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

[regnig]

Please forgive my ignorance of HAL's Oosterdam layout but once the new policy, eliminating smoking on verandas and in the Oosterdam casino, goes into effect where is the comfortable inside area on the Oosterdam where one can smoke? Thanks!

[pnkandpurple]

We haven't cruised with HAL in about six years, so I may be behind the times. I have read the new smoking rules and have no problem with them. But I do have one question. If smoking is allowed in the casinos, why not on Ms. Oosterdam and Ms. Eurodam. Do you know if there is a specific reason for that?

 

After renovation their casinos are no longer closed in. No longer any walls between it and the Lincoln stage, pianos, hallway and elevator lobby.

[CHOPPERTESTER]

Please forgive my ignorance of HAL's Oosterdam layout but once the new policy, eliminating smoking on verandas and in the Oosterdam casino, goes into effect where is the comfortable inside area on the Oosterdam where one can smoke? Thanks!

 

There isn't any. Best place for exterior smoking would be the Sea View bar.

 

Be forewarned.

 

No exterior smoking during bunkering (usually turn around day for several hours).

 

No exterior smoking when they close the decks due to weather. (Happened twice on our last Eurodam cruise. Most smokers ignored the signs anyways since were no interior areas that permitted smoking).

 

No exterior smoking when they close the deck for maintenance. (Again on our last Eurodam cruise but after complaints were made they opened up a spot on Deck 10 above the Sea View bar).

 

No exterior smoking when they close the deck for private functions. Check out the group cruise thread.

 

I guess HAL now allowing e-cigarettes in cabin will help solve these issues. But this thread already has concerns about e-cigs exploding.

 

All of the ships should have an "Oak Room" interior smoking place like Noordam and the Sea View bar for exterior smoking. No need for e-cigs in cabins or casino smoking etc.

[OVgirl]

Please forgive my ignorance of HAL's Oosterdam layout but once the new policy, eliminating smoking on verandas and in the Oosterdam casino, goes into effect where is the comfortable inside area on the Oosterdam where one can smoke? Thanks!

 

Eurodam and Oosterdam only have one smoking area that is outside by the Seaview Bar. Nothing at all inside.

[regnig]

Thanks Choppertester and OVgirl for the information about the interior area OR should I say lack there of. Being a 3-star I'm well aware of how frequently they close down the smoking area at the Sea View Bar so not having an interior space to go really sucks. I've followed this thread since its inception and while I know there are 7 good CC folks (with over 100 posts each) who are now just thrilled with the new policy there are a few of us who are not.

Yes, I & DH are smokers but we have always been considerate of those who are not. Like Jacqui we have never had an issue with abutting verandas as we always discuss the situation with them and find a compromise from day one that works for everyone.

 

While we knew this change was eventually going to happen we had foolishly believed that HAL would not enact it until adequate space, both exterior and interior, for smokers had been established.

 

And, finally in rebuttal to some of the insults that have been flung about on this thread, first off we are not lacking in education, or at least both our Masters Degrees seem to indicate that fact and neither are we poor. We are both rather upstanding citizens who are spending our retirement time doing volunteer work and happen to really enjoy cruising. The fact that you do not smoke does not make you better than we are. I apologize for the rant, but it’s been a long time coming!

 

Will we take up another vice, e-cigs… Probably not. Will we head back to Princess where we are Elite and get more for our money…. Probably. Will HAL miss receiving the revenue from our not sailing them? Probably not!

 

BTW, we’ve got some prime realest on a 14 day Oosterdam cruise we will be more than likely giving up if anyone is interested!

[sandij]

Bravo!!!

[meterman2]

Thanks Choppertester and OVgirl for the information about the interior area OR should I say lack there of. Being a 3-star I'm well aware of how frequently they close down the smoking area at the Sea View Bar so not having an interior space to go really sucks. I've followed this thread since its inception and while I know there are 7 good CC folks (with over 100 posts each) who are now just thrilled with the new policy there are a few of us who are not.

Yes, I & DH are smokers but we have always been considerate of those who are not. Like Jacqui we have never had an issue with abutting verandas as we always discuss the situation with them and find a compromise from day one that works for everyone.

 

While we knew this change was eventually going to happen we had foolishly believed that HAL would not enact it until adequate space, both exterior and interior, for smokers had been established.

 

And, finally in rebuttal to some of the insults that have been flung about on this thread, first off we are not lacking in education, or at least both our Masters Degrees seem to indicate that fact and neither are we poor. We are both rather upstanding citizens who are spending our retirement time doing volunteer work and happen to really enjoy cruising. The fact that you do not smoke does not make you better than we are. I apologize for the rant, but it’s been a long time coming!

 

Will we take up another vice, e-cigs… Probably not. Will we head back to Princess where we are Elite and get more for our money…. Probably. Will HAL miss receiving the revenue from our not sailing them? Probably not!

 

BTW, we’ve got some prime realest on a 14 day Oosterdam cruise we will be more than likely giving up if anyone is interested!

 

Well said!

[kazu]

Thanks Choppertester and OVgirl for the information about the interior area OR should I say lack there of. Being a 3-star I'm well aware of how frequently they close down the smoking area at the Sea View Bar so not having an interior space to go really sucks. I've followed this thread since its inception and while I know there are 7 good CC folks (with over 100 posts each) who are now just thrilled with the new policy there are a few of us who are not.

Yes, I & DH are smokers but we have always been considerate of those who are not. Like Jacqui we have never had an issue with abutting verandas as we always discuss the situation with them and find a compromise from day one that works for everyone.

 

While we knew this change was eventually going to happen we had foolishly believed that HAL would not enact it until adequate space, both exterior and interior, for smokers had been established.

 

And, finally in rebuttal to some of the insults that have been flung about on this thread, first off we are not lacking in education, or at least both our Masters Degrees seem to indicate that fact and neither are we poor. We are both rather upstanding citizens who are spending our retirement time doing volunteer work and happen to really enjoy cruising. The fact that you do not smoke does not make you better than we are. I apologize for the rant, but it’s been a long time coming!

 

Will we take up another vice, e-cigs… Probably not. Will we head back to Princess where we are Elite and get more for our money…. Probably. Will HAL miss receiving the revenue from our not sailing them? Probably not!

 

BTW, we’ve got some prime realest on a 14 day Oosterdam cruise we will be more than likely giving up if anyone is interested!

 

Well said and a great post :)

 

Bolding is mine and I hope you don't mind me suggesting you forward those same thoughts to HAL before you cancel.

 

whatever cruise line you sail, I hope all your cruises are wonderful :)

[Snooksi]

YAYYYYYY regnig!!

 

I'm so glad you spoke up. LOVED your post and I agree with every word!

 

My December Christmas cruise will be my first and last HAL cruise. I only booked this cruise BECAUSE they allowed smoking on verandas and we wanted to take a nice, relaxing cruise at Christmas. We will sail on RCCL in May (sailed on the Allure's last smoking-on-the-balcony cruise before their policy change) only because I want to take my grandson on his first cruise. I guess I will learn where the smoking deck areas are. However, it will probably be my last cruise on any line. I have problems with insomnia and I'm not about to get dressed and undressed 3 or 4 times in the middle of the night when I can't sleep, so I can walk 4 or 5 decks away to have a cigarette. I'm certainly not going to walk around in my robe! Otherwise, I have no problem with the policy as long as we are allowed to smoke at the designated smoking deck area 24/7, which people have said won't happen due to weather, maintenance or whatever.

 

What I do have a problem with are the non-smokers who have nothing more to add to the various cruise line's smoking thread and only choose to gloat or exaggerate. I have never read so many over the top emotional posts with the most outrageous exaggerations than I have on Cruise Critic. Did you know there are people who cruise on RCCL who spend their expensive vacations "camping" out on their balconies just praying they "catch" a smoker who violates the policy, so they can run to Guest Services to turn them in? What a pathetic way to spend your vacation...hunting illegal cigarette balcony smokers. The smoking threads certainly make for some great entertainment, but some posters go so far overboard (great pun) and get so ridiculous that I literally have walk away from my computer.

 

Only my $.02 worth, which certainly doesn't matter to any cruise line.

Edited October 2, 2016 by Snooksi

[Bookited]

Thanks Choppertester and OVgirl for the information about the interior area OR should I say lack there of. Being a 3-star I'm well aware of how frequently they close down the smoking area at the Sea View Bar so not having an interior space to go really sucks. I've followed this thread since its inception and while I know there are 7 good CC folks (with over 100 posts each) who are now just thrilled with the new policy there are a few of us who are not.

Yes, I & DH are smokers but we have always been considerate of those who are not. Like Jacqui we have never had an issue with abutting verandas as we always discuss the situation with them and find a compromise from day one that works for everyone.

 

While we knew this change was eventually going to happen we had foolishly believed that HAL would not enact it until adequate space, both exterior and interior, for smokers had been established.

 

And, finally in rebuttal to some of the insults that have been flung about on this thread, first off we are not lacking in education, or at least both our Masters Degrees seem to indicate that fact and neither are we poor. We are both rather upstanding citizens who are spending our retirement time doing volunteer work and happen to really enjoy cruising. The fact that you do not smoke does not make you better than we are. I apologize for the rant, but it’s been a long time coming!

 

Will we take up another vice, e-cigs… Probably not. Will we head back to Princess where we are Elite and get more for our money…. Probably. Will HAL miss receiving the revenue from our not sailing them? Probably not!

 

BTW, we’ve got some prime realest on a 14 day Oosterdam cruise we will be more than likely giving up if anyone is interested!

I'm a non smoker and I totally agree with everything you stated.

[Aquahound]

Like Jacqui we have never had an issue with abutting verandas as we always discuss the situation with them and find a compromise from day one that works for everyone.

 

That is a very stand-up thing to do. If you were my neighbor and approached me with that conversation, I would gain so much respect for you. The only thing I would have asked from you is to avoid smoking while we're eating breakfast on our balcony. In return, I'd offer to buy you a drink, or any other return gift you'd enjoy.

 

I think it's this lack of compromise, that's so common nowadays, that has led to this being such a contentious topic.

Edited October 3, 2016 by Aquahound

[OceanTraveller4ever]

As I do respect addiction to nicotine, I think that smokers can adapt to keeping

their habits going without inconveniencing ordinary passengers on the balconies.

 

Congrats to HAL.......

[lahlah57]

As I do respect addiction to nicotine, I think that smokers can adapt to keeping

their habits going without inconveniencing ordinary passengers on the balconies.

 

Congrats to HAL.......

 

I understand it but respect is taking it a little far. I agree with you otherwise.

[OceanTraveller4ever]

Agreed it was a bit of an hyperbole....but addiction is serious, and smoking is quite an intrusive activity on ships.....

 

But not anymore on HAL balconies :)

Edited October 3, 2016 by jpelleti007

[OceanTraveller4ever]

Does anyone have the HAL customer email address so we can thanks them for this momentous change in their policy.

 

Clean air, clean lungs, no stink.....the way of the future :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

My two cents -- I am very happy to hear that smoking will no longer be allowed on balconies/verandahs.

[dalmrl]

I can't find this announcement on Hal's website. Where is it????

[IRL_Joanie]

Well, got the word from my HAL PCC this morning that the word came down the pipes Friday regarding no more balcony smoking.

 

Since I am basically tethered to my stateroom and verandah/balcony, our cruise this November will be my last on HAL.

 

It is so easy for those of you who are mobile to say we smokers can go to the Sea View Bar, Oak Room or ... Easy, that is, if you can do it easily. Some of us cannot.

 

So, while I will be cancelling all of my future cruising, I hope hubby can still enjoy, and even can now cruise to places that I could not/would not.

 

Have fun enjoying your cruises smoke free and the knowledge that you have deprived a large enough percentage of the cruising population of their vacation(s).

 

IRL_Joanie

[Turtles06]

This is a very welcome development. HAL has some really interesting itineraries, but my wife and I sail in balcony cabins, and have declined to sail on HAL because of the smoking policy. So this new policy opens up another cruise line to us! :)

 

I do find it odd that what is, imho, a major development by a major cruise line, has gotten such little attention outside this thread, which itself is not a thread that would make a reader think it contains breaking news.

[Cruise Junky]

Have fun enjoying your cruises smoke free and the knowledge that you have deprived a large enough percentage of the cruising population of their vacation(s).

 

IRL_Joanie

 

That is completely your choice. 100% on you. Don't try and shift the drama to someone else.

[alwaysfrantic]

Well, got the word from my HAL PCC this morning that the word came down the pipes Friday regarding no more balcony smoking.

 

Since I am basically tethered to my stateroom and verandah/balcony, our cruise this November will be my last on HAL.

 

It is so easy for those of you who are mobile to say we smokers can go to the Sea View Bar, Oak Room or ... Easy, that is, if you can do it easily. Some of us cannot.

 

So, while I will be cancelling all of my future cruising, I hope hubby can still enjoy, and even can now cruise to places that I could not/would not.

 

Have fun enjoying your cruises smoke free and the knowledge that you have deprived a large enough percentage of the cruising population of their vacation(s).

 

IRL_Joanie

 

I worried about you when I read the announcement. While I am pleased with the change I knew you'd mentioned in your kind and helpful posts that you were a smoker.

 

Have you ever tried electronic cigarettes? Would that work while in your cabin and still allow you to enjoy cruising?

[3rdGenCunarder]

This is a very welcome development. HAL has some really interesting itineraries, but my wife and I sail in balcony cabins, and have declined to sail on HAL because of the smoking policy. So this new policy opens up another cruise line to us! :)

 

I do find it odd that what is, imho, a major development by a major cruise line, has gotten such little attention outside this thread, which itself is not a thread that would make a reader think it contains breaking news.

 

I'm surprised they haven't updated the FAQs on the website. You would think for a big change like this they'd have a new page ready to load right away. I can't find a link to a press release on the "news" page.

 

I'm more surprised at the time frame. Final payment is due 90 days out, right? For those first cruises on the list, it's close to final payment. For some passengers, this change is a big negative. I hope in fairness to smokers, the news about the change will get out there quickly so they can decide if they still want to sail.

 

For the record, I'm a nonsmoker and I'm delighted that I don't have to worry when I book a balcony cabin. But I have no desire to see the change pushed beyond this. I can avoid the casino and the Seaview bar. (And if I forget and walk through the smoking side of the aft deck, I promise not to wave my hand in front of my face or cough)

[OCruisers]

.......

I'm more surprised at the time frame. Final payment is due 90 days out, right? For those first cruises on the list, it's close to final payment. For some passengers, this change is a big negative. I hope in fairness to smokers, the news about the change will get out there quickly so they can decide if they still want to sail.

......................

 

I'm also surprised at the short notice!

This is a BIG change. Seems it should be Headline News.

[sp2]

Well said regnig!

 

I am not a smoker but DH is. We will be sailing on Westerdam in November on what will probably be our last HAL cruise, unless we find a must-do unique itinerary. We have enjoyed our cruises on HAL, but in the absence of a policy allowing smoking on balconies, I don't think there is much to distinguish HAL from the other lines. We will probably focus on Princess for a while as we are already Platinum and working on Elite. Having an inside venue for smoking when there is inclement weather is important and Churchill's fits that bill on Princess, with no smoke spilling over into other areas. We will have no problem working on our loyalty points with Celebrity in warm weather climes, where having an inside smoking venue is not really an issue. Both provide a quality product similar to HAL. To me its unfortunate that HAL has chosen to do this and it will be interesting to see what happens next for them.

 

My best wishes to IRL_Joanie, I have enjoyed your posts and knowledge of HAL ships and hope you will be able to find another good vacation option to enjoy!

 

Happy cruising all!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I'm also surprised at the short notice!

This is a BIG change. Seems it should be Headline News.

 

Lulu, it should be, I posted it in a separate thread with the official announcement from HAL on Friday morning but CC pulled the thread so not sure why:confused: Someone felt that all discussion about smoking could only be done on this thread. Sadly MANY will not know because they would not even consider opening this thread to read. I know I certainly would not have had I not been shocked that my thread was pulled. I have actually spoke with a few people this weekend that read CC frequently and they were shocked they had no idea but they also would never bother reading this thread. Totally a loss for the HAL CC Board on important news that needs to be told.