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

[Aquahound]

This Thread has now reached 186 pages in length (with over 3,600 posts) and y'all are still wondering about HAL's Smoking Policy?

 

No, I'm not wondering about the policy. Like almost everyone else, I'm discussing the policy and hoping for a change in the near future.

Edited April 26, 2016 by Aquahound

[Bouillon123]

Hi

 

We are smokers and have started cruising a few years ago. We naturally chose HAL as we could smoke on balconies. Unfortunately the only other area which is protected from sun and wind is the Seaview Bar. Now this area is too small, uncomfortable and just simply dirty and disgusting. So we had to spend more time on the balconies than we really wanted.

 

If smoking would be prohibited on balconies, where should smokers go?

 

Even if HAL would provide a "well ventilated indoor room", we certainly would not use it as we are from Europe and my guess would be it would be way too cold for us due to the running Airconditioning which we hate. And even if you don't mind Aircon, no one would wants to sit indoors in the Caribbean for example. We want to sit outside with a nice cocktail and a cigarette to relax.

 

And the Seaview Bar is not adequate enough, which means HAL would have to provide another area on the ship to give to smokers. Now this then would egg on the non smokers again. It's a catch 22 situation I think.

 

I get it that non smokers don't like smoke, but it is not the smokers' fault that HAL cannot come up with a solution which pleases the majority of people.

 

Since we thought, that areas on the ship for smokers were not up to par, we chose to sail with Seabourn which caters much better for smokers. And guess what.

 

We hardly used the balconies. ;)

[nb125]

It's getting slightly boring but every time someone quotes this policy I find it necessary to correct it.

 

On the the Noordam there is only one outside smoking are, ie Seaview Bar, not Sports Deck or Observation Deck or any other outside decks as stated in this misleading policy.

[Charlies Aunt]

Sorry nb125 but you are wrong. I was on the Noordam this Febuary and there was indeed a lovely room next to the Crows Nest for smokers. Wide screen TV, fabulous furnishings and very comfortable.

[nb125]

Sorry nb125 but you are wrong. I was on the Noordam this Febuary and there was indeed a lovely room next to the Crows Nest for smokers. Wide screen TV, fabulous furnishings and very comfortable.

 

Thank you, that's interesting to know. I was on the Noordam in September 2014 and was told the only smoking areas were the Seaview Bar, verandahs and and part of the casino, absolutely nowhere else. This was confirmed by the concierge in the Neptune Lounge. The smoking policy on the website at that time was exactly the same as it is now. They were not interested when I complained that the policy did not match the reality.

[dogo88]

Thank you, that's interesting to know. I was on the Noordam in September 2014 and was told the only smoking areas were the Seaview Bar, verandahs and and part of the casino, absolutely nowhere else. This was confirmed by the concierge in the Neptune Lounge. The smoking policy on the website at that time was exactly the same as it is now. They were not interested when I complained that the policy did not match the reality.

 

The policy is inconsistent. On our October Cruise on the Oosterdam Promenade deck had yellow NO SMOKING signs. On the Maasdam last month no signs at all. Needless to say there were folks smoking on both ships on that deck.

 

Dan

[jdshaw1000]

Smoking should not be permitted anywhere on ship. It is disgusting and grossly offensive.

[Adoptionmsw]

Smoking should not be permitted anywhere on ship. It is disgusting and grossly offensive.

 

 

 

I agree totally. I would really prefer a total prohibition.

[Fouremco]

I get it that non smokers don't like smoke, but it is not the smokers' fault that HAL cannot come up with a solution which pleases the majority of people.

The solution that would please the majority of people would be an outright ban on smoking on the ship.

[Bouillon123]

The solution that would please the majority of people would be an outright ban on smoking on the ship.

 

I understand. But there is not 1 ship which does not allow smoking anywhere. So how can this be the solution?

[nb125]

Why don't you all tell that to HAL. I am sure they will be happy to introduce a policy that excludes a proportion of their customers. After all they are not bothered about profit:rolleyes:

[RuthC]

The solution that would please the majority of people would be an outright ban on smoking on the ship.

That's a rather definitive statement. Do you have any hard evidence to back that up?

 

Based on many of the posts on this thread alone I would conclude that the majority of people don't mind that there are smoking areas, but don't want the smoke from them crossing to non-smoking areas.

[teamflames]

That's a rather definitive statement. Do you have any hard evidence to back that up?

 

 

 

Based on many of the posts on this thread alone I would conclude that the majority of people don't mind that there are smoking areas, but don't want the smoke from them crossing to non-smoking areas.

 

 

 

Exactly Ruth, I would have no issue with certain outdoor public areas being smoking, an indoor smokers lounge etc.

My only concern is the balcony smoking as it directly affects my enjoyment level of my private space.

 

Edited to add: as previously mentioned I didn't even think to check the smoking policy before booking as I just assumed in this day and age that smoking in the vicinity of someone's sleeping quarters would be impossible, especially by an American company.

We discussed cancelling our trip but decided to proceed and if it is a problem it will be our last Hal cruise.

Edited April 26, 2016 by teamflames

[SteveH2508]

The solution that would please the majority of people would be an outright ban on smoking on the ship.

 

It's been tried (albeit a few years ago) - they couldn't get the crew as well as cutting out at least 20% of your customer base (smokers and those who travel with smokers). It was not a success.

[Adoptionmsw]

I'd be interested to see some statistics. How many smokers on an average cruise on HAL who would stop sailing if they couldn't smoke. How many people who would choose to sail on a cruise that prohibited smoking. Would it be a wash or would the cruise line use money. I have to presume HAL has done market research around the balcony smoking.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[alwaysfrantic]

I'd be interested to see some statistics. How many smokers on an average cruise on HAL who would stop sailing if they couldn't smoke. How many people who would choose to sail on a cruise that prohibited smoking. Would it be a wash or would the cruise line use money. I have to presume HAL has done market research around the balcony smoking.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

I seem to see a lot of folks who have or say they will "jump ship" from HAL because of the liberal smoking policies. When Marriott went to non smoking properties folks said they would not survive. That definitely has not been the case.

 

And I don't even think people want HAL to be non smoking....just keep it confined in areas people who choose to can avoid.

[watertheodds]

I am a former smoker and don't like smoke in contained areas. I do however travel with smokers and get that they enjoy it and want smoke on their well deserved vacation. The solution seems so simple to me. One side of the ship allows smoking on the balconies and the other does not. There are many non smokers like me that do not mind neighbors smoking on the balcony and will also be happy with rooms on the smoking side. If one side is too many rooms for smoking and tolerant passengers then take the back half or 1/3 of the ship (all floors) on one side and fill forward as they are needed for smokers.

[kevingastreich]

I am a former smoker and don't like smoke in contained areas. I do however travel with smokers and get that they enjoy it and want smoke on their well deserved vacation. The solution seems so simple to me. One side of the ship allows smoking on the balconies and the other does not. There are many non smokers like me that do not mind neighbors smoking on the balcony and will also be happy with rooms on the smoking side. If one side is too many rooms for smoking and tolerant passengers then take the back half or 1/3 of the ship (all floors) on one side and fill forward as they are needed for smokers.

 

You may be on to something. If your idea isn't financially viable for HAL maybe they could designate an ENTIRE ship as smoking. All crew and guests could pretty much smoke wherever they wanted to (within safety limits of course). If all the bars, cabins and casino etc. were smoking allowed...the revenue for that ship would increase! Crew could request that ship as well.

Edited April 27, 2016 by kevingastreich

[watertheodds]

You may be on to something. If your idea isn't financially viable for HAL maybe they could designate an ENTIRE ship as smoking. All crew and guests could pretty much smoke wherever they wanted to (within safety limits of course). If all the bars, cabins and casino etc. were smoking allowed...the revenue for that ship would increase! Crew could request that ship as well.

 

I am pretty sure that an entire smoking ship would not be possible if for nothing else but insurance purposes. I believe it is fair and unchangeable that smoking in public areas and guest rooms will never be a consideration for cruise lines or hotels for that matter. The cost of refurbishment from smoke damage would be far too extensive. I do think the balcony issue could be resolved with the segregation of smokers and smoke tolerant on one side and non on the other.

[kazu]

I avoid this thread like the plague, but... I am going to post.

 

Yes, I am an evil person that smokes. I don't smoke a lot, but I smoke.

 

I am on the Westerdam and my next door neighbour has asthma I had discovered so smoke is an aggravation to her.

 

I have simply told them simple signals to let me know when they are on the balcony so I don't bother them.

 

There is no reason they can't enjoy their balcony and I can't enjoy mine.

 

I have indicated a signal so they know.

 

they are a very nice couple and I don't want to inhibit their enjoyment.

 

It is all worked out and life is good. I still smoke (I do want to quit) but not when they are on the balcony. It's pretty simple - all you have to do is talk.

 

How hard is this? It's just called working it out and being considerate.

 

Edited April 27, 2016 by kazu

[wishful thinking]

I avoid this thread like the plague, but... I am going to post.

 

Yes, I am an evil person that smokes. I don't smoke a lot, but I smoke.

 

I am on the Westerdam and my next door neighbour has asthma I had discovered so smoke is an aggravation to her.

 

I have simply told them simple signals to let me know when they are on the balcony so I don't bother them.

 

There is no reason they can't enjoy their balcony and I can't enjoy mine.

 

I have indicated a signal so they know.

 

they are a very nice couple and I don't want to inhibit their enjoyment.

 

It is all worked out and life is good. I still smoke (I do want to quit) but not when they are on the balcony. It's pretty simple - all you have to do is talk.

 

How hard is this? It's just called working it out and being considerate.

 

 

What a refreshing post Kazu. Thank you.

[albingirl]

What a refreshing post Kazu. Thank you.

I agree. It is certainly nice to read that someone has a good solution. However, not everyone is so nice and I am one who really dislikes confrontation. And, these things, as we know can be uncomfortable for both parties. I would be hesitant in asking someone to refrain from smoking. After all, it is their right on Holland America balconies.

[Aquahound]

It's just called working it out and being considerate.

 

What you're describing is a sense of community that many have lost nowadays.

Edited April 27, 2016 by Aquahound

[alwaysfrantic]

Even before instances of ecigarettes spontaniously combusting came to light, cruise lines were quick to ban them, if i remember back a few years correctly. Seems like if they can figure out the problem, then that would be a solution that would keep most everyone happy. People get their nicotine, no one with asthma can justifiable complain, furnishings don't pick up a smoky smell.

 

The ecigarettes are allowed in carry on luggage on planes, but not checked. If they are allowed at all there must be not complete distrust of them. Lithium batteries in cameras and iPhones have spontaneously flamed up as well and they aren't deemed a cruise hazard.

[waASPCrusier]

Even before instances of ecigarettes spontaniously combusting came to light, cruise lines were quick to ban them, if i remember back a few years correctly. Seems like if they can figure out the problem, then that would be a solution that would keep most everyone happy. People get their nicotine, no one with asthma can justifiable complain, furnishings don't pick up a smoky smell.

 

The ecigarettes are allowed in carry on luggage on planes, but not checked. If they are allowed at all there must be not complete distrust of them. Lithium batteries in cameras and iPhones have spontaneously flamed up as well and they aren't deemed a cruise hazard.

 

 

Actually not banned at all on HAL. Allowed in all the same areas as smoking in addition to cabins.