Is HAL Next to Change Smoking Policy. Princess Did!

[IRL_Joanie]

alienating 20 - 30% of your customer base is not good for any business model.

 

I think it alienates more than that percentage. 50% of my family is non smoking. If I do not cruise neither does my other half!! Plain and simple HAL will lose 100% of our $$.

 

Joanie

[sail7seas]

that's a shame. all that complaining and it made it worse for you. there's a lesson there, somewhere.

 

 

:) And the lesson is to NOT give up trying...

You can be sure I will not be 'quitting'.

Some smokers here may give up cigarettes (wouldn't that be nice) before I give up trying to have smoking banned on verandas.

[scdreamer]

We are taking our first cruise on HAL in December, and I have to admit I have wondered how the smoking policy will affect our experience. We have cruised on Celebrity and Oceania, as well as RCCL, Princess, and NCL.

 

We chose Celebrity and Oceania partially based on their restrictive smoking policies ... are going on HAL for our next cruise based on other considerations (fare, itinerary, timing).

 

I would be very happy if all the cruise lines restricted smoking. I realize others have a differing view.

 

In the end we will all vote with our wallets; I guess the cruise lines will sort it out and determine their smoking policies based on potential revenues.

[Lesinindy]

I am an ex smoker and I don't really buy the 2nd hand smoke argument. I am sure if you are in a confined space that this is relevant and something to be concerned about. For me the issue is the smell, pure and simple. I never ever thought that smoking smelled that bad while I was a smoker, but since I stopped the smell of smoke is rather repulsive.

 

As it always is, there is a middle ground her someplace, hopefully we find it and don't go to war amongst ourselves. Smoking rooms and non-smoking rooms, smoking balcony sides and non smoking sides of the ship.

 

Why does it always have to be all or nothing?

 

If I don't have to smell your smoke no problem, but I don't think I should dictate whether you smoke or not.

 

Now with this in mind, I have not found the current HAL smoking policy to be such that I would not book another cruise with them.

[iancal]

Oh yes, I am sure that Marriott, Sheraton, and most Hiltons, etc. lost 50 percent of their business when they banned smoking in their hotels and resorts. Not!

[Randyk47]

Just pulled the plug on HAL. No more emails, no more mailings. Rep said it will take about six weeks to stop. Guess I'm helping save a tree and a few electrons. :rolleyes:

[CtheW0rld]

Oh yes, I am sure that Marriott, Sheraton, and most Hiltons, etc. lost 50 percent of their business when they banned smoking in their hotels and resorts. Not!

 

they lost my business - and i stay in hotels at least 150 nights a year.

[twodogmom]

The stock market voted today. Even though the market was down today, CCL (Carnivale Corp) was down over 3%, RCL (Royal Carribian) was down a little over 1%.

 

There are a lot of people that have picked CCL lines because of there previous smoking policy. Now why would some of them that still smoke not choice any of the other lines. In many instances we cruise HAL because of being able to smoke, now I can look at price if I continue to cruise.. It would certainly save me a bundle, I had put a depoist on the 2013 world cruise.

[CtheW0rld]

Just pulled the plug on HAL. No more emails, no more mailings. Rep said it will take about six weeks to stop. Guess I'm helping save a tree and a few electrons. :rolleyes:

 

i hope you told them why. good for you.

[blueboro]

they lost my business - and i stay in hotels at least 150 nights a year.

 

I also stay in hotels over 150 nights per year...only in non smoking hotels. Different strokes.

[blueboro]

I feel certain they would not have made the change unless an OVERWHELMING majority of cruisers who complete the smoking survey indicated they would prefer non-smoking cabins.

[startwin]

You know what, take it over to that other internet spot you so love and leave me alone to have decent, calm, and non argumentative debates with other cruise critic members who care about all HAL cruisers, Not the ones that have been banned from Cruise Critic because of being so argumentative and disruptive.

 

Many may disagree with me and other smokers, but they tend to keep things civil, as do I. You on the other hand tend to pick me out of the group and I will not rise to you. This is my last comment to you ever:)

 

Whether HAL cares about me cruising or not is not my point. My point is that I care enough to leave HAL if they institute such a policy!!

 

Joanie

 

What other internet spot????:confused:

[kazu]

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.

 

curious - what is the difference between you paying high prices for your suite and a smoker? maybe the smokers should get a disount then?

[fann1sh]

I came to the "New HAL smoking policy" thread early, but it took me a while to find and read this one.

 

For the record (according to the CC cruise smoking guide) the remaining mainstream lines which will continue to allow smoking in cabins are

 

Costa

Norwegian Cruise Lines

 

Also add to the list Crystal (but prohibited on balconies), Cunard, Saga, Seabourn, Silversea (also prohibited on balconies) and Windstar.

 

The remaining mainstream cruise lines which will continue to allow smoking on balconies are

 

Carnival

Costa

Disney

HAL

Norwegian

Royal Caribbean

 

Add to the list Cunard, Fred. Olsen, P&O, Saga, Seabourn.

 

I guess we'll all have to wait for January to see what, if any, effect the change makes to balcony smoking on HAL, and whether there will be any further migration between lines.

 

I agree with all who have said this is a knife in Celebrity's back, however. More choice for those who want no smoking in cabins or on balconies.

 

But, I wish smoking/not smoking could be discussed with more civility here.

 

I can't speak for Joanie, but when I read her post, I don't see her implying anywhere that she is more important to them than anyone else. Her comment was she'd cancel her cruise. I'm pretty confident a lot of smokers will cancel cruises IF a new even-more-restrictive policy goes into effect.

 

Now if the cruiselines would ban bragging, oneupsmanship, self-absorption, bad fashion sense, poor table manners, and lack of social ability, wouldn't everything be wonderful? :D

 

My nominee for "best post of the day".

[Starr Mtn]

:) And the lesson is to NOT give up trying...

You can be sure I will not be 'quitting'.

Some smokers here may give up cigarettes (wouldn't that be nice) before I give up trying to have smoking banned on verandas.

 

Thanks, Sail ! Count me in ...

[iceleven]

I'm curious as to whether the company will be saving money on insurance premiums with this decision. If that would be the case, it might make up for the loss in clients who are unhappy with the decision.

 

I personally prefer the no smoking on the balcony policy so I will now have an additional cruise line to try.

[kazu]

Just pulled the plug on HAL. No more emails, no more mailings. Rep said it will take about six weeks to stop. Guess I'm helping save a tree and a few electrons. :rolleyes:

 

You know this is a pretty significant statement.

 

Randy books suites and so do a number of other smokers. (excuse me 1/2 smokers - a partner - and most are not chain smokers)

 

It's going to be interesting now. does HAL want to upgrade everyone to a suite? I have a suspicion that's why the balcony is still allowed.

 

they know who books what - they have the numbers. They have been doing the surveys for years. I suspect this has been done to try to keep everyone happy. Randy isn't:(

[fann1sh]

Just pulled the plug on HAL. No more emails, no more mailings. Rep said it will take about six weeks to stop. Guess I'm helping save a tree and a few electrons. :rolleyes:

 

You know this is a pretty significant statement.

 

Randy books suites and so do a number of other smokers. (excuse me 1/2 smokers - a partner - and most are not chain smokers)

 

It's going to be interesting now. does HAL want to upgrade everyone to a suite? I have a suspicion that's why the balcony is still allowed.

 

they know who books what - they have the numbers. They have been doing the surveys for years. I suspect this has been done to try to keep everyone happy. Randy isn't:(

 

And, Joanie was on record as saying she'd cancel with HAL, when discussing the possibility of no smoking both in cabin and on balcony.

 

Joanie is another of the smokers (with non-smoking partner) who books suites.

[CowPrincess]

Just pulled the plug on HAL. No more emails, no more mailings. Rep said it will take about six weeks to stop. Guess I'm helping save a tree and a few electrons. :rolleyes:

 

Bravo! I have not yet told DH the news, but I'm having a hard look at Costa. Like what I see so far, and the price for a balcony is more affordable than on HAL.

 

I figure DH and I have only a few choices -- try another line, cruise less and book balcony cabins on HAL when we can afford them, or quit cruising and buy a winter place.

 

I won't be selling my CCL shares quite yet, but once the price is right, I will feel ZERO twinge about getting rid of them.

 

I'm really rethinking my October cruise on HAL. Why should I give HAL any more business when they really don't give a darn about me?

[CtheW0rld]

Bravo! I have not yet told DH the news, but I'm having a hard look at Costa. Like what I see so far, and the price for a balcony is more affordable than on HAL.

 

I figure DH and I have only a few choices -- try another line, cruise less and book balcony cabins on HAL when we can afford them, or quit cruising and buy a winter place.

 

I won't be selling my CCL shares quite yet, but once the price is right, I will feel ZERO twinge about getting rid of them.

 

I'm really rethinking my October cruise on HAL. Why should I give HAL any more business when they really don't give a darn about me?

 

i've done 2 costa cruises. i think you'll like them. their itineraries are MUCH more interesting than hal's, too. i'm pretty sure you get OBC for your CCL stock on costa, also. you'll have to check.

[lvz2cruz]

As more lines wise up and restrict smoking, smokers have less to choose from. I seriously doubt and I doubt HAL believes people will stop cruising because of the new policy. When Celebrity did it, they were the only one so people could easily go elsewhere. Now there are not as many choices and none really comparable in service or price.

It can be emotional and the "I'll never cruise again" is down the drain in a couple weeks when anger wears off. Land vacations have much of the same restrictions. Restaurants still have waits for tables. I cannot see anyone sitting on their couch at home just so they can smoke.

[Charles4515]

Just pulled the plug on HAL. No more emails, no more mailings. Rep said it will take about six weeks to stop. Guess I'm helping save a tree and a few electrons. :rolleyes:

 

If all smokers really don't book HAL because of a minor change in thier policy that will be less second hand smoke onboard. :D. Makes me happy :)

[DizzyDallasDi]

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.

 

There ya go....threatening some call center person (I don't for a second believe you talked to "HAL's Media" whatever you mean by that :confused:) is going to scare the pants off them. But, I'm sure it made you feel better.

[CtheW0rld]

As more lines wise up and restrict smoking, smokers have less to choose from. I seriously doubt and I doubt HAL believes people will stop cruising because of the new policy. When Celebrity did it, they were the only one so people could easily go elsewhere. Now there are not as many choices and none really comparable in service or price.

It can be emotional and the "I'll never cruise again" is down the drain in a couple weeks when anger wears off. Land vacations have much of the same restrictions. Restaurants still have waits for tables. I cannot see anyone sitting on their couch at home just so they can smoke.

 

i cancelled a long cruise, booked months in advance and have no plans to cruise again becasue of the new policy.

 

not true about hotels at all. all over the world i can book a smoking hotel room.

 

restuarants aren't even applicable to the discussion - a person doesn't stay in a restaurant for weeks on end. think.

[Charles4515]

i cancelled a long cruise, booked months in advance and have no plans to cruise again becasue of the new policy.

 

not true about hotels at all. all over the world i can book a smoking hotel room.

 

restuarants aren't even applicable to the discussion - a person doesn't stay in a restaurant for weeks on end. think.

 

A few of you will cancel but most will adapt. Been on Celibrity, and Azamara which has a more restrictive policy and the smokers were making do with it.