Review says " smoking not allowed in cabins"" [Archive]

gizmo

April 7th, 2006, 09:16 AM

Do you think it is possible to keep this thread on track and get the question answered ?

If anyone wants to talk about the evils of smoking, how many people smoke, how many don't smoke, opinions on smoking on ships etc...............

PLEASE START ANOTHER THREAD.

I am not trying to be rude or anthing like that, but I would like to know the answer without wading through tons of the usual posts on smoking.

Thanks,
Giz :)

venicecruiser

April 7th, 2006, 09:48 AM

elmorejj

April 7th, 2006, 10:23 AM

It`s totally amzing to me that people who have one cruise under their belts can suddenly be authorities on a whole cruise line and know what is and is not allowed........jean:cool:

Randyk47

April 7th, 2006, 10:36 AM

I kind of wonder about the information. The Dutch Night thing alone makes me curious as we were on the Volendam a month ago, it had gone through SOE in December as I recall and we had Dutch Night. :confused:

grannynurse

April 7th, 2006, 11:00 AM

Hi Giz,
I definitely agree with you. I just want my question answered not philosophical discussions on "my evil habit".

How would you word the thread heading?

or
Maybe I'll wait until Sail7Seas gets home. I'm sure she'll know the answer.

Thanks for your ideas.

and Jean, you certainly hit the nail on the head!

GN

lindleyjulie

April 7th, 2006, 11:30 AM

Just returned last sunday from Westerdam, whilst on board we were at the front desk,this guy came up and said he couldn't find an ashtray in his room and was he in a no smoking room, all our staterooms are smoking and are throughly cleaned afterwards was the reply from front desk so that clears that up:rolleyes:

trubey

April 7th, 2006, 11:41 AM

Although we all know that the HAL website is a pile of youknowwhat, they have not changed their page re smoking in cabins:

Planning & Advice:
On-board Policies

Smoking
For the comfort of all of our guests, designated smoking and nonsmoking areas are available in most lounges. Smoking is not permitted at any time in dining areas. Our ships do not have "nonsmoking" staterooms; however, all rooms are thoroughly cleaned after each cruise to assure the comfort of our guests. All showrooms are nonsmoking during performances.

elmorejj

April 7th, 2006, 11:43 AM

I checked it too, hoping to find any updates on the smoking thingy, but nothing new! TG!!:cool:

dsawyer

April 7th, 2006, 11:47 AM

There was one provided in our cabin on the 3/25/06 Noordam cruise.

jhannah

April 7th, 2006, 01:07 PM

The "Know Before You Go" booklet we received yesterday says the same thing trubey posted above. There was no notice included in the docs to indicate there was any change to the published smoking policy.

peaches from georgia

April 7th, 2006, 01:16 PM

The website and Know Before You Go are usually the last to know and publish any new policy. And customer service gives 10 different answers to every question.

All I want HAL to do is tell us the TRUTH- what will the policy be for the next 6 months minimum so we will have a chance to cancel (or book), knowing the FACTS! That is NOT too much to ask. It's our money! :mad:

gizmo

April 7th, 2006, 01:27 PM

Brown Eyed Gurl responded and I posted this on the other thread.

The main office was telling this to everyone, there were no ashtrays in our room. Paperwork in rooms directed smokers to lounges and decks that had ashtrays or signs. Before our trip we were told by our TA and read in the HAL documents that smoking was allowed in staterooms, but I can only assume it recently changed??

Thanks for your response. I got another question.

Did the main office tell you personally, that smoking was not allowed in cabins or did you just hear this from someone?

It is very common not to have an ash tray in the cabin. If you need one, you ask for it.

If I recall correctly there is some paper work that mentions there are designated smoking areas on the ship.

Peaches,

I agree.

jhannah

April 7th, 2006, 01:42 PM

If there was a change in policy, wouldn't they have inserted something in our docs for a sailing three weeks from now announcing it? They did have the dining experiment notice (we're sailing the Oosterdam.)

MikeT718

April 7th, 2006, 02:11 PM

I just spoke to DW and we got our Docs on monday this week for our April 15 O'Dam cruise and there is nothing in them about a change in the smoking policy.:confused:

krewzin

April 7th, 2006, 03:23 PM

It`s totally amzing to me that people who have one cruise under their belts can suddenly be authorities on a whole cruise line and know what is and is not allowed........jean:cool:

I hardly think she was proclaiming to be an "authority on a whole cruise line." She was simply reporting what she had been told, as well as her experience.

Are first time cruisers not allowed to post their experiences, or must they wait until they have several cruises under their belts?

frobert

April 7th, 2006, 03:27 PM

I hardly think she was proclaiming to be an "authority on a whole cruise line." She was simply reporting what she had been told, as well as her experience.

Are first time cruisers not allowed to post their experiences, or must they wait until they have several cruises under their belts?

Can't we all just get along??

krewzin

April 7th, 2006, 03:33 PM

Can't we all just get along??

I'm just sayin'..... :D

Figures yer from Clearwater, Fl.......Oldsmar here.

frobert

April 7th, 2006, 04:22 PM

Were neighbors !! When is your next cruise

krewzin

April 7th, 2006, 04:27 PM

OT/sorry folks!

July...Alaska...Zuiderdam. And you?

RuthC

April 7th, 2006, 05:09 PM

I'm wondering if it's possible the OP on the Zaandam thread misunderstood the smoking information given? IIRC she didn't say she was given a paper that specifically said "no smoking in cabins", but rather that she was given a paper that told where smoking was allowed outside the cabins. Could she have inferred (incorrectly) that smoking was therefore banned in the cabin?

For years I haven't found an ashtray in my cabin---even though smoking was allowed. I did find one there on the 3/15 Noordam cruise (happy surprise! I use them for jewelry at night). The Princess fire happened during my cruise.

I do understand that this could be a very, very new change in policy. And it could be a very, very new change on the Zaandam only. I think we need confirmation not only from other recent HAL passengers, but also from other recent Zaandam passengers.

(grannynurse, I hope this stayed on the "OT" side of your request to stay on topic.)

grannynurse

April 7th, 2006, 05:09 PM

I emailed HAL and asked about a change in the smoking policy. I'm not going to expect anything very soon, if I receive an answer I'll post it.
GN

HeatherInFlorida

April 7th, 2006, 06:33 PM

localady

April 7th, 2006, 06:41 PM

I agree with everyone that nine times out of ten there's no ashtray in the cabin. DH smokes a pipe (on the balcony) and he always has to ask for an ashtray. So not having an ashtray is not a clue.

I'll be interested to find out. Of course managing such a policy would be very difficult so they might just try a policy of discouraging it.

Did anyone call? I know we'll get 10 different answers, but if they've really changed to a "no smoking in cabins" policy you would think they would alert their staff:) .

Heather-
Sad to say, but we are usually more up to date here on the new programs. Many times I've called regarding published changes and been told, they have no knowledge of it. When I said it was announced as a press release, the HAL rep. stated that they don't get the press releases!:eek:

NoNoNanette

April 7th, 2006, 07:02 PM

Oh, geez!

The thought of not being able to smoke in my cabin is getting me nervous!:eek:

WHERE ARE MY CIGARETTES? SOMEBODY FIND MY LIGHTER! I NEED TO CALM DOWN WITH A SMOKE! ;)

(She sez whist searching for her Marlboro Ultra Light 100) :)

sailroscoe

April 7th, 2006, 08:47 PM

Nanette, ROFLMAO!!!

kryos

April 8th, 2006, 12:56 AM

I can't help but wonder ...

Just how are the cruiselines going to enforce a no smoking in the cabins rule? I can't imagine that it would be possible ... let alone feasible. Unless you were caught red-handed puffing away, who from the cruiseline is gonna be brazen enough to acuse someone of smoking ... especially if they deny it.

Sure, a no smoking rule would probably eliminate smoking on balconies ... because it is very easy to observe someone smoking there. But I can't for the life of me imagine how the cruiselines are going to be able to enforce no smoking in one's own cabin. That would be akin to telling someone they could not smoke in their own home. You paid for that cabin ... so, it's your home away from home, right? :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

grannynurse

April 8th, 2006, 01:26 AM

luv2cruz4fun

April 8th, 2006, 06:39 AM

Grannynurse - I got off Volendam last Sunday and smoking was permitted in cabins. She also said in her review that there is no more "Dutch" night on the ships that have undergone SOE upgrades. There was definitely a "Dutch" night while I was on Volendam. Saw it in the daily program and that night I saw a few women walking around in the little white hats.....

Claudia

I was on the same cruise as the OP and can say that there was no "Dutch" night on this cruise in the way of the hats, but they had the regular "Dutch" menu. The smoking policy I heard nothing about and can say that many were smoking in their cabins as you could smell it in some of the hallways passing certain cabins.

frobert

April 8th, 2006, 09:01 AM

Were heading out to Rome than to the Noordam on May 11th. Can't get here soon enough.

grannynurse

April 8th, 2006, 10:14 AM

Thank you luv2cruz4fun,
That answers my question!
GN

CM_Mom

April 8th, 2006, 10:26 AM

I can't tell you how they enforce it other than the honor system or a really sensitive smoke alarm but Disney Cruise Line has a no smoking policy in all of their staterooms. Smoking is permitted on the balconies but not inside the rooms. This policy is clearly spelled out on their website and the smoking areas are identified so it's no surprise to anyone.

I'm a newbie to HAL cruising and DD and I are really sensitive to smoke smell so I hope their "thorough cleaning" eliminates any smoke residue without introducing perfumes or other masking agents.

Opinions

April 8th, 2006, 10:50 AM

Do you remember the flap about the Carnival Pride (or was it Paradise?), which when first built was completely smoke free? Pax had to sign an agreement stating that they would not smoke with the understanding that if they broke the agreement that they would be put off in the next port with no refunds. I never heard how they controlled for, or policed for that but I do know that policy didn't even last a year.
GN

The Paradise sailed as a non-smoking ship from Nov. 25, 1998 to Sept. 24, 2004...Almost six years!

Randyk47

April 8th, 2006, 11:11 AM

Now right off the bat let me say this wasn't HAL but Celebrity but two years ago my wife and I were on the Galaxy. Our butler came to the cabin to introduce himself. While he was there we asked for ashtrays. He said smoking wasn't permitted in the cabins. OK....we didn't challenge him about it at the time even though it seemed strange. Less than an hour later our room steward came by and we asked him about smoking and ashtrays. His response "No problem...I'll go get them for you." He returned within minutes with ashtrays and never another word from the butler. (Might add this was the first of a number of problems with our butler and one of the reasons we thought the whole butler thing was overrated.) My point is that sometimes people say things, like the butler, hoping nobody will check to find out if it's true. He obviously didn't like smoking...OK...lots of folks don't....but don't lie to me about it.

HeatherInFlorida

April 8th, 2006, 11:27 AM

CM Mom, I have noticed many odd smells when entering my staterooms, but none of them was smoke:) . While not allergic, I'm extremely sensitive to it so I'm sure I would notice.

I wouldn't be concerned about it in the cabin. You will, however, encounter a lot of smoke here and there throughout the ship so just try to avoid the areas where smoking is allowed.

I Luv Crusin

April 8th, 2006, 02:09 PM

The Paradise sailed as a non-smoking ship from Nov. 25, 1998 to Sept. 24, 2004...Almost six years!

And how I wish they'd bring her back as a nonsmoking ship!!!

We just got off the Veendam and I never saw any prohibition about smoking in cabins or anywhere else. I did notice that the port side of Lido was smoking as was the casino and there was smoking on the navigation deck.

kryos

April 8th, 2006, 09:26 PM

Rita,
Do you remember the flap about the Carnival Pride (or was it Paradise?), which when first built was completely smoke free? Pax had to sign an agreement stating that they would not smoke with the understanding that if they broke the agreement that they would be put off in the next port with no refunds. I never heard how they controlled for, or policed for that but I do know that policy didn't even last a year.
I hope this is a major misunderstanding but I guess we'll find out soon enough.

By the way, are you the Rita that we met on the Rotterdam in 2004? If so I remember you're boarding in Stavanger Norway. We shared many drinks and smokes in the OB.
GN
The Carnival Paradise was a different thing entirely. Passengers booked that ship BY CHOICE. Of course, they had to agree not to smoke and to suffer great penalties if they were caught. After all, smokers had other options ... why on earth would they book the Paradise when they know it's a 100% non-smoking ship?

This is something different. If HAL changed their policy to prohibit smoking in the cabins, and other cruise lines did the same ... you would have a lot of smokers basically "stuck." Of course, they would "sneak" a smoke in the cabin ... and basically deny it if they were questioned. There would be so many people doing this, that the rule would be almost impossible to enforce.

I don't think I'm the same person you met in 2004. I was on the Rotterdam, but it was a Sunfarer cruise ... Panama Canal and Caribbean. We didn't stop in Norway. But, I did board the ship in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica ... it's first port. That was because I, ahhhhhhhh, missed the boat in Fort Lauderdale. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

Sale Away

April 8th, 2006, 11:32 PM

We just got off the Oosterdam this morning and our room did have ashtrays. One of the nights in the casino area was deemed "non-smoking". I noticed the Sports bar had a separate area with signs on the table indicating that was a smoking area (which made me wonder if the actual bar area was non-smoking). But DH took his cigars either on the verandah or up to the Oak Room. Some of the public areas may be non-smoking but I don't think it's an issue in the cabins. :cool:

And by the way, there was no "Dutch" night on our cruise... I had been looking forward to it after reading about it on here too!

mim100

April 9th, 2006, 12:28 AM

I'll be very disappointed if they do away with Dutch night....I love Dutch cooking...my ex MIL was a fabulous cook and I do miss that wonderful food..was looking forward to it on the Zui next year...

jlynnek

April 9th, 2006, 12:34 AM

And by the way, there was no "Dutch" night on our cruise... I had been looking forward to it after reading about it on here too!

Dutch Night must be hit and miss. We were on the Oosterdam 3/25 - 4/1 and we had the cute little Dutch hats.

travelgals

April 9th, 2006, 12:38 AM

The Noordam 3/15/06 permitted smoking in cabins.

Sale Away

April 9th, 2006, 01:02 AM

Dutch Night must be hit and miss. We were on the Oosterdam 3/25 - 4/1 and we had the cute little Dutch hats.

We didn't have a Dutch menu on any night. They may have worn the hats one night. After our tablemates (5 on a table for 8) didn't show up on the 1st formal night we decided that if we were going to be eating alone, we'd rather have dinner delivered to our cabin and eat on the verandah! Not sure I like this whole "flexible" dining concept if it means that the dining room manager won't move us to fill in a different table rather than make us eat by our lonesomes at a too large table in the dining room. :( And there were LOTS of empty tables. More so than I've ever seen on any of the other cruises we've been on.

RevNeal

April 9th, 2006, 01:07 AM

We didn't have a Dutch menu on any night. They may have worn the hats one night. After our tablemates (5 on a table for 8) didn't show up on the 1st formal night we decided that if we were going to be eating alone, we'd rather have dinner delivered to our cabin and eat on the verandah! Not sure I like this whole "flexible" dining concept if it means that the dining room manager won't move us to fill in a different table rather than make us eat by our lonesomes at a too large table in the dining room. :( And there were LOTS of empty tables. More so than I've ever seen on any of the other cruises we've been on.

One evening on the Oosterdam this past January I actually ended up eating alone ... at a table for 8. It wasn't THAT bad, but I did feel a teeny bit conspicuous. Then, a kind person invited me over to their table. :)

Vic The Parrot

April 9th, 2006, 05:54 AM

GN ... and all other fellow smokers

All I have to say is "bull"

It's allowed in cabins, and your verandah if you're lucky to have one.
So, if ya got em ... smoke em

:cool:

grannynurse

April 10th, 2006, 06:04 PM

Hi all,
This is the reply I got frm HAL regarding smoking in cabins.

"Thank you for the e-mail regarding our smoking policy.

As per your inquiry, over the years we have attempted to move with the current trends, and our current policy is to allow guests to smoke in their staterooms and balconies, and to designate certain areas both indoors and on decks for smoking. At the same time, we prohibit smoking in all dining areas and in most public rooms. This balances the needs of both non-smoking guests, and of our smoking guests, of whom we have many. We currently have no plans to prohibit smoking throughout our fleet, as we continue to have many older guests and many European guests who are much more likely to smoke. However, none of our policies is permanent, save for our commitment to guest satisfaction, and as the attitudes toward smoking change we will continue to revisit this policy.

Thank you again for taking the time to provide us with your comments. We look forward to serving you again in the very near future."

RuthC

April 10th, 2006, 06:31 PM

Well, let's hope that settles it---at least for a while.
Thanks for reporting back, grannynurse.

elmorejj

April 10th, 2006, 07:12 PM

Grannynurse, thank you, that was what I was waiting to hear, something straight from the horses mouth!!.......jean:cool:

gizmo

April 10th, 2006, 07:27 PM

Grannynurse, thanks.

I think there was some kind of misunderstanding that took place with the OP on the other thread.

kakalina

April 10th, 2006, 09:38 PM

thanks Grannynurse, I am glad to hear the information.

trubey

April 11th, 2006, 04:15 AM

Hi all, This is the reply I got frm HAL regarding smoking in cabins . . .

I'm just saying thanks for getting the official current word. So many times we beat ourselves to death on a point when we just haven't asked the right question or person. susana.

Opinions

April 11th, 2006, 10:10 AM

[QUOTE=grannynurse]. We currently have no plans to prohibit smoking throughout our fleet, as we continue to have many older guests and many European guests who are much more likely to smoke.

QUOTE]

I disagree that "older guests" are more likely to smoke...As a older senior I have found that many of my age that have survived have given up smoking...Of course that is just my perception...I find it interesting that HAL has admitted openly that they have "many older guests".

peaches from georgia

April 11th, 2006, 10:24 AM

I disagree that "older guests" are more likely to smoke...As a older senior I have found that many of my age that have survived have given up smoking...Of course that is just my perception...I find it interesting that HAL has admitted openly that they have "many older guests".

While many older guests have given up smoking, probably a majority of them, it is still true that older guests are more likely to smoke than younger pax.

Why do you find it interesting that HAL "admits openly" that they have many older guests?? HAL doesn't make a secret that the average age of their pax is 50, but why would they be ashamed of that fact anyway? These pax are what keeps HAL in business and they are happy to have them as loyal Mariners.

trubey

April 11th, 2006, 10:36 AM

[quote=Opinions
I disagree that "older guests" are more likely to smoke...[/quote]

A year ago I would have thought the same thing. However, on my transatlantic cruise last year, there were many guests, who I would politely call, much older than the average cruiser. There were also many more smokers than I would have imagined. Most seemed to take the attitude that they had lasted that long and weren't going to worry about it anymore. susana.

elmorejj

April 11th, 2006, 11:33 AM

Susana, I like your answer, that`s about how I feel!!........jean:cool:

mim100

April 11th, 2006, 12:55 PM

Hello Susana...thanks for the link to your website regarding special interest groups on specific cruises...good information to have for planning future cruises..

HeatherInFlorida

April 11th, 2006, 03:05 PM

Opinions..................I find it interesting that HAL has admitted openly that they have "many older guests".

What I find even more interesting is that anyone might see HAL "admitting" it caters to an older demographic as a negative!!!:)

For many, it's a positive.

Baby boomers are now maturing into that frightening word "older" and as we continue to see larger and larger numbers of "older" people, I think more and more advertising will be directed toward this group. I personally see this as a welcome change.

kakalina

April 11th, 2006, 03:51 PM

Heather, I agree completely. It's only a matter of time. Have you seen that commercial for an invenstment company that has "Inna-Gadda-Da-Vida " as their theme song?? Who'd a thunk it??????

Trisha

Opinions

April 11th, 2006, 05:14 PM

While many older guests have given up smoking, probably a majority of them, it is still true that older guests are more likely to smoke than younger pax.

Why do you find it interesting that HAL "admits openly" that they have many older guests?? HAL doesn't make a secret that the average age of their pax is 50, but why would they be ashamed of that fact anyway?

Every statistic I have seen shows that those over 60 are less likely to smoke than those younger...And my friends of my age most seem to be non-smokers...As a 79 year young long time HAL cruiser I find it interesting if any cruise line today admits it has many older guests..(I didn't say "ashamed".)...They all seem to be marketing their product to a younger audience...But that is only my perception of their aim.

HeatherInFlorida

April 11th, 2006, 05:48 PM

I'm sorry if I misunderstood you, Opinions, but generally speaking when one uses the word "admits", it suggests the negative.

It's rare one "admits" to something positive. You always hear someone has "admitted" their guilt ... yet rarely do I hear someone has "admitted" their innocence.

Although I will "admit";) that if we're using the true definition of the word, you definitely used it correctly:D and I misread.

kikiwik

April 11th, 2006, 07:35 PM

For those of you who don't smoke can you smell the smokey smell in your stateroom if sombody has smoked in it previous to you! I was just wondering!

HeatherInFlorida

April 11th, 2006, 07:39 PM

I haven't smoked in about 35 years. If I've ever been in a cabin where someone has smoked (and I'm sure I have), I have not noticed a smoke odor. However, there is a very strong smell sometimes when I first enter the stateroom and I'm assuming it's a combination of their cleaning agents, disinfectant, etc.

I have noticed when walking into a hotel room where someone has smoked so my smoke sensitivity is pretty strong.

The "just arrived" disinfectant smell does not linger long. I'm sure you'll be fine if you're concerned about it.

kryos

April 12th, 2006, 11:39 AM

Well, let's hope that settles it---at least for a while.
Thanks for reporting back, grannynurse.
Yes, hopefully that settles it. Hopefully, that policy will stay in effect for years to come. There's no reason that smokers and non-smokers can't co-exist on a ship in harmony. All it takes is a little bit of common sense and a lot of courtesy ... on the part of both sides of the issue.

Blue skies ...

--rita

GayleArc

April 15th, 2006, 03:19 PM

Just off the Noordam today and there was smoking and ash trays in the cabins.

peaches from georgia

April 15th, 2006, 03:29 PM

Thanks, Gayle. I knew we could count on you. Now, how was the rest of your cruise and did you like the Noordam? Compared to the Veendam?

MrLee

April 15th, 2006, 05:09 PM

I can't help but wonder ...

Just how are the cruiselines going to enforce a no smoking in the cabins rule?

--rita

Look for cameras in the towel animals! ;)

GayleArc

April 16th, 2006, 07:39 AM

Pat, We liked it more than we expected, except that it is to big. Lots of walking. If we have to fly to FLL we would take anything but a Vista. As long
as she is going out of NY we will sail on her. We all had a good time. Diane was with us and upgraded to a suite. Some of us are planning to book for Jan
and April. Again, only because it is so convienent for us.

peaches from georgia

April 16th, 2006, 08:38 AM

Thanks, Gayle. I know just what you mean. Glad you all had a good time!

stargazers

April 16th, 2006, 11:41 AM

Hi all! Just got off the Oosterdam yesterday and we had ashtrays on our balcony. I was a bit surprised! Our room did not smell of smoke at all.

We got a picture of all of us in our cute Dutch hats! It was fun!

Kristy :)

gizmo

April 16th, 2006, 04:46 PM

I also received an answer to my email to Hal on this subject. Here it is.

Thank you for the e-mail regarding your upcoming ms ZAANDAM cruise.

As per your inquiry, we have developed "designated smoking areas" on board each of our ships in the majority of public areas; however, smoking is, of course, not permitted in the elevators. We do not offer non-smoking staterooms, and we do not restrict guests from smoking in their staterooms.

Holland America Line does everything possible to ensure that each of our smoking or non-smoking guests have a pleasurable cruise experience. At this time, we have no word of a smoke-free vessel to be introduced to our fleet. Unfortunately, it seems that inaccurate information has been posted on the Cruise Critic website and we hope the above information helps to clarify our position in the matter.

Thank you again for taking the time to provide us with your comments. We look forward to serving you again in the very near future