Smoking policy on Asian based ships

[kennicott]

Princess policy says all voyages... :)

 

 

 

Keeping the comfort of our guests a priority, and in consideration of consumer studies which show smokers are a small minority of guests, Princess has implemented the following smoking policy:

 

Designated Smoking Areas

Clearly marked “Designated Smoking Areas” are available onboard and include a sufficient number of ashtrays that are emptied regularly. Generally, these areas include cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub, as well as a portion of the open decks. The Casino and Casino Bar are non-smoking areas on board, with the exception of designated slot machines where guests are permitted to smoke only while playing at those machines. All table games are non-smoking. The Casino will also have one or more non-smoking nights (6 pm to closing), depending on length of voyage. Show lounges, dining rooms and all food services areas on board all Princess ships are non-smoking. As a safety precaution, guests are reminded to properly dispose of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco, which are never to be thrown overboard as this may be sucked back into the ship and cause fires.

 

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.

 

Electronic Cigarettes

The use of electronic cigarettes is allowed within the confines of the guest's stateroom (balcony not included) and within designated smoking areas only.

 

Yes, that is apparently the latest smoking policy Princess has out. It is titled "Smoking Policy Change". It is found in a number of locations on their website but the FAQs are a good place to look. Also, the Passage Contract is another source which can also be found in the FAQs. Another place to find Princess smoking policies are in their "Cruise Answer Book". As far as I can determine from scanning all these documents, on board smoking policies are all the same in Asia as elsewhere.

 

The trouble with Princess is that none of these are identical. Ironically, some believe that the Passage Contract is the final word but that document indicates specifically that "all indoor smoking" is prohibited, among other locales that would also include the Casino and their Churchill's Lounges (Cigar Lounges), LOL.

 

Obviously, they needed to clean this up with a detailed and comprehensive explanation, which this new smoking policy appears to do. I asked them why they don't verbatim the smoking language everywhere and clear up the confusion for guests and future guests, no answer.

[kennicott]

I forgot to post the Princess response after I wrote and asked them why they didn't make consistent smoking language in all their advisories. I pointed out that their Passage Contracts not only prohibit all indoor smoking on their ships, which contradicts actual practice as well as omits other documented smoking rules like guests must be playing the slots in order to smoke, this confuses some guests that insist the "Passage Contract" to be the final word. What I received is the following, note, they appear determined to only respond to rules on a cruise we are currently booked. Anyway, their new policy makes sense to me:

 

"Dear Mr -------,

 

Thank you for your correspondence regarding your upcoming cruise onboard Pacific Princess. We appreciate the time you have taken to share your concerns, and we welcome the opportunity to respond at this time.

 

As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every guest has a comfortable onboard experience, Princess Cruises has introduced more restrictive smoking policies, prohibiting smoking in guest staterooms and balconies for all voyages that depart after January 15, 2012.

 

For the enjoyment of the public lounges and facilities, indoor areas on board Pacific Princess are non-smoking. Smoking is only permitted in a designated section of the Pacific Lounge. Smoking cigars or pipes outside of designated areas is not permitted. Outdoor smoking areas are clearly posted throughout the vessel. Smoking is not permitted in staterooms and balconies. Violations of this non-smoking policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the guest's stateroom account.

 

All smoking areas are supplied with a sufficient number of ashtrays that are emptied regularly. The smoking areas are also easily identified with appropriate signage and communicated to guests through shipboard documentation.

 

The Casino and Casino Bar are non-smoking areas on board, with the exception of designated slot machines where guests are permitted to smoke only while playing at those machines. All table games are non-smoking. The Casino will also have one or more non-smoking nights (6:00 PM to closing), depending on the length of the voyage.

 

Smoking information is printed in the Princess Patter as well as the Welcome Aboard insert.

 

Mr -------, thank you once again for taking the time to share your concerns. We look forward to having you onboard Pacific Princess in November for what we hope will be a completely enjoyable cruise vacation. Until then, we send our kind regards.

 

Sincerely,

 

Princess Cruises

Customer Relations Specialist

customerrelations@princesscruises.com"

[moki'smommy]

We are booked on the Diamond this summer and received an e-mail from Princess notifying us that the smoking policy is identical to any US based Princess cruise. I obviously can't speak to enforcement yet.