Meridian lounge and smoking

[WanderLit]

I understand the Meridian lounge on the Fantasy is a cigar bar with no smoking inside. As for the outside, I'm a little confused. Is smoking allowed on just the port side veranda? Does the veranda wrap around the back of the ship and is there also a non-smoking starboard veranda off the Meridian lounge?

My interest is purely logistical. I am a hobby-writer of fiction and It looks like a quiet place to enjoy a cocktail and write. I don't smoke myself but I'm not over-sensitive to the odor. My father and grandfather both smoked and the fragrance of a fine cigar or pipe tobacco has pleasant associations for me.

I'm not one of those people who complains there isn't a sophisticated smoking lounge for non-smokers. LOL, It's just the deck plans don't seem to match a couple of youtube videos I saw and I'm curious about the layout. The deck plans makes it look like Palo has taken over what used to be the starboard veranda off Meridian leaving just the port side.

 

[kiford]

I know that when we were on the Dream (same design for Meridian as the Fantasy) in 2012 (or was it 2011?), both outdoor lounges off Meridian were smoking and I think that the starboard side was the cigar lounge. We spent a lot of time on the port side and there was hardly ever anyone there so we had no issues with it being smoking - we were able to pretty much avoid any smokers and often had the entire deck to ourselves for long periods of time. Even Meridian itself was almost always empty - that could easily be a place to sit with a cocktail and write if you don't necessarily have to be outside. It was our favourite lounge. I had intended to spend more time in Pink but we ended up always going to Meridian.

 

[Bear3412]

Only port side Meridian is smoking. .....

It's OK to admit you are a smoker. Surprisingly the vessels have many smokers.

Many smokers are relieved to see others aboard.

They obviously congregate in the smoking areas. Smokers smoke in the smoking sections.

I feel they all follow the rules, IMO.

Meridian is a Bar, aft on deck 12. It has two outdoor decks, between the actual bar, 1/4 covered from the elements, on each side of the vessel. The port side is smoking all the time. The starboard side is non smoking all the time.

The bar closes at midnight every night. IME
Smokers, or non smokers, can still enter Meridian/Palo/Remy foyer, walk right or left to side door, exit, and smoke., or not, after hours. IOW, they don't lock the doors.

Cigarettes and cigars are welcome port side. You won't be lonely,
The only time these aft balconies doors have been locked is during excessive heavy seas and outrageous winds. So this area should be available for most sailings.

If you like smoke bank right walking aft.

If you hate smoke bank left walking aft.

 

[phinz]

I spend a *lot* of time on the Meridian smoking deck, smoking or not. I too write, and find that it's one of the most relaxing places to do so. Sometimes I light a pipe or cigar. Sometimes I don't. Usually I have a drink in hand, but that's status quo from the moment I step onboard until the night before I disembark.

I also find that the counter/desk area with barstools on the port side of Cove Cafe is an *excellent* area to sit with a cup of tea/coffee/etc. and write. I just order my drink, sit down, plug in my headphones and scribble away. It's quiet in there if you can't stand the headphones, and it's private since you have your back to the room.

That said, Palo *does* take over the starboard side when they are open from what I've seen. I've seen plenty of people dining out there during the hours of Palo dining.

 

[Bear3412]

... That said, Palo *does* take over the starboard side when they are open from what I've seen. I've seen plenty of people dining out there during the hours of Palo dining.

Yes. Great point. In nominal weather.
I missed that.
Thanks

There is still a small walkway stern of the two decks, aft of Meridian, if someone is is need of a non smoke walk fwiw.

IOW non smokers check it out, it could work, although it may not during dining hours.

 

[WanderLit]

Ah! THAT explains the the video vs. deck plan discrepancy. Thank you!
I'm glad to hear it's generally a quiet place. I'm in one of the extreme aft staterooms so the Meridian will be just a short elevator ride away.