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

Host Walt

By Host Walt,
in Holland America Line

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aussiewalker

aussiewalker

Posted
Posted
We have over 1000 days on HAL and always stay in verandah cabins.

And we have been bothered by smoke quite a few times. A couple of cruises we could not even use our verandah.

 

I think you mean you chose not to use your verandah. I can't believe you were not allowed on your verandah by HAL, it was your own choice.

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taxmantoo

taxmantoo

Posted
Posted
Our message to the OP is that booking (and paying extra money) for a balcony on HAL is a bit like playing craps. Sometimes you win, sometimes your break even, and other times you really crap out!

 

After several "lucky" cruises on HAL where we were totally unaffected, we finally crapped out on our recent Mediterranean cruise in a Neptune Suite on the Rotterdam deck. Smokers on the balcony to the left of us, smokers on the balcony to the right of us and smokers on the balcony above us :eek: Our balcony time was cut short quite a few times when we heard their doors opening.

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holacanada

holacanada

Posted
Posted (edited)

Just like this,

 

Why this thread doesn't move to the File identified as the voluminous «Smoking Thread…»

It's annoying with time and a little bit incidious for the smokers like me who browsed CC every day. If you want to get rid off the smoke, just choose a line who is entirely smoke free. Sorry to be so reactive but I am tired that the others choose the way it should be in my stead.

 

Holacanada from Quebec City

Edited by holacanada
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sandij

sandij

Posted
Posted

I have never been bothered with smoke, I have noticed it but don't let it affect my cruise. There are many other lines people can go on who are so sensitive, there are no other lines for smokers so it seems unfair to me that they get beaten up over this matter.

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TAD2005

TAD2005

Posted
Posted

In all of our cruises with HAL, we've only been bothered by balcony smoking once, and that was late at night. What really bugs us is the inconsiderate slobs who toss their cigarette butts in the water drain right at the edge of the balcony floor. It is designed to allow wave and rainwater to drain off of your balcony. There's nothing more disgusting than seeing someone's butts floating by your balcony in the water drain. They at least have the common sense not to throw the butts overboard, so the lazy bums throw then into the drain and let the rains wash them away. I've seen whole packs of cigarettes floating by, where the morons forget that it gets quite breezy out there once underway.

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highway180

highway180

Posted
Posted

The answer is simple. Sail Celebrity as they do not tolerate smoking in MOST areas of the ship. If you dislike smoke you shouldn't have to tolerate it from your neighbors, period. And that is especially true for people with health issues and allergies as my DW has.

 

If you don't mind it, by all means , sail away wherever!

 

Just my humble opinion

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

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Flafun888

Flafun888

Posted
Posted

"Celebrity has eliminated all indoor smoking, balcony smoking and casino smoking. It's worked for them and they are more popular than ever."

 

Unfortunately, even though Celebrity doesn't allow balcony smoking, I still had to deal with it throughout last year's cruise...every day around late afternoon/early evening, I could smell smoke sitting on my balcony. I never could find the person smoking even though I tried to look around. Was frustrating, as I specifically chose X for that reason vs any other line. Not much they can do if I can't demonstrate who was the smoker. Maybe I'll have more luck next year :)

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kazu "Live from...." Rare

kazu

Posted
Posted

I thought smoking discussions were now on the smoking thread.

 

But,since this one is going one,I'm going to throw out a different scenario that WAS posted on the smoking thread.

 

Yes, on our Pearls of the Pacific cruise, I was one of those "evil" people that like to have a cig after dinner. Some of my roll call member didn't even know I smoked so that tells you how much.

 

In any case, smoke bothered my next door neighbours' wife (whom I had already introduced myself to.)

 

So, we set up a simple arrangement. I would check to see if they were out but to be safe, I would just turn on my light when I had to have my after dinner smoke and then turn it off. Then they were safe ;)

 

We became great friends on that cruise and I still remember the kind email I got after saying "you made a controversial issue non existent - thank you"

 

It's easy - just talk.

 

Most "evil" people while entitled to use their balcony as they see fit are fair and want to make sure that everyone can enjoy their balcony mutually.

 

Just my two cents (which isn't worth much in Canada)

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ne1travel

ne1travel

Posted
Posted

I do appreciate all of your responses. I am glad they haven't removed this yet as it was very helpful to me.

I have nothing against smokers and did not mean for anyone to be offended.

We found a nice HAL Panama cruise from FT Lauderdale to San Diego where our daughter lives and could meet up there.

We both are bothered by smoke however and are sensitive to it. Just from the responses, we most likely stay with Princess and cruise it to LA instead.

Thanks again, happy cruising.

 

 

 

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kennicott

kennicott

Posted
Posted

Doesn't appear to be much new of importance, as of late, regarding the HAL balcony smoking issue, other than it is becoming quite evident that more and more loyalists from other lines are being attracted to HAL due their lenient smoking policy.

 

We had about 250 days sailing on HAL. A lot of folk post that they haven't had a problem with smokers on HAL, but how recent has been there last cruise and experience? They might forget the smoking problem with HAL didn't evolve until most of the rest of the majors eliminated balcony smoking. So, the fact they had not witnessed much of a problem 2.5 years or more ago means nothing, either had we.

 

When this thread originally began there was a lot of uncertainty as to whether or not, or if so when, HAL would also eliminate balcony smoking. Then there was the question as to whether or not smokers from other lines would in significant numbers switch over to HAL. Back then some commented on doubts as to there being any flood of new guests to HAL just because of the smoking issue, since there was little evidence of smokers changing allegiances at that early stage of policy changes.-----Conversely, how many faithful were going to abandon booking with HAL due to their "only game in town" lenient balcony smoking policy.

 

It appears to me two questions have for the most part been proven out by the myriad of posts herein. 1. It looks like HAL is in no hurry to significantly alter smoking procedures on its ships. 2. There is considerable evidence that quite a number of smokers have switched to HAL. Before this all began demographics suggested that approximately 8% of HAL's guests were smokers. It has got to be considerably more than that today."

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Old As Dirt Mom

Old As Dirt Mom

Posted
Posted

Got off Maasdam two weeks ago, had a Neptune Suite on the 14-day Alaska itinerary, and spent a great deal of time on our large verandah. Occasionally caught a whiff of cigarette smoke from somewhere, not sure which verandah or direction it might be coming from. It was never prolonged. Most smokers congregated on the port side of aft Seaview bar which was designated smoking area, and were respectful of smoking restrictions. Noticed a few officers smoking back there, too. Since we never visit the casino, can't tell you how it was there, other than we didn't notice an overwhelming smell of smoke. Had a great cruise, smoking was not an issue.

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Hlitner "Live from...." Rare

Hlitner

Posted
Posted

About time :). But we are somewhat surprised about the timing and relatively fast implementation. We know of several World Cruise regulars who book suites so that they have a decent smoking venue (on their balcony). One wonders if anyone will cancel.

 

Hank

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