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

[AACJ]

There is a restaurant/bar here in Richmond Virginia (keep in mind Richmond is where Phillip Morris is headquartered) that caters to smokers, one of the very few around. Although Commonwealth law says they have to accommodate non-smokers as well. So they set up a separate room just for them. It has it's own ventilation system and meets all the requirements set out by the Commonwealth. For the most part, I have only seen smokers in this place.

 

What is funny is the outrage expressed by people who have NEVER been there or live probably too far away on the other side of town who INSIST they close the place, even though these people will most likely NEVER set foot in there.

 

I know HAL has a lot of loyal customers, some are smokers, some are not. But why can't they just set up a smoking section of balconies on one side probably closer to the back of the ship to accommodate smokers on their balconies. I believe this would be a happy medium for all involved. If HAL keeps selling out their ships because of smokers, that is probably their business plan. This bar I was describing above is ALWAYS packed with smokers, from all the posters in this thread complaining of smokers, apparently HAL is always packed with smokers as well, with the exception of a few.

[IRL_Joanie]

I think most would agree to your last paragraph. I don't think anyone is expecting a 100% smoke free ship. The problem is we cannot choose a non smoking cabin, if our neighbours choose to indulge then our living quarters can be compromised.

X also had clearly designated smoking areas on both promenade and lido decks so my parents were not all that inconvenienced.

It's just amazing that so many countries are banning smoking even in OUTDOOR public areas (in Sydney u can no longer smoke within 5 metres of a bar) yet Hal has this outdated policy.

 

Another question, presumably there are ashtrays on the balcony but was is preventing wind from depositing the butts in the ocean or on others balconies?

 

I am currently in India at a beach resort and everyday I watch the smokers just leave their butts in the sand! I have only seen ONE person out of hundreds take them with them. That is littering and destroying nature and disrespectful to everyone else . I hope HAL smokers are more cleanly[emoji848]

 

 

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HAL provides ash trays in all designated smoking areas (they vary, some look like the verandah ash trays (see Pic Below and others not so great:( ), and upon request to stateroom stewards for verandahs.

 

The ash trays that all HAL Ships provide for verandahs is wonderful and keeps the ashes and butts from blowing out (See 1st Pic)

 

2nd Pic is what I always travel with so that my ashes and butts never blow away.

 

HAL Verandah ash tray

 

My Travel Ash Tray

 

Unfortunately, while most of the HAL ships seem to have gone to the 1st Pic ash tray, some have either stuck with a 2 piece plastic one or even the old glass ash tray, which allows them to not only overflow, but also to blow the ashes and butts around:(

 

Joanie

Edited February 11, 2016 by IRL_Joanie
forgot an important word...only...Mkaes a big difference.

[Lizzie68]

To the comments about fire sales and HAL apparently selling out their ships - no they definitely are not. HAL is always on my cruise email alerts for dirt cheap cruises. I was recently almost temped to book a 14 day with balcony, for almost $2000 less than the book price. That was a good one, but there are constant offers from HAL.

[teamflames]

HAL provides ash trays in all designated smoking areas (they vary, some look like the verandah ash trays (see Pic Below and others not so great:( ), and upon request to stateroom stewards for verandahs.

 

The ash trays that all HAL Ships provide for verandahs is wonderful and keeps the ashes and butts from blowing out (See 1st Pic)

 

2nd Pic is what I always travel with so that my ashes and butts never blow away.

 

HAL Verandah ash tray [ATTACH]376007[/ATTACH]

 

My Travel Ash Tray [ATTACH]376008[/ATTACH]

 

Unfortunately, while most of the HAL ships seem to have gone to the 1st Pic ash tray, some have either stuck with a 2 piece plastic one or even the old glass ash tray, which allows them to not only overflow, but also to blow the ashes and butts around:(

 

Joanie

 

Thanks Joanie for explaining, I was hoping if HAL adopts a "controversial" policy it would at least do all in its power to help with not adversely affecting the environment and fellow passengers, disposal of the remnants being a major part of this.

 

It astounds me in places like Sydney, they force smokers outside and away from public/dining spaces but then don't provide them ash trays or bins. We see so many smokers now just leaving their butts on the sidewalk which invariably ends in the gutters and finally that famous harbour.

 

If you have a policy adapt for all contingencies!

[Lizzie68]

Thanks Joanie for explaining, I was hoping if HAL adopts a "controversial" policy it would at least do all in its power to help with not adversely affecting the environment and fellow passengers, disposal of the remnants being a major part of this.

 

It astounds me in places like Sydney, they force smokers outside and away from public/dining spaces but then don't provide them ash trays or bins. We see so many smokers now just leaving their butts on the sidewalk which invariably ends in the gutters and finally that famous harbour.

 

If you have a policy adapt for all contingencies!

 

You mean smokers did not discard their butts in the streets and beaches before the restrictive smoking policy? Wow. Can't say the same for here - butts have always littered everywhere, even before smoking was only permitted outside and away from entrances/exits.

[cruz chic]

There is a restaurant/bar here in Richmond Virginia (keep in mind Richmond is where Phillip Morris is headquartered) that caters to smokers, one of the very few around. Although Commonwealth law says they have to accommodate non-smokers as well. So they set up a separate room just for them. It has it's own ventilation system and meets all the requirements set out by the Commonwealth. For the most part, I have only seen smokers in this place.

 

What is funny is the outrage expressed by people who have NEVER been there or live probably too far away on the other side of town who INSIST they close the place, even though these people will most likely NEVER set foot in there.

 

I know HAL has a lot of loyal customers, some are smokers, some are not. But why can't they just set up a smoking section of balconies on one side probably closer to the back of the ship to accommodate smokers on their balconies. I believe this would be a happy medium for all involved. If HAL keeps selling out their ships because of smokers, that is probably their business plan. This bar I was describing above is ALWAYS packed with smokers, from all the posters in this thread complaining of smokers, apparently HAL is always packed with smokers as well, with the exception of a few.

 

That solution has probably been suggested 1000 times in this thread. There is around 20 % of smokers. Some will claim to enjoy the smell of smoke but don't smoke but I doubt if that would account for another 30%.to fill up the "smoking" side. I assume that the executives at Hal have at least some intelligence so I wonder why they haven't come up with this "perfect solution". I'm really getting to the end of my tether with Hal but not only for their resistance to change the policy. My issue is the fact that they go with the pretence that smoking is wildly popular. It's not 1940 Hal.

[AACJ]

That solution has probably been suggested 1000 times in this thread. There is around 20 % of smokers. Some will claim to enjoy the smell of smoke but don't smoke but I doubt if that would account for another 30%.to fill up the "smoking" side. I assume that the executives at Hal have at least some intelligence so I wonder why they haven't come up with this "perfect solution". I'm really getting to the end of my tether with Hal but not only for their resistance to change the policy. My issue is the fact that they go with the pretence that smoking is wildly popular. It's not 1940 Hal.

Yep, I'm aware of it being suggested, in fact I've suggested it many times before on this thread. The only thing is, no cruise line has even implemented it to see if it will work...it would be a good compromise if it did..

 

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[Blue Mudshark]

It astounds me in places like Sydney, they force smokers outside and away from public/dining spaces but then don't provide them ash trays or bins.

 

It astounds me that anyone would expect the smokers to be provided with ashtrays. Does the addiction make them so weak that they can't take care of this themselves?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

It astounds me that anyone would expect the smokers to be provided with ashtrays. Does the addiction make them so weak that they can't take care of this themselves?

 

The cruise lines are not the best at such things - if my unsuccessful searches for trash cans is any indication! I can't tell you how many times I've just had to leave something on a table (or such) when all I needed was a trash can. I don't like doing that, but they often leave you few options.

 

 

Tom

[cruz chic]

Yep, I'm aware of it being suggested, in fact I've suggested it many times before on this thread. The only thing is, no cruise line has even implemented it to see if it will work...it would be a good compromise if it did..

 

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Actually someone did report on this thread that it had been tried before and it was a dismal failure. I can't remember which line it was on, maybe carnival. I hope that poster comes back.

[hrhdhd]

Nowhere to go? My friend smokes heavily and goes to all inclusives. Not a problem. She's only cruised twice. Hal has been my favorite cruise line but it is quickly being eroded. That's always the smokers solution to non smokers "go elsewhere". Are you prepared for fares to go up to accomodate a smokers only line to compensate? Then you'll complain it's too smokey for you.

 

1. I am not a smoker.

2. I am discussing cruising, which is what this forum is about.

[blueboro]

I get a real kick out of casinos being half smoking and half non-smoking. Kind of like when airlines had smoking and non-smoking sections. It all becomes filled with smoke.

[cruz chic]

I get a real kick out of casinos being half smoking and half non-smoking. Kind of like when airlines had smoking and non-smoking sections. It all becomes filled with smoke.

 

Restaurants too did that at one time, at least in Calgary. Pretty amazing. The smoke stops at that pretend wall :D.

[#1cruisecoach]

Hi All,

We have always cruised on Celebrity in Europe, but Holland America has an itinerary that we like, so we are considering it. I was rather shocked to read that HA still allows smoking on the balcony's. I could care less if anyone smokes, but... have any of you found it to be an issue with the smell while enjoying your own balcony? Would also love and appreciate any tips on best cabin locations on the Eurodam. We have never cruised on HA before. Thanks !

[Lizzie68]

There is a single thread where you can post all questions about HAL's smoking policy, further down the page. Reading some of it will likely answer your questions.

[AACJ]

In Virginia, the law says you have to have a completely separate room with separate ventilation systems. No pretend wall, a real wall.

 

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[HELENPSL]

Hi All,

We have always cruised on Celebrity in Europe, but Holland America has an itinerary that we like, so we are considering it. I was rather shocked to read that HA still allows smoking on the balcony's. I could care less if anyone smokes, but... have any of you found it to be an issue with the smell while enjoying your own balcony? Would also love and appreciate any tips on best cabin locations on the Eurodam. We have never cruised on HA before. Thanks !

 

We have been on the Eurodam twice and love it. We love being midship and always try to get a cabin next to the outside elevator. By doing this you only have neighbors on one side. We did not find any loss of privacy because we were next to the elevator nor did we find noise to be a factor. We were in 8079 on our Baltic trip and even though it was under a corner of the Lido we did not hear any noise. If you are booking a SS then you have a much greater selection of cabins next to the elevators.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Helen

[hastinc]

I have had no issues of other people's smoke invading my balcony.

Balcony's have hinged doors, not sliding doors, so there can be incidents of close neighbour's letting their balcony door slam shut which can be felt in your stateroom.

Would suggest deck 5 or higher to avoid looking directly at the lifeboats.

Deck 7 is usually thought as being prime real estate.

[teamflames]

Has anybody had issues of being able to smell the smoke INSIDE their cabin with doors closed? I hope not

 

 

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[Hflors]

The last time we had a balcony on Ryndam we didn't ever smell smoke. We were on the Navigation deck with the large suites. I don't know if that makes a difference or not. So even though we don't smoke it wasn't an issue for us.

 

Now the casino is a different matter. It is really too smoky for us. "Thank you HAL, you have saved us a lot of money by allowing smoking in the casino." On our last cruise there was smoking all the time in the casino, not just on certain nights. It was so smoky that we started taking the long route around the shops.

 

In a way I feel sorry for smokers. They are treated like lepers. My dd and sil are smokers. We allow them to smoke on our lanai, but they never smoke in our house, they don't even smoke in theirs as their son has asthma.

 

Both dh and I smoked years ago. DH have it up for health reasons. I gave it up when the price became $1.00 per pack!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Hi All,

We have always cruised on Celebrity in Europe, but Holland America has an itinerary that we like, so we are considering it. I was rather shocked to read that HA still allows smoking on the balcony's. I could care less if anyone smokes, but... have any of you found it to be an issue with the smell while enjoying your own balcony? ...

 

Yes, on multiple occasions. We're approaching 100 cruises and I'd say that we've smelled smoke on easily half our sailings - though it's only been REALLY bad a handful of times... enough to make the balcony a place we were not able to enjoy as we otherwise would have.

 

All in all, I'd say it's unlikely, but still a possibility. So, don't be surprised if it happens.

 

Has anybody had issues of being able to smell the smoke INSIDE their cabin with doors closed? I hope not

 

 

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We've noticed this many times. Before anyone gets wound up into a tizzy, it was not actually smoke but rather exhaust fumes. Not sure why, but sometimes when we're in port I can detect the strong odor of what seems to be exhaust fumes. Perhaps when the wind is just right some of it gets pulled into the fresh air intake. Less often than that, I've also had occasions where there was a strong smell of paint or solvents in our cabin... nearby touch-ups or cleaning I'd suppose. I've called guest services a couple times about it. Anyone else ever encounter these scents??

 

Full disclosure - I often pick up on smells or tastes (don't get me started on Cilantro!) that others don't.

 

Tom

[teamflames]

[quote name=Hflors;4906250In a way I feel sorry for smokers. They are treated like lepers. My dd and sil are smokers. We allow them to smoke on our lanai' date=' but they never smoke in our house, they don't even smoke in theirs as their son has asthma.

 

 

 

Both dh and I smoked years ago. DH have it up for health reasons. I gave it up when the price became $1.00 per pack![/quote]

 

 

My parents also don't smoke inside their house, not because anyone else lives with them just because they know it causes the place to stink [emoji1] and the time and cost of repainting the house each year got to painful.

Btw cost of a packet in oz now $20!!! Good to see the welfare checks helping to "feed" the habit ... Hmm too political perhaps?!

 

Thanks for feedback on lack of smoke inside room, good to hear.

 

 

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[IRL_Joanie]

Yes, on multiple occasions. We're approaching 100 cruises and I'd say that we've smelled smoke on easily half our sailings - though it's only been REALLY bad a handful of times... enough to make the balcony a place we were not able to enjoy as we otherwise would have.

 

All in all, I'd say it's unlikely, but still a possibility. So, don't be surprised if it happens.

 

 

 

We've noticed this many times. Before anyone gets wound up into a tizzy, it was not actually smoke but rather exhaust fumes. Not sure why, but sometimes when we're in port I can detect the strong odor of what seems to be exhaust fumes. Perhaps when the wind is just right some of it gets pulled into the fresh air intake. Less often than that, I've also had occasions where there was a strong smell of paint or solvents in our cabin... nearby touch-ups or cleaning I'd suppose. I've called guest services a couple times about it. Anyone else ever encounter these scents??

 

Full disclosure - I often pick up on smells or tastes (don't get me started on Cilantro!) that others don't.

 

Tom

I noticed that you only have 1 HAL cruise in your signature so I have to ask the question.......

 

On your 1 HAL cruise did you smell smoke and/or fuel on your verandah and in your stateroom?

 

I ask only because I am curious because it might be the type of verandah doors and dividers....... And I'd like to see a comparison based on HAL ships.

 

I think I've read about sliding doors (not talking the few Lanai staterooms on HAL's Promenade deck) and low dividers on other cruise lines.

 

Joanie

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I noticed that you only have 1 HAL cruise in your signature so I have to ask the question.......

 

On your 1 HAL cruise did you smell smoke and/or fuel on your verandah and in your stateroom?

 

I ask only because I am curious because it might be the type of verandah doors and dividers....... And I'd like to see a comparison based on HAL ships.

 

I think I've read about sliding doors (not talking the few Lanai staterooms on HAL's Promenade deck) and low dividers on other cruise lines.

 

Joanie

 

My 1 HAL cruise was a TA in 1966. So, even though I don't remember, I likely even smelled smoke in the dining room (see pipe)! :eek:

 

 

BTW - I'm the blond one... :)

 

Tom

[Hflors]

My 1 HAL cruise was a TA in 1966. So, even though I don't remember, I likely even smelled smoke in the dining room (see pipe)! :eek:

 

 

BTW - I'm the blond one... :)

 

Tom

 

Wow!! What wonderful memories you must have of your first voyage!!!!!!