Single Smoking Thread (Use for all smoking discussions on HAL) )

[ThePenguin1]

I am really at a loss why there are 2 smoking threads all of a sudden on the boards but I guess Host Walt locked the old one so we are doomed.

 

Let's be fair to all. It's time HAL designated a smoking room indoors for smokers with proper ventilation as they do on other ships (ie. Oceania) if people don't want it in the casino. Now if you want to really scream, theirs is in Horizons (our Crow's Nest) and you can smell it a bit if you use the wrong entrance in (2 entrances, take the other side). But they do have good ventilators and it takes care of most of it.

 

There has to be some fairness to all IMO. You can't make the ship non smoking nor can you relegate those whose habit causes you distress to outside areas when decks can be closed and they are left with nowhere to go. That does invite breaking of the rules. JMO.

 

I could not agree more, If they provide areas as you mentioned, smokers will go to those areas.

 

Instead of knee jerk reactions to ban smoking everywhere, just create the odd "Pods" for people to smoke.

[winddawn]

This thread is where all discussions of HAL's new smoking rules should appear to avoid having multiple threads on the single subject.

 

The current smoking policy is on HAL's website and is copied below:

 

To better align with guest wishes and health concerns, Holland America Line will implement a new smoking policy beginning in January 2017. Please see below for details.

 

Smoking Policy beginning January 2017:

 

Effective with the first sailings for all ships beginning in January 2017, the following smoking policy is in effect:

 

For the comfort of all of our guests, all staterooms (cabins), showrooms and most other indoor areas are designated non-smoking. No smoking of any kind will be permitted on any stateroom verandah.

 

SHIP NEW SMOKING POLICY BEGINS ms Maasdam January 2, 2017 ms Rotterdam January 2, 2017 ms Volendam January 3, 2017 ms Noordam January 4, 2017 ms Veendam January 4, 2017 ms Zuiderdam January 4, 2017 ms Nieuw Amsterdam January 6, 2017 ms Eurodam January 7, 2017 ms Westerdam January 7, 2017 ms Koningsdam January 8, 2017 ms Zaandam January 10, 2017 ms Oosterdam January 13, 2017 ms Amsterdam April 26, 2017 ms Prinsendam May 6, 2017

 

 

The designated smoking areas for all ships are as follows unless otherwise noted:

 

• Sea View (Retreat) Bar/Pool on starboard side only. On Prinsendam, Koningsdam, and Nieuw Statendam, smoking is allowed on the port side only
  
• Sun Bar on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam
  
• Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on starboard side on Maasdam, Veendam, Volendam, Zaandam, Rotterdam and Amsterdam
  
• Oak Room on Noordam only, including cigar and pipe smoking
  
• Designated areas for active slot players in Casinos*. Oosterdam and Eurodam casinos are completely non-smoking. Noordam Casino is completely non-smoking, with the exception of two nights per cruise.
  

Cigar and pipe smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the ship; it is only permitted on the outside decks where smoking is otherwise allowed.

 

Electronic cigarettes are permitted in staterooms but not in other public areas of the ship other than designated smoking areas.

 

Any guest who smokes inside staterooms or on verandahs in violation of our policy will be charged a US$250 cleaning fee per day of violation and will risk being removed from the ship for repeated violations.

 

Holland America Line reserves the right at any time to modify the smoking policy onboard or alter the locations where smoking is permissible.

 

Hi Host Walt. This information on HAL's website (page 16) is different than what you posted regarding which HAL casinos are completely smoke-free. Two additional ships besides Oosterdam and Eurodam show as having completely smoke-free casinos: Westerdam and Zuiderdam. I'm wondering when HAL added the 2 additional ships and whether this is a trend toward more HAL ships having smoke-free casinos.

 

https://www.hollandamerica.com/assets/cruise-vacation-onboard/KBYG.pdf

[Host Walt]

Hi Host Walt. This information on HAL's website (page 16) is different than what you posted regarding which HAL casinos are completely smoke-free. Two additional ships besides Oosterdam and Eurodam show as having completely smoke-free casinos: Westerdam and Zuiderdam. I'm wondering when HAL added the 2 additional ships and whether this is a trend toward more HAL ships having smoke-free casinos.

 

https://www.hollandamerica.com/assets/cruise-vacation-onboard/KBYG.pdf

 

Now I know why I am host on HAL. It's because I had to deal with the ambiguities of Celebrity's smoking policy changes when they went through the change. Now HAL has caught the ambiguity virus as well.

 

Here's another (different) policy on their website.

 

 

"To better align with guest wishes and health concerns, Holland America Line will implement a new smoking policy beginning in January 2017. Please see below for details. Smoking Policy beginning January 2017: Effective with the first sailings for all ships beginning in January 2017, the following smoking policy is in effect: For the comfort of all of our guests, all staterooms (cabins), showrooms and most other indoor areas are designated non-smoking. No smoking of any kind will be permitted on any stateroom verandah. SHIP NEW SMOKING POLICY BEGINS ms Maasdam January 2, 2017 ms Rotterdam January 2, 2017 ms Volendam January 3, 2017 ms Noordam January 4, 2017 ms Veendam January 4, 2017 ms Zuiderdam January 4, 2017 ms Nieuw Amsterdam January 6, 2017 ms Eurodam January 7, 2017 ms Westerdam January 7, 2017 ms Koningsdam January 8, 2017 ms Zaandam January 10, 2017 ms Oosterdam January 13, 2017 ms Amsterdam April 26, 2017 ms Prinsendam May 6, 2017 The designated smoking areas for all ships are as follows unless otherwise noted: Sea View (Retreat) Bar/Pool on starboard side only. On Prinsendam, Koningsdam, and Nieuw Statendam, smoking is allowed on the port side only Sun Bar on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow’s Nest on starboard side on Maasdam, Veendam, Volendam, Zaandam, Rotterdam and Amsterdam Oak Room on Noordam only, including cigar and pipe smoking Designated areas for active slot players in Casinos*. Oosterdam and Eurodam casinos are completely non-smoking. Noordam Casino is completely non-smoking, with the exception of two nights per cruise.

 

Cigar and pipe smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the ship; it is only permitted on the outside decks where smoking is otherwise allowed. Electronic cigarettes are permitted in staterooms but not in other public areas of the ship other than designated smoking areas. Any guest who smokes inside staterooms or on verandahs in violation of our policy will be charged a US$250 cleaning fee per day of violation and will risk being removed from the ship for repeated violations. Holland America Line reserves the right at any time to modify the smoking policy onboard or alter the locations where smoking is permissible."

 

The solution for Celebrity was to recommend that all smokers check with the pursers office (guest services) when they first board to find out what the policy really is. Sounds like that's also a good practice for all smokers on HAL as well. :confused:

[winddawn]

Thanks for the reply, Walt. I agree with you that everyone, smokers and non-smokers, would appreciate knowing accurate policies. We all vote with our cruise dollars but need accurate information to do so.

[chaching]

So, if I want a completely smoke-free ship, which ones should I choose?

That's why we haven't been back to HAL in years. My husband is highly allergic and suffers greatly with even second hand smoke or rooms that smell smoky.

It looks like the Eurodam might work for us. I see the policies above, but even the smoking areas are on portside on some ships, and starboard on others. Very confusing to me. Safer to continue on Celebrity but HAL offers some itineraries that we would really enjoy.

We like to have a Balcony cabin and it looks like we would have to be very careful when choosing a smoke-free cabin depending on the ship.

HoHum. Sorry HAL is still having these issues with smoking.

Cha-CHING!

[Lyndihop]

I saw a post that the Koningsdam did not allow smoking in the casino? Can anyone confirm?

[KroozNut]

I don’t know a soul who still smokes.

 

I 'saw the light' and quit 7 years ago, although my wife still partakes; and I've chosen to not continually harass her about it. Hopefully, when the time is right for her, she'll quit as well.

[3rdGenCunarder]

I saw a post that the Koningsdam did not allow smoking in the casino? Can anyone confirm?

 

Not true at the moment, but there's a rumor that the change will be made when she comes out of drydock. (December, I think)

[JMorris271]

We have not sailed Holland before. Mainly because of their past smoking policy. Very allergic. Recently we decided to book a trans Atlantic. I understand from Holland’s site that smoking is prohibited on balconies. But after reading some reviews I am concerned. Many say that passengers still smoke out on their balconies and even after reporting the problem the crew does nothing. Am I just a bit over concerned??

There is a stiff fine for smoking n a cabin balcony. The room attendants check on this as a routine. There butt would be on fire if it was found out and had not been reported .

[JMorris271]

There are supposedly remote tables and bandits where smoking is allowed. I hate smoking and hope that there is a good divide between those areas and me or I will have to pitch pennies in the hall.

[Host Walt]

...Their butt would be on fire if it was found out and had not been reported .

Pun intended? ;p

[KroozNut]

Pun intended? ;p

 

I'm thinking... Yes!

[Trickywoo]

We have not sailed Holland before. Mainly because of their past smoking policy. Very allergic. Recently we decided to book a trans Atlantic. I understand from Holland’s site that smoking is prohibited on balconies. But after reading some reviews I am concerned. Many say that passengers still smoke out on their balconies and even after reporting the problem the crew does nothing. Am I just a bit over concerned??

 

 

Usually HAL has smoking at the back of the ship, left side when walking in. Ask Hal to move your cabin and upgrade you since the smoke that you are putting up with is dangerous to your health. Always go to the top with a complaint,,,much more effective.

[winddawn]

There are supposedly remote tables and bandits where smoking is allowed. I hate smoking and hope that there is a good divide between those areas and me or I will have to pitch pennies in the hall.

 

My experience is there is no great divide. If smoking is permitted at all in the casino, smokers smoke wherever they want in the casino and even non-players hang out in the casino using it as a smoking lounge, and I've never seen any staff enforce the smoking policy. If you prefer a non-smoking casino, choose one that is completely non-smoking. Right now, according to HAL's "Know Before You Go" PDF brochure, Eurodam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, and Zuiderdam have completely smoke-free casinos.

[JMorris271]

My experience is there is no great divide. If smoking is permitted at all in the casino, smokers smoke wherever they want in the casino and even non-players hang out in the casino using it as a smoking lounge, and I've never seen any staff enforce the smoking policy. If you prefer a non-smoking casino, choose one that is completely non-smoking. Right now, according to HAL's "Know Before You Go" PDF brochure, Eurodam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, and Zuiderdam have completely smoke-free casinos.

According to Hollands home page, on the ship I cruise on, smoking is only allowed at designated slot machine areas in the casino.

Sad for me, one of those no smoking policy ships did not cruise to my destination so I had to compromise.

[holycruise2009]

The HAL smoking policy permits e-cigarettes and vaping in stateroom....I am very concerned about the health risks of e-cigarettes and vaping. I would not want to stay in a smoking room of a hotel. Why would I want to stay in an e-cigarette and vaping stateroom?

[KroozNut]

Why would I want to stay in an e-cigarette and vaping stateroom?

 

Not sure.. Why don't you tell us.;)

[canals]

I totally agree about the fact you smell smoke near casino on Koningsdam. I have booked the Nieuw Statendam and have to say I was very disappointed to hear that smoking will be allowed in the casino. This is a brand new ship and I really thought HAL would get it right and not allow it from the beginning. They seem to phase in policies re no smoking on balancies on other ships. This concern shows up on many questionnaires at end of sailings. Is anyone listening?

[KroozNut]

This concern shows up on many questionnaires at end of sailings. Is anyone listening?

 

Maybe only you are listening. Are you speaking of your own personal questionnaires, or do you have personal verifiable data that suggests that 'this concern shows up on many questionnaires'?

[canals]

On my last cruise on KD our little group of about 20 replied negatively to concerns re smoking in casino. We also said HAL was working on phasing in no smoking on balconies which was welcomed. With a new ship policy could have been different.

[winddawn]

According to Hollands home page, on the ship I cruise on, smoking is only allowed at designated slot machine areas in the casino.

Sad for me, one of those no smoking policy ships did not cruise to my destination so I had to compromise.

 

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully HAL will continue to expand their no smoking casinos to more of their ships. We all like to be healthy!

[ZN1300]

We should not be subjected to the carcinogenic chemicals that smoking in all forms produce. There should be a no smoking policy throughout the ship including passengers and crew. There is no safe level of smoke. Many fires occur from people carelessly smoking or carelessly disposing lit tobacco products.

 

On an NCL cruise that allowed smoking cigarettes on balcony a passenger in the next room was smoking a cigar. I called the front desk and reported it. They said smoking was allowed. I said 'cigars?' and they admitted the person shouldn't be doing that. They didn't do anything about it so I called them back. I told them that either they could address the problem or I would. The result was no more cigar smoke for the rest of the cruise.

 

No matter the location of a designated smoking area you will be exposed to these toxins while walking about the ship. A complete ban is the only solution. Someone said that in fairness they should have their area to smoke. I say to be fair stop poisoning the air I breathe.

[JMorris271]

Perhaps it will take defending against lawsuits by former employees exposed to that smoke and contracted those various diseases associated with smoking. Meanwhile, hack hack hack!

[winddawn]

Perhaps it will take defending against lawsuits by former employees exposed to that smoke and contracted those various diseases associated with smoking. Meanwhile, hack hack hack!

 

I'm absolutely not a legal expert, but I'd assume this is why Carnival Corporation registers their ships in foreign countries and hires employees from overseas countries. These types of circumstances would likely reduce Carnival Corporation's exposure to the types of lawsuits you mentioned. One cannot help but feel empathy for employees exposed to passengers' cigar and cigarette smoke, and also likely vaping vapor.

[canals]

We were in the Koningsdam for 21 days in March and I was wondering why they still allow smoking inside the ship. The casino was basically forward/mid ship on deck 3. To get from one end of the ship to the other end inside the ship on deck 3 you needed to pass through the casino and the stink of cigarette smoke. Even on non smoking nights it still had cigarette odor. The worst part of allowing smoking in the casino on the Koningsdam it was right above the Lincoln Center and Billboard and the smell of cigarette smoke filtered down into these two areas on deck 2. The smell was very noticeable on deck 2 so if they going to allow smoking on deck 3 and it stinks up deck 2 why not go ahead and allow smoking on deck 2. It wouldn't make much difference. Before you go off on that comment I don't want that to happen I'm just think it wouldn't make much difference because of the smell is already there on deck 2. I know people are addicted to smoking and on sea days it would be tough on them. Why not just limit smoking to the sea view pool area where it is already allowed and get it completely out of the inside of the ship. People say the smoke stink problem will be fixed in dry dock. Easy fix is ban smoking inside the ship altogether.

I totally agree with you having sailed Koningsdam twice. I have asked about policy on Nieuw Statendam and have been told it has not been decided where guests will be able to smoke. I really hope HAL does the right thing with this brand new ship. Actually I think they have decided just don't what it known that smoking will be allowed in NS casino. They have been changing policies on their other ships.