HAL considering going totally non-smoking?

[hulamoon]

Thanks Collyberry....

 

We use Kids and Pets for puppies or X-O.

[Two@Sea]

Just to make sure my position is not lost in partial quotes, I do not ask people to stop smoking. I just leave the balcony or area. Although this thread has given me ideas on the subject, I do not personally feel good about asking someone to stop smoking if they have every right to do so on their balcony. I would be very happy if a smoker asked if I was bothered by it though and a negotiation could happen. This is just my sense of fair play. I am not offended to hear that others do ask for what they want, it is just not my style.

 

Besides my response to Usha, I want to let you know that on a prior cruise I was the one who asked my veranda neighbor first if my smoke would bother them. They said no. Regardless, I still tried to be considerate when I heard them come outside... until I realized they also smoked! :D

[DizzyDallasDi]

As a smoker (and, please understand that this is only my opinion and does not mean that all smokers will think or act this way), I would be very happy to discuss the issue with my balcony neighbor(s) and work something out that would be good for both of us. That being said, I am not a heavy smoker and may have one or two (not 10 ;)) with my morning coffee on the balcony. However, for evening cocktails, my numbers generally increase. :o If my neighbors would allow me one or two in the morning and one or two in the evening, while I'm enjoying my beverage of choice, I'd be more than happy to take the others inside or elsewhere on the ship, where allowed. That seems like a reasonable compromise to me and I'd hope my neighbors would agree.

 

However, if I was asked to completely refrain from any smoking on my balcony, that would seem an unreasonable request.

 

Please give me your feedback. Thanks!

 

Diane

[Goldeye]

Just my 2 cents... 4 cruises, all with HAL. My wife and myself are both sensitive, myself very allergic to smoke, and was annoying, but not an issue until last cruise with smoke and ashes drifting from the next balcony. Our suite also reeked - they cleaned, ozonated, not a noticible difference. We think HAL is otherwise great, but this was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's(no pun intended) back. Kudos to everyone, smokers and non alike, who don't mind the stink and FACT 2nd hand smoke is dangerous(just because it is allowed on the ship doesn't make it any more less dangerous, even though it is your "right" to smoke on the ships) - time for us to move on though. I'm sure we won't be missed, so this is probably moot. I've no doubt things have to change at some point, but it does appears HAL is attracting more smokers currently and hopefully things change before we are unable to travel, because I do think HAL is a great line. Next stop, Celebrity.

[COLLEYBERRY]

Besides my response to Usha, I want to let you know that on a prior cruise I was the one who asked my veranda neighbor first if my smoke would bother them. They said no. Regardless, I still tried to be considerate when I heard them come outside... until I realized they also smoked! :D[/quote

 

 

Now that's funny:D.. Congrats on quitting no easy feat,as I well know:)

[hulamoon]

Two@Sea...

 

I adore considerate travelers. What a funny story.

[suse]

UNREAL-

 

This thread reflects how the anti-smokers are continually throwing a monkey-wrench into any type of "live and let live" experience.

 

To them, I say.... ADIOS.... head off to Celebrity/Oceania

 

Been on Holland America for years and love it like us smokers????

 

Toughen up. You knew what you got yourself hooked on.

 

Personally.... we ADORE HAL. *puffing*

I don't understand why you are so sarcastic and angry? People have opinions. I don't like smoking neighbors. On my last HAL cruise, this past December, I had a cigarette smoker on the verandah next to me and a cigar smoker below me. I found it hell to be out there on the verandah. So, different strokes for different folks. Nobody is attacking you personally. Lighten up.:)

[RuthC]

As a smoker (and, please understand that this is only my opinion and does not mean that all smokers will think or act this way), I would be very happy to discuss the issue with my balcony neighbor(s) and work something out that would be good for both of us.

 

Please give me your feedback. Thanks!

This is strictly hypothetical for me as I book inside cabins, so never have had to deal with a smoker on the balcony next door.

 

But, I also am of the "If you don't ask, you don't get" faith, so, if I did find myself on the next balcony over from you, I would approach you in a "We have a problem; I'm sure we can work it out" tone. I would be looking for a win-win situation that we could both live with.

A little good will goes a long way.

[Zappa Fan]

I don't understand why you are so sarcastic and angry? People have opinions. I don't like smoking neighbors. On my last HAL cruise, this past December, I had a cigarette smoker on the verandah next to me and a cigar smoker below me. I found it hell to be out there on the verandah. So, different strokes for different folks. Nobody is attacking you personally. Lighten up.:)

 

I'm not angry, Suse. I just don't understand why anti-smokers are getting up in arms about Holland America. Things haven't changed. When I first cruised the line years ago, they allowed smokers. To this day, they allow smokers.

 

If you have such a strong "opinion" about "smoking neighbors" WHY would you stick with this smoker-friendly line??? Either leave or suck it up! That's life.

 

I'm light... Easy/Breezy, baby. Maybe it's time for YOU to lighten up. :)

[sail7seas]

Zappa Fan,

 

I answered that question in post #162 of this thread. Of course, that answer applies only to my personal perspective on the question.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadManOfBethesda

Yes, but during all of those dozens and dozens of cruises, HAL always allowed smoking on verandahs. Nothing has changed except for the whining about it.

 

 

 

 

What has changed is major!!!

 

Through the years of HAL permitting smoking on verandas, many states/provences/countries have been enacting very strict no smoking laws. The non-smoking population has become accustomed to not having to tolerate the stench in our every day lives.

 

We have become unable to abide it because we are never exposed to it at home so when we cruise, it is all the more offensive to us. It is a shock to us each time we breath it again each cruise because at home we never have to give it a thought.

 

None of our friends at home smoke; we never have to be exposed to it anywhere except when we cruise.

 

When on the ships, it is more distasteful because of that. And there are more of us exactly like that because more governing agencies are banning smoking in more places.

 

Soon, it will be all over the U.S.

[DutchByAssociation]

The HAL smoking questionnaire:

 

Do you plan to cruise again with Holland America?

Yes No

 

Do you currently smoke?

Yes No

 

Would you cruise again with Holland America if smoking was prohibited in all staterooms? (including verandah balconies)

Yes No

 

Would you cruise again with Holland America if smoking was prohibited in all areas aboard their ships? (including staterooms)

Yes No

 

Thanks Copper. That's what I was trying to remember the exact verbiage of

[Travalerie]

As a smoker (and, please understand that this is only my opinion and does not mean that all smokers will think or act this way), I would be very happy to discuss the issue with my balcony neighbor(s) and work something out that would be good for both of us. That being said, I am not a heavy smoker and may have one or two (not 10 ;)) with my morning coffee on the balcony. However, for evening cocktails, my numbers generally increase. :o If my neighbors would allow me one or two in the morning and one or two in the evening, while I'm enjoying my beverage of choice, I'd be more than happy to take the others inside or elsewhere on the ship, where allowed. That seems like a reasonable compromise to me and I'd hope my neighbors would agree.

 

However, if I was asked to completely refrain from any smoking on my balcony, that would seem an unreasonable request.

 

Please give me your feedback. Thanks!

 

Diane

I think that is very fair! I wish you were my neighbor in May :)

[Copper10-8]

thanks copper. That's what i was trying to remember the exact verbiage of

 

yw;)

[DizzyDallasDi]

This is strictly hypothetical for me as I book inside cabins, so never have had to deal with a smoker on the balcony next door.

 

But, I also am of the "If you don't ask, you don't get" faith, so, if I did find myself on the next balcony over from you, I would approach you in a "We have a problem; I'm sure we can work it out" tone. I would be looking for a win-win situation that we could both live with.

A little good will goes a long way.

 

And, it's a little good will by both parties that wll make the situaton work. Thank you for your kind response.

[DizzyDallasDi]

I think that is very fair! I wish you were my neighbor in May :)

 

Thank you! I hope you have better neighbors on your future cruises. :D

[Zappa Fan]

Zappa Fan,

 

I answered that question in post #162 of this thread. Of course, that answer applies only to my personal perspective on the question.

 

 

I did not and have not directed a post to you. Purposely. I don't understand why you'd reply to a conversation between myself and others. :confused: (Of course, that's my personal perspective on this subject)

[sail7seas]

This is a public forum.

 

[Zappa Fan]

This is a public forum.

 

 

You're speaking/answering for poster "Suse" now? :confused:

 

Are you one in the same? That's why you'd reply for her?

 

I'm confused. I've never had to address multiple posters while communicating with one individual.

[Sea King]

I did not and have not directed a post to you. Purposely. I don't understand why you'd reply to a conversation between myself and others. :confused:

 

IMHO if you want a personal and private conversation,

 

1. take out your cell phone and dial away

 

2. write a private email to your heart's content

 

3. hope no one "dares" to invade your "private little corner of the world" by

posting to your "conversation"

[parrotfeathers]

I know most wish the smoking thread would go away. After reading all of the posts, I think I am now more concerned over the smoking issue (puffing and odor) on my Eurodam cruise over anything else. When I booked the cruise it never occurred to me there were nonsmoking ships/cruise lines. The poster who said "yes, things have changed" is correct. I haven't been around cigarettes for years and I have visions of being immersed in a smoking club atmosphere for 7 days. I didn't realize that many people really smoked anymore. I wonder if smokers pick HAL as a first choice because it allows smoking.

[Travalerie]

I know most wish the smoking thread would go away. After reading all of the posts, I think I am now more concerned over the smoking issue (puffing and odor) on my Eurodam cruise over anything else. When I booked the cruise it never occurred to me there were nonsmoking ships/cruise lines. The poster who said "yes, things have changed" is correct. I haven't been around cigarettes for years and I have visions of being immersed in a smoking club atmosphere for 7 days. I didn't realize that many people really smoked anymore. I wonder if smokers pick HAL as a first choice because it allows smoking.

I was on Eurodam in Nov 2008 and it was not bad. I guess its been a while though and it appears more smokers have switched to HAL according to other post. We had a balcony and we only left one time due to our smokers next door. We never smelled it in the hallway-which I hate, or our room-which is worse. Some bars were smoky and I avoided the casino-but otherwise had a good experience. There are still a lot of places to go that are smoke free, like the restaurants and some of the dance areas. There are so many things to enjoy about the cruise, I think (hope) you will be ok!!

[m steve]

some smoking areas and some non smoking. They get people to the casino to smoke and lose money and others avoid it so they don't get theirs. Princess has a similar policy. On the Island Princess thery had one indoor room for smokers off the main lobby that had only 8 seats and the same people were there every night so they could smoke indoors. Looked like one of those smoking lounges in an airport. But others at a nearby bar were not bothered.

I thought balconies were added so people would limit their smoking out of doors like building do. I would think that the first 10 cabins on each side forward would not have many smokers and those with problems would choose them. It would be a smart idea for ALL cruise lines to limit those cabins as no smoking.

[HamOp]

I know most wish the smoking thread would go away.

 

I don't think that's true. With 15 pages and just 4 posts short of 300 it would seem many like this thread.

 

It seems to me that the whole thing has gotten out of reality. While I have no doubt that smoking is a problem for some, the fact is that only 20 percent of the general population smokes. That means if the general population is close to the cruise population you have a 1 in 5 chance of having a smoker upwind next door to you.

 

Go and enjoy your cruise!

[momofmeg]

As a smoker (and, please understand that this is only my opinion and does not mean that all smokers will think or act this way), I would be very happy to discuss the issue with my balcony neighbor(s) and work something out that would be good for both of us. That being said, I am not a heavy smoker and may have one or two (not 10 ;)) with my morning coffee on the balcony. However, for evening cocktails, my numbers generally increase. :o If my neighbors would allow me one or two in the morning and one or two in the evening, while I'm enjoying my beverage of choice, I'd be more than happy to take the others inside or elsewhere on the ship, where allowed. That seems like a reasonable compromise to me and I'd hope my neighbors would agree.

 

However, if I was asked to completely refrain from any smoking on my balcony, that would seem an unreasonable request.

 

Please give me your feedback. Thanks!

 

Diane

 

Di, you would be a courteous smoking neighbor. The smoking neighbors I had on previous cruises (before this last one earlier this month) were like you. That is why I used to feel nonsmokers complaining about balcony smokers was "nit picking." This last cruise my opinion changed. Our neighbor was a chain smoker. It would not surprise me one bit if perhaps his wife/SO did not allow him to smoke in the cabin, and so that was why he was out there so much.

 

Since I love being on the balcony watching the ocean flow by, (my most favorite thing about a cruise)and I normally spend a good bit of time out there, this was a hindrance.

 

As I have also pointed out, I did notice more smokers on this cruise, the promenade deck etc. Now, this was not as big a hindrance, as we were walking for exercise and we soon passed them. However, I can definitely see, HAL is now attracting more smokers, since other lines' policies are now more restrictive.

 

If I could be sure I would have a neighbor, as courteous as you, I would definitely cruise HAL again, but I am afraid I will not, and so I will think very hard before I book another HAL cruise.

[LuckyLoon]

Hi All,

 

I wish no one smoked. I wish health for all.

 

My DH has a lung disorder that makes smoke very painful for him. We've been fairly lucky so far. We go up a level when heading to a show to avoid the casino area. Have smelled smoke in our hallway last cruise. Didn't realize you could smoke in cabins. My TA originally told me only on balconies and a couple of places inside such as the casino.

 

We're lucky to live in a smoke-free state (except outdoors away from everything.) So we forget people indulge in this behavior to the detriment of others and themselves.

 

I had a friend who was very defensive about her smoking until she came down with emphysema. I hope those that smoke now never get this disease.