Is the Non Smoking Policy on Balconies Strictly Enforced?

[Cruisenouvelle]

We are frequent cruisers on Celebrity (86 total). We have problems with smokers on EVERY cruise. The crew does try to do what they can and when reported they will call back every few days and follow up. The problem is the smokers really dont care and Celebrity does not do the best job of informing them. If they put a sticker on each balcony door saying "No smoking in the cabin or on the veranda" the incidence would drop considerably.

 

If you go, make sure you have a cabin on the port side. There are certain designated smoking areas on the starboard side with cabins very close. Those cabins get smoke ALL THE TIME. So much for "No Smoking on the Balcony" when you have a cabin near a designated smoking area !!!!

I'd have to disagree with you. It's in their brochures, on their website, and on our last 2 cruises, there was a stack of 'Celebrity smoking policy' sheets at the checkins. There's only so much the cruiseline can do to make passengers aware. Personally, I'm surprised they're not using it as a marketing strategy...."Come sail the most smoke-free ships in the world, etc". The real problem, as you said, is smokers that don't care.

[TommyD3]

The smoking is on the Port side, not the Starboard.

 

Sorry, you are right the smoking areas are on the port side.

I said it backwards for some reason.

 

As for the non smoking brochures at check-in, yes they have a pile there, but they do not specifically hand them out or make a point of it. I feel that if there was a warning on the balcony door, there would be less people going out on the balcony & smoking. It really would not cost much to put stickers on each door.

[gizmodog]

I am a non smoker and really do not like to inhale someones second hand smoke, however I do not think that when a ship is moving that smoke from someone elses veronda is an issue, never has been for me....I also would NEVER call and "tattle" on my neighbor, who also has paid for his cabin and unfortunately has a bad addicting habit as do some alcohol drinkers. I am sure he or she is not out on there veronda 24 hrs a day smoking!

I am happy about the non smoking casino and the non smoking bars, I do however disagree on spoiling a smokers vacation who wants to enjoy his cruise as much as the non smoker and has also paid as much money to enjoy that said cruise by smoking on his paid for veronda.

Celebrity should designate smoking and non smoking cabins or decks in order to appease everyone. Most smokers I know wish that they could stop the smelly expensive habit and some have tried many times it is an addiction folks and it is a shame that those of us who don't smoke feel so superior! Do you not think we should all learn to live together in this world? Might be a much better place to live.

[SantaFeFan]

....I also would NEVER call and "tattle" on my neighbor, who also has paid for his cabin and unfortunately has a bad addicting habit as do some alcohol drinkers. I am sure he or she is not out on there veronda 24 hrs a day smoking!

 

I wouldn't hesitate a minute to call as soon as I encountered someone's smoke. I sail Celebrity in good part because of their restrictive smoking policy, and I always get a balcony so my wife and I can enjoy it. If someone decides to sail on Celebrity and then ignores one of the rules that makes this line more attractive to me, then that is interfering with my cruise, preventing me from enjoying my expensive balcony, just as serious an intrusion of my cruise enjoyment as if the perpetrator would prevent me from entering the MDR, or the theatre, or any other area of the ship. That he/she has an addiction is not my concern, and I refuse to let their problem become mine. As some people say: "I paid good money for this cruise", and I expect to be able to enjoy it according to the rules of the cruiseline. That the person isn't out there 24 hours of a day is irrelevant. It's against the rules for a reason, and he/she has no right breaking them for their own benefit, especially if it can negatively affect people who are playing by the rules. I have zero tolerance for inconsiderate, selfish people.

 

Do you not think we should all learn to live together in this world? Might be a much better place to live.

 

A better way to live together is to follow the rules that have been established for the betterment of everyone. Ignoring those rules is a sure sign of disrespect for those that do follow the rules.

[sunkey1]

I am a non smoker and really do not like to inhale someones second hand smoke, however I do not think that when a ship is moving that smoke from someone elses veronda is an issue, never has been for me....I also would NEVER call and "tattle" on my neighbor, who also has paid for his cabin and unfortunately has a bad addicting habit as do some alcohol drinkers. I am sure he or she is not out on there veronda 24 hrs a day smoking!

I am happy about the non smoking casino and the non smoking bars, I do however disagree on spoiling a smokers vacation who wants to enjoy his cruise as much as the non smoker and has also paid as much money to enjoy that said cruise by smoking on his paid for veronda.

Celebrity should designate smoking and non smoking cabins or decks in order to appease everyone. Most smokers I know wish that they could stop the smelly expensive habit and some have tried many times it is an addiction folks and it is a shame that those of us who don't smoke feel so superior! Do you not think we should all learn to live together in this world? Might be a much better place to live.

 

I agree that we should all learn to live together. Unfortunately smoking is one of those habits that a person cannot keep entirely to him/herself. I have been on cruises where my time on the balcony was severely limited because of smoke wafting over from a smoker next door. And yes, even while sailing the smell can be an issue if you are not a smoker. If smokers could figure out a way to keep their smoke to themselves and not subject the rest of us to it, I would not care how much they smoked. Just as an alcoholic can drink as much as they want as long as their behavior as a result of that drinking does not affect those around them. I applaud Celebrity for their efforts and people who cannot make it without lighting up have plenty of other options when choosing to cruise!

[boogs]

.....If smokers could figure out a way to keep their smoke to themselves and not subject the rest of us to it....

 

They should learn to swallow their smoke instead of exhaling it. That would be an immediate improvement. :D

[teajak]

I wouldn't hesitate a minute to call as soon as I encountered someone's smoke. I sail Celebrity in good part because of their restrictive smoking policy, and I always get a balcony so my wife and I can enjoy it. If someone decides to sail on Celebrity and then ignores one of the rules that makes this line more attractive to me, then that is interfering with my cruise, preventing me from enjoying my expensive balcony, just as serious an intrusion of my cruise enjoyment as if the perpetrator would prevent me from entering the MDR, or the theatre, or any other area of the ship. That he/she has an addiction is not my concern, and I refuse to let their problem become mine. As some people say: "I paid good money for this cruise", and I expect to be able to enjoy it according to the rules of the cruiseline. That the person isn't out there 24 hours of a day is irrelevant. It's against the rules for a reason, and he/she has no right breaking them for their own benefit, especially if it can negatively affect people who are playing by the rules. I have zero tolerance for inconsiderate, selfish people.

 

 

 

A better way to live together is to follow the rules that have been established for the betterment of everyone. Ignoring those rules is a sure sign of disrespect for those that do follow the rules.

Live is the operative word here and certainly more people would live without the ravages of smoking. We all know what a killer it is and what a terrible death. Celebrity is doing a great job, we reported the people smoking on the balcony and they were there from guest relations within 5 minutes., they are given one warning and then a $250.fine. If people feel they must smoke why not choose a cruise line that doesn't care and leave Celebrity alone.

[gizmodog]

Wow....inconsiderate and selfish....sounds like you are easy to get along with, not too judgemental anyway there are WAY WAY to many rules and too many laws, bet you have never broken either have you? You cannot live in this world today without breaking a rule or a law somewhere. Just because you don't smoke nobody else should? Adults should not be able to make a decision for themselves whether it be harmful to them or not? As an adult non smoker I can choose to either stay by the second hand smoke or walk away, nice to have that choice. We all should have to follow the rules of the majority? I understand not wanting to breath second hand smoke believe me, but I don't judge smokers and think they are selfish and inconsiderate because they have an addiction (that is not your problem) I know, too bad for them lets not try to be understanding of it right?

I am just saying that smokers should have a choice too unless or until smoking is made illegal in this country which I am sure will happen before my life is over "yet another law" waiting to be made

Nice for you to be able to enjoy your balcony that you "paid" for too bad the smoker can't!

Another rule to follow. Most smokers I am sure follow that "rule" I am just saying that personally I will not call and tattle on my neighbor if he or she happens to light one up on their balcony, it will not ruin my cruise experience and it is a shame that there are so many of you that allow something like that to ruin it, I will not think they are inconsiderate and selfish, especially when I do not know them to make that assumption.

America the beautiful! Land of the Free! Yeah right....

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Wow....inconsiderate and selfish....sounds like you are easy to get along with, not too judgemental anyway there are WAY WAY to many rules and too many laws, bet you have never broken either have you? You cannot live in this world today without breaking a rule or a law somewhere. Just because you don't smoke nobody else should? Adults should not be able to make a decision for themselves whether it be harmful to them or not? As an adult non smoker I can choose to either stay by the second hand smoke or walk away, nice to have that choice. We all should have to follow the rules of the majority? I understand not wanting to breath second hand smoke believe me, but I don't judge smokers and think they are selfish and inconsiderate because they have an addiction (that is not your problem) I know, too bad for them lets not try to be understanding of it right?

I am just saying that smokers should have a choice too unless or until smoking is made illegal in this country which I am sure will happen before my life is over "yet another law" waiting to be made

Nice for you to be able to enjoy your balcony that you "paid" for too bad the smoker can't!

Another rule to follow. Most smokers I am sure follow that "rule" I am just saying that personally I will not call and tattle on my neighbor if he or she happens to light one up on their balcony, it will not ruin my cruise experience and it is a shame that there are so many of you that allow something like that to ruin it, I will not think they are inconsiderate and selfish, especially when I do not know them to make that assumption.

America the beautiful! Land of the Free! Yeah right....

 

You miss the point entirely. Every cruiseline has its rules. Every airline has its rules. Just about every place in the universe has its rules. If you choose to break the rules there are consequences.

 

For those who choose to smoke on their balconies, there are plenty of cruiselines that allow this. Smokers have simply to make an informed, appropriate choice for themselves when choosing a cruise. Choosing to sail on a line which prohibits smoking on the balcony and then insisting on smoking on the balcony is not an informed, appropriate choice, and will therefore have consequences.

[rothjer]

As a smoker, I am really cautious about where I smoke and ensure my best that I do not go out of my way to upset people. However, reality is a whole other story. Am I going to go up to lido to smoke a ciggie at 12 midnight, no, I won't. Will I smoke a ciggarette during a beautiful sunrise as we inch into port, probably not. I think that sometimes we forget to realize that what happens on these forums, these dissrotations on every possible subject only accounts for, oh, 5% of the PAX onboard, actually for my next cruise on Summit, id say more like less than 1%. People just don't know, sure they may be little sign hanging here or there telling you that smoking is prohibited, but for someone who is not aquainted with X's rules and policies would simply not know any better. Regardless of what those on here say, smoking is inevitable, personally, I don't care, smoke or not, thats not really something im interested in. I remember a time not too long ago where you could smoke in every hole you could find, today everyone seems likes is all of suddent repulsive and disgusting. I think that there are many other, bigger, and more signifcant problems in society than a persons right to smoke, or not. And for those of you who speak of X's rules as if they were laws, give it a break, X is doing their best to appease their bottom line, not the bunch of nagging customers who think they are responsible for change. X does things for one reason, measured change equals measured gains, its all business.

[montrealerinnyc]

The board is full of threads telling people who don't want to comply with X's dress code that it's their choice to sail X and so they should respect the rules. The analogy is clear - if you want to smoke in your cabin or on your balcony, you are free to choose to sail with another cruise line.

[boogs]

People just don't know, sure they may be little sign hanging here or there telling you that smoking is prohibited, but for someone who is not aquainted with X's rules and policies would simply not know any better.

 

Any responsible person would make it a point to find out what is or is not allowed on their cruise. Do you think people live in a vacuum? To use the "I didn't know" arguement is sidestepping the situation. Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse - the rule is still being broken.

[inverted1]

Man, do you have things completely backwards. Many people cruise Celebrity because of this non smoking rule, so why should they have to put up with some bonehead who doesn't feel he or she has to abide by it?

There's plenty of other cruise options out there for smokers.....the majority, in fact, allow smoking on balconies.

 

There are "way too many rules and laws?" :eek: Seriously?

 

 

Smokers DO have a choice: smoke in the designated smoking areas. I really don't see what's so difficult about following this simple rule.

 

I could go on, but don't see the point; you either get it or you don't.

 

 

 

Wow....inconsiderate and selfish....sounds like you are easy to get along with, not too judgemental anyway there are WAY WAY to many rules and too many laws, bet you have never broken either have you? You cannot live in this world today without breaking a rule or a law somewhere. Just because you don't smoke nobody else should? Adults should not be able to make a decision for themselves whether it be harmful to them or not? As an adult non smoker I can choose to either stay by the second hand smoke or walk away, nice to have that choice. We all should have to follow the rules of the majority? I understand not wanting to breath second hand smoke believe me, but I don't judge smokers and think they are selfish and inconsiderate because they have an addiction (that is not your problem) I know, too bad for them lets not try to be understanding of it right?

I am just saying that smokers should have a choice too unless or until smoking is made illegal in this country which I am sure will happen before my life is over "yet another law" waiting to be made

Nice for you to be able to enjoy your balcony that you "paid" for too bad the smoker can't!

Another rule to follow. Most smokers I am sure follow that "rule" I am just saying that personally I will not call and tattle on my neighbor if he or she happens to light one up on their balcony, it will not ruin my cruise experience and it is a shame that there are so many of you that allow something like that to ruin it, I will not think they are inconsiderate and selfish, especially when I do not know them to make that assumption.

America the beautiful! Land of the Free! Yeah right....

[boogs]

Nice for you to be able to enjoy your balcony that you "paid" for too bad the smoker can't!.

 

This is a perfect example of how wrong some people can be about this smoking issue. The 'smoker' paid for a SMOKE FREE balcony, just as I did. I am utilizing the balcony in the manner for which I paid to use it - the smoker is not. He is, and this is unquestionable, in the wrong.

[flynsail]

I was on two cruises with Royal Caribbean in February. Before I went, I was aware of their smoking policies and really hoped I'd get lucky and have nonsmokers around me so I could enjoy the balcony. Unfortunately, on the second cruise, there were people smoking on balconies around me which really bothered me so much that I had very limited time out there. For that reason only, my next cruise in January will be on Celebrity and I'm hoping my neighbors abide by Celebrity's smoking policy.

[PartyAllDaTyme]

Our first cruise was with Princess. We knew going in that they allowed smoking on balconies, but gave it a shot. After all, how bad could it be? Now, DW has health issues. She is EXTREMELY sensitive to cigarette smoke, to the point where her airways swell shut and it becomes life-threatening. We travel with an ionizing filter that was prescribed for her by her physician.

 

Well, we were only able to use our balcony about half the time. I do not exaggerate-- about every other time we wanted to relax on the balcony, we were forced back inside. It seemed if the ship was in port, the people aft of us were out smoking with the wind blowing in our direction, and if we were at sea, the people forward of us were out. We did not blame them or begrudge them their opportunity to smoke-- they paid for a smoking balcony.

 

After that cruise, I did some research and found out about Celebrity. Hallelujah! Our next cruise was so much more enjoyable because we could use the balcony twice as much. If ever I am sailing next to someone on a Celebrity cruise who thinks the rules don't apply to them, I'm going to resist the temptation towards physical violence, but you better believe I'm doing everything in my power to see that they're reported, fined, thrown off the ship, if necessary.

 

If you want to smoke on your balcony, please go elsewhere. You won't be missed.

[Cruisenouvelle]

I am a non smoker and really do not like to inhale someones second hand smoke, however I do not think that when a ship is moving that smoke from someone elses veronda is an issue, never has been for me....I also would NEVER call and "tattle" on my neighbor, who also has paid for his cabin and unfortunately has a bad addicting habit as do some alcohol drinkers. I am sure he or she is not out on there veronda 24 hrs a day smoking!

I am happy about the non smoking casino and the non smoking bars, I do however disagree on spoiling a smokers vacation who wants to enjoy his cruise as much as the non smoker and has also paid as much money to enjoy that said cruise by smoking on his paid for veronda.

Celebrity should designate smoking and non smoking cabins or decks in order to appease everyone. Most smokers I know wish that they could stop the smelly expensive habit and some have tried many times it is an addiction folks and it is a shame that those of us who don't smoke feel so superior! Do you not think we should all learn to live together in this world? Might be a much better place to live.

One of the funniest posts I've read in a while. Celebrity isn't in the business of appeasement; it's purpose is to provide a quality product and by doing so, produce a profit for stockholders.

Rest assured if I am in a Celebrity cabin and the folks next to me are smoking, I'll rat them out in a heartbeat. Done it before. If someone wants to light up in his cabin/balcony- there's a very simple fix- sail on a cruise line that allows it! What is it about this that people don't understand?? Sheesh.

[Lois R]

wow....so because I don't smoke I need to go inside if my neighbor

does and they choose to sit on their balcony to light up? NOT.

 

 

When the person calls to make a reservation and if they have any

sense at all they will ask about the smoking policy. When they are told

there is no smoking on any verandas or in any statetooms and if

they don't like the policy, that would be the point in time to decide

if they want to spend their money on that particular cruiseline.

Now, if they don't ask and find out after they sail? They need to

know the places available to smokers and use them. But as for

"paying the same amount as the non-smoker"? It has nothing to

do with it. And yes, if my neighbor is out smoking on their balcony

I will be calling to have it stopped. I don't want sit out there and

smell the stench. If you want to call me a tattletale...go right ahead:rolleyes:

I have been called worse.

[tjebme]

We've been on three Princess cruises. Perhaps it was because the weather wasn't the best, but we were unable to enjoy our balcony on our cruise last winter because of all the smokers around us. They had paid for their rooms and were within Princess' policy so we decided to vote with our money and look for a cruise line with a no smoking policy. We've booked a cruise on Celebrity specifically because of it's no smoking policy. If you would like a nice cruise that allows smoking on the balconies I would heartily recommend Princess.

[CanWeGoYet?]

Rules are rules. No one is saying people don't have a right to smoke, they just need to do so where it is permitted. Smoking is allowed on the balcony on other cruise lines, if someone wants to use their balcony this way they should not be booking on X.

 

I did call to report strong smoke odors drifting over to my balcony, I had smelled it before but they day I decided I had had enough, there must have been multiple smokers out. It was intense. Guest services said they could not investigate if I did not know who the culprit was - I didn't lean around the partition to see but I suspect it was the cabin right in front of mine. Good advice to call the cabin steward to witness it, I wish I had thought of that but I will remember to do that in the future if it happens when I cruise with Celebrity.

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Gizmodog:

 

"As an adult non smoker I can choose to either stay by the second hand smoke or walk away, nice to have that choice"

 

 

The words above are your own. MANY of us who pick Celebrity do so because WE CHOOSE TO WALK AWAY FROM THE SECOND HAND SMOKE.

 

It IS NOT OKAY for smokers to pick Celebrity and then have the gall to smoke on their balconies.

 

Got it?

[Seagrove traveler]

I agree. We reserved a great itineray on HAL, which included Montreal, but after reading about their liberal smoking policy, we cancelled. A great cruise can often be ruined by someone smoking on the balcony close to your's. Yes, I will complain if I smell smoke. If you want to smoke on your balcony, choose another line, don't try it on Celebrity. :cool:

[boogs]

I remember a time not too long ago where you could smoke in every hole you could find, today everyone seems likes is all of suddent repulsive and disgusting.

 

Even when "you could smoke in every hole you could find", I found smoking repulsive and disgusting. So this is not a new attitude for me, but one I have had all my life. Even in my dating years - a long, long time ago - I refused to date a girl who smoked, no matter how great a person she was otherwise. The thought of kissing a mouth that tasted of cigarettes always turned me off.

 

It's about time that I can now feel assured that I can find "holes" that I can enjoy without dealing with someone's smoking. Bravo for rules and laws!

[rothjer]

Even when "you could smoke in every hole you could find", I found smoking repulsive and disgusting. So this is not a new attitude for me, but one I have had all my life. Even in my dating years - a long, long time ago - I refused to date a girl who smoked, no matter how great a person she was otherwise. The thought of kissing a mouth that tasted of cigarettes always turned me off.

 

It's about time that I can now feel assured that I can find "holes" that I can enjoy without dealing with someone's smoking. Bravo for rules and laws!

 

Your absolutism in both your posts is rather foolish. Reality is that many people come onto cruises unaware of policies and rules and everyone seems to be happy. Cruiseline's go out of there way-in almost all cases- to provide customer service and treat customers with respect and dignity. The way X deals with violations, especially for perhaps one or two violations is probably executed with a high level of sensitivity and courteousness nothing hurts the bottom line more than an upset customer! I would not expect any less of X, their service is always A1!

[CanWeGoYet?]

Celebrity does have good customer service. An upset customer could also be the one who booked the cruise, expecting a smoke free balcony and not having one. Rules can be enforced with a high level of courtesy and sensitivity.

 

Also, I am missing what is foolish in boog's post.