There *is* a cruise line with no smoking policies

[YYC F/A]

I realise that there are several threads on here now with various 'anti-smoking' debates. Rather than repeat this post and submit this as a reply to each one, I wanted to make just one post that everyone concerned with the subject could reference.

 

Several people have (somewhat self-righteously in many cases) stated that if there was a cruise line offering a smoke free environment, they would quit Princess (or whoever they prefer to cruise with) and redirect business to this other company.

 

There is in fact a company, Oceania Cruises, who already have stringent non-smoking policies in place. Smoking is prohibited in *all* public areas, *AND* in cabins *AND* on balconies. There are, however, 2 small 'smoking rooms' seperate from the public areas.

 

Oceania is a premium cruise line, and you can read more about their existing smoking policy and the company at their website.

 

For what it's worth, IMHO, smoking will not (and should not) be completely banned altogether. Will not - because it would detrimentally affect the cruise lines businss. Should not - because, even taking into account the safety/second hand smoke/courtesy concerns, there ARE other ways around the issue; for instance, the provision of 'glassed in' contained smoking rooms that allow smoking, but are a fully contained environment, similar to what you see at some US airports. This deals with all the concerns and issues, whilst still providing those who would like a cigarette somewhere to go to have one without upsetting others or providing a potential safety concern.

 

Blanket attacks on 'smokers' and branding them as a 'safety hazard' is reactionary and emotive. I realise that this is a hot topic (excuse the pun), but rather than stamping up and down and demanding knee jerk reactions, blanket smoking bans etc. let's take some time to:

 

a) let the investigators on the Star do their job

b) let the industry digest the results

and

c) let the industry come up with some creative solutions where appropriate (perhaps similar to Oceania above).

[RaMar]

Very well said YYC F/A. I'm afraid that the controversy with smokers vs. non smokers is going to be around these threads for a while. I agree with you!

[MarilynK]

The vast majority of no-smoking passengers should not bear the risk or the health consequences of smoking when they sail on a cruise ship. Smoking should not be allowed in cabins or balconies to minimize the risk of fires on ships. Fires are more dangerous and harder to contain on a ship than in buildings at home. In addition it is wrong to expose non-smokers among other passengers and the crew to the very serious possible health consequneces of second hand smoke. An increasing number of studies show that second hand smoke is an even greater hazard than was thought several years ago. There should be sealed areas for smokers to indulge in their habit.

[CaribbeanBound]

The glass-encased rooms (like at some airports) is an interesting idea, but I'll bet not that popular with smokers.

 

I find it quite a hoot to walk by these fishbowls (while holding my breath) and see the poor soles who have to get their fix. But it works for me.

[kingtns]

I believe Carnivals Paridise is a non smoking ship...

[Toto2Kansas]

I believe Carnivals Paridise is a non smoking ship...

Nope, not anymore, they lost too much revenue and had to switch it back over.

[CaribbeanBound]

Toto... Welcome to this thread!

[tequilasunrise]

The idea of a couple of smoking rooms where it is allowed, but nowhere else, is a good idea imo. They don't have to be unpleasant like the ones in airports, but a lounge or 2 or 3 conveniently located with double doors kept closed. This dangerous activity would then be carefully monitored by crew and we would all be safer (not to mention breathe more easily).

 

I hope Princess is listening!

[rawley2]

I have been leaving these threads alone but I think a lot of you need to wake up.

 

FACT: 20% of Americans SMOKE.

 

To ban smoking they would loose them. Actually they would loose more than them. Because if you are married to a smoker who is not welcome I don't think you would go. So my guess is they would loose closer to 35% of their business.

 

Also I know MANY people who only smoke when they drink. Lets face it they make BIG MONEY selling liquor. Do you really think they want to see that revenue drop?

 

No smoking in a casino. LOL Think about it so guys sitting at a table getting his a$$ handed to him do you think they want him to get up to have a smoke break and think about what he a loosing. LOL I don't think so.

 

..

[Hondu]

Ban, No. Restrict to very limited areas, YES.

 

Oceania has the best system so far and both groups can be aboard.

[A Sixth?]

I have been leaving these threads alone but I think a lot of you need to wake up.

 

FACT: 20% of Americans SMOKE.

 

..

 

Sorry, it's much higher than that, 27% of Americans smoke (1991).... versus 29% in 1987 and 44% in 1964

 

http://unr.edu/homepage/shubinsk/whosmok1.html

 

It is estimated that as of late the numbers have shifted down slightly, but at best There are approximately 47 million smokers in the U.S. About 23 percent of adults smoke, and about 30 percent of adolescents.

http://www.acde.org/common/Tobacco.htm

Just thought I'd point it out.

 

I am not commenting of the fire because I don't really have any of the facts about it yet. Nor do I suspect, anyone else, even those paid to investigate

[Druke I]

Oceania's smoking policy seems to work.

 

We were on Regatta this past August into the Baltic, and have booked their Nautica through the Suez this Novemeber.

 

 

Just back from South America on Regal Princess - they are still smoking a lot in the Southern Hemisphere - restaurants, hotels, and airports. I had forgotten how bad it can be at times (that from a former smoker!).

[ssantow]

I look forward to the day when all the "hang the smokers from the tallest tree" poster move to Oceania cruises so the rest of us can get to talking about important things like cruising.:rolleyes:

[Andee]

Although Oceania does have a strict non-smoking policy, there are not smoking "rooms". There is a small section of the pool deck, and a section of the Horizon Lounge (which is inside) where smoking is permitted, but these areas are not closed off from the rest of the pool deck or the rest of the Horizon Lounge.

[brn2crz]

While I agree with ssantow about leaving this off the boards...(although we appear to be opposite "sides" of the "tree" :) ) since its already here,I'll just submit this.I noticed a picture someone had posted on another board,pre-cruise at the Marriott in,I believe Ft Lauderdale.Sign on the bed said "this is a non-smoking room" smoking in this room will result in a $75 dollar charge.How enforceable is that?...not sure,but I think its an angle that could be approached.Not sure what the real policy is on most cruise lines,but I don't think any of the top 5 prohibit in your room.Some may say they do,but they certainly don't enforce it.I don't know how it would effect the ability to book cruise,due to the lack of S v NS but it does seem to work to a degree in hotels..Ok,I know this had all been hashed over,nothing new I am posting..except..the $75 dollar charge.It does appear to me,that the pendulum is swinging,in most industries,to do something about the issue.But its really a non-issue to me on a cruise.

I personal abhor the smell of smoke,on someones breathe,in a hotel room and definitely avoid the casino for that very reason.However,I will say that I have never had an issue on any cruise,where cig smoke has bothered me...Never had a room smell smoky,and while yes,have had balcony neighbors that smoke...It really is a minor issue out there. My biggest gripe about smokers everywhere,is their flippant disposal of their butts.To me,that is the area that should be cracked down on...I can't understand why someone thinks it OK..to just throw them down where ever they are.I will say,I don't see that on the ships,but definitely do in port..

I guess all I am saying is that,I think changes will be coming,I think it is being forced.But I think changes will be minimal on cruises,to both sides.I think the idea of a glassed in room is short of barbaric.Reminds me of the "

smoking area" at our high school, 1985.It was a fenced in area,about 10x20..way out back,between the AG barn,and the parking lot...I always felt they seemed like caged animals :(

Lastly,I just don't understand people aversion,to things that are designed to improve safety or better health for everyone.Texas is being rung through the ringer right now,for staging sting operations at bars,and arresting people for PI...Ok,yeah its a bar,fine.Problem is,people leave the bar(or any other place) and do this.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/

I guess I am the kind of person who appreciates an oz,or more of prevention.

[Wicked]

Ok forgive my ignorance on this and I'm not trying to get anyone up in arms. But before theStar (and REMEMBER we aren't sure WHAT caused that yet), how many fires on ships started due to smoking on a balcony?

 

I'm just curious if there was a precedent for this or if this is what did indeed happen is it the first time?

 

I don't smoke but DH does. He doesn't smoke in the house, in hotel rooms or in our cabins. He does this as much for himself as for me. But he does enjoy sitting out on the balcony and having a smoke. He's cautious, uses an ashtray, always putting a bit of water in the bottom of it and if one's not available he brings a glass from the bathroom with water in it to use.

 

So he should be condemned from smoking on his balcony because 1 person made a mistake? And this may have been a teenager as well, not a responsible adult.

 

Now if there's a precedent and fires on ships have happened before due to smoking on balconies, I'll be extremely interested in those! :)

[SDN]

Sorry, it's much higher than that, 27% of Americans smoke (1991).... versus 29% in 1987 and 44% in 1964

 

http://unr.edu/homepage/shubinsk/whosmok1.html

 

 

LOL, You reference numbers that are 15 years old. The number of smokers drops every year and continues to do so. While the number of smokers is dropping, the population is increasing with a greater number of non smokers.

 

The real number is probably closer to 20-23% based on the current information.

 

http://www.no-smoking.org/march05/03-10-05-5.html

 

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_2_1x_US_Smoking_Rates_Continue_to_Drop.asp

 

http://www.theburningissue.org/percentages.htm

 

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4559

 

http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.asp?docID=525970

 

http://www.politicalgateway.com/news/read.html?id=6480

[Shogun]

It will only be a matter of time, before so many places ban smoking in Europe that the EU will bring out rules to ban smoking in public places, I live in Scotland and can no longer smoke in my own van. The law is that tight.

 

If this happens will the rest of the world stop coming to Europe on holiday,

 

no, they will still come and the more the better, if these are the rules then we accept them.

 

Smoking kills in more than one way, it may take hundreds of years but it will be stamped out in time.

 

yours Shogun

[brn2crz]

Ok forgive my ignorance on this and I'm not trying to get anyone up in arms. But before theStar (and REMEMBER we aren't sure WHAT caused that yet), how many fires on ships started due to smoking on a balcony?

 

I'm just curious if there was a precedent for this or if this is what did indeed happen is it the first time?

 

I don't smoke but DH does. He doesn't smoke in the house, in hotel rooms or in our cabins. He does this as much for himself as for me. But he does enjoy sitting out on the balcony and having a smoke. He's cautious, uses an ashtray, always putting a bit of water in the bottom of it and if one's not available he brings a glass from the bathroom with water in it to use.

 

So he should be condemned from smoking on his balcony because 1 person made a mistake? And this may have been a teenager as well, not a responsible adult.

 

Now if there's a precedent and fires on ships have happened before due to smoking on balconies, I'll be extremely interested in those! :)

 

Actually,fires are not that common large ones at least.Not sure how many smaller,engineroom,or trashcan or kitchen fires there may be,but nothing to this degree..Heres what they said ..

 

 

"Princess Cruises said the incident marked the first time in its 40-year history that a passenger died from a fire aboard one of its ships. Coast Guard records dating back to the Star Princess' launch in 2002 show no significant safety issues.

''This was incredibly tragic. It's simply never happened before,'' said Julie Benson, spokeswoman for Princess Cruises, which is owned by the Miami-based Carnival Corp. ``We're devastated by this.''

[amapola]

'glassed in' contained smoking rooms that allow smoking, but are a fully contained environment, similar to what you see at some US airports.

 

I'd much rather see designated smoking areas on outdoor decks (enforced). When smokers leave those fishbowl smoking rooms, their clothes and hair are so saturated with smoke that it's, to me, worse than having someone smoke near me. At least in an open area the smoke can circulate. JMO.

[fuzzywuzzy]

Wicked: It is irrelevant whether this has happened before....it HAS happened now. If smoking is the cause of this tragedy onboard the Star, then smokers be prepared that this could possibly be the end of smoking on cruise ships...as on airlines. It is about SAFETY. If you have the desire to smoke and will absolutely not give it up for your one or two week vacation, then there are many many other vacation destinations which do allow smoking outside on a beach for instance. This is going to be the way of the future.

[ldoc31]

Wicked: It is irrelevant whether this has happened before....it HAS happened now. If smoking is the cause of this tragedy onboard the Star, then smokers be prepared that this could possibly be the end of smoking on cruise ships...as on airlines. It is about SAFETY. If you have the desire to smoke and will absolutely not give it up for your one or two week vacation, then there are many many other vacation destinations which do allow smoking outside on a beach for instance. This is going to be the way of the future.

 

I doubt that the cruise lines will take such drastic action against smoking. They could try to make it a little safer for all by providing ashtrays filled with sand etc. on the balconys. I don't think I have seen an ashtray in any of our cabins. I guess if you need one you have to ask.

[carlmm]

If smoking is the cause of this tragedy onboard the Star, then smokers be prepared that this could possibly be the end of smoking on cruise ships...as on airlines. It is about SAFETY.

 

Sounds more like being about stupidity if it would happen and intolerance.

Wasn't there this fire in an apartment building caused by a candle? By an iron? Surely we all should be prepared that using candles in all buildings will be banned. And ironing. Preferably the use of all electrical appliances.

 

Sorry, as non-smoker I am able to accept that some people enjoy smoking and willing to respect there freedom.

Also I can read some statistics and for sure if one accident out of the whole cruising world would lead to such a drastic infringement of the personal freedom, almost all activities of daily life which include some kind of fire, electricity, motor, knife, robe .... need to be banned.

[C&F]

I don't smoke but DH does. He doesn't smoke in the house, in hotel rooms or in our cabins. He does this as much for himself as for me. But he does enjoy sitting out on the balcony and having a smoke. He's cautious, uses an ashtray, always putting a bit of water in the bottom of it and if one's not available he brings a glass from the bathroom with water in it to use.

 

I agree. I am not a "full time" smoker, but I do like to have a drink and a smoke on my balcony while on a cruise. I take the same precautions as your husband. In fact, if it is too windy, I won't smoke out there. Also, if my neighbors are on their balconies, I refrain from lighting up.

I often fill a cup with water and make sure my butts are completely saturated. I often wait a few minutes and I'll take them out and then dispose of them properly.

I think many people need to practice "safe smoking".

[CruiseFever]

There is an interesting article on the front page of Cruise Critic about this: http://www.cruisecritic.com/