Loved Regent...can Oceania Compare?

[ChatKat in Ca.]

But it's unfair to those who don't smoke when they are paying for facilities they can't use because there are smokers who insist on smoking just because they are allowed to! The right for them to harm their health does not give them the express right to harm mine! The warnings on cigarettes in England are pretty graphic.

 

I am more than pleased to support those businesses who recognize that smoking is a public health nuisance.

[newyorkgolfer41]

ChatKat in Ca, I posted this for you but it got lost on a previous page. I hear what you're saying and think the best way for you to voice your objection is take your money for a walk to a non-smoking cruise line. I am a non-smoker but 2 of my closest friends who are also our cruise buddies do smoke. I'm afraid if Regent were to go non-smoking we 6 would be out looking for another line as well. I enjoy cruising with them more than I would enjoy being on a non-smoking ship without them. Oceania is the perfect answer for you. You will not need to be concerned about what your neighbors are doing or should I say not doing on their balcony.

 

Chatkat in Ca, since you have a problem with passengers smoking on their own balcony it sounds like you should consider Oceania cruise line where smoking is not allowed on balcony or in cabins. I think this line is as close to smoke free as in the industry.

[esther e]

A few years ago Florida banned cigarette smoking in restaurants. Well, the noise some people made about it....bottom line, nobody ever stopped eating out; the restaurants are filled. We love Regent and have sailed over 9 times with them and are booked for 2 more; Oceania is a pleasure to walk through knowing you won't have to be engulfed in smoke.

[Trevsmom]

We just got back from a cruise aboard the Voyager (Athens to Rome 10/06) where our next door neighbor was a chain smoker. We do not smoke and unfortunately, we were greeted with cigarette smoke when we entered the hallway to our room and when we sat on our balcony. On several occasions, our room stunk of cigarette smoke as well. Thankfully we had Febreze airspray with us, which overpowered the smell for the most part. While it was not overbearing, we would have preferred not to have to smell the cigarette smoke. We actually mentioned this as our only gripe on the ship. Rather than suggest that they completely go to no smoking, we suggested that they consider having designated cabins/hallways for smokers, similar to what they have in some of the major hotels. We were told that there were going to be some changes along this line starting in '07. Not sure what though.....

[esther e]

Back to answer the OP: Oceania would be the perfect line IF it was all-inclusive and got rid of the darn art auction. The food is superb and we don't need to go into the smoking thing; BUT the rooms are not at all the size of Regent, except for the Owner's Suite, where I actually coudn't find my husband on the balcony!

[Pam]

I'm totally curious; what kind of "graphic" warnings in England? Are they on television, billboards, somewhere else? I was just there for nearly a week and never saw one (that I was aware of), I am trying to figure out how I missed them.

[esther e]

We just got back from a cruise aboard the Voyager (Athens to Rome 10/06) where our next door neighbor was a chain smoker. We do not smoke and unfortunately, we were greeted with cigarette smoke when we entered the hallway to our room and when we sat on our balcony. On several occasions, our room stunk of cigarette smoke as well. Thankfully we had Febreze airspray with us, which overpowered the smell for the most part. While it was not overbearing, we would have preferred not to have to smell the cigarette smoke. We actually mentioned this as our only gripe on the ship. Rather than suggest that they completely go to no smoking, we suggested that they consider having designated cabins/hallways for smokers, similar to what they have in some of the major hotels. We were told that there were going to be some changes along this line starting in '07. Not sure what though.....

 

Can't you just hear the smokers scream discrimination if there were separate halls and rooms? :eek: I think Oceania has it right....small smoking areas. Even then, smokers complained. You ain't gonna make everybody happy!

[chick geek]

We are taking our first Regent cruise in June 2007 (PG). I hope they do change their smoking policy to match Oceania. People who think that if they only smoke on their balcony that no one else can smell it, are sorely mistaken. You can smell it next door and then some. Also, even if they don't smoke in the room, it still gets into the fabrics because the residue smoke stays with you.

 

Also, they banned smoking here in restaurants (I'm from New York City). At first, some people were upset, but that passed. Restaurants couldn't be busier.

[Leejnd4]

Can't you just hear the smokers scream discrimination if there were separate halls and rooms? :eek: I think Oceania has it right....small smoking areas. Even then, smokers complained. You ain't gonna make everybody happy!

Why would smokers complain about separate halls and rooms? Many hotels already have that...smoking floors vs. non-smoking floors. I can't imagine anyone would have a problem with a cruise ship doing the same thing.

 

I have no problem with smokers, or with a cruise line that attempts to balance the needs of both smokers and non. The key thing that all smokers need to remember is that their smoke is not just an annoyance, it's a health hazard, so adherence to any limits or rules is crucial for the safety of their fellow passengers.

 

We never had any problems with smoking on our Voyager cruise last year, until the morning of debarkation. We were among the last group let off, and it seemed no matter where we went we couldn't get away from smokers. Every time we'd go find a room to get comfortable, someone would walk in a light up a cig! I would be very much in favor of limits on smoking sites, and designated smoking/non smoking rooms.

[esther e]

I was being tongue-in-cheek. The would feel they didn't get the better location on the ship. Just joking!!!! I think it's a great idea; I remember being in Calif. years ago and was in a non-smoking room. I was told at the desk that if I smoked, I would be responsible for the cleaning of the whole floor.

 

I feel sorry for the poster who said she'd rather travel with friends than on a non-smoking ship. Heck, if they were GOOD friends, since they are only 2 of the group who smoke, I would think they'd not smoke.

[Leejnd4]

Wow...Esther would you have to do the cleaning yourself? AACK! Imagine, you're checking out and they hand you a mop and a sponge...LOL! ;)

 

Re the smokers...we have to remember that it's an addiction, and if it was that easy for them to go for that long without smoking, then they'd probably already have kicked the habit. That's why I think the idea of a cruise line trying to balance the needs of both would be optimum.

[ChatKat in Ca.]

I think it'd be great to have smoking/non smoking rooms; But the public areas should be primarily NS. On the Mariner, they had entertainment in the Horizon Lounge, which allows smoking on one side. They had the evening's entertainment in that room and many non-smokers left because of a few who were smoking. I mentioned it to the CD, John Barron, and he was shocked that it occurred - he was the one performing.

 

In California, both the City of Calabasas and the City of Santa Monica have banned smoking outdoors in many areas and in California it's illegal to smoke outside public building entrances within 25' of those entrances

 

In England the cigarette packages very simply say in big black letters: Smoking kills. or Smoking causes lung cancer.

[newyorkgolfer41]

Seems like an excellent idea to keep smokers and non-smokers happy. Maybe smokers could be on Starboard, non could be on port side. If we chose to select a cabin next door to traveling companions who smoke (as we often do) on the "smoking" side of the ship we are doing so with full awareness. I was on the RSSC Mariner in April and the Mariner Lounge is about 90% non smoking with just a small area designated for smokers. The ventillation must be very good as I wasn't bothered when sitting in the non-smoking section. They also have the pool grill designated as one side where smoking is allowed, one side not. I can't recall seeing anyone smoking in a non-designated area. The overpowering smell of colognes on the elevators before dinner could be quite intoxicating though.

[NCCruzQueen]

And I remember the day when I could get a pack of cigarettes in any bar on the Song of Flower. Reformed smoker of 11 years.

[esther e]

Seems like an excellent idea to keep smokers and non-smokers happy. Maybe smokers could be on Starboard, non could be on port side. If we chose to select a cabin next door to traveling companions who smoke (as we often do) on the "smoking" side of the ship we are doing so with full awareness. I was on the RSSC Mariner in April and the Mariner Lounge is about 90% non smoking with just a small area designated for smokers. The ventillation must be very good as I wasn't bothered when sitting in the non-smoking section. They also have the pool grill designated as one side where smoking is allowed, one side not. I can't recall seeing anyone smoking in a non-designated area. The overpowering smell of colognes on the elevators before dinner could be quite intoxicating though.

 

 

Ah, yes. Some of that perfume is strong. Especially at breakfast.:eek:

 

Incidentally, for what it's worth, I'm a reformed smoker going on 20 years now. I always thought I was considerate when I did smoke, tho.

[Leejnd4]

26 years for me. :)

[newyorkgolfer41]

I feel sorry for the poster who said she'd rather travel with friends than on a non-smoking ship. Heck, if they were GOOD friends, since they are only 2 of the group who smoke, I would think they'd not smoke

 

ester e, We have vacationed as a group of 6 for the past 30 years, all 3 married couples. One of each of the two couples smokes. They are courteous smokers and only smoke in designated areas. I would never consider asking them to spend a week or two with us and by the way, don't smoke. It is our choice and we value their friendship enough to travel together whether there are smokers in the group or not. Others might make a different choice. :)

[traveller333]

"But it's unfair to those who don't smoke when they are paying for facilities they can't use because there are smokers who insist on smoking just because they are allowed to!"

 

H U H ??

so smokers shouldn't smoke where they're allowed too?

[Leejnd4]

 

H U H ??

so smokers shouldn't smoke where they're allowed too?

I think the point is, non-smokers truly CAN'T use places where smokers are (unless we're willing to put our health and wellbeing in jeapardy), whereas smokers can simply refrain from smoking and still enjoy the facilities.

 

So yes, I agree...smokers SHOULD refrain from smoking when non-smokers are there, if they are aware that their smoking is bothersome to the non-smokers. Remember, it's not just an annoyance...it's a deadly poison. There are places smokers can go do have their cig, where it won't be bothering anyone.

[caviargal]

I think the point is, non-smokers truly CAN'T use places where smokers are (unless we're willing to put our health and wellbeing in jeapardy), whereas smokers can simply refrain from smoking and still enjoy the facilities.

 

I do agree that I will walk out of a place where smoke is bothersome. Not only is it unhealthy, but I really dislike it when my hair and clothes reek of second hand smoke.

 

I would prefer at least one lounge reserved for non smokers. No matter what the entertainment, that is where we would choose.

 

I was really surprised that Compass Rose offers a small smoking area still and will surely request to be seated as far from possible from those tables as smoke and food are not a welcome combination.:)

[Leejnd4]

I spent 12 days on Voyager, and never once noticed the smell of smoke in Compass Rose. I've heard others say the same thing. I'm not sure where the smoking section is, but I was seated in various locations and never smelled it. Maybe it's near a place with excellent ventilation?

[ChatKat in Ca.]

Smoking is allowed in the Casino, the Lounges (Navigator, Mariner or Voyager and Horizon), Bar Areas, Balconies, Pool, rooms and Compass Rose, La Verandah and hallways. I think that in fairness to those who don't smoke it should be restricted to areas that non-smokers can avoid.

[Leejnd4]

Smoking is allowed in the Casino, the Lounges (Navigator, Mariner or Voyager and Horizon), Bar Areas, Balconies, Pool, rooms and Compass Rose, La Verandah and hallways. I think that in fairness to those who don't smoke it should be restricted to areas that non-smokers can avoid.

AGREED! :)

[Pam]

Which ship allows smoking inside La Veranda? I've been on all but the PG, and never saw anyone smoking (or any ashtrays) there. Outside on one side of the pool deck, yes.

[joannapvb]

If it was LV I missed it - yes designated areas - which now have expanded -