RCCL change in smoking policy

[Travel beagle]

Was soooo excited to get our cruise ticket booklet and luggage tags today for Alaska cruise sailing June 13, 2014. That was until I read that RCCL has changed their smoking policy. Ugh! Frustrating since I specifically checked their policy prior to booking our 3 balcony cabins. Now I don't smoke but my DH does so I made sure he could smoke on balcony prior to booking. That is main reason I did not book the celebrity because they didn't allow smoking on balcony. We are not club,casino or bar people, we were looking forward to enjoying private time on our balcony (in my Jammie's) admiring the Alaska scenery with a cocktail and a smoke for the hubby. We should have been notified much earlier by travel agent and RCCl of this major change so that we could have made other arrangements. All both could say is oh well policies change.. Really!! Now I get it for all the non smokers but there has to be a happy medium. The cruise lines should really look into having non smoking and smoking balcony areas. The smoker's cruise enjoyment is no less important than a non smoker's cruise enjoyment. Funny how they are still allowing smoking in casinos.. Feeling very frustrated at this point!

[bouhunter]

Breaking news.

[33tekfan]

Was soooo excited to get our cruise ticket booklet and luggage tags today for Alaska cruise sailing June 13, 2014. That was until I read that RCCL has changed their smoking policy. Ugh! Frustrating since I specifically checked their policy prior to booking our 3 balcony cabins. Now I don't smoke but my DH does so I made sure he could smoke on balcony prior to booking. That is main reason I did not book the celebrity because they didn't allow smoking on balcony. We are not club,casino or bar people, we were looking forward to enjoying private time on our balcony (in my Jammie's) admiring the Alaska scenery with a cocktail and a smoke for the hubby. We should have been notified much earlier by travel agent and RCCl of this major change so that we could have made other arrangements. All both could say is oh well policies change.. Really!! Now I get it for all the non smokers but there has to be a happy medium. The cruise lines should really look into having non smoking and smoking balcony areas. The smoker's cruise enjoyment is no less important than a non smoker's cruise enjoyment. Funny how they are still allowing smoking in casinos.. Feeling very frustrated at this point!

 

If you worked with a travel agent, and she/he knew of your preferences, then they should have let you know. This isn't new though (unless I missed something recently)...the rules were changed in September 2013, and they took effect on January 1,2014.

[negc]

Was soooo excited to get our cruise ticket booklet and luggage tags today for Alaska cruise sailing June 13, 2014. That was until I read that RCCL has changed their smoking policy. Ugh! Frustrating since I specifically checked their policy prior to booking our 3 balcony cabins. Now I don't smoke but my DH does so I made sure he could smoke on balcony prior to booking. That is main reason I did not book the celebrity because they didn't allow smoking on balcony. We are not club,casino or bar people, we were looking forward to enjoying private time on our balcony (in my Jammie's) admiring the Alaska scenery with a cocktail and a smoke for the hubby. We should have been notified much earlier by travel agent and RCCl of this major change so that we could have made other arrangements. All both could say is oh well policies change.. Really!! Now I get it for all the non smokers but there has to be a happy medium. The cruise lines should really look into having non smoking and smoking balcony areas. The smoker's cruise enjoyment is no less important than a non smoker's cruise enjoyment. Funny how they are still allowing smoking in casinos.. Feeling very frustrated at this point!

 

How much advance notice do you believe you should have been given? The proposed change was annnounced last year and will have been in effect for more than half a year by the time you are due to cruise. Certainly that should have been enough time for you to cancel your cruise and made other arrangements without incurring any financial penalties. Trying to establish separate balcony categories for smokers and non-smokers isn't feasible unless they can accurately predict how many of each type would be required on each and every cruise, and if the balcony room used by a smoker on the last cruise was needed to accommodate a non-smoker on the next, the smell of smoke will likely still be quite evident and unpleasant for the next occupants of the room.

Like it or not, the trend towards establishing non-smoking hotels, bars and restaurants and, at least in certain areas of cruise ships, seems to be inevitable. The declining number of smokers in the US and elsewhere make suggestions such as yours quite unlikely to be feasible.

[RLM77]

It was announced in September of 2013:

 

Royal Caribbean’s New Smoking Policy

Guest Post By: Lisa Lutoff-Perlo Executive Vice President of Operations & Guest Port Experience

 

Hello everyone. I’m excited to share a new policy that we are implementing across the Royal Caribbean International fleet. As a result of our continual and increasing guest feedback, market research and global trends we are updating our onboard smoking policy.

 

Under the new policy, smoking will not be permitted in staterooms and on stateroom balconies fleet wide on all ships. Additionally, all indoor public spaces will be smoke free, with the exception of the Casino, the Connoisseur Club on Freedom and Voyager Class ships, and one designated smoking venue on ships sailing from Chinese homeports. In the Casino, there will be designated smoking and non-smoking areas. Additionally, Outdoor smoking areas will be designated on the starboard side of all ships; with the exception of Oasis-class ships that will allow smoking on the port side of the ships.

 

We realize smokers may be concerned that they will not be permitted to smoke on balconies. I want smokers to know that we are increasing the number of areas on the exterior of the ships to allow guests to smoke because we want you to feel comfortable and welcome. Our goal is to still enable you to smoke outdoors while trying to preserve a smoke free environment for our nonsmoking guests who book balcony staterooms and have continually told us that they don’t get to enjoy them if smokers are in close proximity and smoking on their balconies.

 

The indoor smoking areas allow tobacco cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. Cigars and pipe tobacco can be enjoyed in designated outdoor areas, or in the cigar club on the ships that offer this venue. The new policy will take effect on all cruises departing on or after January 1, 2014.

 

We value all of our guests and we have a long history of responding to guest feedback. We heard them loud and clear on this issue, and this is what led us to the new policy which balances the needs of both smokers and nonsmokers

I hope you agree that the new smoking policy addresses the needs and feedback of an increased number of nonsmokers sailing with us, while still valuing the needs of those cruisers looking for a comfortable and accessible smoking area.

Under the new policy, smoking will not be permitted in staterooms and on stateroom balconies fleet wide on all ships. Additionally, all indoor public spaces will be smoke free, with the exception of the Casino, the Connoisseur Club on Freedom and Voyager Class ships, and one designated smoking venue on ships sailing from Chinese homeports. In the Casino, there will be designated smoking and non-smoking areas. Additionally, Outdoor smoking areas will be designated on the starboard side of all ships; with the exception of Oasis-class ships that will allow smoking on the port side of the ships.

[AidlEskimo]

he could always get a e-cig, I hear they have same taste and no odor smoke, just water vapor.

 

that way he can get a little nico till he ventures to outside deck area to enjoy a real cig

[sleepless]

he could always get a e-cig, I hear they have same taste and no odor smoke, just water vapor.

 

that way he can get a little nico till he ventures to outside deck area to enjoy a real cig

 

I believe the e-cig's have the same restrictions as a regular cigarette.

[AidlEskimo]

Oh, I dont use them personally (e-cigs), but some friends of mine do

 

I know there is no smoke, no odor at all when they use.

 

what real harm could come from using a e-cig?

 

I'm a smoker, but I always just venture out to deck and enjoy a smoke and coffee, no biggie for me :cool:

[negc]

Oh, I dont use them personally (e-cigs), but some friends of mine do

 

I know there is no smoke, no odor at all when they use.

 

what real harm could come from using a e-cig?

 

I'm a smoker, but I always just venture out to deck and enjoy a smoke and coffee, no biggie for me :cool:

 

Apparently the scientific community has not yet concluded that they do no real harm. I believe that at a minimum they contain nicotine among other additives, so I don't think that anyone can conclusively claim that they are harmless.

[kingsgirl]

I believe the e-cig's have the same restrictions as a regular cigarette.

 

If they don't have a smell, they could get away with it on their balcony.

 

I AM NOT SAYING THEY SHOULD, just saying they could.

 

I know nothing about e-cigs, btw.

 

Either that or maybe get some nicotine patches for cravings when you don't want to leave the balcony?

Edited May 22, 2014 by kingsgirl

[Ashland]

Agree with many above and also feel it's your TA you should be complaining to if they in fact knew of your personal cruise requirements..Sorry but RCI publishes their policy and any TA should know that each cruiseline has them and make you fully aware of any that may pertain to their clients.. Hopefully you and your DH will enjoy your cruise and make the best of it.

[Langley Cruisers]

Apparently the scientific community has not yet concluded that they do no real harm. I believe that at a minimum they contain nicotine among other additives, so I don't think that anyone can conclusively claim that they are harmless.

 

Exactly.

 

Additionally, AidlEskimo, there is an odor/scent - how strong it is may vary, but they are not completely odorless. Anyway, as stated, e-cigs are treated the same as real cigarettes onboard - same rules and restrictions apply.

 

OP Travel beagle, sorry you are frustrated. This topic has been discussed at length here on the boards, and is a very hotly contested subject indeed. Some are frustrated like yourself, others are thrilled with the policy change. Simply said, you cannot please everyone - you just can't. RCI is trying, but whether you think they succeed or fail might depend on if you are a smoker or not. :)

 

...Funny how they are still allowing smoking in casinos..

 

I actually have a feeling that this is where you might find your hubby spending his time smoking indoors, especially in Alaska.

 

I hope you can move past this and enjoy your cruise. Alaska is beautiful.

 

.

Edited May 22, 2014 by Langley Cruisers

[Tommyg74]

Oh, I dont use them personally (e-cigs), but some friends of mine do

 

I know there is no smoke, no odor at all when they use.

 

what real harm could come from using a e-cig?

 

I'm a smoker, but I always just venture out to deck and enjoy a smoke and coffee, no biggie for me :cool:

The posters are correct that they are not allowed. But you know that only when one of the smoking police see the e-cig they will complain about the smell, even though someone on the next balcony could have been using everyday on a 20 night cruise and no one would notice until they see it. And being they are such little apple polishers you can bet they will run to guest services and complain that someone is breaking rules.

[cruisnseas]

Oh, I dont use them personally (e-cigs), but some friends of mine do

 

I know there is no smoke, no odor at all when they use.

 

what real harm could come from using a e-cig?

 

I'm a smoker, but I always just venture out to deck and enjoy a smoke and coffee, no biggie for me :cool:

 

I just want to dispel one inaccurate bit of info here: ecigs DO have an odor. It can vary but it is there nonetheless.

[Travel beagle]

If you worked with a travel agent, and she/he knew of your preferences, then they should have let you know. This isn't new though (unless I missed something recently)...the rules were changed in September 2013, and they took effect on January 1,2014.

 

I booked 5/23/2013 ..so yes this policy was new to me ... No notice or warning .. Never even thought to recheck policy as I checked policy with both RCCL and travel agent prior to booking

[Travel beagle]

Breaking news.

 

It was to me since I booked may 2013 and verified policy with RCCL and travel agent prior to booking

[dimiegirl]

How much advance notice do you believe you should have been given? The proposed change was annnounced last year and will have been in effect for more than half a year by the time you are due to cruise. Certainly that should have been enough time for you to cancel your cruise and made other arrangements without incurring any financial penalties. Trying to establish separate balcony categories for smokers and non-smokers isn't feasible unless they can accurately predict how many of each type would be required on each and every cruise, and if the balcony room used by a smoker on the last cruise was needed to accommodate a non-smoker on the next, the smell of smoke will likely still be quite evident and unpleasant for the next occupants of the room.

Like it or not, the trend towards establishing non-smoking hotels, bars and restaurants and, at least in certain areas of cruise ships, seems to be inevitable. The declining number of smokers in the US and elsewhere make suggestions such as yours quite unlikely to be feasible.

 

I agree, I am of the mindset that people have the right to do whatever they want with regards to their own health AS LONG as it does not affect the health of others.. For example, even though I am not a soda drinker, I was against the proposal to ban larger serving sizes of soda in new york...A person has the responsibility to care for his/her own health..but someone drinking soda does not affect my rights or health.. It has been proven that second hand smoke is almost if not just as dangerous as smoking..I have the right to sit on my balcony, which i paid a premium for, to enjoy FRESH air without breathing in smoke and subjecting myself to toxic fumes... I have no problem with there being certain limited closed off sections for smokers, however, I applaud the trend in the industry that has realized that people have a right to sit on their balcony without breathing in cancer causing fumes...

[coops]

I just want to dispel one inaccurate bit of info here: ecigs DO have an odor. It can vary but it is there nonetheless.

 

The ecigs I use don't have odor. So maybe some do but the ones I have tried don't. My adult kids hate smoke but the ecigs they said no problem.

I have used them in my cabins on Carnival and Princess with no problems.

[Travel beagle]

Thanks so much for suggestions of ecigs and vapors but already thought of that and asked RCCL directly but that is a big fat no also ... Frankly if it was just the $250 cleaning fee involved I would pay it but they also state you may be removed from ship. Thank you also to those who pointed out policy changed sept 2013, I should have clarified in my original post that I booked and paid for my trip may 23 2013 and was not notified of change in policy until I received my cruise ticket booklet and luggage tags today! Yes a Sept 2013 policy change notification would have been amble time for me to change our plans , if I would have been notified in sept 2013 or even 90 days out. But what I received was my documents today may 21, 2014 just 22days before my sailing. Which I read front to back being our first cruise and found the change. With no recourse .. That is my frustration

[Guest maddycat]

It was to me since I booked may 2013 and verified policy with RCCL and travel agent prior to booking

 

Yet according to your CC profile, you have been a CC member since 8/7/13. Haven't you been reading the CC RCI boards? As others have said, RCI's new smoking policy has been discussed here for months.

[leaveitallbehind]

I booked 5/23/2013 ..so yes this policy was new to me ... No notice or warning .. Never even thought to recheck policy as I checked policy with both RCCL and travel agent prior to booking

 

When you book with a travel agency RCI has no direct input with the reservation as the TA essentially "owns" the booking. The information regarding the announcement in 9/13 that smoking would not longer be permitted on balconies effective 1/14 would have been conveyed to the TA. It would have been your TA's responsibility to communicate that to you.

 

Your issue should be with the TA if this information never reached you in the year plus since you first booked your cruise with any follow up communications you had with them since. Especially if this was an intended consideration with your booking as you indicate.

 

Outdoor smoking is permitted on one side of the pool deck and indoors in designated areas of the casino.

Edited May 22, 2014 by leaveitallbehind

[Travel beagle]

I agree, I am of the mindset that people have the right to do whatever they want with regards to their own health AS LONG as it does not affect the health of others.. For example, even though I am not a soda drinker, I was against the proposal to ban larger serving sizes of soda in new york...A person has the responsibility to care for his/her own health..but someone drinking soda does not affect my rights or health.. It has been proven that second hand smoke is almost if not just as dangerous as smoking..I have the right to sit on my balcony, which i paid a premium for, to enjoy FRESH air without breathing in smoke and subjecting myself to toxic fumes... I have no problem with there being certain limited closed off sections for smokers, however, I applaud the trend in the industry that has realized that people have a right to sit on their balcony without breathing in cancer causing fumes...

I agree also as I am a non smoker .. However they should be able to set aside a few balconies just on say 1 deck to the back of ship that smokers could book without infringing on non smokers... Trust me I wish my DH would quit but after being with him 25 years that is not likely to change ... My aggravation is lack of notice and disappointment of not getting full use of balcony with DH .. This is our anniversary trip

[setsail]

! Yes a Sept 2013 policy change notification would have been amble time for me to change our plans , if I would have been notified in sept 2013 or even 90 days out. But what I received was my documents today may 21, 2014 just 22days before my sailing. Which I read front to back being our first cruise and found the change. With no recourse .. That is my frustration

 

So what would you have done if your TA had called you 9/2013? Cancel?

 

What do you want CC to do?

 

I see from your post you booked on deck 8, you are very close to the pool deck and the smoking section

Edited May 22, 2014 by setsail

[Ourusualbeach]

Yet according to your CC profile, you have been a CC member since 8/7/13. Haven't you been reading the CC RCI boards? As others have said, RCI's new smoking policy has been discussed here for months.

 

They may have joined in August 2013 but they didn't actually post anything until the end of April 2014. They could easily missed that entire topic of discussion.

 

OP I can understand your frustration and would give the e cig a try as from what I have heard no one will even notice as long as you don't flaunt it.

[Sergio11]

I have enjoyed sitting in the balcony my last two cruises and not having to smell someone's cigarette smoke next to me. I love the new smoking policy. It makes me want to cruise more. Nothing like the fresh ocean air!