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

[MTdreaming]

We will now consider sailing with HAL, the smoking policy had been a huge negative for us in the past. I am sure there are folks on both side of the issue where this is a go/no go situation. It was for us. To us it wasn't just the preference but a health related issue.

[sp2]

There is now a Sticky at the top of the HAL Boards page. Just posted in the last few minutes I think.

[TrulyBlonde]

I just read about the change in the smoking policy and HAL has some nice itineraries that I will now take the time to peruse more thoroughly. The balcony issue and smoking was the only reason I had not moved forward with a booking.

 

You may lose a few smokers but will now gain other new potential passengers.

 

Thank you HAL

[Charles4515]

I'm also surprised at the short notice!

 

This is a BIG change. Seems it should be Headline News.

 

 

 

I agree about the headline part of your post. I found out about it on a Celebrity thread. Can't tell from the title of this thread there has been a change. Should be a headline.

 

I have been waiting for this news to book HAL again. I am sure others may have been booking other cruise lines would like to know about it.

 

And of course those who have booked HAL or might book because of the previous policy would be served by a headline about it.

 

 

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Edited October 3, 2016 by Charles4515

[Loreni]

I just read about the change in the smoking policy and HAL has some nice itineraries that I will now take the time to peruse more thoroughly. The balcony issue and smoking was the only reason I had not moved forward with a booking.

 

You may lose a few smokers but will now gain other new potential passengers.

 

Thank you HAL

 

I agree. The HAL smoking policy was an absolute deal breaker for us. Just last week DH was saying what a shame it was that HAL had such great itineraries, but we couldn' sail them. We are Princess cruisers and had considered Celebrity because of its smoking policy. Unfortunately, it appears Celebrity is trying to create a hostile atmosphere for older cruisers with their music volume (and perhaps for other types of cruisers as well).

[Happily@Sea]

I'm surprised they haven't updated the FAQs on the website. You would think for a big change like this they'd have a new page ready to load right away. I can't find a link to a press release on the "news" page.

 

I'm more surprised at the time frame. Final payment is due 90 days out, right? For those first cruises on the list, it's close to final payment. For some passengers, this change is a big negative. I hope in fairness to smokers, the news about the change will get out there quickly so they can decide if they still want to sail.

 

My Zuiderdam final payment was 75 days out and my Amsterdam holiday was 90 days out. That might be why the Amsterdam and Prinsendam [with their specialized itineraries] are not affected until later in 2017. The rest of mine still coming up are 75 days.

[navybankerteacher]

While this is good news for those non-smokers who are greatly bothered by second hand smoke, it does represent something of a loss to dedicated smokers. Perhaps HAL might consider exploring the creation of additional smoking areas to accommodate them. As a former smoker - for over 20 years, I did find the increasing limitations on smoking an incentive which helped me give it up - even though I resented their introduction at the time.

[TrulyBlonde]

I agree. The HAL smoking policy was an absolute deal breaker for us. Just last week DH was saying what a shame it was that HAL had such great itineraries, but we couldn' sail them. We are Princess cruisers and had considered Celebrity because of its smoking policy. Unfortunately, it appears Celebrity is trying to create a hostile atmosphere for older cruisers with their music volume (and perhaps for other types of cruisers as well).

 

I had originally booked a 30+ day cruise on HAL from US to OZ & NZ last year. I did not realize the smoking issue on balconies until I started reading these HAL forums. We cancelled and went with Celebrity and had a lovely time. The issue we had, was this was a B2B with 1st cruise leaving Sydney to Fiji islands etc. This demographic was the equivalent of Spring break in US. We did not care for it and I am not a Senior yet. The 2nd half to NZ was lovely with an upscale, well traveled clientele.

 

I would recommend X also, but do your due diligence prior and make certain your itinerary does not involve any area of Spring break potential around the world. Most often cruises that are longer and not during that time frame suit more retirees etc.

[Charles4515]

I agree. The HAL smoking policy was an absolute deal breaker for us. Just last week DH was saying what a shame it was that HAL had such great itineraries, but we couldn' sail them. We are Princess cruisers and had considered Celebrity because of its smoking policy. Unfortunately, it appears Celebrity is trying to create a hostile atmosphere for older cruisers with their music volume (and perhaps for other types of cruisers as well).

 

 

 

I don't know where you are getting the idea about Celebrity's music volume. I have been on many Celebrity cruises lately and music volume has never been an issue.

 

 

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[KirkNC]

On average 80% of the population will like this decision, 20% will not. I think everyone knew this day would come. As an ex-smoker I understand the anguish this causes some but personally I am glad they have done this.

[Cruising-along]

I don't know where you are getting the idea about Celebrity's music volume. I have been on many Celebrity cruises lately and music volume has never been an issue.

 

 

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Just got off a 7-day Celebrity cruise. I was surprised at the volume in the show room of all the shows in general, not just music (and I love BB King, so I'm no stranger to loud music). :) I don't think I've ever noticed that before, so maybe it depends on the cruise. I hope it isn't something new, it seemed unnecessary.

[Charles4515]

On average 80% of the population will like this decision, 20% will not. I think everyone knew this day would come. As an ex-smoker I understand the anguish this causes some but personally I am glad they have done this.

 

 

 

It's actually down to 16.8 of the US population.

 

I don't think everyone who cruises HAL thought this day would come because in these discussions many HAL cruisers came up with all kinds of reasons that HAL would not change the policy when I posted that this day would come.

 

 

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Edited October 3, 2016 by Charles4515

[LAFFNVEGAS]

It's actually down to 16.8 of the US population.

 

I don't think everyone who cruises HAL thought this day would come because in these discussions many HAL cruisers came up with all kinds of reasons that HAL would not change the policy when I posted that this day would come.

 

 

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I am guessing with a huge amount of complaining about the smoking policy and HAL's Sales are NOT what they want or what the other cruise lines are doing HAL had to take a hard look at profits and was it better to make 80% of the people happy compared to 20% and the 80+% won.

[taxmantoo]

I am guessing with a huge amount of complaining about the smoking policy and HAL's Sales are NOT what they want or what the other cruise lines are doing HAL had to take a hard look at profits and was it better to make 80% of the people happy compared to 20% and the 80+% won.

 

Four to one ... oddly enough, a quick scan of this thread, as well as HAL Fans' Facebook page, also seems to indicate that for every person who professes they will no longer cruise on HAL, four posters counter saying they will now definitely consider HAL when planning a cruise.

 

HAL must now be wondering why they waited so long to make this hugely popular decision.

[Minoushka]

Thank you HAL for doing this ...now I will really enjoy my balcony

[rafinmd]

One thing puzzles me about the timing. Seabourn made this change in Late July, and I really expected HAL to make their announcement by mid-August. The wheels must have been turning by then.

 

Roy

[Loreni]

One thing puzzles me about the timing. Seabourn made this change in Late July, and I really expected HAL to make their announcement by mid-August. The wheels must have been turning by then.

 

Roy

 

I also find the timing very interesting. It seems like they rushed the information out even before updating their website. I actually learned about in the Celebrity board.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

So if I interpret the new policy correctly - on the Vista class ships the ONLY smoking areas will now be the Seaview bar, and the Casino until the ships go through their revamps adding Billboard onboard, at which time the Casino then becomes non smoking, leaving the Seaview bar as the ONLY smoking area on the entire ship?

 

Is smoking no longer allowed on any portion of the Promenade deck or other open deck areas?

Edited October 3, 2016 by AtlantaCruiser72

[Loreni]

So if I interpret the new policy correctly - on the Vista class ships the ONLY smoking areas will now be the Seaview bar, and the Casino until the ships go through their revamps adding Billboard onboard, at which time the Casino then becomes non smoking, leaving the Seaview bar as the ONLY smoking area on the entire ship?

 

Is smoking no longer allowed on any portion of the Promenade deck or other open deck areas?

 

I hope it it not allowed on the promenade deck. This is a perfect place to walk laps and exercise...activities that are totally inconsistent with being exposed to secondhand smoke. Princess has a nice aft area for smoking. Unfortunately, they also allow it on half the promenad...never understood this.

[zelker]

So if I interpret the new policy correctly - on the Vista class ships the ONLY smoking areas will now be the Seaview bar, and the Casino until the ships go through their revamps adding Billboard onboard, at which time the Casino then becomes non smoking, leaving the Seaview bar as the ONLY smoking area on the entire ship?

 

Is smoking no longer allowed on any portion of the Promenade deck or other open deck areas?

 

Apparently Noordam still has the Oak Room next to the Crow's Nest on Deck 10, starboard. It looks like it will revert to what I believe was its original purpose - an enclosed smoking room.

[Cruiser Andi]

That is completely your choice. 100% on you. Don't try and shift the drama to someone else.

 

 

Agree with you completely.

 

 

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[Mary Ellen]

I am very pleased with this news! We'd given up on HAL when we wanted a balcony and booked elsewhere.

 

Is smoking no longer allowed on any portion of the Promenade deck or other open deck areas?

 

Even under HAL's current smoking policy, smoking isn't allowed on the Promenade Deck.

[Cruzaholic41]

This is great news! Thank you HAL for joining the modern world and eliminating this nasty stench from our balconies. Thank you!

[kura]

This is great news! Thank you HAL for joining the modern world and eliminating this nasty stench from our balconies. Thank you!

 

Agree 100% !! Just unfortunate it won't be in place when we board the Prinsendam for the Grand World Voyage in January!

[sail7seas]

Agree 100% !! Just unfortunate it won't be in place when we board the Prinsendam for the Grand World Voyage in January!

 

i Is Peinsdendam doing nextWorld Cruise?