Information Only - a reply to specific questions about the smoking policy changes

[Mrs Cigar King]

I sent an email to the corporate office and had a very nice phone call from Royal. She also sent me answers to my questions and gave me permission to post them. FWIW-I'm still disappointed but getting over it. The only change to the new policy I would still lobby for is to allow e-cigs on the balcony. Maybe down the road.

 

Q. Will there be expanded, reasonably located, smoking areas on the pool deck?

A. Each ship will have, or has, at least one smoking area on the starboard side of the Pool Deck that will enjoy enhancements based on the feedback of our smoking guests.

Q. Will they be covered in case it’s raining?

A. The majority of exterior smoking areas onboard are covered.

Q. Will there be more tables and comfortable chairs?

A. Yes, we are already working to re-configure the smoking areas based on guest feedback, including evaluating and replacing the furnishings.

Q. Will there be small tables located by the chairs so we have a place for coffee and drinks?

A. You will be pleased to know that small coffee tables are part of the enhancement plan.

Q. Will there be heavy ash trays on the tables instead of the heavy floor ones that are difficult to move?

A. Ashtrays are obviously an important component of any smoking area. We have already ordered taller, upright ashtrays that should be easier to maneuver, and will also be adding ashtrays for the new coffee tables.

Q. Coffee!!! Will it be located close to the smoking sections?

A. Coffee stations at smoking areas are not in our plans at this time.

Q. What will Royal do when the outside smoking areas are closed due to weather?

A. It is rare that all outdoor smoking areas would be closed at any time. If it does happen, it should be a temporary situation, and indoor smoking areas can be used during this time.

Q. Will the Connoisseur Club be expanded on the Voyager and Freedom class ships? Will additional seating be added?

A. There are no plans to expand the Connoisseur Clubs at this time.

Q. One of our cruises is on the Quantum, is there any indication about a Connoisseur Club on that class of ship?

A. Quantum of the Seas will not feature a Connoisseur Club, however, it will have exterior smoking areas with all the new furnishing and ashtrays.

 

 

I also did confirm that smoking will be allowed at the casino only during operating hours. No slipping down there at 6am for a smoke.

[Maryscooking]

Not a smoker...but I have to say that the "it will be rare all outdoor smoking areas are closed at the same time" is just funny. I think there has been a time when all outdoor decks were closed on 50-75% of the cruises I've been on.

[OGCFreddie]

I sent an email to the corporate office and had a very nice phone call from Royal. She also sent me answers to my questions and gave me permission to post them. FWIW-I'm still disappointed but getting over it. The only change to the new policy I would still lobby for is to allow e-cigs on the balcony. Maybe down the road.

 

Q. Will there be expanded, reasonably located, smoking areas on the pool deck?

A. Each ship will have, or has, at least one smoking area on the starboard side of the Pool Deck that will enjoy enhancements based on the feedback of our smoking guests.

Q. Will they be covered in case it’s raining?

A. The majority of exterior smoking areas onboard are covered.

Q. Will there be more tables and comfortable chairs?

A. Yes, we are already working to re-configure the smoking areas based on guest feedback, including evaluating and replacing the furnishings.

Q. Will there be small tables located by the chairs so we have a place for coffee and drinks?

A. You will be pleased to know that small coffee tables are part of the enhancement plan.

Q. Will there be heavy ash trays on the tables instead of the heavy floor ones that are difficult to move?

A. Ashtrays are obviously an important component of any smoking area. We have already ordered taller, upright ashtrays that should be easier to maneuver, and will also be adding ashtrays for the new coffee tables.

Q. Coffee!!! Will it be located close to the smoking sections?

A. Coffee stations at smoking areas are not in our plans at this time.

Q. What will Royal do when the outside smoking areas are closed due to weather?

A. It is rare that all outdoor smoking areas would be closed at any time. If it does happen, it should be a temporary situation, and indoor smoking areas can be used during this time.

Q. Will the Connoisseur Club be expanded on the Voyager and Freedom class ships? Will additional seating be added?

A. There are no plans to expand the Connoisseur Clubs at this time.

Q. One of our cruises is on the Quantum, is there any indication about a Connoisseur Club on that class of ship?

A. Quantum of the Seas will not feature a Connoisseur Club, however, it will have exterior smoking areas with all the new furnishing and ashtrays.

 

 

I also did confirm that smoking will be allowed at the casino only during operating hours. No slipping down there at 6am for a smoke.

 

Thank you for the information. I appreciate your checking this out. Like you, I hope they will re-think the e-cig rule. So many of us have used these to quit and it is a shame to ban something that has helped so many quit the habit. Kinda like banning patches or gum. Again...thanks for your post!

[setsail]

Not a smoker...but I have to say that the "it will be rare all outdoor smoking areas are closed at the same time" is just funny. I think there has been a time when all outdoor decks were closed on 50-75% of the cruises I've been on.

 

I have never seen the enclosed pool deck closed, the pools yes, but you could walk, sit in the enclosed part, where the smoking section is. The only decks I have seen off limits are ones that are open to the railings. So yes, it would be very rare.

Edited September 12, 2013 by setsail

[kmcphee26]

Interesting about the casino... Is that the current policy I wonder? I've definitely had the occasional quick cig in there when it has been closed. No one ever bothered me or even looked at me funny.

[Lionesss]

Finally...

A no--non-sense realistic informative post on the smoking changes.

Thank you for taking the time to inquire to RCI and post the facts.

I hope people take the time to read.

Sea Ya

I took the time to read and I quit smoking a couple years back.

[tiessa]

I sent an email to the corporate office and had a very nice phone call from Royal. She also sent me answers to my questions and gave me permission to post them. FWIW-I'm still disappointed but getting over it. The only change to the new policy I would still lobby for is to allow e-cigs on the balcony. Maybe down the road.

 

Q. Will there be expanded, reasonably located, smoking areas on the pool deck?

A. Each ship will have, or has, at least one smoking area on the starboard side of the Pool Deck that will enjoy enhancements based on the feedback of our smoking guests.

Q. Will they be covered in case it’s raining?

A. The majority of exterior smoking areas onboard are covered.

Q. Will there be more tables and comfortable chairs?

A. Yes, we are already working to re-configure the smoking areas based on guest feedback, including evaluating and replacing the furnishings.

Q. Will there be small tables located by the chairs so we have a place for coffee and drinks?

A. You will be pleased to know that small coffee tables are part of the enhancement plan.

Q. Will there be heavy ash trays on the tables instead of the heavy floor ones that are difficult to move?

A. Ashtrays are obviously an important component of any smoking area. We have already ordered taller, upright ashtrays that should be easier to maneuver, and will also be adding ashtrays for the new coffee tables.

Q. Coffee!!! Will it be located close to the smoking sections?

A. Coffee stations at smoking areas are not in our plans at this time.

Q. What will Royal do when the outside smoking areas are closed due to weather?

A. It is rare that all outdoor smoking areas would be closed at any time. If it does happen, it should be a temporary situation, and indoor smoking areas can be used during this time.

Q. Will the Connoisseur Club be expanded on the Voyager and Freedom class ships? Will additional seating be added?

A. There are no plans to expand the Connoisseur Clubs at this time.

Q. One of our cruises is on the Quantum, is there any indication about a Connoisseur Club on that class of ship?

A. Quantum of the Seas will not feature a Connoisseur Club, however, it will have exterior smoking areas with all the new furnishing and ashtrays.

 

 

I also did confirm that smoking will be allowed at the casino only during operating hours. No slipping down there at 6am for a smoke.

 

 

Thanks for checking on this and sharing. I appreciate it!

[bigeagle12]

Agree the response about the casino doesn't sound right. I have seen people in there all hours of the night and day smoking.

[Mrs Cigar King]

Interesting about the casino... Is that the current policy I wonder? I've definitely had the occasional quick cig in there when it has been closed. No one ever bothered me or even looked at me funny.

 

Yes, I did see it in the faq's under onboard policies and confirmed it on the phone. It says "during operating hours". I've stopped by there on occasion too.

On

 

 

Q: Is smoking permitted in the Casino?A: Yes. During operating hours, the Casino will allow smoking, with certain areas designated as non-smoking.

[Mrs Cigar King]

Sorry, I found this way back on page 4. :D

 

I thought about this later. One of the things I didn't like about the smoking sections on some ships was the band was right next to it, way to loud to enjoy the area and chat. I am hoping this is somthing they are taking into consideration with the reconfiguring.

[Gilpet]

Thanks very much for finding and posting this information. For the last three years there has been no smoking in the casino on Independence when she sails from Southampton - it'll be interesting to see if that changes!!!! Somehow I suspect it won't.

 

Gill

[FLACRUISER99]

Not a smoker...but I have to say that the "it will be rare all outdoor smoking areas are closed at the same time" is just funny. I think there has been a time when all outdoor decks were closed on 50-75% of the cruises I've been on.

 

Remind me to never go on a cruise with you. You must be some kind of Bad weather magnet. I have about 80 cruises and never have all the outdoor decks been closed that I can remember.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[LovesCruising]

Interesting about the casino... Is that the current policy I wonder? I've definitely had the occasional quick cig in there when it has been closed. No one ever bothered me or even looked at me funny.

 

I have as well, I never knew/thought it was off limits and no one every said anything to me either

[BND]

Remind me to never go on a cruise with you. You must be some kind of Bad weather magnet. I have about 80 cruises and never have all the outdoor decks been closed that I can remember.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

I'm all for the ban, but I had to answer this. You cruise out of FL correct? Those of us that cruise out of NJ and MD more than FL can tell you the outside decks are closed at least one day each direction depending on the weather. The wind in the Atlantic can be pretty strong. That said, the pool deck area is not usually closed, just the "outside" deck areas. So, it would be rare that those areas would be closed. The pool deck area is covered down each side and more protected from wind.

[wmp.dll]

Love the info on the smoking policy. Honestly the most disappointing part of your post is where they say QotS, won't have a cigar club. Even the Breakaway has a cigar club. For shame RCCL, for shame. I'm going to be writing Adam Goldstein a nice letter when I get home from work.

[SteveH2508]

A new build ship without a Cigar club room is just plain barmy - it takes up very little space - it is a revenue earner from the sale of cigars - it is a low cost amenity which could make or break someone's decision to sail on the ship or not (it is certainly an important factor to me being a cigar smoker).

 

NCL did the sensible thing and fitted their cigar bar on the Jade with doors so it went from a non-smoking cigar bar :eek: to 'what it says on the tin'. Happy cigar smokers and no non-smokers walking through flapping their hands like demented butterflies. Win-win situation.

 

I'm doing a 4-day taster cruise on RCL in a month - the change in smoking policy has reduced the chances of me sailing again with them considerably.

[Mrs Cigar King]

I think the smoking sections on the pool deck tend to be in the windiest area aft, and are usually less then half the deck. We like the Explorer out of NJ with the cigar lounge, no problems in the first day or last day's when you just can't use the pool deck for a quick smoke.

With the Quantum not having a cigar lounge, I think the casino will be well utilized during the off hours for those few bad days.

It's making me cold just thinking about that wind as you leave New Jersey!

[toto6]

Thanks so much for sharing your news. We will be testing it out in March, then go from there.

[tugboat]

time will tell

Edited September 14, 2013 by tugboat

[CaribeDiver]

I think the smoking sections on the pool deck tend to be in the windiest area aft, and are usually less then half the deck. We like the Explorer out of NJ with the cigar lounge, no problems in the first day or last day's when you just can't use the pool deck for a quick smoke.

With the Quantum not having a cigar lounge, I think the casino will be well utilized during the off hours for those few bad days.

It's making me cold just thinking about that wind as you leave New Jersey!

 

Looking at your signature, do you really want to be enjoying a $10-$20 cigar and a nice glass of ??? and have the place filled with people smoking their nasty cigarettes? I know my local cigar shop does not allow people to smoke cigs in their shop because it takes away from the aroma of a nice cigar. Was on Navigator not long ago enjoying a nice Dominican and a glass of Knob Creek when these 2 people came in and sat at the couch next to me and lit up some foul smelling cigs. I politely asked them to move to the other side of the room as it was just me in there when they arrived and they got all holier than thou and told me they had the right. I promptly told them that this was the connoisseur club not some cheap pool hall and that it was meant for cigar smokers. They quickly extinguished their cigs and left. I got a thumbs up from John crew member working the club.

[pattiea]

I sent an email to the corporate office and had a very nice phone call from Royal. She also sent me answers to my questions and gave me permission to post them. FWIW-I'm still disappointed but getting over it. The only change to the new policy I would still lobby for is to allow e-cigs on the balcony. Maybe down the road.

 

Q. Will there be expanded, reasonably located, smoking areas on the pool deck?

A. Each ship will have, or has, at least one smoking area on the starboard side of the Pool Deck that will enjoy enhancements based on the feedback of our smoking guests.

Q. Will they be covered in case it’s raining?

A. The majority of exterior smoking areas onboard are covered.

Q. Will there be more tables and comfortable chairs?

A. Yes, we are already working to re-configure the smoking areas based on guest feedback, including evaluating and replacing the furnishings.

Q. Will there be small tables located by the chairs so we have a place for coffee and drinks?

A. You will be pleased to know that small coffee tables are part of the enhancement plan.

Q. Will there be heavy ash trays on the tables instead of the heavy floor ones that are difficult to move?

A. Ashtrays are obviously an important component of any smoking area. We have already ordered taller, upright ashtrays that should be easier to maneuver, and will also be adding ashtrays for the new coffee tables.

Q. Coffee!!! Will it be located close to the smoking sections?

A. Coffee stations at smoking areas are not in our plans at this time.

Q. What will Royal do when the outside smoking areas are closed due to weather?

A. It is rare that all outdoor smoking areas would be closed at any time. If it does happen, it should be a temporary situation, and indoor smoking areas can be used during this time.

Q. Will the Connoisseur Club be expanded on the Voyager and Freedom class ships? Will additional seating be added?

A. There are no plans to expand the Connoisseur Clubs at this time.

Q. One of our cruises is on the Quantum, is there any indication about a Connoisseur Club on that class of ship?

A. Quantum of the Seas will not feature a Connoisseur Club, however, it will have exterior smoking areas with all the new furnishing and ashtrays.

 

 

I also did confirm that smoking will be allowed at the casino only during operating hours. No slipping down there at 6am for a smoke.

 

thank you for taking the time to get these answers...may not like them...but not much we can do about it...sigh :(

 

Later - Pattie

[medic123]

Still very disappointed about the e-cigs.

[justforkicks]

Thanks so much for sharing your news. We will be testing it out in March, then go from there.

Same here in January. Thanks OP for taking the time to share!

[Merion_Mom]

Still very disappointed about the e-cigs.

 

Still? This information was posted 54 days ago. It is not new information beyond what you and others have been discussing on the other thread for the past week.

 

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1936398

[gnocchi_mommy]

Not trying to be funny- can't you just step inside your cabin and "smoke" your ecig? I vape (volcano inferno) and its an easy matter to vape inside, that said- for all practical purposes... the amount of steam that is let out is so minimal it can't possibly reach another balcony, so why not just vape on yours anyway? If I can get away with doing it on a plane (I pull my blanket up to my face and exhale into it) you can for sure do it on an open air balcony.