The Hated Smoking Question

[suse]

I can hardly imagine someone smoking in an elevator. I'm certainly not questioning that you've had this experience many times. I'd just never thought of an elevator as a place where people smoke. Live and learn I guess.

People would smoke everywhere! At work, in restaurants, even between courses (bleech).

I think she means their clothes stink. And they do. They just dont know it. Gross.:eek:

[suse]

LOL! That's exactly what I was thinking!:D

It's funny; when some folks realize they've run out of reasonable arguments, any tangent will do.:rolleyes:

I was wondering what you'd be doing for the New Year decoration. Very nice.:)

[Bakincakes]

Wow we made it all the way to post 67 before someone mentioned perfume! Must be a record. I don't know how many times I've gotten in a elevator and it reeked of smoke and I'm the only one in there. I do not smoke. Perfume is really a red herring that people love to pull out. I wonder how long it will be until someone mentions overweight people at the buffet:rolleyes:.

 

 

I'm not sure why you would think it a "red herring"?

 

People can be sensitive to things like perfumes and colognes. Cleaning products also come to mind.(We've heard from many nonsmokers who also complain about being sensitive to the cleaning products used in cabins)

 

I do realize that your focus is probably on smoking but there are more forms of irritants out there that will cause the same symptoms.

 

I just wonder how the overly sensitive manage. Unless of course their sensitivities are limited to "smoke".;)

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

I agree with those who say the survey is a stalling tactic. If HAL is not going to do anything about smoking, then why don't they stop polling? Surely they have the data they need. We have been filling it out for at least the past three years on more than three cruises. Enough already. I know, I don't have to complete it, but I do.

 

Barbara

[Bakincakes]

But ok. This is the truth. We always have a verandah and I am always smelling smoke. So, it's very nice that some of you don't but I can smell it and I don't care for it.

I wonder when Holland America will get it? Like have some restricted areas, ok, but not in cabins or verandahs?

Ok, on to the overweight health issue..............I understand it's just as lethal. Not.

:)

 

 

Then you had best research ports before you cruise.

 

I've smelled smoke while on my verandah that came from shore.

 

Maybe HAL and other cruise ships can engulf the ship in a giant bubble while in ports to keep those kinds of irritants out?;)

 

Do you go on the pool deck when they bar-b-que? How long do you stay away from the pool deck while the after affects of the smoke clear?

[Bakincakes]

I agree with those who say the survey is a stalling tactic. If HAL is not going to do anything about smoking, then why don't they stop polling? Surely they have the data they need. We have been filling it out for at least the past three years on more than three cruises. Enough already. I know, I don't have to complete it, but I do.

 

Barbara

 

 

As long as they can get the sheep to complete the survey they will continue to provide them.;)

[cruz chic]

I can hardly imagine someone smoking in an elevator. I'm certainly not questioning that you've had this experience many times. I'd just never thought of an elevator as a place where people smoke. Live and learn I guess.

No.....people don't smoke in elevators but the smell does linger. They go outside...have a smoke...get in the elevator then get out. The smell says behind. I often think ....I hope someone doesn't think that me.

[suse]

Then you had best research ports before you cruise.

 

I've smelled smoke while on my verandah that came from shore.

 

Maybe HAL and other cruise ships can engulf the ship in a giant bubble while in ports to keep those kinds of irritants out?;)

 

Do you go on the pool deck when they bar-b-que? How long do you stay away from the pool deck while the after affects of the smoke clear?

This is not smoke from shore. This is from ciggies! On to the issue of the barbe, nope, I don't go there or the pool deck either.

This is smoke from other cabin people puffinaway. I'm not a stupid person so I really can differentiate the difference between shore "smells" and cigarettes. Oh, this is ridiculous. Not everyone wants to breathe it in, that's all. Have a nice night.:)

[HWY 101]

BBQ smoke could cause syptoms of eye irritants, coughing, sneezing, mild sea sickness, colonge/perfume overuse in elevators and of course obesity.

 

Seems like a risk reward thing as I dislike the smell of bbq smoke on peoples clothing in the elevators while cruising. :rolleyes:

[RevNeal]

No way to win. ;)

 

Give 'em what they want and it's no good.

Don't give 'em what they want and it's no good. :rolleyes:

 

No one has to read any thread that doesn't interest them.

 

 

;)

You expect there to be a way to win in this "game?" As with dress-code threads, the game is rigged.

[HWY 101]

http://www.smokeafatonebbq.com/pictures.htm

 

Could be a new shore excursion with the Jamaican's for the horseback ride at Half Moon Cay.. just food for thought.:)

 

compromise, sorry, could not edit that word.

[RevNeal]

If you don't want smoking go on a ship that has lots of restrictions. Leave HAL and Princess alone. We don't need complaining passengers on board. You have choices just as we do. I don't smoke but really hate people who want everyone to behave for their personal benefit. There's lots of crybabies out there and I won't let them affect what my partner or I do. I also bring liquor onto the ship to enjoy in my cabin and i DON'T CARE IF THE DOCS SAY I SHOULDN'T. You live your life and we will live ours without your prejudices.

 

I trust that, if caught smuggling your booze aboard, you aren't one of those that whines and pitches a fit about on these boards or at the front desk?

[suse]

:):)

i trust that, if caught smuggling your booze aboard, you aren't one of those that whines and pitches a fit about on these boards or at the front desk?

;)

[RevNeal]

I would hardly call HAL's smoking policy "liberal"; it's fairly restrictive, although not as restrictive as some other lines.

Smoking areas are limited to the private space of passenger cabins and verandas, and a very, very few public indoor spaces. Even most of the outdoor areas are non-smoking.

 

It's harder for a smoker to find a smoking section than it is for a non-smoker to find a smoke-free area.

 

That was my mother's discovery aboard both the Ryndam and the Amsterdam in Alaska this past May. It was nearly impossible for her to find a place to smoke outside her cabin. I asked, and got very little help from the staff. Even the hotel manager seemed a little clueless as to where smoking was now allowed. "Look for ashtrays and "Smoking Area" notices." Fine. I toured the ship with Mom, my eyes open for smoking areas. On the Amsterdam in Alaska last may the smoking areas had been reduced to 3:

 

1. The Crows nest: the small seating area behind the bar.

2. The Casino (on 4 out of 7 nights)

3. The Casino Bar.

 

That was all we could find inside the ship. Outside, of course, there were several areas on the Lower Promenade Deck and on the aft Lido deck. But, that's the extent of it. It was VERY difficult on my mother to find a place to smoke outside the cabin.

 

I cannot help but think that the recent increase in restrictions on smoking areas is the direct result of the surveys that we've been seeing aboard ship since early 2008.

[suse]

I know it must be difficult for the elderly who want to smoke to find it restricted. However, it is disingenuous of HAL to promote "Walk for A Cure" throughout the cruise, alibeit quietly, and push the sale of cigarettes.

[sail7seas]

;)

You expect there to be a way to win in this "game?" As with dress-code threads, the game is rigged.

 

 

:D Yah, you got a point. :)

[sail7seas]

That was my mother's discovery aboard both the Ryndam and the Amsterdam in Alaska this past May. It was nearly impossible for her to find a place to smoke outside her cabin. I asked, and got very little help from the staff. Even the hotel manager seemed a little clueless as to where smoking was now allowed. "Look for ashtrays and "Smoking Area" notices." Fine. I toured the ship with Mom, my eyes open for smoking areas. On the Amsterdam in Alaska last may the smoking areas had been reduced to 3:

 

1. The Crows nest: the small seating area behind the bar.

2. The Casino (on 4 out of 7 nights)

3. The Casino Bar.

 

That was all we could find inside the ship. Outside, of course, there were several areas on the Lower Promenade Deck and on the aft Lido deck. But, that's the extent of it. It was VERY difficult on my mother to find a place to smoke outside the cabin.

 

I cannot help but think that the recent increase in restrictions on smoking areas is the direct result of the surveys that we've been seeing aboard ship since early 2008.

 

When you add guests' cabins and verandas (for those who book one), don't you think that is sufficient in order for people to smoke and still have the least discomfort for the vast majority of guests who don't smoke? And, as you say, plenty of opportunity for smoking on deck.

[suse]

When you add guests' cabins and verandas (for those who book one), don't you think that is sufficient in order for people to smoke and still have the least discomfort for the vast majority of guests who don't smoke? And, as you say, plenty of opportunity for smoking on deck.

they smoke like crazy! There is much more opportunity than say, your normal junior high!:)

[RevNeal]

When you add guests' cabins and verandas (for those who book one), don't you think that is sufficient in order for people to smoke and still have the least discomfort for the vast majority of guests who don't smoke? And, as you say, plenty of opportunity for smoking on deck.

 

Let us remember that we're talking about people aboard a ship at sea. Sometimes -- think "High Seas," Gale winds, heavy storms, etc -- they don't let people go out on deck (to smoke or do anything else) when the ship is slamming in 45 foot seas. Additionally, sometimes the outside weather is just too dang cold (in Alaska, Northern Europe, Antarctica, etc) for a 74 year old lady to go outside and smoke. Hence, "going outside" isn't always an option for them.

 

The other aspect of our problem -- particular to our situation on that cruise -- was that we were sharing a cabin. I never, before, have been in such a lengthly close proximation to my mother and her smoking habit. I've never shared a room with her for that length of time ... not when she felt like she was restricted to the cabin interior for smoking. I had no idea how sensitive I was to smoke, and how much sinus trouble it would give me as a result. Mom felt terrible about the literal pain she was causing me by her smoking, and so we looked to try and find a place for her to smoke -- legally -- outside the cabin. Those were the only places we could find on that particular cruise of the Amsterdam. Were they enough? If the outside weather had been sufficiently warm, yes. When the seas are not high, with major storms causing the staff to lock the external doors and not allow anybody outside, yes. But, otherwise, no.

 

Again, the above problem was particular to our situation. As a result, I'm spending a heck of a lot more money next month for my mother to have her own cabin on our cruise to Hawaii. I would love to share with her, however until she stops smoking I cannot tolerate the lengthy exposure to her chain smoking in the confined spaces of a ship's cabin.

 

Another point. My observation regarding the restrictions was not so much to complain about them but, rather, to point out that they have been implemented at least on some ships and, I believe, in response to complaints and the surveys.

[suse]

the bright spot ahead is the separate cabin for you. It's hard, these addictions. Is any family without? I think not. I tend to lift it up to the Lord if I can think of it. Usually, I go crazy and worry myself sick over family members but that's just plain silly. Yikes, it's hard.

Hope you have a fantastic cruise. Thinking of you.:)

[sail7seas]

Since the survey started some 3 (?) years ago, I think the only change in smoking policy has been to no longer allow it in Ocean Bar. They had already stopped permitting it in Lido Pool under the dome, had they not? When we sailed together on Noordam, no smoking was permitted there.

 

I FULLY support there have to be interior areas where smokers can enjoy their cigarette.

I by no means want it banned entirely but casino, sports bar (on ships that have one), casino bar and Crows Nest (where permitted) really seem to be enough choices IMO Of course, we can go back and forth about adequate and I totally understand what you are saying but really don't want any more exposure to smoke than that. I really am uncomfortable and have to leave an area if someone is smoking. That has not always been the case but it very much is now.

I fear that if HAL does change policy re: veranda smoking they could well become known as 'the smokers' cruise line'. On our recent Westerdam cruise, when discussing Oasis of the Seas (which was in port when we boarded), someone referenced HAL as 'Ashtray of the Seas'. I hated hearing that and near gasped at the expression.

 

I am sure you have priced the least costly veranda cabin vs getting two cabins for you and your Mom. Any chance the cost is close? Would that be a solution to your situation?

Greg, I truly am sorry the smoke bothers you so much that two cabins are necessary. Some folks here have said they get that sort of reaction if they are around only one cigarette being smoked.

 

I hope you and your Mom have another outstanding cruise together. Of course, you treasure these times you spend with her.

 

[Travalerie]

That was my mother's discovery aboard both the Ryndam and the Amsterdam in Alaska this past May. It was nearly impossible for her to find a place to smoke outside her cabin. I asked, and got very little help from the staff. Even the hotel manager seemed a little clueless as to where smoking was now allowed. "Look for ashtrays and "Smoking Area" notices." Fine. I toured the ship with Mom, my eyes open for smoking areas. On the Amsterdam in Alaska last may the smoking areas had been reduced to 3:

 

1. The Crows nest: the small seating area behind the bar.

2. The Casino (on 4 out of 7 nights)

3. The Casino Bar.

 

That was all we could find inside the ship. Outside, of course, there were several areas on the Lower Promenade Deck and on the aft Lido deck. But, that's the extent of it. It was VERY difficult on my mother to find a place to smoke outside the cabin.

 

I cannot help but think that the recent increase in restrictions on smoking areas is the direct result of the surveys that we've been seeing aboard ship since early 2008.

I was wondering what it would be like on the decks during Glacier Bay viewing on my Alaskan cruise. Even though we have a balcony I thought I may take the kids up for the hot chocolate and more expansive views, but I kind of thought there would be people smoking here and there. Does anyone else have any experiences on deck during the glacier viewing days on HAL?

[HWY 101]

Yes, and unless the kids don't like pea soup on the decks viewing Glacier Bay, I don't think you will have a problem. But please remember to have the children wipe their noses and use the precautionary hygene options, and my guess is you will be fine... nose and all...

 

Happy Holidays & Happy Sailings...:)

[gillianrose]

However, it is disingenuous of HAL to promote "Walk for A Cure" throughout the cruise, alibeit quietly, and push the sale of cigarettes.

 

Yes, it certainly is.

[Zappa Fan]

They have been doing that survey for so long now that I consider it nothing more than a stall for time. They are putting off what they know they need to do and that is further restrict smoking.

 

Any useful information they wanted from that survey has long been accumulated. They're just 'faking it' now IMO

 

As a smoker, I hate to hear this. But am also glad that the CC board has someone on the "inside" to tip us off. I'll be booking elsewhere.;)