Royal Caribbean Bans Smoking on Balconies

[bigeagle12]

Carnival and NCL will be the last holdouts to smoking on balconies.

 

I am sure they will follow suit.

 

Just watch

 

......

 

I remember on our first cruise you could almost walk the entire ship and smoke.

 

Times change

 

I agree it is just a matter of time before they all follow suit. I would guess within the next 2 years or 5 at the max.

[sharod]

Why would you call someone a liar with absolutely no justification?

I, in fact did cancel my OS on Oasis for next February just yesterday.

 

Now the casino will be even smokier since it's the ONLY indoor smoking venue.

Will Celebrity lose business as customers migrate back to RC?

 

I have truly enjoyed the cruise experience, (all in suites) but won't be doing it anymore.

 

Have fun! (really)

Rick

 

Exactly!!! And the outdoor areas will become more crowded with smokers. I am a smoker, don't like the change, but can understand how non-smokers do. Even though I smoke, I have no desire to stand in a smoke cloud. I always try my best to remove myself from surrounding people, make sure my smoke is not blowing toward anyone in my vicinity, including having the smoke blow away from myself.

[slyster]

I don't know which surprises me more - the number of people who say they will not sail RCCL again, or the ones who say the PRIMARY reason they booked balcony's was to smoke:rolleyes: We book a balcony for the outdoors and the view:)

 

as a previous smoker (I have been smoke free for one year now...woohoo!), yes, I booked balcony cabins so I could smoke. At the same time, we loved being able to enjoy the view from our balcony too. Unless you used to smoke, you probably won't get it. Many smokers wake up and want a cigarette. I used to hate going to hotels as many hotels became smoke free. Woke up, got dressed, put on a hat, and walked outside to smoke.

 

Believe me, as someone who was addicted to cigarettes, I hated what that did to me. At home, I never smoked inside, but you bet I was outside in the pouring rain, the freezing cold, and the blazing, hot sun.

 

I'm not proud of it as it seems desperate, but it is what it is. Just hoping it gives some perspective on how this change will affect smokers.

 

However, with all that said, I totally get the new policy. I have read tons of posts here about how non smokers were not able to enjoy their balconies. Smokers are now being asked to find a new place to smoke. They hated being told they could not smoke in their cabin anymore and now they can't smoke on their balconies. I do feel for them because I still remember what it's like, but at the same time, it's just more a push to become more of a non smoking environment, just like the hotels.

[Snooksi]

I just find it amazing that the non-smokers keep saying there aren't that many smokers on board and the percentages of smokers are really low. Since they are the majority and whine the loudest, their "rights" should supersede.

 

So, I find it quite strange to read that every single non-smoker's balcony experience was just ruined by their "supposed" 24/7, chain smoking balcony neighbors.

 

Hmmmm, maybe there are a lot more smokers than the non-smokers are claiming and thus it may cause a financial impact on RCCL. Or (and my best guess), maybe the non-smokers are just great at exaggerating to add to their whining and complaining in order to get their way.

 

Majority wins...except in the case of presidential elections....so, CONGRATULATIONS!! What will you whine/complain about now? I'm sure you'll find something new to target as many (not all) of you seem to do.

[EmpireStateCruisers]

I just find it amazing that the non-smokers keep saying there aren't that many smokers on board and the percentages of smokers are really low. Since they are the majority and whine the loudest, their "rights" should supersede.

 

So, I find it quite strange to read that every single non-smoker's balcony experience was just ruined by their "supposed" 24/7, chain smoking balcony neighbors.

 

Hmmmm, maybe there are a lot more smokers than the non-smokers are claiming and thus it may cause a financial impact on RCCL. Or (and my best guess), maybe the non-smokers are just great at exaggerating to add to their whining and complaining in order to get their way.

 

 

 

 

Majority wins...except in the case of presidential elections....so, CONGRATULATIONS!! What will you whine/complain about now? I'm sure you'll find something new to target as many (not all) of you seem to do.

 

Hey Hey I said smokers never bothered me lol im not sure what people are tlaking about chain smokers ruining there balconies as I myself never exprience that and I always get a balcony:cool:

[cruisenfever]

Thank you, thank you RCL! Now I don't have to cross my fingers and hope my neighbors are nonsmokers. This has made balcony cabins worth much more!

 

As to the news breaking here first...that happens a lot. CC moles are frequently faster than cruise-lines are able to get new information out. I don't think RCL was necessarily trying to hide the policy change.

 

^this

Have never been called a mole before.:eek::o

[JasonV1]

Well of course everyone who responds here in favor of the change is someone who dislikes smoking, enough so to be vocal about it. That is how it goes on any forum where opinions are expressed.

 

The bottom line is that RCI did this because it feels it will benefit them in the long run. The supporting evidence is the decline of smoking (in the US at least), and the comment cards from guests on board the ships.

 

As others have said, I think all lines will eventually introduce these additional restrictions. Carnival already proved that a smoke free ship won't work, for reasons that include not being able to find enough crew who don't smoke. So smoking will likely remain, if not restricted more down the line.

 

Everything else aside smoking in the US will (likely) be one of those things that goes away simply because no one wants to pay for it. Health insurers and employers are already doing this in the US, and will all the health care chaos going on (not judging, just reporting news as I see it) it is only going to get worse. It will expand to obesity of course, but that is a much tougher one to fix because food is a necessity.

 

I just find it amazing that the non-smokers keep saying there aren't that many smokers on board and the percentages of smokers are really low. Since they are the majority and whine the loudest, their "rights" should supersede.

 

So, I find it quite strange to read that every single non-smoker's balcony experience was just ruined by their "supposed" 24/7, chain smoking balcony neighbors.

 

Hmmmm, maybe there are a lot more smokers than the non-smokers are claiming and thus it may cause a financial impact on RCCL. Or (and my best guess), maybe the non-smokers are just great at exaggerating to add to their whining and complaining in order to get their way.

 

Majority wins...except in the case of presidential elections....so, CONGRATULATIONS!! What will you whine/complain about now? I'm sure you'll find something new to target as many (not all) of you seem to do.

[Lokip53]

 

So, I find it quite strange to read that every single non-smoker's balcony experience was just ruined by their "supposed" 24/7, chain smoking balcony neighbors.

 

 

I'm guessing you're frustrated and just venting, but what exactly is the logic behind your assertion?

 

All the posts over the years by non-smokers complaining about balcony smoking was just a highly coordinated plot to get RCI to ban smoking?? Hatched and executed by people who didn't really smell smoke but just wanted to screw with smokers?

 

Not quite sure why it's so difficult for adults to discuss things on here without name calling and making it personal.

 

A large group is glad that they can now enjoy a balcony without smelling smoke.

 

A smaller group is unhappy (understandably) that they will now have to be inconvenienced to smoke.

 

Neither group causes a problem here.

 

The only problem on this board is the small but loud handful who resort to trolling, bomb throwing, and name calling.

[mein18]

I don't understand the whole "rights" complaint. Royal has the right to do this, and we now have the right to breath fresh air on a balcony. Do smokers feel they are the only ones entitled to "rights"? What about the rest of us?

 

You would feel the same way if they had changed from non-smoking to smoking on balconies. You would be the first looking for a credit and complaining everywhere and threatening to switch to another line.

[joe6666]

I just find it amazing that the non-smokers keep saying there aren't that many smokers on board and the percentages of smokers are really low. Since they are the majority and whine the loudest, their "rights" should supersede.

 

So, I find it quite strange to read that every single non-smoker's balcony experience was just ruined by their "supposed" 24/7, chain smoking balcony neighbors.

 

Hmmmm, maybe there are a lot more smokers than the non-smokers are claiming and thus it may cause a financial impact on RCCL. Or (and my best guess), maybe the non-smokers are just great at exaggerating to add to their whining and complaining in order to get their way.

 

Majority wins...except in the case of presidential elections....so, CONGRATULATIONS!! What will you whine/complain about now? I'm sure you'll find something new to target as many (not all) of you seem to do.

 

There may be another component.... "Insurance".

The cruise line may get a better rate if there is no smoking on a balcony.

You know that a good number of smokers on balconies toss the butts over the side where the wind takes them......wherever.

 

Hey.... Remember when people could smoke on airliners?

Little ash trays built into the armrest.

"Mind if I smoke?" While sitting 12 inches away?

 

It won't be long....10 years or so, people will be laughing about being able to smoke on cruise ship...

[destron]

As a non-smoker that paid for a ocean view balcony not filled with smoke this is great news.. smokers still have their areas..

 

Minnesota banned smoking from indoor public places such as bars and restaurants years ago and they continue to get business by smokers and non-smokers alike. I doubt this will have any noticeable negative impact to RCCL.

[Lokip53]

It won't be long....10 years or so, people will be laughing about being able to smoke on cruise ship...

 

So true.

[crazyventures]

I just find it amazing that the non-smokers keep saying there aren't that many smokers on board and the percentages of smokers are really low. Since they are the majority and whine the loudest, their "rights" should supersede.

 

So, I find it quite strange to read that every single non-smoker's balcony experience was just ruined by their "supposed" 24/7, chain smoking balcony neighbors.

 

Hmmmm, maybe there are a lot more smokers than the non-smokers are claiming and thus it may cause a financial impact on RCCL. Or (and my best guess), maybe the non-smokers are just great at exaggerating to add to their whining and complaining in order to get their way.

 

Majority wins...except in the case of presidential elections....so, CONGRATULATIONS!! What will you whine/complain about now? I'm sure you'll find something new to target as many (not all) of you seem to do.

 

Now it's time for the smokers to whine, which they have done with great alacrity over the last couple days.

 

Royal Caribbean announced the policy and they're probably not going to change it. If that is a dealbreaker for someone, they can downgrade to an inside room to save $$, cancel their trip, or find a new cruise-line. Posting the same thing on CC twenty times isn't going to change anything. Maybe it's time to try Carnival or NCL while they still allow smoking on private balconies?

[Mac303]

This issue has really heated up the boards (pro & con) the last time there was this much discussion was when RC changed the rules for the CL.

[chrisaf]

I do not care about the smoking,- but smokers tend to be loud on the balcony.

 

Hopefully this ban will make it less noisy

 

 

I'm sorry - but that statement is one of the most ignorant things I've ever seen posted on these boards!

[aurelius180]

I'm sorry - but that statement is one of the most ignorant things I've ever seen posted on these boards!

 

 

Haven't spent much time around here, huh? ;)

[Cruising89143]

Thank you RCI!!! :D

 

 

Ditto!!!!!!!!! Long time coming.

[Elizanessie]

I wonder where will the staff go to smoke ?

 

I remember when we had an aft cabin on the Navigator we could see/hear crew outside on deck 5....and that is where they would smoke...so will they still be able to do that ?

 

On Celebrity I know the staff were allowed to smoke in their cabins...even though guests couldn't.

[Coov]

You would feel the same way if they had changed from non-smoking to smoking on balconies. You would be the first looking for a credit and complaining everywhere and threatening to switch to another line.

 

I'd be looking for credit, but that is just because I an cheap and would be happy to take free money :)... but I am loyal to RCI no matter what the smoking policy is (within reason). Pulling the plug on your loyalty because of a/an (already controversial) rule change just shows how loyal you really were.

[knots4crewzing]

Sup, pot? Just call me kettle.

 

 

Right back atcha:p

[niko40]

I do not care about the smoking,- but smokers tend to be loud on the balcony.

 

Hopefully this ban will make it less noisy

 

 

:eek:What utter rubbish I have smoked for the last 27 years and we have always had balcony's this year I quit smoking so will I now be quieter when I am on my balcony :confused:

 

This stupid comment has got to be up there with the im changing cruise lines and only booking inside cabin comments:rolleyes:

[Mrs Cigar King]

I still find the new rules to be very disappointing. Of the five cruises we have booked, I'm only looking forward to the one in 2013. After that, I'm not sure. At least we'll be going with friends to make up for the disappointment.

 

I intend to write Adam Goldsteins office asking for more details about what Royal will do for the smokers. Larger, reasonably located areas on the pool deck. Covered and open air. More tables and comfortable chairs, not the ones with the dip that are impossible to get out of. Ash trays on the tables instead of the heavy floor ones that are diffucult to move. Coffee!!! Located close to the smoking sections. What will Royal do when the outside smoking areas are closed due to weather. I do intend to express my appreciation that we can still smoke in the casino.

 

Hopefully there will be a reply that I can post here.

[CaribeDiver]

Very difficult decision. I have a cruise booked for June with Royal and am Diamond. I might just switch cruise lines.

 

I think this is the most irrational thinking out there. Let's not take a certain vacation because you can't smoke a cigarette on your balcony. I think it's more about someone telling you what you can't do rather than the need to smoke.

[bigque]

IMO there are some extreme comments on both sides of the aisle on this new policy. Some smokers are saying that they will never sail RCI again!Smokers will now have to go to a designated smoking area on board RCI ships. It really should not be a big deal as smokers have to take a walk to smoke now on land as there is no smoking in public buildings, so if you are at work, you have to go outside, at the mall, you have to go outside, some states, you can't smoke in restaurant and bars, so you have to go outside, a lot of hotels have banned smoking so you now have to go outside, some beaches have banned smoking so you have to take a walk to the parking lot. Airports have banned smoking, so you have to go outside and then go back through security if you want to smoke except for airports that still have those glass smoking lounges (which I don't know why anyone would want to go in one of those). With all the walking smokers do now to go have a smoke, I don't know why it will be such a problem to have to do this now on the ship, when they are doing it now in various walks of life. As a non smoker myself, it didn't matter to me one way or the other if the smoking policy changes or stayed the same, cause I was still going get a balcony when I cruised one way or the other.

[Paul65]

:eek:What utter rubbish I have smoked for the last 27 years and we have always had balcony's this year I quit smoking so will I now be quieter when I am on my balcony :confused:

 

I certainly hope so! :D