Smoking...Again!!

[Baggywrinkle99]

But I do still wonder of a larger proportion (not majority) of pax are indeed smokers precisely because SB permits it? It's an unacknowledged, cynical marketing tool. For the number of non-smokers who won't consider SB because of it's smoking policy, I bet there's just as many smokers who make SB their first choice.

[Mr Luxury]

The strange that is that I rarely see more than a dozen smokers on any Seabourn cruise.

 

They must be in the minority by a large margin.

[pdx13]

It is truly unfortunate that a cruise line of this caliber is so late to the party when it comes to their smoking policy. I hope that this type of regressive thinking does not represent the corporate culture. It will not serve them well. Eventually, they will adopt a reasonable policy, but it is a shame that it will occur much later than it should have for a line in this tier.

[bitob]

I believe smokers choose seabourn because they are relegated to limited space on other cruise lines. Worse than the health risk is the fire hazard. Fire is the greatest enemy on any ship.

 

This is the one aspect of seabourn that concerns me. We will be on a ta in October and I hope we can enjoy the balcony

[johnnycruise]

The strange that is that I rarely see more than a dozen smokers on any Seabourn cruise.

 

Perhaps that's because the majority of smokers are puffing away on their balconies away from judging eyes :rolleyes:

[wally_bushy]

The strange that is that I rarely see more than a dozen smokers on any Seabourn cruise.

 

They must be in the minority by a large margin.

They may be but one smoker can affect a large number of people within a reasonable proximity.

I will never deny anyone smoking but I will always defend the right to have a smoke free environment which I have paid for.

[markham]

Since I went to the trouble today of a lot of cutting and pasting for another thread, I wanted to ensure full readership of the following information re smoking.

 

Here it is:

 

So far on these threads I have learned that Regent and Silversea do not allow smoking on verandas.

 

Further...

 

Here is the policy from Seabourn's sister company Cunard within Carnival Corporation:

 

 

"What is the smoking policy on board?

 

The safety, comfort and enjoyment of all our passengers has always been a key concern at Cunard. With this in mind, as a direct result of the feedback we have received from our you our passengers, we have amended our policy with regard to smoking on board Cunard ships as shown below:

General

 

Smoking is not permitted in staterooms, on balconies or in public areas (with the exception of Churchill’s Cigar Lounge, which is reserved for cigar and pipe smokers only)."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the policy from Seabourn's sister company Princess within Carnival:

 

 

"

 

Stateroom Smoking Policy Update

For all voyages departing after January 15th, 2012, Princess Cruises will prohibit smoking in guest staterooms and balconies. This policy change reflects the preferences of a vast majority of our guests who value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises, we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the guest’s stateroom account. Keeping with the global trend toward more restrictive smoking policies and honoring the wishes of our guests, we feel this change will enhance our onboard experience and do more to help our guests escape completely."

 

I see that Holland America still allows smoking on verandas. While that's sad it explains why its head office which also manages Seabourn does not seem to care about the issue.

 

Also, add your views to the electronic questionnaire you will receive approximately 2 days after you disembark the ship. One can also write to Seabourn's Seattle office attn its president Rick Meadows and Marketing Head John Delaney.

 

Just to be clear.

 

Happy sailing!

[secoma4]

How they look when they come back

[secoma4]

Oops! That was a mistake!

[etual324]

Since I went to the trouble today of a lot of cutting and pasting for another thread, I wanted to ensure full readership of the following information re smoking.

 

Here it is:

 

So far on these threads I have learned that Regent and Silversea do not allow smoking on verandas.

 

Further...

 

Here is the policy from Seabourn's sister company Cunard within Carnival Corporation:

 

 

"What is the smoking policy on board?

 

The safety, comfort and enjoyment of all our passengers has always been a key concern at Cunard. With this in mind, as a direct result of the feedback we have received from our you our passengers, we have amended our policy with regard to smoking on board Cunard ships as shown below:

General

 

Smoking is not permitted in staterooms, on balconies or in public areas (with the exception of Churchill’s Cigar Lounge, which is reserved for cigar and pipe smokers only)."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the policy from Seabourn's sister company Princess within Carnival:

 

 

"

 

Stateroom Smoking Policy Update

For all voyages departing after January 15th, 2012, Princess Cruises will prohibit smoking in guest staterooms and balconies. This policy change reflects the preferences of a vast majority of our guests who value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises, we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the guest’s stateroom account. Keeping with the global trend toward more restrictive smoking policies and honoring the wishes of our guests, we feel this change will enhance our onboard experience and do more to help our guests escape completely."

 

I see that Holland America still allows smoking on verandas. While that's sad it explains why its head office which also manages Seabourn does not seem to care about the issue.

 

Also, add your views to the electronic questionnaire you will receive approximately 2 days after you disembark the ship. One can also write to Seabourn's Seattle office attn its president Rick Meadows and Marketing Head John Delaney.

 

Just to be clear.

 

Happy sailing!

 

CARNIVALS WEB SITE

 

 

 

1 result

What is the smoking policy?

 

 

TopWhat is the smoking policy?

 

Effective on voyages departing October 9, 2014, or thereafter, all staterooms and suite accommodations are entirely smoke free, including the outside balcony. This policy includes all forms of smoking, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, and personal vaporizers.

 

Cigarette, E-cigarette and personal vaporizer smoking will continue to be allowed in designated exterior open deck areas, as well as in our night clubs (except Carnival Sunshine), on ships with designated jazz clubs (See ships below), and in certain areas within the casino (for playing guests) and casino bar.

 

Cigar and pipe smoking will continue to be allowed in designated exterior open deck areas and in jazz clubs (where available).

 

Note: Guests who smoke in their staterooms or on their balconies will be assessed a $250 cleaning and refreshing fee on their Sail & Sign account. Information on this fee is included in Carnival's cruise ticket contract. Guest agrees to strictly comply with Carnival’s non-smoking policy.

 

To view smoking area deck plans Click Here

 

 

The following ships have designated Jazz Clubs: Carnival Conquest, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor and Carnival Victory.

[markham]

Further to the response ETUAL324's message from 22 March, and his/her latest thread showing that Carnival Cruise Lines prohibits smoking on verandas, I attach Crystal's policy.

 

But first, let's review the response Seabourn supplied:

 

"We appreciate your concerns and have made most public areas smoking-free in order to accommodate our guests who do not smoke. The change to our smoking policy is for the comfort of all guests. The new policy is in keeping with the stated preferences of the majority of our guests today. It also aligns with smoking policies prevalent with other cruise operators and the hospitality industry around the globe."

 

Here is Crystal's position (to be added to that of Carnival, Regent, Silversea, Cunard and Princess):

 

"

Smoking Policy

 

Crystal Cruises kindly asks all guests to observe the non-smoking areas on board, which have been created for the comfort and enjoyment of everyone. Indoor smoking is permitted only in the Connoisseur Club smoking lounge. Smoking is prohibited in all other indoor areas of the ship including all other public rooms, lounges, corridors and restaurants, as well as all staterooms, suites and verandahs. Please note, if smoke is detected in a stateroom or suite, a cleaning fee of $250 per incident will be billed to your account."

 

So, and as everyone can now see, the response from Seabourn about the smoking policy prevalent with other cruise operators is a NONSENSE. The only line similar is Holland America, Seabourn's administrative parent.

 

When will Seabourn finally choose to live up to the standard set by the vast MAJORITY of its sister companies within Carnival Corporation and the standard set by its luxury segment competitors?

 

Happy sailing!

Edited March 24, 2015 by markham

[softsands]

Further to the response ETUAL324's message from 22 March, and his/her latest thread showing that Carnival Cruise Lines prohibits smoking on verandas, I attach Crystal's policy.

 

But first, let's review the response Seabourn supplied:

 

"We appreciate your concerns and have made most public areas smoking-free in order to accommodate our guests who do not smoke. The change to our smoking policy is for the comfort of all guests. The new policy is in keeping with the stated preferences of the majority of our guests today. It also aligns with smoking policies prevalent with other cruise operators and the hospitality industry around the globe."

 

Here is Crystal's position (to be added to that of Carnival, Regent, Silversea, Cunard and Princess):

 

"

Smoking Policy

 

Crystal Cruises kindly asks all guests to observe the non-smoking areas on board, which have been created for the comfort and enjoyment of everyone. Indoor smoking is permitted only in the Connoisseur Club smoking lounge. Smoking is prohibited in all other indoor areas of the ship including all other public rooms, lounges, corridors and restaurants, as well as all staterooms, suites and verandahs. Please note, if smoke is detected in a stateroom or suite, a cleaning fee of $250 per incident will be billed to your account."

 

So, and as everyone can now see, the response from Seabourn about the smoking policy prevalent with other cruise operators is a NONSENSE. The only line similar is Holland America, Seabourn's administrative parent.

 

When will Seabourn finally choose to live up to the standard set by the vast MAJORITY of its sister companies within Carnival Corporation and the standard set by its luxury segment competitors?

 

Happy sailing!

 

Inundate them with pesky emails and threats of walking (swimming?). The tide has turned and Seabourn needs to accept it.

[Capri73]

Since Seaborne is owned by Carnival I would assume the same smoking rules apply.Maybe a letter to the President of Carnival stating that SB is not complying might help.

We all need to be proactive about smoking.

[Salice Salentino]

My wife & I just returned from a 32 day cruise from Auckland to Bali on the Odyssey. The first 16 day leg of the voyage was great. Although there were the occasional smokers, they restricted themselves to the outside designated areas (which we avoided like the plague!!!). However, on the second 16 day leg we had a smoker move in two doors up wind from us. Both my wife & I are extremely allergic to cigarette smoke, so when this passenger would light up, we both would immediately begin to cough, forcing us to vacate our veranda. As a result, we were deprived of the opportunity to enjoy private time on our balcony for the last 16 days of the cruise. Although we brought our complaint to the attention of the Hotel Director & the Hotel Manager (both of whom were non-smokers and extremely sympathetic) we felt it was necessary to formally register our grievance with Seabourn's corporate office. The following is an excerpt from the response I received from Camden Rider, Special Advisor to the President:

 

"We understand your concerns regarding smoking aboard our ships and regret if you feel your experience was compromised by smoke from your fellow travelers. Currently smoking is prohibited or restricted in most public areas aboard Seabourn ships, although guests may smoke in the Observation Bar after 8pm. And while smoking is prohibited in all guest suites, there are designated smoking areas on some outside decks; cigar and pipe smoking are explicitly restricted to outside decks only. Smoking will continue to be allowed on suite verandas on board Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest in Categories V1 and higher, and indoors in a portion of the Observation Lounge after 8pm. Although our policy is an attempt to balance the desires of both our smoking and non-smoking guests, we do regret any dissatisfaction it may cause. As this policy is continuously reviewed, all of your feedback has been shared with our President, Mr. Richard Meadows for his review and future consideration."

 

Given this response, I would recommend that we all continue to keep the pressure on Seabourn by sending emails to corporate until such time as the company acknowledges that a revised Clean Air policy is in order.

 

It is incomprehensible that in this day and age a company such as Seabourn would still allow smoking in any public areas of the ship. Although they may believe that a passenger’s balcony is not a public area, it most definitely is when the smoke from one suite immediately invades the air space of other verandas. When is Seabourn going to come into the 21st Century by recognizing that smoking is not only a serious health hazard, but a safety issue as well? How can a corporation which prides itself on customer service be willing to so negatively impact the experience of the majority of their customers in order to satisfy so few?

[Ithaca]

On the Odyssey, last May, our German friends complained to an officer (don't know which) that they had neighbors at both sides smoking in their balconies day and night. The officer responded that those neighbors were from Central and Eastern European countries where smoking was not banned nor regulated and that they were authorized by policy to smoke in their verandahs. Further complaints yielded no positive results as there was a large contingent of guests from these countries on board. Also, I overhead in Seaboard Square that several of these couples had complained about how restrictive to smoking Seabourn policies were! In this particular cruise thy did not outnumber Brits nor Aussies, but they did outnumber Americans and all other countries.

[softsands]

My wife & I just returned from a 32 day cruise from Auckland to Bali on the Odyssey. The first 16 day leg of the voyage was great. Although there were the occasional smokers, they restricted themselves to the outside designated areas (which we avoided like the plague!!!). However, on the second 16 day leg we had a smoker move in two doors up wind from us. Both my wife & I are extremely allergic to cigarette smoke, so when this passenger would light up, we both would immediately begin to cough, forcing us to vacate our veranda. As a result, we were deprived of the opportunity to enjoy private time on our balcony for the last 16 days of the cruise. Although we brought our complaint to the attention of the Hotel Director & the Hotel Manager (both of whom were non-smokers and extremely sympathetic) we felt it was necessary to formally register our grievance with Seabourn's corporate office. The following is an excerpt from the response I received from Camden Rider, Special Advisor to the President:

 

"We understand your concerns regarding smoking aboard our ships and regret if you feel your experience was compromised by smoke from your fellow travelers. Currently smoking is prohibited or restricted in most public areas aboard Seabourn ships, although guests may smoke in the Observation Bar after 8pm. And while smoking is prohibited in all guest suites, there are designated smoking areas on some outside decks; cigar and pipe smoking are explicitly restricted to outside decks only. Smoking will continue to be allowed on suite verandas on board Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest in Categories V1 and higher, and indoors in a portion of the Observation Lounge after 8pm. Although our policy is an attempt to balance the desires of both our smoking and non-smoking guests, we do regret any dissatisfaction it may cause. As this policy is continuously reviewed, all of your feedback has been shared with our President, Mr. Richard Meadows for his review and future consideration."

 

Given this response, I would recommend that we all continue to keep the pressure on Seabourn by sending emails to corporate until such time as the company acknowledges that a revised Clean Air policy is in order.

 

It is incomprehensible that in this day and age a company such as Seabourn would still allow smoking in any public areas of the ship. Although they may believe that a passenger’s balcony is not a public area, it most definitely is when the smoke from one suite immediately invades the air space of other verandas. When is Seabourn going to come into the 21st Century by recognizing that smoking is not only a serious health hazard, but a safety issue as well? How can a corporation which prides itself on customer service be willing to so negatively impact the experience of the majority of their customers in order to satisfy so few?

 

Agreed. Incomprehensible. What is Seabourn's leadership thinking? Or, dare I ask, smoking?

[markham]

I just received a response from Seattle, albeit not from Rick Meadows himself, saying that the company knows about what other Carnival brands do (that is that Carnival, Cunard and Princess do not allow veranda smoking etc) AND that Seabourn is aware of complaints/is balancing what smokers and nonsmokers want/will continue to look at the issue.

 

So... nothing new as of now for the remainder of 2015.

 

I recommend that otherwise satisfied customers of Seabourn and potential, future customers write to Rick Meadows and tell him what you want. He will get and then act on these messages sooner or later, I trust.

 

Happy sailing!

[marazul]

I just received a response from Seattle, albeit not from Rick Meadows himself, saying that the company knows about what other Carnival brands do (that is that Carnival, Cunard and Princess do not allow veranda smoking etc) AND that Seabourn is aware of complaints/is balancing what smokers and nonsmokers want/will continue to look at the issue.

 

So... nothing new as of now for the remainder of 2015.

 

I recommend that otherwise satisfied customers of Seabourn and potential, future customers write to Rick Meadows and tell him what you want. He will get and then act on these messages sooner or later, I trust.

 

Happy sailing!

 

You should write to both Rick and Micky. Take it to the top.

[kathy16]

I am quite upset reading these comments about SB management apparently ignoring the concerns of the majority of their customers towards smoking, especially when other "Carnival" entities have become more enlightened about the well-known safety and health risks resulting from smoking. I would really be in favor of a designated, enclosed, onboard smoking room , where smokers could enjoy their cigarettes, safely, and risking only their own health, and the majority of the other (non-smoking) passengers could also enjoy their fresh air, and we could all not worry about a suite/balcony fire potentially resulting from an unwary smoker.

It seems as if the correspondence received from Seabourn management as previously described - is rather insulting and that concerns are not properly addressed.

Just placate- rather than fix the problem- is that "their motto"?

I have enjoyed traveling with SB, but I am concerned that theyapparently have so little consideration for their passengers on what I (and many others), consider an important issue.

[Capri73]

If we have an issue this May it will be our last SB cruise.I will vote with my wallet.

[English Tim]

If we have an issue this May it will be our last SB cruise.I will vote with my wallet.

 

I am sure we shall feel the same, but everyone, please spare a thought for the poor crew who don't make these decisions, but bear the brunt of customers' frustration and anger.

Edited March 26, 2015 by English Tim
Adding "everyone", making the post general instead of it sounding like a reply to one person, with the quote

[markham]

While I am sympathetic to your tone, you should accept that crew are paid to accommodate passenger complaints and report intractable issues to head office for resolution. What mght that be? In the case of smokers in adjacent verandas making other verandas unusable, the hotel manager can offer different cabins and/or monetary compensation. And, of course, remind head office to change the policy on smoking on verandas which creates the problem.

 

If Seabourn is only allowing smoking on verandas because it is chasing the passengers from the lines that no longer allow it, i.e. Silversea, Regent, Crystal, Cunard, Princess etc., then presumably Seabourn can factor in the costs of such cabin changes and/or compensation.

 

I would agree to the need to support those on board complaints with letters to Carnival Corporation and Seabourn since letters from loyal and future Seabourn customers should make a difference. Here are some addresses:

 

Carnival Corporation, 3655 NW 87th Ave., Miami, Fla 33178, USA to Arnold Donald, Pres & CEO & Dir and to Micky Arinson, Chairman

 

Seabourn Cruise Line Limited, 300 Elliott Ave., Seattle, Washington 98119, USA to Richard Meadows, President and to Stein Kruse, CEO, Holland America Corp.

 

Let's get on it!

 

Happy sailing!

[lincslady]

I note that someone else (I think Bristol Golfer) is also prepared, like us, to have to choose a suite especially to get away from possible smokers. Obviously Seabourn must be our favoured line, but it is a bit of a beggar that we feel the need to do this!

[softsands]

I am sure we shall feel the same, but everyone, please spare a thought for the poor crew who don't make these decisions, but bear the brunt of customers' frustration and anger.

 

That's what they're trained to do as long as customer frustration is expressed appropriately. Offer to move the customer at no charge, offer an OBC, future CC, and stay in touch for the duration of the cruise. In tandem, the staff need to raise it to HO; eventually, with the right actions, this issue will go away.

[softsands]

While I am sympathetic to your tone, you should accept that crew are paid to accommodate passenger complaints and report intractable issues to head office for resolution. What mght that be? In the case of smokers in adjacent verandas making other verandas unusable, the hotel manager can offer different cabins and/or monetary compensation. And, of course, remind head office to change the policy on smoking on verandas which creates the problem.

 

If Seabourn is only allowing smoking on verandas because it is chasing the passengers from the lines that no longer allow it, i.e. Silversea, Regent, Crystal, Cunard, Princess etc., then presumably Seabourn can factor in the costs of such cabin changes and/or compensation.

 

I would agree to the need to support those on board complaints with letters to Carnival Corporation and Seabourn since letters from loyal and future Seabourn customers should make a difference. Here are some addresses:

 

Carnival Corporation, 3655 NW 87th Ave., Miami, Fla 33178, USA to Arnold Donald, Pres & CEO & Dir and to Micky Arinson, Chairman

 

Seabourn Cruise Line Limited, 300 Elliott Ave., Seattle, Washington 98119, USA to Richard Meadows, President and to Stein Kruse, CEO, Holland America Corp.

 

Let's get on it!

 

Happy sailing!

 

Writing today!