che5904

Silly me! When I read the inquiry from an OP ,

“...what is it like? This is our first time cruising with NCL and I am very nervous being on the same floor as the medical center. TIA ! “,

I thought the writer was prone to having a transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke).

 

I guess I should have known,

TIA meant Thanks In Advance :)

Nice to see this thread still helping people. I thought I had taken the email notifications for all threads I had posted to, I guess I never got around to this one.

So for anyone looking for the updated list, compiled from additions added in this thread from other wonderful members.

I never did find a way to add a PDF to my signature or find a way to get the Mods to make this into a sticky for those newbies that needed help. Oh well.

Cheers all.

Here it is

acronyms.pdf

My point was that it is more difficult to quit when exposed to the situation that you are trying to quit. Not much different than putting a huge chocolate fudge sundae in front of a dieter and forcing them to taste it. One trying to quit smoking during that delicate period of time and inhaling the 2nd hand smoke creates that craving for many if not most.

 

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Even setting your reasoning aside for a moment there is another reason that this rule makes it difficult on the e-cig user. When you go to the smoking area for a cigarette you will usually smoke that cigarette until it is completed. With an e-cig (which does nothing when not being puffed) you will usually (I can't speak for everyone) pick it up only when the urge comes that you take "A" puff. So you would walk from one end of the ship to the other for one puff? They may have the look of a cigarette but they are used completely differently.

That is a good argument for everyone else not to cruise which is why they are banning smoking. They don't want people being subjected to "harm" AKA "smoke"

But if that were truly the case, would they really not have to change the method that allows the ship to sail? :confused:

"Air pollution from cruise ships is generated by diesel engines that burn high sulfur content fuel oil, also known as bunker oil, producing sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate, in addition to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen."

I will post in the other thread. As a non-smoker I too wonder if there could be more of a middle ground. The "ugly" comments have been on both sides here, but I feel uncomfortable essentially being on the side of those taking a victory lap while chanting "Nah-nah, dah, nah-nah!"

LOL that's cute :)

I was just on the Pearl and I found ways around the casino, so if someone doesn't want to be around the smoke in there, there are ways around it. Yes, smoking is allowed in the casino, but you are not forced to go in the casino, that is your choice to be around the smoking in there. Since I gamble, I also hope that those that want to smoke in there actually play, instead of just taking up space putting one penny in every minute or so, but if they decide to do it, there really isn't anything I can do about it. If there isn't a machine that I like available, I'll just find something else to do rather than spend my money gambling.

I actually seen more of "hanging around" smokers on my CCL cruise than my NCL cruises. Now with saying that my CCL cruise was a New England cruise and a lot colder than my Caribbean cruises but CCL offered an inside bar so that really shouldn't have made a difference.

I have no idea if NCL enforces because I never spent time "hanging around", I was an actual player (I didn't get comped cruises just by being cute) :D But even as a smoker, I would hope they would enforce it, not because of the extra smoke, but because that is one thing that drives me nuts with NCL, is their lack of enforcement of their policies. It always seems their policies are just mere suggestions, if people wish to follow. Being a rule follower that is a big pet peeve of mine.

Maybe they could put little cigarette symbols on the ship layout cards they pass out with the words "Smokers Here". :D

I've thought that since I first starting cruising. Because, as I found out on my last cruise, even the workers aren't sure.

At some point we should start a thread that will benefit both smokers and non-smokers where we can outline by ship the designated smoking areas. I am sure each ship will change as we approach 11/1 but never too early to start and see how each ship is evolving/changing (if they change at all).

 

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That is much easier said than done. People have tried to get that information about just one ship, never mind all 14. And it soon ends up to be 800+ posts without the actual initial question completely being answered or the answer lost in the sea of posts. If it hasn't gotten pulled prior to that.

I agree that it would be beneficial to both parties. So the smokers know exactly where they can smoke (NCL is not the greatest at signage, specifying where you can smoke). Ashtrays are not an indication, since those things are harder to find than hen's teeth. And the non-smokers would know the areas they should avoid if they did not want to be exposed to it.

Unfortunately the minute that "S" word is mentioned the debate starts (usually until it gets ugly).

Maybe NCL (and other cruiselines) should get smart and actually have it marked on their deck plans.

I think the thought, and honestly I agree, is that when the smokers are lumped into one or two areas or three areas, many will be able to avoid those (sure there are going to be some folks that have to walk through the areas coughing, etc., but they are really just jerks). On Celebrity where the smoking area is on one side of the pool deck, I don't have a problem walking past the smoking section, but if it bothered someone that bad, they can always walk on the other side of the ship.

 

I certainly understand why smokers feel that they are being pushed into smaller and smaller areas, but I also understand that the majority of folks are non-smokers and don't want to have to be around smoke, especially on a balcony that they paid for. It was quite a time after I quit (smoked 3 packs a day), when I realized how my smoking affected others.

Well if your read the posts I was responding to, they apparently didn't feel it was easy to avoid.

BTW, glad you are continuing to post here.

Not for long. Just posting while the other thread is active. I didn't think it was nice to drop the bomb and then not respond to replies.

Thought I would give it a try. I can so relate to what your saying about your DH mine to is self employed and is a workaholic I had to threaten his life to take this next cruise with me lol. He didn't come last time with me he didn't come to Punta can with me. Owning his own business is extremely demanding so I totally understand your dilemma.

LOL well maybe you and I should just leave those silly guys at home and go party together :D :D

BTW we actually work a little bit while on vacation, that's how I get him to agree.

Che not sure if you sail in suites. I have not done that yet I just started cruising again recently. My next cruise on the breakaway is a comped balcony on breakaway from CAS. I had a cabin on deck 11 (one of the angled balconies) as soon as I heard about the balcony smoking ban even before it was official I changed my cabin to 8780 that's a balcony cabin right next to the waterfront on starboard side where smoking is allowed. So basically I downgraded myself but for a more convenient location. I guess instead of opening the balcony door I will open our cabin door and turn to the left probably no more than 20 feet and be able to have my morning coffee with my smoke as I enjoy it at that time the most. So what I'm trying to say if you do sail in balcony cabins I think this option might work well. I'm gonna give into shot and see how it works out.

I cruised in regular balconies only, I don't really have a need for the suite life. I also am not drawn to the large ships and the smaller ships would require an elevator ride from the balconies to wherever they are sticking the naughty spot on them.

DH is self-employed, we rarely get vacation time or see a lot of each other during the year. So when we take a vacation it is for some total relaxation and reconnect time. It's how we have kept our marriage strong for 35 years with our lifestyle (he's a workaholic). I would not walk to wherever the naughty spot is for a quick puff, so I would be spending longer amounts of time in crowded areas, totally defeating the purpose for spending hard earned money on a vacation to suit our needs. It is just much better for us to go back to other vacation forms that meet our needs. On land has more options to spend quiet, off the beaten path areas together without so strict guidelines.

But thank you for trying. And it may work fine for people with different needs than ours.

This is something I don't really understand.

 

When I used to have to work at an office (instead of on a plane, or at home), we all took occasional, quick smoke breaks, to a designated spot outside, which was a good trek from our work area...and everybody did it, and it was perceived as normal.

 

This new policy seems to institute that same scenario, with a back-up of the casino inside.

Yes you are right, although when I worked in an office it was back when people could smoke right at their desk :eek: But what you are talking about has now changed again and they have moved these groups far away from where they may impact an indoor space, an entrance or a main walking area.

You were not confined on a ship where there was very limited space to put a large group of people, if there was a large group of people where you worked. There really is no one place on a ship that I can think of that would not impact another space with the naughty spot. So again in my opinion go back to keeping it spread out, where it's far easier to avoid.

And if you are comparing the balcony situation to where you worked, it's not the same at all since I may go to my cabin for a few hrs to just sit and chill and relax, I don't want to keep jumping up to run to the other end of the ship. Hopefully you didn't go to work to just sit and relax ;)

You make the same point I have posted several times

 

Let them stay away from the other pax and let them smoke on their balconies

 

Of course this only works for me because I only book insides or ov

 

 

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yes many non-smokers have made that same point on here, many times. They have stated they never smelled smoke in their cabins from a previous pax, they've never or rarely been bothered by a smoking neighbor on a balcony and have been able to avoid smoke in most locations throughout the ship (with the exception of the casino).

IMO it is not the majority they are trying to please but the loudest. Squeaky wheel gets the grease as the saying goes.

Unfortunately the way I see it, this is only making the situation worse for all those who, in the past, have found ways to live harmoniously with the 2 sides are now finding that they can't find a way to avoid it unless they don't go to an area of the ship they may have enjoyed in the past.

The same situation happened on the SUN last Feb. they had a small area in the back corner on the pool deck set aside for smoking and because it was in constant use the smell went all through the entrance which amde the spa and gym constantly smell of smoke, they could have selected a better spot for them

IMO that is going to keep happening and only going to get worse.

If you clump all of those smokers in one tiny spot, they will remain in that spot longer (because that's the only spot they are allowed to smoke), they will smoke more than normal or one right after the other because they are not going to keep walking back and forth from one end of the ship to the other to have a "quick" smoke. I can't think of a spot on a ship that would be better to clump that many people together that it would not impact someone. So whatever spot they choose you are going to have one massive cloud of smoke because there is always going to be a group there.

People should really think past their noses when they ask for things (not directed at you but whoever keeps wanting to push the smokers into tiny designated spots). When smokers were spread out there were chances that you may never be impacted or near a smoker and if you were you could easily avoid one tiny cloud of smoke for the 3 minutes it takes for a smoker to smoke that cigarette. Move a few feet away, problem solved. Not as easy if you want to enjoy an area that is in the vacinity of a naughty spot as you have experienced.

By now, I'm really surprised there are still people saying this garbage. Have you read the entire investigation? No, it was not presumed. It was concluded to be the most likely cause after all other causes were ruled out. There's a big difference. If you really think that fire was not caused by a cigarette, I've got oceanfront property in Kansas to sell you. Someone died in that case, and it irks me to no end that whoever threw that cigarette got away with manslaughter. I hope that person is haunted every day for what they did.

 

By the way, I know the people who conduct those investigations. Give it a little time. You may be seeing another report soon that concludes a cigarette to be the most likely cause.

Actually I never once said whether I believed or disbelieved this was the case, what I said was they have never proven it was the cause. My point to that post was you have a much higher probability (according to studies and statistics that people love to throw around on here) if you are afraid of fires on a cruise ship, that you have far bigger threats to worry about than one possible incident that may have been caused by that.

BTW I won't disagree with you that if it is proven that it was caused by that, I wished they could find the idiot that threw the cigarette butt. For 2 reasons, one he/she caused such devastation and put the safety of everyone on that ship in jeopardy and 2 because he/she gives smokers a bad name that somehow makes all smokers look careless. As a smoker, I have to say I am more than careful on a ship because like all the wonderful non-smokers, I do not want the ship to catch fire either.

Did you hear about the fire on the Star Princess several years ago? I am surprised any cruise line allows smoking on balconies. That fire could have caused a great loss of life!

Did you hear about ALL the fires started on cruise ships in the engine rooms. Goodness sakes, they really should ban those engines. :eek: Those fires could have caused great loss of life.

On a side note the star princess fire was presumed to be caused by a cigarette it was never proved to be that, you may want to check your facts. The actual highest number of fires on land are a result of electrical appliances, ie. hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners doubt those would be banned either.

I stopped reading after about page 6 for obvious reasons, since its' the same old.

It's been a great 5 years chatting with everyone and I thoroughly enjoyed my cruises with NCL. Due to the recent smoking policy change NCL has chosen to make, I will be finding alternate vacationing in the future and will no longer be cruising on NCL.

Enjoy your cruises anyone that is continuing to do so.

Bye!!!!!

I Received an offer from NCL.

In "terms and conditions"...

"Offer is for new individual FIT Reservations only".

They don't spell out what "FIT" means.

Any help?

My guess

"Free Individual Traveler"

Guests who are neither coming from a company or organizations and generally pay a rate which is a published tariff of a hotel.

What do you do at home? On a rainy day? Oh wait... I clean and do laundry. And I don't think NCL would approve.

 

ROFL, too funny Donna

OP DH thought the same thing before our first cruise, he is anything but a "lay around relaxing" kind of person.

I really can't add much to the list you have already been given, but I will say that we have never been bored.

The Norwegian ships you have sailed were older and no longer in service. You might want to give the new, modern NCL another try before you write them off for good...or give such a strong opinion. Try it again and then come back and everyone will be more apt to listen...

:)

I agree, that opinion is so outdated, long before NCL introduced freestyle cruising even.

OP I'm not sure why you wish it to lean more toward Royal than Carnival. I've never sailed on Royal, but except for a few differences, I found NCL and Carnival very similar.

"Things like service, dining options, ship decor, fellow passengers, atmosphere, entertainment, staterooms, and attention to detail are some of the things that play a role in our enjoyment of a cruise"

Following your list and keep in mind this is only my opinion and other's may differ drastically.

I prefer NCL's freestyle dining to Carnival's YTD, I didn't try fixed dining on Carnival because I prefer to meet people ahead of time and go to dinner than to start out sitting with a bunch of strangers, as well I like to eat when I'm hungry, not when I "should be". If you like fixed dining, NCL could disappoint depending on the sailing and the time you prefer to eat, you may have a wait. We never have on NCL but did on Carnival. If you wish to sit with others, NCL does try to accommodate you if you ask.

Dining options - hands down NCL, although I did miss Guy's Burgers at lunch

ship décor - I don't pay much attention to that, I'm on the ocean to see the ocean (that wouldn't make or break a vacation for us)

Fellow passengers - ? depending on the sailing, I really didn't find a difference, some old, some young, some good natured, some cranky.

entertainment - hands down NCL

Staterooms - Our balcony on Carnival was apparently a little bigger than the ones we had on NCL, I didn't notice a difference to be truthful.

attention to detail (sorry not sure what is meant by that. If you are talking about service, NCL is top notch, but I found the service to be good on Carnival just not quite as attentive.

Who do you think is making out better in the grand scheme of things? :D

:D :D So true

The other thing you may want to consider (and a reason I won't book a guarantee), is location.

With a guarantee you are never sure where you will be located, so if they upgrade you to a mini-suite you may be under someplace that has been noted on here of having excess noise at not so convenient times, like under the garden café. Or getting a balcony on deck 8 that is over the stardust theatre that some have said you hear noise from during the shows.

Well thanks everyone for your input and replies. I opened a can of worms did I not?

The information regarding winnings on everything in USA and Canada are interesting Therefore you never win exactly what is offered I believe.

 

This is strange for me Coming from UK (still being English and long term visiting in Australia) I know in both countries if you win $1000 you get $1000 and do not have to declare it as earning although if you are getting interest on it you will pay on that interest.

 

Just as a side note to your above statement, just in case you were mislead. Canadians do not pay taxes on winnings.

17! What do I win??? :D

If the contest is originating in Canada, I'd have to say a years supply of ravioli. We seriously have some pretty crappy contests :D

It is bizarre, but has some sense to it:

Keep your eyes and ears open, you learn something new every day. Being from Canada, I had to idea why we had this silly rule on contests. Guess now I do.

OP really life isn't fair, I wouldn't lose any sleep over this. Some contests require people to be on Facebook in order to qualify, some require people to be a member of.... to qualify. Happens all the time.

Balcony cabins have the 4 cup Mr. coffee maker style. I don't believe the lower categories do.

OK feeling a little disappointed here, since some posts say the seen it recently. I had thought NCL had pulled it completely since it wasn't on our cruise in Feb.

First off I don't get the funny with the "fountains" skit. My kids did that way back in summer camp. But I did love the crew show as a whole.

On our last cruise, there was no final crew show. Our last night's show was Bollywood, which was followed by some of the crew coming in to stand on stage for a farewell clap. It was a total let down, didn't have the same feeling at all.