while I am on a roll, suggestions for DCL management

[dianthus]

Originally posted by Werner Weiss

If the act of drinking indoors somehow resulted in alcohol being forced into digestive systems of evreyone else in room, then drinkers should have to go outside. But that's not the case. However, the act of smoking indoors is different — the smoke does not just wind up in the lungs of the smoker; the smoke is "shared" by everyone who is breathing the same air.

With a little effort, DCL could fine-tune their smoking rules without hurting the cruise experience for smokers.

You are absolutely correct in every way. The problem is many non smokers come across as militant, intolerant and "better" than those "nasty" smokers... which is not the case. It's that- "It's my world & you're in it " mentality that I see more & more that concerns me... I always try to put myself in others shoes & try to be tolerant...

Here in CT, smoking is outlawed in all public places, restaurants and bars as of 10/03. What has happened is smokers stand outside the door & chainsmoke 2 or 3 & go back in. You have to walk through a cloud of smoke just to get through the door everywhere you go now, which is worse than having a smoking section inside that's well ventilated. It's the worst at entrances of restaurants... Maybe that's why I don't find the smokers on the ship that noticable at all... I'm used to a cloud of it everywhere I go now, because of the law that went into effect last year... It never was that way before...

Quite frankly, In 3 cruises I've seen more loud, obnoxious, drunks in Rockin' Bar D than smokers. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I would prefer to sit next to a civilized smoker anyday, than a drunken, boistrous person or group. Those people tend to think their behavior is acceptable since they don't know anyone onboard, or they're not driving... This gets worse with every cruise... I find that more offensive, but that's me.

On a better note, I agree with the suggestions that the Palo ressies system needs work & repeat cruisers should get first dibs on upgrades. Their system is so arbitrary and favors GTY status customers, not loyal, repeat ones. Free soda would be a nice touch & not very costly for them. You are paying a premium to cruise with DCL- just include it in the price. Tips should be service driven, not based on entitlement. If tips are included in the cruise pricing, service will falter- there's no incentive to perform.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by dianthus
Here in CT, smoking is outlawed in all public places, restaurants and bars as of 10/03. What has happened is smokers stand outside the door & chainsmoke 2 or 3 & go back in. You have to walk through a cloud of smoke just to get through the door everywhere you go now, which is worse than having a smoking section inside that's well ventilated. .

Dianthus
I would much rather walk through an entrance(which takes 3 seconds) than have to sit in a smoke infested

venue for 2-3 hours.

Also I don't know of one person that has gotten cancer from sitting next to someone drinking

. You also don't have to get home and take a shower,dispose of clothes,etc when you have sat next to a drinker.

P.S. I am not a drinker either.

 

[rae519]

Smoking makes it impossible for those with asthma and other respiratory health challenges to enjoy the entertainment. That is a health issue, not a comfort one and one that anyone with a compassionate soul would understand and take action.

Yes, many smokers are considerate, but there are a few that "just don't give a rat's tail" and because of those few, even if it were just one, it ruins it for those with respiratory challenges.

Rae

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by Werner Weiss
If the act of drinking indoors somehow resulted in alcohol being forced into digestive systems of evreyone else in room, then drinkers should have to go outside. But that's not the case. However, the act of smoking indoors is different — the smoke does not just wind up in the lungs of the smoker; the smoke is "shared" by everyone who is breathing the same air.

yes

 

[dianthus]

Nick ~ Your smileys always crack me up!

Rae~ I agree wholeheartly with what everyone says about smoking. Rockin' Bar D should be smokefree, as it's an entertainment zone. The problem I see is, if Diversions or Sessions is the smoking location, the complaints will roll in about their rights being violated there too... It just seems to me that some non smokers are downright obnoxious about this issue... I resent the aire of total entitlement and intolerance mostly that some people have. If I'm next to a smoker & it bothers me, I just move away, or I'll ask them to put it out. I've never had anyone refuse, or give me attitude - really. But then again, I don't lecture them either. I choose not to smoke- it doesn't make me a better person than my friends, or others that do.

In a perfect world, no one would have vices, problems & everything would be great. It's not, but that's life... I just don't view smokers as the bain of my existence. That just me, maybe I'm more tolerant than most...

I think Werner said it best ~ With a little effort, DCL could fine-tune their smoking rules without hurting the cruise experience for smokers.

~ Linda

 

[rae519]

Linda - when we are around smokers, we choose to leave - nothing said, just leave. I find that some non-smokers without health concerns can be even ruder than the smokers. An in-law of ours does NOT have any health risks but just doesn't like people smoking around her, she makes such a big fuss when someone is smoking - coughing, waving her hands, making loud comments. Just embarasses us to death!

My DH was a smoker, as was both my birth and step fathers - they both died of smoke related lung diseases. I wish Michael and I weren't so allergic to smoke (asthma) but we are, and it does make for some missed events. But at least we are alive, not on oxygen and can take action (even if it's that we leave)!!

Rae (not a waver, cougher or complainer - just a "get up and go'er")

 

[jfis1020]

I am a get up and goer too Rae.......

They only time I get frustrated with smokers is when I am trying to eat. I just can't do both!

Good ventilation is the key to satisfying both smokers and non-smokers. I would think that a good system could help.........

 

[dianthus]

Originally posted by rae519
Linda - when we are around smokers, we choose to leave - nothing said, just leave. I find that some non-smokers without health concerns can be even ruder than the smokers. An in-law of ours does NOT have any health risks but just doesn't like people smoking around her, she makes such a big fuss when someone is smoking - coughing, waving her hands, making loud comments. Just embarasses us to death!

Rae (not a waver, cougher or complainer - just a "get up and go'er")

Rae~ I like that - a " get up & go'er"- that's what I am! See, I've got you starting to creatively "name" things now too! ( it's contagious, but fun! )

The person you describe is the type of non smoker I am referring to exactly. Entitled, obnoxious and sooo self absorbed. When I see this type of behavior I just cringe... Their behavior provokes smokers to be inconsiderate. Can't blame them...

If we all get up & go from Rockin' Bar D when it gets smokey, do you think the entertainers will follow us? Maybe that's more effective than complaining about it...

~ Linda A proud member of the subtle, but effective "get up and go'er " - not a waiver, cougher and complainer club!

 

[rae519]

Linda - we are having too much fun - see what you started, Ann!!!

Okay, some new suggestions for DCL - (or maybe not so new!)


1) Sign the kids up for the Club at the embarkation desk rather than at the club - IF you have ever had to sit on those child sized chairs and tried to hunch over to write on those child sized tables, you'd understand why!!

2) IF there are Spa specials, let us know ahead of time rather than wait til we've signed up for one treatment only to learn that another treatment had a combined offer that was less!

Rae

 

[floridaminnie]

With the Clubs, have the "paperwork" part of the cruise paperwork, so it can be filled out ahead of time.

Rae, why would they want to tell us their specials ahead of time? They would make less money that way!

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by floridaminnie
With the Clubs, have the "paperwork" part of the cruise paperwork, so it can be filled out ahead of time.

Rae, why would they want to tell us their specials ahead of time? They would make less money that way!

Suzie - next time we cruise, we are going to take an "extra set" so we can do just that - fill it out ahead of time!!!! With my luck, they will change the form!!!

HAHAHA - good point on the Spa Specials - but you know that's the only reason I had my first spa experience years ago - there was a special that if you booked during the "open house at embarkation" you got a free 20 minute Chakra Capsule session with another treatment. It was on a board in the exercise area, so if you didn't go back there and look, you'd never know about it.

I also have another suggestion - why not offer us a small drink of punch or something when we have our name announced! Sort of a "toast to welcome us aboard"! Didn't they do that on TV with the "Love Boat" or "Fantasy Island"?!!!!!!

Rae

 

[rae519]

Another suggestion, I'm on a roll with this now -

IF you are a single person traveling with a child, then you should pay for 1 Adult and 1 Child, not 2 Adults.

Or if you are a single traveling solo, then just pay for yourself and not for a double occupancy!

Anything to stir the pot!

Rae

 

[jfis1020]

What Rae? You don't like the little chairs????

That's so funny that you mentioned that, because as a teacher, I didn't even think about it! I am so used to "little chairs"!!

I think the precruise paper work for the club/lab is a great idea. You can still go, visit, turn in the papers, let the kids roam, etc. I think it might simplify it for the cm as well.

 

[floridaminnie]

Hmm...if you are traveling single with a child (or not) they provide a nice young gentleman for your room. Ok, now I know I'm dreaming.

 

[AnnMorin]

I keep telling you I can hook you up with Dave our cop friend, he would be perfect for you,..even showed him your picture (he thinks you are adorable )
on another note, we will be in Ft. Lauderdale 2/15-19 if you all want to shoot down for fun in the sun!

 

[rae519]

Matchmaker! Matchmaker!

Be careful, Suzie - Ann has plans for you!!!! And I have plans for your daughter! Remember I still have one single son left!

Rae

Edited to add:

Ohh, I just love those little chairs - at least half my butt likes them!

 

[LAMPSKIES]

O.K......ready to flame me Rae??? I've responded to several "DCL treated me horribly when I had a problem" posts after our "cancelled" 11/30/02 Eastern sailing. It seems that all the complaing stems from one common thing........"I have a problem, I'm on vacation and what are you going to do about it". The small easily handled no towel in the stateroom, I want to change my dining tables etc. are handeled well by guest services. But, (ready Rae?) there is no "public relations Mgr." who can, or knows how to make a "executive decision" on the ship. Yes, some people will constantly complain just looking for a "freebie" but some have legit' major complaints and in my opinion that fire could be put out right then and there. It seems with all the "major problems" I have read about on these boards they don't get settled 'till after the sailing.....long after the sailing. Why can't there be a "customer relations" person (or staff) right there to make a decision!! I had to wait 3 months for DCL to take care of me......(the whole time getting yelled at by Rae519.... LOL)
Sooooo, me, being the director of a finance department (in a large auto dealership) who puts out so many fires on a daily basis (I sometimes think I should wear clown shoes) officially will volunteer my resume to DCL to take the job. Yes, I will give up this 3 degree weather here in the Chicago burbs and stay on that ship for a better DCL.

 

[rae519]

Lampie - did I really "yell" at you?!!!!

I can't believe that there isn't one person who can handle this on the ship before debarkation. Yes, you should definitely be the one to take the job! I will give you a big recommendation and you know from the Dueling Piano departure how much my word weighs with DCL!!!

Yes, there should be someone who can make an decision on the Executive level right then and there!

Rae