Basic Poll: Would you report someone smoking on their balcony?

No Makes no impact on me if someone saves a chair or wears whatever they want to dinner, and I didn't pay a premium for those features. A balcony is a premium feature and Carnival says I can expect it to be a non-smoking area. The straw man argument does not work in this case.

Totally agree. If someone pays the price for a balcony and the rules are no smoking then that is what they should expect.

.....demeaning others opinion is not necessary.

It also doesn't work and it just shows that persons true character.

There is already a spirited debate in another thread regarding balcony smoking; vigorous and civil debate can be held there.

 

 

 

This is a basic yes / no poll.

 

 

 

If you are on your balcony and a neighbor is smoking, would you report the smoker to GS / Security?

Definitely!

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Absolutely. If someone cares so little about the rules and my enjoyment of my cruise then I have no bad feelings what so ever reporting them and having them deal with whatever the consequences of their actions are. I am not the one breaking the rules they are. It is their decision to break he rules that is causing any issue that may arise.

As I am a smoker (that follows the rules) smoke doesn't bother me. I doubt I would report someone smoking. I asked my husband who doesn't smoke and hates the smell. He said he probably would not report it either unless it was just out of control.

If my balcony neighbor snuck one cigarette, I'd be annoyed but probably not waste my time. If it were not a one-time occurrence, then yes.

There is already a spirited debate in another thread regarding balcony smoking; vigorous and civil debate can be held there.

 

This is a basic yes / no poll.

 

If you are on your balcony and a neighbor is smoking, would you report the smoker to GS / Security?

In a heartbeat. If they did nothing, I would continue up the chain of command.

No. Because I don't care in the first place. If it was something that affected me then yes. But I'm not spending my time on vacation policing other people for an issue that doesn't bother me. And as far as it being a fire hazard, I don't believe that's why they banned smoking on the balcony anyway. In the cabins yes. And if I somehow knew someone was smoking in their cabin then I would report it. Otherwise nope.

What nonsense!!! Smoking is a fire hazard and a nuisance wherever it occurs - in the cabin, on the balcony, in the casino, up on the top deck. Whenever and wherever someone lights up a cigarette there is the increased risk of fire and the certainty that the smoke will bother someone else. Personally, I wish that smoking was banned in all public areas of the ship and that smokers would only be allowed to smoke on their balcony (since I always get an inside room, anyway) but the risk of fire does worry me somewhat. So I guess the best solution is to permit smoking in designated public areas.

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What nonsense!!! Smoking is a fire hazard and a nuisance wherever it occurs - in the cabin, on the balcony, in the casino, up on the top deck. Whenever and wherever someone lights up a cigarette there is the increased risk of fire and the certainty that the smoke will bother someone else. Personally, I wish that smoking was banned in all public areas of the ship and that smokers would only be allowed to smoke on their balcony (since I always get an inside room, anyway) but the risk of fire does worry me somewhat. So I guess the best solution is to permit smoking in designated public areas.

 

 

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It's not nonsense. By your logic, the grill at Guy's is a fire hazard, ditto for halogen lights and anything else that could spark a fire. Point is, smoking was not banned from balconies because of being hazardous. So you can calm down. I frankly don't care what you wish regarding smoking or what you think is a nuisance. I can think of a nuisance myself right now.

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Solution: Have nicotine patch dispensers next to all the hand gel dispensers throughout the ship. ;)

I have a question....Carnival banned smoking on balconies in 2014, is that correct? So to the posters that are present that can absolutely not stand even the slightest whiff of burning tobacco, did you not go out on your balcony? Did you just book OV rooms or interior rooms? Or did you wait for the new rule and just start cruising in 2014? :rolleyes:

no, they just whined a lot. :D

I'm not in disagreement with you on the rules and a right to a smoke free environment on the balconies. That's the rules and how it should be. My problem is in the allergy statement only.

 

As for the prescribed treatment argument ... I offer aspirin. Primarily prescribed as a pain reliever and a blood thinner. Just because I have a headache and am prescribed aspirin does it mean I also have heart disease.

 

As for "believing" whether something is an irritant or an allergen is irrelevant. Allergens are a finite group of fully identified items. It either is or it isn't. Believing it is doesn't make it so.

 

Anyway...I agree that smoking is harmful, leads to a myriad of health issue not the least of which is death. My complaint is the use of the term "allergy" associated with it.

 

I wish you all the best but will bow out of this argument as it really isn't the topic of this thread.

 

Happy sailing!

i completely disagree with this statement. no where does carnival grant the right to a smoke free environment. it states that smoking on the balcony is forbidden but we all know there are hound dogs that cruise and can smell the smoke from deck 10 or deck 5 over 2 decks and 30 cabins away.

so just to be clear, there is no right whatsoever of a smoke free environment while on your balcony.

[quote name=Computer Nerd;50362319

so just to be clear' date=' there is no right whatsoever of a smoke free environment while on your balcony.[/quote]

Call Carnival and they will say just the opposite.

No its their balcony.

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Yes!!!! if i could smell it and it was bugging me you bet i would.

There is already a spirited debate in another thread regarding balcony smoking; vigorous and civil debate can be held there.

 

This is a basic yes / no poll.

 

If you are on your balcony and a neighbor is smoking, would you report the smoker to GS / Security?

No its their balcony.

 

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Actually it's CCL's balcony, they are just renting it;).

It's not nonsense. By your logic, the grill at Guy's is a fire hazard, ditto for halogen lights and anything else that could spark a fire. Point is, smoking was not banned from balconies because of being hazardous. So you can calm down. I frankly don't care what you wish regarding smoking or what you think is a nuisance. I can think of a nuisance myself right now.

I am a former partner of a large Miami based cruise firm and I have been associated with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) since the early 80s. I have been to more CLIA conferences, symposiums and lectures than I can remember. Perhaps a little bit of history will shed some light.

Following reports from several maritime organizations about the Star Princess fire, it was agreed upon by most, if not all the 62 member CLIA cruise lines that smoking was to blame for the fire. Almost immediately, all the cruise lines began taking a close look at their policies. The reason they didn't all immediately stop smoking on balconies was concerns about profit loss. 10 years ago, the percentage of Americans smoking was about 7% higher than it is today and the reality is, the demographics of certain cruise lines, most notably Carnival, include higher numbers of smokers than other lines. Factor in international passengers and European itineraries, and the concern over profit loss grew.

Celebrity was the only line at the time to recognize that profit loss did not trump passenger safety. Being a line whose demographics didn't attract quite as many smokers as the corporate flag lines (CCL, RCI and NCL), they were the first to react and they knew at the time they might have to eventually reverse their policy. Other lines like Princess took note and frankly, they wanted to wait and see if this would hurt Celebrity and the RCCL stock. After a couple years of watching Celebrity's success grow rather than dwindle, Princess took the leap and slowly but surely, the other lines started falling in. One other thing - the more lines that stopped balcony smoking, the more complaints started being registered by passengers of other lines who wanted to see the same policy instated.

Today, HAL is the only major line that is a hold out, and those days are numbered. It's not only passenger complaints that are going to force their hand, it's also HAL's insurers.

So yes, fire hazard was actually the root cause that started this snowball of all the lines putting a stop to it.

I am a former partner of a large Miami based cruise firm and I have been associated with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) since the early 80s. I have been to more CLIA conferences, symposiums and lectures than I can remember. Perhaps a little bit of history will shed some light.

 

Following reports from several maritime organizations about the Star Princess fire, it was agreed upon by most, if not all the 62 member CLIA cruise lines that smoking was to blame for the fire. Almost immediately, all the cruise lines began taking a close look at their policies. The reason they didn't all immediately stop smoking on balconies was concerns about profit loss. 10 years ago, the percentage of Americans smoking was about 7% higher than it is today and the reality is, the demographics of certain cruise lines, most notably Carnival, include higher numbers of smokers than other lines. Factor in international passengers and European itineraries, and the concern over profit loss grew.

 

Celebrity was the only line at the time to recognize that profit loss did not trump passenger safety. Being a line whose demographics didn't attract quite as many smokers as the corporate flag lines (CCL, RCI and NCL), they were the first to react and they knew at the time they might have to eventually reverse their policy. Other lines like Princess took note and frankly, they wanted to wait and see if this would hurt Celebrity and the RCCL stock. After a couple years of watching Celebrity's success grow rather than dwindle, Princess took the leap and slowly but surely, the other lines started falling in. One other thing - the more lines that stopped balcony smoking, the more complaints started being registered by passengers of other lines who wanted to see the same policy instated.

 

Today, HAL is the only major line that is a hold out, and those days are numbered. It's not only passenger complaints that are going to force their hand, it's also HAL's insurers.

 

So yes, fire hazard was actually the root cause that started this snowball of all the lines putting a stop to it.

Cruz, just playing devils advocate, and I will take you at your word that you are that involved in the Cruise industry....If cigarette/cigar smoking is such a risk that it can cause a fire, and I think every maritime organization agree the worst scenario at sea is a fire, why is outdoor smoking on a cruise ship still allowed? I cannot believe wind affects a cigarette ember drastically different from a Lido deck where smoking is allowed as opposed to Deck 8 on a private balcony where its not allowed due to a "safety" concern

Thank you, Cruzaholiic, for shedding light on this issue of why smoking is banned from balconies.

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Cruzaholic41 with all due respect, your post demonstrates the rising public sentiments regarding smoking and that as a result, companies (some quicker than others)resolved to a smoking ban on balconies. I never once suggested that smoking NEVER caused a fire or wasn't a hazard at all. I said and maintain that it wasn't the root cause of banning it on balconies. And from what I remember, Carnival didn't even cite that as their primary reason when they changed the policy.

I do not and have never been a smoker. Even in my younger days. But I don't mind if other people wanna do it. And to question of this thread, I wouldn't report a balcony smoking neighbor. If they were smoking in the cabin, then yes. That's how I feel. You guys are free to keep going back and forth about it.

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Cruz, just playing devils advocate, and I will take you at your word that you are that involved in the Cruise industry....If cigarette/cigar smoking is such a risk that it can cause a fire, and I think every maritime organization agree the worst scenario at sea is a fire, why is outdoor smoking on a cruise ship still allowed? I cannot believe wind affects a cigarette ember drastically different from a Lido deck where smoking is allowed as opposed to Deck 8 on a private balcony where its not allowed due to a "safety" concern

I can answer that for you. The fire hazard exists when a smoker flicks a lit cigaret overboard. On the public decks that person might be caught and kicked off the ship (one less smoker for the rest of the cruise). This safety rule cannot be enforced on the balconies.

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I can answer that for you. The fire hazard exists when a smoker flicks a lit cigaret overboard. On the public decks that person might be caught and kicked off the ship (one less smoker for the rest of the cruise). This safety rule cannot be enforced on the balconies.

 

 

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You are risking the health and safety of someone "may" getting caught....sorry, I aint buying that, leaving to much to chance.....who is to say that the fire on Princess was caused by a butt. Couldn't it have been cause by the wind blowing the lit ember and one of the sparks ignited as opposed to a flicked butt? My point is not to argue, my point is if its such a safety issue and cigarettes subject passengers to such a great fire hazard, why not just eliminate ALL outdoor smoking?

I am a former partner of a large Miami based cruise firm and I have been associated with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) since the early 80s. I have been to more CLIA conferences, symposiums and lectures than I can remember. Perhaps a little bit of history will shed some light.

 

 

 

Following reports from several maritime organizations about the Star Princess fire, it was agreed upon by most, if not all the 62 member CLIA cruise lines that smoking was to blame for the fire. Almost immediately, all the cruise lines began taking a close look at their policies. The reason they didn't all immediately stop smoking on balconies was concerns about profit loss. 10 years ago, the percentage of Americans smoking was about 7% higher than it is today and the reality is, the demographics of certain cruise lines, most notably Carnival, include higher numbers of smokers than other lines. Factor in international passengers and European itineraries, and the concern over profit loss grew.

 

 

 

Celebrity was the only line at the time to recognize that profit loss did not trump passenger safety. Being a line whose demographics didn't attract quite as many smokers as the corporate flag lines (CCL, RCI and NCL), they were the first to react and they knew at the time they might have to eventually reverse their policy. Other lines like Princess took note and frankly, they wanted to wait and see if this would hurt Celebrity and the RCCL stock. After a couple years of watching Celebrity's success grow rather than dwindle, Princess took the leap and slowly but surely, the other lines started falling in. One other thing - the more lines that stopped balcony smoking, the more complaints started being registered by passengers of other lines who wanted to see the same policy instated.

 

 

 

Today, HAL is the only major line that is a hold out, and those days are numbered. It's not only passenger complaints that are going to force their hand, it's also HAL's insurers.

 

 

 

So yes, fire hazard was actually the root cause that started this snowball of all the lines putting a stop to it.

This verifies what I have thought all along.

One cannot compare the grill, or a kitchen to remotely resemble the hazard of smoking by passengers. There is fire suppression equipment in those areas along with trained personnel. It is a controlled environment.

As far as public smoking, it is still risky. However, it can be reduced by having the proper disposal facilities and with crew constantly monitoring the area, any situation can be handled immediately.

Smoking on an individual's balcony would not be able to be contained as quickly especially if it wasn't noticed right away. There are many scenarios where this is possible. Do you know how many fires are started at home by someone being careless with a cigarette? Happens all the time.

Now I know none of the responsible smokers here on CC would let that happen, but let's talk reality. In general people can be stupid. They get drunk and "fall" off balconies just to name one of the many brainless things they do on cruises. You have to put the safety of everyone onboard first.

I appreciate the post. Very informative.

Cruz, just playing devils advocate, and I will take you at your word that you are that involved in the Cruise industry....If cigarette/cigar smoking is such a risk that it can cause a fire, and I think every maritime organization agree the worst scenario at sea is a fire, why is outdoor smoking on a cruise ship still allowed? I cannot believe wind affects a cigarette ember drastically different from a Lido deck where smoking is allowed as opposed to Deck 8 on a private balcony where its not allowed due to a "safety" concern

Cigarettes are more than capable of starting a fire. I have responded to more than one fire caused by a cigarette. While in the Navy fires onboard vessels caused by cigarettes were not at all uncommon. On the Lido deck there are normally people around and they could act to notify the crew if a fire were to start whereas on a balcony the fire may go unobserved for some time. By limiting the areas where people can smoke the cruise lines are reducing the risk of fire and they are also protecting other passengers from second hand smoke.

Are we back in elementary school? For all that say yes are you going to police the serenity area, the chair hogs and the dress code in the dining room? I just believe either all rules are enforced or none. You simply cannot pick and choose.

That is the most intelligent answer I've read in a long time!

Cruz, just playing devils advocate, and I will take you at your word that you are that involved in the Cruise industry....If cigarette/cigar smoking is such a risk that it can cause a fire, and I think every maritime organization agree the worst scenario at sea is a fire, why is outdoor smoking on a cruise ship still allowed? I cannot believe wind affects a cigarette ember drastically different from a Lido deck where smoking is allowed as opposed to Deck 8 on a private balcony where its not allowed due to a "safety" concern

Sure, I can help with that one too.

Balconies contain flammable material. Although the cruise corporations learned their lesson about flammable furniture and decking after the Star Princess fire, the fact people still hang clothing and towels on their balconies remains. People hang hammocks from balconies and once, I even saw someone put their mattress out there.

As far as the difference between Lido smoking and balcony smoking, I do not have an answer for the logic being used by the individual cruise lines. I can only guess. Actually, it's an educated guess based on reasoning I've heard for why most lines still allow smoking in some indoor venues. A person is far more likely to litter in anonymity than they are with witnesses.

Regarding embers - it's not embers that are worrisome. It's the lit butt, like what you see people flicking from their car windows, that are a hazard. Recently, some moron in my neighborhood flicked a lit butt into a pile of mulch while landscaping. It wasn't until that night the mulch went up in flames. I have no idea how it smoldered for hours before lighting, but that's what the fire department told us.