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

[pnkandpurple]

Thank you! I'm taking my first HAL cruise next year and chose it, among other reasons, because I can smoke on my balcony.

 

Smokers don't realize how far the smoke travels.

We had a cigar smoker tree decks down and one verandah over that made our verandah unusable when he was smoking. I would think a lot of others didn't enjoy his cigar! especially during sailaways when most everyone is out on their verandah.

There's a reason the ship smokestacks are on the top.

[Lady Arwen]

Smokers don't realize how far the smoke travels.

We had a cigar smoker tree decks down and one verandah over that made our verandah unusable when he was smoking. I would think a lot of others didn't enjoy his cigar! especially during sailaways when most everyone is out on their verandah.

There's a reason the ship smokestacks are on the top.

 

I try not to obsess over this since our HAL cruise is this spring. I know that sooner or later HAL and all cruiselines will SEVERELY restrict smoking......no balconies, no indoor, no casino, only separate outdoor areas. (Actually, this is Celebrity NOW). Here in Ontario, smoking is not permitted just about everywhere you go. No restaurants, bars, patios, sporting events, parks, beaches, public buildings and their parking lots, bus shelters inside and outside, etc. etc. You can smoke in your own home and backyard and that's pretty much it. Smokers are really quite isolated, which is sad, but their own choice.

 

I'm quite sure that smokers are well aware that their days of public smoking are coming to an end. We won't be going back to the good old days. We're moving forward to a time when everyone can breathe easy and never be exposed to second hand smoke.

[lakecharleslady]

We're new to cruising & will be on the Maasdam April 26 2017, Panama cruise. I'm somewhat hesitant in asking about smoking locations on this ship with some of the comments I have read in this thread. But here I go.

 

I've read on the HAL site smoking is permitted near the sea view bar & sports deck. Are either of these locations protected from the weather, ie rain, wind, etc?

 

Please be nice in responding.

 

Thank you.

[OVgirl]

On the Westerdam a few weeks ago, it was also allowed on the Observation Deck, just outside the entrance to the Explorations Lounge. It wouldn't have been too big a deal to me, but the Crow's Nest was closed for large portions of the cruise due to private art auctions, so you could not enter from the other side. We would often go for walks on the Observation Deck and then go into Explorations for a coffee or to check out the puzzles and warm up a bit. The only way in was past the smokers. (Well, I suppose we could have gone down the little spiral staircase to the Lido deck, inside to the stairs by the spa, and back up to Explorations. :rolleyes: )

 

Once this ship gets the front end upgrade with the added staterooms and cabanas, there will no longer be a smoking area there.

[RuthC]

We're new to cruising & will be on the Maasdam April 26 2017, Panama cruise.

I've read on the HAL site smoking is permitted near the sea view bar & sports deck. Are either of these locations protected from the weather, ie rain, wind, etc?

Yes, the Sea View Bar is protected on four of the six sides. There is a roof overhead and bulkhead heading toward the indoors. It is enclosed on one side by windows. The deck is the obvious fourth side.

It is open toward in aft direction, as well as off toward the other side of the ship.

 

Depending on itinerary it can get cold out there. There are a few times when smoking out there is prohibited (Glacier Bay being one example). But otherwise it's a decent enough spot for you.

[EagleRockers]

Please do not smoke next to me. Thanks.

 

I have no intention of smoking next to you.

[Bostonjetset]

Yes, the Sea View Bar is protected on four of the six sides. There is a roof overhead and bulkhead heading toward the indoors. It is enclosed on one side by windows. The deck is the obvious fourth side.

It is open toward in aft direction, as well as off toward the other side of the ship.

 

Depending on itinerary it can get cold out there. There are a few times when smoking out there is prohibited (Glacier Bay being one example). But otherwise it's a decent enough spot for you.

 

Ruth, you mentioned that smoking is not permitted at the SeaView bar during Glacier Bay sailing. May I ask where smoking IS permitted during this time? I assume the casino is closed during the time in Glacier Bay?

[sammiedawg]

Ruth, you mentioned that smoking is not permitted at the SeaView bar during Glacier Bay sailing. May I ask where smoking IS permitted during this time? I assume the casino is closed during the time in Glacier Bay?

 

Glacier Bay is the most pristine place and it is an honor to sail into this area. I hope smoking is prohibited ship wide to avoid polluting this sacred piece of heaven.

[OVgirl]

Ruth, you mentioned that smoking is not permitted at the SeaView bar during Glacier Bay sailing. May I ask where smoking IS permitted during this time? I assume the casino is closed during the time in Glacier Bay?

 

Unfortunately for smokers, there might not be any smoking on the ship for this whole time. We have experienced the same in Fort Lauderdale when they are completely non-smoking while bunkering.

[Lady Arwen]

Glacier Bay is the most pristine place and it is an honor to sail into this area. I hope smoking is prohibited ship wide to avoid polluting this sacred piece of heaven.

 

Thank you for pointing this out! Can you imagine someone tossing a cigarette butt or a cigarette blowing away (by accident) into the water. I agree that NO SMOKING should be permitted anywhere on the ship at that time.

[oceanlover1210]

We are seriously considering taking HAL on this cruise in 2017. We want the round trip cruise out of Vancouver. Our main concern is smoking on balconies. We definitely want a balcony. We are both non smokers and I am very sensitive to smoke. With all the expertise here, would you please advise me on which decks (and specific cabins) might be the most free of smoke. Of course you never know who would be up wind from you and below you. HAL could possibly have a block of cabins somewhere on the ship that no smoking would be allowed.

 

Thanks for your help!!!

[SteveH2508]

Glacier Bay is the most pristine place and it is an honor to sail into this area. I hope smoking is prohibited ship wide to avoid polluting this sacred piece of heaven.

 

You might want to look up (if you can see past your halo) and look at those large rounds things sticking out of the top of the ship belching soot and other nasties out. They are pushing out way more crap than a few cigarettes.

 

Do you think the ship suddenly stops polluting when it goes into your 'sacred piece of heaven'?

[Aquahound]

I took this picture on Zuiderdam in Glacier Bay. Smoking prohibited? I don't think so. HAL didn't even remove the ashtrays, post signs, make announcements.....nothing. In fact, this whole no-smoking in Glacier Bay thing is something I've only read on Cruise Critic. It certainly wasn't the case on board the HAL ship.

 

[waASPCrusier]

You might want to look up (if you can see past your halo) and look at those large rounds things sticking out of the top of the ship belching soot and other nasties out. They are pushing out way more crap than a few cigarettes.

 

Do you think the ship suddenly stops polluting when it goes into your 'sacred piece of heaven'?

 

ha ha...in Glacier Bay the use the oars...think big viking ship :D

[LMaxwell]

We are seriously considering taking HAL on this cruise in 2017. We want the round trip cruise out of Vancouver. Our main concern is smoking on balconies. We definitely want a balcony. We are both non smokers and I am very sensitive to smoke. With all the expertise here, would you please advise me on which decks (and specific cabins) might be the most free of smoke. Of course you never know who would be up wind from you and below you. HAL could possibly have a block of cabins somewhere on the ship that no smoking would be allowed.

 

Thanks for your help!!!

 

The ones on Princess.

[RuthC]

Ruth, you mentioned that smoking is not permitted at the SeaView bar during Glacier Bay sailing. May I ask where smoking IS permitted during this time? I assume the casino is closed during the time in Glacier Bay?

I don't have any idea where smoking is allowed while in Glacier Bay. I know it is not allowed outdoors; I have no idea if the casino is open or not as I am normally outside while there.

If the Noordam goes to Glacier Bay, the Oak Room is inside, and is a smoking room, but I don't know the itinerary for that ship.

 

Sorry I don't have a better answer for you.

[pnkandpurple]

We are seriously considering taking HAL on this cruise in 2017. We want the round trip cruise out of Vancouver. Our main concern is smoking on balconies. We definitely want a balcony. We are both non smokers and I am very sensitive to smoke. With all the expertise here, would you please advise me on which decks (and specific cabins) might be the most free of smoke. Of course you never know who would be up wind from you and below you. HAL could possibly have a block of cabins somewhere on the ship that no smoking would be allowed.

 

Thanks for your help!!!

 

My guess is the lowest aft cabins, you wouldn't be affected by smokers below or towards the stern (as long as the ship is moving) Just cabins on either side of you.

We're testing this theory on our next cruise by having an aft cabin in October.

[IRL_Joanie]

We're new to cruising & will be on the Maasdam April 26 2017, Panama cruise. I'm somewhat hesitant in asking about smoking locations on this ship with some of the comments I have read in this thread. But here I go.

 

I've read on the HAL site smoking is permitted near the sea view bar & sports deck. Are either of these locations protected from the weather, ie rain, wind, etc?

 

Please be nice in responding.

 

Thank you.

 

Unfortunately NO....... Both Sea View Bar and Observation Deck smoking areas have tent style tarps over them. The observation deck tarp is more porous than the Sea View is so you get wet much faster:(

 

Both areas do have at least one wall that can be somewhat protective, but not much:(

 

The best I can do for you is to suggest that you grab a seat nearest to the bar for best protection if you also want a table or even occupy a bar stool at the bar itself since that is a real roof.

 

Other than that we are exposed to the elements, which can be pretty miserable at times.

 

Oh, before I forget, IF the Captain feels the weather and/or the seas are to rough he will have access to all decks closed. That means that even those 2 smoking areas are off limits. So.......

 

Joanie

[IRL_Joanie]

I took this picture on Zuiderdam in Glacier Bay. Smoking prohibited? I don't think so. HAL didn't even remove the ashtrays, post signs, make announcements.....nothing. In fact, this whole no-smoking in Glacier Bay thing is something I've only read on Cruise Critic. It certainly wasn't the case on board the HAL ship.

 

 

Thank You!!! I knew it was allowed But so many of the experts in all things HAL chewed me up and spit me out when I mentioned that I sit on my Verandah smoking while enjoying the beauty before me.

 

Your photo is the verification of this old lady's memory:)

 

Joanie

[RuthC]

Unfortunately NO....... Both Sea View Bar and Observation Deck smoking areas have tent style tarps over them. The observation deck tarp is more porous than the Sea View is so you get wet much faster:(

No, Joanie. This is not a correct description of the Maasdam at all. There is a hard ceiling since it is another deck above the smoking area by the Sea View Bar.

[LMaxwell]

 

When some of the ships had the Oak Room, closed off from non-smoking areas, well ventilated, comfortable, with access to the outdoors, it was an excellent place where smokers could go in inclement weather, without bothering anyone else.

Such a venue should be part and parcel of every Holland America ship. So what did HAL do? They removed it from most of the ships where it had been available.

 

What does that tell you?

[IRL_Joanie]

No, Joanie. This is not a correct description of the Maasdam at all. There is a hard ceiling since it is another deck above the smoking area by the Sea View Bar.

 

Ruth, I do not know anything about the Maasdam or any of the R&S class ships. I described the Vista and Signature class ships.

 

Joanie

[taxmantoo]

... or even occupy a bar stool at the bar itself since that is a real roof.

 

And subject everyone else at the bar to your smoke :confused: And here I was fooled into thinking all the smokers on HAL were "considerate" smokers :rolleyes:

[Bostonjetset]

I took this picture on Zuiderdam in Glacier Bay. Smoking prohibited? I don't think so. HAL didn't even remove the ashtrays, post signs, make announcements.....nothing. In fact, this whole no-smoking in Glacier Bay thing is something I've only read on Cruise Critic. It certainly wasn't the case on board the HAL ship.

 

 

Glad to see it is not banned, surely much to her Ladyship's chagrin :rolleyes:. I do think most smokers are respectful enough to not litter the bay with cigarette butts. There is not much reason why smoking cannot be allowed OUTDOORS as long as it is in designated areas with proper receptacles for disposal.

 

I've only heard of such things here on CC as well but I was a bit worried as we are sailing on the Westerdam next month.

 

I don't have any idea where smoking is allowed while in Glacier Bay. I know it is not allowed outdoors; I have no idea if the casino is open or not as I am normally outside while there.

If the Noordam goes to Glacier Bay, the Oak Room is inside, and is a smoking room, but I don't know the itinerary for that ship.

 

Sorry I don't have a better answer for you.

 

Thanks for replying anyways, my dear. We will be on Westerdam so no indoor lounge :( but others have posted that it is still allowed outdoors when in Glacier Bay. I can't imagine they would ban it from the entire ship for almost an entire day...that does not seem reasonable.

[RuthC]

Ruth, I do not know anything about the Maasdam or any of the R&S class ships. I described the Vista and Signature class ships.

Well, since you never specified you were talking about Vista/Signature ships, and the person you quoted was specifically asking about the Maasdam, it would appear that you were giving out incorrect information about the Maasdam.

The poster does not necessarily know that you don't know about the ship she asked about.