Official : Celebrity Revamps Smoking Policy Effective 10/1/08

[SusieV]

I don't want to get embroiled in this debate, but we're very happy about these policy changes, especially in the casino. There hasn't been any smoking at our casinos in years and it hasn't affected revenue. It bothers me to have to reek of smoke just because I like to gamble.

 

I can see how this is a problem for some cruisers though and I hope that everyone who is unhappy is able to get a full refund, even pax from outside North America who are usually unable to do so.

[Host Anne]

Hello everyone ~ I haven't had a moment to weigh in on tihs controvesial topic. Certainly, it is important to many of our members and we do understand that people want to discuss it...and as Walt has said, that is fine. However, when posts begin to "get personal" and violate our Community Guidelines, we have to step in and address those posts. So as Walt mentioned, be sure you understand our Guidelines (he provided a link and you'll also find the GUIDELINES button on the top pinkish banner at the top of this page (next to USER CP and FAQ).

 

As for the topic itself, there is no easy answer as this thread shows us. I'm sure we will all be following this for a long time. For us, once rules are made, we abide by them. If we don't like a rule, we work to change it, not violate it or we would switch cruiselines (as some of you indicate you will do) if we didn't like the rules of a particular cruise line. However, I respect a companies' decision to set the rules and our family feels if we choose to cruise with a particular line, we should abide by their rules and try very hard to do so.

 

Please feel free to discuss Celebrity impending policy but please do so within our Guidelines....or like the cruise lines, there are consequences.

[claud925]

If you want to protect your ability to smoke on cruises, make sure to book cruises on these other lines and notify them that the permissiveness of their smoking policy was a deciding factor. If not, they will probably follow suit with X and smokers will have NO alternatives...

 

I have, Drew. I have made my feelings known to both RCL and Seabourn cruise lines, by faxing letters to both respective boards of directors as to why I will no longer cruise with one, while choosing to cruise with the other. I had nothing better to do yesterday ... and while I realize that this is really just a spit in the proverbrial bucket, it sure has made me feel a hell of a whole lot better.:)

[marle7]

I have, Drew. I have made my feelings known to both RCL and Seabourn cruise lines, by faxing letters to both respective boards of directors as to why I will no longer cruise with one, while choosing to cruise with the other. I had nothing better to do yesterday ... and while I realize that this is really just a spit in the proverbrial bucket, it sure has made me feel a hell of a whole lot better.:)

 

We did the same, both when we canceled with Celebrity and booked with Cunard. Cunard went out of their way to assure me on their smoking policies.

[cruisegal101]

Celebrity might have alienated a small percentage of their guests, but they've definitely thrilled the pants off the vast majority of us!:D

 

Cruisecritic only represents a very, very small percentage of those who sail on any cruise line. In 2005, over 11,000,000 people took cruise vacations and the growth rate for future years was estimated to be between 6-8% per year for the years following 2005. So I really don't think that the views of those on this site represent a true majority of anything other than the proportionately small percentage of cruisers who post here. :rolleyes:

[Norcal Cruiser]

How do you suppose we make it fair?

[Coreopsis]

I just got back from a business trip and must tell you - with all due respect to my smoking friends - this is the best news I've seen all week.

 

I am so, so pleased. Way to go Celebrity!

 

I will now confirm my upcoming cruises - cancel one on another line and move all loyalty to Celebrity.

 

I love that going healthy - is also becoming smart business. Thank goodness!

 

I lost my Mom to cigarette smoking; I am losing my brother. So I really do empathize with those who are addicted. But the tides are turning . . . it is a new day (organic is in! - who would have thought a decade ago!)

[Gonzo70]

Having just got off the Century I have to say that the only night the Casino was packed was the no smoking night. Couldn't get near a table. Every other night, it was half empty. The smoke was horrible. I certainly would spend much more time in the Casino if I could breathe. I am sure many others would as well. I applaud this decision.

 

Can you tell me if any of the bars/lounges on Century have gone smoke free? If not, which did you find the least smoky?

 

Thanks

[Costest]

Whew, that was a long read

 

I might be the lone smoker that received the survey. and yes I'm disappointed about the balcony restrictions. I don't smoke in stateroom and can live without certain venues just like I do at home/work/entertainment.

 

I book balconies so I can smoke out there - not once, has a neighbor leaned over the rail or knocked on my door to tell me my smoke was bothering them. If they had I certainly would limit my smoking and wait till they retreated indoors. Have you non smokers pleasantly asked and not been accomodated?

 

To those who feel the need to lecture us smokers - nah, forget it -

 

The smokers I associate with try their best to be considerate of others - the same courtesy from non smokers would be appreciated.

 

I have an x cruise booked for 1/09. Will go on it, see how it goes and if too difficult then will do as others and seek other venues.

[Drew B]

As for the topic itself, there is no easy answer as this thread shows us. I'm sure we will all be following this for a long time. For us, once rules are made, we abide by them. If we don't like a rule, we work to change it, not violate it or we would switch cruiselines (as some of you indicate you will do) if we didn't like the rules of a particular cruise line. However, I respect a companies' decision to set the rules and our family feels if we choose to cruise with a particular line, we should abide by their rules and try very hard to do so.

 

 

Well said, Anne. I agree wholeheartedly. I fully support X's right to make this decision, even if it makes their line less attractive to me, and I would never DREAM of violating their rules. I hope for their sake and for the sake of all those who are pleased by the news that it turns out to be a sound decision. Meanwhile, I hope that at least some of the other lines continue to provide a cruise experience that is more appealing to those who smoke so that everybody has a choice that makes them happy.

[oceandrive]

At last, cruise lines are acting on smoking ! As a celebration to Celebrity effort, I will book my next cruise on them. A special thanks to the smokers that are canceling to clear the way to non-smokers.

[HurricaneSally]

At last, cruise lines are acting on smoking ! As a celebration to Celebrity effort, I will book my next cruise on them. A special thanks to the smokers that are canceling to clear the way to non-smokers.

 

 

A great example of the attitude that most smokers have to put up with.

[cruzmaven]

Although I am in favor of and appreciate the new policy, these are my concerns:

 

1. Celebrity isn't going to do enough to advertise this policy. Smokers who are already booked or booking now, are not going to be advised of the policy and are going to find out of the policy for the first time after they board. The vast majority of people who cruise don't read the boards and don't read their cruise documents. I don't think its fair to sell cruises without making this policy known at time of booking and without X notifying each passenger who already has booked of the new policy. I don't see this happending. This is going to lead to ill will and confrontations.

 

 

2. Once on board with or without prior notice of the new policy some smokers will ignore the policy leading to frustration by non-smokers and posible confrontations. I do not believe crew and staff will actively enforce the policy. Think about the policy about bringing alcohol on board and how people ignore and get around that, and the policy against saving lounges and how that policy it totally ignored and not enforced. I'm sure others can name other policies which are ignored by passengers and not enforced. Again this leads to frustration and ill will and diminishes the cruise experience.

 

My general experience on 15+ cruises is that a certain % of passengers are just rude and care little about cruiseline policy or the comfort of their fellow passengers. (I'm not singling out smokers here, I'm talking about people who cut lines, reserve lounges all day without using them, talk loudly during shows. etc.) The staff and crew, trying to accomodate everyone and avoid confrontations do little to enforce policies. This is just going to be one more policy that will not be enforced, leading to unmet expectations by passengers seeking a non-smoking experience.

 

SO what's the answer, Cruise Police? Probably not. But I wouldn't rejoice over this announcement, or curse it just yet, until we see if X is going to take it seriously or is just announcing it to appease their insurance co.

[Host Walt]

SEVERAL POSTS HAVE BEEN REMOVED.

 

Once again...and for the very last time, I repeat a post I made twice already.

 

The rules, policies, enforcement and changes are all legitimate and appropriate topics for Cruise Critic. Frankly, if people would read the OP carefully and stay on topic without inserting gratuitous commentary, we'd all be happy.

 

For future reference, please keep in mind that this forum is designed to be a place to discuss cruising, not the moral, legal, legislative, medical and/or social aspects of smoking.

 

The topic, in this case, is a legitimate subject for open discussion. However as seems all too frequently to be the case, a discussion about smoking policies turned into a forum on smoking.

 

There is an appropriate place for such discussions and it isn't Cruise Critic.

 

TRY THIS - http://www.smokinglobby.com

 

OR THIS - http://www.smokingpassions.com/forums

 

We intend to enforce the guidelines rigidly regarding off topic posts involving smoking. If you are not familiar with our guidelines, I strongly suggest you spend a few minutes reading all of them

 

Thanks.

 

Sorry but apparently there are Members who have chosen to ignore our repeated requests so we're closing this thread to further posts.

 

We apologize to those who have tried to comply with the guidelines when participating in this thread, but enough is enough.