As I said earlier, I've never smoked in my cabin or in the dining room(s), so the only "change" for me would be the balcony. Personally, I can survive that. I can survive having my cigarettes in the designated areas. And all you non smokers I think are being very kind, very thoughtful and cosiderate to those of us addicted.

There are, of course, non smokers who are not as pleasant, I've run into them on the ships. For example, on last month's cruise, I was having a cigarette and a drink at the pool bar, and was engaged in the most wonderful conversation with this pensioner from England. His friend came up to say something to him, and immediately turned to me and said "I'd stay, but SHE'S smoking", and stormed off. I felt like crying. My pensioner was so embarassed. There's really no need for that kind of response, this was one of the few designated smoking areas, I wasn't out of line (and, I was there with cigarette lit up first!).

So, it means a lot to me that all you non smokers, who truly would prefer none of us smoke (and rightfully so), recognize the addiction, aren't making us feel like the scum of the earth. Which is what we feel like 90% of the time anyway. At least on Regent, unlike most cities, we can have a cigarette and be "sheltered from the storm". We can have a cigarette AND a drink (what a concept) under an awning in the rain, or under an umbrella. You can't do that in Toronto! It's illegal.

In fact, I would say smokers are the only group in the world, that it's not only acceptable to discriminate against, it's become legislated to do so. You must, according to the law here, descriminate against them. Not shelter them from the storm. Illegal, to allow them to sit under an awning in the rain or snow.

I personally will not stop sailing Regent as a result of the new rules....they're a great outfit. I hope that they fare better than bars and pubs in Toronto did. The non smokers vowed and swore to frequent these places more once the laws were enacted, but the sad reality is, they didn't. The keeners didn't pick up the slack, so many businesses have suffered. I understand tht, because I don't go out to restaurants and/or bars often any more, I prefer to be in the homes of my friends (or my home), where even if I don't smoke inside (and I don't), I can go into their garage or under an awning for one!

But again, thank you non smokers, doctors, everyone, for not making us feel like we should be shot on sight. This website is so likeable, isn't it. It never gets "ugly", like some others do!

Charlene