I have found almost all smokers on Regent to be thoughtful people. BUT the idea of ditching Regent for another line just because of the limited smoking on board seems. as my mother used to say, "Cutting off your nose to spite your face." It just isn't logical to throw away those marvelous percs to get even with Regent.

McKeever and all:

One thing that we all need to understand is that smoking is an addiction, and a very serious one. As an ex-smoker of ten years, I can tell you how difficult it was for me to stop. In addition, the addiction is much stronger for some people than for others. As a result, some are never able to quit. Smoking is gradually phasing out as "don't start" campaigns seem to be working. But in the meantime, we need to understand that addiction to smoking is actually more of a disability than it is "bad conduct." It is not recognized as a disability by any of the laws covering same, but it is a disability nonetheless.

When I was a smoker, there is no way I would have enjoyed a week or more on a ship with the smoking restrictions Regent is adopting. I would not have booked -- period.

Dolebludger, This is a really good point. I thought it was rather draconian when my corporation banned smoking...even on the property. Considering it was a 100 acre campus with all the buildings removed from the street with about a 10 minute trip office to outside of property, I thought that this rule was horrible. Many folks chose to take retirement. Others sneak in their cars. Support was offered for folks for free...hypnotism, drugs, etc., but I really felt for the smokers. My daughter felt the brunt when she was told she couldn't smoke in her corporate car. She finally gave it up with the help of doctors.

Yes, I wish more money and energy would be spent in finding better drugs, medications, and methods to make it easier for people to stop smoking, instead of all the time and energy spent in banning it from this place or that -- even when the reason for doing so is doubtful. That would take care of the smoking problem in a more humane way. Because it is an addiction, and it is a disability -- whether declared so by law or not.

I, too, appreciate not having this thread "closed" as it was on CC (a similiar thread was started yesterday and closed within hours). Thank you "DougW" for the explanation about not offending advertisers -- they must have tobacco industry backing as they permit endless Regent-bashing on other subjects.

"ChatKat" mentioned that several Oceania passengers were former Regent customers that left because of the smoking policy. This was a bit confusing since Regent's current policy is quite liberal.

While I'm extremely pleased with tne new policy, I understand the other side -- somewhat. One point I don't think has been brought up is the wear and tear on the suites. When I smoked (in my prior life) the windows in my car/house would be covered with a film. Also, no matter how cautious a person is, cigarette burns are almost inevitable on carpeting, wood, etc.

It is refreshing to be able to read all sides. I'm still laughing at "kirkys" post about a person getting drunk, letting the cigarette fall and starting a fire . . . yet, alcohol isn't banned (don't think the fire was funny -- just that it sounded as if alcohol, rather than the cigarette, started the fire). Guess it's one of those things that is better before it's explained.

While I don't feel Regent will be impacted financially from being the first to announce this change, it will be a more even playing field when most ships have similiar policies.

Travelcat - perhaps you did not understand my comment about people leaving RSSC to cruise on Oceania - we met several non-smokers on Oceania who had sailed on RSSC previously and tried Oceania because their strict smoking policy does not allow smoking in staterooms or most public areas. There are two designated areas for smoking on Oceania - one small area near the pool and one isolated corner of their Horizon's Lounge. Regent's policy is that smoking is allowed in one lounge, the cigar club, the disco lounge, staterooms and the casino.

During our RSSC cruise in April Mark Conroy tried to stir the conversation about a possible change in the smoking policy in his "town hall meeting" - most passengers weren't interested in discussing the changes, but I believe that was because most of those on board weren't smokers. I feel as though Regent was let down by the apparent lack of support for a no-smoking policy.

It's clear much the same thing is happening here - we all know fellow passengers who smoke and we're hesitant to offend them.

Tom (my DH) was a very heavy smoker - 4 packs a day at one point. Fortunately he quit about 21 years ago - he said he saw the handwriting on the wall even then! His quality of life is so much better post cigarettes and while it wasn't easy to stop, I feel fortunate that he did and is still here and able to chose to cruise. If he had continued to smoke he wouldn't be!

Any addiction is rough and I hope those who suffer can find a way to quit - and keep cruising with us on Regent.

Okay -- I get it -- thanks ChatKat:-)

Travelcat, I think you misinterpreted Kirky as well. That part of her tongue in cheek comment talked about people falling overboard because of drinking, which has not been banned, rather than smoking.

This board is to be commended for allowing free and open discussion of this issue. I posted the second thread on CC on this matter. Though there was no vulgar language or "flaming" of any other poster, it was deleted. I emailed the moderator and asked why. I told him that I am a moderator on the Mercedes-Benz Club of America board, and am instructed NOT to delete anything that is not vulgar or "flaming." In other words, you are free to post on my board and say "I just bought a new Mercedes and it is a piece of junk!" Not only will you not be deleted, but you will be referred to our ombudsman who will try to help you. The CC moderator hasn't developed the intestinal fortitude to respond to me, and I am not holding my breath. Most of the posts on the referenced thread stated that Regent's new policy was too draconean.

Smoking is a bad addiction. Nobody disagrees with this that I know of. But, after some are addicted, it is not a matter of choice. I have a friend who works in the area of Psychiatric research, who tels me that nicotine (if taken in a way that does not cause lung problems) has actually shown signs of being a useful drug in treating some mild forms of depression and other mild psychiatric disorders. But of course, we don't get such drugs, as "Big Pharma" can't make any money from them as they can't patent a tobacco plant. The benefit MIGHT be that smokers are only "self medicating" themselves for other problems, and could easily stop if alternative medicine were available. But, we won't soon see such medicine with a private pharmaceudical industry.

And that's a shame. Smoking kills some. It only irritates others. But policies like Regent's new one treat only the symptoms, and not the disease. Some of Regent's potential guests became adicted to cigarettes whan there were ads on TV that stated "four out of five doctors recommend Chesterfields." They grew up in a society where 65% of the adults smoked. Now, they are addicted, and virtually banned from many places, including Regent.

The REAL solution (and not a surface one) is the develoment of effective medical treatment that will effectively cause somkers to not want to smoke anymore. All smokers I know would participate. That would be a solution. Things like Regent is doing are just harassment.


Edited by Karen--I found it rather ironic that I had to edit this particular post. ;)

I really see both sides of this. I want to chime in with ChatKat that most of the smokers on Regent are very considerate. Any of you who know Marcie (and who doesn't???) know that she smokes. But I can honestly say I've never, ever actually seen Marcie with a cigarette in her mouth! She simply goes to 'feed the meter' somewhere away from the rest of us.

We don't smoke. I've always been glad I never started, because I know myself well enough that quitting would have then been unlikely. One of our big attractions to the former Renaissance line was their complete ban on smoking. However on the WC the only times smoke bothered us were in the Voyager Lounge (unfortunately, often) and in Compass Rose on the rare occasion we happened to be seated near the small smoking section.

I personally am not unhappy with this new set of rules, but I sympathize with the smokers who are Regent fans.

Time will tell --

Betty

I too appreciate having this thread left open. Though my BIL and sister are trying to quit (a heart attack opened his eyes somewhat...)it truly is a most difficult thing to do. Dad, who has been smoking for over 60 years, has no motivation to quit at this point, and though his doctor tells him of course that it would be better to quit, she also has told him the stress of quitting could cause new problems. I'm lucky to never have smoked - with so many smokers in my family there was no need :p but have a great deal of empathy for those who are addicted. In my last post I stated that I was not equating smokers to people with disabilities but after reading some very thoughtful posts including Richard's I think he has a valid point. Can the new rules work for some? I'm sure they can. I'm just disappointed that they can't work for us and so many others.

I believe other ships will follow suit, we will simply have to hope that we can get a few cruises in in the meantime - on other lines.

For those of you interested in smoking cessation, you may be interested in looking at Clinicaltrials.gov. This is a government website where most on-going clinical trials are listed. There are 76 on-going and soon to be started trials listed. There appears to be a new drug on the horizon which is being studied by Glaxo Smithkline. Free drug or therapy (hypnosis, etc.) is provided for the time you are in the trial. You will be compensated for trial participation. Hope this helps those of you or your families who wish to stop smoking. Another useful site is Centerwatch.

I am confused by the mentalities that are stating that smoking is banned. It is in no way banned but limited to several parts of the ships. Let's not twist the facts.

I didn't get the impression anyone thought it was a shipwide ban. It's a clearly stated policy and as Ngaire said, it is up to each person to decide whether to sail Regent based on their own preferences.

Read the preceding posts and see how often the word "banned" is used. It gives a false impression.

When one can't even smoke in his/her own suite with the doors closed, that is close enough to a "ban" for me to call it a ban! If I smoked, this is the place I would want to do it on a ship, so I wouldn't offend anybody. The places where smoking remains permitted on Regent are so few and far between that, yes, I call it a "ban."

Someone reminded me of an animated cartoon on Cruise Critic in the past - well I can't find it but this about sums it up:

"in his/her own suite"

It always troubles me when I read comments on this smoking/non-smoking topic when someone refers to a cabin in a manner that implies they have proprietary rights to it. These cabins, just like hotel rooms, are only rented for the duration of one's stay or cruise. The terms of use of the cabin are up to the owner, not the renter. And as for not offending anybody by smoking in one's cabin, please refer to Larry's reflection about how pleasant :b: it would be to be the new occupants of a cabin which had just been occupied for 111 days by two very heavy smokers. A quick vacuum of the room is not likely to make it inhabitable. Frankly, to suggest that these restrictions, which are far less rigorous than those on Oceania, are tatamount to a "ban" is pushing it a fair bit, even for those of us retired sharks who are well-accustomed to having been flexible in our use of the language. Cheers (and please feel free to smoke in the designated areas) - Fred

I think Todd is right. Opinions on both sides of this issue have been voiced and noted.

The policy is in place, I highly doubt anything will change and I am sure that Regent was aware that they would lose some passengers as a result of the new policies.

So you have a choice to sail Regent or not as your personal preferences dictate.

I have been asked if people cancelled in emails a lot in the last week so I will share with you what has actually happened this week. Yes they did. I have had three cancellations directly as a result of the new policies. However, I have had two new bookings from people who were planning on Oceania but with the new policies will now sail Regent.

I am not "closing the thread" but respectfully request that any new posts are not for the primary purpose of negating another persons point of view. We all have the rights to our own opinions on this matter.

BTW, for anybody who is trying to quit, the drug Chantix is significantly better than anything else that's been on the market in the past. Not a magic pill by any means but still, definitely better.

And I think the picture that Todd was talking about looked like this.



Masaki

Yeah, Ngaire! Thank you.
Lynn

I am late to this thread (and skimmed it) and heard the news on/after Fjords - I am a strange smoker - never smoke when I am alone but hand me glass of wine I want a cigarette - Tony needs to stop for health reasons and has the new "C" drug sitting on dining room table - now say a prayer he will get motivated - we would never give up Regent due to some smoking changes onboard - wonderful people and friends out weigh puff puff any day!!! Joanna

I just wanted to jump in at this time and make my final report for you. Do to the new regulations starting in December on Regent, I have cancelled my future bookings and rebooked on Celebrity. My first choice of Seabourn was unfortunately sold out. Celebrity by the way has smoking cabins on the port side. At least on deck 12 sky suites. I had asked my agent to check on all other lines with the exception of Oceania, doing Tran-Atlantic crossings and was advised that no other line was instituting (sp?)such a policy.

I would like to add at this point that at no
time have I ever considered Oceania on a par with Regent. In any category.

We are terribly disappointed in cancelling our reservations, but as un-repentant smokers, we simply could not exist under those rules. Perhaps as some have pointed out, all the lines will go non-smoking, but as of now, that just isn't the case. As long as we can get our cruising fix and still be relatively comfortable, we will have to take lines that still allow us the freedom to smoke in our cabins.

In conclusion I would like to say to Ngaire, thank you for giving cruisers this forum to air their thoughts and to discuss certain issues pertaining to certain cruise lines. I was told of this board by Miss Marnalou, a very lovely lady, and I want to leave gracefully for her sake.

Cruise Crazed (aka Howard)

So sorry to hear that Howard. Yes, isn't our Marsha wonderful? I too have avoided this thread, as I have such mixed feelings. Neither of us amoke, but it sure has not kept us from spending time with people we like. It has really never been an issue for us. Maybe because our friends on Regent and at home are so considerate. This really is a shame. Joanna, I think I told you on Fjords, that compared to good friends of mine that are full time smokers, you don't really have a smoking habit. Just a coctail thing I think. Howard, I truly hope you enjoy your cruise on Celebrity. Take care.

I get it Cindy...NO VINO...I will quit puffing before I quit Vino :3smile:

Howard, you must report back after your Celebrity cruise! I hope you have a wonderful experience.

Howard,
I'm happy things worked out for you for your future cruises.....I'm happy I was able to meet you on the World Cruise.

Since returning from Rome, I've talked to 3 friends we've met on World Cruises (none are LCTers) who are canceling the 2008 WC :mecry: . This saddens me as so much of the good times is being with friends. One lady who called me today really blew me away. Unbeknownst to anyone, she and her husband of almost 47 years are "closet" smokers! They have done this all their lives limiting themselves to only 3 cigarettes per day on their balcony...2 with morning coffee and one just before bedtime. She said that NO ONE knew this except their room stewardess (and now I'm sworn to secrecy) and they've been on every Radisson/Regent WC since they started on the Navigator (I think 2002). She mentioned that the only time that they do smoke is when they're in their pajamas. As she said, for those that smoke in the Connoisseur Room, Voyager Lounge, casino, etc. at least they're dressed!

As everyone probably agrees, in time no smoking on balconies will likely occur through out the cruise industry due to the Princess fire. Many of us are just sorry that Regent had to jump the gun and be one of the first to implement this. I would have preferred Mark Conroy's idea of trying to segregate smokers from non-smokers with blocks of smoking-allowed suites on the World Cruise (where they know upfront from a questionnaire who smokes and who doesn't). Regent could have tried this for 6 months or so to see if this was a viable solution or not.

There is no excuse to disturb the comfort of passengers with a faulty ventilation system where smoke can go from one suite into a neighboring suite. That is just not acceptable. On the other hand, I do understand why some passengers who are on a ship for 4 months and do consider it home (for the price of the WC you could buy a home in parts of the USA) would like to be able to smoke in the privacy of their "home".

Many have always felt that the biggest problem is in the VL and I agree. Something should be done to fix that problem so it can be enjoyed by everyone.

Sorry to have rambled, just joining in this thread with my own opinions. I guess time will tell if Regent made a good decision or not.

Marcie - I agree- I have always been so impressed with the smokers and non smokers getting "along" - Tony and I have sailed for over 125 nights and never had a problem - but we have sailed with very nice people most of the time - guess I will meet you and the "girls" at the pool bar in our robes and curlers for coffee?? Joanna

Just FYI I went to the Celebrity web site after I read Howard's post about Deck 12 Sky Suites on Celebrity. I was interested because I am booked in a port side Sky Suite next June. We don't smoke and don't really care if others do but I did not want to intentionally book a smoking cabin if I had a choice. Anyway this is the actual policy:

Cigarette Smoking is permitted:

• In staterooms.
• In designated areas on the port (left) side of most public areas (Lounges, Bars, Decks).

Cigarette Smoking is not permitted:

• In the Celebrity Theater.
• In the Cinema.
• In the Conference Center.
• In the Dining Room.
• In the Elevators.
• On the starboard (right) side of the ship, either indoors or outdoors.
-------------------------
Helen

Marcie, You said it so well in your post. I have always found our LCT smoking folks very considerate and that's why it works with our group.

First let me preface my comments that while I understand others feelings, I'm personally glad that I won't have to deal with smoke wafting towards me when I'm on my balcony. (It has happened.) I know that I have stayed out of some of the lounges and also the casino because of smoke. I still will have to avoid the casino and some of the lounges, but at least I'll be able to enjoy the balcony. I apologize for wanting the right to enjoy my balcony without smoke drifting towards me and I personally applaud Regents decision.

I do however feel for the smokers. It would be nice for there to be some sort of middle ground if one could be found. Quitting is very hard to do. I know, I was a smoker who quit 20+ years ago. I also understand about that morning cigarette and that last one before retiring for bed.

I was speaking to one of the officers on our cruise about the smoking policy. I was told that it takes many more man hours and materials to clean a suite where there was smoking, than one with non-smokers. Everything has to be cleaned, carpeting, bedding, walls, drapes, etc. It is not a small task to make a room pleasent smelling after smokers have been in the room and to eliminate the haze that permeates, especially after a long cruise.

Smoking rooms might be the way to go except who gets the non-smoking rooms next to the smokers rooms?

If anything, this new policy will make me more willing to cruise with Regent.

I certainly agree that no smoking should be allowed on balconies, unless the line sets up smoking and no smoking suites so that no "smoking" balcony is upwind of any non smoking balcony. Or perhaps that is not possible, so therefore maybe there should be no smoking on balconies.

The problem with "de-smoking" the suites would be gone, however, if certain suites were designated as smoking suites -- even though smoking might not be allowed on the balconies.

As one who smokes no more (almost ten years) the only problem (and it wasn't much) was the guy who smoked cigars on his balcony just upwind of ours. Cigars stank to me even when I smoked! But again, a small problem.

As we don't smoke, this whole buiness isn't going to effect whether we book Regent in the future or not. I do suggest, however, that the new Regent policy is just a little too close to a "ban" if Regent wants to attract international guests. At least, there should be "smoking" suites (even though balconies may be non-smoking.)

A bit of smoking humor on Regent.
When we were on the Mariner for the South America cruise the casino had only 1 smoking blackjack table and the rest were posted as non smoking. One night a we sat at the smoking table because that was the only table with players at the time and nobody was smoking. Eventually the last seat was taken by a lady who immediately pulled out a cigarette. She noticed the looks everyone gave her and said "This is a smoking table." At the end of that hand, everyone except the lady left for an empty non smoking table. Nobody else joined the smoking table and the smoker aparently didn't like playing alone because she left shortly after.

Good one Todd!!! But did know that the horse there had actually been riden by the Marlboro man and died from inhaling his second hand smoke??? LOL

Dellman cruises has now put in a smoking limitation.

My spelling is wrong. The correct name is Deilmann, a very up-scale line.

Yes, I too have heard that Deilmann has banned all smoking inside on its Eruopean river cruise boats. Deilmann also operates two ocean-going cruise ships (of which I know). Wonder if the ban will apply to them as well.

Well, I have cancelled next year's cruise and booked Voyager's Thanksgiving cruise for this year. Anybody care to join me for one lst Hurrah? Until TAP, I only smoked in my cabin, a few times a day on my balcony, and in the Conniseur Club. But either the cabin or on the balcony is essential for me.
For the Caribbean, it is a great itinerary.
Lynn

It appears to be a trend, Royal Caribbean has changed their smoking policy, how odd that you can still smoke on the balconies but not in your room.

View the original article at here: Prnewswire


New Smoking Policy Onboard Royal Caribbean Ships Mirrors Growing Trend Toward Smoke-Free Environment

Vitality Wellness Program Continues to Bring a Breath of Fresh Air
Fleetwide

MIAMI, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In time to help guests set
their New Year's resolutions for a healthier lifestyle, Royal Caribbean
International announces a new smoking policy onboard its ships, effective
January 2008. To bolster the cruise line's new Vitality wellness program,
recently debuted on Liberty of the Seas -- the newest vessel to share the
title of the world's largest cruise ship with sister-ship, Freedom of the
Seas -- Royal Caribbean is increasing smoke-free zones by designating all
staterooms and one lounge on each ship in its fleet as non-smoking areas.
The new policy will go into effect aboard 18 of the line's 21 ships
initially, with Legend of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas and Splendour of
the Seas following suit with the 2008 summer season.
"Feedback from our guests was a driving force behind the new Vitality
program and our focus on wellness," said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice
president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "Results from online
polls as well as input from all of our international offices worldwide,
show very strong support of the new smoking policy. These changes reflect a
more contemporary approach to healthier lifestyles and will significantly
improve the cruise vacation experience for our guests."
Currently, smoking is prohibited in guest hallways and corridors,
restaurants, entertainment venues and most of the ship's interior public
spaces except for designated areas in bars and lounges. The new policy will
add all guest staterooms and suites, and one bar or lounge on every Royal
Caribbean ship onto the roster of smoke-free spaces. Guests wishing to
smoke may still do so from starboard outer decks, in designated areas in
bars and lounges, and on stateroom and suite balconies. Ashtrays are
available in designated smoking areas or by request through stateroom
attendants. Violations of the smoking policy will result in cleaning
charges to the guest's onboard account and may also be addressed through
the line's Guest Conduct Policy, details of which are available both online
and in all staterooms.
Royal Caribbean's Vitality wellness program was designed to encourage
and introduce ways for guests to achieve a better balance in their lives.
The program presents healthier lifestyle choices across every aspect of the
cruise experience, including fitness classes and spa treatments, onboard
and land- based activities, shore excursions, and healthful drinks and food
selections. Guests have the choice to try one or two elements or enjoy the
total Vitality wellness experience to begin a more balanced approach to
healthier living.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships
currently in service and three under construction. The line also offers
unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and
New Zealand through its cruisetour division. For additional information or
to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com
or call (800) 327-6700. For travel professionals, go to
http://www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.


SOURCE Royal Caribbean International