open letter to our fellow passengers

[cloveygrl]

Have you ever stopped to think that scientists and the medical profession like to blame almost every disease on smoking or second hand smoke because they don't really know why so many children are getting sick?

 

I think you need to do a little scientific research before you start making statements like this. Scientists do not just randomly assign causation because "they don't really know why" something is happening. Theories and conclusion are drawn from scientific process and repeatable experimentation. If you looked at current reasearch you would see that certain cancers, respiratory issues, and circulation issues are the only things being attributed to smoking. There is plenty of research out there that shows these are results of smoking. There is also plenty of research out there related to things like preservatives or even worse hormones and pesticides and the effect they are having on us and especially children.

[Baxter]

Given the reaction to this whole smoking issue, I can't understand why the non-smoking Carnival ship disappeared. You'd think, given the whining, moaning, and complaining, that non-smoking ships would sell-out left, right and centre.

 

I am a non-smoker. Never smoked, never will. But I respect the right of others to exercise their will, so long as they are respectful. If there are non-smoking areas, I expect people to respect that. If I am in a restaurant with a smoking section, I will not complain about the smoke if I choose to sit in that area.

 

I find excessive drinking disgusting, so I don't hang out in places where I'm likely to see people falling all over themselves. I don't find the mass consumption of food particularly appealling, so I avoid the buffets as much as possible. I don't particularly like to see swimming pools overcrowded with kids, so I stick to the adult pools on cruise ships. All this to say that we have choices. If you don't like smokers or don't want to expose yourself to that "risk", stay out of smoking areas. If you don't like the idea that someone may smoke on your cruise, maybe a cruise vacation is not for you.

[Pam in CA]

If you don't like smokers or don't want to expose yourself to that "risk", stay out of smoking areas. If you don't like the idea that someone may smoke on your cruise, maybe a cruise vacation is not for you.

Baxter... sometimes it's impossible to stay out of smoking areas. As mentioned previously, on some ships, you have to go through the Casino to get from one part of the ship to another. You can't avoid the smoke unless you go up or down a deck. Also, there are some people who smoke in non-smoking areas regardless of the posted signs. Yes, you could then move but why should you have because someone else is breaking the rules and being inconsiderate? It's not always easy to avoid the smoke.

[srussell]

Cloveygrl

 

Point taken. I have just been thinking about the preservative issue for awhile now and thought that I would put it out there.

 

I do not have scientific data to back my opinion just my own observations. You sound much more educated on the subject than I am.

 

I have no doubt that smoking is harmful to the smokers health. I just think that alot of illnesses are blamed on smoking when it could be a number of factors.

 

It bothers me when I go to the doctor and the first question he asks is if I smoke...doesn't matter what I am there for. I guess if I didn't smoke the second question would be...does anyone in your household smoke? If the answer to both of these questions is no I wonder what the third question would be? I just think that sometimes it is easier for people to blame everything on smoking instead of delving a little deeper. Or am I the naive one and everything really can be blamed on smoking? Hmmmm

 

Merry Christmas

S.Russell

[Casshew]

Less and less people can tolerate smoke/smoking. It will get worse and worse for you year by year everywhere.

 

I have not been bothered by smoke at all, but I did notice the casino was very smokey one night.

[cloveygrl]

Cloveygrl

 

It bothers me when I go to the doctor and the first question he asks is if I smoke...doesn't matter what I am there for. I guess if I didn't smoke the second question would be...does anyone in your household smoke? If the answer to both of these questions is no I wonder what the third question would be? I just think that sometimes it is easier for people to blame everything on smoking instead of delving a little deeper. Or am I the naive one and everything really can be blamed on smoking? Hmmmm

 

 

I wouldn't know as a woman the first question always asked is "Are you pregnant? The second question is "Are you sure you couldn't be pregnant? The third question is "Can you go pee in this cup so we can see if youre pregnant?"

 

:)

[srussell]

Cloveygrl,

 

I had to laugh, luckily I am past that stage.

 

Have a great Holiday.

[flamomo]

I am a 66 year old retired nurse who happens to be a smoker, and I will be going on a cruise next month.

I consider myself a courteous smoker - I don't ever smoke in non-smoking areas. I do not ever smoke inside my house, nor do I ever permit other smokers to.

However, the cruise line rules say I may smoke on the balcony of my cabin, and I intend to. My cabinmate does not object, and , in fact, has told me I can smoke inside the cabin. That will not happen because I do not smoke indoors. When I do smoke elsewhere on the ship, it will be restricted to designated smoking areas.

Since, as a nurse, I know better than many others the delterious effects of smoking, one would think I would quit. And, when and if I decide I want to do that, I will. Until that time, I hope others (nonsmokers) will have the common courtesy to avoid rude remarks and gestures, and find routes to wherever they need to go onboard that do not trespass into the designated smoking areas. Or if they must pass thru that area, do so silently and gesture-free. Since I am in the area designated for my "offensive" activity, I don't believe I should have to be harrassed. Yes, I'm defensive, but that is a result of the behavior of those nonsmokers who want to dictate to me what I can do and where.

The key here is DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA. Love it or avoid it.

[DonLou]

I have never smoked. I remember back to when I first started work "decades" ago.

 

I was seated in an open bullpen office which did not have dividers between the desks. The person in front of me smoked. The person in back of me usually had two cigarettes going at one time - one in his hand and the other sitting in the ashtray. He liked the smell of smoke. I never complained. I was in this environment for about two years.

 

I can't say whether I've suffered anything debilitating from that experience, but I am totally supportive of living in the current environment where smoking is relegated to designated areas. Although social customs are dynamic I don't see us returning to the situation where smoking anywhere is acceptable.

 

In all cases, proper etiquette should rule regardless of the situation.

[Redsgj]

Yes, I'm defensive, but that is a result of the behavior of those nonsmokers who want to dictate to me what I can do and where.

The key here is DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA. Love it or avoid it.

 

You sound like you are considerate smoker which is great. I just had to comment though on the above statement.

 

One thing smokers seem (just in my opinion here!) to miss is that nonsmokers couldn't care less whether or not you smoke. We are not trying to dictate to you what you can do. The problem we have with your smoking is that you cannot contain the smoke within your own space. You exhale smoke and the unfiltered smoke drifts from the end of the cigarette in your hand into our space. As a result, we are breathing in smoke against our will.

 

Obviously, in a designated smoking area this is NOT a point. But, just as an example, when you are smoking on your balcony (which you are, according to the cruiseline's policies, allowed to do) the smoke will NOT be just on your balcony. It will inevitably drift onto your neighbor's balcony.

 

This is why nonsmokers object... not because we are trying to tell you what you can or can't do!

[Baxter]

You can't avoid the smoke unless you go up or down a deck.

 

So, in theory, you can avoid the smoke. In all seriousness, I understand your point. But maybe our irritation and hostility are misplaced. Instead of hurling nasty looks and comments at those smoking where they are technically allowed to smoke, it should be taken up with the cruise line. They're the ones who "allow" smoking. Period. But I can't see much changing.

 

A few years back, our casinos in Winnipeg went smoke free. Fabulous idea, for me. But they starting losing money like crazy. We're about an hour from the US border, so many people refused to gamble in our government run casinos. They had to incorporate more smoke breaks into the bingo sessions. A native-run casino (where smoking is allowed) opened about 45 minutes outside of the city. And it is absolutely packed.

 

If I recall, when the Carnival ship went non-smoking, they also reported reduced alcohol sales and reduced casino revenues (and no, I can't quite report a source because I can't remember where that came from). It was purely a money-making issue. So it would seem that we could huff and puff until we're blue in the face, but there probably won't be many changes. Sure, they could reduce the smoking areas, but that is just going to encourage smokers to smoke elsewhere.

[bjkTX]

Gotta love it

[Ethel5]

If I recall, when the Carnival ship went non-smoking, they also reported reduced alcohol sales and reduced casino revenues (and no, I can't quite report a source because I can't remember where that came from). It was purely a money-making issue. So it would seem that we could huff and puff until we're blue in the face, but there probably won't be many changes. Sure, they could reduce the smoking areas, but that is just going to encourage smokers to smoke elsewhere.

 

There was a Carnival ship that was totally non-smoking....I think it was called Paradise. Anyway, after not to long they went to allowing smoking because the revenue was way down and it was losing money.

 

Personally, I don't mind thoughtful smokers who smoke in the designated areas. It is up to me to stay out of thoses areas and be responsible for myself. What I do mind is those folks (male and female) who marinate themselves in perfum/aftershave/cologne as I'm allergic to most scents. I can be the first one in a theatre etc and I can bet that at the last minute a person drowning in perfume will sit right next to me! Never fails.

[flamomo]

Frankly, the smoking issue is one that will never be resolved to everyone's satisfaction. Those of us who still choose to smoke will be the recepients of negativism from some sanctimonious nonsmokers.

As long as we smokers are obeying the rules re: nonsmoking areas, please just accept us as foolishly addicted souls. If a smoker fail to comply with the rules, report it to the deck personnel, so the smoker can be politely directed by the ship's staff to an appropriate area to pursue their addiction.

Perhaps, if the day comes when I decide to give up my "filthy, offensive habit", I just hope I will not become one of the sanctimonious. I really don't want to be that judgemental.

And thank you to those posters who can see past the smoker aspect and accept us as just other passengers who want to enjoy our cruise.

[MaryPoppinz]

I am pretty much as anti-smoking as one can get, but if one is bothered by the cigarette smoke in a smoking lounge, get up and move. If one is bothered by it elsewhere, either make a polite request or remain oblivious. The hand-waving, coughing and under-breath comments are passive-aggressive and rude.

[flamomo]

It is nice to see that you and several others, though anti-smoking, have a reasonable attitude.

My reason for posting on this thread in the first place, was to try to show that being a smoker does not make one a bad or undesirable person, so long as he/she abides by the rules and is considerate of those around him/her.

Suggesting that the cruise lines should ban all smoking is unrealistic and unreasonable. As it is, they have made rules to accomodate both the smoker and nonsmoker. That's why there are designated smoking areas (which occupy very little of the ship's total space), while the majority of the ship is nonsmoking.

So let's all follow the rules and look at our fellow passangers as potential acquaintenances and possibly even friends.

[kruisey]

3 close friends of mine died because of smoking.

I am a non smoker myself.

The open area between The Wheelhouse and the Princess Theater on the Sun Class ships always seems to be a an area were I catch the smoke.Is this supposed to be a smoking area?

Smoking on a balcony that is not private space for your smoke because it does pass to the right or left of you onto your neighbors balcony...that is not good news.

I have nothing against a smoker personally....but I do object to the smoke that escapes into my space.

Gordy,Pat and Muriel my late good friends....Rest in Peace.

[JanMD]

I have too many friends and relatives die of lung cancer in the past year and it is upsetting for an illness that can be prevented by not smoking and for people to continue to cause the illness. Maybe that is why you got the looks.

[mummsie]

I agree. On the Pacific Princess because its currently leased to P&O in Australia the smoking areas are significanty cut down because of our laws. The only time we encountered any problems were walking through the casino. Up in the lounge on level 10 people were only allowed to smoke near the actual bar. When the smokers moved in at 11pm and their smoke came our way we left and . Easy. Gayle

[mummsie]

I agree. On the Pacific Princess because its currently leased to P&O in Australia the smoking areas are significanty cut down because of our laws. The only time we encountered any problems were walking through the casino. Up in the lounge on level 10 people were only allowed to smoke near the actual bar. When the smokers moved in at 11pm and their smoke came our way we left and . Easy. Gayle

[Arlened236]

My husband and I will be on the Dawn in Feb. I am a long time (43 year) non smoker and a retired Cardiac Rehab RN. I also taught quit smoking clinics for years (with much success) I feel very bad for the rude behavior of some passenges that the original poster met up with. If you were in the smoking section you had the right to smoke.

No one hates smoking more than I do...I feel very bad for those people that still smoke, they are not dumb, they are just addicted to nicotine, and have a very bad habit. When I quit I wanted a cigarette for almost a year,...but I never took one. As much as I hate smoking I still feel that I am 'one puff' away from smoking.

It has been my experience that most of the smokers today do not quit because they are afraid of failure (not being able to quit) It only takes 72 hours to get the nicotine out of your system, the habit takes months to change. In my 30 years as a cardiac nurse I only had 2 patients that did not smoke...but either their parents did when they were children or their spouse did. I also had patients that could not quit even after having bypass surgery 3 times.

I wish all the smokers (and non-smokers) the Happiest of Holidays, Good Health in the New Year, no bad habits, good air for all to breathe, and only compassion for those that cannot quit.

[usgoobers5]

I have a son with asthma so we, like many others try to avoid smoke. That doesn't excuse rude behavior by non smokers. I personally feel that people shouldn't smoke unless there on fire! I have a very low tolerance for cigarette smoke, and I find some smokers can be rude.With that said I still would never be rude to a smoker. As long as you are smoking in a designated area who are they to complain or make gestures? Why bother when you can move to any other area of the ship where smoking is not allowed.I wish everyone in the world would quit smoking, I also wish people would quit driving drunk. Until they do, think how lucky us non smokers/drunk drivers are to have there vices overshadow the seriousness of all of ours.:rolleyes:

[Logie]

I don't smoke, but if you are in a designated smoking section, and want to smoke, I say smoke 'em if you got 'em. If I happen to be in the same area and have a problem with the smoke, that's my problem, not yours. You have the right of way.

 

I agree, if you are in the smoking section and you don't like the smoke for goodness sakes get out of there.

 

I am an ex smoker and the only place on a ship that was ever too smoky for me is the cigar/sports bar. Bewteen the ciagrs and all of the casino employees it's quite unbearable at times.

[muffydawg]

What ever happened to personal accountability and responsibility? If you see the area is non smoking and you are a smoker, don't smoke there. If you are a non smoker and can READ the signs which say smoking is allowed, take accountability for your own actions and don't hang out in the smoking section!

 

Personally, I would rather be in the casino or bar next to a smoker than in a restaurant/ the dining room seated next to screaming unbehaved kids...it's all a matter of keeping things in life in perspective. Thank goodness we live in a country where these freedoms exist.

[chasetf]

Given the reaction to this whole smoking issue, I can't understand why the non-smoking Carnival ship disappeared. You'd think, given the whining, moaning, and complaining, that non-smoking ships would sell-out left, right and centre.

Easy...old ship going to uninteresting destinations.....:)