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Hey Wave,Obviously you know I agree. Princess is most certainly more liberal, while still allowing plenty of non-smoking venues. As we've become used to, all main dining, showrooms, etc. were non-smoking. In fact, I'd say at least 85% of Ruby was non-smoking. However, like yourself, I was able to light up on my balcony when no one next door was outside (early mornings and late nights) and way able to find areas within close proximity to all bars and nightclubs. I do think reading their new policy (they must read the boards since they suddenly are providing are "more central" smoking location), they will be watching fiscal 09 very closely in comparison to lines with more liberal smoking policies. When they first put the policy out where you had to find the forward elevator (you know how on M Class if you aren't on the right deck or elevator getting to the 11 deck disco/lounge ain't easy - I thought - wow, if that's the ONLY indoor area and it's so difficult to get to, they're in trouble. Now that the fares are pretty much the same across the board, (shame by the way) I think these issues will be make or break for them in this recession. I think the non-smoking Carnival ship lasted one year (correct me if I'm wrong), so I would expect to see movement one way or the other by the end of 2009. The danger is, of course, once you forbid something, giving it back takes some crow eating. I'm very interested to see what direction they go in into 2010.And please, no anti-smoking cheerleading or heated debates. This is just a business discussion.
Hey Wave,
Obviously you know I agree. Princess is most certainly more liberal, while still allowing plenty of non-smoking venues. As we've become used to, all main dining, showrooms, etc. were non-smoking. In fact, I'd say at least 85% of Ruby was non-smoking. However, like yourself, I was able to light up on my balcony when no one next door was outside (early mornings and late nights) and way able to find areas within close proximity to all bars and nightclubs. I do think reading their new policy (they must read the boards since they suddenly are providing are "more central" smoking location), they will be watching fiscal 09 very closely in comparison to lines with more liberal smoking policies. When they first put the policy out where you had to find the forward elevator (you know how on M Class if you aren't on the right deck or elevator getting to the 11 deck disco/lounge ain't easy - I thought - wow, if that's the ONLY indoor area and it's so difficult to get to, they're in trouble. Now that the fares are pretty much the same across the board, (shame by the way) I think these issues will be make or break for them in this recession. I think the non-smoking Carnival ship lasted one year (correct me if I'm wrong), so I would expect to see movement one way or the other by the end of 2009. The danger is, of course, once you forbid something, giving it back takes some crow eating. I'm very interested to see what direction they go in into 2010.
And please, no anti-smoking cheerleading or heated debates. This is just a business discussion.
