CruiseGeek 10 Posted February 13, 2015 Report Share Posted February 13, 2015 Hello everybody It's been a while since I popped in here. I've done a fair few cruises and my last was with Celebrity in 2012. My partner and I are looking to cruise later this year. So my question is - what, if anything, has changed since 2012? My partner is a smoker and was recently told that it is now banned on all balconies and most of the ship. Also heard all cruise lines now offer free drinks.. being Scottish we do love a drink or two!! Great to see the forum doing well. X Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CruiseGeek 10 Posted February 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2015 Not much then lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Annieuk 56 Posted February 16, 2015 Report Share Posted February 16, 2015 I think it depends which cruiseline you're talking about. I can only answer for P&O. No smoking on balconies - only in certain outside deck areas of the ship. Definitely not Free drinks - unless you have a special offer from a Travel Agent. P&O have advertised extra OBC which they portrayed as "have a drink on us" - not quite the same as free drinks. Although of course P&O are one of the few lines who don't restrict you taking alcohol on board and don't charge you an extra 15% on anything you spend. I think I read that Celebrity have upped their charge from 15% to 18% recently - but someone will correct me if I'm wrong. P&O have also changed to Plated food in the main restaurants - not the half sort of silver service they did previously - we think it's for the better, good choice, hotter food. CruiseGeek 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest shilly3191 Posted February 16, 2015 Report Share Posted February 16, 2015 P&O do charge 15% gratuities on all drinks but it is built into the price shown on all menus. CruiseGeek 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CruiseGeek 10 Posted February 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2015 Thanks for your replies. Shame about the smoking as we'd often sit out on the balcony in the evenings. What about the e-cigarettes, do you know if these are allowed on balconies? Thanks X Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pesky Pirate 172 Posted February 16, 2015 Report Share Posted February 16, 2015 I don't think you can but apparently you can in the cabin…. I am sure it is on the website. There seems to be a lot of people still upset about it but what can you do…. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CruiseGeek 10 Posted February 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 Ok cheers Pesky Pirate. Seems strange that they allow e-cigs inside but not on the balcony. I'll have a look around see what I can find out. Can't do much really - we either comply with the cruise line's rules or look elsewhere. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CruiseGeek 10 Posted February 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 Well a quick search online clears that up... P&O Cruises - E-cig smoking in cabin or balcony is allowed (below is from their website) Electronic cigarettes, including those which do not emit smoke, are not permitted in public areas but can be used in cabins, balconies and designated areas of the open deck. Although we recognise that electronic cigarettes are not covered by the UK legislation we have taken the decision to prohibit their use in all public areas in the same way as real cigarettes for the benefit of all of our passengers. Celebrity Cruises - No e-cig smoking in cabin or balcony (below is from their website) For your comfort and enjoyment, our ships are designated as non-smoking; however, we recognize that some of our guests smoke. Therefore, cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas of the ship. Smoking is not permitted in any dining venue, casino, theater, lounge, hallway, elevator, or corridor. This policy includes smoking-like products such as electronic cigarettes. Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom, nor on any stateroom veranda. If you are in violation of this policy, a cleaning fee of $250 USD will be applied to your SeaPass® account and you may be subject to further action pursuant to the "Consequences Section" of the Guest Conduct Policy. Cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco must be properly disposed of and never thrown overboard. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use tobacco onboard. Additionally, there is a non-smoking policy on all components of the land tour portion of all Celebrity Cruises Cruisetour products. We appreciate your understanding and adherence. Looks like we might be going back to P&O Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pyewacket 90 Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 As I understand it these e-cigs have no smoke or smell so how would anyone know if they were being used in a cabin or on a balcony. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CruiseGeek 10 Posted February 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 Most have an odourless vapour... so not sure how Celebrity could charge you a cleaning fee of $250 !! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Oldworldtraveller 2225 Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 Maybe the vapour will set off the smoke alarm. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CruiseGeek 10 Posted February 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 Maybe the vapour will set off the smoke alarm. My other half will occasionally use an e-cig when we are staying in hotels etc and it has never set off the smoke alarm. People talk about it being more like steam than smoke. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Annieuk 56 Posted February 18, 2015 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 When we were on Azura a year ago they were selling E cigarettes in the Emporium shop. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sammy sun 1084 Posted February 20, 2015 Report Share Posted February 20, 2015 The only thing I'd say is that if you like a drink, there seems to be many more drink packages around these days compared to 2012. Just seen Princess are planning a free drinks package for 2016 Europe cruises as well. P&O, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean all seem to be introducing a wider range of drink packages so that could prove beneficial for you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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