qsuzi

Vapor/steam can set off smoke alarms. I set off an alarm in a hotel once by taking a really steamy shower. With e-cigs, you're likely to be safe because you would not be exhaling directly into the smoke alarm.

Thanks!

Key cards that are your ID and open your cabin door are presented with a small folded card holder which is the deck plan.

What a nice touch. So looking forward to our first cruise on HAL. I was pleasantly surprised to see the luggage tag included my name. Are luggage tags the same color or is it different by deck or other things?

Yes. Also individual video monitors and microphones on each balcony. They are infrared for evening surveillance. All balcony activity will be closely monitored by a dedicated staff......

Thanks for the humor. :) Are you trying to give me ideas for the balcony? :)

Not that I've observed, not even on their newest ship, Quantum of the Seas. Not sure that they would even work well in an open air environment such as a balcony, but I suspect that guests on neighboring balconies will be quick to report anyone who fails to observe the new policy

I am a non-smoker. Just thought the information was strange and wrong.

Odd question - why do you ask?

My friend's TA told them that and it sounded strange to me. As negc says the balcony is an open air environment.

to add to Sail, it is in the key holder. If you are both new to HAL, you can ask for an additional one so you each have one.

What is a "key holder"?

Is it true that RCL has smoke detector's on cabin balconies on some ships/newer ships?

Does HAL give you a deck plan when you check-in?

My apologies - I created a newer thread to have a better chance to get responses from those who use e-cigs in Princess cabins.

No..they are not smoke, only vapor and vapor does not set off the alarms. We have used them in cabin when Princess changed the smoking policy (banning smoking, but allowing ecigs in the cabins).

Thank you for responding. I should have created this thread - aimed at those who have used them - instead of the other thread. Sorry.

Do e-cigs set off the cabin smoke detector?

I believe e-cig's are not allowed to be smoked in your state room. You need to check the Princess website.

From Princess website: Electronic Cigarettes

The use of electronic cigarettes is allowed within the confines of the guest's stateroom (balcony not included) and within designated smoking areas only.

I was referring to the "on-line check in" (Express Docs) on HAL's website. They want you to fill it out before you board (by at least a week as I recall). From this, you can print off the Signature Preferred Boarding Pass, as well as your contract and your luggage tags.

 

DaveOKC

Thanks for clarifying.

Do e-cigs set off the cabin smoke detector? Vapor vs. smoke.

Same here - most of the time we do not need them, but some ports ask for them, so better to be prepared. Definitely fill out the form however, as it makes checking in alot easier.

What form are you talking about and where do you get it?

Your Signature Preferred Boarding Pass is part of the Express Docs, and is technically the only document needed. The rest of the docs are your contract, but also might include info about your transfers, Drink package, etc.

Thanks for confirming/comments.

Why do we need to bring Express Docs and what do they contain (other than the Signature Boarding Pass)? Per HAL

"For embarkation, remember to bring the following items:

Your Signature Preferred Boarding Pass

Appropriate identification and passport

Visa and immunization information, if required for your itinerary

Express Docs"

For other cruise lines we only need our boarding pass.

Thank you for your comments/information Thrak, Shredie, and sknight. From this thread and the smoking thread I have the information needed for the Crown. I do have a list for the Star but it is not as extensive.

Thank you Shadow and Working for your responses.

Would appreciate specific information for the Crown and Star on what open deck areas are available for smoking. We want to obey the rules and the information will help us in cabin selection. Thank you.

I bought e-gift cards. You get them in an email. You can apply them to a balance on a cruise. If the balance you're paying is less than the card, the remainder stays on the card.If you take the e-card and apply it to your S&S, it's just like cash. It you don't spend it all, you get a refund check when you get home.

Do you get the e-gift card e-mail the same day as you purchase it? Do you just print out the received e-mail and turn it into guest services on board? Is the e-mail a copy of an e-card. I just want to make sure what I would be getting since our cruise starts Saturday. Thank you.

I can appreciate you wanting to extend your time on the ship, but doing this also slows down the ability for the next cruisers to get onboard. So please have some consideration for them as well.

It is especially chaotic and crowded just before embarkation at this port so the consideration of those disembarking is appreciated.

Thanks again to all for your comments and suggestions.

I appreciate ALL the comments. Guess I have just been looking at too many pix and comments about the Veendam and the Westerdam. It took us awhile to even think about HAL and we are ready for the experience. A special thank you to Lizzie for your comment. After 30ish cruises it is great to be this excited and have sweeter anticipation.

What do you do to make the time go faster or seem to go faster between HAL cruises? We are so eager to try HAL but our first HAL cruise isn't until March. Any tips?