JulieAF

On both our cruises on NCL, our balconies were permeated with the smells of the smokers on adjacent balconies.

 

Years ago, before states started to implement bans on indoor smoking, hotels had figured out they needed to offer smoking and non-smoking rooms. If this was only about smoke, it would seem as though with a little effort, NCL could have offered blocks of smoking and non-smoking balconies... Non Smokers could book smoking balconies, but would do it knowing that the chance of smelling smoke was pretty high on the balcony. But that wouldn’t address the safety aspect of this.

 

Our state implemented an indoor smoking ordinance. Businesses (taverns) said they would all shut down. Smokers vowed they would never go out to eat/get a drink/go indoors or whatever. It’s been years and years, and you know what? There are still bars on every corner, and smokers have not all become shut-ins. Everyone adapts.

 

Parents who wanted to smoke on their balcony while their child was in the stateroom will find that NCL has a great children’s club for children if they want to have a few moments to themselves. Cruisers who booked balconies just to have a cigarette will find that there is a social element to gathering in designated areas to have a smoke, and will use the opportunity to make new friends.

 

In a few years, when you travel on a ship that does allow smoking on the balconies, it will be just as much of a culture shock as it is today to go to Europe and see a store clerk smoking as she checks out your groceries. Because after all, a while ago in the U.S., store clerks here could smoke as they checked out your groceries, bakers could smoke as they baked your cakes, department store patrons could smoke as they rifled through the racks of clothes, and diners could smoke as they went through the buffet line.

 

We’ve come a long way, baby…and this is just a little farther we have to go.

Very insightful post!

I paid for a balcony on the Breakaway this past May and couldn't sit out there because I had chain smokers on the balconies on both sides. Not only that but I was on deck 8 just above the Waterfront where people walk and smoke. It was so unfair that my air was polluted whenever I stepped outside.

THANK YOU NCL!!!!!! Can't wait for my next cruise....with fresh air on my balcony!!