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

[Aquahound]

Rich, I haven't seen anyone say that 80% of cruise passengers MUST be non-smoking, but I may have missed a post or two. But it is not a prevailing comment through this thread - though it is noted that only approximately 20% of the N. American population smokes. Some say less.

 

What has prevailed through this thread is smokers advocating for comfortable and ventilated areas in the ship where smokers can sit and enjoy their cigarettes, and perhaps take their drink to. Only the "trolls" have come in from time to time to totally derail the thread with claims that non-smokers are haters of all smokers.:rolleyes: Amongst other things, LOL.

 

I have no way of knowing for sure but while it's true that approx 20% of N. Americans smoke, I'm pretty sure the percentages are higher in the typical demographics and socio-economic groups who aren't your typical cruisers. That would mean the percentage of smokers on cruises would be less than 20%.

 

I'm sure there's plenty of people out there who don't mind cigarette smoke. I won't deny that. But my concern is black and white. I want it eradicated from stateroom balconies, period. I certainly don't hate smokers...although I do feel a certain resentment for individuals who flick their cigarette butts out their car windows or off their balconies.

[cruz chic]

Several posters constantly try to say that the issue is black and white. They have mentioned on several occasions that since only 20% of the population smokes then 80% is opposed to all smoking. This is not true. Many people, while not smokers, are not bothered by smoking.

 

As you said, this is a very long thread but it has been mentioned several times and each time the same small group of posters dismiss any attempt to talk about that group.

 

Would love to see said posts. Would also like to see the posts that say that same 80 enjoy the smell. If that was the case why would we have this thread?

[DeeniEncinitas]

Would love to see said posts. Would also like to see the posts that say that same 80 enjoy the smell. If that was the case why would we have this thread?

 

Well said Cruz Chic!!!!!!! I agree 100%! Have not talked to you for awhile! Hope all is well and good! We leave on our next cruise to the Med on Sept 3! Meet up with Eurodam on Oct 9th! No fingers crossed for no smoking on our suite! Thought when we booked our cruise this would be resolved from 2'years ago thought wrong!

 

will be doing Ocean Viking Cruise next in 2017! At least no smoking! Doing Oceania also!

Hope Canada and you are doing well!

Denise:)

[richwmn]

Several posters constantly try to say that the issue is black and white. They have mentioned on several occasions that since only 20% of the population smokes then 80% is opposed to all smoking. This is not true. Many people, while not smokers, are not bothered by smoking.

 

As you said, this is a very long thread but it has been mentioned several times and each time the same small group of posters dismiss any attempt to talk about that group.

 

I think you could be right about the percentages. I have to say there have been few smokers on my cruises, however, if you are unfortunate to have a balcony near one or two of them, it can totally ruin your own cruise. Some have said they simply cannot use their balcony. And the coughing and chest clearing is not pleasant to listen to when you are trying to have breakfast - that was my experience.:mad:

 

Rich, I haven't seen anyone say that 80% of cruise passengers MUST be non-smoking, but I may have missed a post or two. But it is not a prevailing comment through this thread - though it is noted that only approximately 20% of the N. American population smokes. Some say less.

 

What has prevailed through this thread is smokers advocating for comfortable and ventilated areas in the ship where smokers can sit and enjoy their cigarettes, and perhaps take their drink to. Only the "trolls" have come in from time to time to totally derail the thread with claims that non-smokers are haters of all smokers.:rolleyes: Amongst other things, LOL.

 

Lizzie - I said what I did because each time someone brings up making one side of the ship non smoking, everyone responds with a statement that 80% of the people cruising would not want to have a cabin on the smoking side. While the number that wouldn't mind, for whatever reason, is unknown they do exist.

 

I have no way of knowing for sure but while it's true that approx 20% of N. Americans smoke, I'm pretty sure the percentages are higher in the typical demographics and socio-economic groups who aren't your typical cruisers. That would mean the percentage of smokers on cruises would be less than 20%.

 

I'm sure there's plenty of people out there who don't mind cigarette smoke. I won't deny that. But my concern is black and white. I want it eradicated from stateroom balconies, period. I certainly don't hate smokers...although I do feel a certain resentment for individuals who flick their cigarette butts out their car windows or off their balconies.

Only HAL and Carnival Corp know the actual numbers of their passengers that smoke, it could be higher or lower than the general population. As others have said, when it becomes financially appropriate, they will change the policy one way or another.

 

Would love to see said posts. Would also like to see the posts that say that same 80 enjoy the smell. If that was the case why would we have this thread?

I never said 80% enjoy the smell. Over the population of non smokers there are some that can't stand the smell. Others, to varying degrees, don't mind the smell. Either they have family members/friends that smoke and they wish to get along, or the smell just isn't enough to bother them. Again, there is a wide spectrum of responses.

[kjw869]

And I would have been one of those cruisers that spend money. We average about $100 a day and don't cost them a bean as we have no perks. I'm also in my 40s and have lots of cruising years left. Smoking will not draw new cruisers.

 

And maybe your replacement may spend $200 a day! ;) I wish we only spent $100 a day!! :)

Edited February 6, 2016 by kjw869

[cruz chic]

Lizzie - I said what I did because each time someone brings up making one side of the ship non smoking, everyone responds with a statement that 80% of the people cruising would not want to have a cabin on the smoking side. While the number that wouldn't mind, for whatever reason, is unknown they do exist.

 

Only HAL and Carnival Corp know the actual numbers of their passengers that smoke, it could be higher or lower than the general population. As others have said, when it becomes financially appropriate, they will change the policy one way or another.

 

I never said 80% enjoy the smell. Over the population of non smokers there are some that can't stand the smell. Others, to varying degrees, don't mind the smell. Either they have family members/friends that smoke and they wish to get along, or the smell just isn't enough to bother them. Again, there is a wide spectrum of responses.

 

I'm going out on a limb here. I highly doubt (not saying for sure) that you could find a majority that don't find the smell offensive. If it's as easy as you believe why hasn't Hal tried this? I'm sure one poster did report its been tried on other lines and it didn't work.

[Cruise Junky]

And maybe your replacement may spend $200 a day! ;) I wish we only spent $100 a day!! :)

 

That's just on booze and the occasional dinner. No idea what we spend on gambling and tours. And maybe our replacement will spend double that. We'll never know.

[kjw869]

That's just on booze and the occasional dinner. No idea what we spend on gambling and tours. And maybe our replacement will spend double that. We'll never know.

 

HAL will! ;) Enjoy your next cruise, we will.

Edited February 7, 2016 by kjw869

[cruiseing marly]

And maybe your replacement may spend $200 a day! ;) I wish we only spent $100 a day!! :)

 

smoke or not smoke 300 a day without the casino is easy to spend !:)

[kjw869]

smoke or not smoke 300 a day without the casino is easy to spend !:)

 

That's the truth! ;)

[sail7seas]

I was stating HAL's smoking policy.

That is the subject matter of this thread, fella.

 

[sail7seas]

It is HAL's smoking policy that it is banned in cabins and in corridors.

 

Smoking is permitted on Verandahs and at designated outside locations. Under specified circumstances, smoking is permitted in casino.

 

[Cindy]

I'm a non-smoker who's perhaps a bit more moderate than some. I don't like to smell it on my balcony, but that said the occasional whiff of smoke doesn't ruin a cruise for me. Maybe it's just luck of the draw, but I only remember smelling smoke on my balcony a couple times, and it dissipated very quickly. I've had a much bigger problem with smoke in the casinos on all cruise lines.

 

My last few Royal Caribbean cruises and my last HAL cruise were hideous in the casino...just walking through made me smell like a dirty ashtray. It doesn't seem like the air purification and ventilation systems are effective at all in removing the smoke/odors.

 

That said, I am a little concerned about my aft corner suite on HAL in 2017. I worry that the number of smokers has increased to the extent that it will impact my experience. I'm going to watch the boards closely and keep my options open. As I said, it really wasn't an issue on my two previous HAL cruises (or any other cruises), but at the time Celebrity and Princess were the only 2 mainstream lines that had banned balcony smoking.

 

 

Now, Mister Walt.......I replied to this comment, because you did not delete this comment.

 

Let's see which gets deleted now. I'm sure we already know the answer to that. As usual, the anti-smoking bigots rule the day on Cruise Critic

 

It seems to me that the best way to have your posts remain is to refrain from name calling.

Edited February 7, 2016 by Cindy

[Cruise Junky]

Great, now HAL cruisers not only have to be concerned about cigar balcony smokers, but those who have no regard at all for the few smoking rules that remain on that line. Cigar smoke in the corridors no less. Anarchy of the smokers! The average HAL guest has degenerated even farther and faster than I could have believed would have happened.

 

Okay, maybe you joke, but I don't see it that way and probably others who enjoy blowing cigar smoke in the corridors don't either. Sad

 

I think HAL just found it's lowest denominator :eek: welcome to their new target audience

[Aquahound]

Great, now HAL cruisers not only have to be concerned about cigar balcony smokers, but those who have no regard at all for the few smoking rules that remain on that line. Cigar smoke in the corridors no less. Anarchy of the smokers! The average HAL guest has degenerated even farther and faster than I could have believed would have happened.

 

Okay, maybe you joke, but I don't see it that way and probably others who enjoy blowing cigar smoke in the corridors don't either. Sad

 

Well...HAL went from "Signature of Excellence" to "Savor the Journey." Decline all the way around.

[jimdalva]

WOW, You guy are still here. 161 pages of comments, and the NO Smoking rules still stand. Good luck and enjoy, no matter what you all decide to do.:confused:

Edited February 7, 2016 by jimdalva

[Host Walt]

This thread is now closed to further activity. Clearly my request that everyone read and comply with our guidelines was overlooked. So please take the time to read them while this thread is closed.

[Host Walt]

This thread is now closed to further activity. Clearly my request that everyone read and comply with our guidelines was overlooked. So please take the time to read them while this thread is closed.

This thread is now reopened but will be closed again if our guidelines are not followed.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

This thread is now reopened but will be closed again if our guidelines are not followed.

 

Thank you Walt, for your understanding. You realize the passion that this topic brings to the thread can be its undoing. That's why countless others like this have ceased to exist, because nobody (a host) cared to do the work to preserve the thread for the purpose it was intended for --- information.

 

Tom

[OceanTraveller4ever]

Well until HAL changes its smoking policies, this thread will never get to a resolution.

 

However, the ongoing difference between people who want fresh air on their balcony, and the smokers who threaten that is just a reality.

 

Fingers crossed on my future cruises, that it will just be fresh sea air.

 

I am looking forward to reading on this thread that balcony users on HAL will no longer be subjected to any noxious fumes :)

[Host Walt]

This thread is now reopened but will be closed again if our guidelines are not followed.

 

This thread is now closed after deleting 8 posts made since yesterday that were not in accordance with our guidelines.

[Host Walt]

This thread is now closed after deleting 8 posts made since yesterday that were not in accordance with our guidelines.

This thread is reopened with the same caveat.

[GlennG]

My wife and I returned home from a wonderful vacation aboard the ms Oosterdam. On our first day, I noticed that our immediate neighbour was smoking on his balcony. Like many people, I'm really bothered by the smell of cigarette smoke, particularly European cigarette smoke. In any case, I recognized that my neighbour was completely within his right to smoke on his balcony. I knew that I could not really expect the employees of Holland America Line to assist me with my dilemma. I did, however, speak to my neighbour about my personal problems with cigarette smoke. We came to a mutually acceptable compromise. While in port, he would not smoke on his balcony, but while at sea, he could smoke as he desired. This arrangement was really a "win-win" for the both of us (smoker and non-smoker). This is the second cruise that I have employed this strategy in responding to neighbouring smokers. I recognize that I was extremely fortunate to have reasonable people as neighbours on these two cruises. I mention the above as other cruisers might be successful in employing the same strategy as I have used on two of my cruises.

[tim22361]

Glenn, I commend you for this. Finally, a rational, common-sense approach used by a non-smoker. Were my cabin next to yours and you made a similar request of me, I would bend over backwards to accommodate you. I have no interest in being anything other than a good neighbor.

 

There are unreasonable people on either side of this issue, and that is unfortunate. There are also common sense solutions, which is what I have been maintaining. I only wish everyone would realize this.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

My wife and I returned home from a wonderful vacation aboard the ms Oosterdam. On our first day, I noticed that our immediate neighbour was smoking on his balcony. Like many people, I'm really bothered by the smell of cigarette smoke, particularly European cigarette smoke. In any case, I recognized that my neighbour was completely within his right to smoke on his balcony. I knew that I could not really expect the employees of Holland America Line to assist me with my dilemma. I did, however, speak to my neighbour about my personal problems with cigarette smoke. We came to a mutually acceptable compromise. While in port, he would not smoke on his balcony, but while at sea, he could smoke as he desired. This arrangement was really a "win-win" for the both of us (smoker and non-smoker). This is the second cruise that I have employed this strategy in responding to neighbouring smokers. I recognize that I was extremely fortunate to have reasonable people as neighbours on these two cruises. I mention the above as other cruisers might be successful in employing the same strategy as I have used on two of my cruises.

 

I'm pleased to see that it worked out for both of you. We've many times had smoking neighbors, but I've never had the nerve to ask them to modify their smoking behavior. I suppose I'm too concerned with what their reaction might be - and then I could have a belligerent/unhappy neighbor to boot !

 

Again - I'm glad that it worked out well for you!

 

Tom