Is HAL Next to Change Smoking Policy. Princess Did!

[geocruiser]

I know this is a HAL board but HAL and Princess have the same Parent Co. That is why I posted here. This is from their web site. Do you think HAL is next?

 

Keeping the comfort of our passengers a priority, and in consideration of consumer studies which show smokers are a small minority of passengers, Princess has implemented the following smoking policy:

 

Designated Smoking Areas

Clearly marked “Designated Smoking Areas” are available onboard and include a sufficient number of ashtrays that are emptied regularly. Generally, these areas include cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and casino, as well as a portion of the open decks. As a safety precaution, passengers are reminded to properly dispose of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco, which are never to be thrown overboard as this may be sucked back into the ship and cause fires.

 

Stateroom Smoking Policy Update

For all voyages departing after January 15th, 2012, Princess Cruises will prohibit smoking in passenger staterooms and balconies. This policy change reflects the preferences of a vast majority of our passengers who value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises, we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the passenger’s stateroom account. Keeping with the global trend toward more restrictive smoking policies and honoring the wishes of our passengers, we feel this change will enhance our onboard experience and do more to help our passengers escape completely.

[ariawoman]

I saw this posted on the celebrity board. Very interesting news, indeed. It would definitely change the game for many people. (and no, lets not start a smoking/non-smoking war here). It would just mean that Celebrity would no longer be the "go to" line when certain sailors want to rest assured that their cabin will not have smoke issues. It would also mean that the lines changing, would no longer be the "go to" line for smokers, so it could change a lot for everyone.

 

Will be interesting to see if any other lines follow suit.

[Choinski]

I'm pretty sure HAL banned balcony smoking on my cruise three weeks ago.

[CRUZBUDS]

http://www.princess.com/news/article.jsp?newsArticleId=na1165

[geocruiser]

Carnival Cruise Lines made some changes too.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1430160

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1430164

[Charles4515]

I know this is a HAL board but HAL and Princess have the same Parent Co. That is why I posted here. This is from their web site. Do you think HAL is next?

 

I hope HAL is next!!!

 

I expect it will happen.

[Hobbsey]

This is interesting and positive news. Certainly the last thing the HAL boards need is another venue to debate the smoking policy on-board their ships but (ahh the ever present BUT)...

 

1. This is announcement is a knife that may cut two ways. It could be seen as a sign of the times and a foreshadowing of the future at HAL thus encouraging for those hoping to see HAL do the same. However, in the short run, it could also mean that smokers from Princess will switch lines and give HAL ships even more smelly cabins to deep clean.

 

2. The announcement in general is encouraging to non-smokers but missing one piece of infomation that probably went into their decision - Insurance costs just decreased for that cruiseline helping them to remain competetive in pricing.

[iancal]

This is a good move by Princess and by Carnival.

 

Let's see how long it will take HAL to get off their duffs and make the change.

 

If HAL does not make this change they will be in trouble simply because most, if not all, other main line cruise lines will be going this way. Most higher end hotels and resorts went this way years ago.

 

HAL's current reputation as the 'smokers choice' will be enhanced to the point that it will discourage their stated 'target market' from even considering a HAL cruise. They will eventually isolate themselves in the marketplace as a result not following the market and customer demands.

[Himself]

I am an ex-smoker and I tend to resent smoking. With that being said, I think the pendelum is swinging too far. I think they ought to have certain state rooms as designated smoking state rooms. I think some just want smokers to have no rights whatsoever. I am all for designated smoking areas on ships. I not being a smoker will avoid those areas.

 

I recall one time in my smoking days--this incident was 28 years ago--and I was in a restaurant with a friend. I sat in a smoking section of the restaurant and this lady came and sat in the smoking side of the restaurant and then objected to smokers smoking. When it was pointed out that the other 2/3's of the restaurent was non smoking and she should have sat there--there was room, lots of it--her response was I choose to sit here.

Now when I quit restaurants stil had smoking sections and so I sat in the non-smoking section. But I never required smokers not to smoke.

 

I think we have to be fair to all!

[taxmantoo]

Definitely a step in the right direction...Hopefully HAL will not be too far behind.

[AZNative2000]

I'm pretty sure HAL banned balcony smoking on my cruise three weeks ago.

Hope that's true. Which ship were you on? The people next door to us on Oosterdam were smoking on their balcony three weeks ago.

[Hobbsey]

Carnival Cruise Lines made some changes too.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1430160

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1430164

 

funny, one poster thinks that Carnival is the most liberal line for smokers. Also interesting that they allow cigars on the balcony.

[kazu]

I'm pretty sure HAL banned balcony smoking on my cruise three weeks ago.

 

really? share!:D

[kakalina]

I would just consider the $250 charge as part of my cruise fare and smoke away on my balcony or in my cabin if I should so choose.

[pms4104]

With both Princess and Carnival, under the same CCL umbrella as HAL, making major changes, I would anticipate a HAL announcement fairly soon.

[IRL_Joanie]

I am an ex-smoker and I tend to resent smoking. With that being said, I think the pendelum is swinging too far. I think they ought to have certain state rooms as designated smoking state rooms. I think some just want smokers to have no rights whatsoever. I am all for designated smoking areas on ships. I not being a smoker will avoid those areas.

 

I recall one time in my smoking days--this incident was 28 years ago--and I was in a restaurant with a friend. I sat in a smoking section of the restaurant and this lady came and sat in the smoking side of the restaurant and then objected to smokers smoking. When it was pointed out that the other 2/3's of the restaurent was non smoking and she should have sat there--there was room, lots of it--her response was I choose to sit here.

Now when I quit restaurants stil had smoking sections and so I sat in the non-smoking section. But I never required smokers not to smoke.

 

I think we have to be fair to all!

 

I agree with you 100% (see Highlighted and underlined above)!!!

 

As soonas I read the articles and links I called HAL's Media and asked to speak with someone. I asked if HAL believes they will be receiving the same directive from their parent company soon or.... I will not, as I promised the person I talked to, divulge what was said here on Cruise Critic, but did let them know that IF HAL follows suit before my cruises I will be cancelling and will not cruise with them again.

 

I could deal with designated staterooms for smoling. I can deal with many things. But I see it as a swing to far to make all staterooms and verandahs smoke free. There are some of us that cannot deal with other scents and therefore we are relegated to enjoying our cruise(s) from the safety of our staterooms and verandahs.

 

Joanie

[pms4104]

I would just consider the $250 charge as part of my cruise fare and smoke away on my balcony or in my cabin if I should so choose.

That $250 is not a one-time per sailing charge ... it's per occurrence.

[kazu]

I would just consider the $250 charge as part of my cruise fare and smoke away on my balcony or in my cabin if I should so choose.

 

but don't forget - it's for each occurence - so you better just do it once ;)

[sail7seas]

I would just consider the $250 charge as part of my cruise fare and smoke away on my balcony or in my cabin if I should so choose.

 

And if it is a $250 fine for each reported offense?

 

And, who cares about my neightbors????? Doesn't matter if they are being disturbed? :sad:

 

[Hobbsey]

I would just consider the $250 charge as part of my cruise fare and smoke away on my balcony or in my cabin if I should so choose.

 

That could get kinda expensive if you got a complaint each time you smoked out there on the balcony. The cabin stewards would be bound to report to house keeping if the cabin had been smoked in At some point they'd not let you aboard if you broke policy repeatedly.

 

Put me, a non-smoker, in the column to support a moderate policy that holds some percentage of cabins for smokers and at least two or three lounges with a smoking section. I am less liberal regarding balconies, I feel it's intrusive to those down wind and should not be done.

[sail7seas]

A Captain well could find such a blatant violation of stated Policy to be going too far and has the perogative of ordering the guest off at the next port to make their way home. To flaunt a stated policy, book and sail that cruise and disobey the rules to the disturbance of their neighbors seems to me would fall within the pervue of a Captain to say 'bye bye'. IMO

 

[taxmantoo]

I would just consider the $250 charge as part of my cruise fare and smoke away on my balcony or in my cabin if I should so choose.

 

According to the release, that would be $250 per cigarette...

Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence

Could make for a very expensive cruise :cool:

[kazu]

I agree with you 100% (see Highlighted and underlined above)!!!

 

As soonas I read the articles and links I called HAL's Media and asked to speak with someone. I asked if HAL believes they will be receiving the same directive from their parent company soon or.... I will not, as I promised the person I talked to, divulge what was said here on Cruise Critic, but did let them know that IF HAL follows suit before my cruises I will be cancelling and will not cruise with them again.

 

I could deal with designated staterooms for smoling. I can deal with many things. But I see it as a swing to far to make all staterooms and verandahs smoke free. There are some of us that cannot deal with other scents and therefore we are relegated to enjoying our cruise(s) from the safety of our staterooms and verandahs.

 

Joanie

 

that's been my point all along on several posts Joanie - heavy dousing of perfume/cologne (not necessary and yes I do wear it but lightly) will do a lot more damage to me than the scent of smoke:eek: so each to their own. Maybe next we should go scent free like the hospital's and the doctor's office.

 

and then of course, we have to make sure that lysol is not allowed on board :p

[iancal]

I am somewhat ambivilent about smoking on the verandah's. It does not bother me and I am certain that many cruisers enjoy and cigarette and a drink on thier respective verandahs.

 

Carnival has gone the same route as of Dec. 1 however they will allow smoking on their balcony cabins. Hmmm...there may be some bargains on outside cabins!

[cruz chic]

I'm surprised that Princess is doing that but I wonder if HAL will follow suit. I don't think that's going to happen soon. I think they will be the smokers line. I remember being involved in a small meet and greet with the hotel manager on the Oosterdam this year. The topic of banning smoking came up and the hotman said in order for that to happen laws would have to be changed. Really? I wonder if he thought I'd just fallen off the turnip truck. I hope HAL will follow the Princess lead but I have my doubts.