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

[Aquahound]

And the excerpt from WCB's blog, same Q&A session, slightly different translation (my bold):

 

One person wanted a non-smoking policy to include the verandas. It is being tested on the Noordam already. They are providing space for the smokers, but will stop it on the verandas to see how well it is accepted.

 

Is this the first indication of a long awaited policy change???!!! :eek::D

[Lizzie68]

Is this the first indication of a long awaited policy change???!!! :eek::D

 

It certainly seems that they are considering a change. But I'm not holding my breath.:D

[jtl513]

Berth number wise, it's essentially a wash iirc.

Correct - double occupancy on the K is 2650 vs 2x1260 = 2520 for the two smaller ships. Max capacity is K 3375 vs 2x1623 = 3246. These numbers are from http://www.hollandamerica.com/assets/news/FastFacts.pdf Edited February 14, 2016 by jtl513

[cruz chic]

Is this the first indication of a long awaited policy change???!!! :eek::D

 

One can only hope.

[cruz chic]

The kicker is bookings in 2016 are up so I've been told by a pretty good source. So as long as bookings increase they know they are in a net positive.

 

I like the term "experimenting" Ashford used. I'm "experimenting" playing for the Red Sox, too.

 

Maybe it's all the smokers that have jumped ship to Hal so they can smoke.

[regnig]

How stupid do they actually think we are? :rolleyes:

They know how many people are first time HAL cruisers who book a verandah and are smokers. That is an easy number for their 'wizard computer techies' to tell them. :)

 

...........................

 

Golly what have I missed. :confused: :confused:

 

Are they now asking 1st time HAL cruisers, those people without a Mariner Number, if they smoke? Without that piece of data I don't understand how any 'wizard computer techies' could give them that number. First time Hal cruisers - yes, verandah bookers - yes, but smokers.... I don't think so.

 

And if you are implying that all 1st time HAL cruisers who book verandah staterooms are smokers then HAL is in big trouble. Assuming (:o) that all the statistics passionately provided by folks on this thread stating that only 20% of the entire population smokes and then figuring that less than .00001% of that 20% might take a cruise just how is HAL going to fill it's ships? While I'm not real bright I'm really confused by your statement. :eek:

[cruz chic]

Golly what have I missed. :confused: :confused:

 

Are they now asking 1st time HAL cruisers, those people without a Mariner Number, if they smoke? Without that piece of data I don't understand how any 'wizard computer techies' could give them that number. First time Hal cruisers - yes, verandah bookers - yes, but smokers.... I don't think so.

 

And if you are implying that all 1st time HAL cruisers who book verandah staterooms are smokers then HAL is in big trouble. Assuming (:o) that all the statistics passionately provided by folks on this thread stating that only 20% of the entire population smokes and then figuring that less than .00001% of that 20% might take a cruise just how is HAL going to fill it's ships? While I'm not real bright I'm really confused by your statement. :eek:

 

My guess is if cabin occupants ask for an ashtray, see butts in that ashtray even Hal can deduct the occupants are smokers.

Edited February 14, 2016 by cruz chic

[sail7seas]

Golly what have I missed. :confused: :confused:

 

Are they now asking 1st time HAL cruisers, those people without a Mariner Number, if they smoke? Without that piece of data I don't understand how any 'wizard computer techies' could give them that number. First time Hal cruisers - yes, verandah bookers - yes, but smokers.... I don't think so.

 

And if you are implying that all 1st time HAL cruisers who book verandah staterooms are smokers then HAL is in big trouble. Assuming (:o) that all the statistics passionately provided by folks on this thread stating that only 20% of the entire population smokes and then figuring that less than .00001% of that 20% might take a cruise just how is HAL going to fill it's ships? While I'm not real bright I'm really confused by your statement. :eek:

 

 

No, of course, they are not asking if you smoke.

Your cabin steward is reporting which cabins has smokers. It is a safety issue but you can be sure it finds it's way into HAL computers for safety reasons.

 

They know who is using an ashtray and PLEASE do not think it a good idea to bring your own ashtray and stow it away when you leave the cabin. Where will you empty the butts? NOT the toilet. It will block the lines. NOT the wastebasket. You can't be sure there is nothing hot.

 

PLease use a HAL provided wind safe ashtray.

[sail7seas]

My quess is if cabin occupants ask for an ashtray, see butts in that ashtray even Hal can deduct the occupants are smokers.

 

We were posting same time. :)

 

It is nothing new that stewards have been asked to keep list of which cabins have smokers. They have done that for many years.

 

[regnig]

No, of course, they are not asking if you smoke.

Your cabin steward is reporting which cabins has smokers. It is a safety issue but you can be sure it finds it's way into HAL computers for safety reasons.

 

They know who is using an ashtray and PLEASE do not think it a good idea to bring your own ashtray and stow it away when you leave the cabin. Where will you empty the butts? NOT the toilet. It will block the lines. NOT the wastebasket. You can't be sure there is nothing hot.

 

PLease use a HAL provided wind safe ashtray.

 

Sail while I'm not in the least bit convinced that "it finds it's way into HAL computers for safety reasons" I am convinced that even if it did that the HAL wizard computer techies (that really was a joke wasn't it) wouldn't have a clue of what to do with it. It was really that not having been a 1st time cruiser for many a year I wasn't sure just what inquiring minds might be asking now and nothing would surprise me. ;)

 

For the sake of community I'm going to assume that the "you" in your response was not directed at me and therefore I won't take offence. And, if it's okay with you I won't be using a HAL provided wind safe ashtray or any other type as I have no need for such.

Edited February 14, 2016 by larsen

[tim22361]

How stupid do they actually think we are? :rolleyes:

They know how many people are first time HAL cruisers who book a verandah and are smokers. That is an easy number for their 'wizard computer techies' to tell them. :)

 

They cannot know the total number of guests they are losing. They know from the ones who tell them but I would suggest there are probably many more who don't bother to tell them why they are leaving HAL.... they simply book a different cruise line which recognizes what the Vast majority of North American (and more) cruisers seek.

 

 

 

Neither can all the other smoker-hating cruise lines know how many customers they have lost because of their misguided policy.

[sail7seas]

 

 

<snip>

 

For the sake of community I'm going to assume that the "you" in your response was not directed at me and therefore I won't take offence. And, if it's okay with you I won't be using a HAL provided wind safe ashtray or any other type as I have no need for such.

 

I'm happy you recognized my meaning for 'you' was inclusive for all those who smoke on HAL ship verandahs. :)

 

I actually do know for sure they try hard to know in what cabins the smokers 'live'. The information is first and foremost for safety but it is not a stretch to think it could/might be used for other purposes useful to HAL bean pushers.

 

[SteveH2508]

Neither can all the other smoker-hating cruise lines know how many customers they have lost because of their misguided policy.

 

As I said earlier in this thread, provided the ships are sailing full, the cruise lines really could not give a flying **** whether their 'lost' customers are smokers or non-smokers. All they care about is filling the ship at the best rate possible.

 

They lose one non-smoker, they gain one smoker - both dollars are the same colour.

 

If they notice a downturn in bookings, then, and only then, will they start to try to analyse why.

 

The reasons could be many: poor itineraries; un-competitive pricing; worse incentives etc.. Smoking v. non-smoking balconies is going to be quite low down their list of possible causes IMHO.

Edited February 14, 2016 by SteveH2508

[ithaca gal]

We sailed on the Eurodam last week for the first time since the drydock. While they do not appear to be advertising it as such, the casino on the Eurodam IS now smoke-free!!!

 

I asked several employees and supervisors if there had been many complaints and they said they had received a few but not as many as they thought they would get. They said that people tend to understand!

 

It's a start .......

 

This move means they must understand the negative effect of the smoke on the furnishings AND their passengers AND employees!

[Lizzie68]

As I said earlier in this thread, provided the ships are sailing full, the cruise lines really could not give a flying **** whether their 'lost' customers are smokers or non-smokers. All they care about is filling the ship at the best rate possible.

 

They lose one non-smoker, they gain one smoker - both dollars are the same colour.

 

If they notice a downturn in bookings, then, and only then, will they start to try to analyse why.

 

The reasons could be many: poor itineraries; un-competitive pricing; worse incentives etc.. Smoking v. non-smoking balconies is going to be quite low down their list of possible causes IMHO.

 

Hard to say, but on personal experience - last week I got a screaming deal for a 14-night Caribbean with HAL, balcony cabin. I get quite a few great offers from various agents which include HAL cruises. So you cannot assume that they are filling the ships. Logistics alone would dictate they would lose more non-smokers than gain smokers. But, time will tell.

[Stratheden]

Quote

One person wanted a non-smoking policy to include the verandas. It is being tested on the Noordam already. They are providing space for the smokers, but will stop it on the verandas to see how well it is accepted.

 

Unquote

 

The above quote is from Orlando Ashford to the Mariners on the world cruise. It was reported in WCB's report today.

 

We will be on the Noordam in about 5 weeks so it will be interesting to see whether on not it is in force.

[Lizzie68]

Quote

One person wanted a non-smoking policy to include the verandas. It is being tested on the Noordam already. They are providing space for the smokers, but will stop it on the verandas to see how well it is accepted.

 

Unquote

 

The above quote is from Orlando Ashford to the Mariners on the world cruise. It was reported in WCB's report today.

 

We will be on the Noordam in about 5 weeks so it will be interesting to see whether on not it is in force.

 

Post #3274 reported this from WCB's blog.

 

I believe it is the Noordam that has the dedicated smoking room now. Please let us know what your experience is when you return from your cruise.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Since smoking shaves about 10 years off life expectancy, HAL is going to need more than a 1-to-1 swap of smoking passengers (gained) for those who are lost (non-smokers)... as that new or retained smoking guest won't be around as long. Though, that could contribute to a younger overall demographic! :eek:

 

Just the facts.

 

 

Tom

[sammiedawg]

Since smoking shaves about 10 years off life expectancy, HAL is going to need more than a 1-to-1 swap of smoking passengers (gained) for those who are lost (non-smokers)... as that new or retained smoking guest won't be around as long. Though, that could contribute to a younger overall demographic! :eek:

 

Just the facts.

 

 

Tom

 

Tom, I've long wanted to say this myself and your post said it perfectly.

Now please don't flame me but it is a statistical fact, per my travel agent friend, that HAL also has the oldest passenger demographic. They have even more people to replace as we age out or die off.

 

Up thread someone commented the cruise lines don't care how many cruisers smoke as long as they fill the ship. I beg to differ, having owned an income property business for a long time. Smoke and nicotine ruins surfaces, floorings, carpets. When a long term smoker moves out landlords literally call hazmat people to literally scrape nicotine off the walls. Most property owners in my area no longer rent to smokers.

Smoke and nicotine also ruins cruise ships.

 

Someone said sales are up for 2016, IMO this is primarily due to a long anticipated new ship rolling out and has little to do with smoking.

[jtl513]

Someone said sales are up for 2016, IMO this is primarily due to a long anticipated new ship rolling out and has little to do with smoking.

But with the loss of the Ryndam and Statendam, the Koningsdam only adds a net 130 berths (2650-1260-1260) or a miniscule 0.5% of the 23,700 berths in the fleet. If sales are up more than that it must mean that berths are now being filled which were going empty on other ships. Why would introduction of the Koningsdam spur sales on other ships significantly?

[cruisemom42]

Logistics alone would dictate they would lose more non-smokers than gain smokers. But, time will tell.

 

Not necessarily. Keep in mind that HAL is one line; of which only a certain percentage of passengers will depart due to their smoking policy. BUT just about every other line now bans smoking on one's balcony/verandah, so smokers on at least 5 other major lines may be joining HAL (e.g., Princess, RCL, NCL, Carnival, Celebrity) plus additional from smaller, upscale lines.

[Aquahound]

Quote

One person wanted a non-smoking policy to include the verandas. It is being tested on the Noordam already. They are providing space for the smokers, but will stop it on the verandas to see how well it is accepted.

 

Unquote

 

The above quote is from Orlando Ashford to the Mariners on the world cruise. It was reported in WCB's report today.

 

We will be on the Noordam in about 5 weeks so it will be interesting to see whether on not it is in force.

 

Are passengers with current bookings being notified of this prior to sailing? :confused: I would think this method will cause more problems because it'll be "tested" on one ship of a line that otherwise allows it, and smokers are booked thinking they will be allowed to smoke on their balconies.

 

This is crazy. Leave it to HAL to do it this way instead of just learning from the success of every other major cruise line, including others under the same Carnival Corp umbrella.

[Cruise Junky]

Are passengers with current bookings being notified of this prior to sailing? :confused: I would think this method will cause more problems because it'll be "tested" on one ship of a line that otherwise allows it, and smokers are booked thinking they will be allowed to smoke on their balconies.

 

This is crazy. Leave it to HAL to do it this way instead of just learning from the success of every other major cruise line, including others under the same Carnival Corp umbrella.

 

There was a post a while back that referenced this trial. It said the actual wording was smoking was discouraged from Smoking on balconies and they'd prefer you to use the Oak Room. They didn't actually ban it from balconies. That was a while back but I haven't seen anything new

[cruz chic]

Are passengers with current bookings being notified of this prior to sailing? :confused: I would think this method will cause more problems because it'll be "tested" on one ship of a line that otherwise allows it, and smokers are booked thinking they will be allowed to smoke on their balconies.

 

This is crazy. Leave it to HAL to do it this way instead of just learning from the success of every other major cruise line, including others under the same Carnival Corp umbrella.

 

I was thinking the same thing. I seem to remember something that a poster posted a while back on this thread. I thought it mentioned that the Noordam had a smoking room and the suggested passangers use that instead of smoking on balconies. I'm wondering if that's what Orlando was talking about. Not really the same as barring smokers from their balcony. If I still smoked I doubt that I would bite at that suggestion.

 

Cruise junky I was reading and typing while you posted. Glad I didn't imagine it.

Edited February 15, 2016 by cruz chic

[Aquahound]

There was a post a while back that referenced this trial. It said the actual wording was smoking was discouraged from Smoking on balconies and they'd prefer you to use the Oak Room. They didn't actually ban it from balconies. That was a while back but I haven't seen anything new

 

I was thinking the same thing. I seem to remember something that a poster posted a while back on this thread. I thought it mentioned that the Noordam had a smoking room and the suggested passangers use that instead of smoking on balconies. I'm wondering if that's what Orlando was talking about. Not really the same as barring smokers from their balcony. If I still smoked I doubt that I would bite at that suggestion.

 

Cruise junky I was reading and typing while you posted. Glad I didn't imagine it.

 

That must be what it is. Well...baby steps, I guess. :rolleyes: