smoking in the cabins

[RachieLnnn]

If you happen to have a smoker next door to you, are there any possible steps that one could take as a non-smoker to make both sides happy?

 

Would knocking on the door and asking a chain-smoker to stop once in awhile be a no-no? If you are a smoker, what would you do if someone approached you about it?

 

What about asking management to have a chat with them?

 

Personally, I don't think I would mind if it was a smoke every once in awhile (I could just step inside my smoke-free cabin until they were finished) but if my neighbor chain-smoked, I would be upset that I couldn't enjoy my balcony. I would hate to be coughing and choking while the ship sails past the volcano in Hawaii and the NaPali coastline. It really wouldn't be fair for me to not be able to use my balcony because of another's choice that infringes upon my space. Yes, it is their choice to smoke, and I agree that smokers should be able to use their balcony too, but when it interferes with my lungs it's unfair.

 

Just wondering if there is anything I could say/do to make both sides comfortable. As it is, I'm not going to worry about it. Hopefully we will have non-smokers next to us.

[mbisson]

Please don't assume that I meant you personally.

 

 

Even knowing your above response I can't see any other option since you quoted me and used comments like "your smokey one".

 

anyhow- I'm done!

[cliffd64]

If you happen to have a smoker next door to you, are there any possible steps that one could take as a non-smoker to make both sides happy?

 

Would knocking on the door and asking a chain-smoker to stop once in awhile be a no-no? If you are a smoker, what would you do if someone approached you about it?

 

What about asking management to have a chat with them?

 

Personally, I don't think I would mind if it was a smoke every once in awhile (I could just step inside my smoke-free cabin until they were finished) but if my neighbor chain-smoked, I would be upset that I couldn't enjoy my balcony. I would hate to be coughing and choking while the ship sails past the volcano in Hawaii and the NaPali coastline. It really wouldn't be fair for me to not be able to use my balcony because of another's choice that infringes upon my space. Yes, it is their choice to smoke, and I agree that smokers should be able to use their balcony too, but when it interferes with my lungs it's unfair.

 

Just wondering if there is anything I could say/do to make both sides comfortable. As it is, I'm not going to worry about it. Hopefully we will have non-smokers next to us.

 

 

Having once been a smoker, most people are open to a reasonable request asked in a reasonable manner to limit the amount of smoking. Yelling and carrying on rarely would work.

 

Complaining to management will be fruitless unless they are breaking a rule of some sort. As they are not, you are putting the cruiseline in an awkward position of satisfying one customer at the expense of another... a no-win scenario.

 

Having a reasonable, non-anger filled conversation with your neighbor will often yield the best results. Most people tend to try to be considerate if they are alerted in a reasonable manner.

[MrLee]

Personally, I don't think I would mind if it was a smoke every once in awhile (I could just step inside my smoke-free cabin until they were finished) but if my neighbor chain-smoked, I would be upset that I couldn't enjoy my balcony. I would hate to be coughing and choking while the ship sails past the volcano in Hawaii and the NaPali coastline. It really wouldn't be fair for me to not be able to use my balcony because of another's choice that infringes upon my space.

 

 

Well at least I'm one smoker you don't need to worry about. I won't cruise Hawaii since they don't have casinos. ;)

[Host CMLA]

BTW smoking isn't a "right" it's a "priviledge".

For that matter, cruising as a whole is a privilege. We have a bill of rights in this country and smoking and cruising aren't in them anywhere! :) I suppose you could say that if you were bothered enough, you could choose not to cruise. And before you attack me as a smoker. I'm not a smoker. I'm an ex smoker. Quit 6 years ago. I don't enjoy being in a smoke filled area however I can probably tolerate it more so than someone that has never smoked. Also as an ex smoker, I can empathize with both sides of the issue which doesn't seem to be the case with those that have never talked a mile in those shoes.

Having a reasonable, non-anger filled conversation with your neighbor will often yield the best results. Most people tend to try to be considerate if they are alerted in a reasonable manner.

Excellent advice! I've found this to work very well in a few cases when we've been out and about and had smokers around us. And the one time someone refused to put their smoke in another hand away from us, we moved.

 

This smoking debate is as old as dirt and it will probably remain so but how do you please everyone? I remember when NCL had smoking sides of the ship for cabins. I would book the smoking side but in 2001 (I believe that was the year) they made all cabins smoking optional and by then I was a non smoker and never smelled stale smoke in the rooms.

[jayge]

Being highly allergic I am always anxious before I get to my cabin to see if it has been used by a previous smoker. My husband and I are more or less forced to get a balcony cabin in case the room is smelling of smoke. For allergic people, using chemicals to cover up the smell won't help as allergic people are usually allergic to more than one thing. I have met people who have been assigned a room reeking of smoke and the cabin steward told them " you should have smelled it when I was cleaning it" so anyone who has not had this happen is fortunate.

 

I have a terrible time with hotels and motels, especially if they are newly renovated. On a recent trip I stopped at 3 hotels and all had carpets only about 2 months old. Fortunately, the 3rd one had windows which open so I was able to stay there though not without discomfort. I was pleasantly surprised that the hotel was entirely non-smoking; a Marriott in N.C.

 

It is a curse to be so allergic and it is my hope that someday the cruise lines will offer one side of the ship to non-smokers and the other side (cabins) to smokers. It could be worked out because most smokers are considerate in not smoking in the cabins for which I am grateful.

 

Jayge

:)

[just4now]

Also as an ex smoker, I can empathize with both sides of the issue which doesn't seem to be the case with those that have never talked a mile in those shoes.

 

I'm going to take a leap here and assume that that's meant for me. What makes you think I haven't walked in those shoes?

[RachieLnnn]

Having a reasonable, non-anger filled conversation with your neighbor will often yield the best results. Most people tend to try to be considerate if they are alerted in a reasonable manner.

 

Thank you for the excellent advice. I was wondering if a smoker would be offended if I approached them should the need arise. I have a hard time yelling at people I don't know, so that's not a problem - I would be quite nice about it. This is my first balcony and my first NCL cruise, so I wanted to get some opinions!:)

 

Being highly allergic I am always anxious before I get to my cabin to see if it has been used by a previous smoker. My husband and I are more or less forced to get a balcony cabin in case the room is smelling of smoke. For allergic people using chemicals to cover up the smell won't help as allergic people are usually allergic to more than one thing. I have met people who have been assigned a room reeking of smoke and the cabin steward told them " you should have smelled it when I was cleaning it" so anyone who has not had this happen is fortunate.

 

I have a terrible time with hotels and motels, especially if they are newly renovated. On a recent trip I stopped at 3 hotels and all had carpets only about 2 months old. Fortunately, the 3rd one had windows which open so I was able to stay there though not without discomfort. I was pleasantly surprised that the hotel was entirely non-smoking; a Marriott in N.C.

 

It is a curse to be so allergic and it is my hope that someday the cruise lines will offer one side of the ship to non-smokers and the other side (cabins) to smokers. It could be worked out because most smokers are considerate in not smoking in the cabins for which I am grateful.

 

Jayge

:)

 

I do feel for you, as my father has quite a hard time with allergies as well. Best of luck to you. FYI, I do believe all Mariotts went smoke-free in their rooms, but someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Host CMLA]

I'm going to take a leap here and assume that that's meant for me. What makes you think I haven't walked in those shoes?

Actually, no. It wasn't meant directly to you. It was meant for anyone that's never been a smoker and doesn't see it from a smoker's point of view. If you've never been a smoker, then you haven't walked in a smoker's shoes. But I wasn't making any assumptions about you.

[F5Loar]

When you said "Personally, I don't think I would mind if it was a smoke every once in awhile (I could just step inside my smoke-free cabin until they were finished)" that won't get it. The minute you open your balcony door that smoke will follow you in like the plague and now your cabin smells like their balcony! Sorry, facts is facts. That ocean wind on a moving ship is pretty powerful. You can run but you can't hide from it!

[RachieLnnn]

When you said "Personally, I don't think I would mind if it was a smoke every once in awhile (I could just step inside my smoke-free cabin until they were finished)" that won't get it. The minute you open your balcony door that smoke will follow you in like the plague and now your cabin smells like their balcony! Sorry, facts is facts. That ocean wind on a moving ship is pretty powerful. You can run but you can't hide from it!

 

I'm sure that the wind will blow a minimal amount of smoke into my cabin when I open the balcony door. What I meant by my post was that I would rather be inside my cabin where there are no smokers than outside where there are. If it were just for 10 minutes or so, I could deal with that.

 

The smoke that is blown in would hopefully be minimal (I mean, it's not like I would stand there with the door open, I would just slip inside), and would hopefully be circulated out of the cabin somewhat promptly by the HVAC system.

[Wendolyn]

Being highly allergic I am always anxious before I get to my cabin to see if it has been used by a previous smoker. My husband and I are more or less forced to get a balcony cabin in case the room is smelling of smoke. For allergic people, using chemicals to cover up the smell won't help as allergic people are usually allergic to more than one thing. I have met people who have been assigned a room reeking of smoke and the cabin steward told them " you should have smelled it when I was cleaning it" so anyone who has not had this happen is fortunate.

 

I have a terrible time with hotels and motels, especially if they are newly renovated. On a recent trip I stopped at 3 hotels and all had carpets only about 2 months old. Fortunately, the 3rd one had windows which open so I was able to stay there though not without discomfort. I was pleasantly surprised that the hotel was entirely non-smoking; a Marriott in N.C.

 

It is a curse to be so allergic and it is my hope that someday the cruise lines will offer one side of the ship to non-smokers and the other side (cabins) to smokers. It could be worked out because most smokers are considerate in not smoking in the cabins for which I am grateful.

 

Jayge

:)

 

I'm curious as to how it was determined that you are allergic to cigarette smoke, as there is no substantiative proof that such a link exists. Smoke is a well known irritant, but if true allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, hives, excema, etc) are not present, and tests performed to show that that is indeed the cause of the histamine rise, then one cannot be sure. I was informed of this by my allergist, and any search online can provide many links to articles and studies that back this up.

 

All I can say is I wish people would devote half as much energy to reducing pollution as they do to this subject. And no, I do not smoke.

[newmexicoNita]

I'm curious as to how it was determined that you are allergic to cigarette smoke, as there is no substantiative proof that such a link exists. Smoke is a well known irritant, but if true allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, hives, excema, etc) are not present, and tests performed to show that that is indeed the cause of the histamine rise, then one cannot be sure. I was informed of this by my allergist, and any search online can provide many links to articles and studies that back this up.

 

All I can say is I wish people would devote half as much energy to reducing pollution as they do to this subject. And no, I do not smoke.

thanks I have wanted someone to comment on this for ages. We all know smoking is very irritanting and more so to some people, but I have wondered for a long time why so many people are suddenly alergic to smoke. NMnita

[CruiseNurseBabe82]

God, I hope that we don't have smokers next to us on the Dawn. :rolleyes:

[Wendolyn]

thanks I have wanted someone to comment on this for ages. We all know smoking is very irritanting and more so to some people, but I have wondered for a long time why so many people are suddenly alergic to smoke. NMnita

There is no doubt that to many it is an irritant, particularly those with asthma and upper respiratory disease, but this wholesale allergy stuff gets on my nerves. There are far more damaging toxins in the air we breathe everyday, and I've no doubt there are onboard any given ship as well. I have allergies to pollen, but I don't use that as a license to pick on horticulturists. ;)

 

I think most smokers would not object to being asked politely if they could cut down or refrain, but if they are in a smoking area then they do have every right to light up.

[johnql]

There are far more damaging toxins in the air we breathe everyday, and I've no doubt there are onboard any given ship as well.

Really? I'd love to hear some facts to back up this statement.

[Eeyoregon]

Are you kidding me that the cabins are smoking optional? :eek: Oh geez...I just assumed the cabins were non-smoking. Great.

 

So if past passengers have smoked in my cabin (and NO you CAN NOT get rid of that smell no matter how well you "clean") then I just paid $4,000 to not be able to breathe in my own cabin :mad:! We have Inside cabins too boot so no chance of airing it out!

 

I will definitely be bringing my own pillows and maybe linens.

 

Thanks for the info...at least I won't be surprised by the stench.

[Wendolyn]

Really? I'd love to hear some facts to back up this statement.

 

A Review of Smoking and Allergy

 

In this article, they point out that smoke may make a person's allergies to pollen, etc, worse- but they do not state directly that a person is allergic to the smoke: Asthma and Allergy Foundation.

 

Finally, The American Lung Association refers to smoke as a trigger, but also lists perfumes, cold air and actual allergens as triggers as well.

 

 

I have massive allergies, but I had tests to show that these are real reactions to allergens. I deal with it. I don't care for smoke, but like I said- people spend far too much time bashing smokers and I think it's a form of bullying. I think most smokers try to be considerate, and those that don't I move away from. No big deal.

[Wendolyn]

As far as environmental toxins, a simple keyword search turns up a wide variety of articles on the subject:

 

Home toxins

 

Prevention

 

Environment New Jersey

 

Reduce.Org

 

 

And so on- there are over 1,950,000 examples in the simple Google search I did. Ships are comprised of the same types of materials homes are, with one exception: cabins are made to be as flame-retardant as possible, and that flame retardant is highly toxic. Short-term exposure is no doubt a risk we are all willing to take, but I feel the same way about limited exposure to cigarette smoke. No doubt about it, smoking is deadly, but so are a lot of other things in life.

[Host CMLA]

So if past passengers have smoked in my cabin (and NO you CAN NOT get rid of that smell no matter how well you "clean") then I just paid $4,000 to not be able to breathe in my own cabin :mad:!

If you're able to smell smoke then you'd be the first person I've read about here that had that problem. I'm not saying it's never happened but I've never read about someone saying they smelled smoke. NCL has some magic potion that eliminates the smell. Over and over people comment here wanting to know what it is. I hope that's how it is for you.

[johnql]

As far as environmental toxins, a simple keyword search turns up a wide variety of articles on the subject:

 

Home toxins

 

Prevention

 

Environment New Jersey

 

Reduce.Org

 

 

And so on- there are over 1,950,000 examples in the simple Google search I did. Ships are comprised of the same types of materials homes are, with one exception: cabins are made to be as flame-retardant as possible, and that flame retardant is highly toxic. Short-term exposure is no doubt a risk we are all willing to take, but I feel the same way about limited exposure to cigarette smoke. No doubt about it, smoking is deadly, but so are a lot of other things in life.

I don't doubt that there are other toxins around and I don't dispute the opinion that we should all be more aware of them and be proactive about eliminating and/or avoiding them. However, I still don't believe they are nearly as toxic as you implied, given their quantity/concentration and the extent to which people are actually exposed to them. Check out this article about a Johns Hopkins study about indoor air pollution and cancer risk. It states, "Environmental tobacco smoke is the greatest culprit but other more subtle contributors, such as cleaning solvents and air fresheners, add up to represent a sizeable fraction of the risk."

 

https://hopkinsnet.jhu.edu/servlet/page?_pageid=802&_dad=portal30p&_schema=PORTAL30P

[Cosmopolitan]

If you're able to smell smoke then you'd be the first person I've read about here that had that problem. I'm not saying it's never happened but I've never read about someone saying they smelled smoke. NCL has some magic potion that eliminates the smell. Over and over people comment here wanting to know what it is. I hope that's how it is for you.

 

I agree. We have NEVER smelled smoke in the cabins.

 

You can smell it in the hallways outside of cabins where passengers are smoking.

 

I think that I may prefer a smoker next to my balcony that a cell phone user yelling into his cell:(

Or a drunk hanging over the balcony;)

 

Just "chill"... everyone has different habits that others do not enjoy.

 

You're on a ship with over 2000 people. They will not all have the same habits as you.

 

Relax and enjoy your cruise:)

[Eeyoregon]

If you're able to smell smoke then you'd be the first person I've read about here that had that problem. I'm not saying it's never happened but I've never read about someone saying they smelled smoke. NCL has some magic potion that eliminates the smell. Over and over people comment here wanting to know what it is. I hope that's how it is for you.

 

Thanks for the comforting words...I hope you are right!! I will admit I panicked!!! Last month I was given a smoking room in a hotel (reserved non-smoking but they "sold out") and the next morning my eyes were swollen shut and it took 3 sudafeds before I could breath through my nose again! That scenario wouldn't make for very special photos on board, LOL!!

[Wendolyn]

I don't doubt that there are other toxins around and I don't dispute the opinion that we should all be more aware of them and be proactive about eliminating and/or avoiding them. However, I still don't believe they are nearly as toxic as you implied, given their quantity/concentration and the extent to which people are actually exposed to them. Check out this article about a Johns Hopkins study about indoor air pollution and cancer risk. It states, "Environmental tobacco smoke is the greatest culprit but other more subtle contributors, such as cleaning solvents and air fresheners, add up to represent a sizeable fraction of the risk."

 

https://hopkinsnet.jhu.edu/servlet/page?_pageid=802&_dad=portal30p&_schema=PORTAL30P

 

 

There is a bit of a difference between the occasional whiff of smoke entering a balcony cabin and living in an environment filled with a sizeable fraction of risky chemicals. It would be ironic if the magic potion used by NCL contained chemicals that might be dangerous. Whatever- I don't want to get into a fact slinging contest that could go on forever and lead nowhere. Back to the OP, and enough derail.

[F5Loar]

I'm pretty sure any non-smoker will agree that sleeping in a smoking room in a cheap hotel is about as bad as it gets. True most all ships now do a great job eliminating smoke odors from most things in the cabins. However if you fall in behind a smoker your week expect to pick up on it if you are that sensitive to it. While some are not many non-smokers can detect it by just walking in and then straight out of a smokey bar. I've gone in gas stations just to pay for my gas only to come out smelling smoke on my clothes.

One reason I like to book the newer ships (usually one year or less) is they have not had time for the yellow nicotine stains to build up on the ceilings and walls. I'll go out on a limb here and say none of the ships wash down the ceilings and that's where yellow tar stain is going to stick. I've cruised older ships and taken my finger and rubbed it across the ceiling only to find my finger tips turned a dingy yellow. Sorry to rain on non-smokers(I guess you could tell I don't smoke) cruising but if you are extremely sensitive to smoke remains in your cabin best choose Disney Cruise Line. They still book(or they did last time I went) non-smoking cabins. Shame all cruise lines can't follow the mouse's steps on that one!