Smoking on HAL

[Fouremco]

I had to Google that one:o:D

HamOp, it's been pleasant discussing with you our differences of opinion.

 

It's unfortunate that certain others view holding a personal opinion that differs from theirs as being "intolerent" (sic), but they too are free to express an opinion.

 

[CRUZBUDS]

We'll consider HAL again once they catch up with their smoking policy, not before. There are too many alternatives now. It might help their bottom line, I think there are a lot of us.

 

One smoker can affect many balconies. It doesn't need to be a 1 to 1 ratio. I do think some smokers will be attracted to HAL from Princess, Celbrtity and Royal Caribbean, among others. That will increase the odds of having our air spoiled on HAL.

 

I don't think any line would want to stand alone and be know as the line that caters to smokers.

[peaches from georgia]

.........

I don't think any line would want to stand alone and be know as the line that caters to smokers.

Every line is only in business in order to make a profit for their shareholders. If allowing smoking on balconies helps to keep the ships full and cabin prices up because smokers enjoy the balcony smoking amenity, then that line's management team will be happy indeed and doing their job. They are not anti-smoking or pro-smoking; they are pro-profit.

[kakalina]

Every line is only in business in order to make a profit for their shareholders. If allowing smoking on balconies helps to keep the ships full and cabin prices up because smokers enjoy the balcony smoking amenity, then that line's management team will be happy indeed and doing their job. They are not anti-smoking or pro-smoking; they are pro-profit.

 

 

 

What she said. :D

[HamOp]

HamOp, it's been pleasant discussing with you our differences of opinion.

 

It's unfortunate that certain others view holding a personal opinion that differs from theirs as being "intolerent" (sic), but they too are free to express an opinion.

 

 

Wow. That's really nice of you to say.

 

Yes, we can all have our own opinions, but what is important is that we express them in a cavil manner - as you have!

 

Thanks again for the kind words.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Every line is only in business in order to make a profit for their shareholders. If allowing smoking on balconies helps to keep the ships full and cabin prices up because smokers enjoy the balcony smoking amenity, then that line's management team will be happy indeed and doing their job. They are not anti-smoking or pro-smoking; they are pro-profit.

 

And aren't there more people who smoke in Europe and Asia, markets that I think HAL is trying to promote. Plus, I suspect the majority of the crew smoke as well. When we had a BQ cabin on the Maassdam ,we were right next to an officer crew area, and the smoke in the hallway was really something.

[smj]

Yes. You should be worried.

 

We still go on HAL but only when there is an excellent price. I will no longer pay extra for a balcony because on HAL I always smell smoke.

 

It varies from week to week depending on the crowd. Sometimes there are not many smokers and when they come we just move. Other times there are many smokers and you just can't get away from it.

 

Celebrity does have a better policy but I have seen it not enforced.

 

Have you considered Oceania?

[Hlitner]

We will attempt to keep our bias out of this post. Having cruised about 300 days on HA and just finishing 28 days on the Veendam (yesterday) here is our observations and comments. For those who do not book balcony cabins and spend time in the casino there will be no issue with smoke. The primary places for smoking are on the aft outside deck (starboard only) and in the casino (they are supposed to limit smoking to only those gambling). There are also smokers on the promenade deck, but we did not find this a major problem. For those with balcony cabins it can be a big problem or no problem depending on your neighbors on other balconies. We tend to avoid balconies on HA cruises (although we had a balcony on a 35 day Westerdam cruise last spring) for just this reason. For those that cannot tolerate smoke, then booking a balcony is similar to rolling dice in the casino and hoping for a good result.

 

It is pretty apparent that HA is finally following nearly all the other cruise lines and gradually pushing smokers out of the way. The reality is that no more then 15% of cruisers smoke and many of the older HA smokers are fading away due to the shorter life span of smokers (about 10% shorter then non-smokers). We were actually surprised at the small number of smokers on our recent Veendam cruise. To their credit, the smokers did follow the rules and were not an issue for we non-smokers with the exception of some folks with balcony cabins.

 

Hank

Edited November 11, 2013 by Hlitner

[coordinator23]

Every line is only in business in order to make a profit for their shareholders. If allowing smoking on balconies helps to keep the ships full and cabin prices up because smokers enjoy the balcony smoking amenity, then that line's management team will be happy indeed and doing their job. They are not anti-smoking or pro-smoking; they are pro-profit.

We will be 7 days away from diamond plus following our Dec. cruise on RCL. We are currently looking at cruises for next year. Not even considering RCL. Our dollars are moving to HA. My husband likes to smoke a cigarette on the balcony before bed and after he gets up in the morning. The rest of the day when we are out and about, he sticks to the smoking areas. We will be enriching HA's bottom line. We are currently planning a family trip to Alaska in July -- four balcony cabins, eight passengers, only one smoker. RCL's policy cost their bottom line eight passengers and enriched HA's by eight. We are also looking at a fall cruise to Canada.

[cruz chic]

We will be 7 days away from diamond plus following our Dec. cruise on RCL. We are currently looking at cruises for next year. Not even considering RCL. Our dollars are moving to HA. My husband likes to smoke a cigarette on the balcony before bed and after he gets up in the morning. The rest of the day when we are out and about, he sticks to the smoking areas. We will be enriching HA's bottom line. We are currently planning a family trip to Alaska in July -- four balcony cabins, eight passengers, only one smoker. RCL's policy cost their bottom line eight passengers and enriched HA's by eight. We are also looking at a fall cruise to Canada.

 

Yes, but their policy also costs them passangers.

[HamOp]

Wow. That's really nice of you to say.

 

Yes, we can all have our own opinions, but what is important is that we express them in a cavil manner - as you have!

 

Thanks again for the kind words.

 

That should have been "civil manner" - auto correct strikes again!:(

[Fouremco]

That should have been "civil manner" - auto correct strikes again!:(

Shore, blaym yoor spl chkker! :D

 

Cheers!

[John Reid]

We will be 7 days away from diamond plus following our Dec. cruise on RCL. We are currently looking at cruises for next year. Not even considering RCL. Our dollars are moving to HA. My husband likes to smoke a cigarette on the balcony before bed and after he gets up in the morning. The rest of the day when we are out and about, he sticks to the smoking areas. We will be enriching HA's bottom line. We are currently planning a family trip to Alaska in July -- four balcony cabins, eight passengers, only one smoker. RCL's policy cost their bottom line eight passengers and enriched HA's by eight. We are also looking at a fall cruise to Canada.

 

It only costs RCI's bottom line if the 4 cabins you would have booked sailed empty. That won't happen. Ending smoking on balconies and making further restrictions around ship lounges are not minor decisions. I can't believe that any cruise line would make such changes without believing that it will increase their bottom line. I'm not even arguing a personal preference; I'm just observing a societal preference change.

[CRUZBUDS]

We have booked an RCI specifically because of the smoking policy.

 

My concern about HAL attracting even more smokers is probably happening. Let the smokers have HAL for a while, it isn't likely to be much longer before they catch up with the rest of the industry.

Edited November 11, 2013 by CRUZBUDS

[agabbymama]

Hi - have cruised Princess, RCI and Celebrity. I assumed all lines had limited designated smoking areas. Have booked Oosterdam, balcony room, and now discover HAL allows smoking on balconies and many public areas.

The balcony bit in particular disturbs me - have all smokers gravitated to HAL? Should I be worried?

 

If ANY cigarette smoke is going to be horrific for you, then yes, you should be worried. You could definitely have smokers on either side of you. Or as others have posted, book an ocean view instead of a balcony. As for the inside of the ships, the casino is the only place you could run into the smell of smoke.

 

If you want a smoke-free cruise, ain't going to happen.

[runnergirl71]

We will attempt to keep our bias out of this post. Having cruised about 300 days on HA and just finishing 28 days on the Veendam (yesterday) here is our observations and comments. For those who do not book balcony cabins and spend time in the casino there will be no issue with smoke. The primary places for smoking are on the aft outside deck (starboard only) and in the casino (they are supposed to limit smoking to only those gambling). There are also smokers on the promenade deck, but we did not find this a major problem. For those with balcony cabins it can be a big problem or no problem depending on your neighbors on other balconies. We tend to avoid balconies on HA cruises (although we had a balcony on a 35 day Westerdam cruise last spring) for just this reason. For those that cannot tolerate smoke, then booking a balcony is similar to rolling dice in the casino and hoping for a good result.

 

It is pretty apparent that HA is finally following nearly all the other cruise lines and gradually pushing smokers out of the way. The reality is that no more then 15% of cruisers smoke and many of the older HA smokers are fading away due to the shorter life span of smokers (about 10% shorter then non-smokers). We were actually surprised at the small number of smokers on our recent Veendam cruise. To their credit, the smokers did follow the rules and were not an issue for we non-smokers with the exception of some folks with balcony cabins.

 

Hank

 

Thanks for this. It just confirmed my decision to save the $1000-ish difference in price and stay with my ocean view room for my Alaskan cruise. I'd been debating upgrading, but knowing that HAL allows smoking on the balconies makes my decision for me. And I have no desire to go anywhere near the casino. :)

[scm1848]

We are both smokers, and would not cruise if we couldn't smoke on our balcony. We all vote with our money. I don't want to hear anyone complaining about it from non-smokers, as they, too, can "vote with their money" and book a cruise on many other cruise lines with policies to their liking!!

 

BTW, smokers' lives are NOT shortened by 10%. Take any life expectancy survey, and most take off 3 years for 2 packs a day. I figure that's just 3 years in a nursing home that I can skip. (I don't know how to make a smiley face to show I'm kidding.) If those numbers were both true, average life expectancy would be 30 and for smokers, 27. HUH?? I'm the only person in my age group of friends (mid 60's) who isn't on any prescription meds. I eat healthy, work out and have cholesterol and other numbers most would kill for. (Another "joke"!)

[cruz chic]

We are both smokers, and would not cruise if we couldn't smoke on our balcony. We all vote with our money. I don't want to hear anyone complaining about it from non-smokers, as they, too, can "vote with their money" and book a cruise on many other cruise lines with policies to their liking!!

 

BTW, smokers' lives are NOT shortened by 10%. Take any life expectancy survey, and most take off 3 years for 2 packs a day. I figure that's just 3 years in a nursing home that I can skip. (I don't know how to make a smiley face to show I'm kidding.) If those numbers were both true, average life expectancy would be 30 and for smokers, 27. HUH?? I'm the only person in my age group of friends (mid 60's) who isn't on any prescription meds. I eat healthy, work out and have cholesterol and other numbers most would kill for. (Another "joke"!)

I like Hal and will cruise them. One day, smoking will not be allowed on balconies. I'm sure you wouldn't like people telling you to go to an all inclusive where you could smoke to your hearts delight.

[Irish Eyes Are Sailing]

We are both smokers, and would not cruise if we couldn't smoke on our balcony. We all vote with our money. I don't want to hear anyone complaining about it from non-smokers, as they, too, can "vote with their money" and book a cruise on many other cruise lines with policies to their liking!!

 

BTW, smokers' lives are NOT shortened by 10%. Take any life expectancy survey, and most take off 3 years for 2 packs a day. I figure that's just 3 years in a nursing home that I can skip. (I don't know how to make a smiley face to show I'm kidding.) If those numbers were both true, average life expectancy would be 30 and for smokers, 27. HUH?? I'm the only person in my age group of friends (mid 60's) who isn't on any prescription meds. I eat healthy, work out and have cholesterol and other numbers most would kill for. (Another "joke"!)

 

Bolding is mine........

 

I am happy you are currently enjoying good health. It is no guarantee of a long life, however. That is up to a higher power IMO.

[Irish Eyes Are Sailing]

Yes, but their policy also costs them passangers.

 

Very true statement.

[CruiseWhere]

i like hal and will cruise them. One day, smoking will not be allowed on balconies. I'm sure you wouldn't like people telling you to go to an all inclusive where you could smoke to your hearts delight.

 

thank you!!!:)

[tinlizzie123]

I wrote a letter to HAL's customer service re smoking on balconies, and how annoying it was on a recent cruise. I asked them to forward it to the President of HAL, which they did, and I got a reply back from his office.

If everyone who is bothered by smoking on balconies wrote, perhaps they would get the message. And, when you fill out your comments form at the end of the cruise, make sure you mention that you would like smoking banned on balconies. I guess the other option for the cruise ships would be to have a smoking side and a non smoking side on their ships.

 

We have another cruise booked with HAL and if we are bothered by smoke on this one, we will take our business to another cruise line.

[kazu]

I wrote a letter to HAL's customer service re smoking on balconies, and how annoying it was on a recent cruise. I asked them to forward it to the President of HAL, which they did, and I got a reply back from his office.

If everyone who is bothered by smoking on balconies wrote, perhaps they would get the message. And, when you fill out your comments form at the end of the cruise, make sure you mention that you would like smoking banned on balconies. I guess the other option for the cruise ships would be to have a smoking side and a non smoking side on their ships.

 

We have another cruise booked with HAL and if we are bothered by smoke on this one, we will take our business to another cruise line.

 

Cruise ships used to have a smoking side and a non smoking side - that left a decade ago or so. :)

 

Cruise ships are in this to make money. If they pay as much attention to this as they did the new wine policy, your effort will be wasted - well intentioned, but wasted.

 

We sail HAL because we like the ships. There are lots of other choices out there and this one is ours for now.

[sail7seas]

We've been sailing HAL for about 20+ years and never had a smoking side/non-smoking side of the ship for cabins. There was a small smoking section in MDR, Starboard side, where smoking was permitted and same for Lido. That went away many years ago.

 

[Hlitner]

We are both smokers, and would not cruise if we couldn't smoke on our balcony. We all vote with our money. I don't want to hear anyone complaining about it from non-smokers, as they, too, can "vote with their money" and book a cruise on many other cruise lines with policies to their liking!!

 

BTW, smokers' lives are NOT shortened by 10%. Take any life expectancy survey, and most take off 3 years for 2 packs a day. I figure that's just 3 years in a nursing home that I can skip. (I don't know how to make a smiley face to show I'm kidding.) If those numbers were both true, average life expectancy would be 30 and for smokers, 27. HUH?? I'm the only person in my age group of friends (mid 60's) who isn't on any prescription meds. I eat healthy, work out and have cholesterol and other numbers most would kill for. (Another "joke"!)

 

We do understand that many smokers are in denial and do have some sympathy for anyone with such a powerful addiction. But you might want to do some research (many smokers avoid facts) and here is an interesting article that can send you on your way :)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/23/smoking-cessation-life-expectancy/1858913/

 

When I said that smoking reduces one's life span by about 10% I was erring on the side of smokers :)

 

Hank

Edited November 12, 2013 by Hlitner