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

[JerseyJaguar]

I accept your apology. However you should have stopped at sorry.

I did not apologize, I offered my sympathy for you being incapable of standing by your own multiple statements of ridiculousness concerning hotels vs. ships.

 

And really, if you were done with me you should have just said so, not written more insulting nonsense with that "better than" tone.

[DMH15]

Wow! This thread has run the gamut since I was last here.

 

Here are the facts: NCL makes the rules. They are influenced by many factors. Customer feedback being one. Dollars being another. Rules may change at any time, and while unfortunate for some, NCL has this covered in their contract.

 

NCL's smoking policy is outlined in their FAQs on the website. Those who wish to smoke and those who are opposed to it should read the rules. It amazes me when someone comes on here and starts off tgeir post saying something like "I am booked on NCL and just learned they allow smoking and I am allergic" or ""I'm booked and I just learned I can't smoke in my cabin", (I am not talking about recent poster who did research and then discovered NCL changed the rules.)

 

If you are a non-smoker who does not like NCL's rules and gets upset with smokers who follow NCL's policies,to a detriment that your vacation, then YOU perhaps should have booked another line. As long as smokers are following the rules set out by NCL they should not be treated poorly with comments, gestures or such. And, as happened to me on X before, before the casino was totally smoke free, sometimes a smoker would accidentally wander into the non smoking section. All I would have to do is say in a friendly, non-threatening way, "excuse me, this section is non smoking". 100% of the time they would either apologize and leave or put it out.

 

To walk through a smoking section, the casino or even on your ownbalcony next to smokers, these folks are following the rules. They are doing nothing wrong. So rude comments and gestures are NEVER acceptable. A kind word will get you so much further. Just think about it... When someone attacks you, what are you likely to respond with? Especially if you are within tbe rules and policies!

 

Now if a smoker is not following the rules, and a nice request or reminder is rebuffed then NCL should step in if asked to.

 

I have never smoked. I travel with my mother who was a 3 pack a day smoker when I was little. She quit in the early 80's. My father tried but couldn't. Finally, after a triple bypass he quit. But it was too late. He died of congestive heart failure. He said he wished he had quit sooner, but he was human. Maybe because I have struggled with my weight for years, I understand smokers more than others. I have a wonderful SIL who has tried every method of quitting but always goes back. She is extremely considerate and since she would really like to quit I hope one day she can. But if she doesn't, I know she is considerate and would never disregard rules and policies. So, when I encounter smokers this comes to mind. Just in this thread I have read of couples where one smokes and the other doesn't. They make it work... they have to. Or else.

 

As a gambler I only wish NCL would have something better for non smokers. Why not 2 casinos on new ships? Or even a non smoking night ro two as other lines have. In Dallas, when bingo halls, restaurants and such banned smoking there was an uproar. But now bingo halls and restsurants are full and some smokers have actually said they enjoy it. A lot of smoker actually do not want to smoke in a smoky environment. So, outdoors is the best alternative.

 

Yes, I could choose another line. I could cruise on X, and I might on occasion, just to experience that smoke free casino... But I love the NCL suite life so much that trumps thst desire. So, if I choose NCL, I know what I have signed up for. My balcony neighbor might be a smoker, or the person at the slot machine next to me might be a smoker. Heck it might even be che. Wouldn't that be a hoot!

[mesci14]

Wow! This thread has run the gamut since I was last here.

 

Here are the facts: NCL makes the rules. They are influenced by many factors. Customer feedback being one. Dollars being another. Rules may change at any time, and while unfortunate for some, NCL has this covered in their contract.

 

NCL's smoking policy is outlined in their FAQs on the website. Those who wish to smoke and those who are opposed to it should read the rules. It amazes me when someone comes on here and starts off tgeir post saying something like "I am booked on NCL and just learned they allow smoking and I am allergic" or ""I'm booked and I just learned I can't smoke in my cabin", (I am not talking about recent poster who did research and then discovered NCL changed the rules.)

 

If you are a non-smoker who does not like NCL's rules and gets upset with smokers who follow NCL's policies,to a detriment that your vacation, then YOU perhaps should have booked another line. As long as smokers are following the rules set out by NCL they should not be treated poorly with comments, gestures or such. And, as happened to me on X before, before the casino was totally smoke free, sometimes a smoker would accidentally wander into the non smoking section. All I would have to do is say in a friendly, non-threatening way, "excuse me, this section is non smoking". 100% of the time they would either apologize and leave or put it out.

 

To walk through a smoking section, the casino or even on your ownbalcony next to smokers, these folks are following the rules. They are doing nothing wrong. So rude comments and gestures are NEVER acceptable. A kind word will get you so much further. Just think about it... When someone attacks you, what are you likely to respond with? Especially if you are within tbe rules and policies!

 

Now if a smoker is not following the rules, and a nice request or reminder is rebuffed then NCL should step in if asked to.

 

I have never smoked. I travel with my mother who was a 3 pack a day smoker when I was little. She quit in the early 80's. My father tried but couldn't. Finally, after a triple bypass he quit. But it was too late. He died of congestive heart failure. He said he wished he had quit sooner, but he was human. Maybe because I have struggled with my weight for years, I understand smokers more than others. I have a wonderful SIL who has tried every method of quitting but always goes back. She is extremely considerate and since she would really like to quit I hope one day she can. But if she doesn't, I know she is considerate and would never disregard rules and policies. So, when I encounter smokers this comes to mind. Just in this thread I have read of couples where one smokes and the other doesn't. They make it work... they have to. Or else.

 

As a gambler I only wish NCL would have something better for non smokers. Why not 2 casinos on new ships? Or even a non smoking night ro two as other lines have. In Dallas, when bingo halls, restaurants and such banned smoking there was an uproar. But now bingo halls and restsurants are full and some smokers have actually said they enjoy it. A lot of smoker actually do not want to smoke in a smoky environment. So, outdoors is the best alternative.

 

Yes, I could choose another line. I could cruise on X, and I might on occasion, just to experience that smoke free casino... But I love the NCL suite life so much that trumps thst desire. So, if I choose NCL, I know what I have signed up for. My balcony neighbor might be a smoker, or the person at the slot machine next to me might be a smoker. Heck it might even be che. Wouldn't that be a hoot!

 

I think both of those suggestions are great ideas to meet the needs of both smokers and nonsmokers in casinos...

[che5904]

Wow! This thread has run the gamut since I was last here.

 

Here are the facts: NCL makes the rules. They are influenced by many factors. Customer feedback being one. Dollars being another. Rules may change at any time, and while unfortunate for some, NCL has this covered in their contract.

 

Heck it might even be che. Wouldn't that be a hoot!

 

I think you said a mouthful with that one. You are so right. As I wrote on another thread. They pay the bills so they can make the policies. And one day when I get rich and famous :eek:. I'll have my own cruise line and set my own rules, until then I just accept whatever line I have chosen and deal with what I don't like or don't cruise that line or don't cruise at all.

 

BTW Donna I truly hope we do travel together one day, because I think we could have a blast.

[LaCal]

Wow! This thread has run the gamut since I was last here.

 

Here are the facts: NCL makes the rules. They are influenced by many factors. Customer feedback being one. Dollars being another. Rules may change at any time, and while unfortunate for some, NCL has this covered in their contract.

 

NCL's smoking policy is outlined in their FAQs on the website. Those who wish to smoke and those who are opposed to it should read the rules. It amazes me when someone comes on here and starts off tgeir post saying something like "I am booked on NCL and just learned they allow smoking and I am allergic" or ""I'm booked and I just learned I can't smoke in my cabin", (I am not talking about recent poster who did research and then discovered NCL changed the rules.)

 

If you are a non-smoker who does not like NCL's rules and gets upset with smokers who follow NCL's policies,to a detriment that your vacation, then YOU perhaps should have booked another line. As long as smokers are following the rules set out by NCL they should not be treated poorly with comments, gestures or such. And, as happened to me on X before, before the casino was totally smoke free, sometimes a smoker would accidentally wander into the non smoking section. All I would have to do is say in a friendly, non-threatening way, "excuse me, this section is non smoking". 100% of the time they would either apologize and leave or put it out.

 

To walk through a smoking section, the casino or even on your ownbalcony next to smokers, these folks are following the rules. They are doing nothing wrong. So rude comments and gestures are NEVER acceptable. A kind word will get you so much further. Just think about it... When someone attacks you, what are you likely to respond with? Especially if you are within tbe rules and policies!

 

Now if a smoker is not following the rules, and a nice request or reminder is rebuffed then NCL should step in if asked to.

 

I have never smoked. I travel with my mother who was a 3 pack a day smoker when I was little. She quit in the early 80's. My father tried but couldn't. Finally, after a triple bypass he quit. But it was too late. He died of congestive heart failure. He said he wished he had quit sooner, but he was human. Maybe because I have struggled with my weight for years, I understand smokers more than others. I have a wonderful SIL who has tried every method of quitting but always goes back. She is extremely considerate and since she would really like to quit I hope one day she can. But if she doesn't, I know she is considerate and would never disregard rules and policies. So, when I encounter smokers this comes to mind. Just in this thread I have read of couples where one smokes and the other doesn't. They make it work... they have to. Or else.

 

As a gambler I only wish NCL would have something better for non smokers. Why not 2 casinos on new ships? Or even a non smoking night ro two as other lines have. In Dallas, when bingo halls, restaurants and such banned smoking there was an uproar. But now bingo halls and restsurants are full and some smokers have actually said they enjoy it. A lot of smoker actually do not want to smoke in a smoky environment. So, outdoors is the best alternative.

 

Yes, I could choose another line. I could cruise on X, and I might on occasion, just to experience that smoke free casino... But I love the NCL suite life so much that trumps thst desire. So, if I choose NCL, I know what I have signed up for. My balcony neighbor might be a smoker, or the person at the slot machine next to me might be a smoker. Heck it might even be che. Wouldn't that be a hoot!

 

Your Post was the BEST one on here about this subject....

 

CANT WE ALL JUST GET ALONG....:D

[elwood_98034]

For the smokers who insist that they have their right to enjoyment and relaxation, I would ask them to consider that their smoking has a direct negative impact on other people.

 

I get asthma and sinus infections if I am exposed to heavy smoke, and therefore have to travel with antibiotics. Just in case.

Some smokers struggle to embrace that, but if they liken it to standing on their balcony having a smoke and someone is upwind urinating on them they might get an inkling of what it is like to experience it. Horrible? Yes it is.

 

It always saddens me when smokers become aggressive about their rights, when many of them seem to have no problem at all infringing on mine.

[Luckybee]

Well we've come full circle in that we're back where we started unfortunately.

Even though I'm a smoker I also have allergies. My allergies however are my problem, and I take personal responsibility for them. One of my allergies is to fresh cut grass and I have had some pretty significant reactions as a result. I must therefore in the summer avoid parks and other places because I dont know until im there when they last cut their lawn. As a result I have been unable to attend desireable concerts/shows. I was unable last year to attend a local winery event that I wanted to attend(I even checked on the grass situation on this occasion). By some of the comments here , one would think I should have called the winery and asked them not to cut their lawn to suit me. Sorry but I would never be so presumptuous !

Strong chemicals/perfumes/paints are another thing I have problems with to the point where I will avoid certain stores, public bathrooms in some instances etc. Isnt it simply up to me to avoid the places that cause me these problems ? Why in heavens name should I expect the world to revolve around my peculiar idiosyncrasies ?

NCL or any other cruise line is not a "public place". They are free to set whatever policy they see fit and we, the consumer can choose whether to patronize the "establishment" I will never cease to be amazed by those who outline "health concerns" but choose to put themselves in an enviorment they say will harm them. As I said in the beginning...it's all about personal responsibility !

[che5904]

For the smokers who insist that they have their right to enjoyment and relaxation, I would ask them to consider that their smoking has a direct negative impact on other people.

 

I get asthma and sinus infections if I am exposed to heavy smoke, and therefore have to travel with antibiotics. Just in case.

Some smokers struggle to embrace that, but if they liken it to standing on their balcony having a smoke and someone is upwind urinating on them they might get an inkling of what it is like to experience it. Horrible? Yes it is.

 

It always saddens me when smokers become aggressive about their rights, when many of them seem to have no problem at all infringing on mine.

 

Actually you are wrong my right is to do what I wish that is not illegal or not against a company's policies (unless of course I wish to pay the consequences for breaking that law or policy).

 

You appear to be missing the bigger picture. NCL pays the bills and therefore gives them the right to set their own policies. You on the other hand have the right to make choices. If that company's policy is not to your liking you can either find another cruise line or another vacation that more suits your needs. If it is only balcony smoking that is an issue for you then choose another cabin, you have the right to do that too.

 

I on the other hand have the right to smoke on my balcony because that is the policy that NCL has put in place. If they chose to make balconies no smoking, then, like you, I have the right to make other choices.

 

I really think it is strange when people have large issues with smoking and still book a balcony cabin on a line they know allows smoking on the balconies, knowing that the person on the next balcony are allowed to smoke and may. And then come back and complain about it and somehow feel the smoker is at fault. Duh. That would be very similar to me walking into a florist, knowing full well that I have a high intollerance to flowers just because I wanted to see the pretty roses. And then complain because the florist didn't have all their flowers behind glass so it wouldn't bother my allergies.

 

I seriously think some pro-no-smokers should understand that it is their own choices that are causing their issues.

 

It really is a simple solution. Do your research and choose more wisely to meet your own needs.

[Us2inFL]

I've done my time on this thread.

 

I originally wanted to know if Epic 16002, the forward suite with three siding windows NCL calls a solarium, is considered a "balcony safe-smoking area."

 

We booked that OS for a transatlantic with an add-on for a total of 15 nights. One of us smokes, and is a VERY considerate smoker. Never in 40 cruises has a cigarette been smoked in a stateroom.

 

If NCL had said, no smoking is permitted on that solarium in that suite, we would have canceled that booking and probably changed over to suite 17002 which is also a Haven OS but with a side balcony.

 

NCL said smoking is permitted in 16002.

 

The rest of the jaw work I read on this thread is well.... too much.

[4774Papa]

Actually you are wrong my right is to do what I wish that is not illegal or not against a company's policies (unless of course I wish to pay the consequences for breaking that law or policy).

 

You appear to be missing the bigger picture. NCL pays the bills and therefore gives them the right to set their own policies. You on the other hand have the right to make choices. If that company's policy is not to your liking you can either find another cruise line or another vacation that more suits your needs. If it is only balcony smoking that is an issue for you then choose another cabin, you have the right to do that too.

 

I on the other hand have the right to smoke on my balcony because that is the policy that NCL has put in place. If they chose to make balconies no smoking, then, like you, I have the right to make other choices.

 

I really think it is strange when people have large issues with smoking and still book a balcony cabin on a line they know allows smoking on the balconies, knowing that the person on the next balcony are allowed to smoke and may. And then come back and complain about it and somehow feel the smoker is at fault. Duh. That would be very similar to me walking into a florist, knowing full well that I have a high intollerance to flowers just because I wanted to see the pretty roses. And then complain because the florist didn't have all their flowers behind glass so it wouldn't bother my allergies.

 

I seriously think some pro-no-smokers should understand that it is their own choices that are causing their issues.

 

It really is a simple solution. Do your research and choose more wisely to meet your own needs.

Che, your logic has some value, however, your are ignoring the fact that about the old cabins that are potentially safe from second hand smoke are a few near the bow of the ship, or an aft-balcony. That severely limits someones choices.

Aft-balconies are often sold out or very expensive. Cabins on the bow frequently have too much wind. Using your logic nonsmokers should just book an inside or oceanview and be happy.

[che5904]

Che, your logic has some value, however, your are ignoring the fact that about the old cabins that are potentially safe from second hand smoke are a few near the bow of the ship, or an aft-balcony. That severely limits someones choices.

Aft-balconies are often sold out or very expensive. Cabins on the bow frequently have too much wind. Using your logic nonsmokers should just book an inside or oceanview and be happy.

 

Sorry but I'm not ignoring anything. I realize that some "want" a balcony, but as I'm sure you know we can't always have what we want in life. What I am saying is there are choices and you have to pick what choices best fit your needs within the limitations that are there. If a balcony is important to you, but want a guarantee of no smoking around it, choose a line that fits that need. If NCL is important to you and no smoking around you then choose an inside cabin.

 

Again NCL pays the bills and sets the policies for their line. So if their line does not meet your needs, then perhaps the line is not for you.

 

Of course there are limited choices, thats called life.

[4774Papa]

Sorry but I'm not ignoring anything. I realize that some "want" a balcony, but as I'm sure you know we can't always have what we want in life. What I am saying is there are choices and you have to pick what choices best fit your needs within the limitations that are there. If a balcony is important to you, but want a guarantee of no smoking around it, choose a line that fits that need. If NCL is important to you and no smoking around you then choose an inside cabin.

 

Again NCL pays the bills and sets the policies for their line. So if their line does not meet your needs, then perhaps the line is not for you.

 

Of course there are limited choices, thats called life.

I do agree with you on NCL's policy. It is their choice to make the policy what they wish. We still enjoy cruising on NCL and while occasionally have to deal with some second hand smoke, it hasn't sent us screaming into the night.

I don't think the cruise market has reached the smoking vs. non-smoking cruise lines yet. However, if more and more smokers flock to NCL and the second hand smoke gets worse, we might just go elsewhere. For now, we are looking forward to our Epic cruise this month.

[dwjoe]

FYI, this is a thread from March that was resurrected last week... but judging from the flood of new responses I guess folks weren't done saying their piece. Here's mine...

 

1) Your rights end where the other's begin

 

2) A little courtesy goes a long way

 

Happy cruising!

[dread_pirate]

[/b]

 

 

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?

Downside is that there are fewer and fewer smokers around (smoking rates have been dropping for years). Few cruises are a 50-50 split between smokers and non-smokers, which would be required if the choices were one side and the other. Either non-smokers would have to book cabins on the smoking side because the non-smoking side is booked, or the ships would sail partially empty.

 

That's not a win/win for anyone.

[NLH Arizona]

Downside is that there are fewer and fewer smokers around (smoking rates have been dropping for years). Few cruises are a 50-50 split between smokers and non-smokers, which would be required if the choices were one side and the other. Either non-smokers would have to book cabins on the smoking side because the non-smoking side is booked, or the ships would sail partially empty.

 

That's not a win/win for anyone.

You are correct. I believe if a non-smoker is given the choice, they would not book a smoking room. I sure wouldn't book a smoking room or even a cabin on a smoking side, because of smoking on balconies. At least with the way it is now, I have a better chance of getting non-smokers on one or both sides of the balcony.

 

On my last cruise, which I just got off yesterday, I brought a small battery powered fan to use if I had smokers out on the next balcony. That way, they could enjoy their smoking and I would be able to enjoy not having their smoke blow my way. Thank goodness I didn't have to use it.

[time2cruise1]

Downside is that there are fewer and fewer smokers around (smoking rates have been dropping for years). Few cruises are a 50-50 split between smokers and non-smokers, which would be required if the choices were one side and the other. Either non-smokers would have to book cabins on the smoking side because the non-smoking side is booked, or the ships would sail partially empty.

 

That's not a win/win for anyone.

 

And that is the reason NCL stopped doing that in the mid 90s. The problem then they had to put smokers on the non smoking side and then just bring them an ashtray.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - Jim

[che5904]

And that is the reason NCL stopped doing that in the mid 90s. The problem then they had to put smokers on the non smoking side and then just bring them an ashtray.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - Jim

 

They will actually do that in some hotels even now. A couple of years ago we were booked at the a popular casino/hotel in Vegas in a smoking room. Our plane arrived very late at night and they didn't have any smoking rooms left. I had shown the girl at the desk my reservation that stated I would be in a smoking room. She told me to just grab an ashtray from the casino and take it up with me, that they do it all the time when they run out and that they clean the rooms after and the next guests are none the wiser.

 

Just goes to show you that if cleaned appropriately, mind over matter is a wonderful thing.

[che5904]

You are correct. I believe if a non-smoker is given the choice, they would not book a smoking room. I sure wouldn't book a smoking room or even a cabin on a smoking side, because of smoking on balconies. At least with the way it is now, I have a better chance of getting non-smokers on one or both sides of the balcony.

 

I think this statement is very accurate.

[poolreader]

If smokers would hold the cigarette under their noses between puffs, and blow the smoke out, but not away from them maybe they would understand what non smokers feel. But I have never seen any smoker do this. They hold it away from them and blow the smoke out away from themselves. That smell the smokers are trying to get away from theirselves is what the non smoker does not like.

[toberman]

You are correct. I believe if a non-smoker is given the choice, they would not book a smoking room. I sure wouldn't book a smoking room or even a cabin on a smoking side, because of smoking on balconies. At least with the way it is now, I have a better chance of getting non-smokers on one or both sides of the balcony.

 

Our main line has been Princess for the last five years. Now that they do not allow smoking on the balconies (and the rooms), we've decided to try another line.

 

But even when we could smoke in the rooms, we never did. We did smoke on the balcony though.

 

Janette

[thebooler]

Fair enough IMO not to allow smoking indoors. You can't smoke anywhere indoors in the UK now, other than in your own home. What I don't get though, is you can smoke in the casino! It won't be anything to do with the money to be made now, would it?

For the avoidance of doubt, I'm a smoker, but I'm used to not being able to smoke indoors now. Infact, you can't smoke OUTSIDE in some places in the UK, like train stations and hospital car parks.

It's all about respect for others who may suffer quite badly from cigarette smoke.

[mesci14]

Downside is that there are fewer and fewer smokers around (smoking rates have been dropping for years). Few cruises are a 50-50 split between smokers and non-smokers, which would be required if the choices were one side and the other. Either non-smokers would have to book cabins on the smoking side because the non-smoking side is booked, or the ships would sail partially empty.

 

That's not a win/win for anyone.

 

Good point. Could the percentages on the ship reflect the percentages in society...we can statistically predict just about anything. In which it is one side completely and then the front of the ship on the other side so that the nonsmoker is never downwind. A disclaimer could be written about the non smoking room that is next to the smoking room.

[che5904]

Even though a very few smokers were quite rude about their smoking on my last trip (smoking where it was not allowed, throwing cigarettes over board the ship, smoking cigars where not allowed, etc.), I never heard anyone ridicule anyone. I did hear an announce in the casino, not to smoke cigars and saw a crew member ask a person to not smoke in a non-smoking area. If all smokers would abide by the rules, I bet you wouldn't hear much out of the non-smokers about them.

 

Sure I bet you did run across a "few" rude people that were smoking. As we all have run into rude people in our life. Since the rude or breaking rules really having nothing to do with being a smoker, just part of the human society, unfortunately. I'm sorry that does not give license to "non-smokers" to put smokers down. As I stated there are rude in every portion of society but because I've run across a couple of people who were drinking, gotten drunk and were aggresive or gotten behind the wheel of a vehicle, would not give me license to put down everyone who choose to drink adult beverages.

 

And most of the complaints on this thread are about smoking on balconies which is "abiding by the rules" of the private company.