Smoking in cabins

[hokiecruisers]

Has anyone experienced rooms that smell like smoke on the Maasdam? I am a little confused about whether or not smoking is allowed in the state rooms.

[CtheW0rld]

welcome to CC. everything you need is here. found it by running a search:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1388890&highlight=smoking

[RuthC]

I see this is your first post. Welcome to Cruise Critic. Perhaps you haven't read many threads before posting? Your first post has addressed one of the hottest of hot-button topics.

The short answer is smoking is allowed in cabins, and they are thoroughly cleaned between cruises. It is highly unlikely that you will smell any lingering smoke in your cabin.
In the event that you do smell some left-over smoke, you cabin can be deep-cleaned, or other methods can be used.

I suggest you do a search for threads that discuss this topic ad nauseum.

[comcox]

My last cruise on HAL was on the Volendam last year. There was a chain smoker in the hall across from my cabin and the smoke went straight into the air system into my cabin. They cleaned my cabin three times and I still could not breath. I had to threaten to get off the ship and have my travel agent complain to head office before they suddenly found me another cabin. Even then by the end of the cruise all the hallways smelled of smoke to varying degree because it drifts. I returned home and immediately cancelled another HAL cruise I had booked for later that year. I will never sail with them again until the policy changes.

This is HAL's biggest problem and it's created by the Carnival Corp. which unforunately bought HAL several years ago. They refuse to change to policy that allows smoking in all the cabins and on verandahs even though passengers complain all the time.

If smoke is an issue for you, I suggest you look at other very excellent cruiselines such as Oceania or Azamara; even some the European cruise lines are tightening their smoking policies. I just did a very nice cruise on the British Swan Hellenic line which allows smoking only in a certain outside deck location. Never smelt a thing.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to cruise critic.

Should you enter your cabin on embarkation day and it smells of smoke -- talk to your cabin steward -- they had a deep cleaning machine that can be used to reclean your cabin.

[BumperII]

The only place I have found a problem with smoke is walking through the casino area on vista class ships.

On the S and R class ships we have never had a problem in our cabin. It is pretty much a non issue.

[kazu]

Welcome to cruise critic. We've never had a problem in our cabin nor have our friends (and she is very susceptible). :D

[IRL_Joanie]

Welcome to Cruise Critic:)

I will not even attempt to allay your fears as many others have pointed out to you that this is Hot Topic, no pun intended:) But will just say welcome and please do not let any responses turn you away from this forum:)

Joanie

[hokiecruisers]

Thank you for all the responses. This will be our 6th cruise and to tell the truth I didn't even think about the smoking issue until I started reading about it on these threads! We have been on 3 Princess, 1 Holland and 1 Celebrity cruise. I do remember noticing smoke in the casinos and some of the bars on Princess and Holland. We just got off the Celebrity Eclipse in April and it seemed that the smokers were confined to one area of the pool. I don't have a problem with people who want to smoke, but I do wish that there could be designated Non Smoking rooms. I suppose we will take our chances as we are looking forward to the itinerary that this ship offers next spring!

[Rutland Gate]

Thank you for all the responses. This will be our 6th cruise and to tell the truth I didn't even think about the smoking issue until I started reading about it on these threads! We have been on 3 Princess, 1 Holland and 1 Celebrity cruise. I do remember noticing smoke in the casinos and some of the bars on Princess and Holland. We just got off the Celebrity Eclipse in April and it seemed that the smokers were confined to one area of the pool. I don't have a problem with people who want to smoke, but I do wish that there could be designated Non Smoking rooms. I suppose we will take our chances as we are looking forward to the itinerary that this ship offers next spring!

Oh Stop It.

[Rutland Gate]

When I see a first or second time poster banging the drum on a smoking or dressing or the cruise ship company is wrong subject, I have to suspect that they have been participating in one of those on-line seminars that tell people how to harass smokers, other passengers, or cruise ship lines.
We have over 300 days on Holland America Line and I don't smoke. I have never experienced a smoking odor in a cabin, overflowing sewage, poor air conditioning or a hostile clerk at the company.

[CtheW0rld]

This is HAL's biggest problem and it's created by the Carnival Corp. which unforunately bought HAL several years ago. They refuse to change to policy that allows smoking in all the cabins and on verandahs even though passengers complain all the time.


there's been smoking on HAL's ships for several decades before CCL bought them (probably since hal launched it's 1st ship). if anything, CCL is trying to accmodate both sides by compromising. they will never please everyone, though.

[kazu]

When I see a first or second time poster banging the drum on a smoking or dressing or the cruise ship company is wrong subject, I have to suspect that they have been participating in one of those on-line seminars that tell people how to harass smokers, other passengers, or cruise ship lines.
We have over 300 days on Holland America Line and I don't smoke. I have never experienced a smoking odor in a cabin, overflowing sewage, poor air conditioning or a hostile clerk at the company.


now this is a really nice recommendation to put all those who read the smoking threads at rest regarding the worries of the cabins:)

Thanks Rutland Gate:)

[RuthC]

...I have to suspect that they have been participating in one of those on-line seminars that tell people how to harass smokers, other passengers, or cruise ship lines.
Call me naive, but I didn't know there are such things. Amazing that people would go to that kind of trouble to cause trouble. :rolleyes:

[GeriatricNurse]

Has anyone experienced rooms that smell like smoke on the Maasdam? I am a little confused about whether or not smoking is allowed in the state rooms.

Welcome to cruise critic.

Should you enter your cabin on embarkation day and it smells of smoke -- talk to your cabin steward -- they had a deep cleaning machine that can be used to reclean your cabin.


Unfortunately, HAL still allows smoking in any/all staterooms, (even though only 20% are smokers)! Having said that, you also may 'phone HAL Ship Services Department @ 1-800-541-1576 BEFORE your cruise to request a "deep cleaning" of your stateroom PRIOR to embarkation! :) This will ensure that your stateroom has been thoroughly cleaned before you first access it upon boarding with "Stateroom Direct", & will eliminate the inconvenience to you if the deep cleaning has to be done after you have accessed your stateroom! :)

[kakalina]

It is absolutely ridiculous to request a "deep cleaning" that you most likely will not need. We have smelled smoke in a few corridors, the casino and the one bar that allows smoking.

If by some very odd chance you find you can smell an odor in your cabin at that time you can request a deep clean which won't take all that long.

Welcome to cruise critic and have a wonderful cruise.

COMCOX: Carnival has owned HAL for almost 30 years now. FYI.

[sail7seas]

<snip>


This is HAL's biggest problem and it's created by the Carnival Corp. which unforunately bought HAL several years ago. They refuse to change to policy that allows smoking in all the cabins and on verandahs even though passengers complain all the time.

<snip>




While I await the happy day HAL will ban smoking on verandas, it should be noted Carnival purchased HAL in 1988. That is far more than several years ago and smoking policy between then and now has evolved on HAL ships.... on all cruise companies that sail U.S. ports.

[lollytw]

I agree that it's ridiculous to ask for a deep cleaning of your stateroom prior to even boarding. What a waste of the crew's time, not to mention if the 80% of people who are non-smokers, as suggested above, did this it would likely increase the cost of your cruise. I think a little more reason is needed when it comes to this issue. :)

[GeriatricNurse]

I agree that it's ridiculous to ask for a deep cleaning of your stateroom prior to even boarding. What a waste of the crew's time, not to mention if the 80% of people who are non-smokers, as suggested above, did this it would likely increase the cost of your cruise. I think a little more reason is needed when it comes to this issue. :)

And I disagree! :)

[sail7seas]

I think we need to give crew a little credit. If a deep cleaning has been requested and steward/supervisor/chief housekeeper determine the cabin is in good condition for occupancy by a non-smoker, they know when to stop. I am sure they don't do busy work that isn't required.

[GeriatricNurse]

It is absolutely ridiculous to request a "deep cleaning" that you most likely will not need. We have smelled smoke in a few corridors, the casino and the one bar that allows smoking.

If by some very odd chance you find you can smell an odor in your cabin at that time you can request a deep clean which won't take all that long.

Welcome to cruise critic and have a wonderful cruise.

COMCOX: Carnival has owned HAL for almost 30 years now. FYI.

It is absolutely NOT ridulous to request a "deep cleaning"! ;)

[OVgirl]

Unfortunately, HAL still allows smoking in any/all staterooms, (even though only 20% are smokers)! Having said that, you also may 'phone HAL Ship Services Department @ 1-800-541-1576 BEFORE your cruise to request a "deep cleaning" of your stateroom PRIOR to embarkation! :) This will ensure that your stateroom has been thoroughly cleaned before you first access it upon boarding with "Stateroom Direct", & will eliminate the inconvenience to you if the deep cleaning has to be done after you have accessed your stateroom! :)
If your numbers are right it means the odds of getting a cabin that has previously been smoked in, is 1:5. Not bad because I wouldn't even win a lottery with those odds.:D

[peaches from georgia]

Unfortunately, HAL still allows smoking in any/all staterooms, (even though only 20% are smokers)! Having said that, you also may 'phone HAL Ship Services Department @ 1-800-541-1576 BEFORE your cruise to request a "deep cleaning" of your stateroom PRIOR to embarkation! :) This will ensure that your stateroom has been thoroughly cleaned before you first access it upon boarding with "Stateroom Direct", & will eliminate the inconvenience to you if the deep cleaning has to be done after you have accessed your stateroom! :)
Requesting this extra work for the crew prior to boarding and not even knowing if it is needed creates an unnecessary inconvenience to your stewards, but I guess that is of no importance. I imagine the housekeeper checks your cabin and if it has obviously not been occupied by smokers and a deep cleaning is not needed it isn't even done. What you don't know won't hurt you. ;)

[Hobbsey]

If your numbers are right it means the odds of getting a cabin that has previously been smoked in, is 1:5. Not bad because I wouldn't even win a lottery with those odds.:D

And, since many smokers do not smoke where they sleep then the odds are even more in your favor.

[anniecat]

I have a very sensitive nose for smoke. The hallways often had minor smoking residue, the casino was terrible as were most of the areas nearby. The aft deck, starboard side and the starboard side of the Crow's Nest also was very smoky (both designated smoking areas). That said...they are avoidable, our cabin did not smell at all and at least on this cruise (Rotterdam May 2nd) not a large numbers of smokers, and all seemed to follow 'the rules'. The cigar smoker was noticeable everywhere he went as he exhaled. And several 'exhalers' in closed spaces (elevators) created a smoky environment. Not enough an issue to make me want to cancel a cruise with HAL....but I'll think twice before booking. They did include a survey about on board smoking...love to know what the results are. I do not like my lungs filled with other's smoke.

[sail7seas]

They've been doing that smoking survey for about 4 years. I call it their 'stalling technique' though there have been changes during this time which limits smoking more, thankfully.

[nfcu]

HAL's surveys will influence changes to their smoking policies when the results of the surveys call for changes. Just because the results are obviously not what someone wants, does not mean HAL is "stalling". Why would they do that? HAL wants to satisfy everyone, not just the big complainers who only want things their way.

[GeriatricNurse]

Requesting this extra work for the crew prior to boarding and not even knowing if it is needed creates an unnecessary inconvenience to your stewards, but I guess that is of no importance. I imagine the housekeeper checks your cabin and if it has obviously not been occupied by smokers and a deep cleaning is not needed it isn't even done. What you don't know won't hurt you. ;)

Well, you can "imagine" all you want for all I care! :p The fact remains that if a "deep cleaning" is requested then it is done whether or not the stateroom had previously been occupied by a smoker! ;)

[mountainmare]

I used to think asking for a deep cleaning was overkill until we had a cabin that was so bad that people walking by in the hall commented on it. We couldn't even put our luggage in the room until it was cleaned.
We left HAL for a few years and when we returned I called in advance to explain the problem. Without me asking, the customer rep suggested just request a deep cleaning.
When we got to our cabin the head housekeeper introduced herself and wanted to be sure everything was ok.
Our room steward on the smokey room cruise was smoker and didn't notice the smokey room.
While it may seem overkill to some--it drove us away from HAL, and now when we do find a unique itinerary on HAL we will ask in advance that the room be inspected and deel cleaned if a smoker has been in it.

[RuthC]

I used to think asking for a deep cleaning was overkill until we had a cabin that was so bad that people walking by in the hall commented on it.
There is a difference between asking for a deep cleaning when it is needed, and demanding one when it is not.

[peaches from georgia]

.......and now when we do find a unique itinerary on HAL we will ask in advance that the room be inspected and deel cleaned if a smoker has been in it.
Asking that a room be inspected and deep cleaned if needed is fair to all involved and I think a good idea. However, that is a far cry from demanding a deep cleaning before boarding whether the cabin needs it or not. You are being considerate and trusting the judgement of HAL's housekeeping services and not taking up the time and effort of the HAL stewards who don't need to be doing unnecessary work. Enjoy all your cruises. :)

[goodearth]

Requesting a deep cleaning in a room that non-smokers will use is not out of line when HAL allows smoking in those rooms and many smokers enjoy that privilege. From a cleaning perspective it's better to know which rooms will have this process at the beginning of the day then adding it onto a busy schedule as people are coming on board. It pairs rather nicely with HAL's policy of allowing smoking throughout the ship, but expecting non-smokers to cruise as well. ;)

[sail7seas]

Requesting a deep cleaning in a room that non-smokers will use is not out of line when HAL allows smoking in those rooms and many smokers enjoy that privilege. From a cleaning perspective it's better to know which rooms will have this process at the beginning of the day then adding it onto a busy schedule as people are coming on board. It pairs rather nicely with HAL's policy of allowing smoking throughout the ship, but expecting non-smokers to cruise as well. ;)


There is a complete list of every cabin that has a smoker in it. Stewards and housekeeping are aware of the fire hazard and there are a number of departments who are advised as to which are 'smoking cabins'.

I am only speculating but expect there is a routine protocol at the end of every cruise as to the 'minimum' cleaning attention those cabins will automatically receive. If a cabin had one person who smoked one cigarette a day in there it may require a different amount of time and attention than a cabin with two or more smokers who were like chimneys smoking day and night.

[Hobbsey]

There is a complete list of every cabin that has a smoker in it. Stewards and housekeeping are aware of the fire hazard and there are a number of departments who are advised as to which are 'smoking cabins'.

I am only speculating but expect there is a routine protocol at the end of every cruise as to the 'minimum' cleaning attention those cabins will automatically receive. If a cabin had one person who smoked one cigarette a day in there it may require a different amount of time and attention than a cabin with two or more smokers who were like chimneys smoking day and night.

Explain that to me. I can't recall every having to register as a smoker or non-smoker. How do they know who is in which cabin? My wife smokes, but not in the cabin. So is it based on if the ash tray is found to be used? Let's say I have my kids in a cabin and they are sneaky smokers - they clean up after themselves to suppress the evidence from me.

I know of people who are very sensitive to the scent (not smell) of smoke. I tend to agree that if the policy is to allow smoking in any and all cabins and suites then HAL can really complain if someone that is particularly sensitive to the stuff asks for the extra deep cleaning previous to their occupancy, regardless of who may or may not have been smoking in there on the previous cruise. It has to be seen as a cost of doing business.

[sail7seas]

You don't register. Stewards smell the smoke when they come in the cabin. They (hopefully) know you are using an ashtray. You may have requested they get you an ashtray. They are instructed to report all smoking cabins for safety reasons. There is nothing new about this and is perfectly logical IMO The worst fear of all on a ship is fire.

If the sneaky smokers are not having their ashtrays emptied and cleaned by stewards, where are they discarding the butts? Overboard? Down the toilet? :eek: to both VERY bad ideas.

Great your wife does not smoke in the cabin. Not so great if the smoke on the veranda drifts to the neighbors' verandas. Does she get an appropriate wind ashtray from the steward to use out there? Where would she flick her ashes and discard her smoked cigarette? Smoking bothering neighbors is bad enough.... fire is a whole different story.

[scm1848]

On the 2 HAL cruises we have been on, we have been fairly late in disembarking. I can assure all of you that our cabin and some I had previously noted down the hall as smokers' cabins were being cleaned first and with special equipment. They have heavy duty room ionizers, fans and what look like shop wet-vacs, in addition to laudering of all fabrics. As previously stated, those wonderful room stewards are very aware of what rooms need extra cleaning and do a great job of accomplishing it. To repent for my sins (smoking), we also leave a very nice extra tip for them for the extra work that I know I have created.

[catl331]

Does anybody really believe that a room steward is going to spend the time and effort to deep clean a cabin that was just occupied by NON SMOKERS?And possibly many sets of non-smokers over the previous weeks.
It's not happening, whether you think it is or not.Most of us agree! :)

[sail7seas]

Seeing as only about 22% of the adult population of Canada and U.S. are smokers, there is very good chance your cabin may have been smoke free for a number of cruises prior to your occupancy.

And, yes, I know other nationalities cruise HAL ships. :) But a large majority are from Canada and U.S.

[RuthC]

I've been thinking about the "ashtray in the cabin" as a partial tip-off that the passenger is a smoker. I must make the steward very confused, if it is.

I don't smoke. Not in my cabin, nor anywhere else. But, usually when I disembark I forget to return the ashtray I took from a smoking area. It's in the top drawer of the nightstand, and I use it to contain my watch and rings when I take them off at night.

Do you suppose the stewards think twice about it??? I sure hope they aren't going to the trouble of deep cleaning based on my forgetfulness.

[cruisin'girl]

There have been small fires and the crew fire brigade called into service on a number of our cruises. Never in a passenger cabin, however. Not that there still isn't a risk, of course there is, but the new formula for cigarette manufacture makes it almost impossible to keep one lit. They go out on their own if not puffed very frequently, almost every few seconds.

[nfcu]

Cabin stewards do keep a list of cabins occupied by smokers for cleaning purposes after the cruise is over. They do not keep the list for fire prevention reasons. More nonsense from those who do not know what they are talking about.

All cabins are equiped with smoke/heat detectors and sprinkler systems. There is nothing flammable in the cabins as the furniture, carpeting, drapes, mattresses, wall coverings, etc. are fire resistant. The only things that could burn are the numerous paper junk mail ads delivered on a daily basis. I challenge anyone to post a true report of a cabin fire on a cruise ship in the past twenty years.

[goodearth]

How about the March 2006 fire on the Star Princess that was attributed to a cigarette butt on a balcony?

[goodearth]

Cabin stewards do keep a list of cabins occupied by smokers for cleaning purposes after the cruise is over. They do not keep the list for fire prevention reasons. More nonsense from those who do not know what they are talking about.

All cabins are equiped with smoke/heat detectors and sprinkler systems. There is nothing flammable in the cabins as the furniture, carpeting, drapes, mattresses, wall coverings, etc. are fire resistant. The only things that could burn are the numerous paper junk mail ads delivered on a daily basis. I challenge anyone to post a true report of a cabin fire on a cruise ship in the past twenty years.

Princess tried to say it was a heart attack, but it was smoke that caused the death proven by autopsy. Many injuries and over a hundred cabins damaged on three decks. 'I challenge anyone to post a true report of a cabin fire on a cruise ship in the past twenty years' Be careful what you ask for.

[yj_eugene]

Seeing as only about 22% of the adult population of Canada and U.S. are smokers, there is very good chance your cabin may have been smoke free for a number of cruises prior to your occupancy.

Not really. If 22% smoke, then 78% don't, and the chance of both (supposing a room has two) passengers being non-smokers the previous cruise is 78% * 78% = about 61%, and the chance of both passengers for the previous two cruises being non-smokers is 61% * 61% = about 37%. It only gets worse the more cruises you include. The very good chance is that the cabin over a number of prior cruises had smoke in it at some point, not that it was smoke-free.

[CtheW0rld]

Princess tried to say it was a heart attack, but it was smoke that caused the death proven by autopsy. Many injuries and over a hundred cabins damaged on three decks. 'I challenge anyone to post a true report of a cabin fire on a cruise ship in the past twenty years' Be careful what you ask for.

actually, it was never proven. the offical report said it was 'probably' caused by a cigarette butt. it could've been a meteor or sea volcano or anything since it was never proven. people can believe what they want.

the simple fact is there have been several recent electrical fires onboard ships. i'd be much more worried about that - but i'm not going to advocate for going back to rowing.

[CMYK_iNK]

My fiancé and I were both shocked to find out that there is smoking in public areas and allowed in staterooms on HAL. We both are from Vancouver where smoking is pretty much banned everywhere, except for being completely outside away from all buildings or doors. You can't smoke anywhere inside except especially legislated smoking rooms which are rare if not non-existent.

It's really disappointing to see HAL sticking to this outdated policy.

Even the smell of smoke on someone's clothes in an elevator bothers me and I sincerely hope we don't get a stateroom that someone has smoked in just previously on our honeymoon this fall :(

[chrispb]

What is obnoxious is someone who, because they no longer engage in an action, -- feels they can now put down anyone who does. it is hypocritical. I quit smoking -- but would NEVER think it was okay to ask an outdoor worker why they smelled the way they do. What am I -- the smell police? I would need to quit driving my car that spews exhaust, etc. etc. before I felt I had the right to cast the first stone or look down my nose because someone walks by and smells a way I don't like. i spent three years living in Singapore -- culturally there were a lot of smells on the crowded tube that were objectionable to me -- it was an opportunity to broaden my perspective. It was not my place to ask them what they were doing that made them smell that way!

Well said. Apparently, Asians think we westerners smell. That includes you non-smokers too!! :D It has something to do with the fact that we eat dairy products which makes us emit a nasty whiff (to their noses, anyway).
I think some people just like to moan and if it wasn't about smoking then it would be something else. Maybe they ought to become hermits as they can't take the rough and tumble of the real world.

[jimmy2x]

Right, so I'm all new to the whole smoking issue, and perhaps I didn't understand the joke too well :P But, just my two (or less) cents, I see smoking being compared to slavery or cannibalism to be an extreme- it is a habbit that is undertaken by about 1.5 billion people in the world, and although I do not condone it, having smoking areas on a ship is the right way to go. You can never please people who absolutely hate smoke, or the smokers which wish to light up anywhere- getting a nice compromise for both is possible, and that is what I believe from what I've been reading that HAL has done. Cabins which smell of smoke (can be checked by the steward before hand) should get a deep cleaning, no matter if a smoker or non smoker is inhabiting it afterword- I know my fair share of smokers, and I assure you that none of them smoked where they slept, so chances are the guests coming next won't appreciate it if there room reeked of smoke no matter what. Additionally, I find (again, from reading) that X's policy is too extreme on the other side- a good compromise is what HAL seems to have established- lets not forget that for a good many years non-smoking areas did not exist, at least no where as profoundly as they in the present day. People survived then, and they will survive now, esspically with what I see as an amiable, middle-of-the-road smoking policy.
Perhaps, after my Veendam cruise I will have a different take on the issue, but has anyone considered that maybe (this could be completly invalid, I am just putting it forward here) HAL is a traditional line in quite a few ways, or at the very least they do try to preserve cruising as how it once was, and allowing smoking to a certain degree is part of that?

As a former smoker - agreed. However, you should be cautioned against way too much common sense.;)

[carosave]

IRL Joanie...
Thanks for the tip about control + and -; I didn't know that one. tried it and it worked!!
thanks,
Carol

[IRL_Joanie]

IRL Joanie...
Thanks for the tip about control + and -; I didn't know that one. tried it and it worked!!
thanks,
Carol

We have had a personal home computer(s) since purchasing our first one a Cordata portable (weighed 60+ lbs:eek:) in 1983 and up until 2 weeks ago I had no idea about the Control Plus and Minus Keys. It took hubby getting me a new computer 3 weeks ago before he told me this little secret:) :)

Joanie

[Toddy709]

Right, so I'm all new to the whole smoking issue, and perhaps I didn't understand the joke too well :P But, just my two (or less) cents, I see smoking being compared to slavery or cannibalism to be an extreme- it is a habbit that is undertaken by about 1.5 billion people in the world, and although I do not condone it, having smoking areas on a ship is the right way to go. You can never please people who absolutely hate smoke, or the smokers which wish to light up anywhere- getting a nice compromise for both is possible, and that is what I believe from what I've been reading that HAL has done. Cabins which smell of smoke (can be checked by the steward before hand) should get a deep cleaning, no matter if a smoker or non smoker is inhabiting it afterword- I know my fair share of smokers, and I assure you that none of them smoked where they slept, so chances are the guests coming next won't appreciate it if there room reeked of smoke no matter what. Additionally, I find (again, from reading) that X's policy is too extreme on the other side- a good compromise is what HAL seems to have established- lets not forget that for a good many years non-smoking areas did not exist, at least no where as profoundly as they in the present day. People survived then, and they will survive now, esspically with what I see as an amiable, middle-of-the-road smoking policy.
Perhaps, after my Veendam cruise I will have a different take on the issue, but has anyone considered that maybe (this could be completly invalid, I am just putting it forward here) HAL is a traditional line in quite a few ways, or at the very least they do try to preserve cruising as how it once was, and allowing smoking to a certain degree is part of that?

I don't know if the last point made much sense, perhaps it might need clarification.

Anyway, less than two months to go :D


YAY!!!!

happy voyaging :)

I do agree with most of your post. There should always be a smoking section because there will always be smokers.

The main thing I disagree with is (and this isn't just in your post, but I've read the same thing in many posts re smoking) is that people won't smoke where they sleep. It is very true that many people won't do so. However, as a former heavy smoker (two packs a day) I smoked anywhere and everywhere, including my bedroom and even my bed:eek:! I think where the non-bedroom smokers come in is where one spouse smokes and the other doesn't. My mother is a smoker and recently had occasion to stay in a small apartment (not much larger than a ship's suite) and she smoked A LOT because her non-smoking spouse wasn't there! I remember walking in one day and it was very hazy and I could barely breath!! I commented on the haze and she hadn't even noticed it!

My biggest fear with allowing smoking in cabins is someone having too much to drink (as some like to assert that most bar and casino revenue is derived from smokers) and then falling asleep/passing out while smoking in their cabin. That is the reason I believe there should be a designated public smoking area just like they have done on Celebrity.

IMHO, Celebrity has got it right, but for several reasons is not my first or second choice for a cruise line. I think eventually other lines will follow Celebrity's lead, and between HAL and Princess, whoever does first will get the majority of my future business.

Oh, and as regards GeriatricNurse's posting style, it does come across as harsh, but I never took it as a negative towards Canadians; I just feel sorry for his geriatric patients. For their sake, I hope he is much more pleasant in his working environment.

[Host Walt]

Has anyone experienced rooms that smell like smoke on the Maasdam? I am a little confused about whether or not smoking is allowed in the state rooms.

Here's the original post.

All discussion that is not responsive to the post have been deleted.

[paulista1950]

"I see smoking being compared to slavery or cannibalism"

It was just my answer to somebody who wrote: "smoking has been permitted in HAL for a long time"
I'd never make such a silly comparison, what I was trying to do is showing that everything can change.

"having smoking areas on a ship is the right way to go"
And I agree, but not in cabins

"lets not forget that for a good many years non-smoking areas did not exist, at least no where as profoundly as they in the present day. People survived then, and they will survive now"
See? That's the type of reasoning that makes no sense! Many bad things existed, and some still exist
"HAL is a traditional line in quite a few ways, or at the very least they do try to preserve cruising as how it once was, and allowing smoking to a certain degree is part of that?"
So, how about getting rid of stabilizers? Radars?

[jimmy2x]

But yes, I generally agreed with it and still do.

[chrispb]

"I see smoking being compared to slavery or cannibalism"

It was just my answer to somebody who wrote: "smoking has been permitted in HAL for a long time"
I'd never make such a silly comparison, what I was trying to do is showing that everything can change.

"having smoking areas on a ship is the right way to go"
And I agree, but not in cabins

"lets not forget that for a good many years non-smoking areas did not exist, at least no where as profoundly as they in the present day. People survived then, and they will survive now"
See? That's the type of reasoning that makes no sense! Many bad things existed, and some still exist
"HAL is a traditional line in quite a few ways, or at the very least they do try to preserve cruising as how it once was, and allowing smoking to a certain degree is part of that?"
So, how about getting rid of stabilizers? Radars?
Many good things have disappeared too. Like being able to smoke a cigarette when you have a drink or smoking on a long haul flight. Good or bad depends on whom you're asking:D

[Keith Rita]

We've been away to long and forgot how much fun is to read the smoking threads!http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/KeithnRita/gif/lol.gif

[Hobbsey]

Here's the original post.

All discussion that is not responsive to the post have been deleted.

Thanks very much Walt!!!

[hokiecruisers]

For those of you who are interested in the smoking policy on Holland, I am posting this email that I just received from my travel agent.

Holland America Cruise Line is changing its shipboard smoking policy starting with sailings departing on or after Jan. 15, 2012. The new smoking policy prohibits smoking in all staterooms. There will continue to be designated smoking areas both inside and on outside decks.

In addition, smoking is permitted on stateroom verandahs. As is already the case, cigar and pipe smoking is only allowed in designated areas.

Wishing you a wonderful cruise!

[picture]

no smoking in the cabins sometime in Jan 2012 so cruise after that time.

[centuryguy]

Cabin stewards do keep a list of cabins occupied by smokers for cleaning purposes after the cruise is over. They do not keep the list for fire prevention reasons. More nonsense from those who do not know what they are talking about.

All cabins are equiped with smoke/heat detectors and sprinkler systems. There is nothing flammable in the cabins as the furniture, carpeting, drapes, mattresses, wall coverings, etc. are fire resistant. The only things that could burn are the numerous paper junk mail ads delivered on a daily basis. I challenge anyone to post a true report of a cabin fire on a cruise ship in the past twenty years.

I'm going to politely take exception with your statement that furniture, carpeting, draperies, mattresses, wall coverings, etc., in cabins are not flammable. I have been a fire/arson investigator for many years and I can assure you that the items you mentioned are indeed flammable. Fire retardant doesn't mean that things won't burn. It's supposed to slow down the amount of time it takes for something to burn. It's also important to note that fire retardant treatments tend to break down over time.

The furniture is made of particle board that is essentially wood chips mixed with glue and pressed together. The woodgrain is actually a laminate attached to the pressboard with more glue. This stuff will not only burn, but will generate smoke that is noxious due to the chemicals introduced during the manufacturing process. Foam in furnishings contains petroleum and will burn and generates thick smoke. The good thing is that every stateroom has a smoke detector and a sprinkler.

I don't mean to sound alarmist because we live with this stuff all around us everyday, and the chance of having a major out of control fire on a cruise ship is minimal. I personally don't give it a second thought when I'm cruising. I just go about my business and have a good time. However, sometime during the first day my wife and I will walk around our stateroom deck to locate and memorize all potential escape routes from our cabin. In case of low visibility, I point out any landmarks for reference along the way. I also make a mental note of where the fire extinguishers and fire hoses are located on our deck. I know the crews are trained, but I don't necessarily want to be at their mercy to get us out.

[Arwen]

When I see a first or second time poster banging the drum on a smoking or dressing or the cruise ship company is wrong subject, I have to suspect that they have been participating in one of those on-line seminars that tell people how to harass smokers, other passengers, or cruise ship lines.
We have over 300 days on Holland America Line and I don't smoke. I have never experienced a smoking odor in a cabin, overflowing sewage, poor air conditioning or a hostile clerk at the company.

I have been on 8 HAL cruises, and enjoy the service and their itineraries. You are very fortunate to have had 100% trouble free cruising!:D

I have experienced stinky staterooms, 2 out of 8, one that was so bad that the odor could not be eliminated during our stay, the second was better as the ozone machine was used on two consecutive days at which time we had to be out of our stateroom. Oh, and on one occasion, we had A/C issues. The A/C was on full blast and our stateroom so cold that it could have been a meat storage locker. Hubby bought a HAL Hoodie to stay warm. It eventually was fixed...took two days.

Stuff happens, and we still cruise. But, in no way is HAL nor any other cruise line perfect. It is the cruise line's response to a problem that matters to me.

Oh, and we have 110 days.

[Arwen]

I agree that it's ridiculous to ask for a deep cleaning of your stateroom prior to even boarding. What a waste of the crew's time, not to mention if the 80% of people who are non-smokers, as suggested above, did this it would likely increase the cost of your cruise. I think a little more reason is needed when it comes to this issue. :)


I agree about not requesting a deep clean prior to boarding. However, what compensation or accommodation does one receive when entering a stateroom that DOES reek? I am not trying to instigate anything here, but it is fact that two out of our eight cruises on HAL we encountered stale clinging cigarette smoke.

Perhaps, HAL gambles that whoever gets that room is, in fact, a smoker and won't care. For me, it is not o.k. to enter my stateroom, wanting to put away luggage, clothing, etc....and to have to wait.....till the next day to get help with this issue (and vacate the room), not convenient on a sea day.

I see now, however, that HAL will be banning smoking in all staterooms after 2012, but will allow it on the verandahs. Some CC'ers will obviously will be joyful and others will be downright angry. Sigh. :(

[Fblack]

It's still not enough to get me back on HAL. We have sailed with them numerous times including a 26 day B2B 24 months ago; and could NEVER go on our balcony and enjoy some quiet, smoke free time. We were quite upset and felt that we "over paid" for a balcony cabin and we could never enjoy it. That was the last straw for us. So it's been 100% Celebrity for us since then and will be until HAL stops smoking also on balconies.

[Amuse Bouche]

I've only been on one previous HAL cruise, but since i don't like crowds and masses of people, and I loved every second of my cruise on HAL, ergo my name. I doubt that I will go anywhere else because it's a perfect fit.

Oddly, on my previous cruise, the whole time I didn't know that smoking was allowed in the room. The ashtray was on the table by the veranda, and I assumed it was brought in during the hosing down of the verandahs.

I smoke occasionally, but my DH doesn't. I rarely smoked on the verandah out of courtesy of him. Usually once in the morning while he was showering, and once in the evening after he turned in.

I will appreciate, welcome, and applaud the new 2012 restrictions. I don't like sleeping on a smokey pillow. And believe it or not, my sense of smell is acute, as is my sense of taste. Smoking a cigarette is much different than breathing in smoke. I don't know why, it is tho. Even the taste is different.

I'm also not comfortable smoking inside, probably because I'm from California. I don't like smoking at the bar, or the casino. I will if there are more smokers smoking, but that may be just trigger reaction.

I know everything I'm saying means I should just quit. I tend to be tightly wound, and quitting has never worked. Now, if I could decompress 3 times a year on a cruise...I would probably forget what brand I smoked. ;)

[Wayfairers]

My DH is actually allergic to cigarette smoke, thanks to his parent smoking around him when he was a child. So, our aversion to smoke goes beyond the smell of stale smoke. I am glad HAL is changing their policy and hope our luck continues and our room in October was not been occupied by a smoker before us. I understand people smoking when advertisements told people it was actually good for them, but now that it is a known killer I don't understand how anyone can smoke. As a cancer survivor I understand life is short... apparently not everyone understands this.

[silverado44]

My DH is actually allergic to cigarette smoke, thanks to his parent smoking around him when he was a child. So, our aversion to smoke goes beyond the smell of stale smoke. I am glad HAL is changing their policy and hope our luck continues and our room in October was not been occupied by a smoker before us. I understand people smoking when advertisements told people it was actually good for them, but now that it is a known killer I don't understand how anyone can smoke. As a cancer survivor I understand life is short... apparently not everyone understands this.

Your DH can't be allergic to cigarette smoke. It is not an allergen, it is an irritant. :rolleyes:

[Fblack]

This web site claims that you can have an allergy to cigarette smoke.

Cigarette Smoke Allergy
Cigarette smoke allergy is caused by the numerous toxic chemicals and irritants found in cigarette smoke. Not only are people with a cigarette smoke allergy extra sensitive to cigarette smoke than others, but recent studies also show that smoking may actually aggravate allergies. Common cigarette smoke allergy symptoms may include: burning or watery eyes, nasal congestion, or coughing.


http://allergies.emedtv.com/cigarette-smoke-allergy/cigarette-smoke-allergy.html

[jimmy2x]

"Just when I thought I was out - it pulled me back in."

The threads that never seem to die.:D

[Host Walt]

OK folks, time for some reminders.

1. If you have an issue with the nature of a post on this or any other threads on Cruise Critic, don't post your objections. Rather please use our reporting system by clicking on the little triangle http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/buttons/report.gifin the upper right corner of every post. That action by you will automatically shoot off an email to Joe and me so we can evaluate the situation and, if necessary, take the appropriate action.

2. Please stay on the topic created by the original post in the thread. For example, the question of whether cigarette smoke is an allergen or an irritant...or both...is not responsive to the original post nor does it have much to do with cruising.

3. Please do not reply to posts that are no longer in the thread. The post was removed for one or more reasons. Responding to the removed post, or questioning why it was removed, accomplishes nothing except creating confusion.

4. If you ever have a question about anything on the boards or about how the boards are monitored, please send either Joe or me an email. We'll answer your questions privately. Joe's email address is hostjoe@cruisecritic.com and mine is hostwalt@cruisecritic.com.

Thanks.