Paradise wrote:
> What it may take are a few passengers filing suit against some of the
> cruise lines for adverse health effects due to second hand smoke. Then
> the lines will GET IT.
I'm seeing a lot of complaints about second-hand smoke, but I'm not
seeing any realistic suggestions for ways to deal with it.
And, just to clarify where I'm coming from, I'm an ex-smoker (about 19
years...but I do sneak one in a rare, weak moment).
Banning smoking in public places on land (restaurants, bars, hotel
lobbies, offices...whatever)...easy to do. Smokers simply have to go
outside to their designated smoking area to get their fix. And, they
can smoke in their cars, in their homes, etc.
Banning smoking on all cruise ships? Is that what you're hinting at or
am I misunderstanding? The ship is a smoker's residence for the
duration of the cruise - except for hours in port (typically 8 hours
out of 24 in a day). So, for the other 16 hours in the day, and sea
days, you feel that smokers should be deprived of smoking? It's not
like they can step off the ship at anytime so as not to offend anyone
with their second-hand smoke. I just want to be sure I'm clear on what
the vehement anti-smokers on rtc would like to see.
I've been on 13 (?) cruises. On each and every one of them, with the
exception of the casino area, I don't remember one instance of
second-hand smoke being an issue. Perhaps I'm just more tolerant than
other non-smokers...I don't know. But, I just haven't noticed that
lounges have been particularly smoky (and they always seem so empty,
that it's easy enough to find a table far from one where smokers are
seated). And, as I pointed out previously, restaurants, theaters - all
non-smoking. And, I've seen non-smoking lounges on ships - on the
Miracle, the non-smoking lounge even had live entertainment. Funny
thing...it was a very under-utilized space. Meals are not affected by
second-hand smoke, shows are not affected by second-hand smoke, your
cabin's interior is not affected by second-hand smoke....
Smoking is a dirty, nasty, unhealthy, expensive habit. However, some
folks have succumbed. Most are decent and considerate towards
non-smokers. Admittedly, some are not. Perhaps a bit more understanding
on both sides is in order?
I wouldn't mind seeing more non-smoking tables in the casinos. I'll
have to include that on my next comment card.
Lee
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