NEW SMOKING POLICY ONBOARD ROYAL CARIBBEAN SHIPS

[red stripe]

MIRRORS GROWING TREND TOWARD SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT​

Vitality Wellness Program Continues To Bring a Breath of Fresh Air Fleetwide


MIAMI, July 23, 2007 – In time to help guests set their New Year’s resolutions for a healthier lifestyle, Royal Caribbean International announces a new smoking policy onboard its ships, effective January 2008. To bolster the cruise line’s new Vitality wellness program, recently debuted on Liberty of the Seas – the newest vessel to share the title of the world’s largest cruise ship with sister-ship, Freedom of the Seas – Royal Caribbean is increasing smoke-free zones by designating all staterooms and one lounge on each ship in its fleet as non-smoking areas. The new policy will go into effect aboard 18 of the line’s 21 ships initially, with Legend of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas following suit with the 2008 summer season.
“Feedback from our guests was a driving force behind the new Vitality program and our focus on wellness,†said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Results from online polls as well as input from all of our international offices worldwide, show very strong support of the new smoking policy. These changes reflect a more contemporary approach to healthier lifestyles and will significantly improve the cruise vacation experience for our guests.â€Â
Currently, smoking is prohibited in guest hallways and corridors, restaurants, entertainment venues and most of the ship’s interior public spaces except for designated areas in bars and lounges. The new policy will add all guest staterooms and suites, and one bar or lounge on every Royal Caribbean ship onto the roster of smoke-free spaces. Guests wishing to smoke may still do so from starboard outer decks, in designated areas in bars and lounges, and on stateroom and suite balconies. Ashtrays are available in designated smoking areas or by request through stateroom attendants. Violations of the smoking policy will result in cleaning charges to the guest’s onboard account and may also be addressed through the line’s Guest Conduct Policy, details of which are available both online and in all staterooms.
Royal Caribbean’s Vitality wellness program was designed to encourage and introduce ways for guests to achieve a better balance in their lives. The program presents healthier lifestyle choices across every aspect of the cruise experience, including fitness classes and spa treatments, onboard and land-based activities, shore excursions, and healthful drinks and food selections. Guests have the choice to try one or two elements or enjoy the total Vitality wellness experience to begin a more balanced approach to healthier living.

 

[cruisebuddy]

Only problem is, hopefully they will ENFORCE the rules they set, unlike the dining room attire suggestions.

This is some of the best news I've heard from RC in a long time. Now if only they would get their prices back down to where they used to be.

 

[PH8]

I think they should have added balconies to this......after all, the smoke will seep into the cabin,wont it?? And to me,it is more of a hazard leaving cigarette butts on the balcony....what if it not totally out and rolls?SCary thought..

 

[Cruizer]

All the US airlines have gone smoke free. Many cities have restricted where someone can smoke. Without taking sides, given the history of smoking restrictions recently, this is not surprising.

The difference between RCI's policy and the Paradise is the Paradise was totally smoke free while the RCI ships still allow smoking, just in limited places.

While some smokers might book other ships, I wonder how many non-smokers will now book RCI. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

 

[fskma3]

As a smoker, I didn't think twice about the ship being "smoke free." I am just tired of non smokers contantly whining about smokers,for example "they should have added balconies to this."

I fully respect a non-smoker's choice to be a non-smoker, and I will gladly leave the room to have a cigarette, but when you start to say I can't even smoke OUTDOORS you strat to infringe on my rights. It is my right, and choice to smoke.

 

[PH8]

So go ahead and smoke........I added the balcony too cuz I am afraid the leftover butts might not be fully extinguished and cause a fire.....you did hear about the Princess fire,didnt you??

There will be plenty of places to smoke inside and out still on the ship.......so no infringing on your rights......

Or for that matter,no whining coming from me..

 

[gloria lund]

[quote PH8]I think they should have added balconies to this......after all, the smoke will seep into the cabin,wont it?? And to me,it is more of a hazard leaving cigarette butts on the balcony....what if it not totally out and rolls?SCary thought..[/quote]

Oh, come on, its never enough for some people, want every last thing their way. Talk about a whiner, I'm not even a smoker but I don't have a problem with anyone smoking on their balcony. Oh, its so scary, geez the boat might sink....too. I would guess that there are people that want the food fixed with only the spices they like. Never ends for complainers.

 

[Gayle V]

Not scary?! : Well Gloria, I think the fellow who died in this, and all the others injured, might differ with you, were they around to speak.

 

[PH8]

Jeez Gloria..tell us how you really feel...

BTw-just off the Sovereign and they have now made Boleros almost all smoke free......only smoking allowed is at one section of the bar.....no smoking in the seating area...

 

[sanjoseca]

Relax you guys....smokers are a DYING breed anyway.

 

[PH8]

[quote sanjoseca]Relax you guys....smokers are a DYING breed anyway.[/quote] (tu) (tu)

 

[Fun@C]

I have to agree with Cruizer and GayleV!