This Thread Is To Be Used For All Discussions About HAL's On Board Smoking Policies

We have been on eight Holland America cruises in recent years. Our experience---

 

Perhaps we're been lucky, but smoke has never been a problem for us on the balcony.

 

We don't frequent the casino, so I can't comment on that.

 

We have never been bothered by a sense of smoke in any indoor area. The outdoor smoking area is well placed in the back and secluded.

 

We have been on other lines that have more restrictive smoking policies. Their problem---MORE people smoking in outdoor areas, often around the pool and outside lounges....these have sometimes been more annoying than we encounter on HAL. Lucky perhaps, but I for one think the current policy is working well.

We are gong on 300 days sailing with HAL ourselves. Pretty much share your past experiences with smokers on HAL as well. However, past cruise experience doesn't mean much under current smoking circumstances on HAL. What's important are the developments resulting from recent industry wide policy.

Unfortunately for HAL or maybe fortunately over the last year or so if you are a smoker, not by their own doing, all of the major cruise lines, including the HAL American Group, except HAL, as well as every line represented by the big three cruise conglomerates, have discontinued allowing balcony smoking. Meaning, HAL is the only game in town in that regard. Many worry that due that circumstance smokers will gravitate to Hal, leaving behind their other favored lines. Therefore, HAL's current smoking policy hasn't changed and did work okay in the past, but that was yesterday, now, due industry changes, HAL is impacted with a new contingent of hard core smokers. Sometime back when this thread was created there was an element of doubt whether or not that should or should not be a concern. Unfortunately, facts as well as posts hereon prove that it is a definitely a significant issue.

Now, in our case we are HAL four stars and honestly we are not paranoid about a whiff of smoke now and then on our voyages. But we are also cruisers who book balconies, if not available we do not book, plus, we book the long ones, longest being three months on HAL. That said, we do draw the line over taking a chance of having chain smoking cigar smokers on our nearby balconies for days on end. Consequently, we have canceled two HAL cruises and booked instead with Princess, as we don't want to chance it, those two cruises amounted to about 85 days of sailing.

But in fairness, this on-board smoking dilemma is a fairly recent development and the full impact of negative ramifications may not have had the chance to really materialize yet. I for one stay tuned in here and post now and then, like I'm doing now for that reason, if pertinent events change, for better or worse, at least we will be informed.

Don't forget that over 50% of balcony use takes place under mostly zero wind conditions, when the vessel is tied up at the pier, at anchor or moving very slowly during sail-aways and arrivals.

 

There is this perception that balcony smoking only takes place when the ship is under way with a gale blowing through and throughout the balconies. Our many days of sailing, going on 600, proves otherwise, as rarely do we experience much wind on our balconies except during stormy conditions with wind blowing into our side of the ship or near to it.

Great post and certainly a reflection of our experience too.

We'll be cruising for the first time with HAL during Christmas break, and I am getting a bit nervous about the smoking. When I booked, I really didn't think to check if smoking was allowed on balconies. I figure if we're unlucky and get neighbors who smoke, we'll just limit our time on the balcony. My question though is for the actual cabin itself. Can you smell cigarette smoke in them? What if previous cruisers smoke on balconies with the door to their cabins open, will smoke get into cabin and be absorbed by furniture? I can deal with avoiding balcony when my neighbors smoke, but I definitely will not want to sleep in a cabin where I can smell cigarette smoke.

Have you ever knocked on your neighbor's door and explained your concerns to them? Sometimes some smokers don't realize their cigar/cigarette smoke is bothersome.

Oh, yes. We did on a Princess cruise. We were on one of the little ladies, the Royal, before she was sold. It was a wonderful itinerary on a small ship, marred by the couple smoking next door. The balconies were covered, which trapped the smoke. We asked them if there would be a time we could coordinate use of the balcony as I am severely allergic to smoke. That made things worse. When they heard us open our balcony door, they ran outside and lit up. It was like one of them was always in the cabin. They smoked so much that the passageway was smokey. It was just from their room. Passenger Services wouldn't do anything about it even though people walking down the passageway past their cabin complained.

I suppose some people might be willing to coordinate. But, many smokers feel so beleaguered, that they generally won't cooperate.

Rethinking our HAL cruise in 2016 because of the smoking issue. We really wanted to cruise with HAL again.

Although I have yet to have a bad experience with smoking cabin neighbors, I did harbor hope that the policy allowing balcony smoking would change before the final payment due date for 2016 cruises. Oh, well, looks like that will not happen.

I couldn't agree more. I also wish they would stop it in the casino. I haven't smoked on my balcony in I don't know how long. I fully realize that it will inconvenience the people next door and even a few balconies over.

Although I have yet to have a bad experience with smoking cabin neighbors, I did harbor hope that the policy allowing balcony smoking would change before the final payment due date for 2016 cruises. Oh, well, looks like that will not happen.

It is buyer beware for readers of this lengthy thread. Sadly most cruisers do not read CC and encountering the public smoking issues on board will be a culture shock for some.

We'll be cruising for the first time with HAL during Christmas break, and I am getting a bit nervous about the smoking. When I booked, I really didn't think to check if smoking was allowed on balconies. I figure if we're unlucky and get neighbors who smoke, we'll just limit our time on the balcony. My question though is for the actual cabin itself. Can you smell cigarette smoke in them? What if previous cruisers smoke on balconies with the door to their cabins open, will smoke get into cabin and be absorbed by furniture? I can deal with avoiding balcony when my neighbors smoke, but I definitely will not want to sleep in a cabin where I can smell cigarette smoke.

I haven't smelled smoke inside any of the cabins I've stayed in since Hal has banned in cabin smoking. I'm quite sensitive to smoke.

I haven't smelled smoke inside any of the cabins I've stayed in since Hal has banned in cabin smoking. I'm quite sensitive to smoke.

We tend to agree with one notable exception. On the Prinsendam we once had a cabin where we often could smell faint traces of cigarette smoke. This was a real mystery to us as our cabin was nowhere near any smoking areas or passenger balconies. The mystery was finally solved when we discovered that the crew smoking lounge/area was in an area one deck down and not far from our cabin. The assumption was that some of the smoke was simply passing through the ventilation system. After a few cruises on the P-Dam we finally figured out that if we booked our usual forward (Porthole) cabins we should always select a cabin on the forward Starboard Side. The smoke odor seemed to only vent to the Port Side corridor and adjacent cabins.

Hank

We tend to agree with one notable exception. On the Prinsendam we once had a cabin where we often could smell faint traces of cigarette smoke. This was a real mystery to us as our cabin was nowhere near any smoking areas or passenger balconies. The mystery was finally solved when we discovered that the crew smoking lounge/area was in an area one deck down and not far from our cabin. The assumption was that some of the smoke was simply passing through the ventilation system. After a few cruises on the P-Dam we finally figured out that if we booked our usual forward (Porthole) cabins we should always select a cabin on the forward Starboard Side. The smoke odor seemed to only vent to the Port Side corridor and adjacent cabins.

 

Hank

While lines publish passenger smoking areas, they fail to do so for the crew's areas. It's only through CC that we've learned to avoid certain cabins because of them.

If you smoke you can't likely smell it..

That's a very important point. When a smoker claims that the smell can't be noticed, or ridicules and demeans someone who smells smoke, accusing them of exaggerating or faking, it shows how desensitized their sense of smell has become.

What's important are the developments resulting from recent industry wide policy.

 

Unfortunately for HAL or maybe fortunately over the last year or so if you are a smoker, not by their own doing, all of the major cruise lines, including the HAL American Group, except HAL, as well as every line represented by the big three cruise conglomerates, have discontinued allowing balcony smoking. Meaning, HAL is the only game in town in that regard.

Not exactly accurate. For example, Seabourn allows smoking on its balconies.

So their realtor told your realtor who told you who then posted on CC... Details sometimes get a little fuzzy when the story if fourth hand. :)

I am a non-smoker. I loathe the smell of smoke. That being said, I am related to and know people who are rabid non-smokers who behave just like these purchasers. I suspect reality lies in there somewhere (afraid of lurking odour, stains on the walls which also reek when washed for years after, etc). I won't be happy if I've paid for the pleasure of a balcony just to have the smell of smoke wafting into my space. But I won't deprive someone else of the pleasure of a smoke in peace when they have been driven into small corners of society to enjoy their puff. Perhaps I'll negotiate a schedule if there is a bothersome draft coming from a neighbour...

I am a non-smoker. I loathe the smell of smoke. That being said, I am related to and know people who are rabid non-smokers who behave just like these purchasers. I suspect reality lies in there somewhere (afraid of lurking odour, stains on the walls which also reek when washed for years after, etc). I won't be happy if I've paid for the pleasure of a balcony just to have the smell of smoke wafting into my space. But I won't deprive someone else of the pleasure of a smoke in peace when they have been driven into small corners of society to enjoy their puff. Perhaps I'll negotiate a schedule if there is a bothersome draft coming from a neighbour...

I imagine some smokers might be open to a schedule but I bet the majority would not. It is after all allowed on Hal. Yes, smokers have smaller areas in which they can smoke but prior to recent years it was the majority that had to suck it up and deal with second hand smoke. Thank goodness for progress.

I imagine some smokers might be open to a schedule but I bet the majority would not. It is after all allowed on Hal. Yes, smokers have smaller areas in which they can smoke but prior to recent years it was the majority that had to suck it up and deal with second hand smoke. Thank goodness for progress.

I'm sure not sorry to see smoking in public go but I do feel sorry for the smokers. It is a tough addiction. You're probably right about the schedule though.

I'm sure not sorry to see smoking in public go but I do feel sorry for the smokers. It is a tough addiction. You're probably right about the schedule though.

I'm a former smoker and wasn't that difficult for me to quit. My dad is a former smoker and a man with zero willpower and he did it so it can be done. It's having the desire to quit.

I'm sure not sorry to see smoking in public go but I do feel sorry for the smokers. It is a tough addiction. You're probably right about the schedule though.

Yes it is. There is more help available for drug addicts than there is for nicotine addicts. I am very strong person (or so I've been told;)) and I still count it as one of the hardest things I ever did. But perhaps because I was a chain smoker, badly addicted. However, the feeling of achievement and freedom once you've kicked it (especially the freedom!) is immeasurable.

Thank you, Ruth. The real point was that they didn't smell any smoke during 2 lengthy showings in our home, but when they walked into the garage and saw the old ashtray and then walked back into the house they immediately were coughing and gagging with the smoke odor they hadn't smelled just seconds before. I get a kick out of a poster here who I know and have seen several times on a cruise enjoying having cocktails sitting at the bar with friends who were smoking. Now even a whiff of smoke outdoors cannot be tolerated.

When one lives in a state such as mine, where I am just about never exposed to smoke, when I go to the ships and sit on my verandah, if the neighbors are smoking it is disgusting for me. We had to put up with public smoking when it was permitted but I (and a great many others) have become accustomed to smoke free living. Once used to never being around it, many us cannot stand to be around it. If we were accustomed to it 12 years ago, that has long since ended in many places so it impacts us far more.

It is a rare smoker who truly understands.

Once again the topic is smoking policy on HAL, nothing else. Please stay on topic. Thanks.

Once again the topic is smoking policy on HAL, nothing else. Please stay on topic. Thanks.

Your patience is admirable, Walt !!

Tom

Not exactly accurate. For example, Seabourn allows smoking on its balconies.

Yes, there are a few of the "smaller operators" who still allow some balcony smoking. That is why I said "Major Cruise Lines". Seabourn is not one of those.

"Seabourn Cruise Line

Where You Can Smoke: As of February 2, cigarette smoking is permitted on suite balconies only on Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest, and, depending on ship, on one side of Observation Bar/Lounge (except during coffee and tea service hours), one side of the Sky Bar (except during Sky Grill food service on Seabourn Pride, Spirit & Legend) and one side of Seabourn Square Terrace and Club Terrace. Electronic cigarettes may be used in all suites.

Where You Can't: As of the date above, smoking is prohibited in all passenger cabins on all ships, and on balconies in category B suites on Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend. All all ships, most public areas are smoke-free.

Cigar and Pipe Smoking: Passengers are prohibited from smoking pipes and cigars anywhere inside the ship, including in suites and on balconies. Cigar and pipe smoking is permitted only on open decks (Seabourn Pride, Spirit & Legend) and only on the starboard side deck area of Seabourn Square Terrace on Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest."

Yes, there are a few of the "smaller operators" who still allow some balcony smoking. That is why I said "Major Cruise Lines". Seabourn is not one of those.

 

 

"Seabourn Cruise Line

 

Where You Can Smoke: As of February 2, cigarette smoking is permitted on suite balconies only on Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest, and, depending on ship, on one side of Observation Bar/Lounge (except during coffee and tea service hours), one side of the Sky Bar (except during Sky Grill food service on Seabourn Pride, Spirit & Legend) and one side of Seabourn Square Terrace and Club Terrace. Electronic cigarettes may be used in all suites.

 

Where You Can't: As of the date above, smoking is prohibited in all passenger cabins on all ships, and on balconies in category B suites on Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend. All all ships, most public areas are smoke-free.

 

Cigar and Pipe Smoking: Passengers are prohibited from smoking pipes and cigars anywhere inside the ship, including in suites and on balconies. Cigar and pipe smoking is permitted only on open decks (Seabourn Pride, Spirit & Legend) and only on the starboard side deck area of Seabourn Square Terrace on Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest."

I don't know what your definition of "major cruise lines" might be, but the travel and cruise industry consider Seabourn to fit in the category. For example:

https://www.iceenterprise.com/cruise/cruise_lines.jsp

Yes, there are a few of the "smaller operators" who still allow some balcony smoking. That is why I said "Major Cruise Lines". Seabourn is not one of those.

 

True, but you also said (bolded below):

What's important are the developments resulting from recent industry wide policy.

 

Unfortunately for HAL or maybe fortunately over the last year or so if you are a smoker, not by their own doing, all of the major cruise lines, including the HAL American Group, except HAL, as well as every line represented by the big three cruise conglomerates, have discontinued allowing balcony smoking. Meaning, HAL is the only game in town in that regard.

Which would seem to include Seabourn, which is part of Carnival Corporation. Hence the confusion. (At least on my part.)

I don't know what your definition of "major cruise lines" might be, but the travel and cruise industry consider Seabourn to fit in the category. For example:

https://www.iceenterprise.com/cruise/cruise_lines.jsp

Yes, I understand your point, I thought folks would understand I was talking in the context of the major cruise lines, I should have been more explicit. There are a number of these smaller outfits who still allow significant smoking when compared to the major's new policies. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and Saga are two more with balcony smoking like Seabourn allows. Here is a good link to many company relevant smoking policies. http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=225

Regarding definition of "Majors", I have always regarded majors as the big boys, global in scale, as defined by Berlitz among others. Majors---Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, HAL, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Carribean International----That is 10 but I would consider two more by adding the not so global AIDA Cruises and Star Cruises.

There are approximately 75 companies with oceangoing cruise ships, 85 if non-ocean going concerns are included. All total they carried about 22.8 million passengers in 2013 but compared to the top 12 the percentage carried by the rest is almost insignificant. There are 70 in the "Smaller Operator" category, but that includes AIDA and Star.

In summary, what is impacting HAL is the new no balcony smoking policies of the big boys, not those of the small players on the block.

We tend to agree with one notable exception. On the Prinsendam we once had a cabin where we often could smell faint traces of cigarette smoke. This was a real mystery to us as our cabin was nowhere near any smoking areas or passenger balconies. The mystery was finally solved when we discovered that the crew smoking lounge/area was in an area one deck down and not far from our cabin. The assumption was that some of the smoke was simply passing through the ventilation system. After a few cruises on the P-Dam we finally figured out that if we booked our usual forward (Porthole) cabins we should always select a cabin on the forward Starboard Side. The smoke odor seemed to only vent to the Port Side corridor and adjacent cabins.

 

Hank

Hank

much thanks for the information. I have been looking at the spring 2016 TA on the Prinsendam. I had already decided not to bother with a balcony due to the smoking policy. But it hadn't occurred to me to worry about the crew's areas.... when selecting an inside/ocean view cabin.

-Holly

a Transatlantic is a long time to deal with smoke induced head aches..... but the price and the route look perfect. 70+ cruises, first time on HAL.