Do you smoke on a cruise?

[newmexicoNita]

I'm an ex-smoker as well and I'm not sure why anyone is insulted by those statistics. Any studies I've ever seen seem to show that smoking is more prevalent among lower-income/lesser educated people - what's insulting about that? The poster wasn't suggesting that everyone who smokes falls into those categories.

It may not seem to be insulting, but to those who do still smoke it appears you are saying; stupid people smoke. that's like telling your child, you are bad instead of saying, what you are doing or did is bad. Of course less educated make up a slightly larger secment of smokers. Older people smoke more than younger people; anvanced education wasn't as common 50 years ago as it is today. Among those under a certain age smoking is something very rarely done anymore (that is good) those who do pick up the habit may be in a different socio economic (spelling) class than others in today's world because of education in regards to the dangers of smoking. I guess this makes many of you tech correct, but still off base as you are examining why the stats. Maybe the poster didn't say that, but the implication was there: anyone who smokes is stupid!!! You know there are smokers who are not considerate, but they are rare: much more common are the non smokers and x smokers who are so self righteous they tick people off. NMNita

[suzeyQ]

Sorry, I guess I didn't read that much into it or get the implication that you did.

 

"You know there are smokers who are not considerate, but they are rare: much more common are the non smokers and x smokers who are so self righteous they tick people off."

 

I disagree - inconsiderate smokers are NOT rare. Maybe self-righteous people are just as common but there are certainly lots of inconsiderate smokers (and inconsiderate people in general) out there.

[CaribbeanBound]

Everyone I knew who used to smoke are either former smokers, or dead.

[spearmint]

Smokers and education

 

 

 

Adults with 16 or more years of education had the lowest smoking prevalence (11.3 percent). Adults with 9 to 11 years of education had higher smoking prevalence (36.8 percent) compared to adults with fewer or more years of education.

 

Smokers by socio-economic status

 

Smoking prevalence was higher among adults living below the poverty level (32.3 percent) than those living at or above the poverty level (23.5 percent).

 

1. Those satatistics sound right to me. It's not an insult, just a fact.

 

2. As a 5 year ex-smoker, I avoid the parts of the ship that allow smoking, except outside;they are pungent and not pleasant anymore but, more importantly, I do not want to take the chance of deciding to "try one" for old times sake! When I smoked, I did so only in the designated areas of the ship, both inside and outside. And yes, I smoked constantly. On our last cruise on Century, I really did not appreciate the smokers who came over to the non-smoking side of the pool deck. I am not a "born again" ex-smoker; I remember what it was like, and I support having the smoking areas, but I do think it is rude to other passengers to smoke outside those areas.

 

3. If it is proven that Star Princess burned because of a cigarette, we might just see some further anti-smoking action aboard ships. What do others think?

[Sky Sweet]

On a number of cruise critic message boards, people have been discussing the feasibility of having non smoking ships, so I thought it would be interesting to have a poll to see if a smoking ban would have a significant affect Celebrity's business. Then I posted a few relevant statistics about smoking in the US, as a frame of reference. When someone subsequently asked for the source of these statistics, I responded and added similar statistics from another source.

 

I realize the above is obvious to most, but am stating it for the few people who misunderstood my posts on this thread.

[Rence]

Every activity has various demographics associated with it. All smokers are not poor and uneducated. But the percentage of people in those demographics who smoke is higher than those in other demographic groups.

 

I would assume that the poor and uneducated are less likely to cruise than other demographic groups, at least less likely to cruise on certain cruise lines, such as Celebrity, which tends to cater to a different demographic. This could mean that the percentage of smokers among Celebrity's customers is smaller than the percentage of smokers in society at large. I am sure that Celebriy market research looks into matters like this.

 

Smoking is trending down, since the early sixties the percentage of the population that smokes has been in decline, there have been some periods where the decline is faster than others and there have been periods where the percentage has stayed static for a few years, but the overall trend is down and is likely to continue.

 

Cruiselines will adjust their policies as their customer base changes. Carnival's experiment was a few years ago. A few things have changed since then. The percentage of smokers has decreased a bit, also cruise prices have incresed. A few years ago, cruise prices were pretty low across the board and the cruiselines were very dependent on gambling and alcohol revenues. Cruise prices have risen recently so gambling and alcohol are a less significant part of a cruiselines revenue. So because Carnival gave up on non-smoking ships a few years ago, doesn't mean that we won't see them again at some point in the future. I think it is absolutely certain that we will see them, it is just a matter of when.

[usha]

As an X smoker I find the above highly insulting. Who is your source?

Now, what makes you think that the uneducated folks aren't likewise insulted by those statistics? Lots of them have to be thinking:"I might be unschooled, but I ain't dumb enough to SMOKE!"

[excitedofharpenden]

On a number of cruise critic message boards, people have been discussing the feasibility of having non smoking ships, so I thought it would be interesting to have a poll to see if a smoking ban would have a significant affect Celebrity's business. Then I posted a few relevant statistics about smoking in the US, as a frame of reference. When someone subsequently asked for the source of these statistics, I responded and added similar statistics from another source.

 

I realize the above is obvious to most, but am stating it for the few people who misunderstood my posts on this thread.

Interesting, but hardly useful as a measure because the sample size is so small.

 

As for the "frame of reference", read your post number 8 again. Your poll has four pretty straight forward questions and then you bring in education and socio-economic status into your comments. I read it the same as some others here. I don't know what it has to do with the original poll, but it is insulting. Can you not see that?

 

Phil

[dmarch@islc.net]

Smokers and education

 

Adults with 16 or more years of education had the lowest smoking prevalence (11.3 percent). Adults with 9 to 11 years of education had higher smoking prevalence (36.8 percent) compared to adults with fewer or more years of education.

 

Smokers by socio-economic status

 

Smoking prevalence was higher among adults living below the poverty level (32.3 percent) than those living at or above the poverty level (23.5 percent).

So what are you trying to say....I'm stupid and low class? LOL

[Sky Sweet]

This is why I consider the statistics to be relevant. They suggest that a smoking ban on an upscale cruise line, such as Crystal, might be successful, while most mass market cruise lines would probably lose too much business if they banned smoking. Since Celebrity is often classified as a "premium" mass market cruise line, it falls somewhere between the two from a targeted demographic perspective. Therefore, I thought it would be interesting to get a feeling for what percentage of Celebrity Cruisers smoke, and if it would be feasible to ban smoking on their ships.

[SoonerDog]

I say, smoking should either be eliminated entirely by outlawing the sale of tobacco products, OR smokers should be accomodated with a reasonable number of places to smoke where there is proper ventilation. Furthermore, business owners should have the right to decide whether or not their establishment is smoking or non-smoking. Those who don't want to be around smoke then have the option to go elsewhere, as do employees. As long as we allow the sale of the products, it is hypocritical to disparage those who use them.

 

BUT...if we are going to mandate the behavior of individuals based on health issues, we have to take a hard line on obesity. Obesity (being 30 pounds or more overweight) kills more people, creates more health problems and costs more in tax dollars than smoking. And then of course, there is alcohol....

 

So for those of you who are hauling an extra 50 bag of concrete mix around your mid-section, or have thighs the size of dinner plates, you could be next.....Food rationing to eliminate wasted tax dollars!

[dmarch@islc.net]

The only way a line could ban smoking and NOT loose would be if they are sailing at an average of 40% percent over capacity. When I sailed the old Royal line there were plenty of smokers. I just don't see it happening...thank goodness!

[tserface]

So what are you trying to say....I'm stupid and low class? LOL

 

Only if you are stupid and low class. The study didn't name anyone individually, it just focuses on trends. There is plenty of room in the study for educated rich people to be smokers.

 

I was at the hospital this week visiting with my dad who recently found out he has emphesyma. I found it odd that several people dressed as doctors were outside smoking. The nurse inside said several of the cardiologists smoke even though they know the dangers. I guess some educated people weigh the consequences (or don't think about them) and decide they are worth the risk. FWIW, my dad now wishes he hadn't smoked. He told me while breathing through a tube.

 

I know, some non-smokers get emphesyma as well. I'm only recounting one story, not trying to portray a precedent.

 

Tom

[BrendaJ]

I have always been a non-smoker. I am allergic to cigarette smoke; however, my father used to smoke and I was pretty used to it. When I first started working in an office 22 years ago, smoking was allowed at the desks - including cigars and pipes. Although I didn't like it, I toughed it out.

 

These days, I can't imagine anyone smoking at their desk. Here in London, Ontario, the smoking by-law is very strict. Not only is smoking prohibited in all public buildings, it is forbidden in bars and restaurants as well. Many of the bars moaned and complained when this law was passed, and many built outdoor patios (some with heaters) for their smoking patrons. Now there is talk that they may ban smoking in all public places. Don't know if that will ever happen. I must say it is great to go to a restaurant and not have to worry about smoke drifting over from the smoking section. As for the smokers at work, many of them have quit smoking, although there are the hard-core ones that dash outside for a smoke at every opportunity. I tell you, even if I was a smoker, having to stand outside when it's 20 below would certainly convince me to try to quit.

 

What I find funny is how sensitive we have now gotten to smoke. When everyone was smoking everywhere, I don't recall really noticing it that much; however, now my husband and I have to laugh because we can smell it if someone is smoking in the car in front of us (windows open, of course). And we just can't stand going into restaurants in Europe where everyone is puffing away, although that seems to be getting restricted a bit too.

 

I would certainly enjoy a non-smoking ship, but I can imagine that no cruise line wants to commit to a crowd who likely have a lot fewer vices than average (i.e. casino and bar revenues probably go down on a non-smoking cruise).

 

I think it would be nice if Celebrity offered a few non-smoking cruises each year, rather than making a whole ship non-smoking permanently. However, I don't know how effectively they can air out the public rooms between cruises. Not to mention, on those previous non-smoking ships, did the rule go for the staff as well? I can't imagine they had an entirely non-smoking staff.

[excitedofharpenden]

This is why I consider the statistics to be relevant. They suggest that a smoking ban on an upscale cruise line, such as Crystal, might be successful, while most mass market cruise lines would probably lose too much business if they banned smoking. Since Celebrity is often classified as a "premium" mass market cruise line, it falls somewhere between the two from a targeted demographic perspective. Therefore, I thought it would be interesting to get a feeling for what percentage of Celebrity Cruisers smoke, and if it would be feasible to ban smoking on their ships.

As I said before, I believe the results of a poll on these boards won't give an accurate figure because the sample is just too small. The same would be true of a separate poll to try and ascertain whether those that cruise on Crystal have the required "socio-economic status" or are more "educated" as you previously describe and therefore fit in with the smoking habits that are suggested. There are a lot of variables. For instance itinerary/nationality/personal circumstance of those on board. I'm not advocating that smoking should be banned or restricted on cruises or that smokers should do as they see fit. Just trying to be objective, which I think is the purpose of your question.

 

Phil

[newmexicoNita]

This is why I consider the statistics to be relevant. They suggest that a smoking ban on an upscale cruise line, such as Crystal, might be successful, while most mass market cruise lines would probably lose too much business if they banned smoking. Since Celebrity is often classified as a "premium" mass market cruise line, it falls somewhere between the two from a targeted demographic perspective. Therefore, I thought it would be interesting to get a feeling for what percentage of Celebrity Cruisers smoke, and if it would be feasible to ban smoking on their ships.

Some might list it as a premium line and Yes, as a TA I see this used often but Celebrity is a mass marketed line just like HAL, NCL< Princess< RCI etc. NMNIta

[Germancruiser]

Hi,

as an European cruising only RCL or Celebrity I must say I never saw so many americans smoking than on crusie ships- I was stunned how much they seem to enjoy it. By the way I don´t want to describe them low class or stupid.

I learnd at school that the most alcohol was consumed in the states during the prohibition in the 30s.

As long as smokers acept the non smoking areas I don´t see a need to ban all the smoking from cruise ships. Which would surely not work anyway.

Greetings

Michael

[Sky Sweet]

Based on this poll, the percentage of Celebrity Cruisers who smoke is significantly greater than I thought it would be, so it appears that this cruise line can not afford to ban smoking on its ships. Even so, I would love it if they banned its use in the cabins and restricted smoking to a designated area of the ship for safety reasons.

[Sky Sweet]

Does anyone else want to add their vote to increase the reliability of these statistics?

[newmexicoNita]

Why don't we just drop it; these polls are fun, interesting, somewhat informative but really do no good and adding to the poll will give you the same results only in larger numbers.

[BobN]

I'm an ocassional smoker. Normally, I smoke several cigars per week. On a cruise, I smoke 2 or 3 per day. I especially enjoy having a good cigar sometime after dinner in one of the lounges. I don't ever smoke in my cabin, but ocasionally on my balcony. I'm always courteous around others, and try not to bother anyone.

Personally, I would NEVER sail on a smoke free ship that does not allow smoking at all.

SanDiegoJoe

 

:( I have had a good part of having booked a balcony cabin ruined by a guest in the next cabin smoking a cigar out on his balcony, the foul smell from his elropo forced us to move inside and close the door.

As a former smoker I never realized how offensive it was to the people around me. On the M class ships they have a special section for those that wish to smoke cigars it is at the back of deck 10 where they have a bar and music for those that wish to smoke cigars.

 

Happy cruising :) :)

BobN

[Happy ks]

Why not compromise and have some non-smoking & smoking cabins available? It seems to work for hotels.

 

Tom

 

So many times non-smoking hotel rooms reek of smoke. I think a lot of smokers don't want to be booked into smoking rooms either. I think the stench left over in hotel rooms from cigarettes is worse than the actual smoke while they are still smoking.

 

I'm a former smoker (quit 18 years ago!), but I do realize how hard it is for some to stop and that some people actually have no desire to stop. So, I leave them alone with their habit, there are so many other places to be on a cruise ship. It doesn't do anyone any good to be rude to one another, I remember how I felt when I was treated rudely for smoking and I always tried to be a very considerate smoker.

 

My father also suffered from emphesyma for years before his death, he quit smoking when he was 71 and never really recovered from it. It was awful seeing him try to get enough air to walk across a room. I'm hoping that I quit in time to not suffer the consequences years from now.

 

To all of you who do smoke, I sincerely hope that you find a way to stop. It is the most wonderful gift you can give to yourself and the people who love you.

[jessemon]

Even though I know a lot of people who smoked at one point in time, very few of my friends and relatives still do. This leads me to believe that Celebrity would not lose a significant amount of business if smoking was no longer allowed on its ships.

Thought this was going to be a simple yes or no answer.

If looking for how many people do smoke on a cruise 2 options would have enough. Yes or no. I did not answer the biased poll.

 

In my case though...you can bet your "BUTT". Cigarette butt that is.:D

[Sky Sweet]

Thought this was going to be a simple yes or no answer.

If looking for how many people do smoke on a cruise 2 options would have enough. Yes or no. I did not answer the biased poll.

 

In my case though...you can bet your "BUTT". Cigarette butt that is.:D

 

The purpose of my poll was to see if it is feasible for Celebrity to ban smoking from its ships. That is why I had separate categories for people who currently smoke and would never take a cruise that banned smoking vs people who smoke on occasion and would take a cruise that banned smoking.

[jessemon]

The purpose of my poll was to see if it is feasible for Celebrity to ban smoking from its ships. That is why I had separate categories for people who currently smoke and would never take a cruise that banned smoking vs people who smoke on occasion and would take a cruise that banned smoking.

Nonsmoking ships is an interesting subject and weather a cruiseline would go to this policy. Has it been tried or done?

Yes...without much success...

Look at "Renaissance Cruise Line" ...R1-R2-R3-R4-R5-R6. All with different lines now because they went out of business. YES...they were totally nonsmoking.

The largest cruiseline in the world bar none is "Carnival" which has a ship called the "Paradise". I remember the ship when put to sea with the nonsmoking flag...circle with a cig in the center and the line through it. Didn't work...did it.

I wonder how many people cruised on any of these ships (R1 thru R6 and the Paradise) that is a nonsmoker that are saying ships should be smoke free.

It would seem to me that if they did...these ships would be still sailing. Barring the "Paradise" which is now a smoking ship sailing on the west coast..

I know after the "Princess" ship having a horrible fire many people have jumped on the idea that no smoking should be allowed on ships even though no one knows what caused the fire yet. We might get a report someday....

I am not trying to be a pain in the "butt" but...no cruiseline will do this totally. The closest line I know now is "Oceania"" and they even have two smoking areas. The rest of the ship is nonsmoking including cabins. Yes...if you buck the rules...you will be put off at the next port.

If you want a nonsmoking ship...give them (Oceania) the business. Help them grow their line...build bigger nonsmoking ships with more ports. More places to go and more things to see. If people (who do not like to be in a smoking atmospere) had done this with "RCL" and "Paradise" this portion of the market might have grown.

But this didn't happen..."Did it".;)

Jeff