Is HAL Next to Change Smoking Policy. Princess Did!

[gregdude]

It is just a matter of time before all cruise lines follow the no smoking movement. In NJ we have banned smoking in all restaurants and bars

(as have many other states) and it has not impacted business at all. Given the overwhelming evidence of health risk from first and second hand smoke we all need to support this movement.

[sail7seas]

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.

 

 

 

I was involved in those discussions and Hotel Manager at one of the several I attended indicated banning smoking on verandas was under consideration.

 

I have believed for a while that one of the cruise lines that currently permits smoking on verandas would announce a change in policy and the rest would follow suit quickly. Seems Princess is the first.

 

HAL and the rest are sure to follow soon.

 

 

I don't know if a decision has been reached.

 

[Toddy709]

I have cruised primarily with Princess, but always kept my eye on HAL, finding the two lines similar enough that I would go with whichever one changed their policy first.

 

Personally, I am thrilled that it was Princess and I think any non-smokers that haven't tried Princess will be welcomed with open arms!:D

[pms4104]

... I asked if HAL believes they will be receiving the same directive from their parent company soon or.... I will be cancelling and will not cruise with them again.

1 - I doubt the directive would come from CCL Corporate ... the heirarchy of each line will formulate their own policy applicable to that line's fleet.

 

2 - For everyone who says they will cancel, there likely will be many others who might beef up their HAL bookings.

[BumperII]

I am amazed that this keeps coming up. There are relatively few HAL passengers still smoking. Other than the casino, we only became aware of of tobacco smoke for a few seconds in the past 45 cruising days. I am highly intolerant of cigarette smoke, but what I have sensed on board ship recently is a non issue.

[cruz chic]

I was involved in those discussions and Hotel Manager at one of the several I attended indicated banning smoking on verandas was under consideration.

 

I have believed for a while that one of the cruise lines that currently permits smoking on verandas would announce a change in policy and the rest would follow suit quickly. Seems Princess is the first.

 

HAL and the rest are sure to follow soon.

 

 

I don't know if a decision has been reached.

 

 

I hope your sense is better then mine.

[cruz chic]

I have cruised primarily with Princess, but always kept my eye on HAL, finding the two lines similar enough that I would go with whichever one changed their policy first.

 

Personally, I am thrilled that it was Princess and I think any non-smokers that haven't tried Princess will be welcomed with open arms!:D

I agree, I find Princess is VERY similiar to HAL. Some things are better on HAL...some are better on Princess. I'm pretty good with taking either line.

[gaylecool]

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 completely!

[bellebaby]

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.

 

Unfortunately, you may be right.... :(

 

Bravo to Princess.

 

B

[Travalerie]

2 - For everyone who says they will cancel, there likely will be many others who might beef up their HAL bookings.

 

We would stick with HAL if they change their policy. We are a family of 4 with young kids-a market HAL is trying to capture. Next cruise is Celebrity although I admit I almost booked HAL again due to the great prices. I would see no need to cruise another line if HAL was more restrictive in their policies. At this point, I am unlikely to sail HAL again because now all the smokers really will flock to HAL. I understand that smokers feel trampled on, but most hotels are non smoking now and with all lines leaning in that direction, what cruise line will you choose?

[IRL_Joanie]

We would stick with HAL if they change their policy. We are a family of 4 with young kids-a market HAL is trying to capture. Next cruise is Celebrity although I admit I almost booked HAL again due to the great prices. I would see no need to cruise another line if HAL was more restrictive in their policies. At this point, I am unlikely to sail HAL again because now all the smokers really will flock to HAL. I understand that smokers feel trampled on, but most hotels are non smoking now and with all lines leaning in that direction, what cruise line will you choose?

 

The difference with a Land Hotel and non smoking is that I can go outside to smoke. I cannot get off the ship to do so:( At least, not without becoming Shark Bait:eek::eek:

 

Joanie

[jimmy2x]

Kakalina & Joanie - Do yourselves a favor and investigate electronic cigarettes. You can still get your nicotine and not bother anybody. It has enabled me to quit tobacco after 50 years. They DO work.

[Sea King]

little doubt in my mind HAL will follow very very quickly

 

now that Carnival and Princess have each announced, the "family" will undoubtedly adopt the same or similar policies

 

as for the fines, I suspect the 1st time might be a "warning" .. then followed by actual assessments

 

and if the violations continue (and are supported by passenger complaints), I wouldn't be surprised to see a warning from Hotel Manager issue followed by a letter from the captain to "meet" on the gangway ..

 

with packed bags

 

it's all about the numbers

 

and the non-smokers outnumber those who do smoke by about 4 1/2 to 1

[IRL_Joanie]

Kakalina & Joanie - Do yourselves a favor and investigate electronic cigarettes. You can still get your nicotine and not bother anybody. It has enabled me to quit tobacco after 50 years. They DO work.

 

Jimmy, thank you for the suggestion of the e-Cig but I have no wish to quit smoking:) It is my one and only habit and.:)

 

Joanie

[agabbymama]

Kakalina & Joanie - Do yourselves a favor and investigate electronic cigarettes. You can still get your nicotine and not bother anybody. It has enabled me to quit tobacco after 50 years. They DO work.

 

 

And just why do we all have to conform to what somebody else wants? Don't give me the BS of 2nd hand smoke. When you are in the open air on the balcony, you may get a slight whiff of smoke, but you are not inhaling enough to do one darn bit of damage. I'm a smoker and have been for the last 50 years. I have no intention of quitting. I will quit cruising before I quit smoking! JMHO

[OVgirl]

I am amazed that this keeps coming up. There are relatively few HAL passengers still smoking. Other than the casino, we only became aware of of tobacco smoke for a few seconds in the past 45 cruising days. I am highly intolerant of cigarette smoke, but what I have sensed on board ship recently is a non issue.

If HAL adopts the same smoking policy you will find all the smokers in the public smoking areas. It will mean a lot more smoke drifting into non-smoking areas. With the current rules some of them will be in their cabins or on their verandahs.

 

Kakalina & Joanie - Do yourselves a favor and investigate electronic cigarettes. You can still get your nicotine and not bother anybody. It has enabled me to quit tobacco after 50 years. They DO work.

But they only allow ecigs to be "smoked" in the smoking areas of the ship. There is no benefit to smokers unless they are using them to quit smoking.

[sandvinsd]

 

2 - For everyone who says they will cancel, there likely will be many others who might beef up their HAL bookings.

 

I would book more if smoking was not allowed in cabins and on balconies. I can avoid the public areas that allow smoking but I paid for the ability to breathe easily in my cabin and on my balcony.

[iancal]

I think that this will hurt Celebrity more than HAL. Now they will have competion in this area. If Celebrity is one of the two choices that we have narrowed it down to, all things being equal, Celebrity has always won out because of their policy. Now Princess will be well in with a chance.

[picture]

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.

 

Given all the health concerns about 2nd hand smoke I for one hope that

Hal goes more in line with the smoking policdy of Princess.

[m steve]

can they change the rules for us as we were aware of their policy in existance when we booked?

[CtheW0rld]

hal's already on very thin ice with me. if they follow suit - i'm gone. i just called both carnival and princess to have myself removed from their mailing lists. i told them why. i suggest other smokers do the same.

 

i've been almost everywhere ships go - certain all of the world's major ports. this is really no big deal. i'll fly where i want to go.

[Opinions]

can they change the rules for us as we were aware of their policy in existance when we booked?

 

As usual, read your cruise contract.

[ybarber]

If HAL does what Princess has done they have lost me. I am amazed that so many consider Any loss of rights to be a good thing. What else will be banned next? No more big brother, it's a vacation!

[taxmantoo]

hal's already on very thin ice with me. if they follow suit - i'm gone. i just called both carnival and princess to have myself removed from their mailing lists. i told them why. i suggest other smokers do the same.

 

i've been almost everywhere ships go - certain all of the world's major ports. this is really no big deal. i'll fly where i want to go.

 

Want to buy a Winnebago?;)

[Starr Mtn]

The difference with a Land Hotel and non smoking is that I can go outside to smoke. I cannot get off the ship to do so:( At least, not without becoming Shark Bait:eek::eek:

 

Joanie

 

Sorry, Joanie, I appreciate the time and effort you devote to this Board.

In this instance I have to disagree with you. Believe there would still

be places on the ship for smokers. Examples: sections of outside decks !

Areas in the casino, lounges, outside decks, etc.

 

When I pay high prices for a Suite, I feel entitled to enjoy my balcony

in a smoke-free environment ! I'm handicapped and probably spend

more time on my balcony . It is not pleasant being exposed to adjacent

neighbors' smoke! The experience is terrible and injurious to my health.