HAL considering going totally non-smoking?

[furf_n_slo]

In our disembarkation folder last week, was a plain photo copied survey.

 

1. Are you a smoker?

 

2. Would you still travel with HAL if all staterooms, including verandahs, were smoke free?

 

3. Would you still travel with HAL if the entire ship was smoke free?

[Sprocket]

Unfortunately this survey is not new, Hal has been giving that same survey to passengers for a couple of years now at least.

No idea if or when they plan to act on it. Maybe when the percentage reaches a certain tipping point they will make their ships smoke free. I won't be holding my breath though, except for when we pass thru the casino. :cool:

[DutchByAssociation]

Unfortunately this survey is not new, Hal has been giving that same survey to passengers for a couple of years now at least.

 

No idea if or when they plan to act on it. Maybe when the percentage reaches a certain tipping point they will make their ships smoke free. I won't be holding my breath though, except for when we pass thru the casino. :cool:

 

 

It's been acted on as recently as I believe last Spring. Smoking was no longer permitted in the Ocean Bar (1/2) and was at that point basically limited to staterooms/verandahs, outdoor areas, casino (there will usually be a smoke-free night) and the adjacent sports/casino bar.

[BruceMuzz]

ALL of the cruise lines are considering going smoke free. They will keep considering it until they are absolutely convinced that doing so will not bankrupt them.

 

Current surveys tell us that 20% of American cruisers are smokers. If you were trying to manage a major cruise line in today's economy, would you risk losing 20% of your clients and hope/pray/guess that an equal number of non-smokers would instantly replace them?

 

A large cruise ship today generates just under $1 MILLION PER DAY in revenues (Fares plus onboard spending). Losing that 20% of your clientele could cost you $200,000 per day, per ship in revenue. Nobody is dumb enough to take such a risk, unless he is abolutely convinced - with proof - that it will not kill his company.

 

Does anybody believe that the airlines banned smoking in the interests of your safety, health, and comfort?

 

The smoking ban started the day the airlines found out that it cost them over $100,000 per airplane per year to clean all the tar out of the overheads of airplanes that carried smokers - AND when they realized thay could all go non-smoking together and not lose any business.

 

But the airlines had it easy. They only needed to convince smokers to fly even if they can't smoke for a few HOURS.

 

The cruise lines need to be convinced that smokers will still spend thousands of dollars on a ship where they cannot smoke for WEEKS - or longer.

 

That's why you are seeing these surveys. You will probably see plenty more before the cruise line companies are absolutely convinced that non-smokling will really work.

[iamaqt2]

I don't believe there is a need for the cruise lines to go completely non-smoking. There are many areas on the ship that could be designated as smoking areas without sacrificing the cruise experience. I smoked for 17 years and it was hard as heck to quit... so I know what it is like. With that said... I live Washington state, where every public indoor space has gone non-smoking( which pretty much prompted me to quit). It was very hard at first to give up smoking after meals... even harder to give up smoking with a drink in a bar. And this was before I quit!! But I adjusted to all of this. I just knew that I wouldn't be smoking indoors, and instead planned to go outside at some point to get my "fix".

 

If people know ahead of time that there are limitations on where they can smoke, they will adjust and plan accordingly. It's not the end of the world to have to adjust to the rules of the cruise line if they are willing to offer a few spaces for smokers to go light up. Going completely smokeless is not fiscally feasible nor is it welcoming to people who choose to participate in a legal recreational activity.

[airheadfan]

We were on the Zuiderdam over Christmas and New Year’s, and we will not return to HAL until they show the same consideration for non-smokers as they do for smokers. Our verandah was down wind from several smokers and frequently unusable, which is disappointing when the weather is perfect and you want to sit outside and enjoy the cruise experience. As well, the passage way outside our cabin stunk of smoke for the majority of the cruise. I suspect a ventilation problem, but although it was reported the stink remained up to the morning we left. So, in spite of what was generally a good holiday experience, the overriding memory of HAL was of foul smelly air.

I think smokers can be accommodated if Hal wants that to be part of their business plan, but they must get creative – the ships do not have to be smoke free. If they do, I suspect we will return, otherwise we will seek out alternative lines if we want to spend our money cruising – you can find the alternative lines on Cruise Critics “Cruise Lines Smoking Policies”. Personally, I put a huge premium on clean air.

[DutchByAssociation]

We were on the Zuiderdam over Christmas and New Year’s, and we will not return to HAL until they show the same consideration for non-smokers as they do for smokers. Our verandah was down wind from several smokers and frequently unusable, which is disappointing when the weather is perfect and you want to sit outside and enjoy the cruise experience. As well, the passage way outside our cabin stunk of smoke for the majority of the cruise. I suspect a ventilation problem, but although it was reported the stink remained up to the morning we left. So, in spite of what was generally a good holiday experience, the overriding memory of HAL was of foul smelly air.

 

I think smokers can be accommodated if Hal wants that to be part of their business plan, but they must get creative – the ships do not have to be smoke free. If they do, I suspect we will return, otherwise we will seek out alternative lines if we want to spend our money cruising – you can find the alternative lines on Cruise Critics “Cruise Lines Smoking Policies”. Personally, I put a huge premium on clean air.

 

Out of curiosity, not any sort of official capacity... what do you believe that could be done additionally?

 

I know that for those more sensitive to smoke you could consider booking a verandah more forward on the ship next time (less possibilities as far as what you may be downwind of)

[sail7seas]

The time we suffered the worst from smoke making our veranda very unpleasant, the smoke rose from the veranda below us.

 

We were forced away from our veranda each afternoon at sailaway as the people below us were all smoking.

A more forward cabin would have not been any different in that circumstance.

 

In all honesty, that was a rare event and we never have encountered anything that unpleasant before or since but it was bad that cruise.

 

 

[Gardyloo2]

About a decade ago some Carnival ships had non-smoking in cabins and on verandas on one side of the ship. It seemed to me that would be a good start. If there became a time where there were more non-smokers, start blocking off more sections of the ship. It seems there's got to be a way to accommodate everyone. I haven't been on Carnival in a long time and don't know if they're still doing this.

[bob brown]

Carnival tried a total ban (including crew) when their Paradise was new. It lasted for a few years, but Carnival gave it up, I guess because of too much lost sales. Perhaps, times have changed enough for someone to try again?

 

As said above, I don't think a total ban is necessary. There should be at least some venues where smokers can smoke without bothering non-smokers.

[Pokeynose]

We will be cruising next week in the Caribbean, first time. Other times to Alaska where we encountered smoke on our balconey from both sides but it was cold so we didn't really sit outside. But now we want to beable to use our balconey since it will be warm but if we encounter smoke from either side of us or up and down my DH will be forced inside as he has COPD. :(To me this is unfair. If they want to smoke in their room, fine but otherwise make the smokers go to a designated area away from the non-smokers balconies. When you pay the money for a Deluxe suite you should beable to enjoy breakfast, etc. on your balconey. I know I will be flamed for this but it's how I feel. Working on the Oncology floor I saw what smoking can do to you and it certainly isn't pleasant to watch someone slip away. I'm done now because I know what I have said fell on deaf ears.

[hulamoon]

Aloha Everyone and DBA,

 

My two questions are, can there be some kind of air filter for a few cabins so that smoke is cleaned before it recirculates? My thinking has been for the spa cabins in the front. Maybe some forward cabins could be no smoking on the balconies too. I know steps were taken in the spring, but is there any reason to hope more may come? Is the continued survey to keep some of us hopeful?:eek:

 

I know it must be more profitable to have the least restrictive policy or it wouldn't be so widespread on CCL lines, but I remain hopeful there will be a change and before each booking wonder if we should try a more restrictive line.

[brucory]

Out of curiosity, not any sort of official capacity... what do you believe that could be done additionally?

 

I know that for those more sensitive to smoke you could consider booking a verandah more forward on the ship next time (less possibilities as far as what you may be downwind of)

 

If HAL wishes to accommodate smokers, they could put in one of those little rooms with the smoke dispensers/heavy utility exhausts on each floor like they have in many international airports around the world. The cigarette smoke can then go out with the rest of the exhaust. At least it wouldn't be in guestrooms or on balconies... It would only be in the lungs of the smoker, with the deadly leftover smoke out the chimney!!

 

:D:D:D

[maxmia]

We were on the P & O Pacific Dawn last Sep 9. They have a no smoking policy in the interior of the ship.

There is one side of the outer decks, and one side of the pool area that smoking is permitted.

We sailed with a fully booked cruise, and this was not in school holidays. They have smoke alarms fitted in all cabins and interior areas.

There was no problem with smokers not complying with the rules.

[Spinner2]

Smokers around the sports bar affect adjacent areas as well.

 

On the Amsterdam's Dec 2 cruise we would have really enjoyed coming from dinner (about 9:30 each night) to enjoy the pianist for awhile. But that space is adjacent to the sports bar and by that hour each evening the smoke was usually so severe that we wouldn't be willing to endure it, even to enjoy the pianist. We could (and did occasionally) sit far back from the pianist where the smoke wasn't so noticeable but since hardly anyone else was there at that hour--probably for the same reason we weren't--it wouldn't have seemed like we were participating in the experience.

 

It was a shame that such a talented person as James Blackman had so few listeners at that later hour. Earlier in the evening and during his afternoon concerts he was very popular. At those times of the day there weren't many smokers at the bar and the atmosphere near the piano was very different.

 

The smoke couldn't have been good for him, either.

[Krazy Kruizers]

In our disembarkation folder last week, was a plain photo copied survey.

 

1. Are you a smoker?

 

2. Would you still travel with HAL if all staterooms, including verandahs, were smoke free?

 

3. Would you still travel with HAL if the entire ship was smoke free?

 

We have been filling out those forms for nearly 4 years now!!

As long as there a few heavy smokers in Seattle -- CEO's, etc., -- smoking will not disappear from HAL ships.

[soldham]

I don't think that smoking should be banned altogether but it should only be allowed in designated spaces on the outside decks.

 

Further - like hotels (at least where I live) you should not be able to smoke in your room. We were in a cabin that had recently been occupied by smokers and the smell never left. Either they designate smoking cabins or ban it. And I don't think with their booking model this is possible.

 

And you heaven's sake if you smoke - stop throwing your butts into the ocean!!!

[suse]

I don't think that smoking should be banned altogether but it should only be allowed in designated spaces on the outside decks.

 

Further - like hotels (at least where I live) you should not be able to smoke in your room. We were in a cabin that had recently been occupied by smokers and the smell never left. Either they designate smoking cabins or ban it. And I don't think with their booking model this is possible.

 

And you heaven's sake if you smoke - stop throwing your butts into the ocean!!!

Not only is it disgusting to smell when I am enjoying my verandah, but when you throw your ciggie overboard, it's either going to land on my deck and start my hair on fire, or worse, start the ship on fire.

Ugh.:eek:

[kakalina]

We sail HAL exclusively and would be forced to find another line or alternate vacation methods were they to go non-smoking.

 

As long as the majority of HAL's employees are from third world countries where smoking is prevalent I don't think they will go smoke free. In many, many personal talks with Captains, execs and others we have been told time and again that HAL will not go smoke free. It remains to be seen how restrictive they eventually become.

 

Not to belittle anyones illnesses but I have COPD and I smoke. I enjoy it. I'm allowed to, it is still legal. I do so fully educated and with complete understanding of the risks involved.

[suse]

We sail HAL exclusively and would be forced to find another line or alternate vacation methods were they to go non-smoking.

 

As long as the majority of HAL's employees are from third world countries where smoking is prevalent I don't think they will go smoke free. In many, many personal talks with Captains, execs and others we have been told time and again that HAL will not go smoke free. It remains to be seen how restrictive they eventually become.

 

Not to belittle anyones illnesses but I have COPD and I smoke. I enjoy it. I'm allowed to, it is still legal. I do so fully educated and with complete understanding of the risks involved.

You are correct. We have other choices, too. It is legal and within people's rights, clearly. I just can't stand it when a butt is blowing by.

[fann1sh]

About a decade ago some Carnival ships had non-smoking in cabins and on verandas on one side of the ship. It seemed to me that would be a good start. If there became a time where there were more non-smokers, start blocking off more sections of the ship. It seems there's got to be a way to accommodate everyone. I haven't been on Carnival in a long time and don't know if they're still doing this.

 

 

Unlike hotels, where generally speaking "a room is a room is a room", ships have different categories, and those are often location dependent.

 

Designating some smoking and some non would be an inventory nightmare. Example: you want a midship oceanview cabin, and the only one available is the opposite of your smoking preference. What now? Do you pick an inside (resentfully, at loss of light)? Do you pick a balcony (resentfully, at loss of money)? Do you pick the available cabin (resentfully, because for the length of your cruise you're going against your smoking preference)?

 

HAL has an unhappy customer, no matter what you choose.

 

I try to make myself Switzerland in the board smoking wars. That's not because I don't care - I have a strong vested interest.

 

People who have brand loyalty to a cruise line, and a strong smoking preference have a dilemma when their preference runs against the grain of the line's policy.

 

HAL is one of the lines which still allows smoking in cabins and on balconies.

 

Non-smokers either have to adapt/accept, or decide not to cruise HAL. It's the same problem smokers are facing on Celebrity.

[kelmac]

Recently got off Oceania's Regatta which has a very restrictive smoking policy and I noticed less than ten people visiting the smoking area on the pool deck. Seems there were way more crew/officers who smoke compared to the passengers. Since Oceania fills their ships up with relative ease, seems to indicate fewer and fewer passengers smoke, and in fact, seek out ships that limit this behavior.

Just one more area where Celebrity is leaving HAL in the dust. Very nice not having people smoking in the cabins, verandas and most areas of the ship.

HAL is being forced to head this direction.

 

In the past, heavy smoking went hand in hand with heavy drinking and gambling. This inappropriate risk taking was very profitable to the cruise lines, but the "times they are a changing"!

 

Wonder who the last smoking cruise line will be?

 

Kel

[m steve]

but doesn't do it all day long. A couple of puffs and back inside. Never throws a cig overboard. Only uses ashtrays the ship provides. We would not sail HAL if they stopped all smoking or even balcony smoking and have told them that on the surveys we have returned for the last few years. We would have no problem if they limited it to one side of the ship and aft but there will be those non smokers who will demand whatever cabins are designated smoking.Since I don't smoke I notice if there is a lot of smoke anywhere and have never found it on any ship. I also notice the heavy use of perfume in corridors, bars and dining room and that is even more annoying. I have never had to air my clothes out after being in the casino as I used to when going to onshore bars. Since there are a number of non smoking or limited smoking cruise lines, there are options for those with severe allergies. Since the itineraries and facilities are quite similar with all the lines they also have a choice.

[Sonora5]

We book on HAL because all our cruises are full ship charters, and that is the line our charter uses. We are considering a Panama Canal cruise with my parents in the next year, and it will probably not be on HAL because of the smoking issue.

 

I appreciate the advice to book forward, and I am willing to give up my preferred aft cabin for a smoke free veranda. However until smoking is at least banned from the forward cabins, I would have no guarantee of a smoke free veranda. My preference would be to have forward cabins be smoke free. Then I know I could book forward and not be downwind of smoke, and also not have to take a cabin the week after a smoker. The odor always lingers.

[madelinerose]

Out of curiosity, not any sort of official capacity... what do you believe that could be done additionally?

 

 

Eliminate smoking in cabins and on balconies as Celebrity has done and as Carnival has done in their Spa Cabins on the Dream. ;)