Smoking policy

Where can you smoke on the Mariner? Was it smoky or not smoky in certain areas of the ship (pool area, lounge, casino, dining areas, etc.)?

On all of the rssc ships you can smoke on all open decks, in your stateroom, in Compass Rose, in all bars. About the only places you can't smoke are the Observation Lounge, the theater, and specialty restaurants. Don't know how they do it, but you won't smell smoke anywhere on the ships. There is a rumor that they'll soon stop the smoking area in Compass Rose, but I have my doubts.

The casino is usually smoky. Other than that it depends on your sailing and how many smokers there are or their proximity to you. If you have a heavy smoker in the cabin/balcony next to you, you will probably smell smoke. But, you and the neighbor on the other side may be the only people on the whole cruise who have a problem with smoke. Same with the bars and Compass Rose, it just depends.

Most of the Compass Room is non-smoking. There is an area (somewhere -- never saw it or smelled smoke in the Compass room) where smoking is allowed. Just wanted to make this comment for non-smokers who may think that the Compass Room allows smoking anywhere.:)

Sorry -- forgot to mention that on the Voyager (last August) there was no smoking in bars (except on the pool deck). I'm a bit confused by the previous posts that indicated smoking in many places on the ship. This was not what we encountered at all.

The only bars where you can't smoke on Voyager are in the Observation Lounge and in Horizon Lounge. There is a smoking area on the port side of the Horizon Lounge. The smoking area in Compass Rose is aft on the port side. They have it cordoned off with several ficus trees. We called it the jungle and it was always quite full.

I spoke with an RSSC agent today (3/17) about their smoking policy, while booking a the 7/11 Mariner voyage from Seward to Vancouver, BC. My wife is allergic to cigarette smoke, and I wanted to minimize exposure of her, our 8 year-old son, and myself to second-hand smoke. I was told that lounges (except for the observation lounge), outdoors, some staterooms (see below), and a small smoking section in the main dining room were the only places smoking was allowed.

I was told the general policy about smoking in staterooms was non-smoking in port cabins and smoking allowed in starboard cabins. We therefore reserved a port cabin. This worked out really well since our stateroom will have a land view during our voyage.

Off-topic, I also found out that additional stateroom bathrooms are being converted to stall showers only, which we prefer to stepping over a possibly high rim of a bathtub. The cabin we reserved didn't indicate the conversion on the deck chart at the RSSC web site. My thanks to Chelsea at RSSC for all of her great suggestions and patience with my questions.

On a personal note, this is my wife's and son's first cruise. I've taken two cruises, one as a 9 year-old aboard a Swedish freighter plying the West coast, and another as a 16 year-old aboard the P & O Oronsay, round-trip San Francisco to Alaska. Remembering how much I enjoyed these cruises, I was looking for something special for my family and believe I've found it.

- Greg

Greg, I hope you and your family have a wonderful cruise and encounter NO smoke. But, here is what the RSSC website says about smoking in cabins and it reflects our experience.

Q: What is your smoking policy?

A: Certain public venues have been designated as non-smoking areas. Generally, the portside (left side) of the ship is non-smoking and the starboard side (right side) allows for smoking. There are no restrictions concerning smoking in suites/staterooms.

There is no enforcement to prohibit smoking in your personal space, or cabin/balcony, regardless of where it is located on the ship. We have moved into port side cabins and found multiple ashtrays in there, so clearly smoking in the port side cabins was anticipated by ship's staff. I hope that you have a great Mariner experience, but I did not want you to be really upset when you move into your cabin and find ashtrays, etc. and learn that anyone is allowed to smoke in their own cabin/balcony.

As to cabins with shower only conversions, this chart from the RSSC website shows them marked with stars. Only category F and above have conversions. http://www.rssc.com/ships/decks.jsp?code=MAR

Good luck, Debbie

I learn something new every day!

I hadn't known about the separation of cabins to accommodate smokers but looking back we had port side suites anyway (except for one occasion where we luxuriated in a rear facing suite). We would have been miffed if our suites had the lingering smell of cigarette smoke. I did know that there was a smoking area set aside in Compass Rose, but we were never accommodated near those tables. In short, I would never have known that there were smokers around, except in the cigar lounge, which we always kept well clear of anyway.

As far as wine is concerned, even before the present all-inclusive regime, the wine waiters would accommodate guests' wishes. We tend to like French and/or Italian wines rather than the New World wines which were often offered and we were always catered for.

Thanks for the information, Debbie. We already know our suite number, so I'll contact Regent and ask that they remove any ashtrays from our room and do any cleaning necessary to try to eliminate any lingering signs of smoking. I get the impression that the number of smokers on the Mariner is generally small, perhaps even smaller on our voyage since the Alaska cruises are more family oriented.

Thanks also for the information about showers -- I didn't know about the upgrade applying to category F or higher cabin. Chelsea, our RSSC agent, kindly gave us an upgrade from H to F, and booked us a cabin which will have a just a shower. That cabin doesn't yet show as starred on the deck chart, possibly because the conversion hasn't been completed yet. So, if anyone desires a cabin with only a shower, I recommend checking directly with RSSC.

- Greg

Thanks also for the information about showers That cabin doesn't yet show as starred on the deck chart, possibly because the conversion hasn't been completed yet. So, if anyone desires a cabin with only a shower, I recommend checking directly with RSSC.

 

- Greg

Interesting. My wife likes the bath. I like the shower. So we opt for the combination and I hope that is what we will get (and it is what we asked for. 1024 Mariner)

I see our that our cabin now shows a star for shower stall only. I'll have to stop checking the web site so frequently. :)

Greg,

Yes, it looks like that deck plan changed on the website between this morning and this evening! You'll have to check more than once daily now! I wonder when the actual bathrooms change/changed? Probably not today. But, I had read that all cabin numbers ending in 1, 2 or 3 and Category F and above would be shower only conversions and that is what it looks like now on the website.

Debbie

I have just completed the Grand Circle of South America on Mariner.

Smoking on board is an abomination and the only criticism that I have during the whole voyage.

Smokers, even pipe smokers are virtually unregulated especially in the cocktail bars, when staff reminds smokers that it is limited to one end of the lounge the smokers glare at the waiters and practically challenge them to make an issue of it.

It is time Regent stood up to their corporate responsibility to both staff and passengers alike and banned this unsociable and even illegal in some countries habit in public.

There is no extra extraction of polluted air or even signs or notices in the famous daily passages in regard to smoking.

Come on Regent it is time to grow up and face your responsibility to your employees.

Being able to smoke in the cabin and on the veranda is very important to the enjoyment of a cruise for my husband, and therefore for me as well. He enjoys smoking pipes and cigars, and as long as he does it in an area where he is not bothering others, it should be no one else's concern. We would not go on a cruiseline that did not allow this kind of smoking. The change in their smoking policy is the only reason that we will not cruise on Seabourn. And if Regent were to adopt a similarly restrictive smoking policy, we would no longer cruise on this line, regardless of how much we have in the past enjoyed our Regent cruises. It is an adult pleasure, and adults should be able to do it. Remember that for the week or two that you are onboard a cruise ship, your cabin is your home. For us this is part of relaxing in our "home".

At risk of creating enemies amongst people we don't know, I must echo the concerns for regent staff and the growing number of people who desire a healthy existence free of second hand smoke. Pipe and cigar smoking should certainly be restricted to "smoking lounges" such as the connoiseur club. WHile it would be wonderful ( in my smoke allergic, healthy lifestyle promoting opinion) if smoking was completely banned, this would infringe on the civil liberties of smokers but not to provide some completely smoke free environments seems unfair to non smokers.

So for those in the know, are there any smoke free environments on MAriner besides the spa and your private cabin?

This same topic is getting discussed on the Princess CC site and there are lots of people putting in their 2 cents.

My husband and I don't smoke so we hope the cabin we stay in when we sail in April '08 is non-smoking but if not I always bring along my little air freshener that smells like fresh linens :D

To continue with the smoking issue.

During my recent trip on Mariner (which in my opinion is the number one cruise ship in the world only equalled by Voyager) smoking was an issue.

Passengers complained bitterly about smoke polluting their cabins from their neighbours, to a point where they were considering leaving the ship.

Other passengers taped up the ducts and doors to try to stop the smoke polluting their cabins.

People were smoking in all public areas with no exception or restriction.

So don’t be fooled by the addicts who say they just like a puff on deck or their balcony, it is time that all non smoking travellers stood up to the minority of sick individuals who choose to pollute and contaminate our environment and poison our wonderful service personnel on board who have no voice themselves.

In many countries it is illegal to smoke in all public areas, so why should cruise ships be any different?

We will be first timers on Mariner and just made a deposit. This smoking thing could be a deal breaker. We've sailed on other luxury lines with no smoke drift, and I don't want to pay for luxury and have to deal with smoke issues. Regent, listen to the majority.

Regent veterans, please tell me it doesn't happen all the time.

Do not be put off your intended cruise on Mariner by the smokers as the wonderful crew, superb dining and entertainment more than make up for their inconsiderate behaviour.

Regent’s inclusive policy is an absolute winner, from the moment you join the ship you are made to feel like you are one of the family, I really could not recommend them more highly.

By cancelling you are giving in to the smokers, but if you make your voice heard on board and through the seven seas society then you can help to change corporate policy.

Enjoy your cruise, Regent is a superb company.

Being a former smoker, I try really hard to be sensitive to the "rights" smokers believe they should have. I believe they have a right to smoke -- in a fully enclosed area that cannot possibly infringe on others.

Back to the subject. We were on the Voyager last summer and were not even aware that there were portions of the bars that allowed smoking. Perhaps the bars are more crowded since the ships became all-inclusive in January, things have changed. The Compass Room has a smoking area -- we were not bothered by that as we could not detect it.

If smoking is affecting people on Regent cruises, I have no doubt they will do something about it (probably go non-smoking except perhaps outside on the top deck). Smokers have a choice -- they do not have to go anywhere where their smoking bothers others. If this means not cruising luxury ships, so be it. In the 20 years that I smoked, I was extremely considerate of people around me -- it's too bad that today's smokers are, for the most part, rude, smoking activists!:(

I do not wish to re-kindle the old smoker versus non-smoker discussion and please keep that in mind. My wife( a non-smoker ) and I have had 13 Regent cruises on all of the ships. I am a smoker and I always try to be respectful of those who don't smoke, as do most of the smokers that we know. We have never experienced the type of situation described by Cookingbilly on any of our cruises. As I said previously, the only area that has ever been the least bit objectionable to non-smokers, other than fanatics, is the Voyager Lounge aboard Voyager on occasion. Our cruises are normally in the 3-4 week range and we normally have @ 50-70 smokers aboard, not counting the crew, many of whom smoke. So, it is more than just "a few" and we have just as much right to enjoy our cruise as non-smokers do. For those who don't want to even see anyone smoking, I suggest that you might try another line, such as Oceania, that is non-smoking. What I have seen on several occasions is non-smokers sitting in a smoking area and complaining about smoke. If there are ash trays on the tables, then it's a smoking area. If Regent should ever go non-smoking, or prohibit smoking on ones balcony, we will stop cruising the line, as will most of the other smokers that we know. We have already stopped using Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and Westin hotels for that reason. I view the second hand smoke issue the same as I do the global warming issue. It's mostly bunk and not supported by science. I'm sorry if I have offended anyone, but I had to vent my spleen just this once and I promise not to comment on the subject again.

I do not wish to re-kindle the old smoker versus non-smoker discussion and please keep that in mind. My wife( a non-smoker ) and I have had 13 Regent cruises on all of the ships. I am a smoker and I always try to be respectful of those who don't smoke, as do most of the smokers that we know. We have never experienced the type of situation described by Cookingbilly on any of our cruises. As I said previously, the only area that has ever been the least bit objectionable to non-smokers, other than fanatics, is the Voyager Lounge aboard Voyager on occasion. Our cruises are normally in the 3-4 week range and we normally have @ 50-70 smokers aboard, not counting the crew, many of whom smoke. So, it is more than just "a few" and we have just as much right to enjoy our cruise as non-smokers do. For those who don't want to even see anyone smoking, I suggest that you might try another line, such as Oceania, that is non-smoking. What I have seen on several occasions is non-smokers sitting in a smoking area and complaining about smoke. If there are ash trays on the tables, then it's a smoking area. If Regent should ever go non-smoking, or prohibit smoking on ones balcony, we will stop cruising the line, as will most of the other smokers that we know. We have already stopped using Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and Westin hotels for that reason. I view the second hand smoke issue the same as I do the global warming issue. It's mostly bunk and not supported by science. I'm sorry if I have offended anyone, but I had to vent my spleen just this once and I promise not to comment on the subject again.

Finally. Thank you Doug! Well said.

As of March, 2007, Northern Ireland has banned smoking inside of buildings. This country had a very high concentration of smokers. The trend for hotels, cruises, cities and countries is to go non-smoking. The state I lived in (WA), banned smoking in bars, restaurants, etc. last year. In order to smoke you have to be 25' from the entrance of the building -- one of the strictest laws in the country.

When I smoked, I had no rights so I do know how it feels. I used every argument I could think of (including yours -- the science does not support second hand smoke, etc.) The fact is, that smokers will have to eventually search high and low for a hotel or cruiseline that permits them aboard. Giving up smoking was the hardest thing I did in my life -- I'm not a radical non-smoker -- just don't want to eat with smoke wafting in my face (even as a smoker I did not like smoke around while eating).

Sorry to go on and on -- this is such a sensitive topic to everyone. Instead of arguing, perhaps the smokers can be sure to stay in the smoking areas and non-smokers in their areas. Maybe Regent could make one bar smoking and another non-smoking. Hopefully there can be compromises that will accommodate both!

Here is a question. In port ships tend to follow the local "law of the land." Eg, duty free shops closed, no casinos when berthed in the US, etc.

What do ships do about smoking? When berthed in a nonsmoking locale (eg California) do they allow smoking in lounges and the like?

As to the broader question - the further lines go to accomodate nonsmokers the better, imo. Not to be punative to smokers, but the simple fact is that smoking inevitably intrudes on nonsmokers.

I think its reasonable to allow distinct smoking areas, provided that nonsmokers can reasonably avoid them. So one side of an open deck is fine by me. As is part of a lounge, as long as the ventilation works reasonably well (remember sitting in the "nonsmoking" section of an airplane one row back from the smoking section ---eeck.)

Cabins are a bit more of a problem. They are not, as someone said, your home whilst you are onboard. Your home is your home, and your car is your car and if you want to sink them up and deal with lower resale values or nauseated guests, that is your right. Cabins are just like hotel rooms of course, and they will have occupants after you.

About 15% of the adult US population smokes. The number is probably somwhat lower for Regent's clientelle (since smoking rates drop with affluance.) Unless you can really clean the smell out (which is very difficult) it seems reasonable to me to reserve a number of cabins equal to your likely number of smokers, and make the balance nonsmoking. That way, early bookers would be able to guarantee their perference, and late bookers would have to potentially make an accomodation.

What is clear is that this issue is a one way gate. If pubs in Ireland go nonsmoking, you know which way the wind is blowing. Years ago I worked in a bar, and 10 or 15 years ago when they started talking about banning smoking in bars it sounded silly to me. Similarly, for a long time here in CA you could smoke in your private office, while common areas where smoke-free and that seemed reasonable to me.

No, here in SF at least, you can't smoke in the ball park and I'm thrilled with that. I'd also be for a 15-20 foot zone outside buildings where smoking was banned so nonsmokers didn't have to walk through a gauntlette of smoke to get to work.

Living in San Francisco I have come to really appreciate being able to avoid toxic, noxious second hand smoke most of the time. I'll admit that this luxury has made me much more sensitive than I used to be (I can't believe that I was able to work in a smoking bar.) In fact, while I am looking forward with unbridled enthusiasm to my May trip on the Voyager to Barcelona, I do now and again realize unhappily that I'll have to adapt to non-US norms regarding smoking.

And let me toss one final incindary - every 4 days as many Americans die from smoking related illness as were killed on 9/11. Its not just a nasty habit.