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

[Cruise Junky]

So, how bad is it? Has HAL really become Ashtray of the Seas? In Vancouver we don't allow people to smoke in parks so we've definitely become a non smoking city. There is an itinerary that caught our eye but I have no interest in being surrounded by smokers on our deck.

[Mrdillion]

So, how bad is it? Has HAL really become Ashtray of the Seas? In Vancouver we don't allow people to smoke in parks so we've definitely become a non smoking city. There is an itinerary that caught our eye but I have no interest in being surrounded by smokers on our deck.

 

HAL is not the Ashtrays of the Seas and is being called that by many who oppose smoking on the balconies.

 

HAL actually is more restrictive with their smoking policy than other Cruise Lines. There is no smoking indoors anywhere except for a limited area in the Casinos.

 

The Designated Smoking areas are in one area at the Seaview Bar on Lido Aft, Deck 9. With the addition of Retreat Cabanas on Vista Class Ships this eliminated the Designated Smoking Area outside of Crow's Nest. Signature Class also has Retreat Cabanas, therefore, no smoking.

 

There is no smoking on Promenade Decks on all HAL Ships.

 

Basically, smoking is limited to just the Seaview Bar and one's balcony.

 

I am a non-smoker and Four Star and have never encountered problems from smokers or from cigarette smoke on the balconies.

 

The issue seems to be more of a problem on Social Media sites than on the Ships themselves and you will find that many posts are by the same posters who are not HAL loyalists, some who haven't sailed HAL in several years and some by a few who have never sailed HAL.

 

Book your Cruise and enjoy!

[Cruise Junky]

HAL is not the Ashtrays of the Seas and is being called that by many who oppose smoking on the balconies.

 

HAL actually is more restrictive with their smoking policy than other Cruise Lines. There is no smoking indoors anywhere except for a limited area in the Casinos.

 

The Designated Smoking areas are in one area at the Seaview Bar on Lido Aft, Deck 9. With the addition of Retreat Cabanas on Vista Class Ships this eliminated the Designated Smoking Area outside of Crow's Nest. Signature Class also has Retreat Cabanas, therefore, no smoking.

 

There is no smoking on Promenade Decks on all HAL Ships.

 

Basically, smoking is limited to just the Seaview Bar and one's balcony.

 

I am a non-smoker and Four Star and have never encountered problems from smokers or from cigarette smoke on the balconies.

 

The issue seems to be more of a problem on Social Media sites than on the Ships themselves and you will find that many posts are by the same posters who are not HAL loyalists, some who haven't sailed HAL in several years and some by a few who have never sailed HAL.

 

Book your Cruise and enjoy!

 

Thank you I appreciate the response.

[cruz chic]

HAL is not the Ashtrays of the Seas and is being called that by many who oppose smoking on the balconies.

 

HAL actually is more restrictive with their smoking policy than other Cruise Lines. There is no smoking indoors anywhere except for a limited area in the Casinos.

 

The Designated Smoking areas are in one area at the Seaview Bar on Lido Aft, Deck 9. With the addition of Retreat Cabanas on Vista Class Ships this eliminated the Designated Smoking Area outside of Crow's Nest. Signature Class also has Retreat Cabanas, therefore, no smoking.

 

There is no smoking on Promenade Decks on all HAL Ships.

 

Basically, smoking is limited to just the Seaview Bar and one's balcony.

 

I am a non-smoker and Four Star and have never encountered problems from smokers or from cigarette smoke on the balconies.

 

The issue seems to be more of a problem on Social Media sites than on the Ships themselves and you will find that many posts are by the same posters who are not HAL loyalists, some who haven't sailed HAL in several years and some by a few who have never sailed HAL.

 

Book your Cruise and enjoy!

You make it sound like smoking is severely restricted. You need to count balconies into the mix which makes it much more than 50% of the ship. That is not severely restricted.

 

As far as smelling smoke on a cruise balcony you might be lucky and smell nothing or you may be next to someone that smokes a lot. I'd say I've been bothered by smoke on at least 80 % of my cruises. I'm tired of it and my next two cruises are in an Oceanview.

 

Smokers would like you to believe otherwise but Hal is the ashtray of the seas.

Edited December 30, 2015 by cruz chic

[Lizzie68]

So, how bad is it? Has HAL really become Ashtray of the Seas? In Vancouver we don't allow people to smoke in parks so we've definitely become a non smoking city. There is an itinerary that caught our eye but I have no interest in being surrounded by smokers on our deck.

 

It's a bit of a gamble. You may luck out and not have smokers beside or below your balcony. On our cruise last year it wasn't so much the smoke but the awful noises, coughing and chest clearing each morning. Yuk. Yes, HAL is really known as the Ashtray of the Seas - obviously earned because they are now the only mainstream cruise line in N. America that allows smoking on the balconies. Hopefully not for too much longer. Being from the same part of the world as you, I do agree that we are simply not used to being exposed to it anymore.

[ithaca gal]

HAL is not the Ashtrays of the Seas and is being called that by many who oppose smoking on the balconies.

 

HAL actually is more restrictive with their smoking policy than other Cruise Lines. There is no smoking indoors anywhere except for a limited area in the Casinos.

 

The Designated Smoking areas are in one area at the Seaview Bar on Lido Aft, Deck 9. With the addition of Retreat Cabanas on Vista Class Ships this eliminated the Designated Smoking Area outside of Crow's Nest. Signature Class also has Retreat Cabanas, therefore, no smoking.

 

There is no smoking on Promenade Decks on all HAL Ships.

 

Basically, smoking is limited to just the Seaview Bar and one's balcony.

 

I am a non-smoker and Four Star and have never encountered problems from smokers or from cigarette smoke on the balconies.

 

The issue seems to be more of a problem on Social Media sites than on the Ships themselves and you will find that many posts are by the same posters who are not HAL loyalists, some who haven't sailed HAL in several years and some by a few who have never sailed HAL.

 

Book your Cruise and enjoy!

 

I, too, am Four Star on HAL. On our cruise last month on the Eurodam, we had a Retreat Cabana and could look down on Deck 10, which overlooks the Lido pool. There were people standing there smoking, using the ashtrays that had been hung on the railing.

 

In the casino, the rule is that smoking is allowed while actively playing slots or table games. However, people who were not gambling would stand near machines and have a cigarette, then leave --- treating the casino as their personal smoking lounge. This is hard to police unless you follow guests around to see if they head back to a table game.

 

We are HAL loyalists but getting tired of seeing a minority catered to.

[mahi mahi]

We love HAL but have also cruised Carnival (once was enough), Princess and Celebrity. Our last 2 cruises were on HAL in the Caribbean and both times we were chased off our balcony by smokers - last year we had smokers on either side and this past November there was a cigar smoker one deck below who seemed to be out there constantly. I would not consider inside or oceanview cabins as we love our quiet times on the balcony.

 

I think we will give HAL a pass for our next cruise....definitely would not consider them for the Mediterranean. Their smoking policy will eventually change but until then, celebrity here we come.....

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Some people smoke, most people don't.

 

Some people are indifferent to the smell, most people aren't.

 

HAL is for "some" people...

 

:)

 

All "fun" aside, I have faith that HAL will come around (and ban balcony smoking) - though I doubt it will be by our sailing next Thanksgiving... and there's NO WAY we're cruising in any cabin without a balcony!

 

Tom

Edited December 30, 2015 by Tom-n-Cheryl

[DeeniEncinitas]

So sad :(

I have been on this thread soooo long ago. When Carnival banned smoking I believe almost a year ago we had booked our 4th Mediterranean cruise this time on The Eurodam! We were on The Nieuw doing a b2b Carribean cruise! We always have a balcony and if you find my report we were so upset with people who had no respect for others. Smokers having filled ashtrays on their tables on the balcony and they would spill over and twice we had to have stewards come and clean up the areas inside our balcony and theirs. Throwing butts overboard, and even in port smoking! Now I do have to say we eventually started talking to both of our neighbors and they would respect us if we were having breakfast or dinner on our balcony. It did work out ok, but we really thought by now HAL would change the policy. That was a year and a half ago! I do not see the change coming soon.

We love HAL for the itinerary but will be trying out Viking cruise and Oceana next year.

"Happy New Year to all of you! Have good travels"!

Denise :)

[sugcarol]

In today's market how many balcony cabins on HAL do you think would have smokers on any given cruise? If not many than it shouldn't bother that many people, if there are a lot then that is the reason HAL keeps permitting it. I believe not that many people are balcony smokers percentage wise.

[Lizzie68]

In today's market how many balcony cabins on HAL do you think would have smokers on any given cruise? If not many than it shouldn't bother that many people, if there are a lot then that is the reason HAL keeps permitting it. I believe not that many people are balcony smokers percentage wise.

 

But it just takes that one or two beside or below to completely ruin the enjoyment of your own balcony.

[Cruzaholic41]

HAL is not the Ashtrays of the Seas and is being called that by many who oppose smoking on the balconies.

 

HAL actually is more restrictive with their smoking policy than other Cruise Lines. There is no smoking indoors anywhere except for a limited area in the Casinos.

 

The Designated Smoking areas are in one area at the Seaview Bar on Lido Aft, Deck 9. With the addition of Retreat Cabanas on Vista Class Ships this eliminated the Designated Smoking Area outside of Crow's Nest. Signature Class also has Retreat Cabanas, therefore, no smoking.

 

There is no smoking on Promenade Decks on all HAL Ships.

 

Basically, smoking is limited to just the Seaview Bar and one's balcony.

 

I am a non-smoker and Four Star and have never encountered problems from smokers or from cigarette smoke on the balconies.

 

The issue seems to be more of a problem on Social Media sites than on the Ships themselves and you will find that many posts are by the same posters who are not HAL loyalists, some who haven't sailed HAL in several years and some by a few who have never sailed HAL.

 

Book your Cruise and enjoy!

 

I totally disagree with this post.

 

First, you totally minimize the smoking at the aft pool. What you fail to mention is, when the main pool roof is closed, the Seaview Barl is the only outdoor bar on the ship. Because it is tucked under the overhang with zero moving air, that entire area stinks of cigarette smoke. Only smokers or those who don't mind the stench can hang out in that area.

 

Second, who are they more restrictive than? Celebrity has no smoking inside their ships and other than dedicated cigar lounges, the other cruise lines only allow it in the casino - just like HAL. Because HAL is the only mainstream line to still allow it on all balconies, their policy is less restrictive, not more. Plus, when the other lines allowed it, most didn't allow cigars. HAL does.

 

So yes, with all the other lines maturing, by default HAL is the ashtray of the seas.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

But it just takes that one or two beside or below to completely ruin the enjoyment of your own balcony.

 

For the most part, only a non-smoker who does not enjoy secondhand smoke can appreciate this fact. Others see these people as complainers or busybodies who can't keep their nose (ahem) out of other people's business.

 

 

Tom

Edited December 30, 2015 by Tom-n-Cheryl

[cruz chic]

For the most part, only a non-smoker who does not enjoy secondhand smoke can appreciate this fact. Others see these people as complainers or busybodies who can't keep there nose (ahem) out of other people's business.

 

 

Tom

 

Exactly. Almost always it's followed up with telling non smokers to go elsewhere if they don't like Hal's smoking policy.

Edited December 30, 2015 by cruz chic

[idiebabe]

I, too, am Four Star on HAL. On our cruise last month on the Eurodam, we had a Retreat Cabana and could look down on Deck 10, which overlooks the Lido pool. There were people standing there smoking, using the ashtrays that had been hung on the railing.

 

We are HAL loyalists but getting tired of seeing a minority catered to.

 

When I did the Atlantic Coast cruise in October there were NO Ashtrays hanging on the rails on Deck 10 underneath the Retreat Cabana area. I actually posted on the Smoking Areas for that Ship when I came back because I'm so tired of this Cruise Line being called the "Ashtrays of the Seas" when it certainly is not! I will be on Nieuw Amsterdam on the 10th and will verify if the ashtrays are there on that Ship.

 

We walked the entire Ship while on Eurodam and saw no Ashtrays on any rails and the only area that had Smoking was at the Seaview Bar. If they added the Ashtrays back on the rails maybe they did so due to passenger requests?

 

I totally disagree with this post.

 

First, you totally minimize the smoking at the aft pool. What you fail to mention is, when the main pool roof is closed, the Seaview Barl is the only outdoor bar on the ship. Because it is tucked under the overhang with zero moving air, that entire area stinks of cigarette smoke. Only smokers or those who don't mind the stench can hang out in that area.

 

Second, who are they more restrictive than? Celebrity has no smoking inside their ships and other than dedicated cigar lounges, the other cruise lines only allow it in the casino - just like HAL. Because HAL is the only mainstream line to still allow it on all balconies, their policy is less restrictive, not more. Plus, when the other lines allowed it, most didn't allow cigars. HAL does.

 

So yes, with all the other lines maturing, by default HAL is the ashtray of the seas.

 

The Seaview Bar area is the only outdoor area that allows Smoking so I don't understand the comparison to the Main Pool area! Is there not a bar in the Main Pool area for people to hang out! Do you not have the entire Main Pool area Smoke-Free!

 

As you said Celebrity has a Cigar Lounge which is Indoors. HAL does not have that and if people can smoke a Cigar in that Lounge then they are smoking Cigarettes there, too!

 

Carnival has a bar in their Casinos or right outside of them which allows Smoking at it! Is that not Inside? The Pride actually has tables in the Casino at the Bar which allows smoking.

 

You want to take away the only outdoor area that HAL has for Smokers at the Seaview Bar (with the exception of the Prinsendam) and also ban Smoking on the Balconies. In other words you want all smokers off the Ship! WOW!

 

Were you the one on the Westerdam last year that sat down at a Table at Seaview Bar, demanded to see a Manager and demanded to the Manager that she wanted the area to be Non-smoking so she could sit there! :eek:

[cruz chic]

When I did the Atlantic Coast cruise in October there were NO Ashtrays hanging on the rails on Deck 10 underneath the Retreat Cabana area. I actually posted on the Smoking Areas for that Ship when I came back because I'm so tired of this Cruise Line being called the "Ashtrays of the Seas" when it certainly is not! I will be on Nieuw Amsterdam on the 10th and will verify if the ashtrays are there on that Ship.

 

We walked the entire Ship while on Eurodam and saw no Ashtrays on any rails and the only area that had Smoking was at the Seaview Bar. If they added the Ashtrays back on the rails maybe they did so due to passenger requests?

 

 

 

The Seaview Bar area is the only outdoor area that allows Smoking so I don't understand the comparison to the Main Pool area! Is there not a bar in the Main Pool area for people to hang out! Do you not have the entire Main Pool area Smoke-Free!

 

As you said Celebrity has a Cigar Lounge which is Indoors. HAL does not have that and if people can smoke a Cigar in that Lounge then they are smoking Cigarettes there, too!

 

Carnival has a bar in their Casinos or right outside of them which allows Smoking at it! Is that not Inside? The Pride actually has tables in the Casino at the Bar which allows smoking.

 

You want to take away the only outdoor area that HAL has for Smokers at the Seaview Bar (with the exception of the Prinsendam) and also ban Smoking on the Balconies. In other words you want all smokers off the Ship! WOW!

 

Were you the one on the Westerdam last year that sat down at a Table at Seaview Bar, demanded to see a Manager and demanded to the Manager that she wanted the area to be Non-smoking so she could sit there! :eek:

 

Wow! Hal has not eliminated balcony smoking and its doesn't appear that it will in the near future so why even bring that up? I think most non smokers support having an indoor space for smokers. What is laughable is posters saying Hal is restrictive in their smoking areas. Is 50% plus not enough area for the around 20% of the population that smokes? That hardly seems right. Most businesses don't cater to the minority of the business if they want to stay in business.

[CHOPPERTESTER]

I have no issue with banning smoking on verandahs, as long as HAL provides sufficient notice (350 days) so no one is out of pocket for flights or pre-paid hotels if they decide to change their vacation plans.

 

I have no issue with banning smoking from the Casino and other interior spaces like the nightclubs.

 

I have no issue with banning smoking from the promenade decks.

 

Only need one outdoor venue with bar service that can be used even during bunkering (an all day event on turn around days or some port visits) to accommodate smokers, only one.

 

But then again, even if they ban smoking on verandahs, in the casino, on the promenade, and all other interior spaces, the diatribe will still continue.

 

Check Celebrity’s forum just to see how it will end up for HAL and Carnival.

Edited December 30, 2015 by CHOPPERTESTER

[SS Exeter]

HAL allows smoking on balconys.

Knowing this- if it makes you sick - why do you insist on sailing on HAL?

If HAL did not allow, for example, Sugar Free Sweeteners - and you need to use Sugar Free Sweeteners (say your a diabetic - as I am) would you sail on HAL - and then make a fuss that your health was in danger??

If you are allergic to peanuts - and HAL could not guarantee foods did not have peanuts - would you sail on HAL and then make a fuss if you got a peanut reaction? If HAL did not allow wheelchairs and you must use a wheelchair.....

Knowledge is power - if you know something to be true - why keep banging your head against the wall???:confused:

[Aquahound]

As you said Celebrity has a Cigar Lounge which is Indoors. HAL does not have that and if people can smoke a Cigar in that Lounge then they are smoking Cigarettes there, too!

 

Negative. Celebrity does not have a cigar lounge. Celebrity is 100% smoke free indoors.

[Lizzie68]

Exactly. Almost always it's followed up with telling non smokers to go elsewhere if they don't like Hal's smoking policy.

 

It didn't take too long - post 2983.:D

 

Sheesh, guess we should leave HAL after building up our stars to get some long, hard-earned perks.

Edited December 30, 2015 by Lizzie68

[cruz chic]

HAL allows smoking on balconys.

Knowing this- if it makes you sick - why do you insist on sailing on HAL?

If HAL did not allow, for example, Sugar Free Sweeteners - and you need to use Sugar Free Sweeteners (say your a diabetic - as I am) would you sail on HAL - and then make a fuss that your health was in danger??

If you are allergic to peanuts - and HAL could not guarantee foods did not have peanuts - would you sail on HAL and then make a fuss if you got a peanut reaction? If HAL did not allow wheelchairs and you must use a wheelchair.....

Knowledge is power - if you know something to be true - why keep banging your head against the wall???:confused:

 

Yes, sugar free sweeteners and smoking. That's the same. If all non smokers leave Hal due to balcony smoking how do you propose that Hal would exist? Let's say 50% leave. Would you be ok paying double to make up the shortfall?

[idiebabe]

Negative. Celebrity does not have a cigar lounge. Celebrity is 100% smoke free indoors.

 

Conflicting reports on this one by those that sail Celebrity! :confused:

 

Wow! Hal has not eliminated balcony smoking and its doesn't appear that it will in the near future so why even bring that up? I think most non smokers support having an indoor space for smokers. What is laughable is posters saying Hal is restrictive in their smoking areas. Is 50% plus not enough area for the around 20% of the population that smokes? That hardly seems right. Most businesses don't cater to the minority of the business if they want to stay in business.

 

Don't know what your wowing! It's clear that y'all want smoking banned on balconies and the OP wants Seaview Bar smoke-free and others have complained of this area being for smokers, too! So where does that leave Smokers? Off the Ship???

 

Also, do the math! If there are (just throwing out numbers) 400 balconies onboard and all 20% book one, that is 80 balconies. Regardless of what the anti-smokers think, not all smokers book balconies just as not all non-smokers book balconies. If only 10% book a balcony, that leaves 40 balconies out of 400 who have those on it that smoke. Slim odds of having smokers next to you don't you think!

 

Also, as far as business catering to a minority...think again! The minority is Gluten Free . Businesses today needs to offer these items in order to have and keep their business!

 

What's your suggestion to make both sides happy?

[Lizzie68]

Although the question was not directed at me, I will offer my suggestion - again, because the thread is so long sometimes we need to repost:

 

A pleasant indoor, well ventilated area for smokers, with a bar, that keeps the smoke contained.

Non smoking balconies because smoker cannot contain their smoke to their own balcony, therefore adversely affecting others who do not wish to share the smoke.

I have no objection to small outdoor area for smokers, such as there is now on the aft deck. It is easy to avoid.

No smoking on the Promenade deck should be enforced. I have seen many smokers take their own ashtray out there in the mornings, when I have been doing my walks. Total disregard for others and flaunting of the "rules".

[Cruise Junky]

 

Also, as far as business catering to a minority...think again! The minority is Gluten Free . Businesses today needs to offer these items in order to have and keep their business!

 

What's your suggestion to make both sides happy?[/b]

 

By using this analogy all food served to balcony cabins would have to be gluten free seeing as I don't seem to have an option of booking a non smoking section balcony cabin.

[cruz chic]

Conflicting reports on this one by those that sail Celebrity! :confused:

 

 

 

Don't know what your wowing! It's clear that y'all want smoking banned on balconies and the OP wants Seaview Bar smoke-free and others have complained of this area being for smokers, too! So where does that leave Smokers? Off the Ship???

 

Also, do the math! If there are (just throwing out numbers) 400 balconies onboard and all 20% book one, that is 80 balconies. Regardless of what the anti-smokers think, not all smokers book balconies just as not all non-smokers book balconies. If only 10% book a balcony, that leaves 40 balconies out of 400 who have those on it that smoke. Slim odds of having smokers next to you don't you think!

 

Also, as far as business catering to a minority...think again! The minority is Gluten Free . Businesses today needs to offer these items in order to have and keep their business!

 

What's your suggestion to make both sides happy?

 

There is at least 50 of the ship that allows smoking. Whether smokers are there is immaterial. Is everyone happy now? For years and years smokers had the ability to smoke anywhere. That included dining rooms. Theaters, workplaces etc. Now, the last 10 years or so the tide has turned and now it a huge outcry. Are you trying to say more people smoke than don't :confused::confused:. I've had smokers next to me at least 80% of the time. I'm not spending any more cash to buy a balcony now. Smokers always like you to believe there is no smoke smell. If they quit you will see that is not true. I'm a former smoker. I've said many, many times there needs to be an indoor spot. By the way OP equals original poster, not some random post that someone quoted.