This Thread Is To Be Used For All Discussions About HAL's On Board Smoking Policies

[cruiseing marly]

And once again, we have a cruiser's experience that's different from the HAL website. They don't make it easy for us to know what's really going on. If HAL continues to cut back smoking on public decks, I think they'll be less likely to ban it on balconies.

 

 

All the changes in effect now are old news maybe two years ago not sure . I think that they should be giving one inside room to smokers . That would be a hard decision for them as I will result in there employees being subject to more second hand smoke . I would like them to give the smoker that when they make the next change taking smoking away from the balconies . Maybe also a second outside smoking area a differs part of the ship . I also would not have a problem with vaping being allowed on outside decks .

[Host Walt]

... In the 500 or more posts since I first noticed this thread, no one from HAL management has spoken on the issue. Why not? Perhaps Host Walt can explain this...

 

Nope. I have no better insights than any others on this thread.

[kennicott]

All the changes in effect now are old news maybe two years ago not sure .

 

I posted this here in February, believe it still to be pertinent today.

 

"I keep reading on this thread about previous year smoking experiences on HAL and other lines. That's fine, but I'm really interested in what the future has in store for us HAL faithful pertinent to balcony smoking, circumstances have really changed you know. We are close to 300 days sailing with HAL and recently canceled an Eastern Mediterranean plus TA with them scheduled for next fall.

 

I realize it is going to take some time for word to get out and smokers switch their allegiances over to HAL due balcony smoking, if in fact that does occur. So I keenly read recent posts from those with past balcony sailing experience on HAL to see if there is a significant increase in balcony smoking manifesting from the prohibition of such on all other lines. If there is not a dramatic increase as opposed to a slight or moderate one then we will probably book in the future, if it turns out smoking is rampant on balconies then I guess we kiss our 2 K credit goodbye."

 

Since that time, we canceled one other cruise with HAL and told them to quit sending us flyers and brochures.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I posted this here in February, believe it still to be pertinent today.

 

"I keep reading on this thread about previous year smoking experiences on HAL and other lines. That's fine, but I'm really interested in what the future has in store for us HAL faithful pertinent to balcony smoking, circumstances have really changed you know. We are close to 300 days sailing with HAL and recently canceled an Eastern Mediterranean plus TA with them scheduled for next fall.

 

I realize it is going to take some time for word to get out and smokers switch their allegiances over to HAL due balcony smoking, if in fact that does occur. So I keenly read recent posts from those with past balcony sailing experience on HAL to see if there is a significant increase in balcony smoking manifesting from the prohibition of such on all other lines. If there is not a dramatic increase as opposed to a slight or moderate one then we will probably book in the future, if it turns out smoking is rampant on balconies then I guess we kiss our 2 K credit goodbye."

 

Since that time, we canceled one other cruise with HAL and told them to quit sending us flyers and brochures.

 

Voting with one's pocketbook is the only way they'll ever take notice. If everyone was willing to take that stand, we'd see changes posthaste. Unfortunately most of us will just silently (except here on CC!) move forward, hoping that we're not going to be adversely impacted when we take the "balcony gamble".

 

Congrats.

 

Tom

[hrhdhd]

Voting with one's pocketbook is the only way they'll ever take notice. If everyone was willing to take that stand, we'd see changes posthaste. Unfortunately most of us will just silently (except here on CC!) move forward, hoping that we're not going to be adversely impacted when we take the "balcony gamble".

 

My guess is that smokers are also voting with their pocketbooks. And sailing on HAL to smoke on their balconies.

[dogo88]

On Noordam last year no smoking allowed on the Promenade Deck nor the Sports and Observations Decks. In fact the only places smoking is allowed are balconies and one very small corner of the Seaview Bar.

 

On every HAL cruise we have been on they were smoking on the Promenade Deck. The courteous thing would be for the smoker to go to the aft end and smoke. But no, they usually went forward and smoked, thereby affecting the entire side of the ship.

 

Fortunately there haven't been many balcony smokers that have infringed on our balcony with smoke. We usually book a forward cabin so that limits the potential smokers.

 

Dan

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

My guess is that smokers are also voting with their pocketbooks. And sailing on HAL to smoke on their balconies.

 

Without a doubt. I'm sure HAL doesn't mind taking their odiferous crumpled cash !

 

Tom

[Aquahound]

And once again, we have a cruiser's experience that's different from the HAL website.

 

One more...last year when I was on Zuiderdam, they allowed smoking in the Sports Bar. I don't see that listed on the HAL website...unless the Sports Bar is considered part of the casino.

Edited September 30, 2015 by Aquahound

[Tyler919]

I tried to go back to see if this has been reported, and didn't see it. But sorry if is old news: effective this trip,(just boarded in Vancouver) no casino smoking on Noordam. They have added a very nice cigar room, as yet unmarked on the starboard side next to crow's Nest. Large TV, cigar sales, and ports, sherries and other quaffs for sale. If you didn't ask, you wouldn't know it was there.

 

Casino guys told us this was first cruise under this policy on this ship.

[cruz chic]

I tried to go back to see if this has been reported, and didn't see it. But sorry if is old news: effective this trip,(just boarded in Vancouver) no casino smoking on Noordam. They have added a very nice cigar room, as yet unmarked on the starboard side next to crow's Nest. Large TV, cigar sales, and ports, sherries and other quaffs for sale. If you didn't ask, you wouldn't know it was there.

 

Casino guys told us this was first cruise under this policy on this ship.

 

Interesting. I hope they didn't mean that you can only smoke if you play which isn't new. Frankly, I'd rather have them ban balcony smoking then casino smoking because I can avoid the casino. I'm glad they have the cigar room. I have not seen this reported previously so thank you.

[taxmantoo]

I tried to go back to see if this has been reported, and didn't see it. But sorry if is old news: effective this trip,(just boarded in Vancouver) no casino smoking on Noordam. They have added a very nice cigar room, as yet unmarked on the starboard side next to crow's Nest. Large TV, cigar sales, and ports, sherries and other quaffs for sale. If you didn't ask, you wouldn't know it was there.

 

Casino guys told us this was first cruise under this policy on this ship.

 

Another step in the right direction. :)

[EatonDoolittle]

I effective this trip,(just boarded in Vancouver) no casino smoking on Noordam.

Casino guys told us this was first cruise under this policy on this ship.

 

Thanks for reporting. One small step for HAL...

 

I am in the 3 star Mariner camp that has boycotted HAL for now about 3 years, after the third time I got smoked off of my balcony by neighbors.

Yes, I did tell HAL why I would not be back on my survey.

 

However, I recently spotted and booked a short 7 night Western out of Tampa that encompasses 2 new ports for me, sailing in early 2017.

Rather than my usual mini suite, I did book a cheap balcony.

 

I probably won't use the casino, but it is a helpful step, it will at least improve indoor air quality, and is an acknowledgement by HAL that some find the smell of smoke offensive.

 

Watching this thread for progress.

[3rdGenCunarder]

I don't gamble, so I'm rarely in the casino. On our recent Veendam cruise, I did walk through a few times when we were in port and it wasn't open, including on the way to Immigration inspection. Nobody was smoking when I went through, so there was no fresh smoke. But in addition to that, I didn't smell the stale smoke odor that so often hangs around casinos when there have been a lot of smokers. I don't know if it was because the casino was lightly used, in general. Or if was because our cruise didn't have a lot of smokers in the casino.

[sail7seas]

Thanks for reporting. One small step for HAL...

 

I am in the 3 star Mariner camp that has boycotted HAL for now about 3 years, after the third time I got smoked off of my balcony by neighbors.

Yes, I did tell HAL why I would not be back on my survey.

 

However, I recently spotted and booked a short 7 night Western out of Tampa that encompasses 2 new ports for me, sailing in early 2017.

Rather than my usual mini suite, I did book a cheap balcony.

 

I probably won't use the casino, but it is a helpful step, it will at least improve indoor air quality, and is an acknowledgement by HAL that some find the smell of smoke offensive.

 

Watching this thread for progress.

 

I'm reluctant to book my usual Neptune Suite, pay 200% now as a solo and not be able to use by verandah. It is imperative for me to have a verandah in order to enjoy my cruise so after 85+ cruises in Neptune or Pinnacle, I may consider what you did and book a cheap balcony cabin. Worth it to me to know I can use my verandah but I've never been in one of those cabins so that makes me a bit queasy.

 

If no smoking at all in the casino, I could actually return there after not playing for many years due to the smoke. I hope it is fleet wide that casino smoking is being banned. A good step if that is the case.

 

[cruisemom42]

I don't keep up with this thread as much as I did (too much rancor), but did anyone already notice that Cruise Critic posted a story recently on the three best cruise lines for smokers?

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2260651

 

Spoiler alert: HAL is the first one listed.

[sail7seas]

Doesn't surprise me HAL would head the list. I didn't click your link but would suspect Seabourn could be on it, as well due to their policy of smoking permitted on verandahs.

[bajakiter]

added a very nice cigar room

 

My, HAL what have you done? Going backwards are we?

I haven't seen a cigar or even seen someone smoke a cigar in the last 20 or 30 years.

Don't they know "Hemingway's " era is long gone.

Wonder what they do there? Sit around talking about big game hunting?

I won't get started on that one. This the smoking thread after all.

Watching the progress or lack of.

Waiting for that wonderful day, when HAL discontinues balcony smoking.

Sounds like I may be gone before that day happens.

Edited September 30, 2015 by bajakiter
spelling

[cruz chic]

It's official, Hal is the ashtray of the seas:rolleyes:.

[mrscopper]

Aren't you proud of yourselves HAL, your working hard to kill people with first and secondary smoking. Your administration is just interested in the almighty $, not in healthy lifestyles

[DeeniEncinitas]

HAL you are turning into a septic, toxic waste dump!

[sevigny]

Guess we'll be canceling our suite on the Rotterdam in July. Just too much of a chance that someone will be puffing away next door on their balcony. Have to vote with your feet to show HAL that people just don't want to travel on the ashtray of the seas. It's a shame, it was a great itinerary, and we were really looking forward to it. Seems as if HAL really wants to cultivate smokers. Too bad.

[hrhdhd]

added a very nice cigar room

 

My, HAL what have you done? Going backwards are we? I haven't seen a cigar or even seen someone smoke a cigar in the last 20 or 30 years. Don't they know "Hemingway's " era is long gone. Wonder what they do there? Sit around talking about big game hunting? I won't get started on that one. This the smoking thread after all. Watching the progress or lack of. Waiting for that wonderful day, when HAL discontinues balcony smoking. Sounds like I may be gone before that day happens.

 

I am not a fan of cigar smoking, but I've seen younger (30-40s) types smoking cigars for years now. It's a thing. Join a group tailgating somewhere and see. ;)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...Seems as if HAL really wants to cultivate smokers. Too bad.

 

What a niche, huh ?

 

In my early cruising days I always associated HAL with an older cruising crowd. Perhaps the bean counters decided that there's more money in smokers... though I can't discount the possibility that someone else raised - and that's that there are some hard core smokers in decision making positions at corporate!

 

TOm

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I am not a fan of cigar smoking, but I've seen younger (30-40s) types smoking cigars for years now. It's a thing. Join a group tailgating somewhere and see. ;)

 

Perhaps HAL can add a vaping lounge too! :eek:

 

Tom

[sammiedawg]

It's official, Hal is the ashtray of the seas:rolleyes:.

 

I'm laughing hard, after all we knew this before the prizes were awarded. It is the only slam dunk award Holland America will ever win.

Three cruise lines to avoid.

Edited September 30, 2015 by sammiedawg