quick question about the Zuirderdam, Zaandam and Amsterdamn

[jkgourmet]

I hope that nobody will be annoyed at this question;  I know it's a sensitive and controversial topic.

 

It has been many years since we've sailed on HAL.  In the passing of those years, we have become more sensitive to smoking.  We are looking at returning to HAL, and the itinerary we are considering (NE/Canada) uses three different ships.  Is this correct?

 

Zaandam and Amsterdam allow smoking in the casino.

Zuidederdam does not allow smoking in the casino.

 

Logically, it seems to me that a ship that allows smoking in an indoor area will have more smoking passengers than a ship that only allows smoking outside.  Is that a reasonably assumption?

[DaveOKC]

Seems logical to me.  I know some gamblers who are also heavy smokers and they would not book a cruise with a non-smoking casino.

[HELENPSL]

I am a smoker and I LOVE the casino but the first thing I look at is the itinerary.  If there are several ships doing the same trip then I will take into consideration if I can smoke in the casino.  In the scenario you described I would still choose the Zuiderdam since it's my favorite ship.

Helen

[towhee]

I am a non-smoker and have sailed on both Amsterdam and Zaandam.  I've found it quite easy to avoid smoking areas.  Talk to your steward when you board and s/he will tell you where the smoking areas are.  Then you can just plan to avoid those areas.

 

 

Edited March 10, 2019 by towhee

[Moriah]

I've sailed on all three, I am a non-smoker and I REALLY dislike having to be exposed to second hand smoke. On all three ships you mentioned (actually all HAL ships) I avoid the outdoor bar on the Lido deck (usually called the Sea View Bar) as it is literally always extremely smokey, unless it's raining, and/or the bar is closed!  Other than that one area, I have never, ever been bothered by smoke on any of these ships.  Interestingly, last summer on Amsterdam, I ventured into the casino for the first time in 29 cruises!  I spent a few hours having a great time, and I don't remember there being any smoke...  My feeling is, choose your cruise according to the ship you like the best (size, itinerary...) and enjoy! I don't think smoke will be an issue, but that's just my 2 cents, again, as someone that really hates smoke (not smokers...) 🙂

Edited March 10, 2019 by Moriah

[DaveOKC]

In recent years I have sailed on all three of these ships and have never been bothered by the smoke in the casinos.  HOWEVER, I know that some people are more sensitive to smoke than others, so  I do not advise others on how smokey a ship or area of is - its just too subjective.