Why does DCL allow smoking?

[k3chantal]

People will complain no matter what, and DCL knows this.

So if smoking is on one side of the ship only, what about folks who book GTY cabins? Or GT rates? Then it will be, I didn't know I could end up on the smoking side. Or folks who upgrade at the port, or get pixie dust upgrades. It'll only be worse, if you confine smoking to one half. Then your odds are much better to end up near smokers!

I don't smoke and I never have. But, some people on here act like they're going to die if they ever smell it. I'm from California where we have very strict smoking laws, and I rarely encounter it. When I travel around the U.S., though I find a LOT of other states/cities where it's far more prevalent. I guess there are no DCL customers from the South.

My suggestion if you find a smoker next to your cabin (and its bothering you)...just talk to them politely. Remember that most smokers are keenly aware of how they're perceived by others, and are maybe even a bit embarrassed by their habit. Lecturing or being indignant just put people on the defensive- in any situation. Be kind, and most people will be kind back.

That said, in 9 cruises (most in a verandah) I have never had an issue with a cigarette smoker in the neighboring verandah! I bet most people haven't, although obviously some have encountered real problems. My DH does enjoy the cigar up on deck 10 like a PP said, or even better, Meridian.

I would be very careful about approaching strangers over their behaviors. I lived next to a family who made a work out room in their garage and while their teen age son worked out, he also played at a very loud level, music. It was so loud that with my windows and doors closed I could hear it as well as my young impressionable children (the lyrics were not appropriate for children). My mother said, "Just go over there and ask them to turn it down. They will be embarrassed that they inconvenienced you." So I went over and asked. Guess what? Instead they called me all kinds of words that are not allowed on this forum and started harassing me. After three months of this abuse, I started calling the police and having them cited. The verbal abuse continued and they even scratched my husband's car. So even when people have an option to change their behavior (he could have worn wireless headphones or just turned it way down) it doesn't mean they will.

Most smokers know their habit is terrible for them and for others. They have chosen to not fight their addiction but may decide to 'fight' you instead.

Oh, just for the curious, we turned that house into a rental and moved. The music stopped (the same renters have lived there for now five years). So my neighbors were just making a point that they had 'rights' ignoring the fact that they were tramping all over mine.

 

[mrliam]

As a smoker, I like to think I'm considerate about where I smoke. If I have a verandah, I try to smoke when my neighbours aren't out, and if they are, I make a point of checking if they have a problem with me lighting up.

Sometimes people have not had a problem, some have said they would prefer it if I didn't (which I respected and either waited for them to go in or I went elsewhere)

I understand some people really don't appreciate smoke, but a respectful and considerate approach by all really does take the stress out of 99% of all potentially volatile situations.

Persecuting people for something they do that is fully within the rules though, surely isn't helpful for anyone...

 

[Suger Mag]

In Seattle it is probably 10% or less. However most of the homeless people I see smoke. From what I seen smoking is highly correlated with income level so I don't believe it would be a big hit to Disney if they banned smoking. Most of the young people smoke pot not tobacco. I believe they think it is less bad for their health. It is still bad for you though.

Nice... in your view... if you smoke tobacco you are either most likely homeless or poor... guess all those smokers y'all are complaining about on DCL must have recently won the lotto never mind your assumptions about those pot smoking youngsters... 'course maybe you know what you are talking about there... you are from Seattle ... now AKA the North American Amsterdam

 

[AZMermaid]

My mom smoked for 40 years and quit (I hope for good this time) almost 3 years ago when my son was born. She grew up in the 50's and 60's and yeah, they knew smoking was bad... but not how bad and she was/is very very addicted. I know how many times she tried to quit only to start again a few weeks/months later. So, I have a lot of sympathy for smokers in her age bracket- but under 40 or so, not so much. But, I have respect for them as I would any other stranger. If they are smoking in the proper areas, it doesn't really bother me. As a non smoker- I can avoid those areas (well, not really in the case of the verandah, but if I was super uptight about smokers, I would probably get an OV room instead).

 

[ColonFamilia]

Nice... in your view... if you smoke tobacco you are either most likely homeless or poor... guess all those smokers y'all are complaining about on DCL must have recently won the lotto never mind your assumptions about those pot smoking youngsters... 'course maybe you know what you are talking about there... you are from Seattle ... now AKA the North American Amsterdam

Though the choice of words in her post might have been offensive to you, the content of her post is generally true.

Smoking is more prevalent amongst those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Disadvantaged populations are also much less likely to quit smoking. Those with higher levels of education have the least level of smoking prevalence while those with little to no education have the highest smoking prevalence.

The FACTS are offensive. Google "socioeconomic smoking" and you'll find reports from health organizations the world over that all say the same thing.

 

[baleeve]

I am a non smoker but was diagnosed with stage 4 oral cancer at the age of 40. I had 7 weeks of radiation to six areas in my head and neck and 7 rounds of chemo therapy. I couldn't eat or talk for close to a year and I was kept alive pouring formula through a feeling tube in my stomach.

Did I mention I don't smoke. But it's important to mention that both my parents chain smoked all during my childhood until I moved out at 18 and the doctor believes this contributed to my situation.

Also my uncle never smoked a cigarette in his life but died of lung cancer thanks to my aunt who smoked everyday in the house.

Now you would think I would be bitter and slam smokers in this thread about how unfair their smoking is to others but what's the point.

I've always (even before diagnosis) avoided bars, casinos, clubs, and any other environment that allows smoking indoors or close proximity outdoor events because it reminded me of the nastiness and the smell of my childhood. I will continue to avoid verandas until I can be guaranteed a non smoking experience so that's why I choose an inside cabin for our upcoming cruise. Its my piece of mind which is worth everything!

I'd be lying if I didn't say it irritates me that I have to go up on a public deck to enjoy the ocean instead of sitting outside on my own veranda in my pajamas sipping coffee. But it's a choice I had to make thanks to those who exercise their choice to smoke

I'm happy to say I'm marking my fourth year of remission with our upcoming Dream Cruise!

Remember, you can't change other people you can only change yourself.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

I knew when I booked a verandha room that people were allowed to smoke on the verandhas, but it just so happened that we had heavey smokers right next to us, they even had more family on an inside room and they would come over to their verandha and smoke there as well, so we had to rooms of smokers all on the same balcony! When we opened our door, we got their smoke in our room, so frustrating.

Why does DCL allow smoking on the verandhas? Is it a marketing ploy knowing that most if not all smokers will pay the extra money for a balcony? They get people that like balconies plus all the smokers booking balcony rooms. ugh!

I was concerned about smokers and almost didn't book our 7 day veranda stateroom on the Fantasy because I have issues with cig./cigar smoke. After talking to our TA she recommended getting a 7a cabin (9512) . That way we would be far forward and no veranda room in front of us. It's just 2 of us so the smaller size will be fine. Won't have to use my rescue inhaler as often...I hope!

 

[MillauFr]

but not how bad and she was/is very very addicted. I know how many times she tried to quit only to start again a few weeks/months later. So, I have a lot of sympathy for smokers in her age bracket- but under 40 or so, not so much

Yes I do feel sorry for them. They never intend to get hooked but soon learn the unfortunate truth. The worst thing the cigarette companies did was hire an army of chemists that added all kinds of nasty byproducts to the tobacco with the sole intent of increasing the addictive properties.

 

[jennorthernireland]

I am a non smoker but was diagnosed with stage 4 oral cancer at the age of 40. I had 7 weeks of radiation to six areas in my head and neck and 7 rounds of chemo therapy. I couldn't eat or talk for close to a year and I was kept alive pouring formula through a feeling tube in my stomach.

Did I mention I don't smoke. But it's important to mention that both my parents chain smoked all during my childhood until I moved out at 18 and the doctor believes this contributed to my situation.

Also my uncle never smoked a cigarette in his life but died of lung cancer thanks to my aunt who smoked everyday in the house.

Now you would think I would be bitter and slam smokers in this thread about how unfair their smoking is to others but what's the point.

I've always (even before diagnosis) avoided bars, casinos, clubs, and any other environment that allows smoking indoors or close proximity outdoor events because it reminded me of the nastiness and the smell of my childhood. I will continue to avoid verandas until I can be guaranteed a non smoking experience so that's why I choose an inside cabin for our upcoming cruise. Its my piece of mind which is worth everything!

I'd be lying if I didn't say it irritates me that I have to go up on a public deck to enjoy the ocean instead of sitting outside on my own veranda in my pajamas sipping coffee. But it's a choice I had to make thanks to those who exercise their choice to smoke

I'm happy to say I'm marking my fourth year of remission with our upcoming Dream Cruise!

Remember, you can't change other people you can only change yourself.

That's so great that you are doing so well! Oral cancer affected a member of my family (she was a smoker) and the recovery process is extremely tough. I am sure you have come out the other side a much stronger person - you certainly have a great attitude and I hope your cruise to celebrate your fourth year in remission is amazing

 

[Suger Mag]

Though the choice of words in her post might have been offensive to you, the content of her post is generally true.

Smoking is more prevalent amongst those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Disadvantaged populations are also much less likely to quit smoking. Those with higher levels of education have the least level of smoking prevalence while those with little to no education have the highest smoking prevalence.

The FACTS are offensive. Google "socioeconomic smoking" and you'll find reports from health organizations the world over that all say the same thing.

I am well aware of the correlation... but when you are talking about something that MANY people do... of ALL socioeconomic classes it is unwise to make blanket stereotypical statements unless you WANT to insult people. Personally yes... I find stereotypes of any sort offensive... regardless of whether there is a correlation that is true or not... be they stereotypes about race, religion or habits like smoking. When you lump together any group with a blanket statement you will offend, and yes I took offense as a FORMER smoker... being lumped into a socioeconomic class simply because of a habit.... and I found that stance about smokers being poor or homeless slightly provocative... especially on a thread complaining about smoking on DCL cruise... where you have smokers who are obviously affluent or at least financially comfortable enough to be able to budget for a nice vacation. But maybe offensive was the intention.... maybe not. It does seem that people love to hate (or at least look down upon with pity) on smokers....

 

[ColonFamilia]

I am well aware of the correlation... but when you are talking about something that MANY people do... of ALL socioeconomic classes it is unwise to make blanket stereotypical statements unless you WANT to insult people. Personally yes... I find stereotypes of any sort offensive... regardless of whether there is a correlation that is true or not... be they stereotypes about race, religion or habits like smoking. When you lump together any group with a blanket statement you will offend, and yes I took offense as a FORMER smoker... being lumped into a socioeconomic class simply because of a habit.... and I found that stance about smokers being poor or homeless slightly provocative... especially on a thread complaining about smoking on DCL cruise... where you have smokers who are obviously affluent or at least financially comfortable enough to be able to budget for a nice vacation. But maybe offensive was the intention.... maybe not. It does seem that people love to hate (or at least look down upon with pity) on smokers....

I'm definitely not trying to be offensive but you're doing the same thing by taking offense to being lumped in to a group with those that are socioeconomically disadvantaged. By doing so, you are applying a stigma to being socioeconomically disadvantaged. Do you not worry about insulting those that are less fortunate than you by expressing your distaste at being lumped into a group with them?

 

[gigi1313]

Yes, we all pay extra for our balconies, however one smoking guest should not be allowed to ruin the experience for a non-smoking guest. Smoking is allowed up on some decks too. Therefore, when they need that smoke, they should go to the designated locations on the open decks. I actually wrote DCL after having a negative situation with next door neighbors smoking. The smoke can also be smelled in the cabins. This is NOT right! Some of us are allergic to this! I think people just need to be more considerate of others. I think if enough guests write DCL they will change the smoking policy.

I'm not a smoker, and did not enjoy having a smoker in the next cabin on my first cruise either, however, I do not see how or why Disney should discriminate based on something that is not illegal...

That being said, my son is allergic to nuts... should I expect Disney to ban all nuts from the cruise line so there is no chance of cross contamination? Of course not... What if the person in the cabin next to ours was eating peanuts in the shell and some of the shells blew on to my verandah?

*I* am responsible for my own health and that of my family... if I have to be inconvenienced due to my own issues, then so be it... I do not expect a cruise line, a theme park, an airline, etc to protect my family from every ill it may encounter...

 

[Suger Mag]

I'm definitely not trying to be offensive but you're doing the same thing by taking offense to being lumped in to a group with those that are socioeconomically disadvantaged. By doing so, you are applying a stigma to being socioeconomically disadvantaged. Do you not worry about insulting those that are less fortunate than you by expressing your distaste at being lumped into a group with them?

Gwarsh ya got me there ... . my sincere apologies to any socioeconomically disadvantaged that I insulted with my lumping.

 

[ColonFamilia]

Gwarsh ya got me there ... . my sincere apologies to any socioeconomically disadvantaged that I insulted with my lumping.

Pithy sarcasm aside, you DID say you find stereotypes offensive in the same breath that you stereotyped those of lower socioeconomic means as being a class beneath you that you should not be lumped in with. By doing so you played right into the stereotyped elitist attitude that is oft accused as being prevalent on the DIS while distracting from the scientific fact that secondhand smoke contains 69 known carcinogens and is a public health hazard.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

 

[Suger Mag]

Pithy sarcasm aside, you DID say you find stereotypes offensive in the same breath that you stereotyped those of lower socioeconomic means as being a class beneath you that you should not be lumped in with. By doing so you played right into the stereotyped elitist attitude that is oft accused as being prevalent on the DIS while distracting from the scientific fact that secondhand smoke contains 69 known carcinogens and is a public health hazard.

Wow you are really good at reading between the lines. I never said ANYTHING like that... Now post away and have fun because I am done playing with you and your troll like attempts to start a fight. Have a fabulous day.

 

[JimGA]

I was concerned about smokers and almost didn't book our 7 day veranda stateroom on the Fantasy because I have issues with cig./cigar smoke. After talking to our TA she recommended getting a 7a cabin (9512) . That way we would be far forward and no veranda room in front of us. It's just 2 of us so the smaller size will be fine. Won't have to use my rescue inhaler as often...I hope!

That is our plan of attack, I realized that after I got off the cruise, I contacted my travel agent after we booked another cruise on the board. I asked her about 7a obstructed verandhas in the front of the ship, she siad they are the same prce, front or back. We will definately book at the front and be the very first open air verandha.

Oh and another thing that hindered us was that we were on a 4 night cruise and for about two days the ship was holdign a position and not moving at all or very slow, so we did not have many times of favorable winds.

 

[caribbeandreaming]

I posted about our Category 7A stateroom - it's on the bottom of page 5

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Baleeve...congrats on your remission! I'm 5 years cancer free...lung cancer from not smoking but my parents did.

Smoking is allowed on the verandas, but smoking is not a right and to ban it is not discriminatory. Breathing fresh air should be a right which is why we wanted a veranda. We compromised and I hope we will be able to enjoy the fresh salt air that we have enjoyed being native Floridians and beach bums.

 

[CastawayCayLover]

I would hope that DCL eventually follows the trend of the rest of the world and restricts smoking on verandas. While smokers feel that they are within their rights to smoke in areas that it's not prohibited, there is a reason why virtually every public area has restrictions on smoking: passive smoking (i.e secondhand smoke) has been scientifically proven to subject nonsmokers to almost every illness and disease that smokers voluntarily put themselves at risk of falling prey to.

What trend is there to restricting smoking in outdoor spaces? While there has been a significant, and welcomed, trend to restricting indoor smoking in public areas, there hasn't been much in the way of restricting outdoor smoking.

I like to very occasionally indulge in adult beverages. I can count on one hand how many times a year I do so. When I partake in my vice which I know is not healthy for me, I don't get behind the wheel of a car because I know that getting behind the wheel of that car subjects others who chose not to drink to the dangers that I voluntarily put myself at risk of. While it may seem like a dramatic comparison, they are not much different.

I don't know how an illegal activity (DUI) is comparable to a legal one.

A veranda only has the illusion of being a private area. The moment that the public is subjected to what people do in their verandas those verandas should be considered public and regulated in the same manner as other public access areas.

It's still an outdoor area, and very few outdoor public areas are restricted from smoking.

With all due respect and no ill will intended to smokers, their choice to smoke should not infringe on my right to be healthy. I don't feel it infringes on their personal liberty to tell them that they can't smoke in places where others are affected by their vice.

I don't think the research supports that outdoor second hand smoke is a health hazard. I believe in the surgeon general's report on second hand smoke, the only reference to outdoor readings stated that at the high end, the carcinogen levels came in at 75% below the low end of the range of readings they took in bowling alleys (as someone who has done more than his fair share of bowling and is a former smoker, I know that these are historically higher than average smoke filled places).

Indoor second hand smoke is definitely a hazard and DCL reacted to that. Passengers used to be able to smoke in Rockin Bar D on the magic after 9 pm (I did it many times), not any more.

Irritants on the balcony go beyond smoking (perfumes, being loud, even that nice lady one year who was on the balcony next to me who proclaimed her wish that all smokers had been left back in the port - sorry you didn't get your wish - I didn't get mine that all obnoxious narcissists were left at port either), until there's scientific evidence to the contrary, their health effects are the same.

There are cruise lines that have no smoking on balcony policies. The most effective message you can send to DCL if you feel so passionately about this issue is to not cruise DCL patronize those lines.