NCL's new non smoking police....$250.00 fine

[Ron & Kristy]

I watched my mother die because she smoked cigarettes. So yes, I hate cigarettes, the smell, and what they do to you. I would like to see smoking banned on all ships completely. And no...I don't believe smokers should have any rights. Sorry...it's how I feel. You're polluting yourself and everyone around you. The people in the cabin below us on the Epic smoked like there was no tomorrow and then ground the butts out on the balcony floor. It was disgusting and our balcony looked right down on theirs. They should have been thrown off the ship....no respect for other people's property.

[MrsNancyG]

As has been proven time and again, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Since we smokers tend to be quite gratefully and quietly accept the smoking rules on NCL we tend to have no reason to let our voices be heard in the positive.

 

For all the nonsmokers who wish to take away what priviledges we currently have, they yell, they petition, they all but shadow the powers that be to change their policies to further limit our priviledges.

 

As smokers we should each post a note to NCL in appreciation for thier fair treatment of smokers on their ships. If they hear nothing but the negative, they will believe that is the concensus and follow their requests; whereas if they hear appreciation from the opposition, they may be more likely to keep the status quo.

 

Whatchas think?

[che5904]

As has been proven time and again, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Since we smokers tend to be quite gratefully and quietly accept the smoking rules on NCL we tend to have no reason to let our voices be heard in the positive.

 

For all the nonsmokers who wish to take away what priviledges we currently have, they yell, they petition, they all but shadow the powers that be to change their policies to further limit our priviledges.

 

As smokers we should each post a note to NCL in appreciation for thier fair treatment of smokers on their ships. If they hear nothing but the negative, they will believe that is the concensus and follow their requests; whereas if they hear appreciation from the opposition, they may be more likely to keep the status quo.

 

Whatchas think?

 

I think you have very valid points and a good idea, which is why I come on in smoking threads to say "hey we are here and want to be heard too". Knowing NCL reads these boards. I never used to be vocal on this subject. Like you stated I was like most smokers and tried to look at both sides and be content if there was fairness and compromise.

 

However, the only problem is that CC is a very small percentage of cruisers. The pro-no-smoking are so used to screaming that they don't need encouragement to be vocal.

[4774Papa]

I am sure this will start a heated discussion.

 

You have to book a balcony in order to be able to smoke ( I know you have to smoke on the balcony, not in the cabin).

 

If you smoke in your cabin you will be fined $250.00. Is this per day or for the whole cruise?

 

If you normally book an inside cabin, upgrading to a balcony would cost you at least $700.00 more ( for 2 people). What if you smoked in your inside cabin. You would be fined $250.00.

 

This would be a lot cheaper than booking a balcony just in order to smoke.

 

Has anyone smoked in a cabin and been fined since the new rules???????

Completely agree with the policy. There is a considerable effort to clean the smoke damage to a cabin. For non-smokers, going in a room where someone smoked is a non-starter/

 

I actually like Celebrity's smoking policy. They don't allow smoking on balconies.

[Us2inFL]

For non-smokers, going in a room where someone smoked is a non-starter

 

I've never detected a smoke odor in a stateroom on a ship. They have handled it well in the past, now with no smoking in staterooms it should reduce the problem of the ultra-sensitive.

 

I have had smokey odor in hotel rooms on land, but most hotels prohibit it except in designated areas.

 

Hand fanning fanatics are always fun to watch.

[MrsNancyG]

I think you have very valid points and a good idea, which is why I come on in smoking threads to say "hey we are here and want to be heard too". Knowing NCL reads these boards. I never used to be vocal on this subject. Like you stated I was like most smokers and tried to look at both sides and be content if there was fairness and compromise.

 

However, the only problem is that CC is a very small percentage of cruisers. The pro-no-smoking are so used to screaming that they don't need encouragement to be vocal.

 

I think we need to go further than just putting it on the boards, I believe real-life letters, snail-mail or e-mail, typed or handwritten, form or freestyle, sent to NCL Corporate will get our point across more effectively. I for one plan on doing just that. If I let them know how difficult it was for me to find a cruise which accomodated my cruising needs in regard to their smoking policy and was becoming a dedicated patron of theirs because of it, they will have papers in hand showing that smokers want the priviledges they've permitted us and we appreciate them!

 

Otherwise, they will innundated with letters from the pro-non witching and moaning about how their liberal smoking policy is forcing them to find other vacation methods. (Even though they have just about every other cruiseline under their thumbs.)

 

Let the smokers voice be heard for the first time in the past say 10 or so years. We've been marginalized and maligned and now when we found a cruiseline which compromises to our needs, some are looking to revoke even that much from us.

[che5904]

I think we need to go further than just putting it on the boards, I believe real-life letters, snail-mail or e-mail, typed or handwritten, form or freestyle, sent to NCL Corporate will get our point across more effectively. I for one plan on doing just that. If I let them know how difficult it was for me to find a cruise which accomodated my cruising needs in regard to their smoking policy and was becoming a dedicated patron of theirs because of it, they will have papers in hand showing that smokers want the priviledges they've permitted us and we appreciate them!

 

Otherwise, they will innundated with letters from the pro-non witching and moaning about how their liberal smoking policy is forcing them to find other vacation methods. (Even though they have just about every other cruiseline under their thumbs.)

 

Let the smokers voice be heard for the first time in the past say 10 or so years. We've been marginalized and maligned and now when we found a cruiseline which compromises to our needs, some are looking to revoke even that much from us.

 

As I said I agree completely.

 

But my point was since CC is such a small number compared to the masses of cruisers. The pro-no-smokers will always outnumber the voice heard by us. The reason for that is because pro-no-smokers don't need encouragement to speak out by requesting CC members do this. They yell even without encouragement. Smokers, as shown by history, are quietly accepting which is the reason we are in the position we are now with so many limitations put on us.

 

I am not saying this is not a fantastic idea to suggest, and I for one will do it. Just because of the limited amount of people that it will touch, I wouldn't get my hopes up that it will do much better than speaking out on these boards.

[JerseyJaguar]

I actually like Celebrity's smoking policy. They don't allow smoking on balconies.

Then that's the cruiseline you should use, if limiting smoking is your #1 need.

 

I changed cruiselines because of smoking policies, HAL has put into effect the same policy as NCL but their balconies are much more expensive, so I switched my Baltic cruise from HAL to NCL and got a balcony room for what my oceanview was on HAL.

 

I filled out all the surveys on HAL when they had them about smoking and told them I wouldn't sail with them if I couldn't smoke in the room, obviously they didn't care what smokers thought. And when I cancelled my reservation they didn't even ask why. They've made it clear I don't matter to them, so here I am.

[che5904]

Then that's the cruiseline you should use, if limiting smoking is your #1 need.

 

I changed cruiselines because of smoking policies, HAL has put into effect the same policy as NCL but their balconies are much more expensive, so I switched my Baltic cruise from HAL to NCL and got a balcony room for what my oceanview was on HAL.

 

I filled out all the surveys on HAL when they had them about smoking and told them I wouldn't sail with them if I couldn't smoke in the room, obviously they didn't care what smokers thought. And when I cancelled my reservation they didn't even ask why. They've made it clear I don't matter to them, so here I am.

 

Well let me be the first to welcome you to NCL :). Hope you enjoy your cruise.

[Ghengis Klown]

given nonsmokers what they asked for, but once again, it's never enough.

 

Never enough is right.. non-smokers should take a second and realize that there are more people on the earth then themselves..

 

If smokers walked around in giant hamster balls, would that be enough? or would the smoke bother someone when we opened the door?

[JerseyJaguar]

Well let me be the first to welcome you to NCL :). Hope you enjoy your cruise.

 

Thank you.

 

Sometimes when catching up in this thread I've read something I wanted to comment on and then you said exactly what I wanted to.

 

I'm like you, I never spoke out about this stuff because the smoking threads got so crazy and I was minding my own business following the rules. But the rules keep changing because it's never good enough for some and I don't want cruising to be taken away from me the way staying on site at Disney was.

[4774Papa]

Then that's the cruiseline you should use, if limiting smoking is your #1 need.

 

I changed cruiselines because of smoking policies, HAL has put into effect the same policy as NCL but their balconies are much more expensive, so I switched my Baltic cruise from HAL to NCL and got a balcony room for what my oceanview was on HAL.

 

I filled out all the surveys on HAL when they had them about smoking and told them I wouldn't sail with them if I couldn't smoke in the room, obviously they didn't care what smokers thought. And when I cancelled my reservation they didn't even ask why. They've made it clear I don't matter to them, so here I am.

Most of our cruising is on Celebrity now, but not primarily because of the smoking policy. Celebrity has better food and more amenities, while the entertainment is not quite as good. X has far more variety with cruises to South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Black Sea and British Isles.

 

We still like NCL because of the freestyle and variety of specialty restaurants.

 

I won't preach to smokers regarding the health risks, but when second hand smoke becomes a constant problem, then I just won't go there. Both of my Parents died because of smoking and I don't intend to go that way.

 

We have found that from time to time we cannot enjoy our balcony because of upwind smoke, but most of the time we manage.

[che5904]

Never enough is right.. non-smokers should take a second and realize that there are more people on the earth then themselves..

 

If smokers walked around in giant hamster balls, would that be enough? or would the smoke bother someone when we opened the door?

 

May I take a moment to comment on what you have said above. You cannot group all "non-smokers" this way, which is the reason I refer to the loud group that can't seemed to be pleased no matter how much we quietly give as "pro-no-smoking or pro no-smokers" (depending on how fanatical they are). I actually have to say that I have come in contact with a lot of non-smokers that are neither demanding or complaining, we get along well and respect each other. I also have ran across many on these boards that I would gladly sail with and completely respect their space that is deemed reasonable.

 

Regarding the 2nd paragraph. The answer would most likely be "no, that would not be enough" for some of the real fanatic pro-no-smokers, who do not consider smokers as part of the human race and have nothing but horrible things to say to smokers and about them. Thankfully, although loud, are IMO in the minority.

[thejuliet]

I am a non-smoker, have never smoked, and don't like being around smokers.

I have a close friend that had many different addictions and 15 years ago spent time in rehab and has remained clean ever since. Same friends wife and I enjoy having drinks together, I asked him if there are times that he misses drinks or the hard drugs? When he's stressed does he ever want to go that path again? He says the thing he misses the most and was the hardest drug of all to part with was his cigarettes.

 

Nicotine is a drug and a hard one to quit, I think most smokers in general are polite and follow the rules and are very aware of the harm it is doing, but they can't stop the addiction.

 

As I write this I am taking a break from my last minute packing before I board the Pearl in 4 hours with my BFF and her husband (a smoker).

I am really excited to travel with my friends we have such great times together, but their traveling choices are guided by BFFH's smoking habit. I assured them that this would be the perfect destination vacation for them, as it didn't involve airports or busses or any forms of transport that had strict non-smoking policies.

I have travelled in NCL inside cabins in the past when they allowed smoking and the rooms were cleaned so remarkably well that I could never tell if a smoker had previously been in them. I assured my friends that they would be fine in the inside suites (all that they could afford). We booked 2 inside cabins 2 doors apart over a year ago. We read all the policies at the time and were satisfied that this would be the perfect vacation for all of us.

We were not made aware of NCL's new non-smoking policy until after final booking, and we received our documents in the mail. BFF called me 3 weeks ago and asked me about it. I came here to CC and found this thread for the answers as I was putting in the wrong terms on the NCL site search engines to find info. I called NCL and asked what they could do about it as it didn't seem right that the rules changed after we booked and we weren't made aware until after final payment. They said that the info was on the website, (well I read the website before we booked for policies not after).

We were told it would be an extra $500.00 for an upgrade to a balcony or he was welcome to smoke out on deck or in the casino (thats where we wanted to put the $500). BFF had some concerns about BFFH smoking in the casino too much....

I went off on the PCC at NCL and asked for a supervisor, then I went off on the supervisor. I feel bad about when I lose it but they changed the rules and $500 scratch when we are 3 weeks out and have been saving for a year is a lot to ask. The supervisor had to wait until Monday until a bigger supervisor was in to see what they could do.

In the end NCL and our party met half way $250 for the balcony upgrade ($125 pp). Which will be cheaper than having him smoke in the casino, which he'll do anyway but not as much.

Smoking is a horrible addiction, I have seen my mother die and others with major surgeries from damage to their heart, but we need to show some compassion and support to help people get over it. Prevent your children from starting smoking!

[mesci14]

And you honestly believed a cruiseline would make cruisers smoke 100 feet from the ship?? You do understand that puts people in the ocean or sea, right?

 

 

And those that hate anyone being allowed to smoke should go places where they won't run into any smokers. If this isn't your #1 need for cruising, then you need to accept that those following the rules who want to smoke in their pjs will get balcony rooms.

 

Obviously this will not be proper research since you will continue to ignore what smokers want. I believe NCL already knows what your stance is, and they've given nonsmokers what they asked for, but once again, it's never enough.

 

 

WOW Highly aggressive response. Obviously I thought that would mean on designated deck areas that could be avoided by going in another direction (hence the 100ft rule intent). Your response and several that followed seem to think that I am "out to get smokers" please reread all of my responses (I have continually promoted one side of the ship smoking and the other nonsmoking hence a smokefree environment)...I realize that you don't represent smokers as a group because I would begin to think that all smokers were angry people who become aggressive when someone deigns to have their own opinion. I enjoy research and AGAIN if you had read my entire postings on this topic you would see that I appreciate opposing respectful and well-informed viewpoints as it challenges my own thinking. That said obviously I would present research that supports my opinion.

[JerseyJaguar]

WOW Highly aggressive response. Obviously I thought that would mean on designated deck areas that could be avoided by going in another direction (hence the 100ft rule intent). Your response and several that followed seem to think that I am "out to get smokers" please reread all of my responses (I have continually promoted one side of the ship smoking and the other nonsmoking hence a smokefree environment)...I realize that you don't represent smokers as a group because I would begin to think that all smokers were angry people who become aggressive when someone deigns to have their own opinion. I enjoy research and AGAIN if you had read my entire postings on this topic you would see that I appreciate opposing respectful and well-informed viewpoints as it challenges my own thinking. That said obviously I would present research that supports my opinion.

I'm so sorry that when someone points out the ridiculousness of your desire to have smokers be 100 ft. from the ship, that you consider that aggressive and angry. I was just commenting on your own remarks. Several times you said you though ships should be like hotels, well, they can't be.

 

My suggestion that you find a cruiseline that is more to your liking if nonsmoking is your number 1 priority was just that, a suggestion, not aggressive. Aggressive is someone still upset with the new rules and not even willing to give them a chance before trying to change them even more.

 

And my last comment was an opinion on your research, which you confirmed.

 

No aggression and anger, just my thoughts on what you posted.

 

But twist it however you want, and wave your hands when I'm smoking in a place I'm allowed to that you think I shouldn't be.

[che5904]

As I write this I am taking a break from my last minute packing before I board the Pearl in 4 hours with my BFF and her husband (a smoker).

 

I went off on the PCC at NCL and asked for a supervisor, then I went off on the supervisor. I feel bad about when I lose it but they changed the rules and $500 scratch when we are 3 weeks out and have been saving for a year is a lot to ask. The supervisor had to wait until Monday until a bigger supervisor was in to see what they could do.

In the end NCL and our party met half way $250 for the balcony upgrade ($125 pp). Which will be cheaper than having him smoke in the casino, which he'll do anyway but not as much.

 

So glad that NCL was able to compromise with you to find a solution. It's too bad you found this out so late in the process. I see you booked about May and NCL did not announce this until, I believe, the beginning of August. In fairness to NCL, they did announce it in the media and on their website for 5 months prior to implementing it. But yes to some that was after they initially booked thinking this was the policy.

 

Happy sailing.

[Ghengis Klown]

The answer would most likely be "no, that would not be enough" for some of the real fanatic pro-no-smokers, who do not consider smokers as part of the human race and have nothing but horrible things to say to smokers and about them. Thankfully, although loud, are IMO in the minority.

 

This is kinda the point.. some people it's never enough.. and it is a minority, most of us can get along just fine. I just don't like the one minded thinking.

 

I don't smoke all the time, cigars mostly if anything. But on vacation, I should be able to at least smoke outside. And some smoking rooms would only be fair IMO.

[Us2inFL]

I wonder how friendly the actual ports and cities are viewed by all these vehement anti-smokers?

 

Every European city we've visited is rampant with strolling cigarette smokers as well as cafes where it permitted. Every Caribbean destination has streets filled with smokers.

 

There must be a lot of sidewalk side-switching when touring these places as a guest. Or better yet, contact their Department of Tourism and demand the residents be outsted.

 

(edited to add: I don't smoke, but don't do the hand flapping hissy fit if there is a smoker.)

[4774Papa]

I wonder how friendly the actual ports and cities are viewed by all these vehement anti-smokers?

 

Every European city we've visited is rampant with strolling cigarette smokers as well as cafes where it permitted. Every Caribbean destination has streets filled with smokers.

 

There must be a lot of sidewalk side-switching when touring these places as a guest. Or better yet, contact their Department of Tourism and demand the residents be outsted.

 

(edited to add: I don't smoke, but don't do the hand flapping hissy fit if there is a smoker.)

In Russia, the smokers seem to outnumber the non-smokers, especially the Men. We were told life expectancy for men is now about 57 due to smoking and vodka.

We still enjoyed Russia and didn't throw any hissys. We just walked fast.

[Us2inFL]

In Russia... We were told life expectancy for men is now about 57 due to smoking and vodka.

 

Life-long dreadful medical and dental care might have a lot to do with that too.

[JerseyJaguar]

Every European city we've visited is rampant with strolling cigarette smokers as well as cafes where it permitted. Every Caribbean destination has streets filled with smokers.

We noticed this in Italy, you can't smoke inside but you can at all the tables outside.

 

Also, my European friends have no problem with others being allowed to smoke if it's allowed even though they don't smoke.

 

It was so nice to be somewhere where you don't get dirty sneers for smoking where you are allowed to.

[sbb1256]

I think that's the wrong way to look at it.

 

The cabins are no smoking.

 

Please respect the rules.

 

Thanks!

 

Really! I'm a smoker and wouldn't think of breaking the ships smoking rules. In fact, I would smoke on my balcony, even IF they allowed it in the room. It's only fair to my DH, who is a nonsmoker.

 

This is why smokers have such a bad rep. Geesh, be polite, people - obey the rules and respect your co-passengers!

[mesci14]

I'm so sorry that when someone points out the ridiculousness of your desire to have smokers be 100 ft. from the ship, that you consider that aggressive and angry. I was just commenting on your own remarks. Several times you said you though ships should be like hotels, well, they can't be.

 

My suggestion that you find a cruiseline that is more to your liking if nonsmoking is your number 1 priority was just that, a suggestion, not aggressive. Aggressive is someone still upset with the new rules and not even willing to give them a chance before trying to change them even more.

 

And my last comment was an opinion on your research, which you confirmed.

 

No aggression and anger, just my thoughts on what you posted.

 

But twist it however you want, and wave your hands when I'm smoking in a place I'm allowed to that you think I shouldn't be.

 

I accept your apology. However you should have stopped at sorry. Speaking of twisting...actually probably more like you are way off base...aggressive is when you are antagonistic...which you are when you make assumption that are false or comments that are caustic. However, I am more than willing to discuss possible solutions in a reasonable manner...you have offered one ...choose another cruise (I have indicated why this should not be the only resolution as have others on here) otherwise I am more than willing to end our discourse on the matter and will respond to other members who are truly interested in creating solutions that are viable for both smokers and nonsmokers. I hope you have a lovely weekend.:)

[mesci14]

This is kinda the point.. some people it's never enough.. and it is a minority, most of us can get along just fine. I just don't like the one minded thinking.

 

I don't smoke all the time, cigars mostly if anything. But on vacation, I should be able to at least smoke outside. And some smoking rooms would only be fair IMO.

 

 

If ships did what I have mentioned one side smoking and one side non-smoking, they could have smoking rooms and smoking balconies. IMO it is a win/win for all. The nonsmokers could also have a smokefree environment on the ship by choosing a nonsmoking room. There could even be a smoking pool and a nonsmoking pool (many ships have 2 pools). Downsides to this?