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

[nb125]

Im sure this thread will be immediately deleted but thought I would try. Smoking. Smoking, the most contentious issue I have seen yet on these boards. Wish we could just be civil about it. I wish HAL would set aside a few cabins toward the back of the ship for smokers, so they do not bother any one else but so that we who are still engaging in legal activity (gee, it is not like we are doing crack or smoking dope) can have a few cigarettes. Does that seem so unreasonable

 

You are wasting your time. There are some (not all) non smokers on these boards who won't be happy until they have hounded HAL into banning smoking on balconies. Once they achieve this they will object to the inevitably increased outdoor areas and campaign for that to be banned also. The casinos will probably be the last to go as HAL will be worried about loss of revenue. Once they ship is completey non smoking they will be happy - or will they? I doubt it. Some people will never be happy until they are controlling every aspect of others lives and behaviour.

[david,Mississauga]

... Some people will never be happy until they are controlling every aspect of others lives and behaviour.

 

No, no, no, it has nothing to do with controlling other people's behaviour. By all means, smoke as much as you want - just keep it to yourself. Those of us "of a certain age" have had to put up with decades of involuntary smoking on trains, aeroplanes, restaurants, cinemas - even ships. Smokers have had their day; the tide has turned. Having said that, I'm going to take a chance and we have booked our first HAL balcony on an early-season Alaska cruise. I'm hoping it's bl**dy cold which, from my experience on other lines, will keep most people indoors.

 

I know that butter tarts (even my home-made ones :D) are not good for me, but no-one forces me to consume them and I share them only with willing victims.

[Lizzie68]

You are wasting your time. There are some (not all) non smokers on these boards who won't be happy until they have hounded HAL into banning smoking on balconies. Once they achieve this they will object to the inevitably increased outdoor areas and campaign for that to be banned also. The casinos will probably be the last to go as HAL will be worried about loss of revenue. Once they ship is completey non smoking they will be happy - or will they? I doubt it. Some people will never be happy until they are controlling every aspect of others lives and behaviour.

 

That's a rather interesting insight. I guess time will tell. However, the note of bitterness in your post is kind of sad.

[cruz chic]

You are wasting your time. There are some (not all) non smokers on these boards who won't be happy until they have hounded HAL into banning smoking on balconies. Once they achieve this they will object to the inevitably increased outdoor areas and campaign for that to be banned also. The casinos will probably be the last to go as HAL will be worried about loss of revenue. Once they ship is completey non smoking they will be happy - or will they? I doubt it. Some people will never be happy until they are controlling every aspect of others lives and behaviour.

 

You mean sort of like smokers "hounding" HAL to keep the balconies a smoking area. If no one ever objected smokers would still be smoking everywhere including the MDR.

[LMaxwell]

You mean sort of like smokers "hounding" HAL to keep the balconies a smoking area. If no one ever objected smokers would still be smoking everywhere including the MDR.

 

It is funny you should mention this; I am an avid collector of vintage advertising and a recent acquisition was an old HAL ad picturing a lady in the dining room ordering, while smoking a cigarette.

[DesertPesce7751]

It is funny you should mention this; I am an avid collector of vintage advertising and a recent acquisition was an old HAL ad picturing a lady in the dining room ordering, while smoking a cigarette.

 

As they say..."Pics or it didn't happen."

 

What I mean is, we'd love to see it. What a neat hobby!

[sail7seas]

When we first started sailing HAL ships,(about 1991 or 1992), there was a smoking section in MDR on the upper level, starboard. There were about 12 or so tables where smoking was permitted. There also was a smoking section in Lido. again, starboard side in the area near the door leading to the Lido Pool.

Edited October 20, 2014 by sail7seas

[LMaxwell]

As they say..."Pics or it didn't happen."

 

What I mean is, we'd love to see it. What a neat hobby!

 

My Scanner did not survive our recent move, but I will see if I can get a half decent photo with my camera to share.

[GmaPajama]

As a smoker, I've avoided smoking threads like the plague. I've been smoke free for 9 months now, and am finally beginning to see the "other side of the story". I can hardly believe I'm anxious to cruise now, as a non-smoker, and not have to worry about when and where I can get my next smoke. :):):)

 

Though I will always and forever respect the rights of those who choose to smoke. I spent too many years defending that right.

[sail7seas]

Congratulations, Donna. Well Done!!!

Happy for you. :)

[chrispb]

My Scanner did not survive our recent move, but I will see if I can get a half decent photo with my camera to share.

 

I'd really like to see the pic, so fingers crossed you can post it:)

[Host Walt]

When we first started sailing HAL ships,(about 1991 or 1992), there was a smoking section in MDR on the upper level, starboard. There were about 12 or so tables where smoking was permitted. There also was a smoking section in Lido. again, starboard side in the area near the door leading to the Lido Pool.

Our first sail was in 1987 on the old Nieuw Amsterdam with the same experience. In addition, smoking on open decks was not restricted.

 

Neither I nor my wife smoke, but neither of us really noticed any bothersome smoke drift in the dining room or the Lido. In fact when we sailed with friends who had a greater sensitivity to tobacco smoke on the Veendam, Maasdam and Ryndam (maiden voyages for each) they remarked that they weren't even aware that smoking was permitted in the dining room. They wondered if the air circulation was engineered to somehow restrict smoke drift.

[LMaxwell]

I'd really like to see the pic, so fingers crossed you can post it:)

I will post tonight the HAL ad and a few other goodies. I will make a new thread so as not to take this one off course.

[DesertPesce7751]

Quick question, so we're going to be doing the round trip from San Diego to Peru in a week on the Statendam. We had a window room and just upgraded to a balcony, but we don't know where it will be. All of the rooms look fine and we wouldn't usually be worried about an abundance of smoke. However, if they let people smoke on the deck by the pool on the aft of deck ten, and we get assigned a balcony near that, will it be smokey all the time? Anyone have words of wisdom?

[RuthC]

However, if they let people smoke on the deck by the pool on the aft of deck ten, and we get assigned a balcony near that[/url], will it be smokey all the time? Anyone have words of wisdom?

Which deck is Deck 10? Navigation Deck?

Assuming that's the deck you're referring to, smoking is allowed in one small semi-enclosed area on one side. In order to have an impact on nearby cabins, the smoke would have to head aft, go out the side, then turn and head forward to reach the balconies in the area.

 

Frankly, I don't see that as being very likely.

[sail7seas]

Quick question, so we're going to be doing the round trip from San Diego to Peru in a week on the Statendam. We had a window room and just upgraded to a balcony, but we don't know where it will be. All of the rooms look fine and we wouldn't usually be worried about an abundance of smoke. However, if they let people smoke on the deck by the pool on the aft of deck ten, and we get assigned a balcony near that, will it be smokey all the time? Anyone have words of wisdom?

 

It probably won't be a problem but perhaps when the ship is docked, smoke could drift your way?

 

Please let us know when you return.

Have a great cruise.

 

[DesertPesce7751]

It probably won't be a problem but perhaps when the ship is docked, smoke could drift your way?

 

Please let us know when you return.

Have a great cruise.

 

 

Thanks! Will do! :D:D:D

[peddieplease]

How about if HAL would agree to take smoking out of all indoor areas (casino) and have one outdoor area, and then several balcony cabins on the one side at the rear of the ship? This could be trialed, at least. I don't see how that could then infringe on all the nonsmokers wish to not smell it. It's worth a try at least! :) I like HAL but if hubby wants to smoke on the balcony, we have so few places in this world we can enjoy that way. :) Can you give this a thumbs up if you'd be willing to accept something like this as a non-smoker?

[oaktreerb]

I don't think you need to be concerned about HAL changing it's smoking policy. I think HAL has made the decision that they will continue to allow smoking. They are a more traditional cruise line and smoking is tradition. From my experience a lot of their employees (officers) seem to smoke. Cigarettes are sold on the ships. I've never checked the prices since I don't smoke but I suspect they are well priced.

 

HAL is obviously going after this demographic at this time. As long as they can fill up their verandas they will continue to pursue this strategy.

[sammiedawg]

If HAL decides their best strategy to fill the ships is a liberal smoking policy what does that say about the strength of its product?

Oaktreerb, we saw officers smoking on the promenade deck of the Prinsendam this past July.

 

It is interesting that Reynolds Tobacco company has banned smoking on its campus.

[cruz chic]

I'm quite confident smoking will be banned by this time next year.

[tip]

Sooner or later HAL will catch on that it is now the 21st Century.

[Toad]

Having just returned from an NCL cruise, I felt compelled to comment. We had a suite on the Dawn and never smelled smoke on our balcony, HOWEVER, there was TONS of smoke in the pool area that was trapped there by the half roof and the casino was bad. Also most exits to the promenade deck had smoking areas right outside the doors. So this being said, I would say for everyone who can afford a balcony this might be great, but on the other hand there are plenty of others who like to cruise and do not always book a balcony so NCL's policy (I believe) of no smoking on balconies does not seem to be helpful to all.

 

Like Host Walt I have been cruising since the 80's, when there was still smoking in the dining rooms, and just about everywhere else on HAL ships and never really had a problem, but one time years ago when we had an avid cigar smoker next door in the penthouse!

 

So I guess my vote is to leave the policy on HAL as it is!

Edited October 29, 2014 by Toad

[cruz chic]

Having just returned from an NCL cruise, I felt compelled to comment. We had a suite on the Dawn and never smelled smoke on our balcony, HOWEVER, there was TONS of smoke in the pool area that was trapped there by the half roof and the casino was bad. Also most exits to the promenade deck had smoking areas right outside the doors. So this being said, I would say for everyone who can afford a balcony this might be great, but on the other hand there are plenty of others who like to cruise and do not always book a balcony so NCL's policy (I believe) of no smoking on balconies does not seem to be helpful to all.

 

Like Host Walt I have been cruising since the 80's, when there was still smoking in the dining rooms, and just about everywhere else on HAL ships and never really had a problem, but one time years ago when we had an avid cigar smoker next door in the penthouse!

 

So I guess my vote is to leave the policy on HAL as it is!

Yes, you've made your opinion quite clear, just as I have. Please understand just because you have not smelled smoke doesn't mean others haven't. I cruise princess often and they have banned balcony smoking. I've never smelled an overpowering smell of smoke you say you experienced on ncl. The 2 do not necessarily go hand in hand. I don't think hal is taking anyone's "vote".

[PirateShark]

As a smoker, I've avoided smoking threads like the plague. I've been smoke free for 9 months now, and am finally beginning to see the "other side of the story". I can hardly believe I'm anxious to cruise now, as a non-smoker, and not have to worry about when and where I can get my next smoke. :):):)

 

Though I will always and forever respect the rights of those who choose to smoke. I spent too many years defending that right.

 

Good for you GmaPajama :) I'd say "Go Bears" but I have a feeling they wouldn't want me to tell them where to go :p

Edited October 30, 2014 by PirateShark