Discuss Implementation of Smoking Policy

[JimmyVWine]

Let me start out by saying "no", I don't know the answer to your question. So feel free to ignore everything from hereon after. However, port side, forward on Lido has been reported to be a common designated smoking area on other ships. And I can confirm that on the Crown, this was the case. And anyone highly sensitive to cigarette smoke would have been advised to avoid the port cabins on Lido that are forward of the Mermaid's Tail Bar, as the wind tunnel effect caused smoke to be sucked into that hallway and was noticeable, at least in the hall. I never ventured into any of the cabins to know if it got that far.

 

On the Royal, the corresponding area would be on Lido over by Prego Pizzeria. I have no idea if this will be a smoking area, especially as it is so close to a food venue. But, if it is, the port side Lido cabins could be impacted due to smoke being sucked into the passageway leading to those cabins. I'm sure that we will learn more over time, but if I were on the inaugural and had a severe aversion to smoke, I would hedge my bet and avoid, at a minimum, L202-L302. It looks as if there will be yet another doorway between L128 and L202 that might act as a sufficient barrier for smoke.

Edited May 29, 2013 by JimmyVWine

[Working 2 Cruise]

This question will probably not be answered until people actually sail on her. Smoking sections seem to vary by ship. I know that the Golden and the Sapphire have different smoking section policies, so at this point, for the Royal, it would be just a guess.

 

Also, this thread undoubtedly will be moved to the smoking thread at the top of the page where it rightfully belongs.

[Gunner22aa]

Port side on all of the Princess cruises that I have been on.

[Northender]

Sapphire last year - Starboard side and Aft on Promenade.

[mii]

Does anyone know if there is smoking on the Lido deck on the portsid on the Grand Princess.. I do know about deck 15 but was wondering

about deck 14. I know the golden has a smoking area between the two pools on the port side od deck 14.

 

Thanks

[Rufford155]

Does anyone know if there is smoking on the Lido deck on the portsid on the Grand Princess.. I do know about deck 15 but was wondering

about deck 14. I know the golden has a smoking area between the two pools on the port side od deck 14.

 

Thanks

 

We were on the Grand Princess just a year ago.

There was a smoking on Lido forward port side by the big movie screen.

But as previous posts have suggested this can, and does, sometimes change.

[mii]

We were on the Grand Princess just a year ago.

There was a smoking on Lido forward port side by the big movie screen.

But as previous posts have suggested this can, and does, sometimes change.

 

thanks

[LunchCompanion]

It appears that the new default for smoking on the Promenade deck is the starboard side and fully aft. There are wall mounted ash receptacles on the Promenade deck in designated smoking areas. We were on the Coral in September and there was one aft and several on the starboard side. Same for the Golden and the Island.

Thanks for the info. I only have 7 days on the Royal in 2014 and probably won't use my balcony much, except for some quick pix, because it is a Northeast cruise in the later part of October. Probably will be too cold to go out on the balcony most of the time. Nice to be out there sipping hot coffee in the morning but smokers don't usually get all fired up until dinner time. Yep, I am on the starboard side aft.

[BacchusV]

We were on the April 27/May 12 Trans-Atlantic cruise on the Caribbean Princess. Here is my letter to Princess:

 

Princess Trans-Atlantic Cruise, April 27-May 12

 

I was a passenger aboard the Caribbean Princess for the Trans-Atlantic cruise from Ft Lauderdale to Southampton (April/May). For the most part, the cruise was an excellent experience and my online review reflected as much. However I wanted to address one item separately.

 

The New Smoking Policy on Princess can be summed up thusly: It Stinks.

 

I admit I am sensitive to cigarette smoke. In fact I have both a physical and visceral reaction when I smell cigarette smoke. My eyes water and I start coughing, further I get angry over the fact that someone is fouling the air I breathe. The new policy as implemented doesn’t work and in my opinion, actually made smoking more apparent, not less.

 

Our cabin was on Deck 11 Forward and nearly every time we came into the forward stairwell and lift area, we could smell cigarette smoke. Given that smoking is no longer permitted in rooms, it was not difficult to ascertain the source was from the Casino area down on Deck 7. I have no doubt that I could have smelled it on Deck 12 or even 14 as well. Needless to say, we tried to avoid using the forward stairwell as much as possible after the first few times.

 

In addition, it was clear that the other end of the Casino had the same problem and made it impossible to use half of the Promenade area on Deck 7 due to the amount of smoke that poured out of the Casino. Here’s what I think happened with the new policy; Smokers that used to smoke in their rooms (which I understood to be on one side of the ship) were now only allowed to smoke in four areas, three of which were outside (more on this later). Where do smokers go to smoke when it’s cold outside? They go to the Casino, where their cigarette smoke poured out into the adjoining area. There is a solution, shut the doors on the Casino and contain the smoke.

 

Other smoking areas included the Starboard side of Deck 7. However, it was not clearly marked, nor was the Port side marked with no-smoking signs. Further, allowing smoking next to a doorway shows a complete lack of understanding of air and current movement. It is an invitation for the smoke to enter the ship through the open door. The same can be said for the back of the Café Caribe and for the smoking area on Deck 15. Both are situated such that you have to walk through the smokers to go in and out. That is just Unacceptable! The only thing that mitigates this is that there are alternative routes, but until you knew where these spots were, you had to encounter them first. Smoking outside Café Caribe was frustrating on one occasion as we were seated near the door. After that we made sure we sat as far from the back doors as possible.

 

We did everything we could to avoid smoke, yet there were times we just couldn’t, notably when going to the Princess Theater. As I said in the beginning, the new smoking policy stinks and I mean that figuratively as in the end it was a big failure from my perspective.

 

It can be made to work, but you have to make some adjustments to do so, the first of which of to provide signage in the common areas; next ensure no smoking is allowed near doorways (at least 25 feet from doorways); and finally, shut the doors on the casino so that the smoke is somewhat contained.

 

Regards,

 

 

And this is their response:

 

Your comments regarding our new smoking policy have been noted. We strive to provide a completely comfortable environment for all of our passengers, and I sincerely apologize that this was not your experience. Your feedback in this delicate matter is truly appreciated and I have forwarded your remarks for consideration as we continue to assess smoking laws and our commitment to safety and passenger comfort.

 

 

 

I want to add that the few times we didn't smell smoke in the stairwell, were the no-smoking casino nights. Were that every night was no-smoking in the casino night...

[Working 2 Cruise]

Good luck with that! Princess is now one of the most restrictive cruise lines with regard to smoking. I honestly don't think they are going to do any more than they ready have. So, if it bothers you so much, you should look into other vacation types... At some point or other, you will encounter smoking... On land as well at sea and across cruise lines.

[Cruisin' Chick]

"In addition, it was clear that the other end of the Casino had the same problem and made it impossible to use half of the Promenade area on Deck 7 due to the amount of smoke that poured out of the Casino. Here’s what I think happened with the new policy; Smokers that used to smoke in their rooms (which I understood to be on one side of the ship) were now only allowed to smoke in four areas, three of which were outside (more on this later). Where do smokers go to smoke when it’s cold outside? They go to the Casino, where their cigarette smoke poured out into the adjoining area. There is a solution, shut the doors on the Casino and contain the smoke"

 

Actually there wasn't one side of cabins that were reserved for smokers or non-smokers. But I can certainly understand your dissatisfaction. I found the area by the elevators outside the casino and the Princess theater on the Golden Princess to stink like crazy from tobacco.

[Rufford155]

To my own amazement I find myself agreeing with a non-smoker !

There is a lot of common sense and fairness in your post so thanks for that.

Makes a change from the frequent ranting and raving.

I have commented much earlier in the thread that the policy has made things worse in some ways.

We smokers, and the smoke, are now concentrated in a few small areas rather than being spread about, so how is this better?

On our last two, Diamond & Grand, the main smoking area was on port side next to the big movie screen which was close to the fast food bar and not far forward of Horizon. Doesn't seem to make much sense.

I actually suspect now that the balcony ban has little to do with the complaints of disgruntled non-smokers. After all, anyone who wasn't born yesterday must realise that smoke from the odd balcony disperses pretty quickly into the air, even when in port.

I think it has much more to do with the health & safety issue, i.e. eliminating the risk of discarded butts by the occasional idiot.

They now provide ashtrays, which are frequently refreshed, in small well defined areas so they are managing that risk better.

But with the downsides you have so accurately described.

[Mom33]

To my own amazement I find myself agreeing with a non-smoker !

There is a lot of common sense and fairness in your post so thanks for that.

Makes a change from the frequent ranting and raving.

I have commented much earlier in the thread that the policy has made things worse in some ways.

We smokers, and the smoke, are now concentrated in a few small areas rather than being spread about, so how is this better?

On our last two, Diamond & Grand, the main smoking area was on port side next to the big movie screen which was close to the fast food bar and not far forward of Horizon. Doesn't seem to make much sense.

I actually suspect now that the balcony ban has little to do with the complaints of disgruntled non-smokers. After all, anyone who wasn't born yesterday must realise that smoke from the odd balcony disperses pretty quickly into the air, even when in port.

I think it has much more to do with the health & safety issue, i.e. eliminating the risk of discarded butts by the occasional idiot.

They now provide ashtrays, which are frequently refreshed, in small well defined areas so they are managing that risk better.

But with the downsides you have so accurately described.

 

Non-smokers know the places to avoid smoke. They can stay away from the area. I'm a non smoker and I have no problem with the new policy. If I get a wiff walking by a smoking area I just keep going. When I sit on my balcony, I breath fresh air. When I walk in my cabin, it isn't smelly from smoke residue. That makes the new smoking rules better!:D

[Rufford155]

Non-smokers know the places to avoid smoke. They can stay away from the area. I'm a non smoker and I have no problem with the new policy. If I get a wiff walking by a smoking area I just keep going. When I sit on my balcony, I breath fresh air. When I walk in my cabin, it isn't smelly from smoke residue. That makes the new smoking rules better!:D

 

That's fine, I'm glad you are happy with it.

[sept10dsm]

Just wondering if the Casino still has smoke free nights? I haven't sailed with Princess since the new policy but I can see how the smoke would become more concentrated. Thanks.

[IECalCruiser]

Just wondering if the Casino still has smoke free nights? I haven't sailed with Princess since the new policy but I can see how the smoke would become more concentrated. Thanks.

There have been on our recent cruises. We don't make contributions to the casino so I don't remember how many.

[sept10dsm]

There have been on our recent cruises. We don't make contributions to the casino so I don't remember how many.

Thanks, we really don't either but at times have walked through it! I recall formal nights being the smoke free nights, but with the new limited areas I wondered if still smokefree.

[Rufford155]

Just wondering if the Casino still has smoke free nights? I haven't sailed with Princess since the new policy but I can see how the smoke would become more concentrated. Thanks.

 

On our last two there were definitely smoke-free nights in the casino which I'm pretty sure were the same as formal nights.

[sept10dsm]

On our last two there were definitely smoke-free nights in the casino which I'm pretty sure were the same as formal nights.

Thanks!

[IECalCruiser]

There have been on our recent cruises. We don't make contributions to the casino so I don't remember how many.

I checked the Patters from our last two cruises. In January there were no smoke free nights in the Casino on our 14 day cruise on the Island. Last month there were smoke free nights in the Casino on the two formal nights on our 11 day cruise on the Emerald. I guess this shows you should not trust comments about the Casino from those who don't make contributions there :o

[sept10dsm]

I checked the Patters from our last two cruises. In January there were no smoke free nights in the Casino on our 14 day cruise on the Island. Last month there were smoke free nights in the Casino on the two formal nights on our 11 day cruise on the Emerald. I guess this shows you should not trust comments about the Casino from those who don't make contributions there :o

thank you for all the trouble! I guess not the same all through the line.

[AndyTheK]

Was on the Crown 28 June to 13 July. This was the situation for smokers:

 

A. Indoors.

 

Deck 6(Fiesta) Speakeasy Cigar Lounge. Well Ventilated. Attended by bar waiters whenever Casino Bar is open. Cleaned and ashtrays replaced regularly. Popular with regular smokers.

 

Deck 6 (Fiesta) Casino. No smoking at tables. Many smoking areas at slot machines away from the tables. Ashtrays available at the bar. Casino does not "fill with smoke". E-cigarettes permitted at tables. Two smoke-free evenings during 14 day cruise.

 

Deck 18 (Sky) Skywalkers. I've seen it written that smoking is permitted here. I was in this lounge only for our Meet and Greet, and for the Daily Platinum/Elite/Suite Happy Hour. I didn't see any smoking at those times.

 

B. Outdoors.

 

Deck 7 (Promenade). Starboard side - several locations. Indicated by metal ashtrays attached to the wall. I saw some between the forward and midships elevators, and some a bit aft of midships. NOTE: none of these are next to seating.

 

Deck 15 (Lido). Outrigger Bar (Horizon Terrace) also called the "deck overlooking the Aft Pool". Port side. Ashtrays on tables cleaned regularly by bar staff. Very popular with regular smokers.

 

Deck 16 (Sun). Tradewinds Bar. Port side. Ashtrays on tables cleaned regularly by bar staff.

[Working 2 Cruise]

Was on the Crown 28 June to 13 July. This was the situation for smokers:

 

A. Indoors.

 

Deck 6(Fiesta) Speakeasy Cigar Lounge. Well Ventilated. Attended by bar waiters whenever Casino Bar is open. Cleaned and ashtrays replaced regularly. Popular with regular smokers.

 

Deck 6 (Fiesta) Casino. No smoking at tables. Many smoking areas at slot machines away from the tables. Ashtrays available at the bar. Casino does not "fill with smoke". E-cigarettes permitted at tables. Two smoke-free evenings during 14 day cruise.

 

Deck 18 (Sky) Skywalkers. I've seen it written that smoking is permitted here. I was in this lounge only for our Meet and Greet, and for the Daily Platinum/Elite/Suite Happy Hour. I didn't see any smoking at those times.

 

B. Outdoors.

 

Deck 7 (Promenade). Starboard side - several locations. Indicated by metal ashtrays attached to the wall. I saw some between the forward and midships elevators, and some a bit aft of midships. NOTE: none of these are next to seating.

 

Deck 15 (Lido). Outrigger Bar (Horizon Terrace) also called the "deck overlooking the Aft Pool". Port side. Ashtrays on tables cleaned regularly by bar staff. Very popular with regular smokers.

 

Deck 16 (Sun). Tradewinds Bar. Port side. Ashtrays on tables cleaned regularly by bar staff.

 

Thank you for the detailed information!

[IECalCruiser]

Was on the Crown 28 June to 13 July. This was the situation for smokers:

 

A. Indoors.

 

Deck 6(Fiesta) Speakeasy Cigar Lounge. Well Ventilated. Attended by bar waiters whenever Casino Bar is open. Cleaned and ashtrays replaced regularly. Popular with regular smokers. Didn't go there.

 

Deck 6 (Fiesta) Casino. No smoking at tables. Many smoking areas at slot machines away from the tables. Ashtrays available at the bar. Casino does not "fill with smoke". E-cigarettes permitted at tables. Two smoke-free evenings during 14 day cruise. Didn't go there but there was some smoke odor just outside the entrance on the port side of Passenger Services.

 

Deck 18 (Sky) Skywalkers. I've seen it written that smoking is permitted here. I was in this lounge only for our Meet and Greet, and for the Daily Platinum/Elite/Suite Happy Hour. I didn't see any smoking at those times. Stopped by Skywalkers twice. Smoking was permitted at several tables on the starboard side by the bar. At around 10:30 one night those table were all filled with smokers. There must be a problem with the ventilation (at least on the Emerald) because there was a strong smoke smell as I walked through the entrance between the elevators. The smoke was unbearable on the entire starboard side and there was at least some smoke odor throughout all of Skywalkers.

 

B. Outdoors.

 

Deck 7 (Promenade). Starboard side - several locations. Indicated by metal ashtrays attached to the wall. I saw some between the forward and midships elevators, and some a bit aft of midships. NOTE: none of these are next to seating. There was a wall mounted ashtray by each starboard doorway (4?) and one all of the way aft. Above each ashtray is a sign stating "Smoking Area". I walked the Promenade deck and was not impacted by smokers.

 

Deck 15 (Lido). Outrigger Bar (Horizon Terrace) also called the "deck overlooking the Aft Pool". Port side. Ashtrays on tables cleaned regularly by bar staff. Very popular with regular smokers. Didn't go there.

 

Deck 16 (Sun). Tradewinds Bar. Port side. Ashtrays on tables cleaned regularly by bar staff. There were 3-4 tables on the Emerald

We were on the Crown's sister, the Emerald in June. See my comments in red. We don't make contributions to the casino, so as a non-smoker there was no issue with smokers except for Skywalkers and the cruise was so port intensive, we never stayed up that late anyway :)

[Rufford155]

Anybody know what the rules are now on e-cigs ?

 

I'm just starting to try them out.

 

Cruising with Princess again in October.