Smoking policy

[CookingBilly]

I am glad that I chose the name CookingBilly and not "PuffingBilly"

 

Best wishes to you all.:D

[TedC]

I am glad that I chose the name CookingBilly and not "PuffingBilly"

 

Best wishes to you all.:D

 

 

As I recall, "Puffing Billy" was the name of a beloved vintage train we rode in Australia a few years ago. It was a blast (we didn't inhale)!

[annierie]

We will be first timers on Mariner and just made a deposit. This smoking thing could be a deal breaker. We've sailed on other luxury lines with no smoke drift, and I don't want to pay for luxury and have to deal with smoke issues. Regent, listen to the majority.

 

Regent veterans, please tell me it doesn't happen all the time.

 

It doesn't happen all the time, but it can happen on a cruise with a larger than average contingent of non-US citizens on board. CookingBilly just returned from a Circle South America cruise, which probably had more SA patrons on board. Some other countries have not implemented strict smoking rules like the US has.

 

You can find the same problem in restaurants in hotels overseas. If it really bothers you, there's not much you can do about it there.

 

And, I will venture a guess that the small number of people who ignored the rules on Mariner on CookingBilly's cruise are those who aren't subject to the restrictions imposed on us here in certain parts of the US.

 

Doesn't make it any better, but it does explain why it might have been the case.

 

We had similar problems in Greece and Turkey a few years ago. Smoking in restaurants and hotels. Uncontrolled smoking, and much more of it than we were used to.

[curiouscruiser]

When did Seabourn change its smoking policy and what is it?

[johnnycruise]

When did Seabourn change its smoking policy and what is it?

 

I believe it has been over a year. Seabourn now occasionally offers dining on deck to accommodate smokers since the Restaurant is now smoke-free.

 

http://www.seabourn.com/FAQ/FAQ.asp?Cat=&View=ViewArticle&Mode=News&ContentID=2730&Main=PlanCruise&Sec=FAQ&Sub=

[traveller333]

Cookingbilly, I was on 2 segments of the SA cruise and it's hard for me to believe we're talking about the same cruise? I never experienced or heard mention of excessive smoking or people smoking where they shouldn't. IMO, it was the best cruise we've taken yet. Maybe this is a case of making mountains out of mole hills. Also loved meeting several other CC readers onboard. The Mariner (and all Regent ships) are #1.

[CookingBilly]

:eek: Hi Traveller333

I see from your other posts that this is a subject that is not new to you, your comment should be taken in context with your other posts.

[OrpingtonT]

:eek: Hi Traveller333

 

I see from your other posts that this is a subject that is not new to you, your comment should be taken in context with your other posts.

 

I am puzzled. Traveller333 seemed to me to be putting a view based on personal experience and his previous posts which I looked up did not seem to me to be at variance. Can you help and explain please? Smoking is an important subject and I do not want my cruise spoilt because of some smokers' lack of consideration.

[sundial]

My husband and I are nonsmokers who have been on several Regent cruises including two weeks in China and Japan on the Mariner last fall. We have never found the presence of smoke to be a problem in the cabins and haven't been bothered by smokers in the dining venues or lounges. I would certainly hate to see anyone cancel a cruise based on posts in this thread without trying the line for themselves. Regent provides a wonderful cruise experience.

[OrpingtonT]

My husband and I are nonsmokers who have been on several Regent cruises including two weeks in China and Japan on the Mariner last fall. We have never found the presence of smoke to be a problem in the cabins and haven't been bothered by smokers in the dining venues or lounges. I would certainly hate to see anyone cancel a cruise based on posts in this thread without trying the line for themselves. Regent provides a wonderful cruise experience.

 

 

That is my experience and view also.

[dd@sea]

I have hesitated in posting on this subject but feel the need to. My husband is a pipe smoker and I am and always have been a non-smoker. I am twixt and tween on this matter in regards to our last trip on the Mariner, November 2006 Australia to Auckland NZ. My husband obeyed the smoking areas on the ship - always outside on an open deck in the designated area with perhaps 3 nights, of the over two week time frame, in the late evening out on our balcony with his cognac and pipe. Never did he smoke in the cabin, same as at home, never in the house.

 

However, in the cabin adjoining, was a very nice lady who happened to start smoking cigarettes upon awakening until late into the evening. Her smoke permeated the walls enough to wake me every morning to the accrid smell of smoke coming through the walls. I asked our attendant finally where that smoke smell was coming from. She tried in vain to spray but the morning smell never escaped us.

 

I think I am fair in uderstanding both sides but must admit this time it was not pleasant on the Mariner in comparison to the five previous crusies on the Regent line. It was enough for me to mention to the attendant and remark on the comment card.

[kmd]

Well said Dougburns. My husband is a very considerate smoker (but not a "sick individual") and I am a non-smoker. I have always found the Regent ships handle the smoke well and I have observed smoke ventilation devices in some of the smoking areas. We have over 200 days of sailing with Regent and should they decide to ban smoking on their ships we will no longer sail with this line. I certainly hope it does not come to that because Regent has become our cruise line of choice.

[Travelcat2]

This thread and the fact that we're going to cruise on the Navigator next week prompted us to call Regent this morning (Saturday). We have been on the PG and Voyager previously -- no smoking issues at all.

 

Regent claims that you can smoke in your cabin (balcony included -- unfortunately) but not in public places. My concern was reading that the non-smoking side of the ship was the "port" side. I understand that this is in their literature somewhere. However, smokers can smoke in any cabin. Since this cruise will be mostly American's, I doubt if there will be an over abundance of smokers.

 

This is all a bit confusing since bars and restaurants are public places -- just hope the smoke in the lounge areas stay on the smoking side:confused:

 

In terms of Regent going non-smoking -- I would be very surprised if it did not follow most of the U.S., and Europe in terms of not smoking in any bars or restaurant areas. Saying that you won't go on Regent if it is non-smoking reminds me of when the California smoking bans went into effect. At first, some places tried to cheat on the law -- many people refused to go to restaurants and bars. Ultimately, the change was accepted -- smokers just go outside. Totally non-smoking ships and hotels (like Marriott) don't seem to be losing any business.

 

All of these posts sound a bit angry -- for me it boils down to the fact that smokers do have a right to smoke as long as their smoke does not waft into anyone else's space.

[ChatKat in Ca.]

The Regent ships used to enforce smoking on Port and not on starboard - they don't any longer although it's in their printed materials that people don't always read. On Mariner in August, there were smokers in Horizon Lounge during a performance and even though the room was full, the smokers smoked. I, and several others, left because, even when they were asked, it was allowed and they could have cared less if it bothered others. They actually blew it toward the non smoking side. I spoke to the Cruise Director and he agreed it should have been changed - it was the only entertainment for that evening! Also, if you have a smoker who uses their balcony for smoking or leaves their balcony door open while you are on your verandah, you will smell their smoke. I love everything about Regent but their smoking policy.

 

I won a cruise (yes, no fare required!) on Oceania and I am thrilled to try them because of their tough stance on smoking on the ship. I know there will be some trade off of luxury and I will have to determine how much I am willing to compromise after that cruise for future cruises, although I am also booked on the Grand Crossing in November on RSSC.

[jhp]

First off, I am one of those nasty smokers. But I try to be a considerate one when I am on a cruise. I would never light up in a crowded Horizon's Lounge. All you have to do is open the door and go outside 4 feet from the "smoking allowed" area, which is what I do in that venue if I want to smoke. But I want to be able to smoke on my balcony, so long as I am not disturbing anyone downwind of me. There are no totally smoke-free cruise lines, or even ships within them that I know of. I believe Carnival tried it once on one of their ships and it didn't work. Oceania seems to offer the best for a non-smoker who can't abide it, as smoking is allowed only in a very limited area out on the deck. That's why I, as a consumer, won't consider a cruise with them! All the better for the non-smokers!

 

Funny, this debate rears its head every so often, we all vent, and things don't change.

[ChatKat in Ca.]

Olivia,

 

If all smokers were as kind and considerate as you are, there would never be an issue. I would take a cruise with you any time. I smoked for a number of years and I completely understand that if you smoke you want to have a choice. Since quitting, I am allergic to cigarette smoke and it physcially makes me sick. It is unfair to expect someone to be exposed to smoke if there are arrangments in place that will meet the needs of all parties.

 

An example is the casino - it's allowed and as a non-smoker, I perfectly accept that to go there I will be exposed to smoking. Even if I don't like it. I don't need to be in the casino and I can avoid that venue (although I do love to play!) But in the privacy of my verandah, I should be allowed to be in a smoke free enviornment. If Regent adhered to it's policy of smoking on one side of the ship, that would satisfy everyone. We'd all have a choice!

 

But the sad fact is that so many smokers feel that if it is allowed then the non smoker is to blame for their choice not to smoke. If you have a room full of non-smokers in a lounge, you would not be so rude as to blow smoke in their direction.

[joannapvb]

OH the ugly smoking thread again a big no win..."I" sooo hope the people trying Oceania vs Regent will be thrilled and very thrilled and keep cruising Oceania if smoking is such an issue for them - so much "drama" from "some" - I cruised with one drama "queen" - anything for attention on many issues - so for newbies try Regent you'll be delighted !!!

[yarlenna]

I was thinking about Regent - - Now I hear that the smoking thing will prevent me from sailing with them. Grrr. Oceania was sold! I am not going to list my health problems, but just remember that the old poem "'Do Not Ask For Whom the Bell Tolls, It Tolls For Thee."

[LHT28]

. Oceania was sold!"

 

Do you mean all their cruises are booked up??

[yarlenna]

Do you mean all their cruises are booked up??

 

No, Oceania was sold. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=504076

[marylizbeth]

[And let me toss one final incindary - every 4 days as many Americans die from smoking related illness as were killed on 9/11. Its not just a nasty habit.

 

Yes, you are soooo right. I think it is really a shame that Regent allows smoking on board. If they are going to allow it they should have one little corner off on the corner of the ship (outside) where no one else can come into contact.

 

A few months back I got involved in a rather heated set of posts with a lot of people who weren't as enlightened as this group--is it nice to hear form like minded souls.

 

Also...I got into a fight with a man who was smoking a cigar on the pool deck at the bar. His rotten smoke was billowing through the deck and all those eating at the tables had to smell the putrid stuff. I said to him, "you know you are making people sick with that cigar here--they are trying to eat." He nearly knocked me over with his nasty retort and then said, "go away, I am on vacation". I felt soooo sorry for the bartenders who had to stand there while he puffed cigar smoke in their face EVERY DAY for HOURS at a time. It was BAD!

 

I am all for a smoke free cruise. And for those smokers (whom I really have a great deal of sympathy for) who are so addicted and cannot quit I have no problem if the ship wants to set up a room like they have at the Las Vegas airport, or as I said let them smoke off the side of the ship where on one else will be affected.

 

Second Hand smoke, just like first hand smoke--does kill.

[LHT28]

No, Oceania was sold. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=504076

 

I don't think it was sold just got funding from Apollo to forge ahead with the new builds

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=ff31de0e-912e-46fb-bf54-9dfc4f87b228&PRUID=ece42d73-43e4-463e-958b-f4c61bff3eeb

 

That is the way I see it.

Mr DelRio posted (#83) that nothing will change.

 

We also will probably forgo sailing on Regent because of their smoking policy and stick with Oceania.

[suefalls]

About 15% of the adult US population smokes. The number is probably somwhat lower for Regent's clientelle (since smoking rates drop with affluance.)

 

Where is the your source for these "facts"? Sounds like a crock to me. That being said, my husband is a nonsmoker, who believes he is allergic to smoke, and he never had a problem anywhere last year on the Mariner. I think most smokers are very courteous, and do our best to not bother non-smokers. The only time I noticed a smoke smell was in the casino when it was very crowded. I don't think anyone would regret sailing with RSSC

[Travelcat2]

The Oceania vs. Regent discussion is an old one. I'm curious why it continues since they are not in the same classification. Regent is a "luxury", all-inclusive cruise line -- Oceania is not. For the price we pay on Regent, we could stay in one of the two top cabins on the ship yet we stay with Regent. We want to eat when we want and have our choice of a table of two or join a table for 8 -- we do not want to pay for extras or figure out the tip. We do not want to be served by employees that do not make a "living wage" are, instead, are dependent upon tips.

 

It sounds like Oceania is non-smoking -- good for them! Still, smoking has not, yet, been an issue on our cruises. On our Regent cruise this week, I'll pay special attention to smoking and non-smoking areas in an attempt to learn what Regent cruisers are talking about.

 

This sounds like an angry post -- it really isn't. I love these boards and enjoy reading different experiences and opinions. What I fail to understand is why there is a constant comparison of apples and oranges (i.e. Oceania vs. Regent or other really good cruise lines being compared to the very few luxury lines). In our opinion, there just isn't a comparison to be made.:)

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I don't think that comparing apples and oranges is necessarily bad. Some diehard Regent cruisers wonder if Oceania would be fun, and good value. I think we're aware it might not be as luxurious as Regent, but that it might still be a very nice experience, with interesting ports, for a good price, without compromising the things we hold dear too much.

 

As for smoking, it's never been a problem for us, and I believe Oceania does have some place on the ship for smokers. It should be familiar to a lot of working smokers--huddled together by the office door, but there's camaraderie at least. I frankly don't support the complete banning of smoking on Regent, I think smokers are by and large considerate, and should not be treated like pariahs.