Just how bad is smoking on the Noordam

[dot73]

Thank you for your post, twentyknots. Smoking or tipping threads tend to raise passions on these boards.;)

 

As long as cigarettes are legal, I don't believe that HAL will ban smoking altogether on their ships until the point where smokers are a minority of about 10%. Carnival, unfortunately, was not successful with their no-smoking ship a few years back. I read somewhere a while ago that a study showed that smokers also spent more money on liquor and in the casino. The no-smoking ship was not making enough revenue. If studies show that the percentage of American/Canadian smokers continues downwards, I think non-smoking ships will be a possibility again in the near future and I hope it's a HAL ship. The European lines will continue with their more lenient smoking policies as they cater to their European passengers who, as a whole, tend to smoke more.

 

For the non-smokers who have medical issues with respect to second-hand smoke, such as me, we will have to continue researching the ships before we book a cruise and make an intelligent decision. As I have said before, although I am allergic to cigarette smoke, I have found the smokers on HAL ships, especially the longer cruises, to be very conscientious in staying in the smoking areas and I have never had my cruise spoiled by smokers. Of course, if were to enjoy spending a lot of my time in the casino, I may be singing a different tune.

 

Bottom line is that if the OP wants a totally smoke-free casino every night, he/she will have to find another ship to sail on. The beauty of cruising travel is that there is usually a ship out there for everyone's tastes.

[azseas]

not worth the trouble -- arrogant superiority rules.

Edited October 23, 2011 by azseas

[tip]

.... I meant in general society has in recent years taken the position that second hand smoke is dangerous , it stinks, and it causes an allergic reaction for many. Restuarants, hotels, business offices, cruise ships, and public places of all kinds are announcing changes to their smoking policies. Remember just a few years ago when smoking was permitted in hospitals? Today we can't imagine that we allowed it. It's just a matter of time before all cruise ships prohibit smoking throughout the ship.

 

Very well said, indeed. I worked for over twenty years in a hospital and patients could even request a smoking or non-smoking room back in the 80's! Times change. Smoking is no longer socially acceptable.

 

"The One Who Must Be Obeyed" and I will also be sailing on the Noordam on the same January 23rd cruise as the OP and we too are concerned about others smoking and the issue of our having to breathe in second hand smoke. We have chosen HAL because we do enjoy the ambiance and like the itinerary of this particular cruise. We shall avoid the casino, the smoking side of the Lido deck, and any smoking lounges and will not complain about the smokers there.

 

We are hopeful that we will not have chain smokers on either side of our balcony. If that becomes an issue, it will be goodbye to HAL until they adopt 21st Century smoking policies. We will not be looking for a problem and hope for the best that we shall be able to enjoy our cruise.

Edited October 23, 2011 by tip

[whogo]

I'm not sure which contemporary society has gone smoke-free in their casinos. Certainly not American contemporary society. Vegas casinos are as smoky as ever and Atlantic City didn't get very far trying to ban smoking.

Illinois bans smoking in casinos.

 

twentyknots, you can not got to a Holland America casino and avoid smoking or stale cigarette smoke. Stick with Celebrity.

[RetiredMustang]

Maryland. ;)

 

Of course, you meant "The Peoples' Democratic Republic of Maryland", PDRM for short. Similar to the PDRB - the PDR of Berkeley. :D

 

Dave

[madelinerose]

Of course, you meant "The Peoples' Democratic Republic of Maryland", PDRM for short. :D

Dave

 

Nope, just Maryland, MD for short. ;)

[1 HappyCruiser]

No matter how many smokers there are on the ship after the new rule kicks into effect, the amount of smoke problems on the balconies are defitnely going to be more noticeable as they leave the rooms to have their next fix. :mad:

[luvslabdogs]

If the casino/gambling is a big part of your cruise experience that seems to suggest that you are experienced with casinos and know that there is always smoking in casinos (Vegas, Atlantic City, Monte Carlo, etc). The only place I have ever gambled where there is no smoking is on "smoke free" nights on a cruise ship (btw, seems that on those 'smoke free' nights, the whole casino is dead after 10pm - boring). I have never been bothered by smoke in a casino - been on the Noordam and smoking has never bothered me on any part of the ship including the pool area.

[Mar56]

deleted

Edited October 24, 2011 by Mar56

[dot73]

Why don't the cruiselines make one side of the ship non-smoking cabins and one side smoking. Since most non-smokers (including me) seem to be the majority now, we will have to book our cabins early to get the cabins on the non-smoking side. Once those cabins are sold out, the non-smokers will have the choice of a room on the smoking side or will have to pick another cruise. As long as smoking is legal (as is wearing a whole bottle of perfume), you cannot ban those people from ships unless the whole ship is designated as non-smoking. As a non-smoker, and one who is allergic to cigarette smoke, I have always successfully managed to avoid smoking areas on the Noordam. However, if somebody smokes in a non-smoking area or throws a cigarette butt on my balcony I will complain very loudly about it. Otherwise, let's just all get along and enjoy our cruises.

[1 HappyCruiser]

Why don't the cruiselines make one side of the ship non-smoking cabins and one side smoking. Since most non-smokers (including me) seem to be the majority now, we will have to book our cabins early to get the cabins on the non-smoking side. Once those cabins are sold out, the non-smokers will have the choice of a room on the smoking side or will have to pick another cruise. As long as smoking is legal (as is wearing a whole bottle of perfume), you cannot ban those people from ships unless the whole ship is designated as non-smoking. As a non-smoker, and one who is allergic to cigarette smoke, I have always successfully managed to avoid smoking areas on the Noordam. However, if somebody smokes in a non-smoking area or throws a cigarette butt on my balcony I will complain very loudly about it. Otherwise, let's just all get along and enjoy our cruises.

 

And just how do you expect the cruise line to sell the smoking side to non smokers especially when they know one side has no smoking? Most non smokers would avoid it like the plague and the cabins would go unsold. Not a great plan.

There is one final solution to the problem but until then enjoy the smoke.

[dot73]

As I said, if you really want a non-smoking room, you will have to book early. When you go to book a popular hotel close to your stay, chances are there are no more no-smoking rooms left and you take what is available if you want to stay there. Same thing with cruise ships. I never thought I would ever feel sorry for smokers, but some of the attitudes on these boards do. As I said, smoking is still legal. Some people have health issues being around people who use perfume or cologne. Do we ostracize those people?

 

Until it's profitable for the cruiselines to have totally non-smoking ships, smoking may be curtailed to some extent, but it will not be banned. Some non-smokers say "it's my way or the highway" while I say lets be fair and try and compromise. Snarky anti-smoking comments won't help anyone.

[iancal]

We use Priceline often to bid on hotels and we use Hotwire. In both instances we can get stuck with any room in the hotel/motel.

 

We have never been forced to take a smoking room-ever. We make it a point to call and make a request prior to arriving. More often than not, the entire hotel is non smoking-at least at the Priceline 5, 4, and 3 1/2 star levels. Same with Hotwire. We have had the same experience with Priceline and Hotwire hotels in London, Paris, and Lisbon as we have in North America and Puerto Rico.

[jimmy2x]

"Snarky anti-smoking comments won't help anyone."

 

You are quite correct. But that will not stop those who are drawn to each and every smoking thread like moths to the flame. I think it cheers them up.;)

[fleckle]

It seems strange that people would choose a ship where smoking is permitted in the casino and on the balconies and then complain that there is smoke in the casino and on the balconies.

 

That is like going into a store that sells perfumes and then complaining that it smells of perfume or choosing to attend a rock concert and then complaining because they play rock music there.

[1 HappyCruiser]

[quote name='fleckle']It seems strange that people would choose a ship where smoking is permitted in the casino and on the balconies and then complain that there is smoke in the casino and on the balconies.

That is like going into a store that sells perfumes and then complaining that it smells of perfume or choosing to attend a rock concert and then complaining because they play rock music there.[/quote]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]What so wrong about making a complaint about what most people consider a smoke problem? They like the cruise line & only want to see it improved by fixing what they consider a bad situation. Not everyone can tolerate second hand smoke like yourself.
Lets face it, being on a cruise ship is not like choosing a perfume store where a person can just walk out. When your stuck with a smoker on the next balcony it can make for a pretty miserable cruise. [/FONT]

[iancal]

It seems to me that if you select a cruise line that allows smoking on the verandah or in the casino it is hardly reasonable that you complain about it when this occurs.

I am not a smoker but when we go on HAL we fully recognize that this may happen-and that we may get a cabin that smells of smoke. It is our choice...which is why we no longer select HAL very often.

To me it would be similar to selecting a seafood restaurant and then complaining that there was too much seafood on the menu. Edited October 25, 2011 by iancal

[twentyknots]

[quote name='iancal']It seems to me that if you select a cruise line that allows smoking on the verandah or in the casino it is hardly reasonable that you complain about it when this occurs.

I am not a smoker but when we go on HAL we fully recognize that this may happen-and that we may get a cabin that smells of smoke. It is our choice...which is why we no longer select HAL very often.

To me it would be similar to selecting a seafood restaurant and then complaining that there was too much seafood on the menu.[/quote]

I think you're right. As much as we looked forward to the jan 23 cruise on the Noordam, we've decided to cancel our booking. I should have checked into the smoking policy before I made the reservation. The casino was wonderful on the Celebrity Solstice. Our airline tickets were made with dividend miles, so we've lost those free tickets unless we find another cruise out of FLL on Jan 23 that's suitable. Celebrity has the Equinox leaving FLL on Jan23, but at this time there are no cabins available we want. Maybe after the penalty phase begins there will be more cabins available.

[Sea42]

[quote name='twentyknots']I think you're right. As much as we looked forward to the jan 23 cruise on the Noordam, we've decided to cancel our booking. I should have checked into the smoking policy before I made the reservation. The casino was wonderful on the Celebrity Solstice. Our airline tickets were made with dividend miles, so we've lost those free tickets unless we find another cruise out of FLL on Jan 23 that's suitable. Celebrity has the Equinox leaving FLL on Jan23, but at this time there are no cabins available we want. Maybe after the penalty phase begins there will be more cabins available.[/quote]
I think you made the right decision. I hope you find another cruise that you can enjoy!

[jkm151]

As of Jan. 15,2012, smoking will no longer be allowed in the cabins. It will still be allowed on the balconies. We are going on Noordam Mar.16 2012. Maybe you should rethink your decision. Happy Cruising!!!

[twentyknots]

[quote name='jkm151']As of Jan. 15,2012, smoking will no longer be allowed in the cabins. It will still be allowed on the balconies. We are going on Noordam Mar.16 2012. Maybe you should rethink your decision. Happy Cruising!!![/quote]

As I said in earlier posts, the casino is a very important part of crusing for me. When it's extremely smokey in there it's hard for me to really enjoy it. Plus my clothes reek of smoke and permeate everything in the closet. We had an aft balcony reserved which we we looking forward too, but there is always the risk of our neighbors smoking, so all things considered, we decided to cancel. I like HAL very much, and really looked forward to the Noordam, especially the full walkaround promenade which Celebrity doesn't have. I will come back to HAL when the smoking policy changes to prohibit smoking in the casino and balconies.

[innlady1]

[quote name='twentyknots']As I said in earlier posts, the casino is a very important part of crusing for me. When it's extremely smokey in there it's hard for me to really enjoy it. Plus my clothes reek of smoke and permeate everything in the closet. We had an aft balcony reserved which we we looking forward too, but there is always the risk of our neighbors smoking, so all things considered, we decided to cancel. I like HAL very much, and really looked forward to the Noordam, especially the full walkaround promenade which Celebrity doesn't have.[B] I will come back to HAL when the smoking policy changes to prohibit smoking in the casino and balconies.[/B][/quote]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Let's hope that's sooner rather than later. :([/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]I hope you find a cruise that you enjoy...I'm sure you will! I think you made the right decision to cancel. For the first time ever, we've taken an outside stateroom rather than one with a balcony. I've decided it's not worth the extra money it costs if we get stuck with a smoker on the next balcony! [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]I don't understand why Carnival would eliminate smoking on the Princess balconies but not on HAL. [/SIZE][/FONT] Edited October 29, 2011 by innlady1

[GeriatricNurse]

[quote name='innlady1'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Let's hope that's sooner rather than later. :([/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]I hope you find a cruise that you enjoy...I'm sure you will! I think you made the right decision to cancel. [B][U][SIZE=4]For the first time ever, we've taken an outside stateroom rather than one with a balcony.[/SIZE][/U][/B] I've decided it's not worth the extra money it costs if we get stuck with a smoker on the next balcony! [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]I don't understand why Carnival would eliminate smoking on the Princess balconies but not on HAL. [/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]


[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]Rather than an outside (oceanview) stateroom, why not save some more money & book an inside (interior) stateroom? :confused: It would save hundreds of dollars with the only difference being the (lack) of a tub & window! :)[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[1 HappyCruiser]

[quote name='innlady1'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]Let's hope that's sooner rather than later. :([/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]I hope you find a cruise that you enjoy...I'm sure you will! I think you made the right decision to cancel. For the first time ever, we've taken an outside stateroom rather than one with a balcony. I've decided it's not worth the extra money it costs if we get stuck with a smoker on the next balcony! [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]I don't understand why Carnival would eliminate smoking on the Princess balconies but not on HAL. [/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]It seems as though they wanted to ease into it a little slower than Princess or Celebrity. Look how long it took Princess to wake up after the fire on the Sun back in 2006! Give it another year & I'd bet they eliminate the balcony smoking also. Keep voicing you complaints & it might even happen sooner.
[/FONT]

[lollytw]

[quote name='twentyknots']I can deal with the stale smells; it's having 2 chain smokers on either side of me at a card table that gets to me. I want to reach over and slap the cigarette out of their mouths. It's so rude and inconsiderate that I feel as if they've forfeited their rights to civility.
As for the pool, I don't spend any time there anyway. I'll just hope that my verandah neighbors don't smoke.[/quote]

Why are they being rude when they are smoking where they are allowed to? I would say they were being rude if they smoked outside of the allowed areas, but really . . . I'm afraid that your desire to "slap the cigarette out their mouths" is behavior that is considered rude.