SMOKERS - Freedom of the Seas policy change?

[tekmnky]

I just returned last weekend from an Eastern Caribbean itinerary (6-13 Sep) on Freedom of the Seas. After boarding I discovered that smoking was banned on the Pool deck (deck 11) including the Pool Bar. The outdoor smoking areas were limited to Deck 4 starboard and Deck 12 starboard (and your balcony if you're lucky enough to have one). Also, the pub on the Promenade was no-smoking (though some other indoor bars were designated for smoking). Has this always been the policy on Freedom?
This was a shocker for me and I was wondering if the policy is the same on other Freedom-class ships (Liberty and Independence). I'm used to sailing on Voyager-class and Sovereign-class ships and the pool deck starboard side has been one of my favorite hangouts to sit in the shade, have a smoke and people-watch.
I'm also wondering if RCI is expecting to take this fleet-wide. I asked several folks (waiters, Guest Relations) but as usual, for every employee I asked I got a different response. The responses varied from "it's always been that way on Freedom", to "it just changed on Freedom last week", to "coming soon to a ship near you."

[sheilb4]

If this is for sure, I am thrilled!!!!
Whenever I cruise, the smoking in many areas is awful, and has always limited me to certain areas in the evenings, as I am so allergic and hate the smoke...At least at the solarium pool you can relax and enjoy without getting choked by someone smoking bedside you...
Ok, all smokers, please don't ream me..sorry..just my 2c...

[ehfl]

Hopefully, it will be fleetwide. The more places to enjoy the fresh sea breeze, the better.

[sheilb4]

Amen to that!! that would be wonderful huh.

[tnt10]

Originally Posted by tekmnky

I just returned last weekend from an Eastern Caribbean itinerary (6-13 Sep) on Freedom of the Seas. After boarding I discovered that smoking was banned on the Pool deck (deck 11) including the Pool Bar. The outdoor smoking areas were limited to Deck 4 starboard and Deck 12 starboard (and your balcony if you're lucky enough to have one). Also, the pub on the Promenade was no-smoking (though some other indoor bars were designated for smoking). Has this always been the policy on Freedom?
This was a shocker for me and I was wondering if the policy is the same on other Freedom-class ships (Liberty and Independence). I'm used to sailing on Voyager-class and Sovereign-class ships and the pool deck starboard side has been one of my favorite hangouts to sit in the shade, have a smoke and people-watch.
I'm also wondering if RCI is expecting to take this fleet-wide. I asked several folks (waiters, Guest Relations) but as usual, for every employee I asked I got a different response. The responses varied from "it's always been that way on Freedom", to "it just changed on Freedom last week", to "coming soon to a ship near you."

They usually have only a couple of areas outdoors to smoke. Actually, deck 12 looks even better, more open, etc. Wonder what the joggers are gonna say about this, now that they will go through a smokey area to complete a lap......
You won't get much sympathy on these boards since almost everyone here is either allergic to smoke or have severe reactions to exposure to it.
Happy Cruising,
TnT

[ckrobyn]

I was on the Freedom in late August, and it was my 2nd cruise as a non-smoker (I quit last December 22nd ). I was very happy that smoking was completely banned on the pool deck - I didn't realize just how offensive walking through a cloud of smoke to get to the pool really was, until I didn't have to do it anymore

[micro yaya]

Originally Posted by ckrobyn

I was on the Freedom in late August, and it was my 2nd cruise as a non-smoker (I quit last December 22nd ). I was very happy that smoking was completely banned on the pool deck - I didn't realize just how offensive walking through a cloud of smoke to get to the pool really was, until I didn't have to do it anymore

it's been 12 years, and i still thank my lucky stars i was able to quit......so proud of you

[babies12]

Well if this is the case and it goes fleetwide, I better not hear squak from my balcony neighbor as that is where I will be SMOKING.

[yogimax]

Originally Posted by babies12

Well if this is the case and it goes fleetwide, I better not hear squak from my balcony neighbor as that is where I will be SMOKING.

Guess you won't be sailing on Celebrity soon since smoking is banned on their balconies!

[Water•Baby]

We were on Freedom last week and there was an absolute cloud of smoke over Boleros all of the time --- so that's probably a good place to people watch. There was also smoking outside on Decks 4 and 12, and in the casino - except no smoking in the casino on formal days.

I smoked for 20 years so I do sympathise with smokers, but ya gotta understand that it just permeates everything.

[ckrobyn]

Originally Posted by micro yaya

it's been 12 years, and i still thank my lucky stars i was able to quit......so proud of you

aaaaaaaaaaaw!!!! What a wonderful thing to say to a stranger I just love Cruise Critic!!!!! Thanks!!!!

[Murphs]

I would really like to see a ban extended to balconies. My wife and I enjoy having a balcony to sit out on in the morning and in the evening, and it never fails we end up with cigar smoke drifting into our balcony. Can only keep our fingers crossed.

Mike

[ckrobyn]

I think banning smoking in the casino on formal days/nights is a great idea. The smokers, while inconvenienced.....survived. Little by little smoking should be banned from various areas of the ship......on the Freedom, the entire 4th deck by the casino reeked of smoke all the time

[Debde]

tekmnky
As someone stated already-not a board for too much sympathy-but you will get some!!!

I too- was a smoker. Have been smoke free since Easter Sunday. My husband-still is but is planning on starting very soon at his attempt to quit. Don't know if he will be smoke free by January so the updates are still important to me.
Also-as someone stated-he will be at his balcony and the more they cut off area's-the more he will retreat to the balcony for a smoke. Some folks just have to try and understand-that may be one of very few places a smoker has and where RCCL says they can. Celebrity should be a very appealing line now for non-smokers.

Guess we'll just have to wait for some more updates!!!

To Robyn and all those who have quit-Congratulations. It sure ain't easy but some of us have pulled it off!!!

[Kaboochi]

Originally Posted by babies12

Well if this is the case and it goes fleetwide, I better not hear squak from my balcony neighbor as that is where I will be SMOKING.

Balconies will be next. I smoke too and it is hard to find a comfortable place on board to enjoy.

[OCruisers]

Some may be thrilled ... but not ALL are!

[ckrobyn]

Originally Posted by Debde

tekmnky
As someone stated already-not a board for too much sympathy-but you will get some!!!

I too- was a smoker. Have been smoke free since Easter Sunday. My husband-still is but is planning on starting very soon at his attempt to quit. Don't know if he will be smoke free by January so the updates are still important to me.
Also-as someone stated-he will be at his balcony and the more they cut off area's-the more he will retreat to the balcony for a smoke. Some folks just have to try and understand-that may be one of very few places a smoker has and where RCCL says they can. Celebrity should be a very appealing line now for non-smokers.

Guess we'll just have to wait for some more updates!!!

To Robyn and all those who have quit-Congratulations. It sure ain't easy but some of us have pulled it off!!!

Deb - Congrats to you too!!!!!! By and far, this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but I am so glad I did. I choose life!!!

[pmshirl]

I have been on ships where smoking was not allowed at the pool bar nor in the pool area. Pax walked right up to the pool bar with cigs and stood there till they finished them. Pax had ashtrays in the pool area right along side their lounges and smoked ! No one said a word to them.

I am also an avid Casino player. I can tell you on formal nights when Smoking is Not allowed, the Casino is not full at all! It usually closes before midnight, not like Smoking nights where it is Full and closes past 1:30am. I will say in the casino on the non smoking night, Pax were told if they lit up, that is was non smoking...and Out they went..not only the cig but the gambler left too!

As far as people complaining about smoking on Balcony's, as long as RC's policy has this area for smoking...you have nothing to complain about! I always book a balcony and spend very little time on it! I couldn't tell you what goes on next door to my balcony and I could care less!

Hope everyone can enjoy their cruise's, and finds a place that meets their needs!

[gpg306]

I am a considerate smoker and will ask before I light one up so I do not offend anyone. We have booked our first balcony on the LOS sailing on 09-26-09 and I will be aware of my neighbors but I will smoke. I wonder what would happen to our already soft economy if all smokers quit tomorrow because of the taxes we pay. If I have to listen to someone's screaming uncontrolable child for an entire dinner I should be able to smoke. Where is equal consideration?

[ckrobyn]

Originally Posted by gpg306

I am a considerate smoker and will ask before I light one up so I do not offend anyone. We have booked our first balcony on the LOS sailing on 09-26-09 and I will be aware of my neighbors but I will smoke. I wonder what would happen to our already soft economy if all smokers quit tomorrow because of the taxes we pay. If I have to listen to someone's screaming uncontrolable child for an entire dinner I should be able to smoke. Where is equal consideration?

Someone's uncontrollable child (while extremely annoying) will not kill you.