No smoking Fleetwide

[JMARINER]

New no smoking policy to take effect at the end of the year fleetwide. Smoking will only be allow in a few areas, i.e. Connoisseur Club, Casino, pool area.

 

 

j

[chefpa]

According to whom and/or where did you hear this?

[ChatKat in Ca.]

It's on another cruise board and it's confirmed by a reputable TA.

 

It really doesn't go far enough, since the public areas will still impact other passengers. Why allow it in the Voyager/Mariner lounge, Casino and Stars nightclub? They should have limited it to the cigar lounges and one area of the pool bar to avoid impact on other passengers.

[chefpa]

Maybe we could just shoot all of the smokers and be done with it altogether........clearly they should have no right to get on a ship...

[SomeBeach]

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Smoking PolicyWhile we will always give smokers a warm welcome on our ships, we also recognize the need to restrict where smoking is permitted so as not to cause discomfort to, or provide a health or safety hazard for, the majority of our guests who do not smoke. Cigarette smoking is not permitted in any enclosed dining areas, whether it be the ships' main dining rooms or the alternate dining venues. Cigarette smoking is only permitted in designated areas of the outdoor Pool Grills. Other than open deck areas, the following are the only public rooms or areas where cigarette smoking is now permitted:

Seven Seas Voyager: Connoisseur Club, Casino, Voyager Lounge (designated area), Horizon Lounge (outside area only), Pool Bar

Seven Seas Mariner: Connoisseur Club, Casino, Horizon Lounge (outside area only), Stars Nightclub (designated area), Pool Bar

Seven Seas Navigator: Connoisseur Club, Casino, Stars Lounge (designated area), Galileo¿s (outside area only), Pool Bar

Paul Gauguin: La Palette (outside area only), Le Grill (designated area), Pool Bar

Pipe smoking is only permitted in the Connoisseur Club aboard Seven Seas Voyager, Mariner and Navigator. Pipe smoking in open deck areas is considered an extreme fire hazard and is not permitted. Cigar smoking is only permitted in the Connoisseur Club aboard Seven Seas Voyager, Mariner and Navigator, and in the designated area of the Pool Bar area aboard all four vessels.

Update as of July 5, 2007:

In light of continuing legislative changes in smoking policies around the world as well as the comfort, health and safety of our guests and crew, both in terms of the proven dangers of second hand smoke and the fire hazard that smoking presents, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will be changing our policy of smoking in staterooms, suites and on private balconies. Not only does smoking present a fire hazard, but it is also an inconvenience to other guests as the smoke, or its odor, invades surrounding suites, balconies and public areas, creating discomfort for the guests in these areas. Smoking will therefore be prohibited in all staterooms, suites and balconies fleet-wide.

This change will take effect on the following dates:

Seven Seas Voyager: December 21, 2007

Seven Seas Mariner: December 21, 2007

Seven Seas Navigator: December 27, 2007

Paul Gauguin: December 29, 2007

Failure to comply with this ban will result in guests being asked to leave the ship at their expense, without refund or credit for the unused portion of their cruise.

[Travelcat2]

Maybe we could just shoot all of the smokers and be done with it altogether........clearly they should have no right to get on a ship...

 

Chefpa -- according to Chicago Law (where you live), smoking is currently banned from most public places and will be banned from bars effective 1/1/2008 so, you are used to smoking restrictions. You also know that no one wants smokers shot or banned from ships.

 

I'm a former smoker (quit cold turkey 20 years ago -- the hardest thing I have ever done) so I'm coming from a place of understanding rather than criticism. The reality is harsh -- entire countries are going non-smoking inside public places (for instance, Northern Ireland -- April 2007, England -- July 2007). . .

 

I applaud the cruise industry for making it more comfortable for non-smokers while still permitting smoking in areas that do not negatively affect others.

[HomeLover]

I hate to be the first one to say it, but goodbye Regent. I love the line, but I am not going to pay (as a single) $700 or more per day and not be able to smoke in my cabin or on the balcony. One or the other I could easily live with, but I guess I have seen the last of the best line I have been on. I am just waiting for 2008 to come and people complaining about those gathering in the Conniseur Lounge coming to dinner smelling of smoke and cigars.

[bogie113]

Dear Smokers

 

We will miss you on future cruises when we are all frolicing in the sun... However, we will not miss your smoke.

 

Not to bore you with our family history, but my husband and I are both cancer survivors [9 years and 17 years respectively]. We were both smokers. I don't want to be trapped on a ship with people willing to endanger our health as well as their own, not to mention detract from the enjoyment of our cruising experience with the smell of their secone hand smoke.

 

I don't want to travel with people who purposly bring toxins of any sort on board, nor to I want to put our safety and well being in the hands of a cruise line that would permit such behavior.

 

Actually, I really don't know of very many people who still smoke. Perhaps Regent has not gone far enough. In fact, if they put the smoking/non-smoking issue to a vote among all persons currently holding reservations on Regent, I suspect the result would be totally smoke free ships.

 

I don't mean to be critical, but it really isn't about those who smoke, it's about the majority of us who don't. It's not about our not respecting your rights, it's about your not respecting ours.

 

Please don't throw rotton eggs at me.

 

Bogie

[esther e]

Oceania has the same policy, but stricter. There are only 2 places on the ships to smoke: one in a corner of the pool deck and the other in a corner of a lounge. Interestingly enough, they sail full every cruise. I love the idea of being able to be on my balcony -- smokefree. Good for Regent.:)

[blackbird71]

This will be my last Regent cruise. :(

 

Just snail mail Mark to remove my address from future mailings.

[sho]

Hurrah for no-smoking in balconies!:)

 

I couldn't remember how many times I had to endure smelling cigar smoke coming from the nextdoor balcony. I understand that people do have rights to smoke, and I never make a fuss and always dash back into my cabin-suite. But I also have the rights to sit leisurely in my balcony without being disturbed by hazaradous smoke to my health.

[St Croix]

This is the best news I could hear; the only thing that could make it better is if it were banned on the entire ship.

 

Our recent Navigator cruise was greatly impacted by the stench in the hallways as well as being unable to enjoy our balcony as we wanted because of the smoke coming from other staterooms.

 

 

Smokers--we won't miss you at all and I'm sure other non smokers will take you place now that the new ban is in effect so Regent won't miss you either!

[Oliver's Mom]

Now if they would only ban smoking in the casino..............

[chefpa]

Whether I reside in Chicago or not and am used to these laws or not is not quite the point, it is whether I agree with them or not.

 

A wise man once said "during times of fear and uncertainty, we must be most on guard against the tendency towards the loss of our indivudual freedoms". The slow creep of legislation and regulation and withdrawl of individual freedoms (yes, evne those that might not be healthy) is, in the long run, not good for any of us.

 

Pushing smokers outside, as in Chicago or onboard the ships, will place them in direct contact with the non-smokers, creating more animosity and problems. More complaints from non-smokers and less regard for others by smokers. As you say, I am used to it here and have seen it.

 

If smoking inside cabins means the odor leaks, make them less prone to do so or provide better ventilation to some of those cabins so that there is another alternative.

 

I have read all too many extreme views regarding this topic on this board not to believe that there are those that have little regard for individual freedoms, poorly chosen though they may be. Personally,I do not drink and do not care for what alcohol does to people's behavior when it is consumed. Using this logic and a considerable amount of evidence that it is unhealthy to the user and others, we could start a movement to get rid of the right to drink...anywhere. People fall overboard, they become obnoxious, etc, etc...

 

But I do not take comfort in the loss of freedom of one group because I know that this slow process leans towards the loss of freedoms towards us all. If you doubt it, ook around, read the papers and think about the recent past legislative history and the actions of the White House.

 

The most recent responses on this thread clearly indicate a group of individuals who could care less about the loss of these freedoms and the responses and do not very well hide the animosity toward smoking. So it is clear that limiting it to these areas will heighten this animosity. Personally, I would not care to know such people so, whether I smoke or not, I will likely not sail on Regent again. Perhaps the group can start corraling some other group of individuals and beating upon them until, alas, you are the only ones left to be restricted....

[yarlenna]

Whether I reside in Chicago or not and am used to these laws or not is not quite the point, it is whether I agree with them or not.

 

A wise man once said "during times of fear and uncertainty, we must be most on guard against the tendency towards the loss of our indivudual freedoms". The slow creep of legislation and regulation and withdrawl of individual freedoms (yes, evne those that might not be healthy) is, in the long run, not good for any of us.

 

Pushing smokers outside, as in Chicago or onboard the ships, will place them in direct contact with the non-smokers, creating more animosity and problems. More complaints from non-smokers and less regard for others by smokers. As you say, I am used to it here and have seen it.

 

If smoking inside cabins means the odor leaks, make them less prone to do so or provide better ventilation to some of those cabins so that there is another alternative.

 

I have read all too many extreme views regarding this topic on this board not to believe that there are those that have little regard for individual freedoms, poorly chosen though they may be. Personally,I do not drink and do not care for what alcohol does to people's behavior when it is consumed. Using this logic and a considerable amount of evidence that it is unhealthy to the user and others, we could start a movement to get rid of the right to drink...anywhere. People fall overboard, they become obnoxious, etc, etc...

 

But I do not take comfort in the loss of freedom of one group because I know that this slow process leans towards the loss of freedoms towards us all. If you doubt it, ook around, read the papers and think about the recent past legislative history and the actions of the White House.

 

The most recent responses on this thread clearly indicate a group of individuals who could care less about the loss of these freedoms and the responses and do not very well hide the animosity toward smoking. So it is clear that limiting it to these areas will heighten this animosity. Personally, I would not care to know such people so, whether I smoke or not, I will likely not sail on Regent again. Perhaps the group can start corraling some other group of individuals and beating upon them until, alas, you are the only ones left to be restricted....

 

HuH?? You can still smoke - and there are lots of places for you to do that. You can still enjoy your balconies. You may even enjoy the change - and the wonderful smell of the sea.

[blackbird71]

 

Smokers--we won't miss you at all and I'm sure other non smokers will take you place now that the new ban is in effect so Regent won't miss you either!

 

Just remember first Renaissance Cruises said they did not want smokers onboard, then Renaissance Cruises said they did not want children onboard, then Renaissance Cruises went out of business.

 

Regent is having problems with getting enough people on their ships already.

[chefpa]

HuH?? You can still smoke - and there are lots of places for you to do that. You can still enjoy your balconies. You may even enjoy the change - and the wonderful smell of the sea.

 

Obviosuly, you missed the point....(and I never said I smoked)...restricting smoking to these areas (which already the various people have indicated are too many) will place smokers directly into the path of non-smokers. How pleasant it will be for the smokers to get the inevitable glares from non-smokers. As for the balconies, obviously they cannot be used for smoking although when at sea I think it a perfect place (when used properly and safely) to do so...personally, I love the smell of the sea air.

 

I was first responding to TravelCat2's point and then generally...but I guess the point about individual freedoms is lost. Perhaps if it is reread slowly.

[chefpa]

Dear Smokers

 

We will miss you on future cruises when we are all frolicing in the sun... However, we will not miss your smoke.

 

Not to bore you with our family history, but my husband and I are both cancer survivors [9 years and 17 years respectively]. We were both smokers. I don't want to be trapped on a ship with people willing to endanger our health as well as their own, not to mention detract from the enjoyment of our cruising experience with the smell of their secone hand smoke.

 

I don't want to travel with people who purposly bring toxins of any sort on board, nor to I want to put our safety and well being in the hands of a cruise line that would permit such behavior.

 

Actually, I really don't know of very many people who still smoke. Perhaps Regent has not gone far enough. In fact, if they put the smoking/non-smoking issue to a vote among all persons currently holding reservations on Regent, I suspect the result would be totally smoke free ships.

 

I don't mean to be critical, but it really isn't about those who smoke, it's about the majority of us who don't. It's not about our not respecting your rights, it's about your not respecting ours.

 

Please don't throw rotton eggs at me.

 

Bogie

 

Bogie, I hope you read my other post, it was directed, in large part at those that think as you do. Don't ask people not to throw rotten eggs if you are going to express views.

 

Actually, your poorly hidden glee and even worse attempt at not being "critical" which is exactly what you are being, is made worse by your statement that it is not about the minority but about the majority. In a purely technical sense, at least in the US, a democracy and its' laws are put in place to protect the interests of all and in particular those of the minority who have a lessor voice. But you don't really care about the rights of the minority in this case do you? As you clearly indicated.

 

As for bringing toxins on board, what about alcohol...it too is a toxin.

 

Some people are very much affected by strong scents such as perfumes, perhaps these should be banned (as I can attest there are those that go overboard).

 

Quite a few people are seriously allergic to peanuts or wheat to the point that dust from either could touch food and cause them to have a serious allergic reaction. I saw both on my last cruise. In this case, both are toxins, shall we remove them? Perhaps we shall just tell these people to find another cruise line...even though they are slowly becoming a huge number of people.

 

As for affecting the ambiance...well the list of possibilities is endless here..there are so many things that might affect your experience, most of which are not health related behavior...too loud, not friendly, too many children, had too much to drink...and so on and so on....

 

And finally, while we are at it, why don't we ask that Regent take a stand and eliminate stops toany country, lets say Greece, that has a majority of smokers...we don't want to patronize and encourage such behavior and after all, the second hand smoke that we might get exposed to will ruin our viewing of the sites anyway.

 

So, I guess I won't be seeing you on the beach but I doubt that we would be frollicking much anyway....I just have a feeling.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I have never been aware that a cabin that I'm in had previously been occupied by a smoker, period. While I agree with the ban on balcony smoking, if they can ensure that the cabins smell good for the next occupant, I would have no problem having smoking in the cabins. What every smoker wants is a nice first cigarette in the morning!

 

I, for one, don't glare at smokers. I treat them like anybody else, even if I back away, or make sure I'm upwind at the pool bar.

 

I think the only upside for the smokers is that on the ship, as in so many places, they become members of an exclusive club, and actually make friends among themselves.

 

I'm sorry so many people are upset, and I hope that Regent makes some better accommodations for some of their very loyal customers.

[seahorse]

Chefpa,

 

I absolutely agree with you about the govt. taking away our freedoms (I am a Libertarian) but this is not the same thing. People have a choice in this matter.

 

A business corporation has the right to make their own rules and you can abide by them or not. You can walk with your money. When govt. makes such laws it takes away our freedoms.

 

Renaissance did not go out of business because they banned smokers:rolleyes: They went out of business for a number of reasons, the biggest reason was the way they cut out the travel agent community and they tried to undercut the other luxury lines. They had a good product but you can`t be profitable without charging a proper price for your product and doing away with your distribution system.

[Iamboatman]

The opinions expressed in this HOT topic really aren't going to change things at all. Just as there is no smoking in UK and Irish pubs (unthinkable just a few years ago), bars throughout the US (business will fail left and right), airplanes (less people will fly), this is what is happening in the cruise industry and it will survive just nicely.

 

Whether it be the health concerns, the safety concerns (ala Princess), the maintenance concerns (the smoke residue is a big issue), a marketing effort, or whatever, it is going to be found on more and more cruise lines...and quite rapidly, I think.

 

One never wants to see past passengers leave a cruise line, but it happens. There was a huge outcry about people not cruising on Seabourn when it banned smoking in the dining room and limited it to very specific areas in lounges...but, in the end the benefits exceeded the cost and most of those crying foul also began waiving bon voyage...from the deck.

 

People inherently do not like change, but most (not all) will adapt. The British pubs are doing fine and the patrons have adapted. I think Regent is merely doing what society overall is doing. Smoking in your suite is not a birthright. Heck smoking isn't a birthright.

 

And while I will no longer be able to have my occasional cigar very late at night with a nice port in my favorite location, I will still be on the balcony with my port thinking I am pretty darn fortunate to be on the cruise...and I will smile; without a thought of scowering at Regent.

[esther e]

Now if they would only ban smoking in the casino..............

 

Again, Oceania has no smoking in casinos.

[chefpa]

Chefpa,

 

I absolutely agree with you about the govt. taking away our freedoms (I am a Libertarian) but this is not the same thing. People have a choice in this matter.

 

A business corporation has the right to make their own rules and you can abide by them or not. You can walk with your money. When govt. makes such laws it takes away our freedoms.

 

Renaissance did not go out of business because they banned smokers:rolleyes: They went out of business for a number of reasons, the biggest reason was the way they cut out the travel agent community and they tried to undercut the other luxury lines. They had a good product but you can`t be profitable without charging a proper price for your product and doing away with your distribution system.

 

Thank you for agreeing with me in part. I am not a Libertarian although I, at least, respect your right to be one.

 

How terribly simplistic all of this would be if it were a government imposed sanction. And BTW some are hiding behind impending legislation that would have banned smoking in cabins and on balconies anyway. But governments are made up by people and are influenced by people...even our own that seems to act like a rouge nation...and as fewer and fewer lines allow smoking, where is the smoker going to take their money too?

 

It is the same thing. it is the imposition of a majority view on the minority and I totally agree about the dangers of second hand smoke but I do not allow that reasonable concern to obscure the fact that there are circumstances when it could be allowed and not affect other's health. If it were a health discussion I would agree, but it isn't...it is discussion about how one larger group does not like the act of a smaller group.

 

I could care less about what drove Rennaissance out of business. Poor business is poor business. Stupid is as stupid does.

 

But it would be very hard to argue that this movement is not part of an overall movement that continues to restrict individual freedom. You may couch it as a corporation acting within its' own right if you wish, and I agree that it has that right, but the fact remains that it is acting out of pressure to do so.

 

And though there are those who do not glare at smokers who are smoking in their little approved areas, a quick review of the responses above clearly inidcates that this is a very likely outcome.

 

And, finally, yes, people will adapt and it will not appear to be the end of the world. Smoking is not a birthright, neither is drinking and neither are a good many other things that we choose to do. But we have a right to choose to do them because if we do not, what is left on the list of things that we have a right to do?

[new yorker]

Regent will certainly gain more non-smoking passengers, then they will lose smoking ones. I am always amazed at the selfishness of those who try to justify endangering the health of others, while claiming it is their right to do so. I speak as a former selfish smoker. Kudos to Regent!

[blackbird71]

Regent will certainly gain more non-smoking passengers, then they will lose smoking ones. I am always amazed at the selfishness of those who try to justify endangering the health of others, while claiming it is their right to do so. I speak as a former selfish smoker. Kudos to Regent!

 

Thanks you make up my mind for me. I am cancelling my $13,217 Nov cruise just for you.

 

From my letter to Mark Conroy

 

Please cancel my Nov 19th Mariner cruise, because of your new no-smoking in suites rules.

 

Between my RSSC, Silverseas and two Seabourn cruises:

 

1. I have had one bottle of booze total for my suite bar setup.

2. I have had one drink from a bar.

3. I have not made it to a show, Captain’s cocktail, or repeaters party on any of these cruises.

 

While on a cruise I spend most of my time on the veranda or sitting by the picture window watching the sea. Love the Boss Wave Radio for playing my audiobooks on Seabourn.

 

Starting with my second Seabourn and Nov Regent cruise, I have gotten tired of dealing with T/As and have booked direct.

 

Please send the refund to my out of town address.