Discuss Implementation of Smoking Policy

[CC Help Michell]

In January 2012 Princess implemented a new fleetwide smoking policy on their ships.

 

In this thread -- http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1352093 -- we've asked you to limit smoking discussion to the most recent thread on the subject.

 

The purpose of this new "sticky" thread is to be the thread for discussion about smoking on Princess and your experiences with the new policy onboard the ships. This is in lieu of having multiple simultaneous threads about various aspects of the policy, and this is where we will combine posts and new threads with cruise-related questions and discussion about Princess's smoking policy.

 

Thank you to all for participating in our community!

[Talisker92]

Dear Michell,

I applaud the new smoking policy in the sense there will not be any more posts about the "chain smokers" on the next balcony ruining people's cruises. However, there are now new threads of people on balconies on the port side complaining about smoke from the promenade deck.

Edited January 29, 2012 by SJGOCH

[fnewman]

Just back from a week on the Crown - smoking policy experience was as follows:

 

- Overall, the new policy seems to be a step in the right direction; however, limiting smoking in some areas has created problems in others. For example, many people were observed coming into the Casino just to smoke, increasing the smoke levels there. Same is true of the smoking areas on the port side of the pool deck. As a result, these areas have become "smoking lounges".

 

- We frequently smelled smoke while sitting on our balcony. Although we never saw anyone leaning over the rail smoking it was apparent that the smoking policy was not being enforced in that area. I don't know exactly how they intended to enforce the ban on balcony smoking, but I don't think it should be up to the other passengers. In most cases the stateroom stewards MUST know about and see the evidence of smoking on balconies and staterooms, but in our case there did not seem to be any action !

[1 HappyCruiser]

Just back from a week on the Crown - smoking policy experience was as follows:

 

- Overall, the new policy seems to be a step in the right direction; however, limiting smoking in some areas has created problems in others. For example, many people were observed coming into the Casino just to smoke, increasing the smoke levels there. Same is true of the smoking areas on the port side of the pool deck. As a result, these areas have become "smoking lounges".

 

- We frequently smelled smoke while sitting on our balcony. Although we never saw anyone leaning over the rail smoking it was apparent that the smoking policy was not being enforced in that area. I don't know exactly how they intended to enforce the ban on balcony smoking, but I don't think it should be up to the other passengers. In most cases the stateroom stewards MUST know about and see the evidence of smoking on balconies and staterooms, but in our case there did not seem to be any action !

 

We all know that it's quite easy to visually hide smoking on a balcony (especially at night) and I do agree the cabin stewards should inform the people about it when detected but unless passengers step up & say something about it when the actually violation is occurring there's no hope of full enforcement. Celebrity has similar violations on their ships & the smoking ban has been in effect for quite a while.

 

[Pia1913]

Just this morning I attended a lecture where I met a woman just off the Emerald. She bragged about the fact that her husband spent most of his day smoking on the balcony. Obviously this is something that is not going to be easily enforced.

[MacWiz]

So very easy...... I disagree with the new smoking policy and therefore cancelled 2 future cruises on Princess. I voted with my wallet.

 

We recently booked a Princess cruise BECAUSE of this policy. We had our choices narrowed down to three cruises we were considering, one on RCCL, one on HAL and one and Princess. We choose the Princess cruise because of this policy change. We made sure Princess (through our Princess travel consultant) was aware of why we choose Princess over the others.

 

(Subject should probably say "That's minus two and plus one.")

Edited January 30, 2012 by MacWiz
Clarification.

[Christine Frances]

We all know that it's quite easy to visually hide smoking on a balcony (especially at night) and I do agree the cabin stewards should inform the people about it when detected but unless passengers step up & say something about it when the actually violation is occurring there's no hope of full enforcement. Celebrity has similar violations on their ships & the smoking ban has been in effect for quite a while.

 

 

I think the majority of passengers on Celebrity think it is unfair to make it the responsibility of the room stewards to report smoking violations. I think it could put them in a very uncomfortable situation. On X, if we can pinpoint the cabin, a quick call to Guest Services results in Security visiting that cabin with a copy of the written rules (so they can't plead ignorance) which lays out the escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Having a smoke free balcony is what people on Princess and Celebrity have paid for just like smokers can pay for a balcony on HAL.

[1 HappyCruiser]

I think the majority of passengers on Celebrity think it is unfair to make it the responsibility of the room stewards to report smoking violations. I think it could put them in a very uncomfortable situation. On X, if we can pinpoint the cabin, a quick call to Guest Services results in Security visiting that cabin with a copy of the written rules (so they can't plead ignorance) which lays out the escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Having a smoke free balcony is what people on Princess and Celebrity have paid for just like smokers can pay for a balcony on HAL.

 

It's a tough call to pin point where smoke is coming from unless people in an adjoining cabin speak up when they smell & see it. Hopefully there will be sufficient people who will speak up so not to have situations like Pia1913 described.

[highheel girl]

On vacation we would not spend time tattle taling on smokers.

This also could put passengers in a bad situation as well.

Edited January 30, 2012 by highheel girl

[Christine Frances]

On vacation we would not spend time tattle taling on smokers.

This also could put passengers in a bad situation as well.

 

Certainly your option:)

[Pam in CA]

On vacation we would not spend time tattle taling on smokers.

If I'm on my balcony and a neighbor smokes, affecting my enjoyment of the balcony, I'll be the first one on the phone reporting it. Let Security handle it from there. I would feel no guilt as I wouldn't be the one flaunting the policy.

[highheel girl]

If I'm on my balcony and a neighbor smokes, affecting my enjoyment of the balcony, I'll be the first one on the phone reporting it. Let Security handle it from there. I would feel no guilt as I wouldn't be the one flaunting the policy.

 

 

Certainly your option too. :)

[1 HappyCruiser]

On vacation we would not spend time tattle taling on smokers.

This also could put passengers in a bad situation as well.

 

I really hope so. :p That's really to bad when their affecting the comfort & health of many others. Don't smoke the balcony & you won't have any problems. Smoke, and you'll have numerous people calling you on it.

If I'm on my balcony and a neighbor smokes, affecting my enjoyment of the balcony, I'll be the first one on the phone reporting it. Let Security handle it from there. I would feel no guilt as I wouldn't be the one flaunting the policy.

 

Not if I beat you to it ! :D and it won't only have to be my next door neighbor.

I can smell it from quite a far distance. ;)

I'm willing to give my next door neighbors a courteous warning first and after that it's securities job.

[bowlinmoe]

What about cigars? Do they still allow cigar smoking in the designated bars?

[Princess Sassy]

My husband and I are sooo happy that Princess has changed their smoking policy. We have complained several times when smoking prohibited us from enjoying our balcony, so we are very excited that they have heard us!!:)

 

Thanks Princess!!!

[Pam in CA]

Not if I beat you to it ! :D and it won't only have to be my next door neighbor.

The bottom line is that by reporting it, you haven't made trouble for anyone. It's up to Security to decide if there's a problem and take the appropriate action. It doesn't put you in the middle.

[gometros]

Where is the smoking policy outlined? We are looking at Princess for our Alaskan cruise in 2013 and this could be a big plus for us.

[fnewman]

The new smoking policy is prominently displayed on the Princess web site.

[newfirsttimer]

I am just back from the Emerald. I too am pleased that there is no smoking allowed on balconies although I generally have an inside room. At no time did I smell smoke in the hallways, elevator lobbies etc. However, I found that the smell coming from Gatsby's Casino was horrible, it could be smelled when you were at the Passenger Services desk, in the hallways outside the casino and it was terrible on deck 7 for people that were 'walking the promenade deck' for exercise and had to wander through the smoking section. Never noticed it on prior cruises so am assuming it is because those folks cannot smoke on their own balcony. Several times I ended up walking through the smoker's lounge on the pool deck but that's my own fault. I didn't spend any time on that side of the deck. Short of eliminating smoking all together on the ship, I think that the smokers have a variety of areas where they may still smoke and those of us who don't like the smell, have enough areas to go to avoid the smoke. I feel it a very fair policy.

[roe2ship]

I think the majority of passengers on Celebrity think it is unfair to make it the responsibility of the room stewards to report smoking violations. I think it could put them in a very uncomfortable situation. On X, if we can pinpoint the cabin, a quick call to Guest Services results in Security visiting that cabin with a copy of the written rules (so they can't plead ignorance) which lays out the escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Having a smoke free balcony is what people on Princess and Celebrity have paid for just like smokers can pay for a balcony on HAL.

And it is even more unfair to make it the responsibility of the passengers. I would think the cruise lines depend on the cabin stewards to report any issues with smoking. I agree that it is an uncomfortable situation for them but it is part of their job. Many people have jobs that can lead them into an uncomfortable situations..it is what is.

On vacation we would not spend time tattle taling on smokers.

This also could put passengers in a bad situation as well.

Agree. That is exactly what I did on my Summit cruise.....did not say a thing about my next door neighbor smoking on their balcony.

[1 HappyCruiser]

The bottom line is that by reporting it, you haven't made trouble for anyone. It's up to Security to decide if there's a problem and take the appropriate action. It doesn't put you in the middle.

 

I don't mind being but in the middle of anything. What's the worst that could happen? Nothing except the smoking will be stopped & if not they'll be given a fine of $250. LOL:D:D

[Charles4515]

And it is even more unfair to make it the responsibility of the passengers. I would think the cruise lines depend on the cabin stewards to report any issues with smoking. I agree that it is an uncomfortable situation for them but it is part of their job. Many people have jobs that can lead them into an uncomfortable situations..it is what is.

Agree. That is exactly what I did on my Summit cruise.....did not say a thing about my next door neighbor smoking on their balcony.

 

Simple. If the smoking on a balcony next door bothers me I will call guest services. If it does not bother me I won't call them. Same as other problems on a ship.

 

As far as the person that is concerned about putting people in a bad situation. If they violate the policy they have put themselves in a potentialy bad situation.

Edited February 1, 2012 by Charles4515

[highheel girl]

And it is even more unfair to make it the responsibility of the passengers. I would think the cruise lines depend on the cabin stewards to report any issues with smoking. I agree that it is an uncomfortable situation for them but it is part of their job. Many people have jobs that can lead them into an uncomfortable situations..it is what is.

 

Absolutley.

Seems that many enjoy the confrontation and thrive on it.

So much anger.

Its a pitty to be so stressed out when on vacation.

We don't smoke and don't get excited about smokers.

Edited February 1, 2012 by highheel girl

[roneill]

We are very happy that Princess has changed their smoking policy. We just booked our first cruise with Princess because of this new smoking policy. We used to play in the Casino very often but due to the smoking there we will eliminate the Casino.

[martyz]

I know that the Terrace Pool is for adults, the question I have is, can you smoke by the bar by the pool?