A Westerdam smoking question

[Jackjenson]

I have been a little reluctant to bring up this question, but I really feel I need to ask, and if any of you regulars see fit to respond, well then, I get the information I need.

Smoke really bothers me. It irritates my eyes, it has a tendency to make me nauseous, and I hate it when my hair and clothes take on its smell. This really goes for all kind of smoke, cigar, cigarette, and pipe. I find them all equally and truly offensive to smell.

I am not allergic, but I take steps to avoid smoke whenever I can. Smoke significantly impairs my ability to enjoy a meal, drink in a bar, and sit by the pool.

Since all of those things are high on my priority list for my first ever cruise ship cruise (we did a Windjammer last year) on the Westerdam which leaves this weekend, I was wondering what to expect.

In my perfect world, I could go to any bar I like and not have to smell smoke, walk on any deck of the ship and not have to smell smoke, and dance in the nightclub without having to smell smoke. I am offended when someone in the car in front of me smokes and I have my window down and it wafts into my car. (I am only saying this to be very clear how nuts I am on this particular topic, so that any potential posters understand that no comment would be too insignificant for me);)

Will I be able to find a bar where there is no smoking allowed at all? Or will there only be "non-smoking" sections in the bars where the smoke wafts over to the area anyway? Am I totally out of luck when it comes to the casino? or is there a non-smoking area there that might be a little better? Is one side of the ship non-smoking in outdoor areas?

In general, where and when have you noticed any smoke problems on the Westerdam (or other Vista class), or have you noticed none at all and I am obsessing over nothing?

Your thoughts are very much appreciated.

Also, just to note: I don't hate smokers, I just really detest smoke.

[sail7seas]

The Ocean Bar on all of the Vista ships has two distinctly separate areas. The smoking section is behind a wall and totally apart from the far larger non-smoking section. If you were to sit in just about any area of the non-smoking section you will not be bothered by smoke.


Stay out of the Casino....it, like all casinos on land and at sea, is smokey.

The Bar section of the disco allows smoking but the entire rest of the room is non-smoking.

All interior dining venues are non-smoking. The only dining area where there is any smoking is one small area (maybe about 5 tables) at Lido Pool where people can bring their food out of Lido and eat and have their cigarettes. It varies on ships whether it is port or starboard side but I am sure you will have no problem determining which side it is for Westerdam.

Smoking is permitted on private verandas. Hopefully, if you have a veranda, your neighbors will not be smokers.

About 20-25% of the population are smokers and while those of us who do not smoke wish they did not, it is their adult right to make that choice. There are fewer areas where they can smoke and the non-smoking areas are larger and more available than ever. It is up to us to stay away from smoking sections if it offends or bothers us. We need to cooperate in order for everyone to be happy. JMHO

[scluvsrain]

You should call HAL and ask them about the particular rules on board the Westerdam. I don't smoke, I don't like the smell, etc. either. The past cruises I've been on there has been smoking allowed on your balcony, on the outside promenade deck, one side of the outside Lido deck is the "smoking" side and a couple of the lounges inside have a separate smoking area. I really don't see very many people smoking anymore and have found the only time the smoke ever bothers me is if the person in the verandah cabin upwind of me is smoking and it blows down towards my verandah.

I really don't think you're going to be bothered much.

Relax and have fun on your cruise. :)

[thulewx]

I'll be on the Westerdam in a couple weeks (CAN'T WAIT! :D ) and have been on Zuiderdam - they should be very similar. The Ocean Bar may be your best bet. It has 2 parts - one part which has the actual bar part is smoking. It's behind walls on one side of the ship. The other part is on the other side of the ship, with the bandstand/dance floor and waiter service and is quite far from the enclosed smoking area.
The Crow's nest is 85% non-smoking and huge - all smoking is confined to the bar area (again) on one side of the ship. The rest of the lounge area is huge and smoke can be avoided fairly easily.
All of the restaurants are non-smoking, so no problem there, as is the main showroom.
The casino is not non-smokig - you're out of luck (or actually may be in luck depending on how you play tight slots ;) ).
Most places on the ship have superb ventilation, too...
And if all else fails, a couple cotton balls strategically placed might help :eek: . (just kidding...)

[sail7seas]

I absolutely agree that it seems each HAL cruise we go on, we see fewer and fewer smokers. We have noticed a BIG difference on our last 5-6 cruises.

[jaguarstyper]

Jen,

I fully understand your plight as my wife is also quite bothered by smoke. From our last cruise on Zuiderdam, here is what I remember. The dining room and Pinnacle grill are non-smoking. Most of the bars allowed smoking. The ocean bar was sort of divided in two halves one smoking and the other non-smoking. The casino and Northern Lights were very smokey in the evenings. The casino wasnt bad during the day. Smoking was never a problem around the aft pool, as the breeze kept the air pretty clear. The lido pool did get some smokers at the tables and around the bar.

As I said, my wife hates smoke and the only time I recall her complaining, and she is pretty serious when it comes to complaining about smoke, was in the casino and the Northern Lights. We never seemed to have any problems in the bars. We spent the most bar time in the Crows Nest. Smoke was never an issue if you stayed away from the bar itself.

I hope you enjoy your cruise.

Tim

[jhannah]

We have never been bothered by cigarette smoke on board ship. If you avoid the casino, your experience should be no different than going to the grocery store or mall. You may pass by someone who's outside smoking and be momentarily exposed, but you won't have to be confined somewhere smoky.

[Jackjenson]

It looks like I will be just fine.

[Krazy Kruizers]

The Crow's Nest - the bar is supposed to be the only smoking area - but since the bar is in the center of the lounge - the smoke does drift towards the first couple of tables all around it. In order to avoid the smoke you have to sit up by the windows in the front - not on port side. Also on the port side there is a section where people can smoke - but unfortunately it is not blocked off and the smoke will infiltrate the first couple of tables there. On the Starboard side there is the Oak Room for cigar smokers. It does have doors to keep the smoke from infiltrating into the Crow's Nest.

Casino & Sports Bar - lots of smoke. We only visited the Piano Bar once - located next to Sports Bar and across from Casino - they left the doors open and the smoke filtered in.

[dakrewser]

The port side of the Crow's Nest, the dance floor area in the Ocean Bar and the front of the Explorer's Bar are as smoke-free as any area on the ship can be. Avoid the Casino bar and the Sports bar. The Piano bar and the Northern Lights will vary considerably each cruise depending on who's aboard.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Crow's Nest - Port side - the first couple of tables here are really bad as you get smoke from the bar and a section that is not partioned off.

[dakrewser]

Crow's Nest - Port side - the first couple of tables here are really bad as you get smoke from the bar and a section that is not partioned off.


I thought smoking was only allowed in the Oak Room section?

[lipoppop]

Jen, if you think your cabin had ben used by a smoker. e.g. the smell of smoke is bothering you, notify the cabin attendant. He will arrange for a complete cleaning. If he is reluctant then go to the front desk and tell them there.

On a cruise last February our cabin reeked of smoke. They started to make arrangements to clean it. Before they started, however, they found that a similar cabin was not going to be used and we switched. The original cabin was cleaned and somebody was upgraded into it later that day. This was all done before we sailed.

I was very pleased about HAL's response to the problem. Of course our telling them that the DW has a lung condition (which is true) and we would get off the ship if the situation couldn't be remedied didn't hurt.

[Vic The Parrot]

I'm confused......


If there's a smoking area on the port side of the Crows Nest, why do I have to go to the Oak Room to light up?

[sail7seas]

Cigars are permitted in Oak Room but not at any other interior area on the ship.

[Vic The Parrot]

Oops


Should have mentioned I don't smoke cigars, only cigarettes.
Thanks S7S

[Krazy Kruizers]

Dave

Oak room for cigars and we did see a man smoking a pipe there one evening. And people were in there smoking cigarettes in the daytime.

If you look at the drawing of the Crow's Nest you will see a room on the port side. The drawing makes it appear that it is enclosed. The front side of it is open. It was used a lot on our 2 weeks for private parties and there were a lot of smokers in there as it is a designated smoking area. Since the front side of it is open, the smoke filters right into the Crow's Nest.

[heyabbott]

Jen, if you think your cabin had ben used by a smoker. e.g. the smell of smoke is bothering you, notify the cabin attendant. He will arrange for a complete cleaning. If he is reluctant then go to the front desk and tell them there.

On a cruise last February our cabin reeked of smoke. They started to make arrangements to clean it. Before they started, however, they found that a similar cabin was not going to be used and we switched. The original cabin was cleaned and somebody was upgraded into it later that day. This was all done before we sailed.

I was very pleased about HAL's response to the problem. Of course our telling them that the DW has a lung condition (which is true) and we would get off the ship if the situation couldn't be remedied didn't hurt.

It's a shame they allow smoking in all cabins, some should be designated for smoking or not have any at all. There's almost nothing as gross as a room where the previous occupant was a smoker and especially in ship's cabins where the rooms are particluarly small as compared with hotels. Inside cabins without windows will reek after a cigarette.

Unfortunately, I smoke and have for over 25 years, though I don't smoke in my homes or offices.

[Cruishappy@aol.com]

For sure I know that I will get bashed --- but as a SMOKER I am getting very annoyed with all the non-smokers that are trying to run the entire ship --- as a Smoker we DO HAVE RIGHTS and we do have the RIGHT TO ENJOY OUR CRUISE ---we have been on many cruises --- 48 ---- and have always respected the rights of the non-smoker and only request that they respect our rights --- they have become fewer and fewer --- and do not wish to have whatever is left or our rights taken away from us --- so I respectively request that you BACK OFF - as a smoker - I stay out of your space --- so please stay out of our space --- no dirty looks -- no waving of the arms -- no nasty remarks ----

[doone]

Cruisehappy, I am a smoker as well and have to agree, there are always a few that have to sit in the smoking area and expect me to put my cigarette out, sorry I won't do that nor will I sit in a non-smoking area and light up. I'll respect your non-smoking space and I ask that you please respect my smoking place. I have never had a problem finding a smoking place on the ships I have sailed, I think you will find it the same way.

[jaguarstyper]

I too, agree with Cruisehappy. I am a smoker, married to an avid non-smoker. So, I really see both sides of the situation. I am very aware of people around me and would never smoke in a non-smoking section of anything. But, nothing honks me off more than people who ask for "first available" in a restaurant, then leer at you or complain when you smoke.

Tim

[sail7seas]

About 20-25% of the population are smokers and while those of us who do not smoke wish they did not, it is their adult right to make that choice. There are fewer areas where they can smoke and the non-smoking areas are larger and more available than ever. It is up to us to stay away from smoking sections if it offends or bothers us. We need to cooperate in order for everyone to be happy. JMHO





I am a former smoker and agree with what the smokers have said......and that is what I said in my post at the start of this thread.

[bookworm0911]

Bravo to Cruishappy! I am a former smoker who has cruised both ways, smoking and not smoking, and can see both sides of the issue. However, there is so little 'smoking allowed' space left on any of the ships, I agree it is the smoker who is being asked to do the sacrificing.

Jen, I am sorry to say this, but anyone who is offended when someone in the car in front of them is smoking is going to have a problem in many areas of the Westerdam. I think in order to be happy you are going to want to have a smoke-free environment wherever it is you choose to be on the ship and that is just not going to happen.

[Jackjenson]

I am hoping that we will be able to remain as smoke-free as possible.

The help on this thread will certainly give me the best chance.

As I had said earlier, I don't dislike smokers, I just abhor the smell of smoke, so I like to avoid it whenever possible.

[heyabbott]

For sure I know that I will get bashed --- but as a SMOKER I am getting very annoyed with all the non-smokers that are trying to run the entire ship --- as a Smoker we DO HAVE RIGHTS and we do have the RIGHT TO ENJOY OUR CRUISE ---we have been on many cruises --- 48 ---- and have always respected the rights of the non-smoker and only request that they respect our rights --- they have become fewer and fewer --- and do not wish to have whatever is left or our rights taken away from us --- so I respectively request that you BACK OFF - as a smoker - I stay out of your space --- so please stay out of our space --- no dirty looks -- no waving of the arms -- no nasty remarks ----

I am a smoker, unfortunatly for over 25 years. I find it reprehensible to smoke in a hotel room unless it is specifically marked as a smoking room. The smell is awful for the next occupant.

I love bars. They are one of my favorite places and smoking in a bar is a must. The true breakfast of champions is still coffee and Marlboros.

But not in hotel room/cabins or restuarants.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We are non-smokers - have never smoked in our lives. And we are able to tolerate a little smoke. But if it gets too smokey in an area were we are, we just move to another area.

You will make all right on the Westerdam.

Sit way up front in the Crow's Nest - also best view from there.

[robntawn]

Just to add my 2cents worth...

I do agree that smokers and non-smokers should be tolerant of each other. As long as there is good ventilation, there shouldn't be any problem. My biggest gripe is when I sit in a non-smoking section and am subjected to the cloud of smoke that wafts over from the smoking section. Walls and doors are nice, but smoke doesn't always respect those boundaries. Hopefully HAL has good ventilation to remedy the problem.

[jaguarstyper]

I love bars. They are one of my favorite places and smoking in a bar is a must. The true breakfast of champions is still coffee and Marlboros.

LMAO! I couldnt agree more. :D

[sail7seas]

[Quote]
As a child, a library card takes you to exotic, faraway places. When you're grown up, a credit card does it.
-- Sam Ewing (Readers Digest, Dec, 1997)


I LOVE THAT QUOTE. Great!

[jcrandle]

We are non-smokers - have never smoked in our lives. And we are able to tolerate a little smoke. But if it gets too smokey in an area were we are, we just move to another area.

You will make all right on the Westerdam.

Sit way up front in the Crow's Nest - also best view from there.

A non-smoking area of a room that shares the same ventilation system makes as much sense as a non-peeing section of a swimming pool.

[JDee]

A non-smoking area of a room that shares the same ventilation system makes as much sense as a non-peeing section of a swimming pool.

That n/p section would be from the diving board...http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[charliewesley]

A non-smoking area of a room that shares the same ventilation system makes as much sense as a non-peeing section of a swimming pool.

do they have little signs for that too?:D

[BooBooMonkey]

I'm with you totally on the NO smoking in sleeping areas. DH and I both smoke. I can't stand the smell of it when I'm trying to sleep! DH likes to smoke in the middle of the night (YUK). On our upcoming cruse, he will go to the casino (around the corner from our cabin) to smoke at night. I can feel the pain of the non-smokers though...I have been one off-and-on over the years :o . Know this...a cruise ship is like a giant floating bar to many...if you can't stand the smoke, forget it. I have heard about some non-smoking cruises. May want to try something like that if it is a real health issue for you :)
Have fun no matter what! Either leave a smoky area or deal with it. If a non-smoker asked me to move in an enclosed area I would do it in a heartbeat. I would even trade deckchairs outside if the smoke was blowing the wrong way. Just ask! Nicely though...some just don't care or are looking for a fight.
Just my 2 cents. Hope everyone has a nice cruise.

Chantal ;)

[discjoker]

a non-smoker asked me to move in an enclosed area I would do it in a heartbeat. I would even trade deckchairs outside if the smoke was blowing the wrong way. Just ask! Nicely though...some just don't care or are looking for a fight.
Just my 2 cents. Hope everyone has a nice cruise.

You are very nice but I don't think I would do the same if asked. I must qualify this with saying I am a non-smoker (never have been a smoker) but believe strongly in "smokers rights." A non-smoker has no right to complain or ask a smoker to move if they are in a smoking section. It is not the smokers fault, they are just following the rules that were set up by the cruise line and smoking in the designated areas. And usually the ones I see looking for a fight are the ones trying to dictate to the smokers how to live their lives.

[discjoker]

Oh, and one thing I forgot to mention. I see that some people are upset that the smoke invades their non-smoking areas. Again, this is not the fault of the smokers. If they are in their smoking areas then they are following the rules, it is not their fault that the smoke is "invading" non-smoking areas. That is an issue that should be taken up with the cruise line.

[JDee]

Quote: " I have heard about some non-smoking cruises".

Last I heard was the Carnival non-smoker (Paradise ??) gave up on that segment. Not sure, but don't think there are any non-smoking cruise ships today....

Happy cruising.....

[sail7seas]

I'm not sure but I think that smoking may be very, very limited on Raddison ships? Perhaps not allowed on verandas or cabins?? Anyone know for sure?

[jcrandle]

do they have little signs for that too?:D
As a matter of fact, they do. They read "This is our ool - Note that there is no 'P' in it - please keep it that way."

[RobbieCruises]

When I was on the Westerdam in early Dec. (it had just arrived in North Am), the piano bar was strictly non smoking. I was hoping it would still be that way for my cruise in March. Does anyone know for sure?

[discjoker]

As a matter of fact, they do. They read "This is our ool - Note that there is no 'P' in it - please keep it that way."

OMG! SO FUNNY!!!!!

[cru1s1ng]

You're offended by people in a car in front of you? Goodness. Sounds like a control issue.

After I made my booking, I realized they didn't ask my smoking preference. When I called back, they said all cabin are smoking. That was surprising as Carnival has non-smoking rooms.

I also think the smoking sections should be reserved for smokers. It should be mandatory, just like it is mandatory to not smoke in a non-smoking section. :D

[JR Ewing]

I too, agree with Cruisehappy. I am a smoker, married to an avid non-smoker. So, I really see both sides of the situation. I am very aware of people around me and would never smoke in a non-smoking section of anything. But, nothing honks me off more than people who ask for "first available" in a restaurant, then leer at you or complain when you smoke.

Tim

touch base - just post a message to jr ewing