I love cigars. I don’t drink any alcohol, I work hard and I am faithful to my wife. But I love cigars, they relax me and I enjoy being around the people who smoke cigars with me. My true life hero smoked cigars and they were the mark of Winston Churchill. He was rarely seen in without one. And let’s face it, the cigar smoking fraternity (think Sylvester Stallone, Jack Nicholson, Groucho Marx, Mark Twain, Michael Jordan ) is pretty cool.
Yet I know many others do not think that it’s cool and I have received bollockings in person on the various ships, been told I am a bastard for smoking here on the blog. But if there was one incident that I will always remember then it is this one, as written by me on a blog back in 2008.
So there I was sitting in St.Mark’s square in Venice enjoying a fine Monte cristo. The quartet playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto number 21, my beautiful wife at my side all was well…then….a shout from across the other side of the Café..not the person 20 feet away but the furthest table which must have been 40 feet away from us…….”CRUISE
DIRECTOR – CRUISE DIRECTOR”…….I knew the bellow was for me but I ignored it just for a second…..and then looked over…….”CRUISE DIRECTOR”……came the voice which was now louder than a piano, a cello, a violin and a double bass……..”do you mind putting that disgusting thing out”.
I could feel the heat rising from Heidi well and could sense the other people around the Café were now looking at me and at the large fog horn voice that was emanating from such a small lady…….normally, I would have put it out…….I never want to offend people especially from the ship. What were the chances of me offending someone who had to, of course, be on the ship and who recognised me.
Anyway, I took one last big puff of my cigar and blew the smoke which the wind took in the opposite direction of where the lady was sitting and was about to put the cigar out which by the way cost more than I can afford and as my hand moved towards the ash tray the manager came over and told the lady to be quiet and not shout as she was disturbing the music. Now, I think that was what he said because the lady and the two other people got up and started walking away.
As they walked past me the lady came towards me and said these exact words: “Crew members should not be allowed in the same place as passengers and you have ruined my night.” I stood to apologize but, the look on her face changed my mind and I am sorry to say I just said . . .”Am I bothered?” and sat down.
Now, you cannot imagine how difficult it was for me to admit to all of you and all the top people at Carnival that I said that but sometimes you know what .,,, you have to be a human being and this time I am sorry to say I WAS RUDE….I feel bad now, no actually, I feel awful now and I have Heidi and Wendy and Charlie scouring the ship looking for her so I can apologize.
It was not the fact that I had been asked to put my cigar out, or had been shouted at 40 feet from across the most famous square in the world or that she interrupted the music for all of us or that I was trying to be a big man in front of my wife. It was simply that she thought that we as crewmembers on our time off had no right to be in that most special of places and should have been locked in our rooms hanging upside down like a troglodyte.
So that’s how I wrote it back in 2008 and interesting that I referred to the beards as “the top Carnival people”……..I like their new title much better don’t you.
My point is though that the subject of smoking is always going to cause emotion and differences of opinion. It seems bizarre to many of you I know that where hotels and clubs and bars and offices and even golf courses and parks have been blissfully smoke free you can still get smoke in your eyes in a lounge on a ship.
And so it was inevitable that we needed to make changes, especially with figures that show 90% of our guests do not smoke. What are the changes? Well, I will post the official press release again in a moment. Most of you have seen this on my Facebook page and on other news areas so I thought I would try and summarise as best I can what this means to you by going over the major points and then breaking it down ship by ship.
One last thing. Let me say here rather than repeat this time and time again. What we have here is going to make many happy and some not. But I think you will see that we have for the most part tried to continue to help both non smokers and smokers.
So here we go…
1. Piano Bars
These will immediately become 100% smoke free. I know that these entertainment areas remain some of our most popular and that the majority of the piano entertainers will be happy with this news
2. Casinos.
These will immediately adopt the very successful policy we have on Carnival dream and here on your Carnival magic with most of the casino being non smoking and a section of slot machines and a few tables being available for smoking whilst playing. Note: You must be playing to be allowed to smoke and this I have been assured will be monitored accordingly. By the way on the Carnival Magic we have 53 of 185 ( 28% ) slot machines are smoking and 10 of 16 ( 63% ) tables are smoking. I will let you know what each class has in their casino as soon as I can
3. Cigar Bars
Well if you could see me now you would see me in my underpants wearing a black armband because I for one am mourning the loss of these wonderful lounges. I will miss there deep leather chairs and the ambience and conversation that went with them. It would be ridiculously hypocritical of me if I didn’t say that I don’t agree with this change as a cigar smoker and feel so disappointed that these are being turned completely into 100% non smoking lounges.
However, I am a cigar smoker second and a Cruise director and Brand Ambassador first and so from a guest point of you I have to face the obvious that I have known has been coming for many months. The first cigar bar was on the Carnival Destiny, except it was never designed as a cigar bar. It was the lower level of the disco. yes, it was a disco back then and not a nightclub or a dance club or whatever the current and hip word is. Then along came the late 90′s and the cigar boom when the price of Cuban cigars rose 300% and Cigar Aficionado magazine was born. And so we blocked off the lower level of the Dance Club and made it a cigar bar and these followed suit throughout the Destiny, Triumph and Splendor class ships. But now times seem to have changed and we moved away from Cigar bars on the Dream class and placed them out under the stars.
So as of now these lounges will no longer enjoy the aroma of a Monte Cristo, a Cohiba, an Artoro Fuente or a fine White Owl. They are smoke free and while this makes sense for the non smokers and gives a rite of passage to the Internet Cafe some (not many) will lament times gone by sitting on fine leather talking long ashes with a fellow cigar lover.
4. Where Can I Smoke Then?
The easiest way is for me to break this down into class of ship for you, so excluding small sections of the casino and the casino bar on all the ships smoking is only allowed in the following areas.
FANTASY CLASS SHIPS.
Smoking will only be allowed in the Nightclub or as people who don’t like Pee Diddley and Lady Ha Ha call it……..the disco.
Cigar smoking is only permitted on the open deck in the specific area which will be provided for this.
SPIRIT CLASS
Smoking will be permitted in the Nightclub or as people who dance without waving their hands in the air like they just don’t care call it….the disco. Smoking will also be allowed in the mid lounges. These are the ones on Promenade deck forward and will allow both cigarette and cigar smoking there.
Carnival Spirit: Club Cool
Carnival Legend: Satchmo’s
Carnival Pride: Stormy Night
Carnival Miracle: Frankie and Johnny’s
DESTINY, CONQUEST AND SPLENDOR CLASS.
Smoking will be permitted in the Nightclub or as people who don’t wear their pants so low that it reveals the crack of their bottom call it…….the disco. Smoking will also be allowed in the aft lounge on the port side of Promenade deck 5 which we generically call the jazz lounge as many years ago that’s what we had there. We will allow both cigarette and cigar smoking there.
Carnival Destiny – Downbeat
Carnival triumph – Venezia
Carnival Victory – Black and Red Seas
Carnival Conquest – Vincent’s
Carnival Glory – Bar Blue
Carnival Valor – Paris Hot
Carnival Liberty – The Stage
Carnival Freedom – Swingtime
Carnival Splendor – Cool Club
CARNIVAL DREAM
Smoking is allowed in the Nightclub or as people who don’t bump and grind complete strangers call it………the disco. Smoking is also permitted on the entire port side of the Lanai. Cigar smoking is only permitted on the port side of the Lanai.
CARNIVAL MAGIC
Smoking is permitted in the Nightclub or as people who don’t drop it like it is hot call it…..the disco. Smoking is also permitted on the port side of the Lanai including the outside section of the RedFrog Pub. Cigar smoking is only permitted outside on the port side of the Lanai and the outside section of the RedFrog pub.
So there you go, that’s where you can smoke. Now, the entertainment in these lounges will change a bit with the immediate plan to move the Latin trio from what was the cigar bar into the smoking lounges on the Destiny, Conquest and Splendor class ships. The Spirit class will keep their 4 piece or duo playing in the mid lounge and all the ships will move karaoke out of the smoking lounges into other areas. That is at least the plan but I am sure the Cruise Directors will experiment along the way and fine tune what’s best for the guests.
DECEMBER 1ST
This sees a major change when we start our non smoking in any cabin policy. I think this is one rule that the vast majority of us can agree on and we follow on from similar practices already in place on our sister lines Princess and Holland America. The beards felt that it would be best to communicate this rule to you all now and give it time to get to the guests before we bring it into effect so that’s why we are waiting to December 1st. There will be wordage in the tickets from December 1st that says anyone who does smoke in their state room or stateroom bathroom will have to pay a $250 cleaning fine. Remember we have this successfully in place already for the ships with the Cloud Nine Spa cabins.
BALCONIES
You are allowed to smoke both cigarettes and cigars on the balconies giving respect to those either side of you of course.
So one question will be this I am sure. Why didn’t we go 100% smoke free? The answer is simple and that’s if a family or a group book a cruise and just one person smokes, Carnival will not be a vacation choice. They will end up going to places where you can smoke like ummmm…….ummmmmmmm…….Botswana or Kurdistan. What we have here now is a fine line, yes we know that, but keeping everyone happy as best we can under the ever growing pressures from the non smoking world we live in was something we want to do.
So, let’s do this. If you have any questions please post them here or on Facebook and I will be happy to help. If you like or dislike these new rules I urge you to express them here or on Facebook as the beards are listening. So there you have it. Maybe one day smoking will be banned everywhere, at home, everywhere. Apparently, such a move is being considered right now in Norway, Sweden and Finland. Though we shouldn’t pay too much attention to the outcome because when a Scandinavian is forced to give up the cigarettes, he will simply revert to the region’s second favourite pastime………..committing suicide.
One last thing. I mentioned how I will miss the cigar bars and I guess this is the signal that its time to give up. Not just because of this though because there is now a rule in place immediately that says Officers, Staff and Crew are no longer allowed to smoke in any guest area on any ship. We are allowed to smoke in crew areas which I have to say are not exactly areas where you will find me relaxing and smoking a great Cuban cigar.
They are designed for a quick cigarette break before heading back to work. again, as a Cruise Director and Brand Ambassador I understand that guests do not want to see groups of staff smoking.
But as someone who’s only vice was a weekly cigar………well I am beyond disappointed that this can be no more. So I won’t be found outside the RedFrog late at night having a cigar. And if you do see a fat bloke with a bent tooth and grey hair puffing on one………..it wasn’t me…………….right ?
Here are the official press release:
As part of its ongoing commitment to keep pace with changing guest preferences, Carnival Cruise Lines will be modifying its smoking policy across its 23-ship fleet.
The new smoking policy will be rolled out in two stages:
- Effective June 15, 2011, cigarette smoking in public areas will be permitted only in Carnival’s dance clubs, designated areas within the casino and casino bar, certain sections on the open decks on all vessels and also in the jazz clubs on 13 Carnival ships. The 13 ships include Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom, and Carnival Splendor. Cigar smoking will also be permitted in the jazz clubs. On other vessels in the fleet, cigar (and cigarette) smoking will also be permitted in designated areas on deck.
- Effective December 1, 2011, smoking will be prohibited in all guest staterooms. Those guests in balcony accommodations will be permitted to smoke cigarettes and cigars outside on the balcony. Spa staterooms, currently featured on Carnival Splendor, Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic, will continue to remain entirely smoke-free, including on the balconies.
The modified smoking policy is the result of recent guest surveys conducted by the company that covered a wide range of topics. The surveys indicated that nearly 90 percent of all Carnival Cruise Lines’ guests are non-smokers with less than five percent of guests opting to smoke in their staterooms.
These changes will be implemented aboard all 23 Carnival Cruise Lines ships, which operate three- to 16-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Bermuda, and Europe.
Carnival is updating all of its collateral materials and communicating details of the modified smoking policy to its guests and travel agent partners.
Goodnight.
Your friend,
John
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Frankly, I don’t care if I see crew members smoking as long as they aren’t blowing their smoke right into someone’s face. If they are polite about smoking, why shouldn’t they get to smoke with the guests, too?
I hope this smoking ban doesn’t discourage too many people from cruising CCL. Just because someone smokes doesn’t mean they are a bad person and I know an awful lot of smokers who are daggum fun to cruise with.
well said
What a treat that the first response to be seen should be so respectful. No nasty comments… or name calling…
I’m savoring the moment of peaceful respect before the harpies start screeching….
Amen!
I am so sorry to see the cigar bars are gone!!I am a non smoker but my husband really enjoyed a cigar while on vacation. We also have met some very nice people in there, who shared things like little tips for novice cigar smokers and sometimes exchanged cigars,as friends do. we also have spoken to many very nice crew members in there also.What a shame that we won’t be able to do that anymore. It was such a nice comfortable, warm and friendly atmosphere.
Also John, I am so sorry that you won’t be able to unwind and relax and enjoy a nice cigar with the guests anymore. I just feel like once again as the old saying goes, “The squeaky wheel always gets the oil”)
I so agree!!!!
Well frankly the CREW MEMBERS are more polite than most of the hot shot none smoker on the ship anywhy your none smokers are drunks and very loud i have been on 10 cruises well it will be in aug and it is allway the same thing so are you going to do something about the drunks ,but i guess you cant that is one of your money makers . I was going to go again in Feb but dot know now ,Itry to go 2 times a year but i need to look in to something else.
Platimun cruiser who has spent thousands of dollars….will be canceling my booked Carnival cruises & will not be booking any more due to new smokking ploicy. Goodbye Carnival.
WOW! That is just pathetic!!!!
See ya!
Bye, dont let the door hit you in the arse.
Platinum cruiser who has spent thousands of dollars bids you adieu
Well Brenda, don’t let the hatch hit ya where the Good Lord split ya.
I do think that getting rid of a cigar bar is sort of silly. As a designated smoking area why not keep it?
Except for the cigar lounges that you had to walk (run) through to get to the internet lounges (Conquest class)….that was ridulous. But you are right…why ban cigars in a cigar bar/lounge?
Brian; someone corrected this post, the internet café’ does have an entrance from the open deck, so you didn’t have to go thru the smoking area.
@ Brenda, if you cancel and go elsewhere then you are hurting only yourself. These rules are very fair, and no I’m not a smoker. Cruising is not just about smoking…It is about have a wonderful time, on a beautiful ocean. If you decide to let something like this ruin CCL cruises, you deserve whatever else you get. To me thats just silly! Thats my 2 cents for what ever thats worth. Go enjoy life. You are never promised tomorrow!
Linda
Brenda,
You see it’s just a oneway street for these non-smokers. Give them a mile and they want the last foot. And LB saying “If you decide to let something like this ruin CCL cruises” well why does she think the sight of a cigarette will ruin her cruise.
Big Ed, I SWEAR it is not just a one-way street for us non-smokers. I was very saddened to hear that JH aka “Big Daddy”(love his new nickname) won’t be able to sit outside @ the Red Frog puffing a cigar now & then
I’m hoping they reconsider THAT Draconion rule… I’m happy smokers can still enjoy their balconies- it’s their vacation too. TWO WAY STREET: my Father & Stepmom (both smokers)will be sailing on the Magic with us in October. Hubby & I decided on a spa cabin to enjoy a smoke-free retreat. I TRIED to talk Dad into getting a non-spa balcony cabin so they could enjoy a cig in the mornings with room service. I emphasized how strict the non-smoking rules are, but they argued that they NEVER smoke indoors at home anyway, and are okay with using the designated smoking areas….They just didn’t want to be more than a few doors down from us….Awwww shucks….. Life is Good, eh? 
Ed, I agree…. My husband and I are seriously thinking about canceling our cruise also. Not because of the new smoking policy in itself, but because of the type of replies that were given to Brenda. We are so tired of seeing the attacks against people, the mean and uncalled names spewed out with so much hatred it is scary to know these people walk among us, whenever people disagree. How are people supposed to enjoy a cruise, when the very people around you could be such haters and just waiting to chew you out for some unknown violation of theirs?
Cheryl, you really should reconsider,… again! Most here are all talk just to get a rise where ever they can (Ed ! ) it’s the nature of the blog. You really don’t find many haters on the cruise.
Maybe that have asthma or COPD for which one “cigarette” can be a matter of struggling to breathe!
(especially if it a child)
You nailed it Big Ed! And NO smoking in the CIGAR bars! LOL WOW
actually you guys are the only ones sitting here saying it will ruin your cruise and you are going to cancel and all that crap!
I go on a cruise to enjoy myself away from work and NOTHING and I mean NOTHING is going to ruin my cruise. ia m on a cruise ship in a beautiful setting and not WORKING!, no phone, no computer so I am happy and going to enjoy myself reguardless of what anyone else is doing.
So not to go on a cruise just because you have to go to only certain areas to smoke. Well in my book that is only hurting you because Carnival has plenty of non smokers to replace you if you decide not to go so like the others said dont let the door hit you on the way out!
Finally, words of reason. Thank-you
You loss is our gain. It’s not like you cant still smoke on the ship. There’s Nothing worse than going into a cabin after a smoker had been in there the previous week. What I wonder is that if the people who smoke in the cabins also smoke in their homes? I almost think not. They figure it’s not their house, so light up.
Thanks a bunch Carnival!
My husband has the MOST sensitive nose I’ve ever been around. He can tell instantly if someone has smoked in any room we’ve ever been in! EXCEPT a CARNIVAL STATEROOM! I cannot understand why what a person does in their room is of any interest to anyone else! The stewards clean those rooms so thoroughly that it NEVER has an odor of anything!!!Next thing you know I can’t have sex in the room cuz someone will not like the IDEA of it happening in the bed they will sleep!
Valdian,
I am a smoker and I have to agree with you I have never smelled smoke in my cabin. On the cruise I went on in 05 there was 3 of us in our cabin and we had a balcony and we did smoke in the room as well as on the balcony but never once in the 5 cruises I have taken have I ever smelled a cigar or a cigarette smoke…Carnival does an EXECELLENT JOB.
Platinum cruiser (#21 coming in October) and I am a former smoker. I don’t mind someone smoking, I just don’t want my cabin to smell like an ashtray. What’s the big deal? Smoke on the balcony, on the lido deck, in the disco, or chew some gum! Get a grip!
excellant news, maybe I can pick up your tickets a good discount.
Just remember, CCL has the largest following and revenue of the crusing world. Where the big dogs go, the little dogs follow. It won’t be long before all cruise lines adopt this. Then what?
Sadly, I fear CCL is not the leader in this.. We sailed NCL a couple years ago and smoking was only permitted in designated areas. It worked quite well for non-smokers such as myself and was not an issue for smokers such as my husband. In general, people really need to get a grip, grow up and stop making silly idle threats such as “I’ll never cruise CCL again.” Seriously.. who cares if you don’t cruise again.. Oh..BTW did you know land based resorts are adopting the same policies? Sad to think your vacationing days are ended because of a lack of self restraint, or unwillingness to accept change.
i just read it on the carnival site..i totally agree w/no smoking in the rroms…keeping the balconies except for spa is fair. i am a non smoker but grew up in a family of smokers…they need their space too
While I must give Kudos to Carnival for the majority of this policy, the cigar bar issue rather baffles me(and I absolutely abhor the ‘wonderful aroma’ of cigars)However, my husband, like you, John, thoroughly enjoys his weekly Cuban(cigar, that is).
He really enjoyed sitting in the leather comfy chairs, sipping scotch & enjoying music. And I, for one, appreciated that the aroma didn’t have to drift into our room from him smoking on the balcony.
All in all, I think Carnival will ultimately be pleased with this arrangement, but it will, undoubtably, take some adjustments from guests and crew alike.
Can we somehow, petition the ‘beards’ to allow you a sanity saving Montecristo weekly?
You certainly deserve it! Hubby will buy you one & share the experience ‘somewhere’ if he gets the chance.
John,
If we ever get to meet again, you can sit on my Balcony deck with me and we will both enjoy a Monte or Arturo. Cuban of course.
Well I have to say that I am dissapointed in Carnival for the new policy. While I do not smoke ciggarettes I do enjoy an occasional cigar and will continue to do so. In the past cigar smokers have been confined to one small area of the ship and this was accepted by me as know I that not every one enjoys the aroma as i do. This area is and was easily avoidable by those who do not smoke and I never had anyone to complain to me about my cigar smoking there. Carnival has to consider the enjoyment of all of their quest when making these policies I know but ignore the rights of us to continue to smoke in this small area just to mollify a small number of self rightous noise makers is wrong and I hope Carnival will reconsider this in the future. Remember this area was listed as a smoking area for cigars and can be avoided by non smokers if they desired, so why if cigar smoke really offends them why would these people come through this area unless it is to do the only thing that makes them happy and that is to complain about others who are having a good time. Carnival will never be able to please everyone so why change just for changes sake.
John (and David)
I’m no expert on the ships’ layouts but, I believe at least on a couple of the ships in order to get to the internet cafe you had to go through the cigar room.
So it isn’t really “easily avoidable”.
However, isn’t there a place that could be made into cigar bars that is in a dead-end? Anywhere? Some room that could be converted to a smokers’ lounge? That would be nice!
(Non smoker here, but internet user.)
Also, sheesh… let the crew smoke in designated places!
The layout you are talking about are the Conquest class. The cigar lounge was perfect location….EXCEPT for the internet cafe.
Seems to me it would be easier to re-locate the cafe.
It is rather ironic, but just last week it was pointed out to me and others that on Valor there was indeed an outside entrance to the net cafe. Shrugs from trying to understand things. Just like the woman on CC thread that said ‘smoke rises’ So,how smoke rise up to next deck on a ship moving at 20 knots??
John,
I have to say I think the balance is fair, fine line, but fair. I do like that crew can not smoke in guest areas. I was on the Valor last week and would be in the sports bar and there would, most of the time, be a couple crew members in their smoking which I found very unprofessional. This will be a great move for Carnival as time goes along and I look forward to seeing it in action on my next cruise!
-Jarrett
Shame on Carnival. Not allowing you an occasional Cigar with the guests. Guess we will not be having that Cigar together afterall.
I have said this before and I will say it again. I believe it is safer smoking in my cabin instead of out on the balcony. In the cabin I sit under a smoke detector and a sprinkler and have an ashtray that works. Out on the balcony you have no smoke detectors, sprinklers and the wind makes astrays useless. When we go out on the balcony we take a glass with some water in it to keep our ashes from blowing around. But that doesn’t stop the wind from blowing hot ashes off the end of a cigarette.
BIG Ed
Ed:
Thank you for pointing out even MORE hazards that Carnival may not have considered.
So according to you, smoking should be banned on balconies as well as in the cabins.
Looks like E-cigs may have a place immediately on Carnival….on the balconies.
Thanks again for the suggestion.
Linda (Mom of DJ)
No Linda you know I didn’t say that just the opposit. It’s safer to have the cabins smoking then the balconies. I will take the balconies though but non-smokers better ask if it’s Ok for them to come out there. I’m where I belong and I can’t go back in my non-smoking cabin for about 45 minutes till I finish this nice cigar.
Ed: I thought you told us you stopped smoking?
Many non-smokers enjoy a good cigar now and then.
Will Carnival be offering a full refund for those of us already booked for cruises after Dec 1st, who wish to cancel now because of new smoking policy?
Not what we signed up for so full refund should be available to anyone who wishes to cancel.
If your cruise is after Dec 1st…you are outside the penalty stage…..no issue to cancel your cruise. NO penalty…
IF you booked Early Saver, Carnival is allowing you to cancel by June 30th without penalty.
So you are good to GO!!!
No worries…..
Brenda, I would be happy to take those tickets off you hands for 50% of your price.
Overall very good news. I am a little bummed about the cigar bars. How can you have a space called a “cigar bar” and not allow cigar smoking. I am definitely not a cigarette smoker but I do enjoy a nice quality cigar sometimes. Cannot stand the stink of cheap ones. Nasty, foul things. Definitely looking forward to spending sometime in the Piano Bars for a change. Thank you Carnival for taking this action in consideration of the wishes of 90% of your paying passengers.
I know this will have folks blasting from all sides. So I’ll throw my 3 cents worth in.
This is a simple matter of choice. If you like or don’t like a places smoking policy you can choose to go there… or not.
I am now a non-smoker, but the “woman to blame” still smokes. For years we have been choosing hotels and restaurants based on their smoking policies. We simply didn’t go to places that didn’t have smoking rooms… and avoided regions where laws prevented smoking in restaurants.
So now we have a choice… stay with Carnival or go to NCL. Since the “woman to blame” still smokes, what choice do you think we’ll make?
Bob,
Where will you go when NCL also bans smoking in the cabins? They will you know.
At least on Carnival, the Woman to Blame can still smoke on the balcony and her favorite place on the ship…the casino…lol
Mary
Hey Mary,
You’re right… I’m booked for BC5 so I just hope Carnival decides to ban smoking in the casino before then.
And you’re right about the other cruise lines changing their smoking rules too. And when they all ban smoking altogether, the only cruise I’ll be taking will be in a boat that I’m rowing.
… or… if I get lucky, she’ll quit smoking.
Hummmm… seems that my defination of “getting lucky” has changed.
(I know she’s reading this so I have to say… I love you sweatheart.)
Bob – Still searching for Kokomo
Memories of Naked Fanny
After I posted this the “Woman to Blame” pointed out that we had previously rejected going on “Rockwall of the Seas” and others because they didn’t allow smoking in the rooms… only on the balconies.
But now that Carnival has changed their rules… our reasons for avoidance of those other cruise lines is gone. We are now looking at booking on “Rockwall” because we’ve wanted to try out “Rockwall”… they’ve got a couple of interesting itinaries And… their rooms & balconies in our category are bigger for about the same price.
(I do feel a bit like a traitor… but one of the big reasons the “Woman to Blame was so loyal to Carnival is gone.)
I too will be very sad to not be able to relax and have a cigarette in the cigar bar. It was the place I almost always went.
My guess is they will hardly be used now, they are in a location that most guests do not go to.
I think it’s ridiculous to ban the crew from smoking in all passenger areas. It’s their home for god sakes and now they want to force them to stay behind closed doors.
I know there are going to be more than a few angry Italians over that decision.
I would imagine that the restriction of crew not smoking in guest areas has nothing to do with the crew (they are wonderful)…but is an effort to keep as much smoke away from guest areas as possible.
So it does not reflect on the crew…just the smoke…
Linda,
If the passengers are allowed to smoke on the breezeway and in the disco, then the staff who are allowed to access those areas, should be allowed to smoke there too. It is a form of discrimination. They are there on their time off and deserve to be able to relax and have a drink and a cigarette if they so choose.
By the way, I see we are cruising together again on the Spirit.
John
As I just read your NEW smoking policy, I was very happy and then very sadden by the new arrangements. Let me start by saying we have been on 5 cruises and are looking at our 6th. Even with the problems we have had (room not cleaned from former cruise…used condom on floor, A/C not working for the first 2 nights, noisy pipes that woke us up several times during the night, promised early dining and turned out to be late, etc)…we never complained. We love Carnival!
I am a karaoke singer…love it. I have sung in the Legends Show and really enjoyed singing with Superstar Live on our last cruise. We are at all the karaoke shows. That is one of the big things we love about Carnival. I have told several of my singing friends about it and they have booked future cruises based upon what told them. All of our cruises have been on the Spirit Class ships, so I can only speak for those ships. By your NEW policy, I see smoking WILL be allowed in the mid ship lounge (Club Cool, Starry Nights, etc.). This is where they have karaoke part of the time. There is no way people want to suck in other peoples smoke and try to sing. This needs to be rethought. Plus this also means there is no longer a place to go dancing without sucking in smoke. The Carnival cruises are the only place that I ever allow myself to be around smoking…that’s how much it bothers me. Please don’t force me to look at other cruise lines.
Daryl Wright
I am a karaoke singer too.
John has written that karaoke will be moved to a nonsmoking venue …
I know that the Spirit class is the hardest to work out…so perhaps they will change their minds and make the Sports Bar the designated smoking area instead of the Mid Lounge. The Sports Bar is right next door so it would be convenient….
Linda
I agree the sports bar should be the smoking bar.
On the Spirit the Cool was where the cover band always played and should be left non-smoking.
Almost seems better for the smokers then the non-smokers.
I guess no more cover band for me on the Spirit
Hi John,can you explain what the port side of the lanai means.Standing on the ship looking towards the front is that the right side or left?Now if i’m at the far back of the ship where the deli is can i smoke back there or only on one side of the back,thanks,Vic
Hi,Can someone explain where the port side of the lanai on the magic is?If your standing on the ship facing the front,is that the left or right side of the ship?Also if i’m at the back of the ship where the deli is on the dream ship can i smoke only on one side of the back of the ship,thanks,Vic
If you are facing the front (bow) of the ship, port side is left, and starboard is right. The easy way to remember this is that the words port and left both have four letters.
Vic,
Port is on your left when facing the front of the ship. Port has 4 letters and left has 4 letters. Easy way to remember.
Mary
The area outside of Ocean Plaza, port side. On the Magic, also outside of Red Frog Pub.
Try to remember this: Port means Left.
Port has four letters…so does Left. The other side is Starboard(Right) You must be facing the front of the ship to determine which side you are on. Hope this helps.
Another piece of random trivia! when you ask your self what way am i looking forward or aft, port or starboard???? Look at the floor in the hallways. The pattern will always go to the front of the ship (waves will roll to the front triangles to the front and so on. Also for the number of letters game… EVEN numbered cabins are on the LEFT which is port 4 letters for all. So next time you are nice and toasted heading through the ship look at the floor and follow the pattern you will find your way around.
Great Josh! Now I am going to be busy looking at the floor that I will run people down. Lol!!
Thanks for the tip!
Hello John and Beards,
My husband posted this on your FB but I felt I would post it here as well.
“As a 1st time cruiser (sailing in 73 days) and a smoker I purposely booked a balcony regardless if at the time carnival allowed smoking in the cabin or not. In hindsight it never dawned on me that I should have booked further aft then I did (booked Empress mid-ship port-side) but I was thinking more of being seasick or not since I have never cruised before. With that being said perhaps the beards would consider using the balconies on whatever side of the ship has outdoor smoking as the side that has balcony smoking. With the exception of aft and aft-wraps as that smoke would just blow off to sea.”
A few years ago we vacationed in WDW for the first time. Now WDW is smoke free but they also have designated smoking areas for the guests. None of which are indoors including hotels and balconies. We did not even consider the fact that we could not smoke in the hotel a factor in our vacation. But then again we are just those kind of folks as we do not even smoke in our home. Isn’t that what car ports were made for?? LOL
Honestly, I can see a lot of non-smokers complaining to GS that smokers are not respecting their balcony space. SOME smokers just may do so out of spite but in general a small percentage of them. However,on average it takes approx 10 minutes to smoke a cigarette. Non-smokers need to be aware that before they call in to complain that they also have to give the neighbor the respect they expect to receive.
Thank You John for all you do.
Bruce and Christina
Balcony smoking is also terible and it bothers those on each side of you trying to enjoy the balcony they paid extra for. I hear smoking in your car is still allowed in some states but soon not in Texas. Try a driving or staycation.
WOW David, Nice welcome to the world of cruising to us. That really was uncalled for. Out of respect for non-smokers despite the fact that smoking was allowed in the cabin we booked a balcony so we did not have to smoke in the room for our 1st ever cruise. We booked 410 days out and were paid in full 6 months ago with another 72 days to go from now.
It is non-smokers like yourself that cause all the friction against smokers that create drama when it is not necessary. Perhaps you need to be trained in manners.
Wow rude much? I’m a non-smoker sailing w/ friends who smoke socially & w/a balcony room in Oct. on the Liberty, and if my neighbors want to smoke on their balcony that’s fine w/me. They pd just as much (could be more depending when they booked) me and for that should have the right to enjoy their balcony to the fullest. John Gary & I are in Cabin #6304, & your more than welcome come come smoke your cigar on our balcony, you just might have to share one with Gary.
Smoking is allowed on the balconies and you should not feel rushed at any time.
I am a nonsmoker, but as long as balconies are designated smoking areas…no one should expect you to “rush” your cigarette.
I would hate to see this “smoking on the balcony” discussion make you uncomfortable in any way on your cruise.
I hope you both have a wonderful cruise!!
Linda (Mom of DJ)
Hi John, I know this has been a hard decision for Carnival to make. I have to say well done. I look forward to going in the piano bar sometime. As a nonsmoker and asthmatic I never could before. Thanks, Jo
Great news about the new smoking policy. As a former heavy smoker I sympathize with the smokers but am really bothered by the smoke myself. So much so that sometimes I have to leave when my coughing gets so bad.
I was on the Dream in the Med and the policy worked really well in the Casino. Most all passengers abided by this policy. One lady lit up at the non smoking slots and I quietly told her she was in the non smoking area. She apologized and moved on. I apologized for having to point out the policy.
Then last Jan on the Miracle while trying to watch an NFL playoff game in the Sports Bar I almost died. I knew it was a smoking area but I really wanted to see the game so I endured.
Just having to walk by some of the smoking venues can be bothersome. You get back to your room and you still smell like smoke!!
Well 4 cruises just cancelled and all my Carnival stock gone…..I had a B2B booked on the Dream even though I new the smoking policy was very restrictive from my Jan cruise however now the only place I can go to enjoy a smoke is to a disco with a bunch of head banger music or outside as if I was a dog…The casino smoking machines in Jan were a joke as you couldn’t get on them unless you were right there when the casino opened as there were way more smokers than machines……Oh well your company doesn’t want my money so be it
Just one more thing….The cruise I cancelled will also have 17 more available staterooms by tomorrow morning as the rest of the group I was going with are cancelling also.
What’s even worse is when you want to play at a table in the smoking area. You go to a table that’s full and you see 3 or 4 none smokers playing. (their playing with a smoking friend) You ask the pit boss for a seat but he will not ask the non-smokers to move. At the same time there are empty tables of the same game in the non-smoking area. Plus if you stand by waiting for an opening at the table you can’t smoke in the smoking area while your waiting for the seat.
Ed: I agree that the smoking tables should be for smokers ONLY….
But there not. It’s another oneway rule. Non-smokers can hog seats in the smoking side but smokers can’t smoke on the non-smoking side.
Great!!! Maybe we can get yours as we have a B2B booked!!
I tell you, people cancelling over something as petty as a cigarette are crazy. Do people not see all the commericals on tv for the COPD meds? My father in law regrets ever smoking now that he’s tied to a oxygen tank 24/7. Maybe Carnival is doing you a favor.
I will start by saying Yes I am a smoker! I think the new policy is fair however I have one thing that upsets me. I will miss the cigar bar. John you painted the picture so clearly. The cushy leather chairs, the good conversation. I do not smoke cigars but my husband does and the cigar bar was one of our favorite bars on the ships.
Stacey:
The good news is that these ships are always evolving.
Years ago, who would have thought that Carnival would add balconies to the Fantasy class ships….and yet now, most of them have balconies.
I am hoping that over time….(and drydocks) that Carnival will see the wisdom of having a sealed smoking rooom complete with the leather, dark wood and proper ventilation.
Now the music might have to be piped in (from the band currently playing in the attached area)…but if handled properly (like my etched glass walls idea) there is no reason it could not be “together but separate” in the current Cigar bars….
Ummm…John………
On the Pride, don’t you mean the “Starry Nights Lounge”?? You have it listed as the “Stormy Nights Lounge”! Thanks for the laugh!!
Suze!
Thank you,Carnival Cruise, my brother die of lung caner, also my mother die early from smoking she had emphysema. As a retired nurse my husband and are very happy, we wrer unable to go to the piano bars, or the Cigar Lounges, nice place to met folks but the smoke bothered us. Also we were on the Miracle in Jan 2011 and we were unable to watch the play off games because of smoke, we are pleased thanks again.
This is a big win for Carnival . Just think of all the non smoking passengers that will come from the other cruise lines . So what if you lose a few ,you will get many more non smokers booking in there place. Then the other cruise lines will adapt as well . I know when we cruise the smokers offend me with there smoke several times a day. I know my non smoking does not offend them…But I bet this post will
In this day and age I can’t believe how backwards Carnival’s smoking policy is. I too enjoy a cigar once and a while while cruising but happily do while on shore. Carnival’s smoking policy is the only thing preventing me from cruising on Carnival. Until they go 100% smoke free indoors we will continue to cruise on HA and Celebrity. We tried an NCL cruise once and our stateroom neighbors smoked. They would often open their door to let the smoke out and it went directly into our room. This ruined our vacation and we will never sail on NCL again because of same. I don’t understand why a smoker can’t just step out to the nearest deck and smoke without bothering anyone else.
On the Fantasy class ships, can you also smoke cigarettes in a designated area on the open deck or is it only cigars?
As I currently understand it, the outdoor areas will basically remain the same.
It does get a little confusing because on 27 of the ships….it is the STARBOARD (or RIGHT) side.
However, on the Dream, Magic and Breeze..it will be the PORT side because of the Lanai design with the bar that opens to the PORT side.
Just face the front of the ship….PORT is LEFT …both 4 letters ( is the easiest way for me to remember it)
Linda (Mom of DJ)
I would like to see smoking rooms be an option like Balcony Rooms or Inside State Rooms. Seems like a small group could be set aside. I wouldn’t want to subject my wife to the balcony during one of the 2 tropical storms we have been through just to catch a butt.
The problem with having any smoking in cabins is the time and expense to clean those cabins for the next guest.
Cabin stewards have a limited amount of time to clean a cabin and if there is a smoke issue….that greatly increases their time (and Carnival’s expense of having to run those Ozone machines, sprays, etc).
John your last paragrah says you can’t enjoy a cigar outside the Red Frog but the early Magic smoking says Cigar smoking is OK outside the Red Frog ?
Len, I think he was meaning that since he is crew, HE can not, but you still can.
You did not mention about the smoking on the open decks. Will there be bars on the open decks were we can smoke? I have cruised on Carnival 19 times and on Cunard 9. I guess from now on I whill HAVE to book a balcony cabin.
It is my understanding that the outdoors areas are going to basically stay the same….
I have had some crew ie waters, drink servers, room stewards, that I would love to be able to have drinks with or socalize with after they are done working for the day. I think that horrible that you were made to feel like you didn’t belong somewhere. You know what, the only complaint I have ever had about any of my Carnival cruises, is how the crew are treated. You work harder than myself or anyone I know. You make my vacation everything I could ask for. So thank you.
Very disappointed that Carnival has decided to ruin the cruise experience for us smokers. Should be some great reduced fares to fill up ships with non smokers.
Hope so!!
Rules are rules , I will follow them , but to me this is a way Carnival is ascerting its control , I will cruise Carnival , that will not change , but I can in turn remove all auto tips , I will pay more attention as to who gets tipped , my cabin steward , I always tip extra , now it will be just the extra instead of the auto and extra , my way of cutting costs so that I can book a balcony .
That’s the way to stick it to Carnival….punish the hardworking employees!!
Plus, you need to weigh your options. Pay $250 and you can smoke in your room.
Pay a little more and you get a balcony. So there you go…you still have a choice!!
Actually, that $250 idea is not an option.
You are forgetting that habitually disobeying the rules has another consequence..the Captain has the right to put you off the ship….or throw you in the brig.
Very well said.
Then again, could be that he never intended to tip in the first place and this is just the justification this time.
Before you let your addiction totally control your brain (oops…to late)….
hope about stopping for 2 seconds and think about the consequences of YOUR actions.
These ships can have over 1,000 kids on each ship during the summer time. That is 1/3rd of the passengers being CHILDREN.
This move is to protect them most of all.
IF your addiction is worth more than the health of a child, than you have worse issued than being a drug addict.
Btw, I would not be a big surprised to learn in the future that Carnival (like all the other cruise lines that deal with large numbers of guests under the age of 18) were trying to head off an even stiffer directive from the Coast Guard.
While these ships are foreign flagged…the Coast Guard has jurisdiction over them. For example (for safety reasons) it was the US Governemnt that put a stop to putting cots in cabins on ships built after 2000.
Carnival would love to be able to stuff the cabins on the younger ships like they can on the Fantasy class. But the US Government stopped it.
I’m very happy with this change. I love Carnival, but not the smoke, and at least now I feel that nonsmokers are being treated with consideration. It was a long time coming as it seemed that Carnival was catering to the smokers who were loyal because of the more liberal policies. I can’t wait to go to the piano bar!!!
It must have worked. More Carnival ships sail full then not.
So true. And we all see how successful the Paradise was when it was non-smoking. I would be fine with the public room designations if they had left the cabins alone.
So you are going to tell me that the multitude of Staff that hang out in the Discos to smoke and drink will no longer be allowed to smoke there?? I’ll believe that one when I see that one enforced…..not likely to happen. As usual, the new policies are an over reaction to the lunatic fringe. And if you believe that 90% of Carnival passengers are non-smokers, you haven’t been very observant……or that Carnival passengers are not a true micro-cosm of the rest of the planet. Knee jerk reaction for sure.
The fact is NOT that 90% of Carnival passengers are nonsmokers….
the fact is that the majority of smokers that Carnival polled stated they do not smoke in their cabins.
Obviously that 10% are not smokers…but smokers who smoked in their cabins.
In essence, it is the SMOKERS that Carnival listened to.
Obviously you have a reading comprehension problem. What you stated is NOT true. They said only 10% were smokers and 5% smoked in the cabins. You know so much about everything, but you don’t read well! get the facts straight or stay out of the argument so you don’t prove your ignorance.
For general information. There was an article about cigarette taxes in a local paper that quoted a associated press again quoting the CDC that aproximately 19.3% of Americans smoke. Most of them apparently don’t cruise on Carnival
I am a smoker who does enjoy my cigarette after a meal just as some people enjoy wine with their, but I can tell you even with this policy non-smokers will still complain, we were on a cruise last year smoking on the smoking side when a lady came over and sat down she proceeded to ask a man to put his cigarette out when he told her the other side is for non-smokers she said she knew that but the sun was in her eyes over there, I wanted to tell her to put sunglasses on but I didn’t, Non-smokers will still complain. give them a inch they take a mile.
Karen, they got the mile and they want the last inch, LOL.
please dont lump all non smokers in the same category as most of us will not lump all the smokers into the same category. my mom was a smoker and smokers do need and should have their places to smoke
The same percentage of nonsmokers who complain when they are not entitled is the SAME percentage of smokers who are rude and refuse to smoke in the designated areas.
I can also tell story after story of smokers who knowingly (and defivantly) smoke in nonsmoking areas.
I have seen (on more than one occasion) smokers get so mad because they had to be on the carpet in the casino to smoke….(not walking down the Promenade and again this is protect CHILDREN from being exposed)..that they stood on the Casino carpet right at the edge and blew smoke into the faces of passengers (including children) as they walked by.
They were “legal” (since they were standing on the carpet) but they were morally wrong.
Smart people understand that stupid acts by people go both ways.
LINDA
Get a hobby – sheeeez your on and on rantings are giving me a headache! We know your posistion we have heard it loud and clear! For gosh sakes – move on and let someone else say something without you jumping all over them. AND before you attack me – I’m a non smoker! I just think you are kind of intense and need to just relax a little bit.
Amen Helene!
THANK YOU We can’t wait to go to the piano bar!!!!
John – what does this mean for the pool deck? Just curious … I’m not a smoker, but I know it used to be half and half and was half enforced … To the extent that on our last cruise on Liberty people were openly smoking all across the deck and the bar waiters said nothing to them – so I’m just Wondering what “certain ares on the open decks” means.
I also think it unfair that crew not be allowed to smoke – if it’s allowed, what difference does it make WHO is smoking … I’m puzzled by that one.
Thanks
John (no need to reply),
Over all, I am o.k. with the new smoking policy. I fully understand the continued move towards “smoke-free”, while still offering areas to smoke so as not to lose smoking customers.
I, like you, am disappointed in Carnival going away from the cigar bars! Don’t understand the rationale of allowing both cigarette & cigar smoking in the “jazz” lounges on the Conquest class, and not keeping the cigar bars??!! Guess those cigar/cigar band bar stools are going to look out of place now??!!
With that said, 100% agree on banning smoking in the cabins. I never understood why Carnival allowed this in the first place. Definitely will enhance safety. Also, glad balconies are still allowed, and I always check for neighbors as a courtesy.
As Brand Ambassador, I think you should be “exempt” from the crew prohition of smoking in passenger spaces. Also, I would say all CD’s and all ship’s officers. Rank Has It’s Priveledges (RHIP). This is a perk that should be afforded to senior Carnival staff/crew who have worked their way up to senior positions.
Anyway, I think Carnival has struck the right balance and of course, there will be many “whiners” and complainers, as this is definitely an issue that is impossible to please everyone.
Good job Carnival!
Marty (& Jeanne) Paul
While much of the policy is good news, there should be SOME small somewhat hidden area where the cigar bar can exist. And for you, John, in the meantime, as that loud St Marks lady isn’t around you can have your cigar on shore when you damn well please.
You let them do it. You let them take the cigar bars away, John.
Very, very disappointed.
Is this the news that was going to have folks dancing in the streets? Not me.
Ciao
Host Mach
Thanks John for the smoking policy.My husband & i have done 16 C.Cruises & we are non-smokers.Glad the piano bar will be smoke free.We love the jazz bands but can’t go there cause of the smell & the smell stays on our clothes.I’m sure as always some won’t play by the rules & it’s not right.Feel bad for you & having your cigar as you enjoy it & unwind.I have asthma & the smoke hurts me but we will continue w/ Carnival.We have # 16 & 17 coming in Jan./Feb. 2012 & can’t wait.Cruised w/ you 3 times & your the best.Some people are too rude to you.Enjoy your girls. Betty
LOVE LOVE this new policy. I do think allowing specific areas is needed however not allowing smoking in the majority of public areas is appropriate especially if 90% of the cruisers don’t smoke. Can’t wait for our cruise on July 9th on the Dream.
It’s a step in the right direction, John, but it did not go far enough. Smoking should be banned in all indoor areas (save for maybe one Cigar bar type of lounge) and it should be banned on all balconies too. Plenty of nice hotel chains ban smoking on all balconies and patios and still do very well financially. I applaud Carnival for taking a risk and making the first step. NCL will follow soon, I’m sure. If 90% of your passengers really are non-smokers then I am certain it will only be a matter of time before smoking will be banned throughout the ship. At least I hope so
It is true. Many hotel chains are going non-smoking. I will not stay in them. Why should I pay to be miserable if I have an alternative?
Carnival can have its policy. That’s okay. But they won’t have me as a customer anymore.
In the scheme of things, that’s okay too.
Thank you, thank you, Carnival. I totally agree with the new policy and believe me, for all of those who cancel, there will be plenty of non smokers who will take their places. Most companies are doing this now, so where will they cruise anyway. Us non smokers had to endure the smokers and still cruised, now the tables have turned for us & the smokers complain. It is a nasty, nasty habit and every one should not be subjected to it. The worst thing is walking through the casino for a minute and come out smelling like a 2 pack a day smoker…Thanks again Carnival, and you will not lose any business…
As a platinum cruiser I think this is a horrible move. I guess the beards have forgotten the smoke free ship paradise? I will simply take my money back to the all inclusive land resorts.
The completely non-smoking Paradise was many many years ago, times have changed everywhere in the world, and the new Carnival smoking policy is not a ban, but just a relatively minor change, still seems to be plenty of smoking areas for you.
I tend to agree. I only smoke socially, while on vacation, and not a lot at that. It tends to go with the “i Only drink while on vacation them”. My wife still smokes and she only smokes outside at home. However, if Carnival truly is working their way through to a non-smiking ship, which they need to be reminded failed, then they will lose 4 more loyal customers because of it and we will look towards other options that allow it. Their statistics do not match up to reality of the percentage of Americans who still smoke. Don’t forget the transatlantics as well. Kind of funny that this did not impact the cruises that had loads of Europeans on them including Russians which have huge smoking populations. I think Carnival needs to look at more statitics before it jumps so quickly. I can understand having more non-smoking rooms on all levels (I think that is fair) but some of this policy flat out does not make sense and will not be followed by all. That being said, it will be hard for the creq to enforce. They can’t even enforce the chair hogging policy. This is a bad publicity move and I belive it will cost carnival not only customers who will move elsewhere bc they can’t smoke but also non-smokers who end up being upset bc the rules do not get enforced. Beards need to wake up do a study on a few shipsd, and then come up with a realistic policy that is fair to all.
I’m a non-smoker so I like most of the new policy. Especially making the piano bars non-smoking. I’ve wanted to hang out there in the evenings but I always found it too smokey. However, I don’t see why they won’t allow smoking in the cigar bars. I just avoid that area when I’m onboard since I don’t like the smoke. Also, maybe it’s because I don’t hang out in the cigar bars or piano bars, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a crew member smoking on board. I think they should be allowed to smoke in guest areas.
I cannot even believe the volume of people saying they are going to cancel. The majority of the world has a yearly income LESS than what a cruise vacation costs a family. If you can’t see the big picture of being blessed enough to be able to cruise, stay home and smoke away.
John,
Please-o-please see if you can persuade Carnival to make the whole casino non-smoking. (If I walk around the smoking areas of the casino and start some fake coughing do you think that will help?)
Now that the rooms are non-smoking, the “Woman to Blame” would spend more time in the Casino… hence costing a lot more money. (Hmmmmmn part of Carnival’s master plan?)
On the other hand, if Carnival makes the casino non-smoking, the “Woman to Blame” wouldn’t go there and I would save a bucket of money. Certainly I would save way more than enough to pay the $250 for smoking in the room.
Bob – Still searching for Kokomo
Memories of Naked Fanny
Sure kokomo bob, you think only of yourself, don’t you? More than one study has been conducted that shows that a majority of people who frequent casinos are smokers. So making all casinos non-smoking is fair, huh? In your dreams. That sir, is the height of arrogance.
lighten up..he was teasing! lol
John reply if you want to about this policy.
I dont smoke cigars, but i do smoke cigarettes and every once in a while a pipe.
I dont smoke in the cabin, I dont smoke in my house. God help the indivual who tells me that I cant smoke on my balcony. I respect those that dont smoke, but if someone asks me not to while I am on my balcony, we are going to have a “COME TO JESUS TALK”. If they dont like it, report me I dont care. This is getting way too out of hand
“DITTO”
I am an ex-smoker who gave up 8 years ago after smoking for over 20 years.
I got tired of the smoking dictating to me how I socialised and lived. I hope that this will be one more little push to hopefully convince someone else to give up for their own health and re-take control of their lifestyle.
Congratulations on a tough decision. Amazing how the image of smoking has gone from “sexy” to “disgusting” during my lifetime. I am a non-smoker, but have lived most of my life among smokers. I’m from Springfield, MO and at midnight last Friday night our whole town became smoke-free, in any public place, including businesses, bars, restaurants, even company vehicles! Smoking is now allowed outside (more than 5ft from a door) and in your own home. Even our VFW Post is non-smoking due to the new law!! Won’t be long before smoking will only be a memory. Thanks for being thoughtful to both sides as you all made your decision!!
Oh dear John – where are you going to have the group of folks who buy the Cubans going to go before docking into a US port — is the Funnel going non-smoking?
I commented on this in more detail on the FB page as the beards are specifically checking your particular post for feedback. I am not a smoker, so do like the change in the piano bar and casino especially. However, I do want to add two things:
1. I don’t see the problem with ship employees smoking in the designated areas – including “guest areas” – on their time off. I don’t think we need to specify “guest areas” versus “employee areas” at all. In fact, I think the employee areas are for the employees’ benefit so they can really kick back without the fear of offending passengers by being themselves, they are not set up to ‘hide’ the employees from the passengers. Working on a ship is not the same as working at a hotel or restaurant. You don’t get to go ‘home’ at the end of your shift.
2. I wish they could have changed the location of the internet area rather than get rid of the Cigar Bar. I see the concern about people needing to walk through the Cigar Bar to get there, but I have walked through there several times and did not feel the smoke was bad, mostly it was the sweet smell of cigars which had already been smoked, which is much better (sometimes enjoyable) than stale cigarette smoke. I even used the Cigar Bar once to smoke a “Cuban” cigar we bought on the beach in the Bahamas on our last night. I really liked the atmosphere and comfy chairs. It would be weird for that neat venue to be used for something else – what are the plans for that area I wonder?
Anyway, with the decrease in the number of smokers overall, it does make sense to decrease the allowed inside venues for this purpose, but the Cigar Bar closure does seem sad since one touristy thing to do in the Caribbean is to go buy a real or fake Cuban cigar and it has to be smoked before returning to the States, so it was nice to have a bar for that purpose. Now it would just seem dumb.
I honestly don’t understand why they are banning the employees from smoking in public areas but can pretty much figure where it started. It is because some customers think that they are above the employee and they shouldn’t be rubbing elbows with them so they should be serving them and not smoking with them. I really think that the beards should relax this also.
My husband and I are both vacation smokers, and we are not upset with the new rules. I totally agree with the piano bar being smoke free, because on the Dream last year, I couldn`t even take the smoke. I also, liked the way smoking was set up in the casino. I don`t smoke in the cabin, we always have a balcony. It is a sign of the times, and I would never cancel my cruises with Carnival because of this policy. Even if they went totally smoke free. I enjoy cruising more than smoking. You have my vote
My only problem with this policy is that if you can still smoke on the balconies, than all the smokers will get balcony rooms. That will make it miserable for us non smokers to sit out and enjoy our balcony. Otherwise, love the new policy.
I agree!!
JOHN! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! about time!!!!
As a female that had to endure second hand smoke from my dad and EX husband to find out that it ate the lining of my nose out-I thank you!! After 6 surguries to repair-I stay far away from smoke! I don’t go looking for it but there is always some careless person puffing away and doesn’t care! I’m sorry your enjoyment had to be shorten-you will still find somewhere to smoke one-but think of the health of the rest of us not haviong to breathe it!!
Dear friend I know bidding bon Voyage to the count of Monte Cristo is tough. I quit my 48 year smoking habit when I developed emphysema 7 years ago (YEAH That’s gone too
) I’m still allergic to cigar smoke though. On behalf of bathroom baritones everywhere thank you for making the piano bar smoke free. You may have to REALLY expand those now with all the talented people who work in them. on Dream
the cigar area makes no sense though, in the middle of the jogging track, and every balcony cabin on that side of the ship to the stern is in the smokes path sad to say it keeps me in interior cabins (that and I’m a devout cheapskate married to a Scot.) Wee Jimmy once joked on an Eastern Carribean sail that all those with illegal Cuban Cigars would meet at the funnel on the last night. Oddly enough that’s a GOOD place for cigars. (out of the wind with shelter and a bar of course!) In the casino the smoking area needs a physical barrier. Everybody still needs to walk through to get to dinner or the show lounge on most ships. The blue cloud gets overpowering at times. Somebody needs to do the math at the casino’s if 90% of your customers don’t smoke, at LEAST 75% of the games and area should be non-smoking.
I like smokers I really do, but face it friends as you say it’s time. I’m reminded of a story told of Danny Devito on a transatlantic flight asking if he could PLEASE have just a puff of his stogey. The captain told him only if every other passenger aboard the 747 said it was ok. unflustered by the strange condition he asked them all…believe it or not they let him light up. (that’s before 911 though). Peace and calm seas my friend see you soon I hope. Thanks for your kindness on previous sailings.
jokingly
What GREAT news. I can’t wit to enjoy some time in the casino without smelling bad when I leave. Perhaps it is time to put the no-smoking symbol back on the Paradise!
John,
I am happy to hear this. I’ve never been a smoker but I do struggle often with lung infections. I used to avoid the casino (even though I enjoy playing slots) simply because it was too irritating to breathe in that smokey area! Any smoking areas, really, had me just buzzing through them as fast as possible.
Also, this makes me glad for my grandfather (Sarge Charlie) who has had lung issues also (and you might know this– but the guy is a dedicated poker player! Definitely a good move to get his butt in the casino
).
Thanks John (and the Beards)!
As one who reads all the blogs, etc. I find it very difficult to believe that 90% of the respondents indicated a no smoking policy. I think carnival caved to the ugly few who want to DICTATE what others can do!!!!! Shame on CCL!!!!!! And to not allow the staff to smoke with guests is DESPICABLE!!!!! Even more shame on CCL!!!!!!! FORMERLY my favorite cruise line.
Rita, that was my first thought as well. As a faithful Carnival traveler, I didn’t see any survey being conducted. How was this survey conducted? Over what period of time? Was a representative cross sample of the population included? Too many unanswered questions about this survey. 90%? I find that almost impossible to believe. And like you, I am not re-considering my February Carnival cruise. I would rather go to a place that doesn’t pass judgment on me just because I have a bad, albeit perfectly legal, habit. But look on the bright side – the Surgeon General of the United States has said that the consumption of alcohol is dangerous. I can’t wait to hear all these non-smokers, who are most certainly imbibers, start complaining when Carnival takes away their buckets of beer.
That should read, “I am now re-considering my February cruise.”
Love this!!!!!
Carnival hasn’t done anything that every other cruise line has already done. It is the right thing to do. It is difficult to push the family cruise advertising and let people smoke on the ship in cabins and in public areas.
I’m an ex smoker and others smoking doesn’t bother me but part of the reason I decided to quit is that it’s just not an accepted habit anywhere anymore…the other is for my grandchildren. I feel bad for you John as I do remember that feeling of relaxing with a cigarette in a confortable chair with friends. It is a sign of the times and smokers have been fighting and losing this battle now for 10 years or more. It it no longer socially acceptable to smoke and the places where it will be allowed will soon be non-existant.
John,
I have to say I am very pleased with the new smoking policy. As a person who has asthma and is allergic to smoke, the areas designated for smoking seem appropriate. I cruised on the Carnival Pride last summer and as soon as I stepped into my cabin, I could tell a smoker had occupied my room the cruise before. Luckily, I really did not spend a whole lot of time in my room (with the exception of sleep) and as the week went on, my allergies got better. I am very confused as to why some people are so upset and are cancelling their vacations because of these new procedures. It’s not like you are telling them that they CAN NOT smoke at all, they just need to be respectful for those of us who cannot tolerate it or do not like the smell. In my opinion, they are just being over dramatic and making more of a situation than there needs to be. Several states have started passing smoking bans in certain places and it’s only right that the cruise industry do the same! I just wanted to let you know that, I plan on cruising with Carnival more now knowing that I’ll have a less likely chance of having an asthma attack! I will be relieved walking into a stateroom knowing that no one has been smoking in there before me! Thank you Carnival!!
Sincerely,
Alyssa
P.S. I’m sorry that you will not get a chance to enjoy your cigars anymore. My father, a fellow cigar connoisseur loves having one aboard from time to time!
Although I have 4 cruises on Carnival (and only 1 with HA), I am a very-well seasoned cruiser with the US Navy.
I am probably your worst enemy in this situation. I am a former smoker. Nothing upsets me faster than being forced to walk through a cloud of smoke that has just been exhaled from someone’s lungs.
I can’t gamble in casinos, enjoy jazz bars, or many other activities that you do, while stinking up the air.
As a former smoker, I do, however, sympathize with you. Having isolated areas is probably the best answer and allows everyone some freedom to enjoy a cruise, but having more smokeless nights in the above mentioned locations would be nice.
However it finally works out, I do not recommend NOT sailing with a cruise line just because they implement a rule. Eventually ALL lines will go the smokeless route.
We may even have totally smokeless ships someday. Hotels, airlines, restaurants, and rental car companies are already there.
Think of it this way, ships are just a method of transportation to ports-of-calls. Wait until you get into port to smoke.
Viva Las Vegas?
How terribly sad. As a non-smoker who is allergic to tobacco smoke, I am still excluded from the most fun places on the ship where others can listen to music and dance until the wee hours, because of the addiction of %10 of the cruising public.
Sorry Sweety, but you are NOT allergic to cigarette smoke. here are NO allergens in the smoke. You may be sensitive to it but definitely NOT allergic. Check with your Doctor.
Splitting hairs. Vasomotor Rhinitis in sensitive individuals.
Please reply,
John,
Carnival went way overboard on the smoking policy. Me wife smokes. We love the Piano Bar now she is not allowed there. If the casino slot smoking area is too small she will not be able to go into the Casino. Since she can no longer smoke in the cabin and we can not afford a balcony cabin we will not be cruising.
Will she still be allowed to smoke on the Lido deck?
It appears our November 6th Triumph cruise will be our last Carnival cruise because of this policy.
Your wife is not ‘allowed’ in the Piano Bar? I think she’s still ‘allowed’ there if she can go a while without a cigarette. So I guess as a non-smoker, I am finally ‘allowed’ to go there and be able to breath and not smell like an ashtray in the morning – YAY!
Well, now you have incentive for your wife to stop smoking. Save the $$$ from not buying cigs and use it to upgrade to a balcony. Win Win.
The cigar bars seemed the near perfect place to allow the smoking of cigars. The only smoking I do is when I get too close to a camp fire, but I can appreciate a nice place for someone to relax and enjoy a cigar without bothering anyone. Building a hallway along the wall leading into the stupidly placed Internet cares would keep the Internet cafe smoke free and only slightly impact the size of the cigar bars. Seems like the beards took the quick and easy route on the cigar bars!
I, too, have suggested for some time that IF they glassed in the left hand side of the Cigar Bars (Deck 4 Aft) with etched glass walls…with a door and proper ventilation and piped in music of whichever band is playing….cigar smokers would have their leather chairs…dark walls…and music while containing the smoke away from other guests.
Yes, there would be a door to open…but with proper ventilation…that should not be an issue.
Will e-smoking be allowed?
Hey Linda (from another Linda)
It does not appear that at this time, E-Cigs will be allowed.
And I think I know why.
There is nothing wrong with E-Cigs. I am VERY sensitive to smoke but can be around E-Cigs for extended periods of time with no issue.
So WHY not allow them?
IF Carnival does not allow them at this time, I would imagine it is so that they can have a SMOOTH enforcement.
It is going to take awhile for individuals to understand and learn the new rules. For a while, staff are going to be very busy enforcing the new rules.
To make enforcement easier….not having the confusion of knowing what is tobacco smoke and what is E-Cig vapor…will make the staff’s job MUCH easier.
I predict that once the new rules have been around for a time…I would not be surprised to see E-Cigs allowed.
I hope so, because I do so E-Cigs as a wonderful win/win solution.
Linda (Mom of DJ)
I didn’t see anything saying no electronic cigarettes. They weren’t even mentioned.
Ed: That is why I said “it appears”…
(and not a definative answer).
What I am hearing is that E-Cigs won’t be allowed….I am sure that John will tell them yes or no.
I have (and still will) campaign for E-Cigs to be allowed.
But I can understand that there “might” be an adjustment period where Carnival wants to make the transition as easy as possible on their staff that is going to have to enforce this.
Maybe I’m missing something – Linda are you a beard??
We were on the Paradise last month and I saw a guy smoking an e-cigarette a couple times and from a ways away it is hard to tell it’s not a real cigarette, so the enforcement issue could be a problem. The first time I saw him was in the photo area, definitely a non-smoking area.
You noticed it because of the bright red or blue light on the end of it. Have you ever saw a cigarette with a glow that bright, no. I could use mine and you would never know I was smoking. Wrap my hand around the whole thing so you can’t see the glow and you would just think I was coughing into my hand.
John – I don’t smoke in my house, nor do I want to smoke in my cabin, or hotel room for that matter, if there is a balcony available. That being said, I also don’t give my money to hotels that cannot accommodate my needs. I don’t go stand out in the weather, in the morning or evening, because there are no balconies or smoking rooms. I just don’t stay there – I find other accommodations. I disagree with your comment that Carnival is helping both, because you are not! You are listening to the loudest! The squeaky wheels! I also don’t agree with the facts that you posted – the 90% vs 10%. please tell me where they got those numbers? I sure didn’t get a survey, and I am a stockholder and a Platinum cruiser. I am really, really hoping that Carnival didnt use your Facebook questions to come up with their numbers! I said it on fb and I will say it here – I am very disappointed that Carnival felt the need to make changes – I thought your policies before were more than fair. I will continue to cruise when I can afford a balcony cabin, but if your policy changes again, then I will have no choice but to stop, which will make me very sad! I was a very high level with Marriott, when they went to smoke free Hilton loved it – and me! Thanks for listening John! I hope the beards also listen.
p.s. Also very disappointed in the casino situation – fair would have been 50/50
I am also a Platinum guest and a stockholder. I was NEVER asked about this. How did they come up with the 90% NON-smokers and only 10% smokers? As for the choice of where the smokers can go (ie. the JAZZ clubs) how loud will the music be? I have a hearing problem and that would be difficult for me. OK – so I can smoke but I can’t hear. What a bad choice.
Again….enlarging the casino area might be a future option, IF Carnival can figure out an economic way to glass in a larger area with proper ventilation.
The reason for the restricted area is to get smoke as far away from the Promenade as possible. Sadly smoke does not obey boundaries…..and the Promenade has to be made as safe as possible for kids.
My screen name says it all – we sailed the Smokefree Paradise five times and would have continued to sail on only her if Carnival had continued the smokefree situation.
That having been said, I am saddened by the loss of the cigar bars. I am now a platinum cruiser, including a 14-day transatlantic cruise, and believe that a balance can be struck. The cigar bars (except for the internet cafe debacle) were wonderful places of refuge for the people who liked to smoke and could easily be avoided by those who wanted to stay away from the smoke.
The decision on the Piano Bars I applaud – we miss the days of sitting around the piano and listening to great music.
Bravo to Carnival for these decisions.
I would like to have them leave the sports bar as a smoking location.
I agree. The Sports bar on the Triumph and the Spirit were the best places to go, drink and smoke.
FANTASTIC!!! my feedback has been heard. I’m so happy. the last cruise we couldn’t even enjoy or stay in the piano bar ’cause the smoke was so bad – it was like sitting in fog!!
John, please clarify for the general public
“BALCONIES
You are allowed to smoke both cigarettes and cigars on the balconies giving respect to those either side of you of course.”
Will the “giving respect to those either side of you of course” be clarified further? It seems the majority of the comments on FB I have seen mention it taking only 10 minutes or so to smoke a cigarette on your balcony. I too like to indulge in a cigar once in a while, and now it seems that my balcony will be the best place. I don’t know about you, but a cigar is not something I am going to choke down in 10 minutes, more like 60+, with a glass or 2 of scotch.How can I “give respect” to my neighbor if they come out and ask me to not smoke. I’m certainly not going to waste my expensive cigar.
Also, will there be a breakdown available, by ship, to show exactly what outdoor areas are for smoking, of either cigs and/or cigars?
Last thing, since the majority of the Fantasy class ships do not have the added balconies, meaning the obvious lack of smoking areas (the privacy of your own balcony), are there plans to add them across the fleet? Select outdoor areas and 2 clubs/ indoor areas seems a bit lacking don’t you think? I think the Fantasy class smoking policy needs to be further looked at, because if I am on the Carnival Elation, that means I have to book a suite if I plan to have my own area to smoke without having to go upstairs to an open deck or to one of the limited areas that I can smoke.
Thanks John, and I do indeed like the nonsmoking cabin rule. They are entirely too small to smoke in. We usually sail in a suite, and even that is too small to smoke in…..
I say give the non-smokers all the Fantasy class ships. Then when they sail full for a year give them the Destiny. Then if they are all still full give them the Triumph class. I think it will be over before it gets this far.
I LIKE it!!! Good idea!
I’m confused.
If only about 10% on Carnival cruisers smoke why is this such a big deal?
Will all 10% leave Carnival?
Where will they go?
Many cruise lines offer less smoking options then Carnival.
It’s just business, get over it.
Hello John Im sorry that carnival has come up with these new smoking rules.I find it very hard to believe that only 10 percent of carnival passengers are smokers.I know any time I have cruised it has been very difficult to find a seat on the smoking side on lido deck.I guess its time to have dfferent vacations.
That’s probably because Carnival has been known to have very liberal smoking rules, so more smokers are cruising on Carnival than some other lines that have more strict rules. Carnival is finally catching up with them, thank goodness!
Nila:
As I understand it, Carnival is not saying only 10% of their customers are smokers…
it was only 10% that smoked in the cabins.
Once again proving that you indeed misunderstand!
Honestly I just don’t get why in the world Linda you truly believe you know EVERYTHING about this topic? I have to say you are probably the most annoying person on this blog. Do you ever really sit back and read what you are writing, or do you simply react and katie bar the door. Again – I’m a former smoker and honestly I don’t like being around smoke, however EVERYONE deserves respect. You have none for anyone who doesn’t share your opinion.
That woman had absolutely no right to do what she did. Does she not realize that crew members are human beings and when NOT on duty they can freely explore the ports, smoke, drink, and generally do what other people are doing all around them.
I hate people that pass judgement on others and expect them to live to their standards when no one has the right to tell someone, especially a person they will only see for 3-16 days max depending on the cruise! No, your are a legal consenting adult and can do as you please, all one have to do is remind the passengers that you are a human and are living your life the way you want to live it–and that means a cigar a week!!!!
Please don’t change yourself because some simple-minded people insist because you are ships staff that they can dictate what you do!
Oh thank you thank you thank you for this small step in the right direction.
You say this is a small step.
Out of curiousity, what would you consider to be the final destination?
I believe the removal of the “Cigar Bars” is a huge disservice to Carnival’s patrons who look forward to enjoying their cigars in a social, relaxing and comfortable public area of the ship..That being said I do believe allowing passengers to still smoke on their “paid for” cabin balconies is going to be Carnivals saving grace..If Carnival decides to pull a move like Princess just did by not letting passengers smoke on the cabin balconies they will most definitely see a huge drop in revenues
Ok so blast me – but why in Heaven’s name would you cancel a CRUISE simply because you can’t smoke everywhere? That is just beyond me and if I were only going on a cruise simply so I could smoke anywhere on the ship, I’m going for the wrong reasons!!
Well let me ask you this, Delia. Would you still be willing to pay thousands of dollars for a cruise if you knew you would be limited to say, 15% of the ship? That is, in effect, what Carnival is doing. The company is punishing people for engaging in a legal, albeit unhealthy, habit. Do you like your cocktail, Delia? Well, I’m a recovering alcoholic and the sight of alcohol offends me. So when I see you on the next cruise swilling down your scotch, you won’t be offended when I ask you to please take your nasty habit elsewhere, will you? And I’ve heard all the excuses, Delia, about alcohol. It doesn’t affect me, the fumes won’t harm me, yada, yada. Alcohol can kill in seconds. Smoking will take 70 or 80 years. ‘Nuff said.
I agree whole heartedly about not smoking in the rooms as long as you continue to allow smoking on the balconies. BUT, I am NOT HAPPY about the loss of the CIGAR BARS. Although I do not smoke myself, my husband does and he so enjoys a good Single Malt Whiskey and a good cigar in the evening in the company of others we travel with. He would certainly enjoy having a cigar and discussion with a certain cruise director also. I do not think it is necessary to keep staff from smoking in guest areas either. I don’t see the point of this rule! Certainly staff are people too and having a cigar in the cigar bar shows everyone that you are a person too. Please reconsider these new rules!
I could not be happier! Thanks Carnival for listening to your customers. I cannot wait to go to the smoke free piano bar. I was always nervous about smoking in the cabins since fire is the worst thing that can happen on a ship. That was a real safety issue.
Hi John (Reply if you please)
Just a comment from a “vacaton” smoker. I smoke only on vacation, because that is my time to relax and do what I please during my slight break from reality.
I don’t have a big problem with the limiting of smoking, and totally agree with the no-smoking in the cabins. Nothing is worse than walking into an ashtray on your first day onboard. I usually only book a balcony cabin so that I can smoke.
I even agree with the designated smoking areas, however, I was on the Carnival Miracle in October. My mum was with me and she doesn’t smoke, (smoke bothers her) and was in the no smoking area in the casino. Along comes Betty-Gambler with her ashtray in hand and sits down to smoke, right beside Mum. After 4 or 5 casino hosts walked by and ignored it, I asked the casino manager to help. It took awhile, but they did eventually showed her to the smoking section.
Also, Hubby and I were on the Carnival Spirit in April, and the same thing happened, although, the 5th casino host stopped to take care of the smoker in the non-smoking area. My question is: are the non-smoking area going to be monitored a bit closer now? Both instances were commented when I got home.
To all the smokers: It is just a fact of life here….if we want to enjoy a smoke, we are going to have to work for it and I guess a little exercise never hurt any of us…LOL
John, take care and give my best to the girls. Enjoy your time while they are there
Gloria aka Sue
All the smoke police in the casino are in the smoking area making sure if your smoking your sitting at a machine or table. You can’t even smoke while waiting for a seat to open up. But they wont tell a non-smoker to move to the non-smoking side either to give you a seat.
Excellent point – if the majority of the slots are now non-smoking, will the smoking machines be restricted to smokers? Can a non-smoker be asked to move to the non-smoking area? Only seems fair to me. But then again, I’m a platinum smoking slot machine addict.
If I CANNOT smoke in the “non-smoking areas” then I think that anyone who is in the “smoking areas” should be required to smoke.
Hey Ed, absolutely correct.Wife smokes, I don`t, I just bare with it in the casinos. On our last cruise, Destiny, I believe it is the sports bar next to the casino and between the gift ship. Couldn`t walk through there because to smoke odor was that strong. Wife even said that. What are they going to do about that???
Laura:
I think the “reason” for this change will help ease the inconvenience.
You have to understand all those Entertainment Venues that “nonsmokers” have with these new changes are to protect children.
With 1,000 kids on a ship in the summertime… this is a change that just had to come.
I do hope that once the smoke settles that Carnival will not only allow, but sell at the bar the dispensers and cartridges for E-Cigs.
There is a huge thread on Cruise Critic about E-Cigs that is extremely informative and (while not perfect yet)…IF you get the right one (and make sure your battery is fully charged)…they have changed people’s lives.
They have also eased up folks’ wallets. My sister now only pays $2 a pack…and she isn’t getting the tar and 3,000 toxins…just the nicotine.
You are so full of it! Where in anything Carnival has written does it say this is about the children. Another figment of your incredible imagination. Please stop your less than insightful posts…get a life elsewhere.
OH MY GOD – Can someone please pull her plug – anyone – please – I’ll pay you! Please!!!
Linda – when a person spouts off figures as if they know exactly what they are saying they need to be sure the figures are correct. Every ship has 1,000 children on board in the summertime? Have you counted them? Who are you? You are so annoying!
Linda does have a point. Remember back to when John was on the Splendor (that’s about when I started reading his blog) he would give a break down of passengers…ages, nationalities, etc. Children DO in fact make up a large portion of cruise passengers (read any thread about rowdy children on CC for that) and last time I checked, it was still illegal for children to smoke. I wouldn’t quote numbers without going back to look at John’s posts, but I know that there are always kids running around everywhere and the Camp Carnival activities are always well attended.
I am a non-smoker with smoking family members so I couldn’t care less about this policy either way. I will still cruise Carnival no matter if smoking is allowed or not. As long as they don’t make a rule that I personally have to smoke, then I’m fine.
As a mother, I know to keep my child away from the casino and nightclubs…he isn’t old enough to go there anyway. We stay on the non-smoking side of the Lido deck and if we do happen to pass by, we just walk through at a quicker pace.
I’ve only been bothered ONCE by someone smoking on the balcony and it was because they were smoking marijuana so that was a whole other issue. It bothered my neighbors as well and they called security and the problem was dealt with.
I will continue to cruise Carnival as they offer the best value for my money and it is easier to drive to Galveston than fly to another port and I am happy to cruise with you and your cigarettes/cigars but for those of you who don’t feel this way…I will gladly take those tickets off of your hands.
I can’t imagine why a non-smoker would want to sit in the smoking section.
They want to sit with their friends that smoke. Since the smoking friend can’t sit with them.
Thank goodness all these smokers will be cancelling their cruises. Maybe now us normal people can enjoy a slot machine without some idiot sitting next to us and lighting up. Most smokers are also chair hogs too, so maybe we can now get a seat. Of course Carnival could just enforce their chair policy and do the same thing, but I won’t hold my breath, smoke in the air or not, for that announcement to be made.
Really? I mean, was that really necessary? You couldn’t have said, “I appreciate the new policy” or “It’s a good idea, but I can foresee enforcement problems and here is why”?
Is it so difficult to handle it like an adult rather than a schoolyard bully?
Normal people??
Wow what a rediculous statement. I love how people generalize. Do you honestly believe that the chair hoggin only happens on the smoking side of the deck. I am assuming you as a non-smoker only went over to the smoking side of the deck because the non smoking side had too many chair hogs. Come on, don’t generalize on anything especially about other people that you know nothing about.
“Most smokers are also chair hogs too…”
Really? Do you have some statistics to support that? Maybe you can make some up…
I am a non-smoker, my entire family is non-smoking, I sincerely hope I am NEVER mistaken for part of you “normal people.”
Let me start by saying that I am not a smoker but it bothers me that areas such as the Cigar bar are going away because some people dont smoke,this is how it starts next the vegans will say I will no longer sail Carnival untill there is no more meat served as it offends me then the (insert pet cause) folks will stop going if their demands aren’t met.While I agree with the cabins,I cant agree with banning smoking from areas that were created for smoking.
Hi John I just wanted to say that the new smoking policy is great.I know many of the smoker’s will be upset I guess they will adjust.I don’t think the other cruise lines have more smoking availability.I’m sure most people would agree it is unfair to expect non smoking employees to have to breathe in second hand smoke.I live in Canada and rules are pretty tight you can’t smoke in any store, mall, restaurant, theatre, some parks and beaches.It is just not as acceptable anymore because of the health risks.Once everybody calms down they will see its not that bad they will still have places to smoke.Thankyou Sandy
After 10+ carnival cruises, no more carnival cruises for me. I smoke, hubby doesn’t. I’ve always tried to be considerate of others who don’t, but I don’t go on vacation to be inconvenienced. In reading many of the comments here, especially those with the holier than thou attitudes, I’m kinda glad not to sailing carnival anymore. My last cruise was just last month on the miracle. So long
I believe the e-mail about Carnival guest smoking is inaccurate and disingenous. The percentage of Americans who smoke hovers around 20%. To say that party animals who love to cruise with Carnival smoke 1/2 as much average is a total joke. As the only line that allows in room smoking this will hurt revenue. I own Carnival stock and this will not increase revenue. You have a lot of smokers who cruise with you because of current policy. This is a mistake.
But on the other hand, maybe some non-smokers don’t cruise Carnival because they think/know there are more smokers than some other lines. So now those non-smokers will come back to Carnival knowing they are more strict, like most of the other lines. I know we non-smokers are happier.
It is my understanding that the 10% represented smokers who smoked in their cabin.
(which is why it is being stopped in the cabins)
the other restrictions in public areas are to protect children since the ships were poorly designed to deal with this issue.
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Based on my experiences on the 5 trips on the Carnival Pride, 90% disliking smoking is, at best, grossly exagerated. I have 2 cruises booked for this year (on the Pride and the Glory) before Dec. 1. I must tell you that I will have to think long and hard before booking future cruises because of your new smoking policy.
I think the new policy is fair for non-smokers. I travel with friends who do smoke and we are about to book another cruise with carnival for 2012 and i showed them the new Policy they agree it seems fair. we are disappointed about the cigar bars being gone. It was a fun atmosphere that will be missed. I also have to say i never really minded seeing crew smoking in the guest areas. We’ve met some very cool and interesting crew while they were relaxing on their breaks.
Makes me glad that we gave up smoking over two years ago. Think Carnival should also support this decision by eliminating cigarette sales as well. Many years ago we had been smoke free for months and upon embarkation had a few DOD and then got a pack of smokes! Smoked for many years after that….. We are good now – smoke actually is a bit of an annoyance – although it does help when I have a craving, smoke makes me happy I quit.
I must say I am pleased at the new rules. My wife and I being non smokers and she in the Health field and has seen the end results of smoking both in patients and family. I do fill for the smoking crowd and know they still have the right to smoke but at the same time I should have the right to breath clear air. On our many trips it seems almost impossible to go from one end of the ship to the other without at some point going thru the Casino. Never mind the strong smoke smell when it is closed down, but its stifling when open, and I still havent been able to go from one entrance and out another without taking in at least one breath. Hence second hand smoke.
Thank you Carnival for the new smoking policy!!! I would have preferred no smoking on baloncies either but this newpolicy is a step in the right direction. When someone told me a couple years ago that smoking was allowed in cabins, I had to call Carnival to verify and was shocked to find it was. On the 4 Carnival cruises we have been on during the Muster drill they have stated “the biggest concern on a ship is fire”—so allowing smoking in cabins seemed a pretty poor policy. We are booked on the SPirit in August for the 5th cruise (and the 2nd one this year) and we THANK YOU for this new policy!!!!
I asked someone else about this as well, and it is something that I am curious about.
You mentioned that this is a “step”. What would you consider to be the final destination, or, what would the last step be to you?
I was on the Dream in February and enjoyed the piano bar almost every night because I smoke. It was nice to be able to watch a performance and be able to smoke at the same time. I understand that there can’t be smoking everywhere, but the nonsmokers have all the other entertainment areas. Im not saying I will never cruise with ya’ll again but I will be looking at other options for smokers.
I’m happy wit the new Carnival policy, as now as a non-smoker I too will be able to enjoy the smokefree piano bar.
It is not only Carnival who is changing their smoking policy, the other cruise lines are also changing their policies.
And now I, a nonsmoker who is sensitive to cigarette smoke, will be able to enjoy the piano bar for the FIRST time. And what about the Carnival employees who work or perform there and have no choice but to tolerate the smoke?
Thank you Carnival.This is a wonderful change.I would hope no one would let this be the deciding factor when deciding to choose Carnival.You still have plenty of places to smoke.
If you read through the comments here Al, you will find that a large number of people are now re-considering their futures with Carnival, myself included. Would you want to frequent someplace where you aren’t wanted? Oh, we’d like your money, but leave the smokes outside. And if Carnival’s survey is truly representative of a cross section of America, then the 10% figure is grossly inaccurate. It would be like 20% or even 25%. And if you include Europe and other cruising venues around the globe, that percentage may even go up to around 30%-35%. Carnival has caved in to a small group of whiners, all of whom can be found on this board. Argue all you want folks, you can’t offend me. And I guarantee you, that within two or three years, Carnival will look to enlarge the smoking areas on ships. Remember the Paradise? Carnival lost its corporate shirt when the went smokeless on the Paradise. You think that won’t happen to its other ships? If you truly believe this is a step in the right direction, you’re in for a surprise.
John and Beards,
I am not a smoker, but I do travel with family that includes a smoker. In chatting about the changes announced today we concluded that there really wasn’t any HUGE changes other than no smoking in the cabins. (and of course the cigar bar
). But I have to say that on all 4 cruises I have been on, I have not even smelled a hint of smoke in my cabins upon arrival. Kudos to the rooms stewards!! That being said, I have a suggestion that may help some of the upset smokers AND would make CCL some money. Instead of selling cigarettes in the gift shop, sell electronic ones. They produce no harmful second hand smoke, no smell and since they are not on fire don’t pose a safety risk to the ship. This would allow smokers to smoke the electronic cigs anywhere on ship without bothering other guests and would be a great source of revenue for the gift shop. Just a thought. You and CCL are doing a great job and I’m already looking forward to my next cruise.
Please, NO, keep the real cigs. They are duty free. Enough is enough. I have tried those electronic contraptions, and thanks, but no thanks.
E-cigarettes do bother people. Last cruise on the Valor I was doing my e-cigarette thing out on my balcony and the people next door coughed, weezed, said nasty things loudly, and finally had to go inside because of all the “smoke”.
I’m sure they felt righteously indignant, if not ill. I’m sure the woman in the group took to her bed for the duration of the day.
Some folks will never accept any kind of compromise.
OMG John you are a human being like the rest of us and if you cannot enjoy your cigar like any other male in this world what have we come to. ENJOY EVERY PUFF OF WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE TO PUFF. My husband and I will be on the Magic 7/10 we know you will be with your family. However we are booked on the Magic in March 2012. PUFF AWAY!!!!!
John, so sorry to see your dear cigar bar go. I don’t smoke, but I was not bothered that you do. I will miss pleasant conversations with you in that venue. Maybe now you will have more motivation to go ashore, if only for a little while.
I don’t think the changes go far enough. Smoking should not be allowed on the balconies of the cabins. That’s really offensive to the people all around them.
You are almost right. It is outside, why not have one side only smoke free? The other side could be smoking and like the old land rule, or “first Available”
John, as a lifelong non-smoker with a lung injury, I absolutely love the new non-smoking policy. A very selfish part of me wants to see 100% non-smoking on board, but I realize that is not fair.
I believe Carnival’s new policy is as equitable as it can be to smoker and non-smoker alike. It’s truly a difficult issue to tackle. Bravo to CCL for being brave enough to take this step into the future.
Glad CCl has made these changes. BUT my problem is with smoking on the balconies. Please, please if you must allow smoking here, designate only one side of the ship to allow this. It only takes one smoker on their balcony to spoil it for many others.
Put me in the column applauding the new smoking policy. It’s still more liberal than that of Celebrity, which doesn’t permit smoking on the balconies or anywhere in the casino. My recent cruise on the Carnival Magic was great for being able to avoid the smell of smoke – the best smoke-free environment on a Carnival ship since the Paradise was smoke-free. Now I’m looking forward to my 40th and 41st cruises even more!
I can’t help but think, that Cigars, and ocean cruise go together. It is a tradition. I do not smoke Cigars, but come on now, the cigar bar on the Carnival Freedom was great to see. The walls, tables, chairs etc. Cuban look and feel. I don’t understand why they didn’t relocate the internet, and keep the cigar lounge. It was also a great place to have a cigarette.
Also, spending time with crew members, no matter where is also part of the fun of the cruise. I have met and talked with people from all over the world who work for Carnival, and I do not understand why they are not going to be able to enjoy the company of guests with a smoke from time to time. Now there, you should be able to make a ballance as well. I am also a “Platnum” cruiser, who smokes cigarettes, and am booked for this July. I would never ever cancel this, I can understand the restrictions, just the Cigar Bar one, I do not.
Hey I just noticed, we have taken Fun Ship Cruise of late, Aug 2010, Jan 2010, Oct 2009 July 2009, and July 2008, we have one this July 2012 in about 2 weeks, and no one, I mean no one has asked us about smoking. No, one gave us a survey, so, I must wonder, who did you ask? What did you ask? and When did you ask? Has anyone else on this blog been asked? or where you missed as well. I think the percent of smokers looks kind of low.
I wasn’t asked and have 5 CCL cruises under my belt. No email, no phone call, no nothing. My wife works for a tobacco company and I work in the industry as well. She is a scientist and I can tell you in now way shape or form does Carnival stats match up with the national nor the world stats. I find it hard to believe that a fun ship and party ship has less smokers than the national average. I am thinking someone did not do such a good job at passing statistics and I think CCL is going to find in short order that they will see a revenue drop. To those who say the other lines have went to it, have you considered this may be why smokers are cruising CCL? Just a though CCL. In a time when a lot of industries are experiencing revenue drops and your industry is experiencing revenue gains, I wouldn’t push your customers to land based all inclusives in countries that they absolutely can smoke. Bad choice. Come up with real statistics that people believe. Your customers are saying they were not asked. Bad, bad job on this one. Maybe good intentions, but not a good job overall.
All the other lines practically beg you to return their surveys, but We have not received any surveys in our last 5 Carnival cruises, over the course of 3 years.
John,
I too am a cigar smoker; I can appreciate your honesty while walking the fine line between Brand Ambassador and cigar smoker. However, I have to completely disagree with you that Carnival has made a decision that will help, in particular, cigar smokers.
I understand that this was purely a business decision on Carnival’s part, but I feel as though cigar smokers were already huddled into back rooms, shunned. I was alright with that because I felt like at least had somewhere to go. I never wanted to smoke in my room. I’m always a polite smoker and just want a quiet place to enjoy a cigar.
Now, I feel that Carnival no longer cares about us. Why should they? Surely, the majority will either rejoice or remain indifferent about the decision, so why would Carnival care about the few it will hurt? As such, my next cruise will be my last with Carnival, but I guess that’s just what Carnival wants- to push us out of the back room, into the life raft.
Please, John, before allowing e-cigs in non-smoking areas, ask the beards to do their research. Latest studies indicate that these e-cigs contain a heated mixture of nicotine and other harmful chemicals, and the “vapor” also contains these, thus it is carcinogenic, not harmless “water vapor”.
I applaud Carnival for moving in the right direction with a modernized smoking policy. However, I fail to see the necessity of eliminating the cigar bars as long as they’re located where non-smokers do not have to pass through them.
There may be a “bump” in the road until folks become accustomed to the new policy, and I hope CCL will wait that out and not revert to the old policy. This has happened everywhere as more land based locales go totally smoke-free, but is accepted in short order.
Thanks for all you do. Love the blog!
Nancy
Thanks John. I think the new policy is wonderful. It allows people who wish to smoke areas to do so and those of us who don’t want to do so to not do so! I know there will be great debate over this, but I think it is a very fair compromise. If you look at the many different laws in the country dealing with public smoking, you will see that Carnival is right in line. Bravo!
Dear John,
This news makes me very happy! One of the things I loved best about our Carnival Dream cruise last year was the clean air venues, like the mostly smoke free casino. We sure missed those venues a couple of months ago on the Carnival Legend!
It will be nice this November on the Carnival Fascination not to be overwhelmed with smoke on our way to the dining room, too. And I’m really looking forward to experiencing the piano bar for once in 7 Carnival cruises, as previously the smoke was too overpowering to even be near the door.
Finally, I look forward to a smoke-free corridor while en route to our cabin when we sail on the Carnival Freedom next year. There have been cruises when we’ve smelled heavy cig and mj smoke in our cabin just from our neighbors! And since we know better than to book a balcony after our first (and last) experience with one (chain smokers upwind next door), I’m ok with the balconies still being smoking areas.
Anyway, I just wanted to say “yay, Carnival!” and thanks!
Laura
20 Cruises on Carnival…..One more bad set of rules…Carnival will suffer losses from these smoking rules..Especially the in cabin NANNY RULES….WTF….And the piano bars will be DEAD…I know as when smoking was not permitted in the piano bars on some past ships ..they where DEAD…No people there drinking ,laughing and GOD and CARNIVAL FORBID SMOKING!….saw it for myself..and i’m not a big smoker…But face it they all went hand in hand…The non-smokers and tea sippers will be on deck saving deck chairs at 6 am..Not spending money and smoking in the Piano bars till the wee hours….watch you profits drop from these bad decisions..and then your casino take ….lots of drinkers who smoke there too….Maybe your beards should stop trying to legislate the Fun Ships into a freakin Disney Cruise…Don’t Change to these bad policies
And on the other hand, our group of friends that we have cruised with several times (30+ people) have stopped going to the piano bars because of the smoke. We are all drinkers and gamblers and spend probably more than the smokers in the bars (non-smoking ones) and casino, and now we can enjoy the piano bars too.
Arthur, I am a non smoker, not a tea sipper, nor a chair hog.
I love my drinks and will get them at the pianobar, where I can go now, and so will lots of other non smokers. Even my smoking husband will come to the piano bar, he will smoke at the disco or outside without any complaint.
You might wanna book Disney, it seems they are not that strict on smoking around kids, so I read on CC, for what its worth
Wrong again…
the Piano bar is jumping or dead depending on the ENTERTAINER…not the smoking rules.
Linda, you are so right there. As small as the piano bars are they WILL BE FULL if there is a good piano player in there. Smoking or non-smoking it will be full for the likes of a Ron Pass. You don’t put Ron Pass in a Piano Bar, make it non-smoking, and then say “see it’s still full”. That is not a proper test situation.
I was pleased with the policy. Carnival took into account that many of their cruisers have medical issues. My son is asthmatic and can not be exposed to smoke. Second hand smoke is almost as bad as first hand. Cruisers were complaining that they were force off their balconies because the wind carried the smoke. SMOKE, gets into the furniture, carpet and walls and Non-smokers have to be subjected to that. Fewer people smoke now, because of the risk. On the other hand, if carnival stopped serving alcohol, they would go out of business tomorrow.
My DH is a bit more upset by this policy than I am…and I’m the smoker and he’s not. I saw this coming so it didn’t surprise me. Now I can finally convince him to try other cruise lines…the policies being the same we can go where we get more bang for our buck, Suite perks…and yeah if they go 100% non smoking I’ll be doing my “cruising” in Vegas or Laughlin instead. I can smoke in my room, on my balcony, in the casino, at the bar…have all the entertainment in one place. The reason we’ve done mostly CCL is because of their more liberal smoking policies, and smokers weren’t treated like steerage passengers…with this new one it opens up a lot more possiblilities for our vacations. If it goes 100% non smoking..i’ll be doing my “cruising” in Vegas or Laughlin
Emily i and many more smokers who have been loyal to Carnival my just have to jump ship on this one…It’s all more BS from the people who love to CONTROL what others can do by imposing their will o others…Carnival little by little since i started cruising way back to the original Mardi Gras has been chipping away at what is allowed…Like the liquor policy where you as an fare paying adult could go to the duty free shop..By a bottle of adult beverage and have it in your cabin to enjoy without having to get HAMMERED with the over the top drink prices in public area’s if you wanted..Being greedy that was clamped on..Than came the leave your bags unlocked BS in the name of security…Thats just a scam to search you like a criminal too..And when something is missing who you going to see to get your camera or meds etc back?????…FunShips….Not so much anymore..NANNY GOES TO SEA!!!!!!!It’s not so much the smoking it’s the idea that’s turning me toward possibly new more open vacation venue’s as these Beards keep making up new crap to dislike about Carnival…I estimate i have spent a min of 45,000 bucks on 20 Carnival Cruises..and this is how you get treated..it just SUCKS!
Yeah…no smoking…’nough said…
Sorry John, that you cannot enjoy your weekly treat – guess it might give you reason to leave the ship, at least once a week.
Forgot to add. No smoking needs to extend to the balcony’s at least on one side of the ship. As one, who can not tolerate the smell of smoke even from a distance, I do not want my precious time on-board to be made miserable from another cabin balcony smoke blowing into my cabin. My favorite time in my cabin is spent relaxing on the balcony with a drink and a endless ocean view.
…and as a smoker, my favorite times are also on my balcony, with a drink and a smoke. I pay as much for my balcony as you. I will not put out my cig for a non-smoker on the balcony beside me. I will, however, very respectfully inform the non-smoker that I will be finished with my smoke in a few minutes and my nasty smoke will quickly be gone with the wind. In this respect, the non-smoker should be the one respectful and not come out on their balcony and cough repeatedly to get my attention. I will have blinders on. Yep, I know….I’m going to get flamed for this post.
And smokers wonder why they are stereotyped for being rude and inconsiderate.
….non-smokers are ALSO rude people when smoker’s try to be reasonable…..
well that will stop the burned counter tops, how will they know by electronic sensor or cabin steward so tip him good or its $250.
personally I quit 9 + years ago, and do appreciate the non smoking of “cigrettes and cigars”.
I for one am bothered by this new smoking policy. If only five percent are smokers then why can’t they contiue to smoke in their cabins?
I have an early saver reservation and if i have to cancel cause of the smoking policy i want a 100 percent refund and this will end my cruising days. I am sad to have to do this as i have met a lot of wonderful people on my cruises. Reaching the age of 80 i finally can afford to go cruising and the Carnival is/was my ships of choice.
Check with your PVP or Travel Agent….
It is my understanding that Carnival is extending refunds for ES under certain circumstances…but I believe you only have until June 30th to cancel…
so check on it immediately.
Linda (Mom of DJ)
Because the smoke does not stay in the cabin. It travels into hallways and even into other cabins (unless they have the A/C up at full blast) and children are exposed.
Plus the cabin stewards (because of the number of cabins they are required to clean) no longer have the additional time it takes to properly clean a cabin that has been smoked in.
This new policy will affect my vacation decisions in the future.
I began cruising just a few years ago, and I loved it. I soon became platinum. I did notice the declining service and I did learn that with Guest Services there was no problem so small that it was not insolvable. Same with the people in the land-based offices.
I had planned to take a cruise a couple of weeks ago when my son had vacation. On my last cruise, I got a little miffed when I learned to my surprise that the Future Cruise Certificates that one can buy on board that offer a discount and an OCB were for credit card holders only. Nobody could give me an explanation– not even John nor the land-base folk who I was told would follow up (but didn’t).
So I didn’t book the trip. Instead, I rented a 2/2 condo directly on the water up in Daytona Beach. We had a wonderful time, and were able extend our land-based vacation from one week to two. It made me realize that land-based vacations could be cheaper and more enjoyable. Far less of a CF that the Carnival ships have become.
But I had planned to travel this Thanksgiving on the Valor and had invited my sisters to join us. Not now. Losing the cigar bar and the rest of this stuff is just too much. I don’t think Carnival wants to implement reasonable compromises; I think it wants to save money.
For me, for now, there are better alternatives.
Great! do you think we can ban alcohol to, I cant stand the smell of it and I should have the same rights as a non-smoker and not have to put up with that awfully smell of alcohol when I go into a bar for a cup of coffee.
And what about fat people, they take to much time in the buffet line, I’ll bet the same 90% will agree with that. how about making a non-smoking casino in the cigar bar.
sure going to miss Carnival
Bravo. Agree with everything you said…
I feel like a second hand citizen and hope Carnival goes broke faster with the rest of these ships with this latest decision and i for one do not believe that 90% of the passengers are non-smokers, and it took five years(?) to set Paradse straight and put it into smoking as the non-smoking didn’t work, lost to much with that BIG decision. What a way to go Carnival.
Having worked for a while with Russian staff, I will be interested how this is going to be enforced with your growing Russian passenger list!!! Good luck!
As this closely matches the laws passed in many states, including California, I’m not sure I understand some of the uproar. Is it because a cruise was previously a haven for smokers? Yes I ask as a non-smoker, but most (nicer) hotels already ban in-room smoking so I’m not sure if in-cabin smoking is even the hot issue at hand.
It is not the same on land. You can find a hotel that allows smoking and go to it. You only go in a bar or restaurant for a couple of hours. A cruise ship your on it for 7 days.
For me, it’s not about smoking in my room. I don’t and never have as I hate the lingering stale smell. For me, it’s about the public locations that no longer allow smoking which have in the past.
On my Christmas 2009 cruise, we stopped in the Piano Bar every night after dinner to enjoy an after dinner cocktail and a cigarette or two (husband is non smoker). We enjoyed the entertainer and the music, and had a wonderful time. Now, on the Magic, there was no where to go as I do NOT go to dance clubs. Every night it was either go to the casino and gamble for 10 minutes, or go to the open deck (port side for Magic) where the wind tried to blow you overboard. Talk about a hazard from blowing embers!
It seems to me that making the CIGAR bar a non smoking place is about the stupidest decision I’ve heard of in quite a while.
Personally I think they took it too far, but I don’t know yet if it will affect my decision to cruise with them in the future…
We DON’T LIKE the new policy change and will be inquiring how to cancel our already booked/paid 7 day cruise. We WILL no longer cruise with Carnival.
I understand and accept that Non-smokers like the new changes but you must understand Smoker’s will not.
I’m sorry that your survey’s show only 10% smoke because Carnival needs to lose more than their 10% Repeat Customers over this.
Elizabeth & Gerald Wood
Dear John and especially Beards,
This new policy goes way too far particularly on the Fantasy Class ships. If smokers don’t want to listen to mind numbing music and throw their hands up in the air like they don’t care, or sit at a small bank of casino slots – Where are they suppose to go for night time entertainment? There will not even be a venue open to watch sports that allows smoking.
Carnival Fantasy for example lost three smoking allowed entertainment venues. Cleopatra’s (Piano Bar), Cat’s Lounge, and the Majestic (Cigar Bar). The Majestic also served as a Sports Bar for some of us. This is hardly a “subtle” change and goes way to far in my opinion. Are the Beards aware of the demographic that sail from Charleston? I can tell you from a visual it is way more than 10% smokers. And those are the ones feeding the ship’s revenue with bar sales.
Please at least give us the Majestic back. Build a separate entrance to the Forum if you have to. I believe this is a big mistake from a revenue prospective on the Fantasy Class.
John –
You say they are listening so I’ll add my two cents.
First- what survey did they conduct? I got one back in late 08 or very early 09. Is that what they are basing this decision on or are they just saying that they conducted the survey?
We will be sailing, maybe, we have to talk about it with the group and make a decision, in September. While the policy for the rooms doesn’t affect this cruise to some degree – certainly the other portions do.
If we do, it will likely be the last. Is it because we can’t smoke in the few areas originally allowed? Yes.
I see all the posts about the cigars, which my husband does occasionally enjoy and when you have a room designated in that manner, then non-cigar smokers know and have no reason to be there. What’s the problem?
The casino – well, this one is probably going to do the most damage where we are concerned. Dropping thousands of dollars there each cruise – we won’t be any more. It’s nice to sit and relax to play a machine or at a table and just enjoy. Carnival stats are way off in terms of just how many folks do smoke when gambling so to be that limited is not in the casino’s best interest in terms of revenue.
For the non-smoker’s that have said it’s sad that folks would base their decisions on whether or where you can smoke – it’s all about choices and principal.
We will be requesting refunds for the future cruise certificates that were purchased and if – big IF – we do keep our cruise in September, we won’t be purchasing another cruise certificate or booking another cruise.
You can always make specific decks of the ships non-smoking rooms. Alternate or something – at least give it a try –
We’ve enjoyed the cruising experience and had comitted ourselves to Carnival because they were more liberal and satisfied both groups. Estimated loss – $6000 per year. Pittens I’m sure in the grand scheme to Carnival, but not to us.
We’re sorry to have to go, but looks like we will be seeking vacation alternatives. I just got response back from my husband — It’s a definite – we’ll be spending vacations at home…until we decided where to go next.
We wish Carnival all the best.
John (please reply/share)- WOW am I disappointed in Carnival – while your “experts” say 90% of people do not smoke; does not mean that 90% of people are bothered if someone does decide to smoke! Cruising since 1989 and I must say, I see more than 10% of people smoking on each cruise; so I would be interested to know who they asked; did they include children under the age of 18? In this country, (I am American) )we believe in Freedom of choice and for Carnival to decide to take those Freedoms away – makes me question my loyalty to give my monies away!
Did Carnival not learn anything form their experience with the Paradise – the 100% non smoking ship that did not work?
It is a sad day when someone who sits in their ivory tower in Miami makes decisions for people who pay their salary – shame on Carnival for this new policy and expecting that non-smokers (correct, I am not a smoker) would simply agree with their policy that affects others!
Happy Sailing
John, I do not smoke, so to play the slot tournament on the Dream in the smoking area was a little of a bother or so I thought. I could barely smell the smoke from the smokers around the area. Please tell the Beards they are doing a good job of keeping the smoke in one area. The only bad thing about my cruise — having to get off the ship, even with all of the rain.
Thanks for entertaining those of us who do not travel as much as you do.
I am a smoker and I chose to cruise Carnival over other lines specifically because of their more liberal smoking policies. I have one cruise booked and have been planning the next. And while I think not being able to smoke in my cabin or the piano bar will suck, it won’t alter my current plans, doing so would be silly.
However I will in future also consider other cruise lines. Something I wouldn’t have done prior to this change. Carnival has basically eliminated the one “perk” that sat them above other lines in my mind. I’m not saying I won’t cruise with Carnival again. I’m just saying that now there is no reason to cruise them exclusively.
Having said all that, I do have a “complaint” if you will about the policy itself. Maybe I’m just reading it wrong, but it seems confusing. You can smoke here on this class ship, but not on this other class. This class ship is outdoor smoking on one side, but this class the other and a third class only on certain decks. Couldn’t they have made it a bit more uniform? Sheesh. I hope they post plenty of signs!
As a parent of 4 children, 2 which are competitive gymnasts, I am very happy with the new policy.
Looking forward to our cruise next week.
Just asking. If any of your kids smoke, do they care for this policy?
I was an athlete in school and a competitive runner, and I liked to smoke.
Smoking Policy
I think Carnival is trying to cut smoking on all ships, however they are also trying to lose money, How many Smokers go to the outside bars and the casino because they are smoking. Casino makes plenty of money and casino bar from smokers. Last 2 cruises I was on these areas were packed. I am a non smoker now but my spouse still smokes, so now we have to pay for a balcony room in order for him to smoke which means we have to pay more, out of Charleston balcony rooms are VERY HIGH. Well we have to go with change, I have enjoyed by 12 cruises and the 3 cabins I have booked, however now I must find a land trip we all can go on or maybe Norg. Cruise, will be calling them to check their policy. So Carnival I WILL MISS YOU, have 1 more booked in Oct and GUESS THAT WILL BE IT. I have enjoyed my time with you.
ref to DAVE V> ??
I agree with Dave , who took this survey. I have been on 12 cruises and I was not ask to take the survery. Guess they must have taken it from NON-SMOKERS.
I also have been on Carnival the last 3 years and never got this survey about smoking. 2012 will be my last on Carnival..
I applaud the decision and look forward to the policy. I wish people could smoke and keep all of the impact to themselves but this is not obviously possible. As a frequent balcony/suite guest (and non smoker) I wish Carnival would go further and included balconies -nothing worse than being downwind of a smoker. Also many leave their balcony door open and if I can smell smoke I am sure it is entering the cabin also.
I also believe crew should have their right to space be open or personal-they work 150%.
OMG!!!!! They WON!! This is BS!! I REFUSE to believe that 90% of ALL CCL passengers are non-smokers. We are cruising The Liberty for our 8th and unfortunatley FINAL cruise on CCL, almost made it to 10, because of this absolutley ABSURD new LAW we are finished. And we always have balcony suites but it’s the fact of the matter that while still in America we have yet a few more coporate A@@H@@@@!!! trying to tell us what we can do, when we can do it, and how we can do it even with our free time and money!!!!!!!!!!!!
We said. Totally agree.. I am booked for cruise January 2012 and it will be my last Carnival cruise.
Smoking, wife smokes & I quit 3 yrs ago. If I don`t like, I just leave, simple as that. But, my question is and I know down the road will be contraversey on this. Dec. no more smoking in cabins or be fined $250.Anyone, smokers or non, being around areas of smoking gets on your cloths and brought back to your cabins.Therefore, the smoking smell will be in the cabins. How will this be handled by Carnival if you are charged that amount for something never done? I can just hear it now..
Big Mistake
No smoking in stateroom = no ashtray’s which in turn results in MORE people smoking on the balconies… which results in MORE cigarette butts tossed overboard which means INCREASED RISK OF FIRES ON BOARD, BURNS TO PEOPLE BELOW GETTING HIT WITH HOT CIGARETTES, MORE TRASH (CIGARETTE BUTTS)ON DECKS BELOW AND POLLUTION TO THE OPEN WATERS.
Go ahead and suggest, Assume that people will use their common sense and take a coke can, a water bottle out with them to dispose of their cigarette but your going to find MANY won’t.
Oh, I can just see it now.. the Beautiful Caribbean Blue Sea, the White Froth, Floating Cigarette Butts, Coke Cans and Water Bottles.
People are NOT going to risk getting charged $250 for smoking in their room because they threw that can/bottle in the trash can, they would rather TOSS it than take the chance.
That Caribbean Sea isn’t so beautiful anymore, the Ships will become dirtier and Passengers will NOT be as safe with the increased risk of fires.
Good Going Carnival!
I’m canceling my upcoming cruise.
I’m NOT a dog that must stand in a corner and I don’t wish to risk being shark food.
I still have choices and they won’t be to sail with Carnival any longer.
And to the Non-Smoker’s Cheering.. Enjoy your cruise, watch your back literally because an errant cigarette butt may come your way.
Gone is the pleasure of sleeping with the balcony door open, enjoying the breeze, the sea air. Cigarette butts could blow into your room from the deck(s) above.
Carnival plays with Fire and Gets BURNT.
I cruise partly for the casino. So if my two smoking friends and I (who are annual Carnival cruisers) book the Magic for next spring, we will be among 3,500 or so passengers…and there are 53 smoking slot machines. Sounds like the odds that all three of us can gamble at the same time are slim. Perhaps we’ll do better in Vegas.
I agree. I also spend alot of time in the Casino and I smoke. The odds of finding a machine or table will be slim to none. Will have to check out other cruise lines or take a trip to Vegas.
Rita, if you are a non-smoker I hope you don’t get to gamble with your 2 smoking friends. I’ve tried to sit at a card table in the smoking area that was full. 4 of the people playing were non-smokers playing with a smoking friend. To play together they had to play in the smoking area. The pit boss would not make them move off the table even though he could see openings at the same game in the non-smoking area. In fact that table was empty with the dealer just standing there. Go figure.
Re smoking on balconies – why not designate certain decks, and/or sides of the ship, as either smoking or non-smoking sections? That way everyone can be accommodated.
That would be a wonderful idea.
As someone that only has an occasional cigar I must say I am sad to see the cigar bars disappear, that was my one disappointment about the Dream. My favorite cigar bar was on Imagination where I could relax with a nice cigar and watch the ocean go by.
On the rest of the changes especially the piano bars ABOUT TIME! Great move! I am so happy they finally made the piano bars smoke free.
John:
Just a note for thanking you for taking on the role of messenger.
And as usual, there was some wailing and nashing of teeth. But oddly enough, not nearly as much as when RCCL made these same changes YEARS ago.
It has been YEARS and RCCL is doing fine.
They did not have to close their doors from lack of revenue.
The world did not come to an end.
What has to come to an end, is the exposure of children to these toxins.
20+ years ago (when the Fantasy class began)….we did not have the knowledge of just how damaging exposure to smoke was.
To be perfectly honest, the term “second hand smoke” isn’t the ONLY issue.
Yes, there are toxins from the smoke exhaled from individuals. But the other danger comes from the smoke that floats off the cigarette as it sits in an ashtray.
Look at a used cigarette filter. See all the gunk this filter caught before it reached the smokers’ lungs. (and the filter only catches a fraction of the carcinogens)
This the what nonsmokers inhale. That is what children inhale.
I believe that is the reason that we have not seen a large number of knee-jerk reactions from smokers at this announcement.
These are the same smokers who do not smoke around their children or grandchildren at home. These are the same smokers who do not want to sit in a haze of cigarette or cigar waste.
Of course, you are always going to have a few that will cut off their nose to spite their face….
but just as 90% of smokers have always been courteous…these same 90% understand and are willing to sacrifice some convenience to protect a child….(or an adult with COPD or asthma or (like me) an adult with an irritant reaction marker.
In the meantime, cruisers should understand that balconies have always allowed smoking and I am glad they still do.
There may come a time in the distant future when cruise lines that allowed smoking on their balconies will only allow E-Cigs there…but for now…nonsmokers who book a balcony cabin, but it with the full knowledge that smoking is allowed.
I also hope that in the future (and I have campaigned for this unsuccessfully for years) that Carnival will build SMARTER ships. Ships that have the ventilation technology so that a proper “smoking room” with the leather, dark wood and music (although it may have to be piped in) can be enjoyed. Rooms that are for this purpose and this purpose only.
Yes, it would cost money…but I think the conversion of some spots in the existing ships is very possible.
There is a lot that could be done with etched glass and a proper ventilation system. I believe the cost would easily be recouped.
Speaking of proper ventilation, Carnival needs to spend the money to beef up the air venting in the new designated smoking areas. These areas should be as comfortable to smokers a possible…and again, not even smokers want to sit in a haze.
It is going to take awhile for people to get used to the new designated smoking areas, but I have found that a kind word goes a long way….an “I am sorry darling, this isn’t a smoking area. But I would be glad to help you find one” works 99% of the time…even with the young one who are just learning how to drink their first beer.
Enjoy your time with your family onboard and let us ALL be thankful that the smoke issue we are dealing with this time….is just cigarette and cigar smoke…and not something from a fire “on the water”…..
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
I generally agree with this well-articulated post. Changes are made on issues like this all the time and people adapt. Restaurants in NYC were predicted to close en masse when the no-smoking law was passed and yet they are thriving. People adapt.
Some people are clearly upset and they should explore their options. But in general, I expect the defections will be counter-balanced by people who can now be less concerned about encountering heavy smoke on Carnival ships.
I do wish the balconies could be smoke free, but since my husband rarely ponies up for a balcony room, it’s not a deal-breaker for me.
Please stop. You are becoming so nauseating.
As a cigar smoker, this is depressing. I guess I’ll be spending a lot more time on the balcony. John, you’re invited to join me, of course.
Also, my favorite places on the Carnival ships have always been the cigar bars. They are beautiful! Without these, I’m not sure why I need to keep cruising just on Carnival anymore. It looks like it’s time to check out other lines, sadly, and I was almost at Platinum.
We are a non-smoking family. I like the non-smoking cabins. We don’t go to the piano bar, but it sounds like a lot of non-smokers want to, so I think that should be smoke free. I DO NOT agree with taking away the cigar bar. It should remain just as it is a place where people can go to smoke.
Lastly, I do not think the employees should be treated like second-class citizens. If they are off duty, on a break, or it’s “cigars under the stars,” they should be able to smoke in any smoking area.
Platinum Cruiser and Casino High Roller here. BYE! Choosing all-inclusive resorts over Carnival from now on. Way to bend to the annoying screech of the anti-smoking nazis.
I am going on a Carnival Cruise the end of January 2012. This will be my 3rd Carnival cruise (a group goes every January). I am a smoker and luckily I booked a balcony room or I would have cancelled my trip along with everyone in my party. Last year we were on the Liberty and smoking was permitted on one side on Lido deck. Most of the time you could not get a table or lounge chair on that side. There seemed to be more than just 10% on the ship who smoked or didn’t mind the smoke. I am not very happy about this and most likely will check out other cruise lines for 2013 that permit smoking in Casino and other areas.
Thank you
John-
I’d like to offer the opposite of what most of these comments have been sharing. As a non-smoker with asthma, I have avoided sailing with Carnival in the past. After hearing this announcement, we are now planning to book with Carnival for our yearly cruise. We’ll be glad to take over the spending for some of the smokers who have cancelled! I come from a city where there is no smoking in any restaurant, on our college campus, or in any public outdoor space (bars are currently on the books to become smoke-free as well!). I’d like to thank Carnival for finally realizing that the majority of the US is going smoke-free and for making their fleet more family friendly!
I’m very glad that you and others will be occupying the spots previously occupied by smokers. That is good for Carnival, and as a shareholder– through a trust, so I can’t sell– me.
Do you use the casino? Do you drink, sometimes heavily? Do you buy alcohol and items costing an equivalent amount of a few cartons of cigarettes and/or cigars in the duty free shop?
If so, Carnival will be very happy to see the smokers go.
I know how you feel about the cigar bars ! My cruise next week with Costa was based on the fact that they have a cigar bar !! Its a wonderful place to meet people and I am sure it brings alot of revenue in with the alcohol services ! If you are smoking a $30 cigar you are not drinking camel urine ! KEEP THE CIGAR BARS ON SHIPS !!!!
Put me down as another who will miss the cigar bars. If there is any way to reconsider that portion of the decison, I would support allowing one to smoke cigars in a cigar bar.
Thank-you John
John
Been cruising with Carnival since the 2nd sailing of the Mardi Gras when that was the only ship they had. I love Carnival cruises…their ships, the atmosphere, the staff, the dining….it’s all fun and very enjoyable. I was 35 on the Mardi Gras and am now a geezer at 70…and still loving the Carnival experience…even though I’m no longer that tight-bodied “dish” of 35 anymore.
It was only a matter of time for this to happen. As a smoker, I’m not really bothered by the new rules. I always book a balcony and rarely smoked in the cabin anyway.
I’m thrilled to see the Casino Bar will now be all smoking. In the past, that bar (my favorite place to hang before and after dinner) many ships only had half dozen or so stools for smokers—not nearly enough. That area is the happening place in my opinion.
Sad about the cigar lounge, however. But, it won’t ruin my cruise.
Here’s what I believe, though. Carnival will lose revenue because of this new policy. There were lessons to be learned from the failed Paradise experiment. I’m not a “radical” smoker…but I’m in the minority. I forsee empty cabins with great sale prices. As a mostly solo cruiser, I will look forward to that….
As for the whole “keep the workers out of the passengers face” thing; it’s just silly..and reflects the attitude of a truly ignorant person with such low self-esteem who can only feel worthy when mouthing off to someone who can’t respond.
Anyway, good luck with the new policy. Anyone want to lay odds on how long it lasts???
WOW! I’m glad I read this in time.
We were a group of 21 with 3 smokers. They are not happy with this.
Carnival is now crossed out. As group leader, timing was everything!
John,
I personally hate that you have to give up your cigars with not being allowed to smoke in “guest areas”. This bothers me a lot. Not only for you but for the other crew members who just want to take a break and get away from it all for a short time. I am not a smoker but believe that everyone has a right to smoke if they choose to. That being said, I’m concerned that the balcony rooms will now become a haven for smokers and those of us that are not smokers will be unable to enjoy our balconies due to the amount of smoke that will now be on them. This disturbs me greatly as I really enjoy my balcony rooms when I travel on ships with good balconies. Luckily, my next trip is on the Magic in a Spa room with no smoking so it should be ok, but after that I’m not so sure. There is never an easy answer to this, there are two side but I do have to applaud that on the Fantasy class ships I no longer have to walk by and wait in front of the piano for dinner whilst gagging from all of the smoke smell spilling out into the hallway.
I am a smoker. Yes it is a bad habit, but a habit it is, like biting nails, not brushing your teeth after eating a plate of great Italian food or being French. . . . The new policy is fair….ish. I do not get the “Crew” not being able to smoke in the smoking areas of the ship” This is the few times a cruiser that happens to be enjoying a nice Cuban can get to know the men and women giving us one of the best times of our lives. I have had some great conversations with Officers, Cruise Directors, and many others. I was looking forward to enjoying a nice Cigar with you John Next December on the Breeze but I will have to settle with just shaking your hand and Maybe Sneaking into your Crew pool deck to enjoy a nice stogy! Happy Sailing John see you next year!
My husband and I are Vip members and Carnival has been our line of choice…we are booked on the Dream for Sep. We are smokers (right or wrong) and have always abided by the non-smoking rules, however, little by little our rights are taken away. Our favorite entertainment on board are the Casino and the Piano Bar…this will probably be our last cruise. We have sent you numerous passengers, who are also smokers. We are in our mid 60′s and eary 70′s and stupid or not we probably will not quit smoking. Our biggest trip was to be a Mediterraean Cruise next year, I am sorry that will not happen.
John
My wife, who is a smoker, and I are Milestone level cruisers and have no intention of leaving Carnival. The rules which really don’t change much from right now are about as good as one could hope.
I do think the beards have gone a bit over the edge by making Cigar Bars nonsmoking however.
Regards
Roger T
When I was 14 years old, I watched my uncle, who had been a chain-smoker, die of pancreatic cancer. As a result of that experience I have never put a cigarette or a cigar anywhere near my lips. On the other hand, I firmly believe that people should make decisions for themselves, no matter how stupid those decisions may seem to me.
With smoking, unlike drinking and most other bad habits, the issue is that one person’s bad habit affects those around him/her. The solution to this is to have an area where those who choose to smoke can go and smoke and those who don’t want to be around smoke can easily avoid. On the cruises I’ve taken with Carnival, this area was the cigar lounge. There’s no shortage of lounges and bars on a cruise ship and I found plenty of other places on the ship where I could relax and have a drink while smokers could go have a smoke in a special, comfortable indoor lounge and didn’t bother anyone who didn’t choose to be there (except on some ships where apparently you have to walk through the cigar lounge to get to other areas, but that’s just shortsighted ship design, not a policy problem). By taking away the cigar bar, my fear is that smokers will now light up in other areas, whether allowed or not, and I’ll actually be subjected to more smoke than before.
I’m very happy about the change to the piano bar. As there’s only one of those, it should be a non-smoking area. Hopefully the “beards” will see the benefits to non-smokers and smokers alike of having a designated cigar lounge and restore it soon.
How can you say drinking does not affect others???? How many thousands of people were killed last year by drunk drivers, how many families have been torn apart by alcoholic parents. I could go on and on and on…..
as long as your not steering the boat…drink up
John, please reply.
Since your Blog was changed in March, soon after returning from BC4 + a further 7 days on Glory, I cannot get regular Bloggers’ info owing to work commitments & Talk Talk problems with F/book.
I appreciate you have said the smoking issue is closed but need to point out to you that your blog was not emailed to me in the UK until 05.14 today by which time I was getting ready to head for work & there were so many comments posted that I couldn’t read through them in my free time.
I have got to make an observation on the totally ignorant comments on smoking policies imposed by the Beards concerning “Carnival Cruisers”. I won’t stop cruising with CCL because on my last 7, 7 day cruises since 2008, 8th late August 2011, I have only smoked in my stateroom on 3 occasions because I did not want to impose the smell onto future guests or crew members but did so because the strong winds made it more dangerous to smoke outside than within my own space. Once again the US cruisers’ supposed opinions from the “anti smoking brigade” are imposed on people who enjoy a legal substance & pay through the nose in taxes to support the unhealthy lifestyle of others who do not exercise etc.
Smoking in itself kills nobody, many people die of lung cancer & have never smoked 1 cigarette or shared an environment with anyone who did. To claim that one or more people smoking on a balcony causes neighbouring balcony occupants dangers to their health is total & utter crap. When cruisng at a rate of 15-20 knots, smoke from a cig. dissipates so quickly, nobody can see it or smell it & nobody should be prising a balcony door open, it interferes with air conditioning. I am totally sick of this subject & wish that the Beards would see sense & realise it is their totally uniformed US fraternity that think they know it all. they ignore those people who have laid down their lives in various conflicts to enable the UK & US to maintain excellent relationships.
On a final note, I shall be donating O neg blood, pint 111, next week & would love to know if your anti smoking bloggers would refuse my blood in an emergency because i am considered a leper & murderer according to their comments. They really need to get a life!
Great News. Can’t believe the people cancelling cruises because of this policy. Most ships will be following then who will they cruise with. second last cruise I went on was with Celebrity and there was alot less smoking than this year on Carnival Glory
YOU CAN STILL HAVE A CIGAR IN CHURCHILLS LOUNGE ON CURNARD WHERE WE MEET U AND ENJOYED YOUR COMPANY ON THE QUEEN ELIZABETH AND DINNER IN THE LIDO.P.S I DO NOT SMOKE BUT DO LIKE THE HAPPY AND FRIENDLY PEOPLE.TAKE CARE JOHN FROM THE MITCHELL.
I am sorry if I seem stupid.. but n the Spirit class does this mean, no smoking on the fantail, and none in the sports bar?? -used to sell cigars in the sportsbar. Anyway.. I think the piano bar is fine, cause I would pop downstairs and have one in the sportsbar. And our group of about 50 to 75 peeps, ALWAYS hang on the fantail.. None of us our French.. we will be happy to bring a disguise and cigar for any staff or crew who would like to join us!!
Thanks for your patience with all our sillyness.
Paula (CC-ontheboatagain)
Just cancelled our Carnival cruise for October. Been sailing with you 30+ times. It’s been fun, but now you are letting the Nazi beards take over and deny our freedom of choice. (We were booked in a balcony but it’s the principle of the thing.) We will now be laying on the beach at an all-inclusive in Jamaica in October. Maybe we’ll see you in port! Goodbye, Carnival. peace…. bert
John
I hope that you and those that matter will actually read this.
The fact that Carnival has chosen to fix a policy that wasn’t broken, as evidenced by full sailings doesn’t speak favorably to the corporation.
It sounds like so what if we lose 10%, we’ll make it up elsewhere – yet, you try to appeal to those that have been loyal to get them to book again when Carnival or staff have made an error. Forget the ridiculous claims you post so frequently – I’m talking about legitimate errors.
Well, if I did believe that the 10% was a real number, I would say multiply the revenue times 2 or 3 because the majority of those that do smoke are the ones spending for the extra’s.
No more Carnival for my family. It’s not about the rooms – it’s about the Lido deck, pool areas, casino, and any outdoor space that was on the smoking side of the ship. The balconies will suffice, but there will be more complaints now then before and that means that Carnival will end up catering to those complaints as well. This was just the start.
I am a non smoker and have never smoked. But Carnival removing the Cigar Lounge is just wrong.
That would be like saying lets remove the bars since some people dont drink.
You do need to create rules that work for the masses, but how is a select room made for a specific purpose hurting anyone else. First and formost these cigar lounges are cigar lounges and the entertainment is secondary. It is that simple.
Thank you for all the other changes, but keep the cigar lounges.
We have our ninth Carnival cruise booked for Sept. on the Liberty. Not much has been talked about the new smoking policy in the open areas on deck. Is there any changes to the outdoor open areas on the ship? Thank you.
WOW!! You guys can really get worked up about something like a sensible smoking policy. Smokers can still smoke in designated areas. Non-smokers can avoid those areas. It sounds to me like a win-win situation!
Now let’s get back to cruising!
JoyceG
I think it it HORRIBLE that the crew is not allowed to smoke with the guests. On all of the cruises I have taken, I have always enjoyed seeing crew members enjoying themselves. THey all work hard and DESERVE to be able to mingle with the guests if they so wish. That is their (temporary) home, their workplace and their entertainment. The smoking policies that were on the ships before seemed just fine to me, I don’t know why they had to change them. (just for the record…I am a non smoker, but believe that smokers have rights too) WHY get rid of the Cigar Bars??? If you don’t like the smell of the CIgar Bar…stay away from it, there are plenty of other places to hang out on the ship! Sorry ..John, I know this policy effects you personally and I would not want to be in your shoes right now.
We have taken 2 cruises with Carnival. I am not a smoker, but my husband is. I disagree with this new smoking policy. I think that smokers should be allowed to smoke in their staterooms. They do not bother anyone else on the ship with their smoke when they are doing so in the privacy of their room. What they are supposed to hike all the way to the Lido deck at 2 am to have their last smoke of the day before going to sleep? This is just ridicules! We just came back from a cruise in April, and this subject was not mentioned in the survey that I took at that time. If it had, I would have voted to leave the smoking policy alone.
Thank you for listening. Please pass my comments on to the Beards.
Jere Seitz
Hi John, I am so happy that Carnival is still allowing smoking on the balcony. I am a nonsmoker but my husband smokes, he is a polite smoker and doesn’t smoke in the room, but insists on a balcony to be able to smoke. Celebrity went full force with no smoking in room OR on balcony, we have since become full Carnival people. Hopefully they will continue to be fair to both sides of the card. Cheers, Carole
Wow, there sure are a lot of haters out there. My next Carnival cruise should be number 25. Its not booked yet. I don’t go on a cruise just to smoke but sure enjoy a cigarette when I want one. I enjoy my freedom to chose to smoke, eat vegetables grown with pesticides sprayed on them, beef injected with antibiotics, breathe factory and vehicle polluted air and the choice of which vacation to take.
I am old enough to take responsiblity for my decisions and don’t appreciate the lectures from strangers.
Carnival already tried the experiment call Paradise and it didn’t work. Perhaps we are headed that way again. I’ll still cruise, because my freedoms haven’t been completely taken away, but I am concerned about the attitudes of fellow cruisers! Good Grief!
You have saved me from a really upset husband with your new policy. He cannot stand being near anyone smoking (I have never smoked but have never been bothered by it at all)
We had been on one other cruise on RCCL and just assumed all cruises were the same policy wise. When I saw on the blogs that smoking was allowed on most of the ship including rooms I was not sure how to break it to my husband. Hopefully our room and balcony will not smell like smoke to him in October. Good luck and congrats on taking a stand in favor of the majority but still taking care of the poor people who are addicted to smoking.
Being a smoker myself, and travelling with my kids, I can honestly say that a ban in the cabin is not a big deal to me, I don’t smoke in the cabin anyway, but some of my clients have cancelled due to the new policy.
I fully understand having this policy about the cabins – safety first, as well as the fact that I am sure that many of the staff are non-smokers, and it is very unfair of them to have to go in and clean up after us.
This is the way of the world now, and to those that are willing to forego enjoying a cruise because they now have to go to a designated smoking area or bar, too bad for them. Me – I love cruising too much to let that stop me.
John, I had guessed that the Dream Casino Slots were 65% non smoking so I was not far off. I am willing to bet a cigar that the smoking slots total take is almost equal to the non smoking slots. If my Magic cruise in October (16th)is equal to last January’s Dream cruise, there will be a long wait for a smoking slot while you can always get on a non smoking slot. It was the same thing with the tables. Since your new boss is a number cruncher, if he did the math he would probably see that Carnival is losing income.
John, you are eternally invited to my balcony (if you didnt get your own), if we get a big enough cigar group, we get more deck chairs… who’s with me>>> ?
John ! I love it, just got back from “Paradise”,(i need a vacation from my vacation) The smoking policy in the casino is a riot. There is a ‘Majestic’ virtual line right thru and it cuts the CRAPS table in half. I gotta tell you, the dealers are having fun at work too. “ Sir, Mr. Andrew, you can’t smoke there, can you trade places with Mr. Daniel?“ I’m literally right next to him, on the other side of the stick man. “Sorry folks, it’s the rules.” And the fun keeps going.
I’ve been a cigar smoker for over 20yrs, I’ve been on only 4 cruises, 3 with Carnival, and I’ve not had the time to take more of them and have considered Carnival as my got to ship as I get closer to retirement. The main reason for me is total relaxation and there’s no place like the fantail pool area to just sit there,have my cocktails during the day and evening and smoke my cigars. it’s very rare that I get off the ship at all as it’s my total form of relaxation. I certainly hope that part doesn’t change, I also enjoyed have a few cocktails and a cigar in the lounge outside of the main dining room before going into dinner and listening to the band that was performing. Your right when you say that if my rights about cigar smoking is taken away then I guess cruising will not be part of my future retirement plans. The public has been fed such a rotten bill of goods about second hand smoke that it’s pathetic. Evidently only us smokers have no rights and seems to be okay in this screwed up world, what a shame. Sincerely, Dan Elgin
If I am to understand what I have just read this includes the bar by the pool and the open area’s of Lido deck? I am a repeat Carnival cruiser and am very loyal to Carnival, strayed once to RC and will NEVER stray again! I have just reserved a spot for a group cruise on the Paradise in April 2012 and also highly likely to be on the Inspiration in October 2011 with my family. While I understand the rights of those that don’t smoke to not do so and the limiting of smoking indoors I don’t agree with banning smoking outside. Smoking section, sure, banning, no. Will I get a discount on my ticket since I am losing the right to have a smoke? Since 3 of the 4 family members that are traveling smoke we may have to reassess our travel plans with given this new information. It is our vacation and we have as much right to indulge as those how choose not to do to not indulge.
So basically what Carnival is saying is that anyone with an inside cabin must hike quite a distance if they wish to have a cigarette.
According to the figures, 10% of their clientele are smokers…..why not make 10% of the cabins (a combination of balcony and inside cabins) smoking cabins????
As a person who is very allergic to cigarette and cigar and pipe smoke I am appreciative of the new policy. Even just the scent of smoke causes anxiety in me because of all the times I haven’t been able to breathe properly. I understand the frustration smokers must feel, and I hope that there will remain a few possibilities for you to smoke on board, while not endangering the health and enjoyment of all the non smokers on board. For years my enjoyment of casinos, restaurants, and bars has been cut short or avoided entirely by an overwhelming inability to breathe and the stress that comes with anticipating an allergic reaction. So I am sorry for those who will be inconvenienced by the new policy, but it is dearly appreciated by me.
i did a cruise where i was introduced to a scrapbooking class attended all the craft classes that week and absolutely loved it. I do alot of crafts and cruises (next week will be on the valor august on the spirit0 ANYWAY I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW what cruises do the crafts or shom i can talk to about doing craft classes while i cruise i am working on a carnival cruises scrp book i am taking #15 SO if and when i finish it you will be able to see some of the different things on the same island are do we find out what cruises hold craft classes? you need to promote these cruises because i believe that you would get alot of people who scrapbook in clubs get together and take a cruise to do this plus have a vacation oK YOU FINISHED YOUR COFFEE AND SURE YOU HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT to make(sorry keep hitting the cap button) so think about my suggestion would love to talk to someone about this i am not looking for free rooms etc i am sure we could work out something if you supply the materials thanks
This is really another blow to the people who really enjoy smoking.
Okay so I had not read the blog for a while now until tonight, and I had wondered what happened with the smoking thing. So I now find out my only question is at what point are people going to leave other people alone, and we wonder why we have such a violent world. The issue of smoking on the balcony and not in the rooms this sounds very dangerous to me, have you ever seen what happens to a lite cigarette in the air with the embers flying all over the place. Not to mention when someone just throws their cigarette overboard and it lands on something and catches the ship on fire.
I believe the next thing I hear on the news about Carnival will be fire caused by someone smoking on balcony. I do believe that smoking in the room would be a lot safer. If it is not; I would like to know how many fires have been started because of someone smoking in their room. As for the survey I would like to know where mine is at, yes I am a smoker. It seems to me with as big as cruise ships are why cant one side be smoking and the other be non. Or go back to certain ships being smoking and certain ones non smoking. I do know the last time I sailed I was on the smoking side and had a non smoker complain to me, I simply told them that I was on my side of the ship, and this was a couple of years ago. Look folks when it comes right down to it. I don’t care who you are, you are going to do something that someone else is not going to like. With me sometimes its just the way a person sounds when they speak that I don’t like so what can I do about that, nothing besides walk away from them. As far as the cigar bars go this is just about the craziest thing I have heard in a long time. That’s about like having a refrigerator and storing your food on the counter, in other words what’s the purpose of having it. As for your employees good luck with that. When you don’t have happy employees you don’t have good or great customer service, and lets face it that’s what cruising is all about the being spoiled rotten for as long as you are on the ship. I had thought about going on a Carnival cruise in the next year. However I don’t know if I want to now or not, why go if it is just going to be more rules and regulations we have enough of those on land. People go on and on about all kinds of stuff these days. Are they really that unhappy if so I truly feel sorry for them. Maybe they need to just go get a pack of cigarettes and just chill. Because I will live my life the way that I want to. On or off of a cruise ship.
I am the Paino Bar entertainer on the Psradise. The smoking ban has been in effect for about 2 weeks now. At first I was apprehensive about this uncharted territory. Would people stop coming? It always seemed the majorty of guests were smokers.
I am happy to report that I’ve been busier than ever, especially on the 3 day weekend cruises. My throat doesn’t get sore, and my eyes don’t dry out from a long night of performing anymore.
The smokers who used to come in after dinner were not there for the music anyway.
I am pleased about the new policy because second-hand smoke is a danger to more than just the smoker. Re the cigar bars, I saw nothing wrong with a designated place indoors for cigar smokers, but on some Carnival ships the cigar bar was also used for other purposes, such as the place to play trivia games, or even, God forbid, have the afternoon tea–and that smokey smell was a real dealbreaker for nonsmokers.
I grew up in a family where everyone smoked and it didn’t trouble me. But after many years with non-smoking friends, in non-smoking workplaces, I’m now really bothered by smoke. When you’re never around it, it feels like an assault to be exposed to it. It’s such an irritant.
I’ve never noticed a problem in my room, but I’ve always been annoyed at people smoking on their balconies. I really love my balcony, but more than half the time I have been driven inside because it’s not fresh air anymore. It only takes one smoker to pollute 100 balconies. And cigars are the absolute worst. I’ve seriously considered not paying extra to get a balcony because what’s the point? This new policy will send more people onto balconies. =(
As for the outside public decks, it’s always been disappointing that some people insist on smoking in the non-smoking areas. Worse….staff will not say anything to them, even when requested by other passengers.
And as for cigar bars….sure, but please….locate them at the end of a dead-end hall, with the doors closed.
100% non-smoking can’t come soon enough for me.
Frankly, I don’t care if I see crew members smoking as long as they aren’t blowing their smoke right into someone’s face. If they are polite about smoking, why shouldn’t they get to smoke with the guests, too? the ones that do not smoke we need to put a stop to them running are life SO WHAT is next with them no gays on the ships so the none smokers can rule every thing or maybe it is time to find a new cruise line ?????????????????
I am really sorry to hear of this policy. I am a smoker and the smoking areas were quite limitied. Don’t we have rights too? Have you ever noticed that the majoity of people are on the smoking side of the ship?
Unfortunately, for me, the cigar bar is an integral part of cruising. No cigar bar means I won’t be on that ship. As much as I like cruising with Carnival, other lines still support cigar smokers with cigar lounges.
If you re read most of the ships still have a cigar smoking bar or area
Unfortunately, a “cigar smoking area” just isn’t the same as a cigar lounge. Some of my fondest memories are of sitting in the cigar lounge with other cigar smokers till the wee hours of the morning, enjoying fine cigars, scotch and conversation. It was the whole idea of the lounge. The service, the atmosphere. It won’t be the same.
If only five percent want to smoke in their cabin, Why don’t they have a smoking deck only and charge a little less for those cabin’s and then the non-smokers don’t have to pay $300.00 more per person to be on the spa decks.
I like the new smoking policy, mainly because many smokers were smoking in the hallway not in thier room on many of the cruises I was on. I do believe that smokers should have places to smoke, and I thought haveing one side of the ship smoking cabins and the other side non smoking would have been a good compromise also. I enjoy good rock music, and not having the cigar bar down there will be very enjoyable…. sorry cigar smokers. I do enjoy not having smoke around me, but I believe smokers have needs too. It will be nice to sit in an area in the casino without ciggerette smoke blowing in my face, and still having an area for smokers.
Finally! A non-smoker that understands!! I also do not like smoke blown at me when I’m trying to eat…and the people in the hallways smoking should have been punished…but not the ones of us who are conscientious smokers and careful of the non-smoker’s feelings!! We STILL need to be ‘taken care of’, just as the non-smokers do. Thank Bobbye for trying to be understanding of us with the ‘nasty’ habit!!
okay then, a rule is a rule is a rule. May all rules be enforced equally. Keep your rugrats outta the hottubs and adult areas/pools. Make sure the food around them is not relocated in unacceptable places by them. be a PaRenT! If yu’re drinking and obnoxious/loud, know that I will be calling the desk repeatedly nuntil they do something to turn down your volumn. AND…
…Dress code is part of Carnival policy as much as smoking areas are. You can break the dress code when I can vape my e-cig at your table.
Guess I’ll just factor in an extra $250 per cruise for a room cleaning fee. And I hope the grumpiest non smoker gets it after us. Wonder if the next thing they will make certain areas only is people who drink. I’m sure these non smokers who get drunk and act a fool wouldn’t appreciate that
Interesting that the surveys revealed what they did regarding fewer smokers. My husband (a cigar aficionado) and I were on a CCL last November and the cigar bar was packed full of both smokers and non-smokers every night before and after dinner. In fact, as the 6-day cruise went on, it got more and more crowded every night. I don’t really feel the new policy is all that restrictive and we only smoke on the suite balcony anyway. While some may find my husband’s cigar smoke offensive, he only smokes in designated areas, that people can clearly avoid. As for the 300 pound person in skimpy clothing–how about a designated area for that? Or, how about a no screaming child policy in the Lido area?
Dear John,
As a SMOKER I do try to be courteous to the family/friends who are non smokers. Next year Oct.2012 my mother in law and a good friend of ours and myself is going on a cruise and yes I am out numbered because of my habit but we have opted to get a balcony cabin as I expressed to them we can have room service delivered for morning coffee and enjoy our morning coffee on the balcony and I can also enjoy my morning smoke.
I think its great that some of the bars are still open for smoking but alot of *non smoking* people who start talking to Jack and Jim and Jose and the Captain (Morgan) all of a sudden becomes smokers hmmm then they will be the ones who are upset about the non smoking policy….well as I have rambled on to long its time to go lite up and have my afternoon coffee!!
Caroline
I will tell you a cigar bar story that goes way back in time, when the beards at Carnival were more open to suggestions for their “Fun Ships”. Now I’m not going to get into the what came first…”the chicken or the egg?” but it seems these two staff members, Ron and John had this love for smoking fine cigars…Monte Cristo, a Cohiba, or a Artoro Fuente. Now for the chicken or the egg bit…Both claim to be tne mentor of the other, especially when it came to all the finer points an excellent Cuban cigar. And so they suggested to the ‘beards’ let’s designate an area on the ships as “cigar bars”. Where staff and passengers can meet in the evening, have a drink, share a story, and enjoy a fine cigar. This John guy can really tell some stories!! And so it came to pass, It was a wonderful place, a happy place, where the bar tender saw you coming and placed your favorite drink on the bar as you sat down. He had a fine selection of cigars if you need one. Always ready with a lighter or a cigar clipper if you needed it. And crew and passengers would meet and greet, and share stories of the day. It really was the one place where it was “all for fun and fun for all”. This fellow Ron, became a good friend, taught me everything I know about Cuban cigars. He’s, on the Spirit and I know he’ll miss that evening cigar time with friends, staff, and cigar lovers like me. I met you long ago on the Glory, just after a hurricane, and I had taken advantage of a good deal to go on a 5 day instead of a 7 day cruise. Living in Tampa, I miss my friend Ron, but I still have many friends on the Inspiration, with 2 more cruises coming up, 9/15 and 11/28, her last one before repositioning to LA. Something special about the Fanatasy ships. I’m guessing there will be some evening cigar time at the Serenity area. You will have to find time ashore to enjoy a good cuban cigar. I hope the beards realize they are breaking up a very meaningful part of interaction with the passengers, and those who enjoy a good cigar. One of these days a Med trip and a visit to Istanbul, where I grew up, plus a few years in Belfast and London. Cheers mate, all the best. Scott
“if you do see a fat bloke with a bent tooth and grey hair puffing on a cigar”…..can I join him?! I STILL think these changes are grossly unfair to those of us with the nicotine habit. I hate the fact that I’m going to have to find another cruiseline out of Galveston next year!! (after our april 2012 cruise, that is! haha)
My husband is also a cigar smoker and I am distressed to hear that there is no longer a Cigar bar on Triumph- Oxford Bar. When we booked our Cruise for Nov 26 out of Galveston we were told that venue would allow smoking and our booking was only made 2 months ago!
Mt husband will be very disappointed and I feel that I was misled although I’m sure it wasn’t intentional it is one of the main reasons we chose to cruise BEFORE Dec 1st.
I was not aware he could smoke in the room and we hadn’t intended on doing so, in fact I booked an extended aft balcony so that he would have more area in which to smoke and also to be considerate of others since the extreme aft location should not allow smoke drift to bother all who are forward.
I am totally bummed out!
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After 40 yrs of marriage my husband has gone to the “E” cig when traveling, rest and the bedroom lol Why are they only allowed in smokeing areas… It doesn’t make sense that they can’t be used in a cabin because there is NO SMELL and no messy ash trays… Or even on deck it’s black looks like an inkpen and the end lights up blue… Frequent carnival passenger…
Well 10% seems a littel out of line to me. We are snmokers, and always get a balcony ( 8th Carnival cruise coming up on Dream), but we really enjoy sitting on the Lido deck or Aft pool and enjoying a DOD and a cigg. We will try our next cruise to see how we like the new policy, but may not cruise Carnival after that. I can see smoking on balcony only and I think in NONE of the lounges it should be allowed….but the outside in the areas it was always allowed before should stay the same. I don’t want non-smokers to be uncomftable on their vacation…but I don’t want to be either. I enjoy sitting in the casino ( donating) and being able to sit in the casino bar area and smoke…..why is that so bad. And outside should be fine for anyone……PLEASE don’t make us choose to go elsewhere…land or sea !!!!
We have always loved Carnival,but the smoking policy that is going in to effect is very disappointing.We spend so much time on the Lido deck and its nice to be able to have a cigarette and enjoy the weather etc.I understand non smokers don’t want to smell smoke and I would never want to offend anyone,but making the entire Lido non smoking is just not far to the people who do enjoy a cigarette.We have a Cruise booked for Nov.2012 (our 8th)and this cruise and the new policy will determine if we sail Carnival again.
We had a inside cabin but it was FWD on the veranda deck the same side as the smoking on lido…all we did was walk out the cabin up the stairs one flight and we were on the lido deck in the smoking area. It was great… He also had an e cigarette for inside the cabin…. All was well but next time he will splurge for the balcony. He will kill me I thought it was already against the rules to smoke in the cabin that was in NOv
I loved it hate smoking put up with it 40 yrs can’t change him now
I was wondering if the Splendor sells Cuban Cigars. My husband loves them but we no longer go to the Dominican Republic near as often as we used to. We have been on several cruises more specifically, Carnival Cruises. But, I cannot remember if it was even kosher to sell cigars on these cruises, much less, Cuban ones.
too bad so sad. im a former smoker and cant stand the smell of it anymore–except for cigar smoke. i purposely go to the cigar bar to whiff those aromas and will miss them and i am sorry they took
it away from u and me.
I am a smoker. So are the three other people cruising with us here just under 2 weeks. We got a balcony room toward the back of the ship. We smoke. We get it. We just have to adjust to being polite to others. We do not and have never smoked in our house. We have never smoked in a hotel room either and will not be smoking in our stateroom. Not out of respect for the next passenger, but because I do not want my furniture, clothing or bedding smelling like an ashtray. I always smoke upwind, or I just wait to smoke. I consider myself a considerate smoker. Maybe not all smokers are, but to me, to be so judgmental of smokers is worse than smoking itself. Who do you think you are anyhow? I have the right to smoke, you have the right to not smoke.
Well thank you for being so considerate. I as a non smoker thank you.
question: Why don’t Carnival ask people when they are booking their cruise if they want smoking or non smoking like hotels do? This way you can put all the smokers on one decck or tweo decks what ever it takes.Or put the smokers on one side of a floor and the non smokers on the other. That why when the smokers want to go on their balcony and smoke it won’t bother the people that don’t smoke.
Dec 1 2011 marked the beginning of the no-smoking policy in the rooms. If a guest smokes on the balcony and it’s bothersome all you can do is report it and be done with it. You are on vacation so try to enjoy it and not be cooped up in the room : )
Good idea Ken. If smokers now have to get balcony rooms (which are more expensive than the ocean views we have had on previous cruises) we should be allowed to smoke on the balcony without being cussed by non-smoking neighbors. Our party of 12 people accounted for 6 rooms last cruise. Of those 6 rooms, 5 rooms had at least on person who smoked in them. We loved cruises but are leary of them now because several in our party smoke. If Carnival would give certain areas of the ship just to smokers it would help everybody out. It is a wonderful vacation and everybody paid to enjoy it.
Do they still allow smoking on the starboard of the Lido? If that’s still the case then the only real change I notice is the no smoking in the stateroom. I’m a smoker but I never smoke in my cabin anyway. I don’t smoke in my house and in that small room with the kids? No it aint happening. It’s really not that big of a deal to run out the Lido for a smoke. I need to refill my drink anyway and I’m sure there’s something new on the buffet.
Now the casino? Okay that’s just dumb, but hey I need to stop throwing my money into those machines anyway. That way I’ll have more for the next cruise.
LOL…..My name is Brian and I’m an addict! How Y’all doing? I’m 41, smoked about 26 years now, wish I could quit for all the above reasons and more, but I can’t. It is what it is. I do smoke in my house. I use Baked Apple Pie candles to absorb the smell. It works for the most part, but there are occasions when it gets out of hand, (With company that smokes etc.)I am an adult so I respect others who do not smoke. I will go outside if I have company that does not smoke and never around babies. I will not stay in a motel room where smoking is permitted or go to restaurants smoking section to eat my meal. I just choose not to, they do not clean their facilities like I clean my house and they smell. I despise litterbugs. I have cruised 4 times now and I smoked in the stateroom and designated areas(The state rooms were not called smoking/non smoking just plain staterooms). I had no problems with the staterooms nor did any of my non smoker friends.(Your staff must clean them like I clean my house, with pride and respect) I do not like cigars but don’t mind if you do. If it’s too much for me I go to a different area where it is not permitted.<<<please read the last 2 sentences again….and again….and again… To the "Beards" I understand your in the business to make money and your catering to a specific demographic people here (Non Smokers) As a smoker please consider the following. Give us our bar, give us our room, give us our place out in the sun. 3 wishes if you will and I can continue to cruise. If not then it's no longer a vacation for me. I cannot afford to pay a 250.00 cleaning bill either each time I cruise. Your staff does a good enough job it should not be an issue. But if it is simply designate the smoking rooms as you would the bars, the open decks etc. It's not that hard to figure out. As I read most of these blogs I understand you have to play mediator here and Myself and friends do like to cruise. Thank you for this consideration. After all I'm only on your boat because I can't afford my own….P.S. Let the help mingle with customers. It's not hurting anything. Have a good day! Brian
That was the one thing I looked forward to on the cruise, the cigar bar. But since I use an E cigarette is it okay to mess with people? Nothing like having a vicious non smoker screaming about water vapour one of the cool things about not using cigarettes. But I did look forward to the cigar bar thanks non smoker vipers, destoryers of fun
I am again slightly insulted. Why must you be slightly silly on the subject of smoking vs. non-smoking. Just like the others…
i think the no smoking policy has gone too far. i think it is ridiculous that you can’t even smoke outside. i’m a considerate smoker but have only ships that are totally non smoking and those uptights won’t have to be around us that are beneath them. this is my only vise and i can relax when smoking. i know it’s not good for me but i’m an adult and if i want to smoke i will. i sure hope they don’t go to all no smoking because i won’t be cruising anymore and i love it. this will be my 8th cruise with carnival and hope it’s not my last.
i have a rescue inhaler on me at all times. in years past, i used it often and still wound up in the ER twice. since all the bans on smoking have gone into effect i use it maybe a dozen times a YEAR instead of going through a dozen INHALERS a year !! you think your right to smoke trumps my right to life, and breath??!! i have other asthma triggers and i can and do avoid them. the smoking bans help me avoid the trigger i can’t control-human beings. i know it’s inconvenient for you but i promise you it is working. my hugely decreased reliance on my inhaler and lack of ER visits are empirical proof that it does.
this makes no sense to me. I am a non smoker, however I like to dance. the dance club should be non smoking and the cigar lounge should be for smoking. I would never go into the cigar lounge. why would they get rid of a lounge designated for smokers and then allow them to smoke in the dance club? I am an ex smoker. so you know we are the worst kind. it just plain makes me sick to smell it. and it wouldnt be so bad if it didnt stink up my hair when someone near me smokes, it just sticks to my hair and I have to keep smelling smoke until I wash my hair. no lie. so I guess I wont be going into the dance clubs. no big deal, there are other things to do on the ship. I wish all you smokers could have your smoking cigar lounge back, that really makes no sense.