Smoking in cabins on balconies, irrespective of cruise line.

[brigittetom]

Summergee, I would think that would be impossible for any line to accomplish. They would be sailing with empty cabins because there aren't an even amount of smokers and non smokers. Then, if the non smokers agreed to take a cabin on the smoking side, they'd be right back where they are now...complaints. Cancellations and rebooking would be a logistic nightmare.

 

People will complain about smelling smoke even when it's not there as long as there are smokers somewhere on the ship. No smoking in public areas now but people are still smelling smoke in various parts of the enclosed decks in the hopes of getting smoking banned altogether. IMO

[ToadOfToadHall]

 

Well, they've got that right. They are pointing out that people are offended by the "appearance" of smoking irregardless if the smoke bothers them or not. That would explain a lot of the balcony complaints. Not all.....but a lot.

 

I wonder what they would do if you sat chewing on a white biro ?

[brigittetom]

I had to look up White bIro. I always imagined sucking on a straw like a cigarette and being confronted. Happily, when I get on the ship my preconceived expectations of abuse don't normally transpire.....usually. :)

[Summergee]

Bridgettetom, I suggested that those booking Getaway fares do not get a choice and put up with what they get. This would fill the unsold rooms.

[Brian Raine]

Did I not read somewhere that the chemicals in E cigarettes are more lethal to the smoker than the real thing????, just a thought. I was once castigated for chewing on a pencil which had a red end, but that was when I worked , many moons ago, in a grocery shop(pre supermarket).For the uninitiated in those days we had counters and we served from behind them for all goods, no self selection. I digress, I believe some pubs have also banned e cigarettes.

[ToadOfToadHall]

.. are more lethal..

 

There are degrees of lethal ?

[MadScientist_01]

Did I not read somewhere that the chemicals in E cigarettes are more lethal to the smoker than the real thing????, just a thought. I was once castigated for chewing on a pencil which had a red end, but that was when I worked , many moons ago, in a grocery shop(pre supermarket).For the uninitiated in those days we had counters and we served from behind them for all goods, no self selection. I digress, I believe some pubs have also banned e cigarettes.

 

If you did I'm betting it was on the internet :rolleyes: there have been scare stories about e-liquids, but that is a bit like purchasing knock-off aspirin and then having concerns raised about painkillers - my liquids are fully tested and have ingredients registered so I know what is in it - and it doesn't compare in any way with smoking a real cigarette. In the UK they are to be registered as a smoking cessation tool in 2015 and the liquids will be even more stringently regulated.

[brigittetom]

Brian, I haven't really payed attention but I think there is a movement to ban them in a lot of venues. Last I heard, they are still trying to prove that somehow, someway, they have to be harmful. Too easy a solution for us smokers and obviously an undesirable one for non smokers.

 

Summergee, I've seen that suggestion brought up many times before. I think it's just easier to limit smoking a little at a time. There obviously is no need to accommodate smokers as they will fill up the ships easily with happy non smokers. Celebrity is a good example. No smoking anywhere except one small out of the way deck space....standing room only. Truly second class I've been told. A lot of the crew smoke......I'm wondering if that might be the reason most lines have resisted going 100% smoke free. That would be a lot to expect from a hardworking crew. Non smokers have used the reasoning that it's unfair for crew to have to work around smoking passengers....while the crew has a smoking bar and passengers don't.

 

I do know for a fact that revenue is down with the non smoking bars and casinos. All the non smokers said they could finally use the casinos. Slot area is dead, not all tables are open and what they have closes early. The lounges are filled with wine sippers where one glass is the limit and the ship is dead shortly after the last show ends. During the day the lounges are filled with sleepers and readers. The bar staff loves it. They can be on their computer all day and it's hard to even get their attention at times because they aren't even on the lookout for customers except in the pub till about 10:30. The QM2 has an entirely different passenger base than they did a few years ago. We are stuck in the middle. Not interested in party cruises but not ready for bed at 11:pm either. Please don't flame. Im not complaining, this is simply what I've observed on our particular trips the last few years. :)

[MsDeva]

Advice here....for smokers....e cigs are crap....one either smokes or one doesn't. Most idiots on board really don't know the difference.

 

The lounge named after Sir Winston moved the goal posts a long time ago...cigars only? Get a grip.....in the 'old' days one and all would gather in this small but lovely lounge and have such wonderful conversation after dinner and then if necessary move on to G32 to continue enjoying...my good self being one to do so.

 

I believe Thompson cruises are now adopting a complete smoking ban on all their vessels. Enjoy.

 

Best, Judy

[Dianacm]

Brian, I haven't really payed attention but I think there is a movement to ban them in a lot of venues. Last I heard, they are still trying to prove that somehow, someway, they have to be harmful. Too easy a solution for us smokers and obviously an undesirable one for non smokers.

 

Summergee, I've seen that suggestion brought up many times before. I think it's just easier to limit smoking a little at a time. There obviously is no need to accommodate smokers as they will fill up the ships easily with happy non smokers. Celebrity is a good example. No smoking anywhere except one small out of the way deck space....standing room only. Truly second class I've been told. A lot of the crew smoke......I'm wondering if that might be the reason most lines have resisted going 100% smoke free. That would be a lot to expect from a hardworking crew. Non smokers have used the reasoning that it's unfair for crew to have to work around smoking passengers....while the crew has a smoking bar and passengers don't.

 

I do know for a fact that revenue is down with the non smoking bars and casinos. All the non smokers said they could finally use the casinos. Slot area is dead, not all tables are open and what they have closes early. The lounges are filled with wine sippers where one glass is the limit and the ship is dead shortly after the last show ends. During the day the lounges are filled with sleepers and readers. The bar staff loves it. They can be on their computer all day and it's hard to even get their attention at times because they aren't even on the lookout for customers except in the pub till about 10:30. The QM2 has an entirely different passenger base than they did a few years ago. We are stuck in the middle. Not interested in party cruises but not ready for bed at 11:pm either. Please don't flame. Im not complaining, this is simply what I've observed on our particular trips the last few years. :)

 

huh. It kind of sounds like you're complaining.

 

I suppose if your argument is that smokers are better for cruising's bottom line, then don't worry: they are unlikely to make a play that earns them less $. Ships that sail under flags of convenience are hardly held to politically correct rules-they don't have to adhere to "western" hiring practices, or provide a smoke free environment for their passengers or staff.

 

As I mentioned in a previous email, there are some who are virulent anti-smokers: doesn't matter-cigar, cigs, e-cigs, whatever-they're going to complain, loudly. And of course they are far more vocal than the rest of the 70-80% of the world who doesn't smoke, and doesn't care if you do, as long as you don't blow it in our faces.

 

So, not that I have any right to speak for that silent majority, but don't put us all into one evil "keep the smokers off the ships" category.

[Dianacm]

Brian, I haven't really payed attention but I think there is a movement to ban them in a lot of venues. Last I heard, they are still trying to prove that somehow, someway, they have to be harmful. Too easy a solution for us smokers and obviously an undesirable one for non smokers.

 

Summergee, I've seen that suggestion brought up many times before. I think it's just easier to limit smoking a little at a time. There obviously is no need to accommodate smokers as they will fill up the ships easily with happy non smokers. Celebrity is a good example. No smoking anywhere except one small out of the way deck space....standing room only. Truly second class I've been told. A lot of the crew smoke......I'm wondering if that might be the reason most lines have resisted going 100% smoke free. That would be a lot to expect from a hardworking crew. Non smokers have used the reasoning that it's unfair for crew to have to work around smoking passengers....while the crew has a smoking bar and passengers don't.

 

I do know for a fact that revenue is down with the non smoking bars and casinos. All the non smokers said they could finally use the casinos. Slot area is dead, not all tables are open and what they have closes early. The lounges are filled with wine sippers where one glass is the limit and the ship is dead shortly after the last show ends. During the day the lounges are filled with sleepers and readers. The bar staff loves it. They can be on their computer all day and it's hard to even get their attention at times because they aren't even on the lookout for customers except in the pub till about 10:30. The QM2 has an entirely different passenger base than they did a few years ago. We are stuck in the middle. Not interested in party cruises but not ready for bed at 11:pm either. Please don't flame. Im not complaining, this is simply what I've observed on our particular trips the last few years. :)

 

Ok. Let's say this is fact. You're not going to have to twist my arm to make me agree that smokers tend to gamble and drink more than non-smokers. They are behaviors that often go hand in hand. Still, I have a very hard time feeling Cunard is making business decisions based on concern for our health. If the wine sippers and reader/sleepers are not spending in the bars and the casinos, it is likely they are spending elsewhere. Maybe they're getting up early while the drinkers/smokers/gamblers are sleeping it off and buying jewelry or art, or booking high end excursions through the line at either end of the trip. Who knows? What I do know is that Carnival is a corporation and if they are limiting smoking it must be for a business reason.

[fantasy51]

huh. It kind of sounds like you're complaining.

 

I thought it sounded like an observation. :rolleyes:

 

The only thing remotely like a complaint was about the bar staff who are not doing their duty! :cool:

[Andiamo]

I thought it sounded like an observation. :rolleyes:

 

The only thing remotely like a complaint was about the bar staff who are not doing their duty! :cool:

 

Not only is that how I read it, but is right on target with my own observations.

 

In addition, it is my belief that the smoke smell that remains in certain areas comes from the offices of senior staff which, by the way, is not a complaint.

 

Jeanne

[Dianacm]

Not only is that how I read it, but is right on target with my own observations.

 

In addition, it is my belief that the smoke smell that remains in certain areas comes from the offices of senior staff which, by the way, is not a complaint.

 

Jeanne

 

I don't know, when somebody says they aren't ready for party cruises but not ready for bed at 11 either, that sounds a little like a complaint. But, OK, I'll go for observation instead. My apologies. I didn't mean any harm.

 

Regardless, I think smoke will follow the money. If Cunard feels restricting smokers detracts from their bottom line in ways that have been observed they won't continue to restrict it.

[fantasy51]

I don't know, when somebody says they aren't ready for party cruises but not ready for bed at 11 either, that sounds a little like a complaint. But, OK, I'll go for observation instead. My apologies. I didn't mean any harm.

 

Diana, perhaps it's easier for me to judge it as NOT being a complaint because I'm used to trying to explain my health issues (M.E.) to people. I feel the need to explain them (and the restrictions they cause) so that people don't feel I'm slighting them by not chatting on the phone or not staying long, etc. I also have a friend with lupus who tells me about having to cancel activities because of an imminent flare. My first reaction, therefore, is: explanation. We are not complaining, we are simply stating facts and sharing information. If you do not have a background of people explaining things, then you would read it differently. Also, without the tone of voice letting us know if she's being wry, or laughing at human nature, etc., it's difficult.

 

I'm not ready for bed at 11 either, but that's my body clock. I read in for hours when I'm at home. I'm happy on a cruise ship in the ballroom until midnight, then I read in my stateroom.

[Brian Raine]

I think my final contribution on this may get some understanding why I do not like smoking near me. Several years ago on a cruise with a little known company, the name escapes me, the crew were Portugese , they smoked like there was no tomorrow. In fact when any 2 officers came past they put out more smoke than the funnel. One disabled gentleman had difficulty to escape his cabin, near the entrance to the bridge, due to the smoke being generated. He did manage to escape on a couple of occasions to go on tours , as this was his a relief. At meal times he covered his mouth and nose with a scarf to run the gauntlet.

 

I do not expect people to stop smoking if they wish to , all I request is that they are respectful of non smokers as well. Not that I will hold my breath

[Norfolk Brit]

Not that I will hold my breath

 

Perhaps you should?

 

Sir Martin:D

[MadScientist_01]

 

I do not expect people to stop smoking if they wish to , all I request is that they are respectful of non smokers as well. Not that I will hold my breath

 

Why is it that this 'respect' only seems to go one way?

 

Back when I smoked 'real' cigarettes I was at Discovery Cove in Florida - only one tiny smoking area amongst acres of no-smoking which, from what I saw, was well observed and smokers would hike to this area from wherever they were in the park. One day a woman sat in the area and started to ask people to stop smoking around her - apparently the rest of the smoke-free park wasn't good enough for her, she had to sit there! We all know that controlling where smoke goes can be difficult but a lot of people tried over the next 5 minutes :D

 

The problem is, what people are saying is 'please curtail the activity the cruise company has allowed you to do in the place that they have allowed you to do it for my benefit' and dressed it up as 'please respect me' - now I would accept that if you (and by you I mean any non-smoker) would be prepared to say yes to the following scenario: on a ship that banned smoking on balconies if your neighbour said 'I really need a cigarette, is it ok with you if I smoke when you're not out on your balcony and the smoke won't go into your cabin?'. Because if you deny them you aren't being respectful, just a hypocrite.

[paulista1950]

There are degrees of lethal ?

 

It's a matter of how fast and at what dosage something kills you.

Anthrax is more lethal than cigs which are more lethal than water steam

[Louise D]

Why is it that this 'respect' only seems to go one way?

 

Back when I smoked 'real' cigarettes I was at Discovery Cove in Florida - only one tiny smoking area amongst acres of no-smoking which, from what I saw, was well observed and smokers would hike to this area from wherever they were in the park. One day a woman sat in the area and started to ask people to stop smoking around her - apparently the rest of the smoke-free park wasn't good enough for her, she had to sit there! We all know that controlling where smoke goes can be difficult but a lot of people tried over the next 5 minutes :D

 

The problem is, what people are saying is 'please curtail the activity the cruise company has allowed you to do in the place that they have allowed you to do it for my benefit' and dressed it up as 'please respect me' - now I would accept that if you (and by you I mean any non-smoker) would be prepared to say yes to the following scenario: on a ship that banned smoking on balconies if your neighbour said 'I really need a cigarette, is it ok with you if I smoke when you're not out on your balcony and the smoke won't go into your cabin?'. Because if you deny them you aren't being respectful, just a hypocrite.

 

I think it is quite amusing how the focus is on a few smokers and how they are potentially damaging everyone else's health on board, when the whole environment on a ship is by no means pure and pristine.

 

If you were really that sensitive, you would never go on board a ship for a holiday. From the strong and sometimes almost overpowering chemicals used to clean and disinfect, to the smoke from the engine, to the foul odour that emanates from the vents on QM2 promenade deck sternwards, I should have thought a little cigarette smoke on balconies from time to time rather pales into insignificance.

[Whitemarsh]

I think it is quite amusing how the focus is on a few smokers and how they are potentially damaging everyone else's health on board, when the whole environment on a ship is by no means pure and pristine.

 

If you were really that sensitive, you would never go on board a ship for a holiday. From the strong and sometimes almost overpowering chemicals used to clean and disinfect, to the smoke from the engine, to the foul odour that emanates from the vents on QM2 promenade deck sternwards, I should have thought a little cigarette smoke on balconies from time to time rather pales into insignificance.

 

Exactly, and seeing as how I smoke menthols I would have though non-smokers would appreciate the minty fresh aroma. :)

[Eglesbrech]

I have every reason to be slightly draconian towards smokers for reasons I will not go into on a public forum however I also believe in live and let live.

 

I have had smokers on the balcony next to me and to be honest you have to be very unlucky and the wind in the wrong direction for it to be a major issue. The sea breeze takes it away (for the record I hate the smell of smoke) most of the time.

 

We tend to travel Celebrity a lot and they have very limited smoking areas but in attractive spaces which is a good compromise.

 

I was delighted when the smoking ban came in as one of the first things the new Scottish parliament did. Previously I could not use many public spaces and now I can. Smoking bans have been implemented in many other countries since ours came into force so it must suit the majority. Cruise lines followed the trend.

 

That said as in any other part of life you can't walk all over the rights of the minority. I would have no issue with a "smoking bar" being available on ships so long as it was well signed posted so I could avoid it and well enough ventilated

that there wasn't smoke seepage to other areas.

 

Life is about compromise.

[paulista1950]

I have every reason to be slightly draconian towards smokers for reasons I will not go into on a public forum however I also believe in live and let live.

 

I have had smokers on the balcony next to me and to be honest you have to be very unlucky and the wind in the wrong direction for it to be a major issue. The sea breeze takes it away (for the record I hate the smell of smoke) most of the time.

 

We tend to travel Celebrity a lot and they have very limited smoking areas but in attractive spaces which is a good compromise.

 

I was delighted when the smoking ban came in as one of the first things the new Scottish parliament did. Previously I could not use many public spaces and now I can. Smoking bans have been implemented in many other countries since ours came into force so it must suit the majority. Cruise lines followed the trend.

 

That said as in any other part of life you can't walk all over the rights of the minority. I would have no issue with a "smoking bar" being available on ships so long as it was well signed posted so I could avoid it and well enough ventilated

that there wasn't smoke seepage to other areas.

 

Life is about compromise.

 

VERY well signed! ;)

[CruznTom]

Ok. Let's say this is fact. You're not going to have to twist my arm to make me agree that smokers tend to gamble and drink more than non-smokers. They are behaviors that often go hand in hand. Still, I have a very hard time feeling Cunard is making business decisions based on concern for our health. If the wine sippers and reader/sleepers are not spending in the bars and the casinos, it is likely they are spending elsewhere. Maybe they're getting up early while the drinkers/smokers/gamblers are sleeping it off and buying jewelry or art, or booking high end excursions through the line at either end of the trip. Who knows? What I do know is that Carnival is a corporation and if they are limiting smoking it must be for a business reason.

 

Diane, The casinos are now run by a concession. Cunard doesn't care if they make money or not. There are no more drinkers/smokers/late night gamblers because the venues close down early. I really don't think that there is a whole new group of spenders who are getting up early. Cunard seems to be catering more to families with kids traveling for free on the QM2 for the European trips for the last few years. Obviously they are making money.

 

This has been the kindest smoking thread of all and for once, people actually respect both sides. Personally, if someone is out on the balcony next to us...we always ask. We've always had kind neighbors who told us that if it bothers them, they would let us know. :)

[brigittetom]

Sorry, Its my post, not CrusnTom