Norwegian Cruise Line Bans Smoking on Balconies

Looks like I won't be dedicated to this cruise line anymore either. This was the ONLY REASON I booked NCL. Oh well. At least I have one more cruise before the ban.

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Greetings

 

Now that the policy is official the HAL board will probably be buzzing with NCL and Carnival folks telling everyone to make room they are coming on board.

As soon as Carnival announced its new policy, there were people who reserved on NCL. It's only a matter of time before HAL makes changes, too.

I don't smoke but my partner does...Booked a cruise on RC not realizing there had been policy changes made in regards to smoking since we'd last cruised with them...( Only ever come onto CC if I've got a cruise booked and haven't cruised for several years)...Found out and canceled, then turned around and booked on Carnival the weekend before their announcement was made...Cancelled it and booked the Getaway earlier this week...And I guess will cancel it now...Booked and canceled 3 cruises in less than a month...Sigh...He's not a chain smoker, but smokes enough that we would both find it incredibly annoying if he was to get up every 15 or 20 min. to go look for a place to smoke...That just doesn't equate to relaxation for me...If he could have had a couple of cigs on our balcony before we headed out he ( and I ) would have been happy...I always have to be our designated driver too, so cruises were the only time we could both have a good time...Rather bummed right now. :(

That's an easy answer - the one breaking the rules. They always do especially with an unenforceable rule like this. There is no way you can distinguish between a player and a non-player in a packed casino. As someone else said, they can sit and put 10 cents in a penny machine and then sit there while they enjoy their smoke. They're playing and there isn't a damn thing anyone can say to prove otherwise.

 

The thing that irks me with these new rules is the higher than thou smoke police with their halos all pretending that they're going to race to get a balcony. Hogwash. The other thing that gets my goat is the cruise line pretending they care about the health and well being of their guests AND EMPLOYEES. If they gave a rat's behind about their employees they wouldn't subject them to hour after hour of second hand smoke in a packed casino that now is going to be even worse. They'd ban it down there and allow it in a well ventilated upper deck area. They didn't ban it in the casino because $$$ trumps their own employee's well being so before we go all gaga praising and hugging NCL, lets not fool ourselves here. Its all about money and only money. Their employees on their ships are replaceable with ease and they know it. Will the day some that smoke free ships rule the day? Maybe but that day is a long way off and it will be done only when they feel they stand to lose money and business by not going that route and not one minute before.

Fantastic post you have here. I agree 100%. I think they should ban food and alcohol on balconies too. Wouldn't those non-smokers just love that? The last time we were on a cruise, the smoking area on the one side of the pool deck was so full, that there was only standing room. Imagine adding those that use to get balconies to smoke, will now be standing there too.

Also, Princess has tiered balconies on most of their ships, and we stayed in one, and woke to breakfast from the balcony above us, on the floor of our balcony. I say ban food on balconies too. And what about the cruisers that over drink and hang out on their balconies at all hours of the night, being loud and obnoxious? Ban the alcohol on balconies too.

I'm a smoker, and I just wanted to jump in the crowd of all the non-smoking complainers.

And for those non-smokers that are saying they got OV or inside cabins because they didn't want to smell smoke...... that is so much BS. They got the OV or inside cabins because they were less expensive, and that's the only reason. If a balcony was the same price as an OV, those non-smokers would have jumped at getting the balcony immediately.

I've been on over 15 cruises and almost every one of them had a sign at customer service indicating that you couldn't change your room because the ship was at full capacity. I guess it was because all of us smokers booked all those balconies, while the non-smokers had to get inside cabins to save them from our smoke. I'm doubtful that you would see many of those "full capacity" signs if the smokers decided not to cruise.

We're booked on a cruise at the end of 2015, and we got a balcony, but if this non-smoking rule is still in effect 90 days out from our cruise, I will be downgrading, or canceling. If every smoker canceled, two things would happen. Non-smokers would have to find something else to complain about, and cruise ships would not go out at a full capacity of passengers.

Yes, it's banned. They banned it about 5 or 6 years ago. You're certainly mistaken about your May cruise. There is no smoking anywhere inside their ships.

Its really funny, Im a non smoker and smoking or non smoking is never an issue with me so much as I never noticed clean air in the casino on the Summit.. Go figure!

Just cancelled 3 cruises [ a total of 35 days] so you all non-smokers have at least 3 more lovely suites to choose from! Enjoy!

We're canceling a balcony because of it. Why pay more for a balcony, when you get the same result in an oceanview for about $200.00 less? Another balcony for the non-smokers. They're definitely doing a happy dance. I think they should ban food and alcohol on balconies too. :O Bet that would make a large riot.

I have to laugh when one poster all over every balcony smoking thread says they always book the cheapest inside cabin and another has definitely said they will never cruise NCL again (we were on a roll call).

As a smoke by the rules (always increasing), loyal NCL cruiser, with 4 reservations, I have to admit I feel kinda screwed.

He's not a chain smoker, but smokes enough that we would both find it incredibly annoying if he was to get up every 15 or 20 min. to go look for a place to smoke.

That's pretty much chain smoking.

Are you seriously announcing how to circumvent the new policy the vast majority of people like. I suggest we all bring our cameras/ smart phones on the balcony to take a picture of people (proof) who flagrantly violate this policy to turn into guest services for expulsion from the ship. E Cigs are just as deadly and more testing is still being done to further the facts about their risk.

Geez... what a way to enjoy a vacation. By spending it being more concerned about what others are doing. When we cruise, there's only one thing on our minds, and that's about enjoying our family on the cruise. I could give a rats behind what smokers or non-smokers are doing. You just stay on your smoke-free balcony and take your pictures. I'll be up at the pool deck, listening to the music, and having a fantastic time.

So here is what I see happening.....cause inside cabin people do it. Ive seen it.....Balcony people are just gonna start smoking inside their cabin! Of the 7 cruises I have been on, I have smelled smoke walking down the hallway with inside cabins...the only thing I see here is prone for more fires in cabins because people are now smoking inside....

 

FYI-Im a smoker but only smoke on outside areas away from people...I like to be polite:D

Prone for more fires in cabins? I've never heard of any cruise ship catching on fire because there was a fire in a cabin, or even on a balcony. Where did you get this information from?

Yippie!!:D

That's pretty much chain smoking.

3 an hour??...Lol...It doesn't matter, but I know quite a few people who smoke much more than that...Regardless, watching him come and go all evening just doesn't appeal to me.

 

With that said, I simply can not cruise any more :(. Im not rebelling, or taking a stance with the new policy. My reason is I also have a child. I don't smoke near her and I like to go on the balcony, while she is in the room to have a cigarette. I make sure my neighbors are not out there too. I wont leave her in the room alone or go to a bar or casino with her. I wont take her anywhere where there is a group of smokers and have her sit there waiting for me to have a cigarette. The balconies were my haven and now that is gone. :( Sad day for me.

Keep an open mind here - Costa have amazing kids clubs - their suites and butler service is awesome and a fraction of the cost of the Haven - they cruise ex Miami to Caribbean - and smoking policy only changed recently to _ No smoking inside cabins, (one could smoke inside up until just over a year ago) - smoking IS allowed on balconies - it is NOT allowed in Casinos or any indoor public area ASIDE from - one bar/lounge (staff wear masks to go in clean it it is so sealed off) - but smokers love they can pop in there for a quick puff or indeed listen to music etc and have a drink. On deck - they have designated smoking areas - very much like what you would see outside an airport etc - a wall ash tray with specific area - In the USA Costa sail with a more American pax than they do in Europe - their Samsara or their Suites - fabulous - and as I say - they have great kids clubs - Their drinks package is $20 per day for all inclusive drinks - check it out - two nice ships sailing winter 14/15 .

We dont smoke - but cruise Costa a lot in Europe and were amazed they stopped smoking indoors - big move for Costa - but they made that decision to keep the balconies smoking - and one indoor closed off lounge bar - Just off a big 4000 pax cruise - lot of smokers on board - and honestly - they all followed the rules and it seems everyone was happy - we had smokers next door - it doesnt bother us - dont like being forced back into smoking areas when we now use zero nicotine shisha pens.

Ignore Costa reviews on here - very few CC members use Costa as its Italian based - but it is part of the Carnival Corp - and sailing ex Miami -in suite class - you cannot go wrong!! Love Costa for their live music on board - its a wow factor - food is fine - no anytime dining though BUT if you are in a suite you get in suite dining - and their Club restaurants are awesome

Of course many are put off Costa for the obvious reason - just letting smokers know - you do still have a smoking option ex Miami!

I don't smoke but my partner does...Booked a cruise on RC not realizing there had been policy changes made in regards to smoking since we'd last cruised with them...( Only ever come onto CC if I've got a cruise booked and haven't cruised for several years)...Found out and canceled, then turned around and booked on Carnival the weekend before their announcement was made...Cancelled it and booked the Getaway earlier this week...And I guess will cancel it now...Booked and canceled 3 cruises in less than a month...Sigh...He's not a chain smoker, but smokes enough that we would both find it incredibly annoying if he was to get up every 15 or 20 min. to go look for a place to smoke...That just doesn't equate to relaxation for me...If he could have had a couple of cigs on our balcony before we headed out he ( and I ) would have been happy...I always have to be our designated driver too, so cruises were the only time we could both have a good time...Rather bummed right now. :(

As I mentioned in another post - Costa - ex Miami - bargain - and you can still smoke on balconies - outer deck designated areas, and one bar/lounge. Costa only recently changed to THIS policy - (early 2013) it was still half the ship indoors and outdoors smoking including all bars and lounges. So they are unlikely to alter their policy again so soon. Their drinks package is amazing - 20$ pppd - all inclusive - it alone is a wow. Great live entertainment - worth checking it out if you are stuck . Two nice ships cruising ex Miami - dont knock it till you try it ;)

I am a cigar smoker and enjoy smoking on my balcony late at night, always made sure i am not disturbing anyone ..even booking cabins at the back of the ship. What would be so difficult in making one side of the ship smoke free and the other to allow smoking on balconies .. I did cruise with NCL many times and currently hold 3 future cruise certificates, which i am now going to return. Back to a nice beach resort in the med or caribbean.

Never heard a single complain about people smoking at land based resort balconies .. funny world it is in 2014 ...

I'm on the no smoking side, but what you just said has me scratching my head. I've been in the USCG 21 years, I am pretty well familiar with SOLAS regulations, and I am connected with CLIA. I know of no such requirement and know nothing of cruise lines being forced to do this. You've already been asked and so far I haven't seen an answer....please tell me where you heard this. I'd like to take a closer look at this supposed requirement.

Oh you misunderstood my comment. So sorry

I am just referring to some of the many other posts on the various threads that are saying Solas. I usually put a ? after Solas because I don't really understand what it is all about

Also from what I am reading here on the threads is that the cruiselines are being forced to install high tech smoke/ fire detection instruments on balconies and the common opinion apparantly is that it is more cost efficient to just ban/ limit the smoking rather than install the pricy equipment

My line of thinking is that we are actually benefitting from them not installing it but limiting the smoking instead.

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According to NCL corporate in Miami , No such situation exists . No entity is forcing them to do anything .. You keep repeating this same mantra , please produce the link to said mandate...

But only if YOU feel its Fair ;)

I have been following all of the smoking threads and I too keep seeing it repeated over again that regulations are or will be put in place that will force the cruiselines to install pricey smoke detection equipment on balconies.

It wouldn't surprise me if that is truly the reason for these smoking changes rather than install this equipment either

Can I provide a link? No other than to say I am reading it on cc

By me posting what I have read on the boards is actually more of an inquiry for additional info.

But IMHO. I don't believe the ships are voluntarily making these changes

They are either doing it because of so many upset non smokers

OR

Because regulations are forcing them to

Does anyone really believe they are doing this for our health?

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I have to laugh when one poster all over every balcony smoking thread says they always book the cheapest inside cabin and another has definitely said they will never cruise NCL again (we were on a roll call).

 

As a smoke by the rules (always increasing), loyal NCL cruiser, with 4 reservations, I have to admit I feel kinda screwed.

I book the cheapest inside cabins because:

I usually get an upgrade and price reduction to an ov at final payment thanks to a great ta

I travel with my kids and need 2 cabins

We travel to Europe frequently and I spread the wealth between pre and post days as well

We have a beach house so we have all the oceanfront time we need

Also we want to enjoy the ship rather than a balcony

The one and only time we had adjoining balconies was on dcl and couldn't use them at all due to smoking. Smoking was not allowed in the cabins.

Ok?

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I thought the same thing as a non smoker (former smoker). Can barely bare the casino now. But..... In the policy change it did say active casino players only can smoke in casino. Now who will police people just sitting around in there smoking and hitting the slot once every cigarette is yet to be seen.

I'm an ex-smoker too and I find it difficult to believe that all the smokers on the ship who are not regular casino players are going to stop whatever they're doing every time they want a cigarette and run to the casino. I doubt they returned to their cabin every time to smoke on the balcony either. Smoking on the balcony first thing in the morning or late at night makes sense to me but I never would have spent all day in my cabin (or in the casino either) just to smoke. I could have done that at home and saved lots of money.

There is the International Maritime Organization for Safety of Life at Sea. Also known as the SOLAS convention. In short NCL does have to follow the SOLAS regulations and recommendations. If they don't they would not be allowed to dock their ships at ports of 159 countries. Almost all the flag countries are signatorys too.

 

Now think a little logically. Why are all the cruise lines banning smoking on balconies in the last year? NCL eight days after Carnival. It is not a coincidence....

I have to agree with you here.

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We're canceling a balcony because of it. Why pay more for a balcony, when you get the same result in an oceanview for about $200.00 less? Another balcony for the non-smokers. They're definitely doing a happy dance. I think they should ban food and alcohol on balconies too. :O Bet that would make a large riot.

Yes, people eating or drinking on a balcony upwind of mine really affects my enjoyment of my own balcony; all those wonderful food and drink smells waft over and I simply can't sit outside any longer. It's just horrible that NCL allows people to eat and drink on their balconies. In fact, I think NCL should ban all talking on balconies too.

A private business should be able to tell their customers what they can and cant do on their property. If the consumer does not like it, they are free to choose another company . I guess your solution is more government? Do you hate a free market and capitalism? An employer should be able to run their company as they see fit with minimal gov intrusion.

 

Anyway back on topic-

 

Unless someone has video of you smoking "vaping" your Ecig. No one would ever know. Heck NCL should sell them with logos onboard. I don't even smoke buy would buy them as gifts to folks I now that do.

Yes we should return to the turn if the century when employers locked women and young girls in sweatshops for 12 hour days with no way to escape from a fire.

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So the " Logic" here is for NCL to take all this heat instead of claiming they had no choice and had to follow a mandate ? .. Ahh clear as mud :rolleyes:

If they claim they are forced to do it that will make them look bad

Better to leaves pax guessing. Lol

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I am a cigar smoker and enjoy smoking on my balcony late at night, always made sure i am not disturbing anyone ..even booking cabins at the back of the ship. What would be so difficult in making one side of the ship smoke free and the other to allow smoking on balconies .. I did cruise with NCL many times and currently hold 3 future cruise certificates, which i am now going to return. Back to a nice beach resort in the med or caribbean.

Never heard a single complain about people smoking at land based resort balconies .. funny world it is in 2014 ...

The aft which is where we always book has been the worse for smoke because there is no wind. The smell and waffing of smoke is just disgusting let alone cigar smoke.

Thank god they have put a stop to ALL smoking on balconies. You can go smoke in the casino all you want.

I wonder if more people didn't book on NCL because they allowed smoking on balconies or more people cancelled because of the new ban. Uhhh, I think the latter.