronic cigarettes is permitted in guest suites. Smoking of water-pipes, glass-pipes or other smoking devices is not permitted on board.

 

On Seabourn Pride, Spirit & Legend:

 

Smoking is permitted on the private verandas of guest suites in Categories CS and OW (Smoking is not permitted on the balconies of B category suites).

 

Inside smoking of cigarettes is permitted in the port-side half of the forward observation lounge on Deck 8 after 8 PM.

 

Outside smoking of cigarettes, cigars and pipes is permitted on the starboard half of the Sky Bar on Deck 8, including the bar stools, except during luncheon and dinner service in that location.

 

On Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn & Quest:

 

Inside smoking of cigarettes will be permitted in the port-side half of the Observation Bar on Deck 10 after 8 PM.

 

Outside smoking of cigarettes is permitted:

 

•On the verandas of guest suites

•On the starboard half of the Sky Bar on Deck 9 including the bar stools

•On the starboard half of the open terrace aft of The Club on Deck 5

 

 

Outside smoking of cigarettes, pipes and cigars is permitted on the open terrace aft of Seabourn Square of Deck 7. This is the only area on board where pipe and cigar smoking is permitted.

 

Guests are asked to refrain from smoking pipes and cigars anywhere inside the ship, including in guest suites, on verandas and balconies. If you have any doubts about any area, please consult your onboard staff.

 

Any guest who smokes inside staterooms in violation of our policy will be charged a US$250 cleaning fee per day of violation

[spobird]

And here is the newly revised Seabourn policy (copied from

http://www.seabourn.com/luxury-cruise-vacation-planning/Planning-And-Advice.action?tabName=Frequently+Asked+Questions

 

 

 

Revised Smoking Policy Beginning

 

Seabourn Pride: February 2, 2014

Seabourn Spirit: February 1, 2014

Seabourn Legend: February 3, 2014

Seabourn Odyssey: February 11, 2014

Seabourn Sojourn: May 1, 2014

Seabourn Quest: March 22, 2014

 

For the comfort of all guests, most public areas on board, as well as guest suites are smoke-free. Cigarette smoking is permitted in the following areas:

 

On All Seabourn Ships:

 

Smoking of electronic cigarettes is permitted in guest suites. Smoking of water-pipes, glass-pipes or other smoking devices is not permitted on board.

 

On Seabourn Pride, Spirit & Legend:

 

Smoking is permitted on the private verandas of guest suites in Categories CS and OW (Smoking is not permitted on the balconies of B category suites).

 

Inside smoking of cigarettes is permitted in the port-side half of the forward observation lounge on Deck 8 after 8 PM.

 

Outside smoking of cigarettes, cigars and pipes is permitted on the starboard half of the Sky Bar on Deck 8, including the bar stools, except during luncheon and dinner service in that location.

 

On Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn & Quest:

 

Inside smoking of cigarettes will be permitted in the port-side half of the Observation Bar on Deck 10 after 8 PM.

 

Outside smoking of cigarettes is permitted:

 

•On the verandas of guest suites

•On the starboard half of the Sky Bar on Deck 9 including the bar stools

•On the starboard half of the open terrace aft of The Club on Deck 5

 

 

Outside smoking of cigarettes, pipes and cigars is permitted on the open terrace aft of Seabourn Square of Deck 7. This is the only area on board where pipe and cigar smoking is permitted.

 

Guests are asked to refrain from smoking pipes and cigars anywhere inside the ship, including in guest suites, on verandas and balconies. If you have any doubts about any area, please consult your onboard staff.

 

Any guest who smokes inside staterooms in violation of our policy will be charged a US$250 cleaning fee per day of violation

 

Well that's going to take a bit of figuring out which verandahs on which ships allow smoking but I will be taking a close look at Seabourn cruises, as I will not be sailing on Cunard anymore once their total ban on smoking on balconies comes into effect. I will not pay those prices - often as a single traveller - if absolutely no comfortable area is available for smoking. And this shows that Cunard could have had a more thoughtful policy too. I hope someone from Cunard is reading this as it is obviously possible to be less draconian. Some suggestions Cunard - 1) as with Seabourn certain staterooms could still allow smoking on balconies 2) different ships could have different policies therefore catering for everyone in some shape or form and increasing your bottom line

3) allow smoking on balconies when at sea but not on port days. This seems to be sensible from every point of view as when out at sea it is quite impossible that drifting smoke from balconies could really be a problem to anyone, while this is when at times decks are closed and cigarette smokers would have absolutely nowhere to go. It is understandable that when in port smoking on balconies could be annoying to neighbours but not when at sea.

 

I also suggest to all smokers who would still like to sail on Cunard that we ring them with our concerns, make suggestions and inform them that we will cancel any future bookings we have if they do not reconsider. I have done this. The anti-smokers kept complaining and got their way. We just kept putting up with one restriction after another. It's time to make our voices heard too - in a positive fashion. It has been so sad to see that so many people who loved sailing with Cunard - or were looking forward to it in the future - have been driven away. We may not get anywhere as the anti-smoking lobby is so strong, unreasonable and vociferous but where there's life there is hope.

[balf]

 

I also suggest to all smokers who would still like to sail on Cunard that we ring them with our concerns, .

 

Far better to write (snail mail not email)

 

If enough of you do this it's possible you could get this reversed.

 

David.

[transatlantic fan]

I used to be a smoker but now use the E-cig occasionally

This would be the best option for all including Cunard making money in my opinion.

Make 2 decks on the starboard side smoking on a first come first served basis , Cunard would then see a rise in people booking early to get the room they want.

Anyone booking a late Getaway price would not have this opportunity (Cunard make money)

E-Cigg’s to be allowed in the casino and Golden lion but only if they are NOT WHITE and that way everyone will know it’s not a real one.

Cunard make more money by people booking early to either get a smoking or non smoking side

[fantasy51]

Transatlantic Fan, sounds a great idea! Cunard could even sell ecigs that they consider to be appropriate for use on their ships!

[transatlantic fan]

Transatlantic Fan, sounds a great idea! Cunard could even sell ecigs that they consider to be appropriate for use on their ships!

I agree Cunard would make more money because people would want to book early,Just a simple idea that would make everyone happy.

But i am sure someone on here will say No No we can smell those E-ciggs:eek: Or that they wanted that exact room they now allow smoking on the Balcony.

Like you say Cunard could even sell the E-ciggs and make even more money.

It's just a sensible idea Cunard should maybe look at or at least trial.

[brigittetom]

I would love to have someone explain why the anti smokers have a problem with the E-cigs to begin with. The big complaint supposedly is that they can't stand smoke or the smell of smoke. E-cigs have neither.....and yet they are still unacceptable. So that would mean anti smokers simply don't want to be offended by the sight of a cigarette...period.

 

Please note...we all know the difference between Anti-smokers and Non-smokers.

[brigittetom]

Spobird......We lost that battle when anti smokers filled out their comment cards religiously whether the smoke was bothering them or not or even if they never set foot into a lounge or casino where people were enjoying themselves. Smokers were more fair minded, they followed the new rules as they came.

 

This is the true example of YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE. Luckily there are enough nice, fun, non smokers to keep things going because if you were stuck with only that first group, you wouldn't want to be on a Cunard ship anyway. :D

[Ray66]

The wording on the email sent out to P&O UK passengers from Carol Marlow is exactly the same as in the ones sent to Cunard passengers.

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1896090&page=3

 

And in other news.....

 

Seabourn has today revised its smoking policy - very complicated

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1898322

[spobird]

The wording on the email sent out to P&O UK passengers from Carol Marlow is exactly the same as in the ones sent to Cunard passengers.

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1896090&page=3

 

And in other news.....

 

Seabourn has today revised its smoking policy - very complicated

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1898322

Yes, I noticed that exact same wording. Cunard and P&O are not owned by the same company are they? If not this seems very odd. And Seabourn revising their policy at exactly the same time. Seems like they have all got together to make sure smokers don't just jump ship ( pun intended ) to another company. But why would they do that? Doesn't seem like good business sense to me!

[spobird]

Spobird......We lost that battle when anti smokers filled out their comment cards religiously whether the smoke was bothering them or not or even if they never set foot into a lounge or casino where people were enjoying themselves. Smokers were more fair minded, they followed the new rules as they came.

 

This is the true example of YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE. Luckily there are enough nice, fun, non smokers to keep things going because if you were stuck with only that first group, you wouldn't want to be on a Cunard ship anyway. :D

 

Yes, I realise that by being fair minded and accepting all the other restrictions we may have lost our chance. But I felt those were fair enough. These are not and I am going to at least tell them what I think and give it a try. Probably you are right that nothing will come of it, but you never know if enough of us do it and they see that they really will lose loyal and frequent guests they might make some adjustments.