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

[iancal]

I don't care one way or the other. If smoking is permitted in the casino we don't bother with it. Saves us money.

 

But DW does care. We always do balcony. If our choice of ships comes down to a HAL and another cruise line ship with no balcony smoking DS will veto HAL every time.

 

We do not really care what HAL does or does not do with their smoking policy. To our way of thinking HAL is behind the curve. No surprise there.

 

There are so many other good ships and good cruise lines that it has never become an issue for us. It is not as though HAL is the only game in town.

Edited July 30, 2016 by iancal

[RJ2002]

I don't care one way or the other. If smoking is permitted in the casino we don't bother with it. Saves us money.

 

But DW does care. We always do balcony. If our choice of ships comes down to a HAL and another cruise line ship with no balcony smoking DS will veto HAL every time.

 

We do not really care what HAL does or does not do with their smoking policy. To our way of thinking HAL is behind the curve. No surprise there.

 

There are so many other good ships and good cruise lines that it has never become an issue for us. It is not as though HAL is the only game in town.

 

Since our last HAL cruise on the Prinsendam, where we had smokers next door on their balcony, we subsequently booked away from HAL for our most recent cruise, and our next cruise as well. To me, it's quite understandable that people get passionate about this subject when they are directly impacted by it on a continuing basis during their cruise vacation (i.e., on their balcony). I can imagine that folks who regularly book inside or OV cabins might not be quite as passionate. Much easier for them to simply avoid a designated smoking area on deck or in the casino, versus the situation of having to avoid your OWN balcony.

[corkpopr]

A cigar on the balcony, one at 6 am and one at midnite

[wannagonow123]

I really didn't mind smoking in designated and not on my balcony until my last cruise on the Zuiderdam last Feb. Even though I have earlier expressed my thoughts on the leaky tarps they use as cover in the Seaview bar, we tried to limit our balcony smoking UNTIL they decided to remove the tarp on the non-smoking side for repairs. Guess where all the non-smokers went? If we could find a place to sit in the designated area, we had to deal with the hand waving, and artificial coughing. Did not help at all to point out we were in the correct area.

 

Then HAL decided to have the outdoor BBQ, which is at the Seaview bar, on the same night the Casino had one of it's non-smoking nights. Again, every table full, with not an ashtray to be found. When I saw this was occurring, I went to guest services to find out where smoking would be allowed. I was told there was an area set aside for smoking. 2 tables in the back, exposed, with everyone who smoked (and there were quite a few) trying to use 2 ashtrays).

 

At that point went to our balcony and sorry to say this, but be damned with what our neighbors thought. I understand the non-smokers wanted to be out of the sun with the tarp removed, but you were in my space!

 

We are currently booked on the Dec sailing on the Konigsdam. We will smoke on our balcony if it is still a designated area. If you want, I will post my cabin # so you can change your booking if you are near us. I really don't care anymore.

[GlennG]

I really didn't mind smoking in designated and not on my balcony until my last cruise on the Zuiderdam last Feb. Even though I have earlier expressed my thoughts on the leaky tarps they use as cover in the Seaview bar, we tried to limit our balcony smoking UNTIL they decided to remove the tarp on the non-smoking side for repairs. Guess where all the non-smokers went? If we could find a place to sit in the designated area, we had to deal with the hand waving, and artificial coughing. Did not help at all to point out we were in the correct area.

 

Then HAL decided to have the outdoor BBQ, which is at the Seaview bar, on the same night the Casino had one of it's non-smoking nights. Again, every table full, with not an ashtray to be found. When I saw this was occurring, I went to guest services to find out where smoking would be allowed. I was told there was an area set aside for smoking. 2 tables in the back, exposed, with everyone who smoked (and there were quite a few) trying to use 2 ashtrays).

 

At that point went to our balcony and sorry to say this, but be damned with what our neighbors thought. I understand the non-smokers wanted to be out of the sun with the tarp removed, but you were in my space!

 

We are currently booked on the Dec sailing on the Konigsdam. We will smoke on our balcony if it is still a designated area. If you want, I will post my cabin # so you can change your booking if you are near us. I really don't care anymore.

 

Thank you for a well reasoned and articulate response to the smoking issue. As a non-smoker, and an individual who has responded to neighbours' smoking on their balconies, I support smoking restrictions on Holland America's ships. I recognize, however, that there needs to be designated smoking areas on all ships. When Holland America line took away the designated smoking areas from smokers, you experienced the inconsistent application and changing of rules and expectations. This inconsistency is unfair and unreasonable for all passengers. I understand your frustration, and I hope that you will inform HAL of your disappointment.

[Lady Arwen]

We're booked on Oosterdam to the Western Med in April/May 12 nights. We originally booked a balcony, then we decided that it was not worth worrying about the smoking issue for 12 days and being a cruise in Europe, more passengers would be smokers.

 

Instead we booked a large inside cabin and a Retreat Cabana. The cabana for 12 days cost $599.00 U.S. (approx. $800.00 Canadian), which is a lot less expensive than a balcony and there is no smoking allowed in the Retreat. We understand that there may be times, due to weather, that the cabana may be unusable, but that's okay.

 

We love the HAL product and we'll just try to eliminate the smoking issue as much as we can and then we'll just go with the flow. As ex-smokers (years ago), we understand that smokers have rights, too. We don't wave our hands around or cough when we are in the casino or wherever else smoking is permitted. We just leave and find somewhere else to enjoy ourselves. We also cruise Celebrity, where smoking is not an issue, but we find that HAL has some wonderful itineraries that we want to experience.

[sherryf]

Recently returned from my first HAL cruise on the Westerdam. We booked an inside cabin and thought we could just avoid the designated smoking areas, but found it was not so easy.

 

- We avoided the Casino, but could smell the smoke from the Casino in the Vista theater.

 

- The bar on the aft pool deck was IN the smoking area, so you had to stand in the smoke if you wanted to go up to the bar for a drink.

 

- The majority of the Crow's Nest was closed due to private art auctions, so if you wanted to enter the Explorations section (which was still open) from the outside deck, you had to enter through the doors in the smoking area.

 

I realize that smokers need to have designated areas, but it seems like HAL could choose those areas better, so that non-smokers could more easily avoid them. On Princess, I rarely had problems avoiding smoking areas, so it can be done.

[Dismomx5]

We're booked on Oosterdam to the Western Med in April/May 12 nights. We originally booked a balcony, then we decided that it was not worth worrying about the smoking issue for 12 days and being a cruise in Europe, more passengers would be smokers.

 

Instead we booked a large inside cabin and a Retreat Cabana. The cabana for 12 days cost $599.00 U.S. (approx. $800.00 Canadian), which is a lot less expensive than a balcony and there is no smoking allowed in the Retreat. We understand that there may be times, due to weather, that the cabana may be unusable, but that's okay.

 

We love the HAL product and we'll just try to eliminate the smoking issue as much as we can and then we'll just go with the flow. As ex-smokers (years ago), we understand that smokers have rights, too. We don't wave our hands around or cough when we are in the casino or wherever else smoking is permitted. We just leave and find somewhere else to enjoy ourselves. We also cruise Celebrity, where smoking is not an issue, but we find that HAL has some wonderful itineraries that we want to experience.

Great solution to the problem! Thanks for sharing

[Cruiser Andi]

Recently returned from my first HAL cruise on the Westerdam. We booked an inside cabin and thought we could just avoid the designated smoking areas, but found it was not so easy.

 

 

 

- We avoided the Casino, but could smell the smoke from the Casino in the Vista theater.

 

 

 

- The bar on the aft pool deck was IN the smoking area, so you had to stand in the smoke if you wanted to go up to the bar for a drink.

 

 

 

- The majority of the Crow's Nest was closed due to private art auctions, so if you wanted to enter the Explorations section (which was still open) from the outside deck, you had to enter through the doors in the smoking area.

 

 

 

I realize that smokers need to have designated areas, but it seems like HAL could choose those areas better, so that non-smokers could more easily avoid them. On Princess, I rarely had problems avoiding smoking areas, so it can be done.

 

 

I was also on this sailing and the smoking was prevalent often for all the reasons you cite. I also had a smoker on the balcony below me so it made my balcony unusable. I've cancelled my cruise for next year and booked with another cruise line.

 

 

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[cruisemom42]

Here are two very recent posts that strongly suggest RuthC is right in that eliminating balcony smoking will not stop the smoking complaints:

 

 

Recently returned from my first HAL cruise on the Westerdam. We booked an inside cabin and thought we could just avoid the designated smoking areas, but found it was not so easy.

 

- We avoided the Casino, but could smell the smoke from the Casino in the Vista theater.

 

- The bar on the aft pool deck was IN the smoking area, so you had to stand in the smoke if you wanted to go up to the bar for a drink.

 

- The majority of the Crow's Nest was closed due to private art auctions, so if you wanted to enter the Explorations section (which was still open) from the outside deck, you had to enter through the doors in the smoking area.

 

I realize that smokers need to have designated areas, but it seems like HAL could choose those areas better, so that non-smokers could more easily avoid them. On Princess, I rarely had problems avoiding smoking areas, so it can be done.

 

I really didn't mind smoking in designated and not on my balcony until my last cruise on the Zuiderdam last Feb. Even though I have earlier expressed my thoughts on the leaky tarps they use as cover in the Seaview bar, we tried to limit our balcony smoking UNTIL they decided to remove the tarp on the non-smoking side for repairs. Guess where all the non-smokers went? If we could find a place to sit in the designated area, we had to deal with the hand waving, and artificial coughing. Did not help at all to point out we were in the correct area.

 

Then HAL decided to have the outdoor BBQ, which is at the Seaview bar, on the same night the Casino had one of it's non-smoking nights. Again, every table full, with not an ashtray to be found. When I saw this was occurring, I went to guest services to find out where smoking would be allowed. I was told there was an area set aside for smoking. 2 tables in the back, exposed, with everyone who smoked (and there were quite a few) trying to use 2 ashtrays).

 

At that point went to our balcony and sorry to say this, but be damned with what our neighbors thought. I understand the non-smokers wanted to be out of the sun with the tarp removed, but you were in my space!

 

 

And for the poster who suggested smoking threads are nonexistent on lines that have very limited smoking areas, I counted six threads on Celebrity on smoking since June 1st. Not exactly 'nonexistent'....

[Aquahound]

Oh. I didn't realize you speak for everyone who wants smoking restricted.

 

So, what you're saying is that once smoking on HAL balconies is banned, there will never again be a post here complaining about smoking anywhere else on the ship.

Right. :rolleyes:

 

Context.

 

I said I would be happy with the elimination of balcony smoking and that I would no longer complain.

[RuthC]

Context.

nevermind. not worth it.

Edited August 2, 2016 by RuthC

[webecruzin2]

Planning HAL to Alaska next year. This will be our first on HAL and after learning they allow smoking (cigars![emoji15]) on balconies I won't be booking one.

I can't imagine paying that much money for a balcony and be annoyed by smokers the whole time.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[LMaxwell]

I received an email from some staffer in the Presidents office in my regards to a policy change to monitor the website for any notices of change and that this topic has been of frequent discussion.

 

I thanked them for writing to notify me and sent them the total amount $$$ on my last 5 bookings and all future bookings currently held at competitor lines just so they had some more data.

[mommyto2girls]

Although not thrilled to be leaving NCL suite life my DH is thrilled to be able to spend our money on a suite and be able to enjoy coffee and a cigarette in the morning. Thousands of dollars with only one line to choose from if you smoke seems just a bit off balance. HAl will be our choice until further notice. He tries to be considerate to our neighbors only smoking when they are not out there.

[LMaxwell]

Although not thrilled to be leaving NCL suite life my DH is thrilled to be able to spend our money on a suite and be able to enjoy coffee and a cigarette in the morning. Thousands of dollars with only one line to choose from if you smoke seems just a bit off balance. HAl will be our choice until further notice. He tries to be considerate to our neighbors only smoking when they are not out there.

 

That is considerate of him, but someone like my wife wouldn't go out there if someone was smoking in the first place, and it being blessed by the cruise line, would not ask anyone to stop either. She'd lose out on using her balcony. She may want to sit out there and read for hours on a nice sea day; how would your husband feel in that case if he refrained? He may feel miffed. I'd understand that.

[B Russo]

I just wish they would make up their minds and say if they're going to ban the smoking on balconies or not. I don't smoke but DH does. I'm trying to plan next years cruise and if HAL is going to do a ban then that puts all the lines on a equal level and would make it easier for me to pick a cruise. Actually I think it will work out to our advantage cause I'm just going to book a OV room and save some money.

If HAL quit having smoking on balconies I would not go. Cursing is something I don't have to do.

[Lady Arwen]

If HAL quit having smoking on balconies I would not go. Cursing is something I don't have to do.

 

Of course, HAL will eliminate balcony smoking, sooner or later. Most of the other lines have done so and for a very long time. It's inevitable. There are plenty of other areas on the ships that allow smoking, so you can enjoy your smokes and the folks on their balconies can enjoy themselves, too.

 

There are very few places left in the world that embrace smokers. Most all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico restrict smoking to a few small areas. You can, however, still go to a casino in Vegas and smoke as much as you want. That being said, the hotel rooms are predominantly non-smoking. Here in Canada, smoking is pretty much a thing of the past....not allowed basically anywhere in public spaces, even outdoors.

[Mosaic]

Put one on Deck A

Edited August 13, 2016 by Mosaic
add photo

[alwaysfrantic]

I never thought of them as being called cages but it amazes me walking past them in airports and there is NO smoke smell. Whatever they do to them, it works.

[nb125]

Of course, HAL will eliminate balcony smoking, sooner or later. Most of the other lines have done so and for a very long time. It's inevitable. There are plenty of other areas on the ships that allow smoking, so you can enjoy your smokes and the folks on their balconies can enjoy themselves, too.

 

There are very few places left in the world that embrace smokers. Most all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico restrict smoking to a few small areas. You can, however, still go to a casino in Vegas and smoke as much as you want. That being said, the hotel rooms are predominantly non-smoking. Here in Canada, smoking is pretty much a thing of the past....not allowed basically anywhere in public spaces, even outdoors.

 

I would question your phrase "there are plenty of other areas on the ships that allow smoking" One small corner of one deck, ie the Seaview Bar, does not equate to plenty of areas.

[Heartgrove]

I would question your phrase "there are plenty of other areas on the ships that allow smoking" One small corner of one deck, ie the Seaview Bar, does not equate to plenty of areas.

 

With less than 15% of the US population smoking today with less than that percentage cruising, having the Seaview Bar and Casino available should be enough area. I have sat in the Seaview Bar area because of lack of seating elsewhere on deck and noticed that there were less than six people smoking.

 

I think the major concern for most passengers is use on balconies. I guess it will take a fire on board a HAL ship like the Star Princess to change the policy. And that will be driven by the underwriter.

[kazu]

With less than 15% of the US population smoking today with less than that percentage cruising, having the Seaview Bar and Casino available should be enough area. I have sat in the Seaview Bar area because of lack of seating elsewhere on deck and noticed that there were less than six people smoking.

 

I think the major concern for most passengers is use on balconies. I guess it will take a fire on board a HAL ship like the Star Princess to change the policy. And that will be driven by the underwriter.

 

With all due respect, smoking is only permitted in the Casino when the ship isnot in port, casino is open and the smoker must be playing (spending $) assuming it is not a NON Smoking evening in the casino (of which there are normally several).

 

So, unless a smoker chooses to gamble, the only venue is the sea view bar smoking area. It can be difficult for a smoker to find a seat there because groups take tables there. (One may be a smoker).

 

The seaview pool can be closed in rough seas, etc.

 

As RuthC has posted in the past, there needs to be a nice insdie location created with proper ventilation.

[Lady Arwen]

With all due respect, smoking is only permitted in the Casino when the ship isnot in port, casino is open and the smoker must be playing (spending $) assuming it is not a NON Smoking evening in the casino (of which there are normally several).

 

So, unless a smoker chooses to gamble, the only venue is the sea view bar smoking area. It can be difficult for a smoker to find a seat there because groups take tables there. (One may be a smoker).

 

The seaview pool can be closed in rough seas, etc.

 

As RuthC has posted in the past, there needs to be a nice insdie location created with proper ventilation.

 

I really don't think that ships need to design new interior areas to accommodate smokers. Inside smoking is banned pretty much everywhere you go and most outdoor venues have restrictions, too. Very few people smoke now and hopefully even fewer in the near future. Giving smokers new indoor areas to smoke is a step back. As an ex-smoker (for many years) I appreciate the issues smokers face, however, it's time for everyone to accept that smoking is not acceptable anywhere except your own home. Rant over. Thank you.

[LMaxwell]

I would question your phrase "there are plenty of other areas on the ships that allow smoking" One small corner of one deck, ie the Seaview Bar, does not equate to plenty of areas.

 

Plenty means sufficient and adequate. So unless the smoking area has people elbow to elbow, standing room only, and can not accommodate the amount of people who want to use it, I would think calling it plenty is just fine.