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

[Lizzie68]

[quote name='qsuzi'][COLOR=Navy]Sail, reading everyone's comments does have an impact and the reality is that even the most considerate balcony smoker may/will have a negative impact on someone nearby (above/below/side) who has a difficult time smelling smoke. When HAL changes to no smoking on balconies I hope they make the necessary changes that will be best for smokers and nonsmokers (indoor places well ventilated, etc.) I have read so many comments from nonsmokers (other cruise lines) who now have issues on other areas of the ship that smokers are now coming to. General comment: Change and adjustments are difficult or some are resistant but with a few exceptions they are possible to make. Some of us don't want to or can't understand what it is like to be in someone else's shoes whatever the issue is. [/COLOR][/quote]

When the smoking is on the aft Lido or any designated indoor/outdoor space, it can be avoided. When it is adjacent to your balcony your only recourse is to not use your balcony. No way to avoid it.

As to walking in someone else's shoes, I wonder how many smokers think like that when forcing others to share their smoke whether they like it or not, whether it affects their health or not, whether they can breath or not. Some are considerate, but if you go by what is posted here, it is their right to smoke on the balcony so to heck to everyone else. HAL will eventually catch up with the rest of the world, it is just a matter of time, but in the meantime we can register our discomfort with their policy.

[tip]

[quote name='Lizzie68']When the smoking is on the aft Lido or any designated indoor/outdoor space, it can be avoided. When it is adjacent to your balcony your only recourse is to not use your balcony. No way to avoid it.

As to walking in someone else's shoes, I wonder how many smokers think like that when forcing others to share their smoke whether they like it or not, whether it affects their health or not, whether they can breath or not. Some are considerate, but if you go by what is posted here, it is their right to smoke on the balcony so to heck to everyone else. HAL will eventually catch up with the rest of the world, it is just a matter of time, but in the meantime we can register our discomfort with their policy.[/QUOTE]

Very well said!

[sail7seas]

[quote name='qsuzi'][COLOR="Navy"]Sail, reading everyone's comments does have an impact and the reality is that even the most considerate balcony smoker may/will have a negative impact on someone nearby (above/below/side) who has a difficult time smelling smoke. When HAL changes to no smoking on balconies I hope they make the necessary changes that will be best for smokers and nonsmokers (indoor places well ventilated, etc.) I have read so many comments from nonsmokers (other cruise lines) who now have issues on other areas of the ship that smokers are now coming to. General comment: Change and adjustments are difficult or some are resistant but with a few exceptions they are possible to make. Some of us don't want to or can't understand what it is like to be in someone else's shoes whatever the issue is. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]


[B] I have posted many times on this forum that I do not request HAL ships go smoke free. I have urged a covered, weather protected area on deck for smoking, continue to permit it on one side of aft pool and if possible, provide a well ventilated indoor place where smokers can have their cigarettes.

I will continue to urge HAL, in the strongest way possible, to discontinue verandah smoking.

[/B]

[OVgirl]

I truly think that we all know that eventually HAL will discontinue smoking being allowed on the verandas. It's just a matter of waiting, which for some is taking too long. They have heard the voices on both sides of the issue and will respond accordingly.
And honestly, I don't think they will ever provide an enclosed indoor area for smoking. It costs too much for them to do this and takes up valuable real estate.
In the mean time just be patient and enjoy the cruises that you book on your preferred cruiseline.

[LindaM]

HAL would have to allow smoking in some areas if they banned it on verandahs. Smokers need to have a place to smoke. On Regent, it is allowed on one side of one of the rear bars. I had to "tattle" on a man who wanted to smoke a cigar there and he was quite put out! There is also a room for smokers, in between 2 bars. When the door opens, the smoke leaving the room is unbelievable. I actually feel sorry for the people who have to smoke in there.

[Lizzie68]

If you take out all the recycled posts that say the same thing over and over again, just in case we missed it the first 20 times the poster said it - the page would probably be just that - 1 page.:D:D

[RuthC]

[quote name='Lizzie68']If you take out all the recycled posts that say the same thing over and over again, just in case we missed it the first 20 times the poster said it - the page would probably be just that - 1 page.:D:D[/QUOTE]
[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="RoyalBlue"]There's no icon, so I'll type: Like. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Host Walt]

Daily reminder:

[quote name='Host Walt']We have established this thread to be the "go to" thread for all discussions pertaining to Holland America's on board smoking policies. This thread is intended to make it easier for all Cruise Critic members to discuss these policies and any future changes thereto.

Here's a link to HAL's policy summary [URL="http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action?tabName=Shipboard+Life&WT.ac=pnav_FBG_ShipLife#"]Shipboard Life: Is smoking allowed on board?[/URL] - Click on "Shipboard Life" and a drop down menu will appear. Click on "On Board Policies" in that menu and you'll see the last question is "Is smoking allowed on board?"

Here's the currently posted policy (as of August 9, 2014):

-----
[FONT=Fixedsys]Is Smoking Allowed On Board?[/FONT]
[FONT=Fixedsys]
[/FONT][FONT=Fixedsys] For the comfort of all of our guests, all staterooms (cabins), showrooms and most other indoor areas are designated non-smoking. While smoking is not permitted in staterooms, guests are allowed to smoke on stateroom verandahs. Smoking is also permitted on certain other designated, outside decks. The designated smoking areas for all ships are as follows unless otherwise noted.[/FONT]


[LIST]
[*][FONT=Fixedsys]Stateroom verandahs[/FONT]
[*][FONT=Fixedsys]Casino (Active players only)[/FONT]
[*][FONT=Fixedsys]Seaview Bar[/FONT]
[*][FONT=Fixedsys]Outside Decks[/FONT]
[LIST]
[*][FONT=Fixedsys]Sports Deck[/FONT]
[*][FONT=Fixedsys]Observation Deck ([I]ms Prinsendam, ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Noordam, ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam[/I], and [I]ms Zuiderdam[/I] only)[/FONT]
[/LIST]

[/LIST]

[FONT=Fixedsys] Cigar and pipe smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the ship; it is only permitted on the outside decks where smoking is otherwise allowed and on stateroom verandahs. Electronic cigarettes are permitted in staterooms but not in other public areas of the ship other than on outside decks designated as smoking areas.[/FONT]


[FONT=Fixedsys]Any guest who smokes inside staterooms in violation of our policy will be charged a US$250 cleaning fee per day of violation.[/FONT]

----

Reminders.

1. Our [URL="http://boards.cruisecritic.com/faq.php?faq=guidelines"]community guidelines[/URL] continue to apply to this thread.

2. This is a forum for discussions of cruising and associated topics. [COLOR=Red][B]It is [U]not[/U] a forum for discussing the health, economics and public policy aspects of smoking, whether associated with cigarettes, pipes, cigars or controlled substances (marijuana).
[/B][/COLOR]
3. Discussions of this approach to smoking posts and other board policies are off topic and will be removed. Please post discussions of this approach for smoking posts to this thread: [URL="http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2080851"]Single Smoking Thread on the HAL Board - a Sticky [/URL]

Thanks for your understanding and continued participation on the Cruise Critic forums.[/quote]

Well over 20 posts that wandered off topic and/or were quarrelsome have just been removed.

Before posting your next post please be sure it is in conformity with the guidelines and is on topic.

Thanks.

[sppunk]

I'll just post this here: I'm 95 percent sure HAL's verandah smoking policy changes February 2016.

[Lizzie68]

[quote name='sppunk']I'll just post this here: I'm 95 percent sure HAL's verandah smoking policy changes February 2016.[/quote]

That far away? That's disappointing. I (and others) had figured by mid-2015 latest. Oh well, time will tell.

[freestyling]

I'll just post this here: I'm 95 percent sure HAL's verandah smoking policy changes February 2016.

 

I had thought with the launch of new ship the policy would change as well. As a former smoker I only find the casino quite "smoky". I have been very lucky so far on the balcony with no cig or cigar smoke that has been an issue.

[Danni3ll3]

I'll just post this here: I'm 95 percent sure HAL's verandah smoking policy changes February 2016.

 

I was hoping that this change would happen before June 2015. =( We have a 24 day cruise in the Mediterranean booked then (HA was the only cruise line with the itinerary that we were looking for) and reading these posts is freaking me out. I really don't like the smell of cigarettes and will go out of my way to avoid it. I abhor the smell of cigarettes on my clothing and it doesn't matter if it is outside or inside, my clothes seem to pick up the odour and I can smell it for days after. I am hoping for the best and hope that picking a cabin second from the bow on the Rotterdam deck will minimize our risk of getting smoked out on our verandah.

[peddieplease]

I was hoping that this change would happen before June 2015. =( We have a 24 day cruise in the Mediterranean booked then (HA was the only cruise line with the itinerary that we were looking for) and reading these posts is freaking me out. I really don't like the smell of cigarettes and will go out of my way to avoid it. I abhor the smell of cigarettes on my clothing and it doesn't matter if it is outside or inside, my clothes seem to pick up the odour and I can smell it for days after. I am hoping for the best and hope that picking a cabin second from the bow on the Rotterdam deck will minimize our risk of getting smoked out on our verandah.

 

Aw, don't let it freak you out. From the sounds of it, most people are not inundated with cigarette smoke on their balconies. As for your clothes picking up the smell and lasting for days, really? I could certainly see it if you were in the casino and sitting next to a smoker, but I can't imagine the smoke lingers in your clothes to that degree when you're not exposed to it that long. I do hope your cabin allows you to enjoy your cruise, however! :)

[candelaria]

Aw, don't let it freak you out. From the sounds of it, most people are not inundated with cigarette smoke on their balconies. As for your clothes picking up the smell and lasting for days, really? I could certainly see it if you were in the casino and sitting next to a smoker, but I can't imagine the smoke lingers in your clothes to that degree when you're not exposed to it that long. I do hope your cabin allows you to enjoy your cruise, however! :)

 

yes sometimes we have alot of smoke drift on our balcony. Why should we have to put up with this crap?:cool:

[kelleherdl]

I mentioned the casino issue on my most recent (1 week ago) survey. I wrote that I would probably succeed in losing a lot more money if i didn't cashout as often due to the smoke. :)

I appreciate that onboard casinos are space limited. All the more reason to restrict. The response i received was clearly not stock as there were simple spelling errors on key words. Response was not specific, but it did acknowledge the concern of passengers. But i guess as long as Club 21 is making enough money there is little economic incentive to change.

Dennis

[Danni3ll3]

Aw, don't let it freak you out. From the sounds of it, most people are not inundated with cigarette smoke on their balconies. As for your clothes picking up the smell and lasting for days, really? I could certainly see it if you were in the casino and sitting next to a smoker, but I can't imagine the smoke lingers in your clothes to that degree when you're not exposed to it that long. I do hope your cabin allows you to enjoy your cruise, however! :)

 

For some reason, cigarette odour is something I can really smell so yes, even casual exposure over a few seconds will stick to my clothes. You might tell me it is psychological and even if it is, I can still smell it. Can't change my brain, ya know! ;)

[cruisin'girl]

yes sometimes we have alot of smoke drift on our balcony. Why should we have to put up with this crap?:cool:

I guess because you chose to book a balcony on a cruise line that you knew allows smoking on balconies.

[summersigh]

yes sometimes we have alot of smoke drift on our balcony. Why should we have to put up with this crap?:cool:

 

HAL is the only one of the major cruise lines with most of its ships based in the US that allows smoking on the balconies. There are a lot of other lines to choose from where you would not have to "put up with this crap". :)

[cruiseing marly]

I think of this a thread about smoking on HAL . I think we all have the right to talk about our experiences negative and positive . I would like it banned on balconies as it negatively affects my experience on a cruise. A smoker will be negatively affected if it's banned. Personally I don't like controversy so it would not be likely that I would ask my neighbour not smoke ! Not every one is reasonable when it comes to this addiction !

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[taxmantoo]

I'll just post this here: I'm 95 percent sure HAL's verandah smoking policy changes February 2016.

 

The sooner the better :D

[tip]

HAL is the only one of the major cruise lines with most of its ships based in the US that allows smoking on the balconies. There are a lot of other lines to choose from where you would not have to "put up with this crap". :)

 

No one should be forced to choose as to whether or not they should breathe second hand smoke on their balcony be it HAL or any other cruise line!

[Sow There]

No one should be forced to choose as to whether or not they should breathe second hand smoke on their balcony be it HAL or any other cruise line!

Just like no one should be forced to choose to take a cruise on a ship that belches filthy smoke from consumption of bunker C fuel oil versus a resort vacation where smoking is permitted on a beach. (There are alternatives to bunker C, but the cruise lines won't spend the money for the retrofit and/or the fuel.) A puff of cigarette smoke drifting by is nothing compared to that stink from the black pollution from the stacks.

 

We love cruising but we find the stink from the exhaust when the wind blows it back or when an atmospheric inversion forces it down onto the ship to make us seriously consider other vacations. We found recently that river cruises satisfy our yearning for an "at sea" experience without having the concomitant stinky exhaust. Yes, smoking is permitted on most (perhaps all) longboats and passenger barges but I've never heard a complaint on board about second hand smoke.

Edited December 29, 2014 by Sow There

[sail7seas]

Just like no one should be forced to choose to take a cruise on a ship that belches filthy smoke from consumption of bunker C fuel oil versus a resort vacation where smoking is permitted on a beach. (There are alternatives to bunker C, but the cruise lines won't spend the money.)

 

We love cruising but we find the stink from the exhaust when the wind blows it back or when an atmospheric inversion forces it down onto the ship to make us seriously consider other vacations. We found recently that river cruises satisfy our yearning for an "at sea" experience without having the concomitant stinky exhaust. Yes, smoking is permitted on most (perhaps all) longboats and passenger barges but I've never heard a complaint on board about second hand smoke.

 

 

This is a diversion from the subject.

This thread is about tobacco smoking on HAL ships.

What other air pollutants may be present are for another thread, another subject.

 

It's the same as inserting obesity into a smoking thread.

Doesn't apply.

 

[VioletHorse]

I mentioned the casino issue on my most recent (1 week ago) survey. I wrote that I would probably succeed in losing a lot more money if i didn't cashout as often due to the smoke. :)

I appreciate that onboard casinos are space limited. All the more reason to restrict. The response i received was clearly not stock as there were simple spelling errors on key words. Response was not specific, but it did acknowledge the concern of passengers. But i guess as long as Club 21 is making enough money there is little economic incentive to change.

 

Dennis

 

So true. I've spent more money in the casino on our 2 Celebrity cruises (smoke free casino) than in our 9 HAL cruises combined.

 

HAL is a cheap date for us. OV rooms (we've been smoked out of our balcony too many times) and no casino spending keep it pretty affordable. ;)

[sppunk]

That far away? That's disappointing. I (and others) had figured by mid-2015 latest. Oh well, time will tell.

It's too late for a chunk of 2015, they will announce at least 6 months out due to cancellation needs.

 

A new ship gives a chance to set a date and have all ships adhere to the same rule as the new one.

 

Balcony smoking to me is much bigger of a safety issue than anything else and IMO any line that allows it is taking a massive risk of casualties. I'm honestly surprised insurance companies allow cruise lines to allow it, especially after the Princess fire.