Celebrity has banned inside smoking on ALL ships???

[Gonzo70]

I tried asking this question on the other heated thread and did not get an answer. I'll try here.

 

I pay close attention to smoking rules on many cruise lines. Right now-only have 3 cruises under my belt. Enjoyed RC from the first and are happy with them. Being a smoker-I currently do not mind the limitations put on us. Once balconies are non-smoking and the casino [actually I just like the slots] I would look for another line.

Now-being Celebrity is part of RC-Am I correct that if loyal royals that just hate smoke would gravitate to Celebrity now-don't they keep their G, P, D, and D+ status and keep all those 'frequent flyer perks'!!?

 

When someone says this:

What a fabulous thing. I would love to see Royal do the same

Because Celebrity is a part of the Royal Family-Am I thinking correctly that Royal is trying to answer the non-smokers prayers and now does not allow smoking on balconies and casino's?? So-in a round about way-Royal did it already-or am I missing something here.?

 

I checked the Celebrity site. Seem to have great itineraries, stateroom prices seem around the same-have a kids club. What's the big difference?

 

While Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are owned by the same company, they are two different products. Some people (like myself) like both lines, but many people have a strong preference for one versus the other. If smoking is by far the single biggest issue for someone, they may gravitate towards Celebrity now but for most cruisers smoking is an issue of some importance, but not so significant that they would switch to a different line. Increased restrictions on smoking is a worldwide trend. It took longer for the cruise lines to "catch up" so to speak, but I don't think that Celebrity's new policy is an attempt by the RCL to have smokers sail on Royal Caribbean and non-smokers on Celebrity.

[Shipyard Cruiser]

While Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are owned by the same company, they are two different products. Some people (like myself) like both lines, but many people have a strong preference for one versus the other. If smoking is by far the single biggest issue for someone, they may gravitate towards Celebrity now but for most cruisers smoking is an issue of some importance, but not so significant that they would switch to a different line. Increased restrictions on smoking is a worldwide trend. It took longer for the cruise lines to "catch up" so to speak, but I don't think that Celebrity's new policy is an attempt by the RCL to have smokers sail on Royal Caribbean and non-smokers on Celebrity.

 

Makes sense to me.

 

That's about how I feel.

 

Would rather have non-smoking but it's not the biggest factor in choosing a cruise.

[land lover]

Can someone tell me what AZamara's smoking policy is?

[Debde]

Azamara Cruises

 

Where You Can Smoke: Smoking is permitted in the port side aft section of the Looking Glass Lounge and the starboard forward section of the pool deck.

 

Where You Can't: The rest of the ship is completely non-smoking, including all cabins and balconies.

[Gracie115]

Not a smoker(anymore)but it doesn't impact what we do as long as it's not being blown in the face. But noticed on the Jewel in November the night's that were declared "smoke free" in the casino were very quiet. We aren't in the casino that much but walk through it alot to get the Pit Stop bar and noticed how quiet it was on those nights. Both my husband and I noted it. Just a reflection on a recent cruise...thought it was interesting..

[land lover]

Azamara Cruises

 

Where You Can Smoke: Smoking is permitted in the port side aft section of the Looking Glass Lounge and the starboard forward section of the pool deck.

 

Where You Can't: The rest of the ship is completely non-smoking, including all cabins and balconies.

 

Thanks

[love2vacation]

Not a smoker(anymore)but it doesn't impact what we do as long as it's not being blown in the face. But noticed on the Jewel in November the night's that were declared "smoke free" in the casino were very quiet. We aren't in the casino that much but walk through it alot to get the Pit Stop bar and noticed how quiet it was on those nights. Both my husband and I noted it. Just a reflection on a recent cruise...thought it was interesting..

 

Statistically this would be true. Majority of gamblers are smokers, are drinkers.

 

Though after a recent trip I would have rather sat next to a smoker than the women with the awful cologne that I had to endure for an hour.:rolleyes: Most smokers I encounter are polite about extinguishing when it bothers others but what do you do with a women with an awful smelling cologne?

[rubrrick]

Azamara Cruises

 

Where You Can Smoke: Smoking is permitted in the port side aft section of the Looking Glass Lounge and the starboard forward section of the pool deck.

 

Where You Can't: The rest of the ship is completely non-smoking, including all cabins and balconies.

 

 

Azamara........which uses the old Renaissance ships......the R series, were non smoking ships.

 

Personally as an ex smoker...........it's great that there is space given for those that need/want to smoke can do so.

 

My preference is in non smoking areas.........hence I never gamble......it's just too smokey!!

 

Rick

[FL_Cruiser64]

I tried asking this question on the other heated thread and did not get an answer. I'll try here.

 

I pay close attention to smoking rules on many cruise lines. Right now-only have 3 cruises under my belt. Enjoyed RC from the first and are happy with them. Being a smoker-I currently do not mind the limitations put on us. Once balconies are non-smoking and the casino [actually I just like the slots] I would look for another line.

Now-being Celebrity is part of RC-Am I correct that if loyal royals that just hate smoke would gravitate to Celebrity now-don't they keep their G, P, D, and D+ status and keep all those 'frequent flyer perks'!!?

 

When someone says this:

What a fabulous thing. I would love to see Royal do the same

Because Celebrity is a part of the Royal Family-Am I thinking correctly that Royal is trying to answer the non-smokers prayers and now does not allow smoking on balconies and casino's?? So-in a round about way-Royal did it already-or am I missing something here.?

 

I checked the Celebrity site. Seem to have great itineraries, stateroom prices seem around the same-have a kids club. What's the big difference?

 

 

You make some great points. But as always when these points (why do you sail RCI if it does not meet your standards) come up be ready to be slaughtered.

 

I certainly agree with you. If at one point or another RCI would not meet my cruising standards I quietly move on.

[iheartbda]

But noticed on the Jewel in November the night's that were declared "smoke free" in the casino were very quiet.

 

Statistically this would be true. Majority of gamblers are smokers, are drinkers.

 

 

Statistically, really? Hmmmmm..... maybe it means non-smokers are not gamblers.;)

 

No figures to back it up, just as an observation. Last couple of cruises I've been on, I didn't notice an INORDINANT amount of smoking going on. I specifically made a point to take notice because of all the comments about how bad the casinos are after reading the smoking threads on CC. I expected the casino to be blue with smoke and it wasn't.

[tuff2]

Smoking is going to be around for a long time to come. Why don't you non-smokers get off your high horse and get over it. Smoking on a balcony at 20 mph doesn't affect anyone. Smoke from an aft balcony will affect a forward balcony? COME ON.It is dissipated in the wind. You can't convince me otherwise. Banning smoking was tried on the Carnival Paradise with disastrous results( a large loss of revenue).

[Leejnd4]

Smoking is going to be around for a long time to come. Why don't you non-smokers get off your high horse and get over it. Smoking on a balcony at 20 mph doesn't affect anyone. Smoke from an aft balcony will affect a forward balcony? COME ON.It is dissipated in the wind. You can't convince me otherwise. Banning smoking was tried on the Carnival Paradise with disastrous results( a large loss of revenue).

 

It's always pleasant to read posts from *those* kind of smokers...not the ones who are capable of enjoying their smokes without insisting the rest of us "enjoy" them too, and make a point of co-existing with non smokers. But, you know, the ones who really don't give two whits how their habit impacts those around them, and in spite of us telling them repeatedly, over and over, a bazillion times, that their smoke really DOES significantly impact our balcony use (you're not always at sea...sometimes you're in port), you "can't convince" them. Yeah, y'know, basically calling us liars.

 

Take it from someone who is severely medically affected by smelling your smoke: IT BOTHERS US. It might even put me in bed for days. While on my cruise. Thanks alot. Not that that would matter to you anyway. :rolleyes:

[Yvonne]

Smoking is going to be around for a long time to come. Why don't you non-smokers get off your high horse and get over it. Smoking on a balcony at 20 mph doesn't affect anyone. Smoke from an aft balcony will affect a forward balcony? COME ON.It is dissipated in the wind. You can't convince me otherwise. Banning smoking was tried on the Carnival Paradise with disastrous results( a large loss of revenue).

 

Not all of us non-smokers want a completely smoke free ship. As I said before, smokers do have the right to smoke. It just should be done in designated areas when on a cruise ship with thousands of other people, many who don't smoke.

 

You say smoking on a balcony at 20 mph doesn't affect anyone. Maybe it doesn't affect you but it does affect others. Especially for those with asthma, the smoke can trigger an attack. While on my balcony I have smelled cigarette smoke before. It people are allergic to the smoke, or have asthma, I'm sure it's not pleasant (and for some, totally impossible)to be out on their balcony with a smoker beside them. I'm just sayin'.

 

Plus when in port the smoke doesn't dissipate. So if someone is trying to enjoy spending time on their balcony while in port and they've got a smoker (or worse a cigar smoker) on the balcony next to them it makes it hard, or impossible, for the non-smoker to enjoy their balcony.

 

If the cruise lines would just have certain designated areas on open-air decks and on only one side of the ship, then everyone could be happier. The smoker still has places to smoke, and the non-smoker can avoid the smoke much easier.

[Gonzo70]

Smoking is going to be around for a long time to come. Why don't you non-smokers get off your high horse and get over it. Smoking on a balcony at 20 mph doesn't affect anyone. Smoke from an aft balcony will affect a forward balcony? COME ON.It is dissipated in the wind. You can't convince me otherwise. Banning smoking was tried on the Carnival Paradise with disastrous results( a large loss of revenue).

 

Smoking on balconies is very noticeable to many people. Often times smokers are unable to realize just how strong cigarette smoke appears to many non smokers - even outside. The Carnival Paradise argument is no longer valid. First of all it was successful enough that they kept it smoke free for years. There were multiple factors that ended the experiemnt (some being lack of group bookings due to smoking restriction, but also people wanted to try newer ships and more varied itineraries). This is a new era and non-smoking ships are far more likely to thrive in the current marketplace than at the time Carnival Paradise went smoke free. Smoke free was the exception back then but smoke free venues are more and more becoming the norm. One is not a a "high horse" if they believe that smoking should be limited to areas where non-smokers are easily able to avoid. Smoking may be around for a long time to come, but smoking in public places if fast going the way of the DoDo bird.

[FL_Cruiser64]

Smoking on balconies is very noticeable to many people. Often times smokers are unable to realize just how strong cigarette smoke appears to many non smokers - even outside. The Carnival Paradise argument is no longer valid. First of all it was successful enough that they kept it smoke free for years. There were multiple factors that ended the experiemnt (some being lack of group bookings due to smoking restriction, but also people wanted to try newer ships and more varied itineraries). This is a new era and non-smoking ships are far more likely to thrive in the current marketplace than at the time Carnival Paradise went smoke free. Smoke free was the exception back then but smoke free venues are more and more becoming the norm. One is not a a "high horse" if they believe that smoking should be limited to areas where non-smokers are easily able to avoid. Smoking may be around for a long time to come, but smoking in public places if fast going the way of the DoDo bird.

 

To have an adequate revenue picture you have to sail a ship for a few years and then compare it to the rest of the fleet. Too many changes year by year can affect sailings (i.e. economy, vacation time etc).

 

Here is a quote from an article at

http://knol.google.com/k/linda-coffman/cruises-smoke-on-the-water/1ou5gqogratru/2?domain=knol.google.com&locale=en#

 

Carnival Cruise Lines' experiment with the smoke-free Carnival Paradise ended in less than a decade. The ship never matched the revenue of the rest of its fleetmates.

 

The occasional wiff does not hurt anybody. When people talk about second hand smoke they are talking about people being exposed to smokers in a closed environment over years (home, business etc).

 

People act like they are sitting on a balcony and the wiff of smoke is going to cause instant cancer and immediate death.

 

But I always revert back to the same question: if RCI does not provide people with the cruise experience they desire why still cruise with them and not switch to another line?

 

I sure would switch in a heartbeat if RCI for some reason does not fulfill my needs anymore.

[Shipyard Cruiser]

To have an adequate revenue picture you have to sail a ship for a few years and then compare it to the rest of the fleet. Too many changes year by year can affect sailings (i.e. economy, vacation time etc).

 

Here is a quote from an article at

http://knol.google.com/k/linda-coffman/cruises-smoke-on-the-water/1ou5gqogratru/2?domain=knol.google.com&locale=en#

 

 

 

The occasional wiff does not hurt anybody. When people talk about second hand smoke they are talking about people being exposed to smokers in a closed environment over years (home, business etc).

 

People act like they are sitting on a balcony and the wiff of smoke is going to cause instant cancer and immediate death.

 

But I always revert back to the same question: if RCI does not provide people with the cruise experience they desire why still cruise with them and not switch to another line?

 

I sure would switch in a heartbeat if RCI for some reason does not fulfill my needs anymore.

 

Why not just go back to an all smoking ship?

 

Sounds like the cruise line would make lots more money with all the extra drinking and gambling that only smokers do.

 

Bring back the good old days when you could light up right in the MDR.

 

Nothing like a smoke filled ship to increase profit.

 

Let the non-smokers cruise somewhere else.

[Leejnd4]

Smoking on balconies is very noticeable to many people. Often times smokers are unable to realize just how strong cigarette smoke appears to many non smokers - even outside. The Carnival Paradise argument is no longer valid. First of all it was successful enough that they kept it smoke free for years. There were multiple factors that ended the experiemnt (some being lack of group bookings due to smoking restriction, but also people wanted to try newer ships and more varied itineraries). This is a new era and non-smoking ships are far more likely to thrive in the current marketplace than at the time Carnival Paradise went smoke free. Smoke free was the exception back then but smoke free venues are more and more becoming the norm. One is not a a "high horse" if they believe that smoking should be limited to areas where non-smokers are easily able to avoid. Smoking may be around for a long time to come, but smoking in public places if fast going the way of the DoDo bird.

 

Thanks for your reasoned response, Gonzo. I have a hard time responding reasonably when someone essentially calls us all liars. But you are a more generous person than I am, I guess.

 

This issue has recently become a much more serious one for me, ever since I learned that second-hand smoke is a likely trigger for my migraines. I've already had two cruises marred by migraines, although at the time it didn't occur to me that it could have been caused by all the smoking I was enountering! I do not begrudge smokers the right to indulge - and the way things stand now, there is always some place for them to smoke, where it won't impact others. I just need smokers to understand that when they defy these limits and smoke where they shouldn't, or in places where I cannot avoid it (e.g. balconies), it's not just a matter of something we find unpleasant...it's truly a matter of medical necessity.

 

I realize there will always be *those* types of smokers, however, who think that their ability to enjoy their habit supercedes our right to not be made seriously ill. :rolleyes:

[Leejnd4]

The occasional wiff does not hurt anybody. When people talk about second hand smoke they are talking about people being exposed to smokers in a closed environment over years (home, business etc).

 

People act like they are sitting on a balcony and the wiff of smoke is going to cause instant cancer and immediate death.

 

Sorry but...you are wrong. The "occasional whiff" could very possibly trigger a migraine, landing me in bed with the worst agonizing pain imaginable for anywhere from 10 to 72 hours.

 

Still wanna blow your smoke onto my balcony?

[HorrorFan]

I am actually surprised that cruise lines still allow any smoking in enclosed spaces at all. I quit smoking a couple years ago and smoke does not bother me, so I really don't care one way or the other.

Having said that, I think anyone who has very bad reactions to smoke, is allergic to smoke, etc, should not even consider cruising with RCI. You have a good chance of running into smoke almost anywhere on RCI ships. And definitely on the balconies. For anyone with bad reactions, why take a chance? Its kind of like someone with nut allergies touring a peanut butter factory.:eek:

[Gonzo70]

 

People act like they are sitting on a balcony and the wiff of smoke is going to cause instant cancer and immediate death.

 

But I always revert back to the same question: if RCI does not provide people with the cruise experience they desire why still cruise with them and not switch to another line?

 

I have not seen anybody here state that a whiff of smoke causes instant cancer or immediate death (though for some, i.e. asthma sufferers, it does pose some danger). Outdoor exposure to smoke is more an issue of being a nuisance/unpleasant than unhealthy. In today's current environment the general trend (there are exceptions of course) is to have smokers indulge in smoking in places that generally do not disturb non-smokers. This trend has quite a bit of momentum both on cruise ships and land based venues.

 

As myself and others have said, for most non-smokers there are more important issues when picking a cruise ship than the cruise line's smoking policy (i.e. price, itinerary, amenities, food, port of debarkation etc.). Many of us love most of Royal Caribbean's product and will continue to sail with Royal, but will encourage them to adopt smoking policies that we consider to be more desireable. I and most non-smokers do not want the ship's to go smoke free, but simply to limit smoking to some isolated areas that non-smokers can easily avoid and that do not detract from the enjoyment of our cruise.

[Leejnd4]

As myself and others have said, for most non-smokers there are more important issues when picking a cruise ship than the cruise line's smoking policy (i.e. price, itinerary, amenities, food, port of debarkation etc.). Many of us love most of Royal Caribbean's product and will continue to sail with Royal, but will encourage them to adopt smoking policies that we consider to be more desireable. I and most non-smokers do not want the ship's to go smoke free, but simply to limit smoking to some isolated areas that non-smokers can easily avoid and that do not detract from the enjoyment of our cruise.

 

Damn you're good! That says it all. We CAN co-exist, folks...with just a modicum of caring for your fellow cruisers. That's all we need...and that's all we're asking.

[HorrorFan]

Sorry but...you are wrong. The "occasional whiff" could very possibly trigger a migraine, landing me in bed with the worst agonizing pain imaginable for anywhere from 10 to 72 hours.

 

Still wanna blow your smoke onto my balcony?

Yet you openly admit that you still consider cruising with RCI, knowing that you will run into smoke?

Why?

[Leejnd4]

And just to clarify the point that a whiff of smoke CAN harm others:

 

An Understanding of Migraine Disease & Tips for Migraine Management

Michael John Coleman and Terri Miller Burchfield of M.A.G.N.U.M.

 

Migraine pain is caused by vasodilation in the cranial blood vessels (expansion of the blood vessels), while headache pain is caused by vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels). During a migraine, inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain, i.e., neurogenic inflammation, exacerbates the pain.

 

Controllable triggers include bright light, chemical smells, second-hand smoke…

 

Best 10 Ways To Avoid Migraines

By Neil Harmon, MD

 

3) Avoid smoking and even second hand smoke. There are more reasons to give up smoking than you can count, but avoiding migraines is another reason to put on the list. Of course, that’s easier than said than done if you are the smoker, but remember, secondhand smoke is just as likely to cause a migraine headache as actual smoking. So if you can, remove yourself from the environment in which people are smoking. Better yet: Get them to remove themselves. You do have the right to not have to be around their smoke, especially if their smoke is causing your headaches.

 

Managing Migraines: A. David Rothner, MD

 

Member: So you can get a migraine from secondhand smoke?

Rothner: Yes. Secondhand smoke has been associated with a variety of problems, especially asthma and pulmonary disease, but there are certain migraine patients who are exclusively sensitive to smoke and will develop a migraine when exposed to secondary smoke, especially in a closed area.

[Leejnd4]

Yet you openly admit that you still consider cruising with RCI, knowing that you will run into smoke?

Why?

 

Because I'm going to run into smoke on pretty much any cruise line. Granted, Celebrity is better in this regard, but I do not wish to limit my choices. My kids still love RCI, and I'm hoping to not let this new discovery about my health eliminate my options for taking them on their preferred cruise line.

 

As mentioned earlier, all I really need is for people to practice common courtesy: obey the smoking rules, and be willing to snuff it out if it's bothering your neighbor. I will happily avoid areas where smoking is allowed, to the best of my ability.

 

I just wanted smokers to realize that, in spite of some of them refusing to be "convinced", their smoke really does have a significant impact. I realize that there will always be smokers who don't care, and will do whatever they want in spite of how much it might hurt others. That's human nature. But if I can educate just a few smokers, making them a little more likely to be willing to a) follow the rules, and b) be willing to put it out if it's bothering others, then I've done something good for other cruisers like me. :)

[wolfshadow]

LeeAnne - Unfortunately, putting it in black and white still won't be enough to convince most smokers what effect they have on others. In order to make it okay they lie to themselves and make up any excuse possible to turn it around. Let's face it, they just don't care!