Hope the NonSmokers are happy-Price Jumps on every cruise

[rbrugler]

Have you checked the price of food lately? And with the droughts it is going to go higher. Hmmmm. I guess NCL does not pay for food.

[wichitastatecruiser]

I just went "fishing" and every sailing on every ship has had a price jump in the last 2 days on (which is when we all found out about the new policy) on each & every category so to all the people that "can now book a balcony" welcome to the new pricing. Hope your all happy :)

 

Your statement is incorrect. There have been price drops also. I know on my sailing which is the October 25th Getaway that prices for solo cabins are down. One can actually book a balcony guarantee for less than a studio cabin!

[emcelh]

I am not saying they won't get more nonsmokers onboard, I am saying "Welcome to the higher prices that smokers have always had to pay since we always book balconies".

 

Smokers didn't pay a higher price for balconies than anyone else so I don't get your point. Can you explain?

[KeithJenner]

I've have 4 reservations for next year. Three of them are currently showing the exact same price that I booked them for. The other one doesn't show any availability in the category that I am booked in, but going from the similar categories then it looks like it is about the same price.

 

All booked in the UK.

[1 Buffett Fan]

So that makes your assumption fact? :rolleyes:

 

Look!! I can roll my eyes too!

 

Exactly.

 

A good Comptroller would have done more research and avoided jumping to an erroneous conclusion.

[UPNYGuy]

 

Read the new policy, as per Norwegian

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[melbur]

I couldn't open the attachment, but here it is

 

What about smoking on the ship?

As the health and well-being of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance, Norwegian Cruise Line will institute changes to its smoking policy for all sailings on or after November 1, 2014. The specific changes prohibit smoking on stateroom balconies and limit smoking in the casino to players. On Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway, smoking on The Waterfront will be permitted on the starboard side, except by the outdoor dining areas.

Public areas throughout all our ships are smoke-free. If you smoke regular or electronic cigarettes, you can do so in designated areas only. If you prefer pipes or cigars, you can smoke in the Cigar Bar or designated smoking lounge. Smoking cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars and pipes is permitted in outdoor public guest spaces and open decks where designated by the ship's management based on the ship's specific characteristics and arrangement. Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited in or near venues serving food, the jogging track, outdoor sporting venues, The Haven outdoor areas and children's pool areas. On ships with The Waterfront, smoking is permitted on the starboard side excluding any food service areas. Active Casino players may smoke cigarettes in the Casino during gaming hours. Cigarette smoking is not permitted in any other indoor venue or location.

Guests are not permitted to smoke cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars or pipes in their staterooms or on their balconies. Cigar and pipe smoking in staterooms and on balconies is prohibited. Smoking inside your stateroom or on your balcony will result in a $250 cleaning charge added to your onboard account. If cigarette burns on furniture, linens, towels or carpeting are detected; guests will be advised and charged for the damages.

Electronic cigarettes cannot be used in public areas where there is a No Smoking policy in force; simply because these cigarettes look so realistic and therefore other guests' perception is that we are not enforcing the No Smoking rule.

[magsis]

Am I happy? :D I am ecstatic! If it is the reason for the increase (which I doubt) I have absolutely no problem with that. It is totally worth it to me to pay more to have a balcony I know I will be able to use all the time. The only bummer to me is that it doesn't start early enough for my October cruise.

[hog88]

We finally talked some of our friends into going on a cruise, first cruises for all of them (6th for us) and at least 1 in each couple is a smoker. We have 6 balconies side by side on the Getaway next May and I'm afraid all of them will at best want to switch to an interior but most likely cancel all together. Had 2 more couples really considering joining us (group rate) and I know they will pass now.

[sdmike]

Serious, non-judgmental question...

 

There are a lot of people threatening to cancel their cruises due to the policy change (like they did with Carnival). In its simplest form, what's happened here is that NCL has made smoking less convenient (no longer on balcony, but designated areas outside), but not banned it. Is this inconvenience so great that a cruise is no longer an enjoyable option? The value is still there - shows, food, destinations, etc., so it must mean that the inconvenience is so painful that the value isn't there anymore. Is this the case, or are we mostly seeing knee-jerk reactions from people angry at the change?

[Poohsmommi]

I'm not a comptroller, but I sell things for a living, and understanding the value proposition to cost ratio is part of my day-to-day life.

 

 

If what you say is fact, then it's intriguing that the prices went UP (balconies now expected to be more in demand), rather than down (no smokers going to book balconies / they'll all cancel).

 

It suggests that the property (balconies) now have added value, since they will be smoke-free. Of course both smokers and non-smokers alike are still welcome to book them, so it's not a repercussion aimed solely at non-smokers.

 

 

 

Stephen

 

 

.

 

I agree. While we always sail in at least a balcony, I am more than willing to pay more, now that I know we can enjoy it!

[Shawnino]

Stock price is up, in line with the market, on the news.

 

While I'm not trying to make a ridiculous generalization, smoking rates do tend toward less affluent demographic groups. People with less money have less money to spend on cruising. If this decision attracts more affluent customers, NCL will do just fine finically as it upsets the cruises.

[Irene7]

Serious, non-judgmental question...

 

There are a lot of people threatening to cancel their cruises due to the policy change (like they did with Carnival). In its simplest form, what's happened here is that NCL has made smoking less convenient (no longer on balcony, but designated areas outside), but not banned it. Is this inconvenience so great that a cruise is no longer an enjoyable option? The value is still there - shows, food, destinations, etc., so it must mean that the inconvenience is so painful that the value isn't there anymore. Is this the case, or are we mostly seeing knee-jerk reactions from people angry at the change?

 

Speaking as a smoker, I have to agree with you. Besides, where are these people going to go?? NCL is the last mass market cruise line to ban the smoking on balconies. I can see, however, changing cabins to a non-balcony if it was only booked to smoke.

[LrgPizza]

Serious, non-judgmental question...

 

There are a lot of people threatening to cancel their cruises due to the policy change (like they did with Carnival). In its simplest form, what's happened here is that NCL has made smoking less convenient (no longer on balcony, but designated areas outside), but not banned it. Is this inconvenience so great that a cruise is no longer an enjoyable option? The value is still there - shows, food, destinations, etc., so it must mean that the inconvenience is so painful that the value isn't there anymore. Is this the case, or are we mostly seeing knee-jerk reactions from people angry at the change?

This. I've been trying to say that for 2 days, but I am not as tactful. This is what I cannot understand, and I'd like to.

 

Again, I am asking as someone who smoked 25 years and on all but 1 of my previous cruises.

Edited July 16, 2014 by LrgPizza

[Linerguy]

Smokers didn't pay a higher price for balconies than anyone else so I don't get your point. Can you explain?

 

There is no point, the OP is simply whining. The notion that smokers have always had to pay more because they had to book a balcony so they could smoke is ridiculous. As if someone twisted their arm. I have no doubt that there are plenty of smokers who book inside or outside rooms – they simply go to the areas on the ship where they are allowed to smoke.

 

Many smokers act as though the only benefit of having a balcony is that they were able to smoke. What about the wonderful view, fresh air, the breeze, or having breakfast outside? Or how about standing on your balcony as the ship enters or leaves a port? Or leaving your balcony door ajar at night so you can be lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean? I think it's pretty sad that some people are willing to give all that up simply because they can't smoke.

[LrgPizza]

There is no point, the OP is simply whining. The notion that smokers have always had to pay more because they had to book a balcony so they could smoke is ridiculous. As if someone twisted their arm. I have no doubt that there are plenty of smokers who book inside or outside rooms – they simply go to the areas on the ship where they are allowed to smoke.

 

Many smokers act as though the only benefit of having a balcony is that they were able to smoke. What about the wonderful view, fresh air, the breeze, or having breakfast outside? Or how about standing on your balcony as the ship enters or leaves a port? Or leaving your balcony door ajar at night so you can be lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean? I think it's pretty sad that some people are willing to give all that up simply because they can't smoke.

Example of your point: I smoked on 5 of my 6 previous cruises, and was only in a balcony for 2 of those.

[Into Cruising]

You simply can not smoke in your room or on the balcony...

I am a non smoker but this is about the same to me as saying you can not smoke in the lavatory of a plane....rules are rules....Smokers do not have a god given right to smoke when and where they wish. However they are free to wish they could!

[hog88]

Serious, non-judgmental question...

 

There are a lot of people threatening to cancel their cruises due to the policy change (like they did with Carnival). In its simplest form, what's happened here is that NCL has made smoking less convenient (no longer on balcony, but designated areas outside), but not banned it. Is this inconvenience so great that a cruise is no longer an enjoyable option? The value is still there - shows, food, destinations, etc., so it must mean that the inconvenience is so painful that the value isn't there anymore. Is this the case, or are we mostly seeing knee-jerk reactions from people angry at the change?

 

I'm angry, well not angry just a bit perturbed by the ban on smoking on your balcony. One thing I take great pleasure in is rising early getting a cup of coffee and having a morning smoke watching the sunrise on my balcony. I will really miss that option. We will not be canceling our cruise on the Getaway but I do foresee a few if not all of our friends doing so. This will be a first cruise for all of them.

 

I can understand and support eliminating smoking within the interior of the ship even the casino, I hate smoke filled rooms as much as non-smokers. I even support designated outside smoking areas but I find it hard to believe that it truly bothers anyone on a balcony with a ship in motion.

[jkgourmet]

Serious, non-judgmental question...

 

There are a lot of people threatening to cancel their cruises due to the policy change (like they did with Carnival). In its simplest form, what's happened here is that NCL has made smoking less convenient (no longer on balcony, but designated areas outside), but not banned it. Is this inconvenience so great that a cruise is no longer an enjoyable option? The value is still there - shows, food, destinations, etc., so it must mean that the inconvenience is so painful that the value isn't there anymore. Is this the case, or are we mostly seeing knee-jerk reactions from people angry at the change?

 

I haven't been a smoker for 15+ years, but the short answer is yes, for some smokers this is a deal breaker.

 

Specifically, one who wakes up at night and has to have a smoke. They can't just step out on their balcony anymore (assuming they follow the rules). They have to dress, go ou4 the door, probably hit an elevator or climb stairs, and possibly walk a good distance to a designated smoking area.

 

And for many smokers, the best cigarette of the day is the first one with morning coffee. Again, they have to dress, leave the cabin, etc.

 

I sympathize with their disappointment and understand their frustration. But it IS THEIR CHOICE to be a smoker. When I am affected by your smoking, that is NOT MY CHOICE.

 

I applaud NCL on this decision, and hope HAL follows suit in short order.

[yj2cute]

 

I applaud NCL on this decision, and hope HAL follows suit in short order.

 

Hopefully just another 8 days. :) It wouldn't affect me personally as I don't cruise HAL, but it will benefit all the passengers that do.

Edited July 16, 2014 by yj2cute

[cheewiee]

I just went "fishing" and every sailing on every ship has had a price jump in the last 2 days on (which is when we all found out about the new policy) on each & every category so to all the people that "can now book a balcony" welcome to the new pricing. Hope your all happy :)

 

You say this like it's a bad thing. What I would have done is NOT stared them down and instead chose to enjoy my vacation.

 

If Pricing increased, this means demands for balconies has increased, which further justifies the policy change on NCL's part.

[chrisc71]

It is official. See FAQs on ncl.com

 

http://www.ncl.com/faq#smoking

[Cruise_More_Often]

I'm angry, well not angry just a bit perturbed by the ban on smoking on your balcony. One thing I take great pleasure in is rising early getting a cup of coffee and having a morning smoke watching the sunrise on my balcony. I will really miss that option. We will not be canceling our cruise on the Getaway but I do foresee a few if not all of our friends doing so. This will be a first cruise for all of them.

 

I can understand and support eliminating smoking within the interior of the ship even the casino, I hate smoke filled rooms as much as non-smokers. I even support designated outside smoking areas but I find it hard to believe that it truly bothers anyone on a balcony with a ship in motion.

Hmm, if a ship is moving forward, is smoke going to blow out? Nope, it's going to blow backward. Who is going to notice that? The folks in the cabin directly behind you, who are also trying to enjoy the sunrise with their cup of coffee, without the smell of your smoke.

[halos]

I'm angry, well not angry just a bit perturbed by the ban on smoking on your balcony. One thing I take great pleasure in is rising early getting a cup of coffee and having a morning smoke watching the sunrise on my balcony. I will really miss that option. We will not be canceling our cruise on the Getaway but I do foresee a few if not all of our friends doing so. This will be a first cruise for all of them.

 

I can understand and support eliminating smoking within the interior of the ship even the casino, I hate smoke filled rooms as much as non-smokers. I even support designated outside smoking areas but I find it hard to believe that it truly bothers anyone on a balcony with a ship in motion.

 

I for one appreciate your clear headed posts, so thank you :)

 

 

I would like to help you understand as a non-smoker, about the smoke on the balcony being irritating.

I know it sounds insane. I get that, truly...but when you are a non smoker, your sense of smell is pretty sharp and I have literally experienced being in a closed up car, driving on a road and being at a stop light and smelling cigarette...only to look out my (closed) window and see someone in the car next to me with a cigarette hanging out of their mouth.

You can believe this or not. I have no reason to lie to you...but when I am out on my balcony, I can smell it if someone is smoking and yes, it irritates me because it smells bad.

I'm not trying to be snarky...I don't want to sound mean. That is just the absolute truth of it. It usually sent me off my balcony....fortunately this wasn't something that happened too often.

 

It doesn't even have to be a lit cigarette. If a person smokes more than a little, it lingers enough on them that they carry it even when they aren't smoking.

When they started banning cigarettes indoors at most places and people who were employed at those places started taking their cigarette breaks outside, it could be hours after that break, but if others walked through that area, to get into that store (restaurant/bar, whatever), the smell would hit like a ton of bricks....which is likely why some establishments don't even allow smoking directly outside their buildings anymore. The odor does not dissipate easily. It lingers....

 

I know a lot of smokers like to think this is all exaggeration...and they can continue to tell themselves it is if it makes them feel better. But none of that is why the cruise lines all did this anyway. Deep down, you all know this was money driven. NCL and all the other lines do not care about anyone's health. They don't care about the complaints they may have gotten over smokers (because I doubt there were enough to make an impact) and they only care about safety in THIS case because it was going to cost them money.

The smokers were going to cost the cruise line money so they were forced to set this new regulation.

The way I see it is they still allow smoking. They found a balance that worked for them, to keep them from the added cost that the new regulation requires, without banning smoking altogether.

Edited July 16, 2014 by halos

[sailingnut]

I applaud NCL also!