A poll about smoking on Celebrity

[dkjretired]

Well...holy crap - you're right. Talk about getting jerked around!! I called back....again. So this is the 3rd person I spoke with. Last wk all staterooms were non-smoking (not) a half hr ago the starboard side was non-smoking (not) and now none of the rooms are non-smoking! I'm glad I was on the board tonight - at least I got it figured out (I think!?). So - latest girl said the port/starboard thing is only on the decks (makes more sense), but that the ships are really going in the direction of less smoking. Apparently the Journey and Quest only have 2 areas where one can smoke and all staterooms are non-smoking. I got my room switched back thankfully as it was in a slightly better location before I changed it. She swore I won't be able to smell smoke...I certainly hope she's right.

 

To lighten things up a little, that is the second time this week someone told me I was right. The first was my wife regarding something with our house. My response to her was to immediately take my heart medication....

[JCDeck]

Uh, aren't chair hogs BY DEFINITION "interferring (sic) with the use of my private space for which I paid a good deal of money"? Or did you not pay to utilize lounge chairs around the pool?

 

 

 

Well, since you CHOSE to buy and pay for a vacation on a cruiseline that permits smoking, I'm not sure why you put it this way. Shouldn't that be "...my bought and paid for vacation in a dirty, foul smelling, dangerous, un-breathable atmosphere"? If that is not what you wish, you should only spend your money on cruiselines that restrict smoking to your preferences.

 

What a completely apt description of smoking! If you had read all my posts here you would have read that a talked about compromise. Chhair hogs, which I didn't mention DO NOT endanger my health or burn my clothes and I have never had any trouble finding a chair but I have had trouble brathing on my balcony. It's about consideration.

[DaisyGirl55]

lunan167 - great "mini-review" of your trip in relation to this topic!

 

My DH and I are set to sail in a few weeks to Alaska. I do smoke on occassion, and plan to do so on my cruise as well. We have a balcony room, not quite aft, but in the aft section of the port side of the ship. I plan on smoking on my balcony, but not in my cabin. Hopefully, I will not have any issues with my balcony neighbors, but if something comes up with either side, I have no problem timing my smoking times - and will tell them so. I travel with one of those "smokeless" ashtrays so that I can extinguish my butts safely.

 

I am not asking for a non-smoking ship. I am not asking to smoke in public areas. I only ask that I be given adequate space to sit and enjoy a cigarette now and then. I agree that not every smoker is considerate, but not every non-smoker knows how to react to smoking without sarcasm, rudeness, and arrogance.

 

I applaud the smokers who do try to be considerate to others, and to the non-smokers who are equally as considerate.

[tbelian]

But if you can smell it on your balcony its the same

 

I guess that the issue of smoke from someone else's balcony is in fact a problem ** IF ** and again I emphasize if, it's absolutely imperative, cast in stone, that time on the balcony has to exactly coincide with neighbor's time on the balcony. I mean, sure, if you are on your balcony, and your neighbor is smoking, you can notice it, but seriously, is it absolutely positively cast in stone that you have to be on your balcony at the exact time as your neighbor? That's ridiculous.

 

And, before someone posts it, yes, there are a few times were this could happen as an 'obvious' side effect (ie; sailaways, certain scenic passages, etc.) , but it's not gonna happen during 100% of your cruise. Unless you literally live out on your balcony.

[DC2OC]

Ridiculous? Its ridiculous to suggest otherwise.Come on now.When our we out on our balconies? Breakfast.After the ship leaves port.Before dinner.For the most part people will be on there at the same time.Talk about ridiculous.The last post was ridiculous......................Frank:eek:

[tbelian]

Ridiculous? Its ridiculous to suggest otherwise.Come on now.When our we out on our balconies? Breakfast.After the ship leaves port.Before dinner.For the most part people will be on there at the same time.Talk about ridiculous.The last post was ridiculous......................Frank:eek:

I don't know about you, but during the course of a cruise, We are on our balcony many more times than leaving port, and before dinner. And based on my experience (yours may be different), NO we are not all out on the balcony at the same time. Early in the morning, I have been on my balcony (i'm talking 5-6 am), my 'neighbor' hasnt even woke up yet, let alone be on the balcony. Late at night, after dinner, shows, casino, whatever other entertainment, I'm on the balcony, my neighbor is probably in bed (they are definitely not on the balcony... I'm talking like 1-2am now).

 

Sorry, but I do not think it is ridiculous to suggest that 'co occupancy' of balconies is not the norm.

 

And, you really missed my point .... there is nothing that dictates parallel balcony time is required! It may be desired, but it's not required.

[DC2OC]

Its the norm if your neighbor is out smoking every 20 minutes

[tbelian]

Its the norm if your neighbor is out smoking every 20 minutes

 

What is being called for in this thread is fleetwide reform of smoking. Do you really believe that every smoker follows the pattern of being on their balcony smoking every 20 minutes? And you personally know this from observing every 20 minute period in an 8 hour period? A 12 hour period?, what actual time span? 8am-12 noon?, 12 noon to 6 pm? what?

 

'out smoking every 20 minutes' is what you translated your experience to. It's probably not reality, and certainly not indicative of every smoker's pattern.

[DC2OC]

Ok.I give up.A person who smokes a pack a day will smoke 1 every 40 min,2 packs every 20 min (I'm assuming smokers refrain while sleeping).Yes we are talking about reforming the rules.I'm for reform not a ban.I'm for a chance at a smoke free balcony for non-smokers and a chance for a smoking balcony for smokers.What's the problem?????????.....Frank:confused:

[Nonna and Papa]

I can only hope that our balcony neighbors have the same reasonable and considerate attitude as you do, if they are smokers and chose to smoke outside. As for us, I hope that we, too, as former smokers, can adopt the same consideration for them. Then perhaps there will actually be a way for all of us to exercise our "rights".

 

Mary

[tbelian]

I'm for reform not a ban.I'm for a chance at a smoke free balcony for non-smokers and a chance for a smoking balcony for smokers.What's the problem?????????.....Frank:confused:

 

There isnt one. Sounds like a compromise plan. I got sidetracked on the balcony issue.

[CaroleSP]

I agree about the restaurants, it is a pleasure to go into restaurants in NJ and then we go to Pa where we are moving and there is no ban. Casinos's however are a little different and only time will tell..

I agree, NJ dining is often worth the toll to get there. The lower gas prices are a lure, too.:D

 

I don't know where you are relocating, but Philadelphia restaurants are non-smoking. I am waiting for it to hit the suburbs. Where we live, you rarely find smoking in a restaurant, unless there is a bar.

 

Welcome to the Keystone State.

[JCDeck]

I think the key on the smoking issue is compromise,although I do think that some very vocal smokers "read" compromise as BAN.

 

Everybody on both sides of the issue wants to speak of their "Rights" which is a valid thing on both sides of the issue, however we do live in a society where along with some rights you have responsibilities. I do think people have the right to smoke if they so choose to. I don't think the right extends to every venue , I also believe, rightly or wrongly that a citizen has a general expectation that they should not have to breathe nasty smokey air in a confined space, to have a reasonably clean environment free from butts, ashes and odor. not to have their clothes burned or smelly from smoke. I do believe rightly or wrongly that this expectation or "right" supercedes the one to smoke when both are in a shared space. People have the "Right" to carry weapons but they don't have the right to harm others. I think compromise is the key to all things in life this included. I think this policy should be revised as the societal norms change and they have changed.

 

 

Jennifer

 

With respect to all, I'm not going to raise h**l on the ship like I see some people do about this issue but I do wish they would tighen the policy.

[chessbriar]

I think the key on the smoking issue is compromise,although I do think that some very vocal smokers "read" compromise as BAN.

 

Everybody on both sides of the issue wants to speak of their "Rights" which is a valid thing on both sides of the issue, however we do live in a society where along with some rights you have responsibilities. I do think people have the right to smoke if they so choose to. I don't think the right extends to every venue , I also believe, rightly or wrongly that a citizen has a general expectation that they should not have to breathe nasty smoky air in a confined space, to have a reasonably clean environment free from butts, ashes and odor. not to have their clothes burned or smelly from smoke. I do believe rightly or wrongly that this expectation or "right" supersedes the one to smoke when both are in a shared space. People have the "Right" to carry weapons but they don't have the right to harm others. I think compromise is the key to all things in life this included. I think this policy should be revised as the societal norms change and they have changed.

 

 

Jennifer

 

With respect to all, I'm not going to raise h**l on the ship like I see some people do about this issue but I do wish they would tighten the policy.

The biggest thing with any policy whether the current or a restricted is smokers following the rules. And on the other side the non smokers not making snide comments as they walk through smoking areas.

 

I think in areas such as casinos, where the line wants the smokers to spend many hours, the line needs to do better with ventilation.

[Hondu]

As a long time smoker (38 years) who managed to quit, I never realized how bad cigarette smoke smells. My car and my clothes always stunk and I didn't realize it.

I was amazed when people complained about the smell. I thought they were crazy or just being a pain in the butt.

You really don't realize it until you stop.:cool:

 

I thinks this is one reason smokers are so defensive. They just cannot smell how stink it is.

[Captain Jake]

The biggest thing with any policy whether the current or a restricted is smokers following the rules. And on the other side the non smokers not making snide comments as they walk through smoking areas.

 

I think in areas such as casinos, where the line wants the smokers to spend many hours, the line needs to do better with ventilation.

 

Good Ventilation helps a lot.Michaels Club use to be a Paradise for smokers and it went through a format change.Though I'm a non-smoker 99.99% of the time I would regress once during the cruise to enjoy a good Cuban with fine spirits in the Leather chaired lounge.Made me feel like I was part of the elite crowd and I wasn't polluting any one else's space to boot.Nothing special about smoking one on the back of the ship or upsetting a neighbor on the next balcony.Bring Michaels back and maybe it would kill the pain when balcony smoking is banned which will happen sooner or later.-BT

[JCDeck]

Absolutely agree on the ventilation thing, although I do think the casino should have a non smoking side for the slots. I ALWAYS try to find the most out of the way slot machine to play thinking I'll be all by my non-smoking self but sure enough,... everytime, somebody finds the slot next to me and "Lights Up"

Sometimes it seems like we are the only two in the casino and this happens.

 

Also on the smell thing I think "Honda " is right...Smokers just do not realize the smell factor with smoke. My hair just smells awful after being around smokers and I have to wash it in order to go to sleep.

There also are plenty of snide comments made by smokers,also. They had a non smoking night on the Century....one night out of fourteen mind you. Some people were very good about it but others carried on like somebody cut their hearts out, really some childish behavior, 1 out of 14 nights. casino was still hoping but a true compromise would have benn Seven out of fourteen nights, fair is fair. I think it was a test to see how it was excepted,the people I saw at the tablea were pretty much the same smokers I'd seen every other night.

[chrismch]

Smoking is one of the hardest habits to kick and I feel sorry for those who have allowed themselves to become addicted. However, the tobacco industry has known for decades that at some later date smoking would become a total taboo which is why they have diversified and purchased other companies so they wouldn't be left bankrupt. Too bad smokers haven't paid attention to the warnings as well.

 

note to JCDeck...Hope you had a great cruise. The coastal we just returned from was great. Looking forward to seeing you on Crystal in Dec. Email me so we can update. Chris

[C 2 C]

Bring Michaels back and maybe it would kill the pain when balcony smoking is banned which will happen sooner or later.-BT

 

Mercury still has the smoking "club".... What a waste of a great location.

On our Century cruise, Michael's club was packed every night with guests listening to the piano tunes.... Mercury's lounge (was) is under-utilized due to the strong odor that just permeates the furnishings.

[Drew B]

What a completely apt description of smoking! If you had read all my posts here you would have read that a talked about compromise. Chhair hogs, which I didn't mention DO NOT endanger my health or burn my clothes and I have never had any trouble finding a chair but I have had trouble brathing on my balcony. It's about consideration.

 

As did I. I am all for smoking being prohibited in ALL indoor areas except the casino (including no smoking in cabins, but if that is a deal breaker, then restrict it to cabins on one side of the ship) and restricted to outdoors only on one side of the ship (including balconies on only one side of the ship).

 

My point was simply that the assertion that you bought and paid for an experience where you wouldn't be bothered by smoking is disingenuous. You may WISH that was the case, but it is not. Until the cruiseline changes their policy (as you and I agree they should), what you bought and paid for is exactly what you're getting - an experience that includes cigarettes and smoke and everything that goes with it.

[JCDeck]

Smoking is one of the hardest habits to kick and I feel sorry for those who have allowed themselves to become addicted. However, the tobacco industry has known for decades that at some later date smoking would become a total taboo which is why they have diversified and purchased other companies so they wouldn't be left bankrupt. Too bad smokers haven't paid attention to the warnings as well.

 

note to JCDeck...Hope you had a great cruise. The coastal we just returned from was great. Looking forward to seeing you on Crystal in Dec. Email me so we can update. Chris

 

Chris I emailed you twice but got it flipped back to me as failed.

[gillianrose]

I'm not sure it's viable, all those smokers on one side.....

 

 

There are fewer than 25% smokers, and in many areas, far fewer than 25%.

I don't think it is at all fair that smokers should get 50% of the ship.

[cruising with marti]

There are fewer than 25% smokers, and in many areas, far fewer than 25%.

I don't think it is at all fair that smokers should get 50% of the ship.

 

 

OK, lets give smokers all of the suites, that should be about the 25% figure

PHIL

[Drew B]

There are fewer than 25% smokers, and in many areas, far fewer than 25%.

I don't think it is at all fair that smokers should get 50% of the ship.

 

 

Jeez Louise! Separating sides of the ship is the only way for it to mean anything. Non-smokers are still welcome on the smoking side, but if you divide it even more so that only certain areas on one side are smoking, it won't help with the balcony issue at all, as smoke will easily drift from nearby smoking cabins.

 

I think this is why smokers get so up-in-arms in these threads. No matter what compromises are suggested, some people are never going to be satisfied! I say to those people, lock yourself up in a hermetically sealed bubble. That way, nobody will disturb your environment.

[Sky Sweet]

There are fewer than 25% smokers, and in many areas, far fewer than 25%.

I don't think it is at all fair that smokers should get 50% of the ship.

 

Even though less than twenty-five percent of people in the United States still smoke, and the number is much lower for Americans who are well educated, it appears that the percentage is much higher for people who take Celebrity Cruises.