Crew Smoking Area

[RuthC]

I don't think smoking is allowed in the Oak Room.

What makes you say that? Have things changed (very possible)?

 

The Oak Room on the Vista ships was designed to be one of two indoor smoking rooms; the second room changed function almost immediately. Three of the ships lost the Oak Room to the relocation of the Explorations Café; the Noordam did not.

[OVgirl]

What makes you say that? Have things changed (very possible)?

 

The Oak Room on the Vista ships was designed to be one of two indoor smoking rooms; the second room changed function almost immediately. Three of the ships lost the Oak Room to the relocation of the Explorations Café; the Noordam did not.

 

Since the main change of no indoor smoking other than in the casino, I don't think the Oak Room was on the list for smoking. On Noordam, they have added all the cabins behind Crows Nest and Oak Room, so now I'm not sure if you still have outside access. We haven't seen or heard much about that whole area since the drydock.

 

But then again, I could be completely wrong, it has been known to happen.:cool:

[kazu]

Since the main change of no indoor smoking other than in the casino, I don't think the Oak Room was on the list for smoking. On Noordam, they have added all the cabins behind Crows Nest and Oak Room, so now I'm not sure if you still have outside access. We haven't seen or heard much about that whole area since the drydock.

 

But then again, I could be completely wrong, it has been known to happen.:cool:

 

I don't think you are wrong - to the best of my knowledge - smoking has been banned in all inside areas of the ship except the designated casino areas.

 

The Oak room used to for smokers - but it hasn't been in over one and 1/2 years on the Prinsendam (based on my last two sailings).

[kazu]

RuthC,

Wow, I did not expect that reply from you!

 

I was only reporting what I personally experienced on a recent cruise. More than once a passenger came into the casino, played about 5 minutes on a "penny" machine near mine, had a cigarette and then left. I honestly do not know if it was the same woman or different women. There was so little smoking in the casino on that cruise that I guess I was perhaps sitting in the smoking area. I personally have been a non-smoker for almost 50 yrs.

 

Considering that the only time the Casino is closed is when in port (or just before or after), it is in fact opened 24/7 for the slots.

 

slots are closed whenever the ship is in port - so the Casino is not open 24/7 - only open 24/7 for slots when it is at sea. with heavy port itineraries - it's not open a whole lot:D

[Lauranne]

I am not a smoker but curious if there is a pax outside smoking area?

[RuthC]

The Oak room used to for smokers - but it hasn't been in over one and 1/2 years on the Prinsendam (based on my last two sailings).

The Prinsendam has nothing to do with this. The Oak Room on that ship is another unfortunate second use of the same word, but for a different purpose, that HAL tends to do.

The Oak Rooms on the Vista ships were always smoking rooms; that's what they were included for.

 

It is very possible that the recent renovations did result in the removal of the Oak Room on the Noordam, and I missed that. If so, I am very sorry to have posted incorrect information, and appreciate OVgirl's info. I try to post what I know to be correct, and never want to mislead anyone.

 

If the Oak Room is no longer there for smokers, then it's sad. Smokers need to have a place where they can go to indulge; non-smokers need to know exactly where they should stay away from. Outside decks are not always open, nor are they always comfortable when they are open, so one indoor smoking room serves the purpose.

[RuthC]

I am not a smoker but curious if there is a pax outside smoking area?

Yes. Usually it's one area of an aft deck. That's the place you want to stay away from. ;)

[sail7seas]

 

<snip>

 

 

If the Oak Room is no longer there for smokers, then it's sad. Smokers need to have a place where they can go to indulge; non-smokers need to know exactly where they should stay away from. Outside decks are not always open, nor are they always comfortable when they are open, so one indoor smoking room serves the purpose

 

 

I agree...... I would be sorry to hear smokers lost the use of Oak Room on Noordam. That is the perfect room to have designated as smoking permitted. It is comfortable, it is inside and non-smokers have no need or reason to be there if they mind being around second hand smoke.

 

[Lauranne]

Yes. Usually it's one area of an aft deck. That's the place you want to stay away from. ;)

 

Thanks RuthC. I will be sure to stay clear. :):) But I'm sure that my MIL will make good use of it. :eek:

[whogo]

http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Shipboard+Life&contentMenu=Onboard+Policies&contentSubMenu=Is+Smoking+Allowed+On+Board?

 

Is Smoking Allowed On Board?

 

For the comfort of all of our guests, all staterooms (cabins), showrooms and most other indoor areas are designated non-smoking. While smoking is not permitted in staterooms, guests are allowed to smoke on stateroom verandahs. Smoking is also permitted on certain other designated, outside decks. The designated smoking areas for all ships are as follows unless otherwise noted.

 

 

• Stateroom verandahs
  
• Casino (Active players only)
  
• Seaview Bar
  
• Outside Decks
  
  • Sports Deck
    
  • Observation Deck (ms Prinsendam, ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Noordam, ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam, and ms Zuiderdam only)
    

 

Cigar and pipe smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the ship; it is only permitted on the outside decks where smoking is otherwise allowed and on stateroom verandahs. Electronic cigarettes are permitted in staterooms but not in other public areas of the ship other than on outside decks designated as smoking areas.

Any guest who smokes inside staterooms in violation of our policy will be charged a US$250 cleaning fee per day of violation.

 

 

[erewhon]

That Smoking Room for crew is there because it is the only area crew, below officer status, has to smoke. I should also add that for a year now, HAL has been/is providing a 'Dam Quit' program which assists crew who are interested to stop smoking period

 

HAL is to be congratulated for the "Dam Quit" program.