Smoking Policy (More...)

[CRUZBUDS]

You mean there's actually people playing penny slots when the ship finally makes it to Glacier Bay?:eek:

 

That's funny! I didn't put 2 + 2 together there. Sort of like, is the casino open while doing a night time sail by of Kilauea in Hawaii

 

Have a wonderful cruise Betty! :)

 

ps - If no one complained, we'd still have smoking in the dinning room ;)

[Hlitner]

You mean there's actually people playing penny slots when the ship finally makes it to Glacier Bay?:eek:

 

This is not as funny as you might think. We recently completed a lengthy cruise on the Veendam which included a full transit of the Panama Canal. While we were in the canal, the weather was good and nearly the entire ship was out on the decks including the expansive bow section which HA opens for just this occasion. During the transit I ran inside to use the rest rooms, and decided to make a quick stop at the Explorers Lounge to get a cappuccino. As I quickly walked through the casino there was a lone woman playing the penny slots. I almost took her picture thinking this might be a great shot....but there was no way to show that she was playing the slot during what was the highlight of the cruise for many passengers.

 

Hank

[orchestrapal]

This is not as funny as you might think. We recently completed a lengthy cruise on the Veendam which included a full transit of the Panama Canal. While we were in the canal, the weather was good and nearly the entire ship was out on the decks including the expansive bow section which HA opens for just this occasion. During the transit I ran inside to use the rest rooms, and decided to make a quick stop at the Explorers Lounge to get a cappuccino. As I quickly walked through the casino there was a lone woman playing the penny slots. I almost took her picture thinking this might be a great shot....but there was no way to show that she was playing the slot during what was the highlight of the cruise for many passengers.

Hank

 

Many of us have done the transit several or even many times. It does loose it's appeal eventually. :rolleyes:

[CRUZBUDS]

As I quickly walked through the casino there was a lone woman playing the penny slots. I almost took her picture thinking this might be a great shot....but there was no way to show that she was playing the slot during what was the highlight of the cruise for many passengers.

 

Hank

 

 

There are all sorts of addictions -- (or maybe she's just been through the canal a dozen times - it doesn't change much ;) )

[chrispb]

If we're bothered by smoke on a cruise and express our opinion on boards like this, who are we being inconsiderate to?

 

 

Everyone who has to listen to you grumbling when you know exactly what the score is when you book. If you don't like it, you have other choices - far more than smokers have, actually.

[chrispb]

ps - If no one complained, we'd still have smoking in the dinning room ;)

 

Why would you want smoking in the dining room? We smokers are far too considerate to even think it:cool:

[Fouremco]

Everyone who has to listen to you grumbling when you know exactly what the score is when you book. If you don't like it, you have other choices - far more than smokers have, actually.

Ummm, as far as I know, no one forces you to read this thread. :confused:

 

[chrispb]

Ummm, as far as I know, no one forces you to read this thread. :confused:

 

 

No, I have the same freedom to read this thread as you do. Equally, I am free to respond to what is said too!

[kakalina]

It is time for me add my two cents here. I quit smoking two months ago because health reasons forced me to. I didn't want to quit but I have.:(

 

DH did not quit and does not intend to. My point is he stinks now. I do understand what so many of you have tried to say. Smokers stink, can't help it. :eek:

 

That said however, it isn't going to stop me from being close to him, it isn't hurtful in any way to my lungs ( just my nose ) and truthfully just helps cement my intention to never smoke cigarettes again. :D So while the smell may be unpleasant for a short time it is not unhealthy.

[cruz chic]

It is time for me add my two cents here. I quit smoking two months ago because health reasons forced me to. I didn't want to quit but I have.:(

 

DH did not quit and does not intend to. My point is he stinks now. I do understand what so many of you have tried to say. Smokers stink, can't help it. :eek:

 

That said however, it isn't going to stop me from being close to him, it isn't hurtful in any way to my lungs ( just my nose ) and truthfully just helps cement my intention to never smoke cigarettes again. :D So while the smell may be unpleasant for a short time it is not unhealthy.

 

Congrats on your quitting smoking:).

[Fouremco]

No, I have the same freedom to read this thread as you do. Equally, I am free to respond to what is said too!

Which is in complete contradiction to your last post where you said "Everyone who has to listen to [another poster's] grumbling."

 

[mightycruisequeen]

It is time for me add my two cents here. I quit smoking two months ago because health reasons forced me to. I didn't want to quit but I have.:(

 

Congratulations!:)

[Wakepatrol]

This is not as funny as you might think. We recently completed a lengthy cruise on the Veendam which included a full transit of the Panama Canal. While we were in the canal, the weather was good and nearly the entire ship was out on the decks including the expansive bow section which HA opens for just this occasion. During the transit I ran inside to use the rest rooms, and decided to make a quick stop at the Explorers Lounge to get a cappuccino. As I quickly walked through the casino there was a lone woman playing the penny slots. I almost took her picture thinking this might be a great shot....but there was no way to show that she was playing the slot during what was the highlight of the cruise for many passengers.

 

Hank

 

 

There's one on every cruise. Wait a minute...Who are we kidding? It's more like a bakers dozen

[jena1953]

While I’m really loath to post on a “smoking” thread my irritation with the verbiage being used has reached its limit. The definition of considerate is ”thinking about the rights and feelings of other people”. As you will note, I have bolded the word “rights”. Under HAL’s current policy it is the right of anyone who books a balcony to smoke on it PERIOD. As a non-smoker it is not your right to attempt to deny or disregard the rights someone else or to belittle them for exercising their rights. That makes you the inconsiderate person. HAL is upfront about their policy and when a smoker books a balcony stateroom they are afforded the right by HAL to smoke on it. If a non-smoker books a balcony they are giving up their rights to possibly have a smoke free environment. If someone does not agree with the HAL’s policy then they shouldn’t spend their money on a balcony. But, by all means please, please, please stop calling those who paid for the right to smoke on their balconies and then do so inconsiderate.

 

 

Well spoken!

[scdreamer]

Smokers stink, can't help it. :eek:

 

That said however, it isn't going to stop me from being close to him, it isn't hurtful in any way to my lungs ( just my nose ) ...

 

Actually, that statement is in question. There is evidence that the residues that cling to smokers and other objects around smokers (clothing, carpet, curtains, furniture, vehicles, even dust (!) etc) are potentially harmful to non-smokers who spend time around smokers.

 

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thi...-smoke/AN01985

 

That said, as an older former smoker, you are probably at little danger of increasing your risk because your husband smokes, but it's worth considering that children and grandchildren of smokers could be at higher risk due to "third hand" smoke.

 

I realize this does not necessarily pertain to fellow cruisers who would have only a casual exposure, but it does refute the contention that there is no risk from spending lots of time around a smoker or in an environment where smoking has taken place.

 

And I heartily agree with the poster who said if there had not been complaints, there would still be smoking in the dining room!

Edited November 17, 2013 by scdreamer

[solocanadian]

It's a horrible addiction but can be beat. I smoked for 54 years & have been smoke free for 20.5 months. Didn't realize how bad I stank at the time. Hate the smell of a HAL casino now. I sympathize for the smokers on a HAL cruise to Alaska huddled under cover at the Sea View Bar. So glad I am no longer one of them.

[Lady Chew]

I guess if they decide to bare it we will just have to grin and bear it. :D

 

 

** like **

I think that with cruising, like life in general, there are many things that we just have to grin and bear ... some of them are more important than others.

As long as I can find smoke-free places on the ship, I'll be happy. We love the casino, but sometimes the smoke is too much for me, and I leave. That's my choice, and I don't blame the smokers. Mr Chew has a bit more staying power but he will sometimes come back and take a shower after a session in the casino to get the smoky smell out of his hair & skin.

We've had almost 150 days/nights with HAL balconies, both sides of the ship, fore & aft, and have never even noticed anyone smoking on their balconies. I guess we just have to keep on hoping we never will.

But as long as they continue with their wonderful itineraries, we'll keep sailing on HAL, regardless of smoking policies.

[Linda&Vern]

It is time for me add my two cents here. I quit smoking two months ago because health reasons forced me to. I didn't want to quit but I have.:(

 

DH did not quit and does not intend to. My point is he stinks now. I do understand what so many of you have tried to say. Smokers stink, can't help it. :eek:

 

That said however, it isn't going to stop me from being close to him, it isn't hurtful in any way to my lungs ( just my nose ) and truthfully just helps cement my intention to never smoke cigarettes again. :D So while the smell may be unpleasant for a short time it is not unhealthy.

Kakalina - Congratulations. You will never regret that you quit smoking. It may be a struggle for awhile ... but if ever tempted, just remember, you'll have to go through those first two months all over again when you quit again - and that's something I know I didn't want to do. That thought kept me on the right path. You done good - congrats again!

 

:rolleyes: I might add that I've never met a smoker who thinks they "stink" - :eek: until they quit.

[Fouremco]

The definition of considerate is ”thinking about the rights and feelings of other people”. As you will note, I have bolded the word “rights”. Under HAL’s current policy it is the right of anyone who books a balcony to smoke on it PERIOD. As a non-smoker it is not your right to attempt to deny or disregard the rights someone else or to belittle them for exercising their rights. That makes you the inconsiderate person. HAL is upfront about their policy and when a smoker books a balcony stateroom they are afforded the right by HAL to smoke on it. If a non-smoker books a balcony they are giving up their rights to possibly have a smoke free environment. If someone does not agree with the HAL’s policy then they shouldn’t spend their money on a balcony. But, by all means please, please, please stop calling those who paid for the right to smoke on their balconies and then do so inconsiderate.

Your argument would hold far more weight if you hadn't chosen to ignore half of the definition ("feelings of other people") that you yourself provided. As I said in a previous post, there is a fundamental difference between being policy compliant, which I full agree all balcony smokers are, and being considerate, which some smokers (by no means all) clearly aren't.

 

[Spender Nui]

Perhaps HAL should take a Survey of on board guests on multiple cruises to see if what they say in their letter is really true.

[IRL_Joanie]

** like **

 

I think that with cruising, like life in general, there are many things that we just have to grin and bear ... some of them are more important than others.

 

As long as I can find smoke-free places on the ship, I'll be happy. We love the casino, but sometimes the smoke is too much for me, and I leave. That's my choice, and I don't blame the smokers. Mr Chew has a bit more staying power but he will sometimes come back and take a shower after a session in the casino to get the smoky smell out of his hair & skin.

 

We've had almost 150 days/nights with HAL balconies, both sides of the ship, fore & aft, and have never even noticed anyone smoking on their balconies. I guess we just have to keep on hoping we never will.

 

But as long as they continue with their wonderful itineraries, we'll keep sailing on HAL, regardless of smoking policies.

 

 

I will say the same to you as I did to Betty, Serendipity1499, I Love your wisdom and wanted to post this:

 

 

Joanie

[startwin]

** like **

 

I think that with cruising, like life in general, there are many things that we just have to grin and bear ... some of them are more important than others.

 

As long as I can find smoke-free places on the ship, I'll be happy. We love the casino, but sometimes the smoke is too much for me, and I leave. That's my choice, and I don't blame the smokers. Mr Chew has a bit more staying power but he will sometimes come back and take a shower after a session in the casino to get the smoky smell out of his hair & skin.

 

We've had almost 150 days/nights with HAL balconies, both sides of the ship, fore & aft, and have never even noticed anyone smoking on their balconies. I guess we just have to keep on hoping we never will.

 

But as long as they continue with their wonderful itineraries, we'll keep sailing on HAL, regardless of smoking policies.

 

 

I tend to agree with you, and I have long advocated for a comfortable indoor area which is well ventilated for the smokers. For almost all our cruises we haven't had too many problems with smokers on either side of our balcony, with the exception of one where it wasn't particularly the smoking that was the problem, but the hacking and coughing and subsequent nauseous sounds that accompanied it, in the mornings. No way we could ever have breakfast on our balcony, I would have been up-chucking (TMI? Sorry, but it was what it was).:( I do recognise that not all smokers do this (I certainly never did when I smoked). That's what I call inconsiderate - use the bathroom, please.

[regnig]

Your argument would hold far more weight if you hadn't chosen to ignore half of the definition ("feelings of other people") that you yourself provided. As I said in a previous post, there is a fundamental difference between being policy compliant, which I full agree all balcony smokers are, and being considerate, which some smokers (by no means all) clearly aren't.

 

 

Oh how wrong that I ignored the words “feelings of other people” in the definition. I read and understood them and while I was tempted to remove them I left them in to prove a point. While the word “considerate” should define both smokers and non-smokers alike it is exclusively directed only towards the smokers in the form of accusations of being inconsiderate. Many non-smoker posters in the plethora of threads on the subject not only don’t accept the “policy compliant issue” but also disregard that smokers also have “feelings” and get darn tired of being berated, lectured and generally made to feel as if they are the scourge of the earth. Proof of point, when did you ever read a thread started by a smoker complaining about their fellow non-smoking cruisers?

 

For those of you non-smokers who accept (even if you don't like it) HAL's policy and who have honestly posted that it didn't ruin your cruise or make you violently ill my hats off to you for you are truly considerate.

[sammiedawg]

Two years ago I ended up in the medical center twice for Albuterol treatments because of the excessive smoking and poor ventilation on the Veendam. The last two days of our trip were compromised and I was on meds for two additional weeks.. I wrote an extensive letter to HAL but I did not receive any response. I also incurred medical expenses onboard and at home. The medical center nurse and physician empathized but said they had no corporate input on the smoking decisions. They said certain cruises have a worse mix of smokers and this particular cruise was bad.

I did not sail again with HAL for two years but we did go back recently for an itinerary we wanted.

[startwin]

Oh how wrong that I ignored the words “feelings of other people” in the definition. I read and understood them and while I was tempted to remove them I left them in to prove a point. While the word “considerate” should define both smokers and non-smokers alike it is exclusively directed only towards the smokers in the form of accusations of being inconsiderate. Many non-smoker posters in the plethora of threads on the subject not only don’t accept the “policy compliant issue” but also disregard that smokers also have “feelings” and get darn tired of being berated, lectured and generally made to feel as if they are the scourge of the earth. Proof of point, when did you ever read a thread started by a smoker complaining about their fellow non-smoking cruisers?

 

For those of you non-smokers who accept (even if you don't like it) HAL's policy and who have honestly posted that it didn't ruin your cruise or make you violently ill my hats off to you for you are truly considerate.

 

For what?:confused: What does a non-smoker do that impacts on a smoker? Sorry but that makes no sense.