Balcony & Cigar

One of my fondest cruise rituals occurs when we arrive in our stateroom. I pour a glass of our favorite wine and head for the balcony, where I light up a nice full cigar. Then I pinch myself to make sure it isn't a dream...LOL

John

Don't let the even-though-it's-your-stateroom-and-your-balcony-you-shouldn't-be-allowed-to-smoke-no-matter-what-you-paid-but-since-it's-my-vacation-I-can-do anything-I-want-and-dress-any-way-I-want people see this post!!!

I wholeheartedly agree with you on lighting up that first cigar of the cruise on the balcony. Heaven.

Until the really big model of the "cigar-helmet" is released, I'm with you 100%! Great store on St Martin (St Maarten for the snobbery), upstairs, boxes of Mont #3 for $210.

And by the way...it is LEGAL for me to purchase cuban cigars in other countries outside US. It is LEGAL for me to bring them aboard. It is LEGAL for me to smoke every one until I get into the US. Then it is ILLEGAL to bring them ashore.

I've ALREADY PAID FOR THEM. How does their location affect the embargo?

It's too late. I've ALREADY PAID FOR THEM.

Well thankfully since 9/11, customs is not too touchy about this. Down with Castro:mad:, Viva La Habana Cigar:D

Steve

I usually bring one box of cubans back to the U.S. in my carry-on. I have never had a problem with customs after returning from any cruise. Boy do I enjoy that cigar on my balcony, especially right at embarkation.

John

I think I will be doing the same........great idea.

Pay no attention to these men COMMIE!!!!!!!

...oh, thats me, oh jeez....

I have a question for you cigar smoking guys.....I realize it is your right to smoke them, so what is the best way for someone who is allergic to cigar smoke and wants to sit on her balcony to approach you about the smoke that will certainly drift with the wind to many other balconies...not only on your deck but those above and below you? Maybe come up with a compromise about the times you like to be out there smoking and some times that you will leave the air free of smoke? Help....I would want to handle this in a reasonable fashion and need your input. :confused:

I have to admit I smoke.

But why is it if you:

Use Heroin.... You're a product of a corrupt and oppressive society. And need counseling.

Smoke Pot... it's a young hip-hop rage against society thing.

But if you smoke cigarettes. YOU'RE SCUM!!!

I get a balcony just so I can light up without offending anyone. I don't pretend it's not a nasty habit but I try to arrange my travel/vacation plans as not to bother anyone else.

I'm not sure what I would do if someone asked me not to smoke on my balcony during a cruise. I do see their point but.....

Maybe boats should have a non smoking SIDE of the ship.

PS And this is from a smoker. Cigars stink. Oh well, we all have our crosses to bear.

There is a smoking side of the ship...on deck.(or at least there was last year). I willbe part of the ritual to go on my balcony and enjoy a cigar, it saves the room from having an odor. On vacation I enjoy maybe a cigar a day and usually enjoy it in the cigar lounge. So if I enjoy 2 cigars on my balcony during the week for a total of 2 hours, 6 days and 22 hours will be smoke free. I don't try to be rude but I am on vacation also.

PS And this is from a smoker. Cigars stink. Oh well, we all have our crosses to bear.

As a cigar smoker, I would have to disagree. To me, nothing smells as bad as the crisp, cloying, dry cigarette smoke smell. The cheap cigars you buy in the convenient stores and drug stores do stink. But, good quality, hand made cigars do not stink, they are aromatic :D

Tim

Boy, are there some flame wars about this. It was better when I didn't know you were judged for smoking on your own balcony that you pay more money for. That's a primary reason for us getting a balcony - to smoke in the privacy of our own space. Ignorance was bliss! We all have choices and I don't believe dissipating smoke (by the time it reaches another balcony in the outside air/wind) is going to kill anyone. Gimme a break!

I'll just contribute by saying MOST of the ship is non-smoking which I feel is a good thing. I also believe it would be a good idea to make one ENTIRE side of ships nonsmoking. It sure would help this issue. We don't smoke in our house, nor in any public indoor space (California ya know) and not in our cabin. The balcony was where we felt safe in not offending the majority. If I was (and I have been) a nonsmoker, I wouldn't want to be in a cabin that had been smoked in. Then my inside space would smell. Our alternative is pretty considerate I thought. Nonsmokers have no limitations and are protected, but now nonsmokers want to limit us further by asking us to not smoke in our own spaces OUTSIDE!

Sorry - we'll be the ones enjoying a fresh cup of coffee and our cigarettes on OUR balcony every morning after the sun comes up and pretty much whenever we feel like indulging in this filthy, dirty and disgusting habit that we enjoy so much. If someone asks us to refrain from our enjoyment I will politely ask them to go inside their own cabin where it's safe and shut their door - we'll be done in a little while. AND if I happen to come across a good cigar, I'll be smoking that with my husband too. :D

This thread made me remember a question I have been meaning to ask.

We are taking our first cruise, on Carnival, at the end of the month. I plan on surprising my husband with a couple of good cigars (I too think they are aromatic and like to smoke them myself sometimes), but we don't have a balcony. Have any of you ever seen someone openly smoking a cigar outside on deck...in a designated area of course? Is that cool or does it really offend some people? I can understand both sides and don't want to piss anyone off...but would like him to be able to enjoy his cigar one night outside. Thanks for your input.

I have smoked cigars next to the pool while I was talking to other pax. I never want to be rude, nor did anyone ever ask me to refrain from smoking my cigars on the Lido Deck. As far as the balcony goes...I paid for a mini suite with extended balcony. You best believe I'm going to fire it up.

John

St Martin (St Maarten for the snobbery)

For pete's sake they are two different countries! One is called Sint Maarten and the other is called Saint Martin. One is Dutch and the other is French. If somebody looks down at you for saying you are going to St Martin instead of St Maarten, just tell 'em you are going to the French side...it doesn't matter where you actually go!

Okay, I'm done hijacking the thread now. ;)

One of the things that I am truly looking forward to is smoking a few quality cigars in paradise. I have cruised on 4 different ships and never had anyone give me a hard time. This will be the 1st time that we have a balcony. I always try to be considerate, my wife doesn't smoke but she respects the fact that I enjoy a nice cigar while on vacation. I have always tried to either smoke in a cigar lounge if the ship had one or as we did on our last cruise take to the stern and enjoy a cold one and a cigar as we sail away from wherever we had been. We were heading west to east leaving Santiago de Cuba and as the sun set I was enjoying one of my many purchases of the day. This time mind you I'll be flying in and out of Ft. Lauderdale and can't bring any Cubans home with me. Even though I am a Canadian citizen and they are for consumption at home. Oh well, bring on the Dominicans, Hondurans etc. I'll be happy to have some inexpensive quality cigars. By the way does anyone know where I can get a good deal on cigars either in Key West, Coz, GC,or Ocho?? Till then "smokem if you gottem!":cool:

Like you, I enjoy a quality cigar. Quality is not always syninymous with cubans. I find the Dominican Cohibas, A.Fuente, and Romeo & Juliets are just as satisfying. I will bring back a box of cubans though, for I have friends that enjoy them as well. Monti Cristos and LaFincas also have a great draw.

John

Boys (and some girls), whether you are buying Cuban (lucky Canadians) or Dominican Republic cigars, watch out for the knock-offs, they are everywhere- especially in the ports of call. Don't get ripped off. The ship can tell you who the reputable dealers are.

I smoke outside at home and wherever he is with me. He loves to sit on the balcony with me in the mornings for breakfast and evenings for a snack and the smoke (cigarette) doesn't bother him at all.

I haven't a clue how to prevent the little teeny bit of smoke that may float to other balconies.

I think some people are overly sensitive, but that's just MHO.

I don't mind the aroma of a cigar or pipe at all; actually he doesn't either. It's the cheap ones that get to him more (smell-wise, not relating to his asthma).

Having one side of the ship non-smoking is a great idea; I know some ships that do it. Now if the crew would enforce that....:rolleyes:

One of the things that I am truly looking forward to is smoking a few quality cigars in paradise. I have cruised on 4 different ships and never had anyone give me a hard time. This will be the 1st time that we have a balcony. I always try to be considerate, my wife doesn't smoke but she respects the fact that I enjoy a nice cigar while on vacation. I have always tried to either smoke in a cigar lounge if the ship had one or as we did on our last cruise take to the stern and enjoy a cold one and a cigar as we sail away from wherever we had been. We were heading west to east leaving Santiago de Cuba and as the sun set I was enjoying one of my many purchases of the day. This time mind you I'll be flying in and out of Ft. Lauderdale and can't bring any Cubans home with me. Even though I am a Canadian citizen and they are for consumption at home. Oh well, bring on the Dominicans, Hondurans etc. I'll be happy to have some inexpensive quality cigars. By the way does anyone know where I can get a good deal on cigars either in Key West, Coz, GC,or Ocho?? Till then "smokem if you gottem!":cool:

Captain...Whenever we are in Key West, I always make it a point to stop by at the Key West Havana Cigar Store located at 1117 Duval St. The store is on the ground floor and the rest of the building is the Speakeasy Inn. They have a nice assortment of premium cigars from mild to full bodied at decent prices. I am a Macanudo man myself but Key West Havana has their own brand which I enjoyed just as much. They also sell cigar and smoking merchandise too!

This thread made me remember a question I have been meaning to ask.

 

We are taking our first cruise, on Carnival, at the end of the month. I plan on surprising my husband with a couple of good cigars (I too think they are aromatic and like to smoke them myself sometimes), but we don't have a balcony. Have any of you ever seen someone openly smoking a cigar outside on deck...in a designated area of course? Is that cool or does it really offend some people? I can understand both sides and don't want to piss anyone off...but would like him to be able to enjoy his cigar one night outside. Thanks for your input.

Jen...My wife smokes cigs and I really enjoy a Macanudo on deck but I also dislike getting the dirty looks so what we normally do is either stake out a spot along the back rail on the lido or a similar space on the sports deck...either way our smoke goes innocently out to sea or at least blows over the noses of those who normally would be offended. BTW, we too enoy toasting ourselves and our cruise each and every morning on our verandah...we paid for it, we're gonna enjoy it! :D

I gave up smoking about three years ago, but have always heard people talking about cuban cigars. Could someone tell me what the big deal is about them, and about how much to expect to pay for them in Nassau? I may be tempted to try one.

It's funny--if someone is smoking on deck, I'll just move along and find another spot (I'm allergic to cigarette smoke and don't like the way that stale smell lingers in my hair and on my clothes, and I usually find cigar smoke near-nauseating). But if I'm on my balcony, MY private space, I don't have the option of moving to another balcony! I'm out there because I enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and the occasional sea spray. ANY smoke drifting my way just ruins the experience. And unfortunately it doesn't matter if it's coming from above, below, or alongside my balcony.

You smokers wonder why we react worse than if you take illegal drugs. Chances are if you're snorting, swallowing or shooting up, none of that stuff is going to drift my way and affect me (unless, of course, under the influence you become a danger to others)!

All I can ask is that if you DO smoke try to not chain-smoke so that we non-smokers can at least enjoy a short amount of time breathing fresh, clean air!

Cathy AKA OhJinkies

Not to be rude, but the Carnival Paradise is a non-smoking ship. Please don't take this out of context, but I'm just saying there are other options. IMHO...Most smokers aren't out to ruin anyone's cruise experience, they are just smokers, and its difficult for them to find an out-of-the-way place to have a smoke. I for one will smoke a cigar on my balcony and my DW is a cigarette smoker. I can't help where the smoke drifts, but at least its not a closed in area.

BTW...I began this thread so that other cigar enthusiasts, such as myself could share their experience, not so victims of second hand smoke could oppose it.

John

After hundreds of "cruises" in my 9 yrs in the Navy, & 10 cruises on various cruise lines, I think I've made hundreds of cigar-loving friends, 1 cigar-hating enemiy, & about 2 anti-smoking idiots. I understand that after serving my country, so that Americans can freely speak their minds about anything. But after the cruise ship has past 12 miles outside of Miami, N.O., Galveston, LA etc..., we're not in California, or NY anymore, we're in international waters, on an international flagged ship, visiting international ports & destinations. You're paying for an adventure outside of your politically correct anti-smoking normal lives. If you want that no-smoking friendly atmosphere, then stay home.

As for me, I'm looking forward to taking my family to see different lands & different cultures. & that includes everything including the hunt for the best beaches, dive sites, & Cuban cigars...

Nothing beats meeting up w/ my trusty Cuban cigar shop amigos in Cozumel , Cancun & Jamaica, try out the latest deals on Cuban cigars, which I can't get back here in the States. (I'm halfway through my cuban Montecristos #2's right now, secured from our last trip to Cozumel)

I've always been considerate of others onboard. Indoors, I've limit to smoking cigars only in the designated cigar lounge, which is the one & only indoor space available to cigar smokers (the Casino & bars only let cigarrette smokers), that leaves 99.9% of the indoor space avail to non cigar-smokers. Outdoors, I've always been considerate to others by sitting on the last lounge chair of the row, downwind from everyone else, or standing on the highest or lowest deck at the most aft portion of the ship so the wind blows the smoke away from everyone else.

I think what a lot of people lack is just plain Common Sense. Every situation is different. Everyone is different. But there are always one in every crowd that thinks just because most of the people onboard the cruise ship are Americans, that we're still in politically correct American soil, where almost everything (whether legal or not) has been legislated out of existent including smoking, & that he/she must imposed his/her ignorant opinion on the bad virtues of smoking.

As I stated earlier, I've met a lot of friends over the years who are smokers, but the friendliest are cigar smokers. They always come over to chat about what I'm smoking, where did I buy it at, etc....

I'm purely a cigar smoker. I'm not a cigarette smoker, but I do understand their plight.

There's only one incident, back in 1996, when I met the ultimate cigar hater. I'm celebrating my 5th anniversary with my wife, standing on the most upperdeck outside on the the most aft portion of the ship, watching the sunset as we left the Bahamas island, when an older "Lady" standing upwind stormed up to us from the other side of the deck, & angrily demanded that I put out that nasty smelling cigar immediately. After a few seconds to remind myself that I'm on a civilian vessel & atmosphere, I must compose myself to not to use profanity laced language to her in front of my wife, & to not throw her overboard as this ship is not under my command. I just inform her that the next flight back to her no-smoking Californian Utopia will be waiting at the next port, & that I'll personally call Rob Reiner to pick her up at the airport. Meanwhile, get out of my face, as you're ruining my sunset view. I didn't run into her the rest of the cruise.

My suggestion is that for the cigar smokers: just use common sense & light up & enjoy your well earned cigar at the appropriate time & place, & have respect for those who may not enjoy that aromatic smoke as much as you do. & for the non-smoker: If that cigar smoke offends you, please move to a different area of the room, deck, or to the 95%+ of the portion of the ship that are smoke free, & if you're bothered by that cigar smoke while on your balcony while the ship is traveling at 20 knots & if the wind hasn't dissipated the smoke, please go back inside & close the glass doors, & come back out in an hour. I'm sure there's a good chance that you won't miss that hour as there's another 100+ hours of fresh salt air avail to you the rest of the cruise.

Just my 2cents...

NavyCruiser,

I couldn't have put it better myself. God Bless your tour in the Navy, and if anyone should be permitted to enjoy a good cigar, its you. I commend your attitude and your enthusiasm. Thast wxactly why I started this thread. Thanks for contributing.

John