Norwegian Cruise Line Bans Smoking on Balconies

[NLH Arizona]

[quote name='cruznbelle']Well... we were there in May - we did Venice,Napflion,Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, Athens, Naples, Sorrento, Rome, Kusadasi - no clue the regs... only know where ever we went - it was NOT a problem - no one said anything and were happy to accomodate... yep - other than Turkey and Rome - we ate outside because the weather was awesome - both inside places insisted hubby smoke at the table which actually felt strange... and he wouldn't do it other than Turkey - just because it obviously distressed the owner that he might not be comfortable. No body seemed to give a flip - I think folks where simply happy to see us spending money - and we enjoyed doing so... we almost always asked for the owner/chef to do whatever he/she felt we'd enjoy... we loved to ask about their town, what they would recommend we eat to experience the venue and we sat, ate copious amounts of simply incredible fresh food... I think I may have won over my picky husband who as always said why go to Europe for twice the cost for half the amenities... and no it wasn't just the smoking aspect - it was a totally wonderful relaxing time - after a while - you get over the sticker shock and live to enjoy.[/quote]
Like I said, we must have gone to different restaurants, because no one was smoking in the restaurants I went to. I guess some restaurants follow the law and others don't. Glad you had a fantastic time, I know I'll be going back, just haven't planned anything yet.

[NLH Arizona]

[quote name='Charles4515']Making a medicinal claim wouldn't be too smart would it? Medicines can be banned or highly restricted.[/quote]Not to mention in the US, it takes a very, very long time for them to be approved. If some think there is a lot of research now, just wait.

[cruznbelle]

[quote name='Charles4515']You were violating their law. When I travel I abide by the local laws.[/QUOTE]

For heavens sakes - who am I to tell someone who owns his own establishment in a foreign country what the local laws are - we sat down... put the pack on the table - if an ashtray was brought - great - otherwise we assumed it was smoking outside the restaurant... that's simply all I know - the facts as I experienced them in May 2014... we are very respective, on vacation to relax and am not about to cause issue in a foreign country - that makes no sense - agreed?

[nomad098]

[quote name='Charles4515']Making a medicinal claim wouldn't be too smart would it? Medicines can be banned or highly restricted.[/QUOTE]

Yet there is a company producing an e-cig in the UK that meets the regulatory requirements

The claims are not that it is safe but on the grounds of "harm reduction"

After all there are lots of drugs on the market with serious side effects it does not stop them being sold or prescribed

Funnily enough this company also a major tobacco manufacturer

[cruznbelle]

[quote name='NLH Arizona']Like I said, we must have gone to different restaurants, because no one was smoking in the restaurants I went to. I guess some restaurants follow the law and others don't. Glad you had a fantastic time, I know I'll be going back, just haven't planned anything yet.[/quote]

I doubt anyone would be bothered to notice one way or the other... we ate at some fabulous places... I'd list them.. but would be afraid I wouldn't get which ones hubby smoked at or not... I do know some for sure... Venice, Rhodes, Rome, Santorini, Mykonos - random shots that do not include us :cool:

[mein18]

[quote name='Charles4515']Read this article. The poisonings are alarming.

[url]http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/24/business/selling-a-poison-by-the-barrel-liquid-nicotine-for-e-cigarettes.html[/url][/QUOTE]

Anything in excess can be harmful. Many everyday items that all of us on CC use would be harmful if ingested. I personally do not use refillable as I am happy with the convenience of cartridges.
If I did use refillable I do not think I would throw the liquid onto the next balcony. It may dilute the bleach and other toxic cleaners the ship staff used to clean your balcony.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Forums mobile app Edited August 3, 2014 by mein18

[mistycruiser]

Since this is about NCL, does anyone know where the outdoor smoking areas are on the Epic? I already know the casino and it appears that they have a cigar lounge, so I'm just curious about the outdoor areas so I can plan on where to pick my cabin.

[cruznbelle]

hmm seems like some threads are gone that was in response to my post... oh well in attempt to clarify - my only point was on a balcony there should be at least 6-8 ft between us and the neighbors... at any one of the restaurants we sat outside at there was only 3 ft or less between tables... noone seems to care, or act like we were poisoning them or anything in between when DH smoked. His sister and brother-in-law sat there as ex-smokers and could care less - me - I hate smoke but hey - I married into it so what can ya do?

I just wonder how many folks based on strongly voiced opinions of balcony smoke would actually BYPASS these wonderful restaurants that pretty much only had outdoor seating with minimal indoor seating that was rather stifling air wise just because folks were sitting there with cigs? I bet they wouldn't... we never saw or heard of anyone bringing up smoking when being seated... maybe we just hit all the spots at all the right times... but my point was there is a WHOLE lot more space between our balcony and the next vs outdoor seating at these EU restaurants...

At the end of the day - doesn't matter. DH won't smoke real cigs on the balcony anymore - if we find that smoking the e-cig on the balcony causes issues - well... then we will be that group that moves on to other venues - but seriously at the end of the day I still can't imagine anyone would care if they can't smell it or be bothered by vapor. It's all about marketing for the corporation knowing that they already have the demographics in hand that says how many folks will be happy, will leave and will ignore and exactly what the response will be in each of the cases.

[NLH Arizona]

[quote name='cruznbelle']hmm seems like some threads are gone that was in response to my post... oh well in attempt to clarify - my only point was on a balcony there should be at least 6-8 ft between us and the neighbors... at any one of the restaurants we sat outside at there was only 3 ft or less between tables... noone seems to care, or act like we were poisoning them or anything in between when DH smoked. His sister and brother-in-law sat there as ex-smokers and could care less - me - I hate smoke but hey - I married into it so what can ya do?

I just wonder how many folks based on strongly voiced opinions of balcony smoke would actually BYPASS these wonderful restaurants that pretty much only had outdoor seating with minimal indoor seating that was rather stifling air wise just because folks were sitting there with cigs? I bet they wouldn't... we never saw or heard of anyone bringing up smoking when being seated... maybe we just hit all the spots at all the right times... but my point was there is a WHOLE lot more space between our balcony and the next vs outdoor seating at these EU restaurants...

At the end of the day - doesn't matter. DH won't smoke real cigs on the balcony anymore - if we find that smoking the e-cig on the balcony causes issues - well... then we will be that group that moves on to other venues - but seriously at the end of the day I still can't imagine anyone would care if they can't smell it or be bothered by vapor. It's all about marketing for the corporation knowing that they already have the demographics in hand that says how many folks will be happy, will leave and will ignore and exactly what the response will be in each of the cases.[/quote]Thanks for clarifying that you were sitting outside where smoking is allowed, the difference was that we always sat inside the restaurants.

And yes, our group would have passed by a restaurant if we could only sit outside with smokers; sitting next to smokers wouldn't make for a very enjoyable dinner. Edited August 4, 2014 by NLH Arizona

[kjbacon]

[quote name='cruznbelle']hmm seems like some threads are gone that was in response to my post... oh well in attempt to clarify - my only point was on a balcony there should be at least 6-8 ft between us and the neighbors... at any one of the restaurants we sat outside at there was only 3 ft or less between tables... noone seems to care, or act like we were poisoning them or anything in between when DH smoked. His sister and brother-in-law sat there as ex-smokers and could care less - me - I hate smoke but hey - I married into it so what can ya do?

I just wonder how many folks based on strongly voiced opinions of balcony smoke would actually BYPASS these wonderful restaurants that pretty much only had outdoor seating with minimal indoor seating that was rather stifling air wise just because folks were sitting there with cigs? I bet they wouldn't... we never saw or heard of anyone bringing up smoking when being seated... maybe we just hit all the spots at all the right times... but my point was there is a WHOLE lot more space between our balcony and the next vs outdoor seating at these EU restaurants...

At the end of the day - doesn't matter. DH won't smoke real cigs on the balcony anymore - if we find that smoking the e-cig on the balcony causes issues - well... then we will be that group that moves on to other venues - but seriously at the end of the day I still can't imagine anyone would care if they can't smell it or be bothered by vapor. It's all about marketing for the corporation knowing that they already have the demographics in hand that says how many folks will be happy, will leave and will ignore and exactly what the response will be in each of the cases.[/QUOTE]

I absolutely would not go to restaurants that allowed smoking. No chance.

Smokers and those with smokers constantly, like you, do not know how bad the smell is. I know this because I smoked for decades before quitting almost 2 years ago. You do not realize that your hair, fingernails, and clothing also reek like an ashtray and that, even in nonsmoking venues, non smokers can smell you when you walk by.

If you had garbage rubbed in your hair and clothes all the time, you would not notice the strength of the smell of garbage in a new room that you walk into. That's just common sense. You are so used to the smell of garbage, you don't think the smell is that noticeable. But it is that noticeable.

We really enjoy NCL and I hope they tighten the smoking rules in the casino. We spent a fraction of the time losing money in there on our least cruise because it was so smokey!

[Out to sea!]

[quote name='mistycruiser']Since this is about NCL, does anyone know where the outdoor smoking areas are on the Epic? I already know the casino and it appears that they have a cigar lounge, so I'm just curious about the outdoor areas so I can plan on where to pick my cabin.[/QUOTE]

Port side, pool deck, covered area with tables and chairs and ashtrays just south of the port pool bar. Sometimes in the early morning (I'm an early riser) they would be cleaning the deck in that area and they would ask me to go over to the starboard side to smoke and read.

[halos]

[quote name='NLH Arizona']Thanks for clarifying that you were sitting outside where smoking is allowed, the difference was that we always sat inside the restaurants.

And yes, our group would have passed by a restaurant if we could only sit outside with smokers; sitting next to smokers wouldn't make for a very enjoyable dinner.[/QUOTE]

We also, would bypass dining outdoors if it meant dealing with cigarettes. I never complained when coming across cigarette smoke on any place on a ship but I sure as heck did my best to avoid it. I most certainly would avoid it while eating. Edited August 4, 2014 by halos

[Macadian]

Funny how things evolve. Remember some years ago before the law re smoking in public places in England (who incidentally held out the longest compared to Ireland & Scotland). We stopped for Lunch at a 'Little Chef' eatery on the A66. On opening the door to the premises we were met with a wall of smoke. We turned to leave when a server asked what was wrong. I said the atmosphere was far to cigarette smoke laden for our comfort to which she replied that she could sit us in the 'No Smoking' section which was in the same room, subject to the same atmosphere - and smoke. We declined the offer and went elsewhere. That scenario on our visits to the UK no longer applies thankfully. The situation as outlined above is identical (IMO) to that in NCL Casino's....Smoking and non-smoking area's in the same space is a joke! Sorry, it's a fact. I don't gamble but on some ships going through the casino is not unusual to get to another part of the ship. It will change one day and the sooner the better. In the meantime carry on smoking where the rules permit and enjoy.:)

[luvtheships]

[quote name='Out to sea!']Port side, pool deck, covered area with tables and chairs and ashtrays just south of the port pool bar. Sometimes in the early morning (I'm an early riser) they would be cleaning the deck in that area and they would ask me to go over to the starboard side to smoke and read.[/QUOTE]

And if a non smoker on that side asked you not to smoke you would stop of course

Or even better

If there were pax on the starboard side you would assume that they were non smokers and either refrain totally or tell them you were told to smoke there but certainly would not presume to smoke there anywAy if the pax there were only there because it was the non smoking side. Correct?


My point is just because they were cleaning the smoking side one should not presume the non smoking side becomes a smoking side


You posted what you did for a reason but to irk the non smokers but you will probably say you didn't

Smoke lingers so by smoking on the non smoking side be cause the cleaning crew gave you permission was selfish and inconsiderate.

You couldn't wait a few minutes until they finished cleaning?


Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[gemsm]

[quote name='luvtheships']You said it all in one line......why allow the minority with an addiction to impinge on the majority!!!!




Sent from my iPhone using Forums[/QUOTE]

Because thats the way things work in the good ole US of A...Majority rules until it infringes on minorities

[mistycruiser]

[quote name='Out to sea!']Port side, pool deck, covered area with tables and chairs and ashtrays just south of the port pool bar. Sometimes in the early morning (I'm an early riser) they would be cleaning the deck in that area and they would ask me to go over to the starboard side to smoke and read.[/QUOTE]

Thank you so much for the answer. My hubby is an early riser too and likes a place to sit and read when he wakes up. :)

[luvtheships]

[quote name='gemsm']Because thats the way things work in the good ole US of A...Majority rules until it infringes on minorities[/QUOTE]

Well maybe if you are talking about social issues but really now we are supposed to feel sorry for smokers and treat them like an oppressed class of Americans? Lol




Sent from my iPhone using Forums Edited August 4, 2014 by luvtheships

[JulieAF]

[quote name='luvtheships']Well maybe if you are talking about social issues but really now we are supposed to feel sorry for smokers and treat them like an oppressed class of Americans? Lol[/QUOTE]

Well, according to several postings here, some felt that non-smokers should never have booked balcony cabins in the first place, since that is where smokers had their freedom to smoke. NCL is now taking the "oppressed class'" balcony-smoking privileges away.

[nickgraz95]

[quote name='cruznbelle']For heavens sakes - who am I to tell someone who owns his own establishment in a foreign country what the local laws are - we sat down... put the pack on the table - if an ashtray was brought - great - otherwise we assumed it was smoking outside the restaurant... that's simply all I know - the facts as I experienced them in May 2014... we are very respective, on vacation to relax and am not about to cause issue in a foreign country - that makes no sense - agreed?[/QUOTE]
LOL
"Sir, you can smoke here." "No thanks, wouldn't want to break any local laws."

[Tutankhamen]

It was inevitable. It is what it is, and I can only assume more restrictions will come down the road.

As far as the banning of e-cigs in the cabin and the balcony, I would not worry to much about that. As someone who uses e-cigs and a frequent flyer, I have seen many many people stealth vape on planes. Unless you saw them using your e-cig, you would have no clue they were vaping. Try stealth vaping a cig and see how that works out.

The wording about e-cigs in the cabin and balcony is to calm those who are against them. Yes, I may be breaking the rules if I use my e-cig in the cabin, just as I break the law driving to work doing 60mph in a 55mph highway.

I am sure we will get posters that say rules are rules and laws are laws, but for 99% of the population there are rules and laws that we break.

Types while vaping on my itaste VTR switch 2 powered by a IMR 18650 2500mah AH 3.7v battery with an Aspire Nautilus mini BVC 1.8omh coil at 4.5 volts, filled with a hand mixed Raspberry cupcake 50pg 50vg 3mg liquid......in my no smoking office. :eek: Edited August 5, 2014 by Tutankhamen

[Out to sea!]

[quote name='luvtheships']And if a non smoker on that side asked you not to smoke you would stop of course

Or even better

If there were pax on the starboard side you would assume that they were non smokers and either refrain totally or tell them you were told to smoke there but certainly would not presume to smoke there anywAy if the pax there were only there because it was the non smoking side. Correct?


My point is just because they were cleaning the smoking side one should not presume the non smoking side becomes a smoking side


You posted what you did for a reason but to irk the non smokers but you will probably say you didn't

Smoke lingers so by smoking on the non smoking side be cause the cleaning crew gave you permission was selfish and inconsiderate.

You couldn't wait a few minutes until they finished cleaning?


Sent from my iPhone using Forums[/QUOTE]

Well, while your question survived the night, my answer did not for some reason. So I will make it short and sweet. I follow the rules of those in authority and passengers are not the ones who have authority on a ship. If a crew member asks me to smoke in a different area, I follow that order. whether a different passenger likes that order is not my concern. So if I am told to smoke on the starboard side while they clean the port side, I will smoke on the starboard side. And there is no reason to put my vacation on hold for any other passenger. If someone has a problem with the rules, they can take it up with those in command.

[Out to sea!]

[quote name='JulieAF']Well, according to several postings here, some felt that non-smokers should never have booked balcony cabins in the first place, since that is where smokers had their freedom to smoke. NCL is now taking the "oppressed class'" balcony-smoking privileges away.[/QUOTE]

No one ever said non-smokers should never book balconies. Only those who feel they are putting themselves into harms way should not have booked balconies knowing what could be waiting for them.

[Cruzaholic41]

Last week, I sent a letter to both CCL and NCL thanking them for this new policy, as I did when RCI did it, Celebrity and Princess. I just received a very nice response from NCL in the mail. I'm not going to share it because I don't feel like typing it all out but lets just say, I'm happy they actually listen to and respond to passenger concerns. Bravo NCL. :D

[JulieAF]

[quote name='Cruzaholic41']Last week, I sent a letter to both CCL and NCL thanking them for this new policy, as I did when RCI did it, Celebrity and Princess. I just received a very nice response from NCL in the mail. I'm not going to share it because I don't feel like typing it all out but lets just say, I'm happy they actually listen to and respond to passenger concerns. Bravo NCL. :D[/QUOTE]

:) Nice!

[Skubi]

[quote name='Cruzaholic41']Last week, I sent a letter to both CCL and NCL thanking them for this new policy, as I did when RCI did it, Celebrity and Princess. I just received a very nice response from NCL in the mail. I'm not going to share it because I don't feel like typing it all out but lets just say, I'm happy they actually listen to and respond to passenger concerns. Bravo NCL. :D[/QUOTE]

hmmm just curious, did you tell each of them, in their letters that you were loyal to 4 other cruise lines?