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Author

Topic: Smoking on ships

andyc
First Class Passenger
Member # 5235

posted 04-07-2006 12:09 PM

I was away on holiday when the Star Princess fire happened. Having travelled on Star Princess last October on a very enjoyable week's cruise, I was saddened to hear of the loss of life and to see the pictures of such devastation of a beautiful ship.

This March, on the very same week, I was cruising the Caribbean on Radiance of the Seas, in Balcony Cabin 7600.

From my balcony, I saw the male occupant of the next door cabin throw a cigarette overboard, while we were still in Miami. Every morning, my balcony had a few cigarette ends on it.

Had I known how serious this could have been, I would have called the Captain and had the stupid @ss thrown off the ship.

One life is one too many; and it could have as easily have been my life or my wife's.

Next time I see a careless smoker on a cruise, I for one will take action. Don't these idiots realise the effects of their selfish actions?

I hope that the passenger of cabin 7602 recognises himself and thinks just how lucky he was not to have caused a similar disaster.

Isn't it time we make smoking ILLEGAL ???????

Posts: 119 | From: Southport UK | Registered: Dec 2004 | IP: Logged

Patsy
First Class Passenger
Member # 5611

posted 04-07-2006 07:23 PM

Speaking as a smoker, I agree with you about some real morons out there flicking their butts all over the place without a thought for anyone. If I'm out, I put mine in the bin after making sure it's completely out. But then I'm a considerate smoker and won't smoke in someone's house or whatever if people don't want me to. I wouldn't object to non-smoking ships. But where do you draw the line? There are morons doing all sorts with other things. Vandalism or falling overboard after one too many drinks. Do we stop that too? I know it's not quite the same thing as booze doesn't set fire to things on its own. It was unfair on you (and everyone else) to end up with so many butts on your balcony. Maybe we should just ban balconies instead or have them on the upper decks only.

[ 04-07-2006: Message edited by: Patsy ]

Posts: 2023 | From: Hythe, Hants | Registered: Apr 2005 | IP: Logged

Frosty 4
First Class Passenger
Member # 5826

posted 04-07-2006 09:48 PM

Smoking is becoming a big No No in society. Let's face it stinks and can kill you and in some cases those around you(secondary smoke) Those that do quit are the ones most against smoking. Restraunts and public buildings as well as work places are now off limits. I used to see fellow workers go outside every hour for 10-15 minutes to light up. Figure it out how much they cheated the company by their habit and to those of us who put in a full 8 hours work. Medical insurance is also higher due to more frequent illness for smokers vs non smokers,but affects all of us.

As to throwing butts,most ship(cruise lines) have a policy NOT to throw anything overboard. DUH!!!
They don't call cigarettes coffin nails for nothing.
I DO NOT SMOKE and never did.

Quit smoking and cruise longer!!!

Frosty 4

Posts: 2531 | From: Illinois | Registered: Jul 2005 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 04-07-2006 10:34 PM

Has it been officially determined that a cigarette caused the fire? It's hard to believe that so much damage could have been caused by one butt.

Smoking in Ontario is a definite 'No No' - you can smoke legally only on the street; within your own four walls or in your car - all public areas are designated 'smoke free' and fines are stiff.

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 04-07-2006 10:49 PM

As far as I know this has not been confirmed - but I may assure you that a cigarette can very well cause a severe fire.

Nevertheless, be aware that we do not have a lot information on the magnitued of this event - it looks pretty severe from the outside with all these collapsed balconies (and this visible damage is of course severe) - but I guess not everything on the inside burned - so actually this might have been a much smaller fire than we believe - which only shows how dangerouse fires can be.

Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

sparkieplug24
First Class Passenger
Member # 6344

posted 04-08-2006 03:48 AM

I agree that smoking on cruise ships can be dangerous but it can be dangerous everywhere. In Scotland were i live they have just over the past 2 weeks introduced a ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces. From the point of view of a non smoker this is great.

Posts: 13 | From: uk | Registered: Mar 2006 | IP: Logged

desirod7
First Class Passenger
Member # 1626

posted 04-08-2006 08:04 AM

Oceania Cruises has a very fair smoking policy

quote:
Smoking
For your comfort and safety, smoking is permitted only in a designated section on the aft port side of Horizons, and the starboard forward section of the outdoor Pool Deck. Guests are kindly reminded that smoking is expressly forbidden in all staterooms and suites, and on verandas. For the safety and comfort of your fellow guests, we request your cooperation and compliance with this policy. Guests choosing to disregard the policy may be subject to monetary penalties that will be imposed to cover the costs associated with the required cleaning of stateroom furnishings, verandas and surrounding deck and accommodation areas.
All areas, other than those specified as designated smoking areas, will remain smoke-free. These include all guest suites and staterooms, verandas, restaurants, public areas, the Casino, and all other areas of the ship.

Cigar and Pipe smoking is only permitted on the starboard forward section of the outdoor Pool Deck.

Time for the other lines to follow suit

Posts: 5727 | From: Philadelphia, Pa [home of the SS United States] | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged

docfl
First Class Passenger
Member # 4218

posted 04-08-2006 09:43 AM

Well drinking caused people to throw them selves overboard and fight and cause damage as well. I dont see people calling for a ban on drinking on ships. Yes I am a smoker, and an recovering alcoholic. I take care to use ash trays and proper recpticles for my ciggeretts. I have had more problems over the years with people drinking than I ever had with people ever had with my smoking.
Maybe a different perspective is needed. Just my 2 cents.
docfl

Posts: 112 | From: Tampa Fl | Registered: Oct 2003 | IP: Logged

Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 04-08-2006 10:02 AM

I am against COMPLETELY forbidding to smoke aboard ships - it is an undeniable fact that some people smoke - if you do not give them a place to go you actually 'force' them to do 'funny stuff' like smoking on their private balconies.
Designated smoking areas and proper information of the passengers about the risk of smoking on e.g. the open decks (e.g. during the drill) are probalby the best solution - and these designated smoking areas should be nice places - otherwise people will avoid it and end up again with doing 'funny stuff'.

P.S.: I do not smoke.

[ 04-08-2006: Message edited by: Ernst ]

Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

mec1
First Class Passenger
Member # 4287

posted 04-08-2006 10:03 AM

Desirod -

What exactly is "fair" about Oceania's smoking policy? Whilst one fifth of the population smokes and the products are legally available, this policy seems to me to be an infringement of smokers' human rights. And just to make my own status clear, I smoked 60 CIGARETTES A DAY FOR THIRTY YEARS and I stopped smoking 18 months ago. However, friends of mine who smoke are welcome to do so in my house and if I go out for dinner with smoking friends, I will sit in smoking sections with them. No smoking on planes - for nine or ten hours in an enclosed and cramped space - is acceptable. But to deprive smokers of their cigarettes for seven days or more is not.

Posts: 1675 | From: London, England | Registered: Nov 2003 | IP: Logged

Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 04-08-2006 10:05 AM

Sic! - again I do not smoke, but I understand the problems of people who smoke.

Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

Frosty 4
First Class Passenger
Member # 5826

posted 04-08-2006 10:06 AM

On our recent cruise around the"Horn" on the Mille they allow smoking in the area where coffee and rolls are serves -like a cafe. The smoke was so bad there that I hurriedly walked through holding my breath.It was bad! You had to pass thru this area to get around as it was in the Centrum area.And Celebrity is supposed to be an upscale cruise line.
I wonder what would happen if smoking was not allowed at all on all cruise lines?? Would business suffer? I think NOT.
F4

Posts: 2531 | From: Illinois | Registered: Jul 2005 | IP: Logged

Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 04-08-2006 10:11 AM

This can be handled in a more apporpriate way. Smoking is certainly not good - and the main difference to other drugs like alcohol is that other people are bothered - but to forbid it on cruise ships is just unrealistic and to a certain extend also inadequate.

Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

desirod7
First Class Passenger
Member # 1626

posted 04-08-2006 10:43 AM

quote:
Originally posted by mec1:
Desirod -
What exactly is "fair" about Oceania's smoking policy?

Mec1,
Answer, if you need to light up there is a comfortable corner of the Horizon's Lounge or sheltered outdoor deck space. It is NOT an outright ban. Ernst said if you prohibit they will sneak or do 'funny stuff'.

Posts: 5727 | From: Philadelphia, Pa [home of the SS United States] | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged

J.S.S.Normandie
First Class Passenger
Member # 6253

posted 04-08-2006 11:01 AM

I think that there should be places for people to smoke on a ship, without having to hide in thier cabins or on deck. I don't smoke, and I don't like being around the smell of it. But that's not to say that people shouldn't be allowed to have NICE places to do so. Ships should have smoking rooms like they did way back in the days of the liners. America had a beautiful smoking room that who wouldn't want to be in. It should be the same on modern ships.

Posts: 1197 | From: Massachusetts where the Brittania was trapped! | Registered: Feb 2006 | IP: Logged

Lux
First Class Passenger
Member # 5990

posted 04-08-2006 12:50 PM

I wonder how the new smoking law for Enland and Wales - due Aug 2007- will work for ships.
I notice in the new P&O 2007 brochure (came out a few weeks ago) that there is a comment regarding this (smoking in enclosed public spaces) in the General Info. section.They say is not yet known how it will affect cruise ships, but is likely to have an impact. I wonder what the rules are if the ship is not UK registered and/or outside territorial waters ?

Lux

Posts: 65 | From: UK | Registered: Oct 2005 | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 04-08-2006 02:54 PM

How are they working it on the Scottish ferries? I see Offshore Installations and Submarines are permitted to have a 'smoking room'.. I think they would have to do the same on the ferries, as surely that is safer than sending all smokers out on deck? As to cruise ships.. many [all?] have smoking limited to specific areas.. so perhaps just one 'smoking room' as someone else mentioned would be better. Some ships ex UK are also non-smoking in all cabins [Boudicca & Van Gogh].. I think it is Black Prince that is 'Cigar Free'? I don't think it is any big deal.. and fail to see why legislation is needed, no restaurants around here have had smoking areas for years... and workplace smoking went out with the ark... at least 20 years ago where I was. I don't think any public buildings permit smoking within, haven't done for years either.. maybe area specific though.

Pam... when the smokers have been segregated, perhaps the theatre can be split into those wearing scent and those not which is a big problem for those allergic to it; you cannot see it in advance to avoid.

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

Patsy
First Class Passenger
Member # 5611

posted 04-08-2006 03:11 PM

My father has emphysema and is not a smoker nor did he work around second-hand smoke. His specialist couldn't explain how he came to get it. He can only think it was all the years working outside and breathing in vehicle fumes (he was a police officer). Everything is bad for you and we breathe in cancer causing chemicals every day in and outside your homes. But honestly now. Just how many fires on ships have actually been caused by cigarettes/cigars etc? It seems to me balconies are more the problem. Apart from making the ships look like floating buildings, there's no privacy in some areas onboard, partitions may as well be made of paper from what I've read on here and anything can be thrown onto them whether a discarded butt or glass. A passenger after one too many might go to their mini-bar, have some more and throw the empty bottles onto the head of whoever's directly below.

Posts: 2023 | From: Hythe, Hants | Registered: Apr 2005 | IP: Logged

Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 04-08-2006 03:26 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Patsy:
[...] But honestly now. Just how many fires on ships have actually been caused by cigarettes/cigars etc? It seems to me balconies are more the problem. [...]

Interesting question. I remeber that also in pre-balcony times it has been repeated again and again that people should extinguish their cigratetts in the provided ashtrays as they might be falling into an open porthole when thrown overboard.

There are some topics involving balconies which should be 'sorted out'. (e.g. some months ago we were discussing floodings of baclony cabins)

Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

J.S.S.Normandie
First Class Passenger
Member # 6253

posted 04-08-2006 04:09 PM

quote by Patsy.
"It seems to me balconies are more the problem"

I agree. Ditch the balconies and go back to having a nice streamlined ship.

Posts: 1197 | From: Massachusetts where the Brittania was trapped! | Registered: Feb 2006 | IP: Logged

Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 04-08-2006 04:18 PM

'Dtiching' the balconies will not necessarily improve the exterior appearance....

from webshots

Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

Linerrich
First Class Passenger
Member # 4864

posted 04-08-2006 04:27 PM

quote:
Originally posted by PamM:
[QB] workplace smoking went out with the ark... at least 20 years ago where I was. PamQB]

Have you consulted with Barry on that?

Posts: 4210 | From: Miami, FL | Registered: Jul 2004 | IP: Logged

J.S.S.Normandie
First Class Passenger
Member # 6253

posted 04-08-2006 04:38 PM

Ernst, your pictures didn't come out, but come on you got to admit they look better without them.

Okay bad example.

Posts: 1197 | From: Massachusetts where the Brittania was trapped! | Registered: Feb 2006 | IP: Logged

Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 04-08-2006 04:40 PM

I think it´s more the low location of the boats than the balconies.

Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

Patsy
First Class Passenger
Member # 5611

posted 04-08-2006 04:57 PM

LOL! Yes, J.S.S. definitely a bad example. I don't object to proper windows instead of portholes. But the balconies make the ships look awful. And we won't even go into the sterns!

Then there's some darker windows. On Golden Princess it looks like awning hanging over the side. Or maybe it was. Never know with designs these days. LOL! Oriana/Aurora etc look like they've been punctured. With so many balconies nowadays they're all looking like floating boxes.

But getting back to the subject. If they confirm it was a cigarette that caused the fire on Star Princess then I hope they'll sue the careless moron than left it. Doesn't mean smoking should be banned on ships though. They could have segregated areas again like in the old days and keep a close eye on the ashtrays to make sure they're all out. There was an article I found a couple of weeks ago somewhere (think it was CBS4) where this fireman was onboard on holiday and he said he didn't think it was a cigarette. We'll just have to wait and see where that's concerned.

Posts: 2023 | From: Hythe, Hants | Registered: Apr 2005 | IP: Logged

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