I don't know whether cruise ships come under 'most ships' though, and haven't seen the final copy.

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Originally posted by glynn:
I think if they carry over what the "enclosed" place smoking ban they will see a great loss in passengers cruising.

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Hmm…an emotive topic.

As a non-smoker, I think smoking indoors was generally becoming socially unacceptable in the UK, anyway. I even know smokers that smoke in their gardens or out the windows of their homes. I also know smokers who do not like Smokey rooms. Therefore I think ships will slowly follow suit with the UK ban without losing pax. Some ships do not allow smoking in cabins or on balconies already.

I do not have an issue with a 'smoking bar' or lounges, but there is always the issue of the staff that have to work in it. Smaller ships may not have a very big range of bars and lounges either. Ideally a good choice of both smoking and non-smoking rooms are required.

This here made me laugh.

[ 07-06-2007: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

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Originally posted by glynn:
What's going to happen with regard to the UK smoking ban on ships ?.
Esp on P&O etc.

I think if they carry over what the "enclosed" place smoking ban they will see a great loss in passengers cruising.

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In the good ol USA most states have a smoking ban of sorts. Where there are total indoor smoking bans even in bars, people go outside and business is better due to non smokers who previously avoided bars. People who drink in bars do not want to stay at home with a bottle.

Rules about what one can and can't do, just gets people's backs up whatever it is about and make people want to flout them. Maybe Kennedy was trying to make a point Malcolm? No idea, but smoking has not been permitted on trains for eons, so not a new rule there.

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Originally posted by PamM:
Not for years have I been in a restaurant that has permitted smoking...

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I've never found a non-smoking Indian restaurant yet. Nearly all greasy-spoon cafés and Wimpey's/Star Burger's allow smoking too.

I have just remembered there is a greasy spoon in town that does [did] but not exactly the place anyone would think of walking through the door It was however a year ago I last walked past, might even have gone for all I know as very run down.

'Smoking is to be banned on boats and ships in British waters, the Government said.

Douglas Alexander, the Transport Secretary, said that he plans to extend the ban on smoking in public places to the nation’s waterways. Smoking in enclosed workplaces, public places and vehicles on land will be banned from July 1.

In a written statement to MPs, Mr Alexander said: “I now intend to introduce similar provisions to provide protection from secondhand smoke for people on vessels operating in UK waters, at sea and on inland waterways.”

Sailors and passengers will still be allowed to smoke in their cabins. Mr Alexander said that the ban would be enforced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Flouting it would carry similar penalties to those for smoking on dry land. '

After 22 days on QE2 with heavy smoking and very marginalized restrictions..in all venues..at all times..with little attention paid to restrictions, I delivered a hearty letter-bitch to Cunard and to my T/A last winter.

Cunard's response was very namby pamby. "Yes, we know it is an issue, but we try to accomocate all passengers will all wishes," or words to that effect. Translation: Smokers have an unrestricted right to pollute MY air, whenever they wish, and wherever on the ship they wish.

I do not execute any counter-right to annoy them. The Yacht Club lounge became untennable; shows were heavily polluted by those who chose to smoke whenever and wherever they wanted. Restictions were igonored.

I short, Cunard's rationale "We try to accomodate smokers and non-smokers ." "Equal rights" were carried too far.

Results, smokers drove me out of many Cunard venues. Other Pax agreed.

Corporate motto: "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

[ 07-07-2007: Message edited by: Cambodge ]

But tobacco smoke STINKS. I find it unpleasant to sit, trying to enjoy a show or a drink on a ship, for which I have paid a pretty penny, and having clouds of smoke, generated by one or more thoughtless boors, being blown in my face and all around me. It is more or less like living downwind from a landfill.

Cunard lets this happen in the name of "smoker's rights." Other lines, on which I have traveled, do not.

[ 07-07-2007: Message edited by: Cambodge ]

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Originally posted by Cambodge:
But the tobacco smoke STINKS. I find it unpleasant to sit, trying to enjoy a show or a drink on a ship, for which I have paid a pretty penny, and having clouds of smoke, generated by one or more thoughtless boors, being blown in my face and all around me is more or less like living downwind from a landfill.

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Sure, there are allocated smoking areas. In the public rooms of QE2. In December, they exceeded the non-smoking areas, and the ubiquitous glass ashtrays, indicating Mother Cunard's official approval, outnumbered the tables without them by a significant margin. Essentiall one whole side of the ship, all venues was solid smoking spaces. I believe it was starboard, but at this point I am not sure.

But this was not enough for many. I observed these ashtrays being moved to previously non-smoking areas, particularly during shows, when groups of smokers wanted to be together. It was very unpleasant and was not countered by an indifferent staff.

As mentioned elsewhere, Oceania had significant restrictions, and even Regent's Paul Gaugin, catering to many French passengers, had only minimal smoking tables. There were no problems on Celebrity or H.America either. But on my last voyage with Cunard.....well I have said enough.

[ 07-08-2007: Message edited by: Cambodge ]

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Originally posted by Brian_O:
Non-smokers ought to be keel hauled until they stop bitching.

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Don't know that I would go that far but they should stop the bitching.

Believe Canada, at least the Province of Ontario (not sure about the others) is way ahead of the USA. As far back as '51, smoking on public transit was forbidden - long haul
buses set aside the last 4 rows for smokers.Trains, like the UK had non-smoking compartments.

Now, all public buildings, offices, restaurants, private Clubs many rental apartment buildings and owner owned Condominums are declared Non-Smoking. Hospitals too - in the dead of winter you see patients, clutching medical poles, all bundled up, standing outside puffing away. I have a friend with lung cancer, now close to the end - she is wheeled out by visitors for 10 minute smoke breaks - her choice and it's allowed.

A former smoker, I know of what I speak - I have emphysema, a killer with no cure!

Trust me, living with emphysema is no fun! - quit now before it's too late

I don't bitch about it! Cruising, I just walk away, can't stand those sniffing, paper waving fanatics! I know how hard it is to quit!

We've never posted 'no smoking' signs in our
Condo home, the ashtrays are stowed - good friends know that if they wish they can step out to the terrace - few do!

A practical and wise business would prohibit smoking. Since a minority of its possible customers are smokers, it offends the majority in favor of the minority to allow smoking--never a good idea.

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Originally posted by mrblanche:
A practical, even machiavellian government would encourage smoking. It collects taxes on the products, and earlier death for the smokers saves Social Security about $20,000 per smoker, according to a study about 10 years ago.

A practical and wise business would prohibit smoking. Since a minority of its possible customers are smokers, it offends the majority in favor of the minority to allow smoking--never a good idea.

One problem I have found is that I have never yet found a smoker who believed it was wrong to flip his ashes or cigarette butts wherever he wanted to. This fact alone should be enough to prohibit smoking by any business that cares about their facilities.

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What narrow thinking! I smoke and I don't throw my butts on the ground or flick my ashes anywhere I want. The people I know who smoke are also considerate of non-smokers. I would be happy to be on a ship where smoking is confined to one's cabin or outside on deck.

The last time I was on a ship smoking was allowed on deck only on the port side. What rubbish. Do the funnels only spew fumes and smoke port?

[ 07-08-2007: Message edited by: WhiteStar ]

Having a smoke free environment will only encourage more people to come out and use the public rooms and take part in all the events.

Typically smokers are the most inconsiderate people on this planet. You always see their litter where ever you go, you always breath in their second hand revolting breath the moment you step into a bar. The air conditioning manages to ruin your cloths with the putrid stench of stale cigarettes. They are a burden on the public and private health system. They are the biggest time wasters - do you know how much time a smoker wastes at work having a smoke break while the others have to cover for them?

The new anti smoking laws give the majority back their freedom. Sure people can choose to smoke, but please spare the non smokers from your toxic pollution!