Celebrity's new smoking policy

[Leejnd4]

For the nice folks who talk about the Star Princess fire being started by someone who was smoking on balconies you might want to read the MAIB report on this fire. This will be helpful for facts on this fire.

 

You are correct - the fire was started by a smoldering cigarette that LANDED on someone's balcony. I actually knew that, so I used the wrong words in my earlier post when I mentioned a fire started by someone "smoking on a balcony". What I should have said was the fire was started by "a cigarette on a balcony". Not that that changes the context of my post...it still stands.

 

But thanks for point that out.

[marle7]

Are you seriously going to nitpick my post to this level?

 

Okay, the reason I said it doesn't change the context of my post is because the point of that paragraph in my post was that I DON'T believe that Celebrity enacted this policy for insurance/liability reasons - because if they did, they'd probably restrict smoking all ALL outdoor areas, since the fire on Princess started from a cigarette that may very well not have originated on a balcony at all...so in reality, the point about the cig coming from elsewhere reinforces my point.

 

I was simply responding to the fact that someone pointed out I got my facts wrong in my post, so I confirmed that they were correct. But it really adds nothing to this discussion...so I'll leave it at that.

 

 

No, sorry! I wasn't trying to nitpick your post in particular. My error. I was just trying to point out to all those who use this fire as a reason to ban smoking on a balcony was that it didn't start by a smoker on a balcony. a smoker, yes, I'll grant that one. So yes, they'd have to totally ban smoking and I just don't think we're there yet. In a couple of years? Quite likely. I think I need to go have a glass of wine. Maybe two. :D

[Leejnd4]

No, sorry! I wasn't trying to nitpick your post in particular. My error. I was just trying to point out to all those who use this fire as a reason to ban smoking on a balcony was that it didn't start by a smoker on a balcony. a smoker, yes, I'll grant that one. So yes, they'd have to totally ban smoking and I just don't think we're there yet. In a couple of years? Quite likely. I think I need to go have a glass of wine. Maybe two. :D

 

Thanks for clarifying. :) I think I need a glass of wine too! Hey, it's 5:00 somewhere. (oh right, it's 5:00 HERE!) :D

[gillianrose]

There are enough choices out there for both smokers and non smokers. .

 

I don't agree with that statement. Yes, the situation is improving. Yes, thank goodness, one of our favorite cruise lines is one of the first stepping up to the plate and offering a much more smoke-free cruise vacation, but we still are extremely limited by the few itineraries offered to us here on the West Coast, especially in California, and most particularly, San Francisco, our home port.

 

We love Alaska, but we have cruised there enough to claim residency in the 49th state and Celebrity is not offering much, if anything, of interest to us which will not require us to fly at least one way to the East Coast in a season in which we can travel. We will probably still do it, but the one San Francisco departure through the Panama Canal (an annual repositioning cruise) is earlier than we'd like to go, as Mexico (which we love) is still hot as blazes in October. We know that from longer land vacations we have taken. Spring would be nice, but that's out altogether due to our schedules.

 

While we prefer San Diego to Los Angeles as a port, we find Los Angeles easier for flights and even doable (ugh) as a drive down Interstate 5. We would really like to take some cruises out of San Francisco, too.

 

There are other cruise lines that sail out of San Francisco, but their smoking policies STINK (pun intended).

[puli]

Hi Puli,

I find this topic very interesting as well and I wonder if smokers will move to other lines (and also whether other lines will follow Celebrity's lead.)

 

Perhaps if you post a poll with your question, and a list of cruise lines to choose from, it will give a better indication of what people who smoke plan on doing. Polls get a lot more responses as many people are happy to indicate their choices without having to post a message. Just my thoughts.:)

 

Hi, Susan-M, I know you do polls very well but I do not so "be my guest"! I too would be very interested to see if smokers would move to HAL, Princess, RCL etc, and if non smokers would specifically move to Celebrity. Puli

[gillianrose]

Hi, Susan-M, I know you do polls very well but I do not so "be my guest"! I too would be very interested to see if smokers would move to HAL, Princess, RCL etc, and if non smokers would specifically move to Celebrity. Puli

 

Here's how I will answer that poll.

 

We will ONLY cruise on lines that restrict smoking SIGNIFICANTLY, (i.e. at a MINIMUM—no smoking permitted in cabins and balconies, plus smoke-free public rooms, with a possible exception that some minor entirely closed-off rooms may be set aside for smokers).

 

That means that we will limit ourselves to CELEBRITY, AZAMARA, OCEANIA, and maybe REGENT (more expensive), plus we are considering a back to back of an ocean cruise in Europe with a river cruise there, since nearly all the river cruise lines restrict smoking SIGNIFICANTLY.

 

CELEBRITY is our first choice, but we are considering the others I have mentioned, too.

 

There may be some other lines that meet our criteria now and for sure there will be more in the future. Still, we do like Celebrity best, so far.

[Susan-M]

Hi, Susan-M, I know you do polls very well but I do not so "be my guest"! I too would be very interested to see if smokers would move to HAL, Princess, RCL etc, and if non smokers would specifically move to Celebrity. Puli

 

Hi Puli,

I've posted the poll and it's pretty much what you've asked in your OP here. With the limitation on CC polls, I couldn't fit in the question for non-smokers moving to Celebrity without allowing multiple answers...and that skews the results. So, I've directed it to smokers only.

[puli]

Susan-M, thanks for posting the poll. Looks great! It certainly will be interesting to see the selected cruising preferences. Puli

[Susan-M]

Susan-M, thanks for posting the poll. Looks great! It certainly will be interesting to see the selected cruising preferences. Puli

Thank you.:) Now, if you want to post a poll to find out what the non-smokers will do, here's how you do it: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=743847&highlight=polls

[CrazyCarrie3]

I couldn't be happier about this new policy, but my husband is ticked. He loves a good cigar when we cruise.

[PurpleCow]

I'm a "hybrid" smoke, so to speak. Sometimes I smoke and sometimes I don't and when I do smoke it's a pack or two a week. I did not smoke on our Centruy TA or our Regatta trans-canal. I did smoke on both of our recent HAL cruises, a cigarette or two on our balcony and never in any other area of the ship. So I don't have a problem with restricting smoking to a few small areas. Most, if not all, of the hotels we've stayed in lately have been completely non-smoking, with more and more jumping on the bandwagon every day. When we stay in those hotels, if I want to have a cigarette, I have to get dressed and go outside, and the weather isn't always conducive to "enjoying" my smoke. But here's the difference between hotels and cruise ships: When you stay in a non-smoking hotel you do have the option of stepping outside (well away from the entrance) to smoke. If you were on a completely non-smoking cruise ship you wouldn't have that option. Now, given that so many hotels and, heck, ALL the restaurants in Florida and I guess a lot of other places, are non-smoking, I'm not surprised that cruise lines are going in the same direction. As long as the option to "step outside" for a smoke is available, I don't have a problem with it.

[mtwingcpa]

We will ONLY cruise on lines that restrict smoking SIGNIFICANTLY, (i.e. at a MINIMUM—no smoking permitted in cabins and balconies, plus smoke-free public rooms, with a possible exception that some minor entirely closed-off rooms may be set aside for smokers).

 

Likewise, but I would add substantial restrictions to ON DECK smoking, since I like to spend a lot of time outside and am not likely to book a balcony cabin. Perhaps smoking could be permitted on the aft portion of certain decks.

[gillianrose]

Likewise, but I would add substantial restrictions to ON DECK smoking, since I like to spend a lot of time outside and am not likely to book a balcony cabin. Perhaps smoking could be permitted on the aft portion of certain decks.

 

I want substantial restrictions on ON DECK smoking, too, but there is one area where I would like it banned altogether and that is the aft deck which includes the tables for dining (behind the Lido cafe'). And absolutely NO CIGAR SMOKING there, please!

[hajekfam]

I want substantial restrictions on ON DECK smoking, too, but there is one area where I would like it banned altogether and that is the aft deck which includes the tables for dining (behind the Lido cafe'). And absolutely NO CIGAR SMOKING there, please!

I too agree with the aft deck area with the tables for eating being declared a non-smoking area - it is a dining area for those that prefer to eat outdoors and since smoking isn't allowed in the dining rooms, it shouldn't be allowed there (or anywhere where food is available or tables are available for dining).

[Drew B]

We will ONLY cruise on lines that restrict smoking SIGNIFICANTLY, (i.e. at a MINIMUM—no smoking permitted in cabins and balconies, plus smoke-free public rooms, with a possible exception that some minor entirely closed-off rooms may be set aside for smokers).

 

That means that we will limit ourselves to CELEBRITY, AZAMARA, OCEANIA, and maybe REGENT (more expensive), plus we are considering a back to back of an ocean cruise in Europe with a river cruise there, since nearly all the river cruise lines restrict smoking SIGNIFICANTLY.

 

CELEBRITY is our first choice, but we are considering the others I have mentioned, too.

 

 

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Celebrity meets your criteria. Celebrity has said that a lounge will permit smoking on each ship, but nowhere did they say that lounge would be "minor" and they certainly did not say it would be "entirely closed-off". Moreover, part of the casino will continue to permit smoking, and that area is most definitely is NOT minor, nor closed off. Sorry.

[forensic]

As a non smoker I hope to book balconies again. We had a nice balcony on a 26 day back to back last October. But it seemed that every time we wanted to just enjoy a few quiet moments, someone up wind was smoking. I mean at 6:00AM, or 2 or 10:00PM. We rarely could enjoy more tha 5 minutes of smoke free relaxing.

 

So three weeks ago we finished 21 days of back to back on the Constellation. But after that lousy experience last October, we just booked a window cabin. I heard some negative comments on the Constellation cruise as well of passengers who could not enjoy their balconies.

 

So if Celebrity changes their policy to prohibit smoking on balconies, I will definitely book balconies again on Celebrity.

 

I agree with you 100% ! We did not stop booking balconies but we were not quite as unlucky as you. We did have a number of smokers that chased us from our balcony a number of times. Once we had gone out there to enjoy a wonderful CC breakfast. The smoker:mad: was right next to us, hanging over the end of his aft balcony in the corner that joined our balcony. I went over and asked him if he would PLEASE refrain from smoking long enough for us to finish our breakfast and then we promised to let him have the balcony the rest of the day. Well I did realize his wife was out there with him, and she yelled at him and told him to "put that stupid thing out!" She said he was hanging over the balcony edge because she hated his smoking too. Anyway we had a lovely breakfast, and he cut back on his smoking:D

 

But we are THRILLED with the new smoking policy - that is the problem with smokers - they are so rude. Twice onboard cruise ships I have had pieces of clothing get burn holes in them because some stupid drunk with a cigarette 'fell' into me! The only think worse than a smoker is a drunk smoker!

[riteonglor]

What I do not understand is this, if only 20 percent of the population smoke...how is it that you could possibly get surrounded on your balcony from all sides with smokers? Or one below and one to the side. What are the odds of that? Sounds like some people like to make things sound a whole lot worse then what they are.

Now, with way more choice's of ships and rules, why would anyone choose a ship that still allows smoking on balconies, if that is such a problem for you. Get on the ship that doesn't allow it. So simple, instead of trying to make it tough for someone that might enjoy a smoke on the balcony. No one pays for a balcony cabin to sit out there all day smoking when they can do it at home for no cost. They came to enjoy all the fine things to do on the ship. It seems to me the non smoker's are just not happy unless they have a smoker to gripe about. Other wise they would go with a ship that they wouldn't have to have their cruise ruined by those nasty smokers.

Now I understand why someone came up with the saying, "get a life."

[ShedQueen77]

But we are THRILLED with the new smoking policy - that is the problem with smokers - they are so rude.

 

Wow. What a broad, unfair generalization. :(

 

I smoke, as you probably figured out from my cabin selection thread. While on our last cruise (and our first! :)), I saw my "upstairs neighbor" leaning over his railing. I asked him if my smoking on the balcony would be a problem. He laughed and held up his hand, which he had a cigarette in, but thanked me for being polite and concerned. I also asked my neighbors on the other sides of me if my smoking was a problem. Both couples seemed sort of shocked that I asked, but assured me it was OK. I made it clear to them to just let me know if I was bothering them. I don't have a problem with that at all. Now if you get in my face and are rude...that's another story! :)

 

See, not all smokers are rude. We aren't villains hell bent on making sure everyone is exposed to our evil second hand smoke.

 

Smokers being "rude" is not a fair generalization to make. We're people too and most of us are pretty nice ones at that! :) Trust me, I've encountered several rude NON smokers in my lifetime. You know, the fake "cough and gag" when a non-smokers enters a smoking permitted area, etc... It's not a trait that is limited to the habits one has. ;)

[ShedQueen77]

I want substantial restrictions on ON DECK smoking, too, but there is one area where I would like it banned altogether and that is the aft deck which includes the tables for dining (behind the Lido cafe'). And absolutely NO CIGAR SMOKING there, please!

 

Why not just throw all the smokers overboard and be done with it? :rolleyes:

 

What ever happened to compromise? You (general you throughout the post) don't want the smokers smoking inside. Fine. We move outside. You don't want the smokers on the balconies? Fine, move us to the outer decks. I have no problem with either, or I wouldn't be getting ready to book a Celebrity cruise.

 

However, where is the compromise on the part of the non-smokers? Seriously, the only solution to this problem is going to have to have some sort compromise from BOTH sides. The smokers gave and now you want them to give more and you concede nothing? :confused: As long as smoking is a legal activity in which many paying customers participate (are addicted to, term it how you like ;)) you aren't going to get it 100% your way. Celebrity sees it by restricting without 100% taking it away, why can't you?

[Leejnd4]

Celebrity sees it by restricting without 100% taking it away, why can't you?

I think the issue is that smokers impose something unpleasant and unhealthful on non-smokers. Non-smokers do not impose anything on smokers. They simply want non-smokers to stop imposing on them. That, IMO, is why you will probably not see non-smokers feeling any need to compromise.

 

Hopefully this will help smokers to understand the mindset of non-smokers a little better.

[ShedQueen77]

I think the issue is that smokers impose something unpleasant and unhealthful on non-smokers. Non-smokers do not impose anything on smokers. They simply want non-smokers to stop imposing on them. That, IMO, is why you will probably not see non-smokers feeling any need to compromise.

 

Hopefully this will help smokers to understand the mindset of non-smokers a little better.

 

I really do understand a non-smoker's concerns, which is why I am always making sure I affect the minimal amount of people possible. I have three children that I try very hard to protect from my habit. The only exposure to SHS they get from me is the smell that comes from my clothing. Not totally good but in reality, not a huge risk either in the big picture. Someday, I will quit. I'm just not in the right mindset yet! :)

 

The smokers have moved everywhere they've been asked/forced to so that life a bit easier for the non-smokers. If you don't want be around a smoker, is it really that hard to avoid the few areas the smokers have left? Do you (general) have to have every single part of the ship to your liking?

 

Someone mentioned restricting/banning smoking on the outer decks. IMHO, that is ridiculous. You are outdoors, not in a confined space. Your temporary exposure to SHS on an outside deck isn't going to hurt you any more than walking down the street at home and sucking in all the pollution around you. If my memory serves correctly, there are only certain sides of the ship you can smoke on the outer decks. Why not just move to the side that doesn't allow smoking? Why make your presence known in an area you (general) clearly don't want to be, knowing there IS a non-smoking area of the same 'value', and then think you have the right to complain?

 

I guess I'm sort of wearing the proverbial rose-colored glasses in thinking that the simple solution would be that each side gives a little and life is happy. :o

 

I think the biggest problem with this issue is that the words that people (general again) use when arguing their positions, not realizing how their words put people on the defensive. Being called rude, inconsiderate, stupid, stinky, etc... is an easy way to get someone riled up and then the feathers fly. ;)

 

ETA- The last paragraph applies to BOTH sides of the fence, except for no one is calling the non-smokers stinky! ;) :D

[brigittetom]

I normally, without exception, read all the posts before replying. This is obviously the same controversy.

 

We were on the Jewel, European, last October. Smoking was restricted to the max. It was allowed on the balcony. We asked left and right if the other occupants would mind if we smoked occasionally on the balcony. Both said that they wouldn't know the difference. The Conceriege Club doesn't allow smoking but the empty disco across the hall did so that was a great place for a cigarette break and a fun conversation with the bartender who was only too happy to have a smoker at the bar.

 

The Schooner bar area was no smoking, the beautiful bar in the back was restricted except for a small area at the rear. There is no where near the diningroom on RCL where you can possibly go to have a cigarette. What exactly do the non-smokers want?? Logically, a non smoking ship but since most public rooms are non smoking, where exactly are you going to run into a smoking group that is going to interfere with your health? Trust me, a few whiffs of smoke does not cause lung cancer and as for the few that are so allergic to smoke, you don't have to endure it unless you walk straight into the very few smoking sections. Logically, it's a big ship and since we know where the few areas are where we can smoke, you can figure out the rest of the big ship where smoking is not allowed.

 

I will admit that I feel sorry for all the cruiser souls who get deathly ill at just the smell of smoke on the open decks of the Caribbean. Barbeques must be hell.

[Saga Ruby]

We were on the Jewel, European, last October. Smoking was restricted to the max. It was allowed on the balcony. We asked left and right if the other occupants would mind if we smoked occasionally on the balcony. Both said that they wouldn't know the difference. The Conceriege Club doesn't allow smoking but the empty disco across the hall did so that was a great place for a cigarette break and a fun conversation with the bartender who was only too happy to have a smoker at the bar.

 

The Schooner bar area was no smoking, the beautiful bar in the back was restricted except for a small area at the rear. There is no where near the diningroom on RCL where you can possibly go to have a cigarette. What exactly do the non-smokers want?? Logically, a non smoking ship but since most public rooms are non smoking, where exactly are you going to run into a smoking group that is going to interfere with your health? Trust me, a few whiffs of smoke does not cause lung cancer and as for the few that are so allergic to smoke, you don't have to endure it unless you walk straight into the very few smoking sections. Logically, it's a big ship and since we know where the few areas are where we can smoke, you can figure out the rest of the big ship where smoking is not allowed.

 

I will admit that I feel sorry for all the cruiser souls who get deathly ill at just the smell of smoke on the open decks of the Caribbean. Barbeques must be hell.

 

As a lifelong nonsmoker, I would like to say "Cheers!" to Brigittetom. Wonderfully put, especially the "barbecue" analogy. A tip of the hat to you for your consideration of those around you.

 

The details of us versus them is not important. It is all about respect for our fellow human beings, smokers and nonsmokers, not right or wrong.

 

There are enough ships with enough latitude in their smoking rules for everyone. Make a choice of a cruise line that suits you and move on. Nattering at each other never changed a thing.

 

Ruby

[SoCalGal]

Folks ~ let's stay on the topic of the original question (I know it's hard)....and that how will the new smoking policy affect whether or not you sail with Celebrity. It's not to discuss the health aspects of smoking....

 

Anne,

 

This is a quote from a letter I received from Celebrity after I wrote and thanked them for their new smoking policy:

 

(With all of the negative feedback we are receiving, your comments are quite refreshing. Celebrity Cruises has introduced the new smoking policy in order to provide a cleaner and healthier environment for our guests onboard all our vessels.

 

We thank you for your support.

 

 

Thank you for choosing Celebrity Cruises.

 

Teresa Gray

Customer Service Representative)

 

 

Celebrity does not agree with you...they are very concerned about a "cleaner and healthier" environment that they want to provide for all their passengers. I for one am pleased that they have the courage to take this stance and because of this I will look to Celebrity as my first choice for a cruise. I wish that Princess had the same policy.

 

SoCalGal

[Captain Jake]

What I do not understand is this, if only 20 percent of the population smoke...how is it that you could possibly get surrounded on your balcony from all sides with smokers? Or one below and one to the side. What are the odds of that? Sounds like some people like to make things sound a whole lot worse then what they are.

Now, with way more choice's of ships and rules, why would anyone choose a ship that still allows smoking on balconies, if that is such a problem for you. Get on the ship that doesn't allow it. So simple, instead of trying to make it tough for someone that might enjoy a smoke on the balcony. No one pays for a balcony cabin to sit out there all day smoking when they can do it at home for no cost. They came to enjoy all the fine things to do on the ship. It seems to me the non smoker's are just not happy unless they have a smoker to gripe about. Other wise they would go with a ship that they wouldn't have to have their cruise ruined by those nasty smokers.

Now I understand why someone came up with the saying, "get a life."

 

Now that Celebrity is non-smoking on the balconies I can say to all smokers who have a problem with it "GET A LIFE!" While there are still choices out there for smokers to enjoy a balcony and smoke