Royal Caribbean prohibits smoking on balconies

[Hlitner]

It has still never been determined that a cigarette caused that fire. Here is a link to the government report on that fire

http://www.maib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/star%20princess.pdf.

 

It may have been a discarded cigarette but they do not know for certain.

 

Guess we could start a new thread just on the Star Princess fire. So let me pose a question for you. If the Star Princess fire was not started by a cigarette or cigar, what else could have started that fire? Do you think a magic lightning bolt came down from the heavens and started the plastic floor liner to burn? Or perhaps a seagull stood on the plastic and rubbed 2 sticks together until it started a fire? The investigative report was about as clear as any government investigation gets with the following statement (taken from the report you cite)

 

"In the absence of any evidence to the contrary, it is considered that the most

likely source of ignition was a discarded cigarette end."

 

If you read the entire report this conclusion was pretty simple given that there was no other possible source of the fire. I guess we could surmise that the passengers in that cabin decided to roast marshmallows on their balcony and started a bonfire with kindling wood they smuggled aboard the ship :)

 

We pointed out in another post the irony of that fire. Princess spent a lot of money refitting all of the balconies on all of its ships with a new balcony fire detector system (they actually put a fire detector device on the ceiling of every-other balcony. In addition, and at great cost, they added an outdoor fire sprinkler system on all the balconies. They did all this so passengers could safely smoke on their balconies. And then, after all this work and money, they banned smoking on their balconies anyway....because of constant passenger complaints.

 

Hank

[FunForUs]

 

We pointed out in another post the irony of that fire. Princess spent a lot of money refitting all of the balconies on all of its ships with a new balcony fire detector system (they actually put a fire detector device on the ceiling of every-other balcony. In addition, and at great cost, they added an outdoor fire sprinkler system on all the balconies. They did all this so passengers could safely smoke on their balconies. And then, after all this work and money, they banned smoking on their balconies anyway....because of constant passenger complaints.

 

Hank

Very interesting. Do you know, are there sprinkler systems & fire detector devices on HAL balconies? Thanks, Shirley

[Typhoon1]

HAL.....

What are you waiting for?

 

Some type of disaster, most likely.

 

Close the door after the horse gets out.

[kazu]

It has still never been determined that a cigarette caused that fire. Here is a link to the government report on that fire

http://www.maib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/star%20princess.pdf.

 

It may have been a discarded cigarette but they do not know for certain.

 

Forget it - it's a lost cause:rolleyes: Lots of things can cause fires. HAL provides such good ashtrays to absorb the ashes and butts that I can't think why anyone wouldn't use them. Most people whether they be smokers or not are fairly responsible - at least that has been my experience.;)

[E-500]

The "Ralph" and "Rob" show will be returning to HAL after an 18 month absence. We both smoke cigars on our adjoining verandas and we were going to try RCL this winter on a Sat./Sun. B-to-B 14 days out of San Juan, but will now have to cancel due to their new policy. In the spirit of full disclosure, we have been known to close a bar on occasion and turn a card in the casino, all legal adult activities. Why do I share this with you? I'm tired of all the hand wringing, whining and self-righteous diatribes about smoking. If you're bothered by smoke sail Princess, NCL, RCL, Celebrity Etc. and leave us to our vices. Thank you HAL for not caving. End of rant.

 

See you all on board.

 

"Ralph"

[ScriptOhio]

Forget it - it's a lost cause:rolleyes: Lots of things can cause fires. HAL provides such good ashtrays to absorb the ashes and butts that I can't think why anyone wouldn't use them. Most people whether they be smokers or not are fairly responsible - at least that has been my experience.;)

 

I agree, most people are responsible: however, it only takes one irresponsible person to start a fire on a ship. And there lies the safety problem.

 

[mariner]

I believe most smokers are going e-cigarettes. Good luck tracking those.

[CI66774]

Never understood why people smoke. It smells, it yellows your teeth, corrupts your house (lowers market value), and it kills you. Hope HAL follows suit.

[mariner]

Talk to Simon and Zeta-Jones. I don't think their houses are under water.

[taxmantoo]

It has still never been determined that a cigarette caused that fire. Here is a link to the government report on that fire

http://www.maib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/star%20princess.pdf.

 

It may have been a discarded cigarette but they do not know for certain.

 

Did you actually take the time to read the entire report? Do you actually think this kind of government report ever comes to a 100% conclusion? Then you probably believe a bullet did not kill John Kennedy, but an alien did. Could have happened ... yeah right :rolleyes:

 

For those who understand, no explanation is needed.

For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible. :rolleyes:

[mariner]

I believe the towels and laundry contributed.

[Richie2pies]

As long as the all-inclusive allowed smoking, I wouldn't care.

[kazu]

The "Ralph" and "Rob" show will be returning to HAL after an 18 month absence. We both smoke cigars on our adjoining verandas and we were going to try RCL this winter on a Sat./Sun. B-to-B 14 days out of San Juan, but will now have to cancel due to their new policy. In the spirit of full disclosure, we have been known to close a bar on occasion and turn a card in the casino, all legal adult activities. Why do I share this with you? I'm tired of all the hand wringing, whining and self-righteous diatribes about smoking. If you're bothered by smoke sail Princess, NCL, RCL, Celebrity Etc. and leave us to our vices. Thank you HAL for not caving. End of rant.

 

See you all on board.

 

"Ralph"

 

Oh Ralph - I just have to say it was such a delight to sail with the two of you and your DW's. :D I hope you chose a good ship to sail on;)

 

May I add - "Ralph" does not smoke - just the odd cigar after dinner - usually on the Lido - they are a class act and wonderful people.:D

 

Kudos to you for posting and whether people like it or not - your point is well made.

 

Smooth seas to you wherever you sail.:)

[Hlitner]

Very interesting. Do you know, are there sprinkler systems & fire detector devices on HAL balconies? Thanks, Shirley

 

Have never seen them on any HA ship (we have not been on the Eurodam) or any other ship of other cruise lines (we have cruised on 12 lines). Apparently it was not a SOLAS requirement but Princess just decided that it was a wise decision. They also removed the plastic liners on the balcony floors since apparently this material contributed to the fire.

 

Hank

[cruz chic]

Please carefully reread my post. I did not tell anyone to do anything, I simply offered options available to them if they were so inclined.

 

I would not be offended if someone suggested an all-inclusive resort to solve my RCL dilemma. Have enjoyed them in the past, just a superior experience on HAL, constantly changing views and better service.

 

It didn't sound like a suggestion to me. I'm not talking about Rcl I'm talking Hal. Sooner or later Hal will get with the program and will eliminate smoking on balconies. It's just a matter of time.

[sail7seas]

Very interesting. Do you know, are there sprinkler systems & fire detector devices on HAL balconies? Thanks, Shirley

 

 

I don't know about sprinklers on verandahs on HAL ships but I do know they changed the partitions between the verandahs to a fire resistent/fireproof material. We were on Maasdam when they came through, some years ago, and changed them all.

 

 

As to people being responsible and carefully using the wind resistent, safety ashtrays, we can only hope. I do not depend upon all people having common sense and using it. :rolleyes: We've all seen some folks do some pretty incredible things these days. :D

 

 

[luv4cruises]

Starting Jan. 1/14' date=' Royal Caribbean is prohibiting smoking on balconies. Will HAL follow along eventually?[/quote']

 

There is too much smoking on HAL, not just balconies, casino, and sport's bar, which pollutes air of guests going to theatre, piano bar or Northern Lights on Vista and Signature class ships.

 

Princess was one of the first to ban smoking on balconies! Celebrity even has a smoke free casino. Disney recently came out with a ban on smoking on balconies! Now RCI! HAL had better follow suit or they will be losing guests!

[kakalina]

There is too much smoking on HAL, not just balconies, casino, and sport's bar, which pollutes air of guests going to theatre, piano bar or Northern Lights on Vista and Signature class ships.

 

Princess was one of the first to ban smoking on balconies! Celebrity even has a smoke free casino. Disney recently came out with a ban on smoking on balconies! Now RCI! HAL had better follow suit or they will be losing guests!

 

 

No, they won't. There are plenty of smokers out there willing and able to fill up the ships. They might lose a particular guest but there will quickly be a smoker to take their place.

[startwin]

No, they won't. There are plenty of smokers out there willing and able to fill up the ships. They might lose a particular guest but there will quickly be a smoker to take their place.

 

Not really. It would be a terrible business plan, given the percentage of smokers to non-smokers. Eventually, they would run out of customers.

[chrispb]

Not really. It would be a terrible business plan, given the percentage of smokers to non-smokers. Eventually, they would run out of customers.

 

They are likely to lose 20% (which is the oft repeated figure of smokers in US) of their passengers. Personally, I think the figure is much higher judging the number of times people ask me for a cigarette.

 

Remember that there can be at least 1 smoker in a group of family or friends who may then opt to sail with another line.:cool:

[OVgirl]

There is too much smoking on HAL, not just balconies, casino, and sport's bar, which pollutes air of guests going to theatre, piano bar or Northern Lights on Vista and Signature class ships.

 

Princess was one of the first to ban smoking on balconies! Celebrity even has a smoke free casino. Disney recently came out with a ban on smoking on balconies! Now RCI! HAL had better follow suit or they will be losing guests!

 

There is no longer smoking in the sports bar or any other indoor lounge. Smoking is only allowed by users of the casino when it is open. HAL has definitely reduced the smoking areas on all their ships.

[Hlitner]

They are likely to lose 20% (which is the oft repeated figure of smokers in US) of their passengers. Personally, I think the figure is much higher judging the number of times people ask me for a cigarette.

 

Remember that there can be at least 1 smoker in a group of family or friends who may then opt to sail with another line.:cool:

 

I think many smokers do not want to face the real statistics...so make up their own numbers. Looking at the latest CDC statistics is quite interesting and eye opening. About 21% of American adults still smoke, but then it gets fascinating. Only 17.9% of folks above the poverty level smoke and of those that have completed college only 9.3% smoke. And only 5% of those with Post graduate degrees smoke. So if you are impoverished and uneducated there it is much more likely that you would be smoker. Oh, and only 7.9% of those 65+ are smokers (probably because many smokers do not make it to 65).

 

Hank

[kazu]

I think many smokers do not want to face the real statistics...so make up their own numbers. Looking at the latest CDC statistics is quite interesting and eye opening. About 21% of American adults still smoke, but then it gets fascinating. Only 17.9% of folks above the poverty level smoke and of those that have completed college only 9.3% smoke. And only 5% of those with Post graduate degrees smoke. So if you are impoverished and uneducated there it is much more likely that you would be smoker. Oh, and only 7.9% of those 65+ are smokers (probably because many smokers do not make it to 65).

 

Hank

 

If that is the case (and I'm not doubting your statistics) then why is smoking such an issue on the ships? That's a very small percentage and they can't all be cruising at the same time:confused:

[OVgirl]

I think many smokers do not want to face the real statistics...so make up their own numbers. Looking at the latest CDC statistics is quite interesting and eye opening. About 21% of American adults still smoke, but then it gets fascinating. Only 17.9% of folks above the poverty level smoke and of those that have completed college only 9.3% smoke. And only 5% of those with Post graduate degrees smoke. So if you are impoverished and uneducated there it is much more likely that you would be smoker. Oh, and only 7.9% of those 65+ are smokers (probably because many smokers do not make it to 65).

 

Hank

 

If that is the case (and I'm not doubting your statistics) then why is smoking such an issue on the ships? That's a very small percentage and they can't all be cruising at the same time:confused:

 

That's a very good question especially if the highest percentage of smokers is below the poverty level.

[cruisin'girl]

If that is the case (and I'm not doubting your statistics) then why is smoking such an issue on the ships? That's a very small percentage and they can't all be cruising at the same time:confused:

Yet you would think from reading the HAL CC board that 99.9% of the verandahs have at least 2 smokers puffing away outside at least 20/7. That just isn't reality on the ships. Rarely do we see or smell any smoke when on our verandah and we are out there a lot morning, afternoon, and before dinner. The chances of having chain smokers on a balcony adjacent to yours driving you inside are extremely slim, yet a few posters seem to have it happen to them all the time. Makes you wonder.