Cigars On Cruise
 

I'm a little bummed tonight. I've been looking forward to this cruise for nine months. One of the things I was looking forward to was sitting on my balcony and enjoying a good cigar. Tonight I find out that you can smoke cigarettes on the balcony but not pipes or cigars. I've called them and verified this. Cigarettes only. I have no idea what kind of sense this makes, but I guess a rule is a rule. You can smoke cigars in the casino and the cigar bar...bummer.

Re: Cigars On Cruise
 

What cruise line?

I went on RC recently and they had a Conissuers (sp?) lounge for cigar smokers... it was beautiful. Leather furniture and nice jazz music and drinks to order :D

Spent ALOT of time in there haha

Have fun!

aj

Re: Cigars On Cruise
 

That really doesn't make any sense...I honestly can't see what makes a Cigar or Pipe any more different from smoking a cigarette up there? other than the aroma of the smoke is much more pleasing ;)

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Norwegian...and they have a cigar bar called the Corona. It just bums me because I was really looking forward to sitting on my balcony at night with a good cigar. I've been waiting nine months.

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It pays to check before you book your cruise. I just got back last Friday from my cruise to the Bahamas on Royal Carribean and they set aside 3 starboard floors where you can smoke cigars. Some of the ships even have a nice area set aside with leather chairs and library area ( Holland America ) and it's great. Some ships have gone NO SMOKING all over the ship.

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wow, thats bullsh!t. Just tell them it's a big brown cigarette

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Yeah, I agree. We checked when we booked the cruise...but didn't ask the MAGIC question. We asked about smoking and we asked about balcony's, but we didn't ask about smoking CIGARS on the BALCONY. I still don't think it makes sense, but I'm sure they have SOME reason. I can smoke in the cigar bar.

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I would probably still smoke on the balcony.

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of ALL the balconies on this ship...who's really going to notice you smoke one ay? *hint hint*

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I would be spending every waking moment in the casino and cigar bar, my Brother. ;)

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We're leaving on an NCL cruise on Halloween. Trust me, I'll be smoking cigars on my balcony. :tu

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I cruise at least twice a year for the last 15 years and have seen this anti cigar smoking deal coming. I talk with a lot of the reps from the cruiselines and here is the real deal on cigars. Most patrons do not like the smell,,,period. Cigarettes do not cause the same ire as cigars because it is more accepted,,,period. Casinos are there to bring in money so they will let cigarettes in there as cigar smokers are not a majority. Balconies while they are outside means that cigar smoke travels backwards towards other balconies where people want to be outside,,,so the complaints are really heavy for people who dont like cigar smoke who paid extra to go outside and then feel they are being penalized for having to breath cigar smoke.

Cruise lines do not want to put in exhaust systems to deal with the effects of cigar smoke and they do not want to give up space in a room where it isn't being used except for a few hours a day. Space is a premium on a ship and they want to utilize space so they can make money.


They are now "fining" customers who smoke in their cabins where they aren't supposed to smoke and neighbor cabin members are calling the desk to complain even more about their neighbors smoking on the balconies. I should know because the ships I have been on were ok with the policy of having cigars out there. I have been reported on Holland America, Carnival, Queen Mary 2, Princess Cruise Lines and it's only getting worse. This is why the cruise lines are slowly making their ships smoke free.

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I floated that suggestion with the Mrs. and that's a really big no-go. ;) I'll probably talk to someone when we get on the cruise to see if it's just one of those things they put in the book or if they are really serious about it...but if they are serious, I'll probably be spending some time in the cigar bar.

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Did an NCL cruise a few years back - If they do the Cigars Under the Stars any more....you'll have a BLAST!

Did the Disney Cruise (7 day) earlier this year - didn't have a balcony, had the 6ft porthole window - and spent most of my time on the 9th or 10th deck. No complaints here!!

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My wife...my sister in law...my other sister in law...and my luck, every cruise employee and they would probably fly in a special cigar cop... :)

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Sorry to hear that. How are they going to know if you smoke a cigar on your balcony though. I would do it anyways.

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Thank you, my friend. That is the best and most concise explanation of what's going on. I appreciate it. It was a much better explanation than what I got from the NCL rep that I called. He told me to call their travel agent who would be much more up to speed than him. I'm not one to "rock the boat"...so to speak...and I am a believer in following the rules. If the rule is no cigars on balconies...I'll swallow hard and give up what I've been looking forward to for nine months. I'm sure I'll still have fun but I'm sure I'll spend more time in the Corona than I had planned.

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This will never happen at least on Carnival. They tried it and lost their butts on revenue. They do have smoke free spa rooms though. So what happened when you were "reported" on the cruise lines for smoking?
Oh and I'm on the very aft of the ship, the only one that can smell me is most likely well me. :D

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They don't have anything about "cigars under the stars" in any of their promotions, but I'll keep an eye out for it in their newsletter when I get on board. thanks

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If you really need to smoke a Cigar on the balcony smoke this
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GTzihxaUwB...ish+Corona.jpg
Smells and tastes just like a cigarette:r:r:r

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I've done that years back and it was great, though I don't know if they still do it. I don't recall it on the last couple of cruises I was on.

The ship we're on has a beautiful cigar lounge, so I'll most likely be spending a fair amount of time there.

As far as smoking on balconies, it's a judgment call. If I know people are out and to the stern of me where they'll get the smoke, I don't light up. On this trip, we have an aft cabin with only a couple of cabins further back than us, so I'm not anticipating much problem. I try to be considerate, and haven't had a problem on a cruise yet.

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lol... That would defeat the purpose. The reason I smoke cigars is because they do NOT taste like cigarettes. :)

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I guess the less cigars you get to smoke on the cruise, the more you will have down the road, say December! Hope you and the mrs still enjoy a much needed vacation, I'm sure.

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Thanks...but I'm not sure it works that way. :)

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Well, I have a cruise on RC in December and have plans as always to smoke cigars on my balcony.
I always make sure the door stays closed so the smoke or odor does not go into the room.

If someone next to me or around me happens to complain, which will be a first if it does happen, by the time RC personnel knock on my door, that I snip the lit end off my cigar and put it in a zip lock bag and hide it, that I quickly spray Fabreeze, that my wife makes it to the door to open it but first, that I go in the bathroom and act as if taking a dump, that they mention something about someone smoking cigars in our balcony, my wife will simply say she has no freaking idea what they are talking about and why is it that they are bothering her as she naps and bothering me as I take a dump.

Take note of above possible scenario if you are really concerned about their policy.;)

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BTW,
You cannot take alcohol onboard with you.:rolleyes:

But you can take Pedialite in case you get sick. Hmmm.....;)

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This makes sense -- it takes a lot of extra effort to get the smoke smell out of the room especially if stogies and ashes have been left sitting; they have a very short time to clean the roon and turn it around for the next cruise.

Smoking on the balcony is an entirely different thing, and I don't think that they are going to go out of there way to find and fine you.

I've been on a number of Disney cruises and they allow smoking on the balconies and they also have a nice smoking area in the 9th deck near the adult pool, and the 10th deck above the pool (on deck they do limit smoking to the starboard side so non-smokers can stay away if they are so inclined).

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Genius!:banger

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If the issue is about the smoke travilng back, what happens if you were to light up at the back end of the ship?

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Gets better.
White/clear booze like Vodka, regular, clear non flavored is the way to go.
Infuse your vodka with fruits do you? Gets a strawberry color?
Hmm......there is the Fruit Punch flavored one available.:r

Oh, you don't want to spend $5 on Pedialite and carefully cut the bottom edge of the plastic seal so when you put the cap back it back on it does not look opened?
Happen to have a different colored drink need? No problem.
Gatorade to replace medically needed electrolytes anyone?

You can tell I have been on way too many cruises.:r
Can't imagine smoking as a hurdle coming even remotely close to the above. Just don't smoke in the room and don't give the smoke a chance to get into the room. Oh, and pack Fabreeze.

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Let's go ahead and add the "you can't take an iron" to this one as all related.
Sure, you can't.
I use to ignore that one too but then decided to conform out of sheer kindness.
So what did I do? Bought a great travel steamer for around $30. Don't recall the rules saying anything about that. My stuff is always wrinkle free as result:D

Let's see, what else is it we can't do...................hmmmm...........thinking. :)

Oh yeah, wine.
Wonder how those two bottles of 20 yr tawny port always follow me on board.
Hmmm......
Wonder how they make it to the table and opened by the waiter and no corkage fee.
Hmmm......
I can share that too but can't give away ALL my secrets.:r

Will have to admit that while they are all tough on checked in luggage (hint if not checked it, what is it?), NCL is the toughest on that.
Took quite a few bottles on my son but they just hang on to it until the end of the trip then give them to you.

Bring your cigars, sit back, enjoy and don't worry about it up front before you get there.
There is always a way to skin a cat.

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I would smoke on the balcony and if anything came of it I would play dumb.

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[quote=Blueface;608560]Gets better.

Oh, you don't want to spend $5 on Pedialite and carefully cut the bottom edge of the plastic seal so when you put the cap back it back on it does not look opened?
Happen to have a different colored drink need? No problem.
Gatorade to replace medically needed electrolytes anyone?

QUOTE]

Hm.. I'll have to think on the getting into a bottle without breaking the seal. Also, can you think of a flavor of gatorade that looks like whiskey? I'm stuck on that one. :(

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[quote=DoctorBJ;608710]I just put my booze in colored plastic water bottles and carry them aboard. Never had a problem.

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I just pack the liquor bottles in my suitcase....never had a problem! Last time, we carried 2-750mLs and 6 pints.

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Use a sharp razor blade on the tabs that connect the ring to the cap and reseal with the tiniest dot of krazy glue.

A few dark colored rootbeer bottles might work for the whiskey.

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Too easy.
Plastic bottle of Apple Juice that I need for medical reasons and they don't have on board readily available for my stateroom.

Remember, when doing check in luggage scans, the cruise line checks contents of bags via a large airport type x-ray machine used for luggage when checked in at the airport also.
These guys are generally employees of the cruise line and are trained to look for bottles that look like booze. They are not really looking for bottles of gatorade or other similar stuff.

The folks checking the carry on stuff are generally port employees, not cruise line, at least from the three ports I have used. They don't care what the heck you bring as long as it is not a weapon and you smile. I always smile as they see my bottles of port. One time was asked, told them it was a special anniversary bottle for the table for the wife and he had just blown the surprise as she was next to me. He turned red, apologized profusely and let me on my way.:r

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Well played. :tu:tu

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The funny thing is that no matter how many cigars I take on a cruise or how much booze/port/wine I can get in, I manage to drop an average of $150 a day between all my on board drinking, buying bottles at the table, buying bottles to bring home, cigar purchases and excursions.
No one should feel sorry for them. They do well with me as 5th cruise in 12 months coming up in December.:D

BTW,
The tip for opening bottles at the table with no corkage fee.
Simple.
The minute I get to the dinner table, I advance tip the waiter, assistant and head waiter. I let them know when the cruise is over, will tip them some more if they make it a memorable time for us. Amazing what that will get you.
In three cruises this year on the same ship, they all knew my wife and I and all were incredible with us knowing money was given up front and more to be given at the end. Basically the waiters from the first trip told the ones from the second and the two told the third to look out for money.
Those poor guys will do the world for you if you treat them well. Not something all do. Some folks cut out on tip night to avoid it. Hurts me to see that.

Re: Cigars On Cruise
 

And in conclusion... :)

I have read your posts and appreciated the feedback. I'm a firm believer in making sure that cigar smokers don't get a bad name. So, if the rule is no smoking cigars on the balcony, I won't smoke on the balcony. I don't agree with it, but that's the rule. I'll put on my smoking clothes and head down to the cigar bar or I'll go out to the aft deck...I'll find a place to enjoy a cigar, but I'll follow the rules.

Concerning taking alcohol on board...that's not an issue since I gave up drinking about 32 years ago. Thanks everybody for the input and help! I needed a place to vent.

Re: Cigars On Cruise
 

Tell them to pound sand!

What are they going to say? "Don't make me turn this boat around, Mister!"

;)

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Actually, you can take alcohol on board -- in your checked baggage. Which is how you have to travel with alcohol these days anyway, since you cannot carry more than 3oz of anything on to an airplane.

Several people on my last cruise did this and it worked out fine for them.

Just need to make sure you finish it before the end of the cruise (:D) as you may run into open container issues later on...

Re: Cigars On Cruise
 

Depending upon the cruise line they don't care if you bring alcohol onboard. I know that many people have brought alcohol aboard the Disney ships.

Re: Cigars On Cruise
 

Beg to differ.
NONE of them condone alcohol as that is where they truly make their money, at the bar.
All post that clearly for all to see online and in the package you receive when you book your cruise.
All will generally confiscate your booze and hold it until the last night or morning of departure.
If they choose to, can refuse to allow you to board, period.
You ARE allowed to bring wine on board and present it at the dinner table for a corkage fee.
Do folks bring booze on checked in luggage? Yeah, of course. Do all get nailed? Nope. Is it openly allowed? No way.

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Come on!!!
You can do it!!!
Do you ever go one mile over the speed limit?
If this balcony issue was one similar to no smoking in your room, or no smoking in the dining room, or no smoking wherever there are groups of folks congregating, would agree.
On a balcony? Wait to you get there and see how seldom anyone uses a balcony. That rule would never stop me and would not feel bad about it.
It is an idiotic one.

Re: Cigars On Cruise
 

Just check with the cruiseline and get an up to date policy of their cigar smoking and where you can smoke. This policy seems to change with the wind so you have to ask the right questions as to what floors, balconies, if they have a designated cigar room, etc etc.

I'ts already happend with Carnival and as you said it is an ever changing policy. Their newest ship to come aboard is a completely NON SMOKING ship so don't get too comfortable with the idea that NON SMOKING ships are a thing of the past. My reps are telling me that there is constant complaining from non smokers on just about every cruise and as we all know the squeeky wheel gets the grease. The smart cruisers pick the aft balcony cabins to smoke their cigars,,,just like me.
LOL,,,you can pack as many 3 ounce bottles that will fit into a quart bag like I did and that is approximately 7 bottles.

The issue is where you can smoke and if there isn't a policy in place that says you can't smoke on your balcony then you are free to smoke on any balcony you want to. I have had balconies in the front, middle and aft and still got complaints from the neighbors by them slamming their doors, coughing, whining and everything else. I even had the stewards knock on my door to see if there was a compromise to the issue and I told him there were two things I would accept: 1) That the neighbor could move to another cabin 2) That the neighbor could get off the boat at the next port.

He just laughed and knew there wasn't anything the cruiseline could do because there wasn't a NO SMOKING policy on balconies.

FYI,,,,you have to understand that the cabin stewards will report to their station Rep's any indication of any smoking materials if you are in a NO SMOKING room even if you don't light up. Carnival kicks off at least 1 to 2 cabins a week on their cruises for people who have smoking materials in their room. They just don't broadcast it to any as much as they come in with a sealed tape over the door and kick you off. Forewarned is forearmed!

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From NCL's website.

We want you to be comfortable on board, so public areas throughout all NCL ships are smoke free. If you smoke cigarettes, you can do so in your stateroom, on your balcony, in the casino or Cigar Bar (where available). If you prefer pipes or cigars, you can smoke in the Cigar Bar or designated smoking lounge. Also, you can smoke cigarettes, pipes and cigars outside on open decks (just not around food venues, sport decks, kids' pool areas and other designated non-smoking areas).

I consider a balcony outside and consider it an open deck.
I never saw this as an issue and this proves.
Can't phantom someone not complaining about cigarettes yet complaining about cigars, on a balcony, where the wind is blowing nearly off the ship.
An attorney in the house, please translate the parenthesis part as that clearly says to me, it is perfectly OK.
DUDE, light up and enjoy!!! Life is short.

Re: Cigars On Cruise
 

on Royal Carribean, there's a smoking side and a non-smoking side. So if you want to smoke, you can simply go to the starboard side of the ship and sit on the deck chairs out there, or go to the port side for smoke free relaxation.

plus there was the cigar bar after 9pm in the library

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You are right about what they say on NCL,,,but remember, you are crusing on NCL which doesn't have the best rating so you might want to consider this when picking any cruiseline.

Name Score

07 08
1 1 Crystal Cruises 90.67
2 2 Regent Seven Seas Cruises 88.71
3 4 Disney Cruise Line 82.50
4 3 Oceania Cruises 81.32
5 5 Cunard Line 80.07
6 6 Celebrity Cruises 78.37
7 7 Holland America 77.92
8 8 Princess Cruises 75.80
9 9 Royal Caribbean 73.09
10 - 10 Norwegian Cruise Line 68.26


You are correct except that on some of RC boats the library isn't used anymore for cigar smoking as the same for the Viking Lounge.

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Say it ain't so.
Going on the Navigator of the Seas in December. They have a nice Library with cigars and great high end cigar booze.
I have evolved to loving RC and sit on their deck and smoke away, on the smoker side. Have never had an issue. Have gone the last 7 or 8 or so cruises with them. Also enjoy my morning pot of coffee with a PC on my balcony.