HAL Smoking Policy

[wandb]

When we booked our upcoming cruise on the Eurodam, some of the balcony cabins were actually lower priced than oceanview cabins.:) So I'll soon have my first experience with a HAL balcony. Really have been looking forward to this, but may not have a chance to enjoy it much. It is a chance we take, especially for the better price.

 

Since booking, we have been on a very short cruise, balcony cabin, on RCCL. We had only a few minutes on one day to use the balcony. First time ever with a balcony, last minute cruise, and I never even thought to check their smoking policy! (it is similar to HAL's I think). How could it happen--- chain smokers who LIVED on their balconies from before 6:00a.m. till after midnight on both sides of us. The poster who thought the smoke blows away in the wind was wrong. We could not even open the balcony door, because smoke would fill our cabin. We did not complain to anyone. They had every RIGHT to smoke all day on their balconies. They paid for those cabins just like we did. We simply pretended that we had an oceanview, and enjoyed the cruise.

 

Please don't be too harsh on those of us who have to avoid smokers. Some folks may find smoking annoying or a bother, but for some of us (admittedly a small number) smoke is dangerous. We would never think of criticizing someone who was allergic to bee stings, or to peanuts, or to certain medicines. I,and probably quite a few others, have the same frightening reaction to cigarette smoke. When your throat closes up and you cannot breath, you do whatever it takes to get away from the smoke. Sometimes we may seem rude, but rather rude and ALIVE than the alternative.

 

It would be nice if HAL could come up with a policy that would accommodate everyone. A miracle, you say? I think it could be done quite simply. Smoking and non-smoking cabins on alternating decks, alternating port and starboard areas, alternating forward and aft halves of the ship. Why not try it?

 

I'll probably get negative comments from this post. :(. Just wanted folks to know that all of us non-smokers are not complainers, nor are we bashing smokers. Some of us just want to BREATHE!!

[cruz chic]

I just can't understand why people who know what HAL's smoking policy is still choose to book HAL. Almost all the itineraries are the same and so is life on a ship. I choose to use HAL because of their smoking policy. I also book NCL and have given up Princess due to the smoking policy. Vote with your wallet!

 

Because I like Hal, sooner or later the smoking policy will change. I also like Prinncess but not as much. Why do people get angry about wine policy changes and yet don't cancel their cruise when the policy change will be in effect?

[kazu]

Because I like Hal, sooner or later the smoking policy will change. I also like Prinncess but not as much. Why do people get angry about wine policy changes and yet don't cancel their cruise when the policy change will be in effect?

 

 

because some of us have time - and we won't cancel until we can find the right itinerary and ship or we are holding out hope that HAL amends the policy.

 

Just my best guess

[jwm51]

Here we go again with another smoking thread!!! UGGGGGHHHHHH:eek:

 

WAIT! I need to go get popcorn & a pack of Parliament!

I'll do my Fake Coughing when I see 'them smokers' next time!!!:D:D:D

[jwm51]

:DThe concession stand is open! Popcorn is to the right, sticks to beat the dead horse to the left.:D

 

You're the best yet!!!:p:D

[PathfinderEss]

[chrispb]

My wife and I have sailed on HAL for over 100 days and this Spring spent 36 days on the Oosterdam from Auckland to Vancouver.

We paid ($3400) for an upgrade to a Superior Verandah Suite as we enjoy relaxing and eating on our verandah.

We were virtually unable to use our balcony because of chain cigarette smokers next door to our left and cigar smokers in the suite next door on our right. We like ordering room service and eating outside while enjoying the warmth, the views and the peacefulness but we were only able to eat on our deck on two occasions in 36 days, due to our incessant smoking neighbours.

We complained to the front desk and they said that they can't do anything about it, saying that HAL's policy allows smoking on the balconies.

We spoke to the Hotel Director and while he empathized with us, he said that only 5% of guests smoke, but that HAL won't change the policy because the smokers would go to other cruise-lines and HAL would lose their revenue.

We wrote to Stein Kruse, President and CEO of Holland America, and received a reply saying that "HAL will revisit their policies as attitudes towards smoking change".

We wonder how many non-smoking Holland America cruisers HAL has lost because of their support for their smoking customers.

 

Well, for someone who's sailed 100+ days with HAL how come it's only this trip you're complaining about smoke?

 

Very strange.

 

Stein Kruse is right what he said but rather late in saying it as most smokers have already gone to other cruiselines where we can have a drink indoors. Why the heck should we be banned to some corner of deck?

[Typhoon1]

I look forward to a smokeless society. I recall Koop predicting it by the year 2000 when he was surgeon general. Koop is dead and buried, still nothing.

[Hlitner]

Well, for someone who's sailed 100+ days with HAL how come it's only this trip you're complaining about smoke?

 

Very strange.

 

Stein Kruse is right what he said but rather late in saying it as most smokers have already gone to other cruiselines where we can have a drink indoors. Why the heck should we be banned to some corner of deck?

 

Actually, the number of cruise lines that allow smoking indoors is shrinking quite fast and will eventually go the way of restaurants where you used to be able to smoke. And why should you be banned to some corner of the deck? Because your smoking indoors is a fire hazard and the smoke is a danger to everyone (including the crew) who must breathe it whether they choose or not!

 

Hank

[CruiseWhere]

Why the heck should we be banned to some corner of deck?

 

Are you kidding me??!! Do really need to ask this question??!!

Hello, knock knock...you are by far in the minority:rolleyes:

[sapper1]

Well, for someone who's sailed 100+ days with HAL how come it's only this trip you're complaining about smoke?

 

Very strange.

 

Stein Kruse is right what he said but rather late in saying it as most smokers have already gone to other cruiselines where we can have a drink indoors. Why the heck should we be banned to some corner of deck?

 

We have well over 100 days and have yet to be driven indoors by balcony smokers. I suspect we have been lucky so far. Does this mean that when our luck runs out you would consider it strange that I would mention it here?

I don't quite follow your reasoning.

[Watson's aunt]

why can Hal ask if they smoke and put those passengers together. If I had a balconey (in my dreams) and I had side by side smokers I would go and see if Hal could do anything . Maybe switch rooms putting smokers side by side?

 

They can put smokers together in side by side caabins

 

 

Mary

[peaches from georgia]

why can Hal ask if they smoke and put those passengers together. If I had a balconey (in my dreams) and I had side by side smokers I would go and see if Hal could do anything . Maybe switch rooms putting smokers side by side?

 

They can put smokers together in side by side caabins

 

 

Mary

So you are saying smokers would no longer be able to select and book specific cabins like all pax do now? Or if a non-smoker didn't like their neighbor the smokers could be moved at will by the cruise line no matter what cabin the smokers had booked and paid for?

 

FYI, NCL used to have smoking and non-smoking cabins. Evidently it was a logistical nightmare to deal with as they gave this up a long time ago.

[sprshop]

All passengers have a right to enjoy their $$$$$$ cruises. If enough of us took the time to contact the lines with the smoking concerns, which is a real health issue, second hand smoke, etc., maybe they would listen and try a smoking cabin section (decks) and publish like the hotels do. You could then make an informed decision as to what cruise line you chose. No complaining about smokers if you know ahead that you have a smoking cruise.

 

That's why we switched to a different line. We use our balcony as a vacation spot. That's why we pay extra for a balcony.

 

We will miss HAL, and hopefully they will institute a fair solution for all its' passengers. I wish all the lines would do that:):)!

[37harbar70]

Believe me, smoking bothers me....not so much my DH (a former smoker also). But I think a little consideration both ways is in order. If there was only a way for the smoker next to the non-smoker could work out a "plan" to alternate times on the balcony, that would be a "perfect world" situation. Alas, I don't think that is going to happen (because there is no PC way to handle it without offending anyone), so the war rages on.........

 

 

 

As a smoker I understand everyone's concern. However I think we need to think of the smoker's concerns in addition, being condemned if they desire to smoke. I myself have taken the action of meeting my next door neighbors and explaining I may smoke on the balcony. I attempt to come to some type of agreement that will satisfy myself and them as to the time and length. On my past cruises this has worked out fine and we have gone to dinner and had drinks many times.

 

Bill

 

Niew Amsterdam – 1985, 1988, 1992

Noordam – 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991 (2), 1994, 1997

SS Rotterdan – 1987

Ryndam – 1986

Maasdam -1998

Zaandam – 2001, 2008, 2010

Statendam – 2002

Amsterdam – 2004

Westerdam – 2006, 2009, 2011, 2013(French Polynesia)

Volendam - 2012

[celle]

As a smoker I understand everyone's concern. However I think we need to think of the smoker's concerns in addition, being condemned if they desire to smoke. I myself have taken the action of meeting my next door neighbors and explaining I may smoke on the balcony. I attempt to come to some type of agreement that will satisfy myself and them as to the time and length. On my past cruises this has worked out fine and we have gone to dinner and had drinks many times.

 

Bill

 

I agree.

 

My DH was a smoker for over 50 years. He tried everything available, in attempts to stop smoking, to no avail. (I hate the cigarettes, but love the man!) Thanks to e-cigarettes, he is now a non-smoker. :)

 

He was a considerate smoker - yes, they do exist - he did not smoke indoors at home, followed the smoking rules on board ship, and tried to work with his balcony neighbours, so all could enjoy the balconies they paid for.

 

I am a lifetime non-smoker and I would hate to be condemned to having a cabin in a smoking section of the ship, which would give us less choice of cabins and increase my exposure to second-hand smoke, just because I was married to a smoker.

 

Having been married to a smoker for over 40 years, I would expect to be already suffering from the effects of second-hand smoke, but it has been proved that I am not. I am inclined to believe that the dangerous effects of second-hand smoke, while real, have been somewhat exaggerated.

[sun~]

I think the cruise lines must take a different approach to smokers, guests and staff.

 

No one should be subjected to second hand smoke. And yes, it is a big issue on a moving ship on a balcony.

 

Smokers are sad junkies, just the same as someone addicted to heroin, meth or crack. In fact more so. Apparently smoking is the hardest addiction to give up.

 

Since smokers are feeding their sad addiction, cruise lines should set set enclosed smoking rooms like they have in the casinos here. They can smoke without bothering anyone. There is a very tiny bit of smoke escaping, when the double set of doors are open at the same time. They have this system in my local casino at Lac Leamy Quebec.

 

I feel very sorry for the folks who go out in -30 degree weather, so addicted to smoking they can't wait a few hours until they are in their own cars or homes.

 

If smokers had their smoking room, it would be a full acknowledgement that this habit has beaten some individuals. The room will serve the same purpose as a shooting gallery for heroin addicts. Keep all the mess and filth in one area. I imagine there would be insurance savings from less damaged property and fire risk.

[kazu]

I think the cruise lines must take a different approach to smokers, guests and staff.

 

No one should be subjected to second hand smoke. And yes, it is a big issue on a moving ship on a balcony.

 

Smokers are sad junkies, just the same as someone addicted to heroin, meth or crack. In fact more so. Apparently smoking is the hardest addiction to give up.

 

Since smokers are feeding their sad addiction, cruise lines should set set enclosed smoking rooms like they have in the casinos here. They can smoke without bothering anyone. There is a very tiny bit of smoke escaping, when the double set of doors are open at the same time. They have this system in my local casino at Lac Leamy Quebec.

 

I feel very sorry for the folks who go out in -30 degree weather, so addicted to smoking they can't wait a few hours until they are in their own cars or homes.

 

If smokers had their smoking room, it would be a full acknowledgement that this habit has beaten some individuals. The room will serve the same purpose as a shooting gallery for heroin addicts. Keep all the mess and filth in one area. I imagine there would be insurance savings from less damaged property and fire risk.

 

well, I will post with great trepidation and know I shouldn't but just the same....

 

 

most smokers do not like to be enclosed smoking rooms where it smells like an ashtray and the fumes are ranking. Well, maybe some do but most don't.

 

Of course, I forgot, they are going to be shot like heroin addicts. What a totally insulting post.

 

Perhaps you should travel to Europe where cigarette smoking is banned in certain areas and yet they have found a way to have separate areas to keep everyone happy.

 

You are not going to like this - but - the smokers have paid the same amount of money as you to cruise (and possibly more) so why should they be relegated to this small awful place?

 

there are nice spots outdoors for them and a place inside keeps most happy.

 

 

I won't get into balconies as it seems to stir the pot - but holy moly, I realize that smokers are the pariahs of all time - but I think they should have some rights to enjoy their cruise as well?????

 

I've had more lack of use on my verandah by loud obnoxious people than by smokers. Shall we relegate them to a room too?

 

Live and let live and let this thread die - there have been enough smoking threads to sink a battleship.

[sun~]

Kzu, you don't seem to understand some of my post.

 

Do you know a "shooting gallery" for heroin addicts is a designated spot for addicts? Many cities have them to keep the junkies in the same spot. It is confining them and their used needles.

 

Yes, the whole point smoking stinks, is disgusting and the room smells like a big ashtray. There are air scrubbers in the rooms. These types of spaces are in casinos and airports. No reason they can't be on a cruise ship.

 

All passengers are paying to enjoy the ship. Smoke does not stay with the smoker.

 

Smoking is a serious addiction. The only reason some lights up a cigarette is to fed their addiction.

[HamOp]

I think the cruise lines must take a different approach to smokers, guests and staff.

 

No one should be subjected to second hand smoke. And yes, it is a big issue on a moving ship on a balcony.

 

Smokers are sad junkies, just the same as someone addicted to heroin, meth or crack. In fact more so. Apparently smoking is the hardest addiction to give up.

 

Since smokers are feeding their sad addiction, cruise lines should set set enclosed smoking rooms like they have in the casinos here. They can smoke without bothering anyone. There is a very tiny bit of smoke escaping, when the double set of doors are open at the same time. They have this system in my local casino at Lac Leamy Quebec.

 

I feel very sorry for the folks who go out in -30 degree weather, so addicted to smoking they can't wait a few hours until they are in their own cars or homes.

 

If smokers had their smoking room, it would be a full acknowledgement that this habit has beaten some individuals. The room will serve the same purpose as a shooting gallery for heroin addicts. Keep all the mess and filth in one area. I imagine there would be insurance savings from less damaged property and fire risk.

 

Thank you for validating the point that I made in my (post 13) reply to Sail's statement that if smoking were banned on the balconies that would be the end of it and everyone would be happy.

It's just not so, and you are living proof.

[Yodalicious]

As an ex smoker, (20+ years),i have not been bothered by a balcony smoker in my last 4 cruises. But then again, i don't consider it my mission to eradicate smoking with others.

[kazu]

Kzu, you don't seem to understand some of my post.

 

Do you know a "shooting gallery" for heroin addicts is a designated spot for addicts? Many cities have them to keep the junkies in the same spot. It is confining them and their used needles.

 

Yes, the whole point smoking stinks, is disgusting and the room smells like a big ashtray. There are air scrubbers in the rooms. These types of spaces are in casinos and airports. No reason they can't be on a cruise ship.

 

All passengers are paying to enjoy the ship. Smoke does not stay with the smoker.

 

Smoking is a serious addiction. The only reason some lights up a cigarette is to fed their addiction.

 

Thank you for validating the point that I made in my (post 13) reply to Sail's statement that if smoking were banned on the balconies that would be the end of it and everyone would be happy.

It's just not so, and you are living proof.

 

absolutely correct you are HamOp.

 

your point has definitely been proven by the above post.

[Toad]

We have cruised many times and never been bothered by smoke from neighbors except one time when the man next store smoked cigars. For the most part, the cigarette smoke dissipates quickly, and maybe we are just enjoying ourselves too much to let such a small thing bother us.

 

On the other hand I would be disturbed to travel on a ship where a man could be so drunk that he would try and drop the anchor while the ship is moving! Or a PAX would be so drunk they would fall overboard. And I have been disturbed on cruises when PAX down the line of the sewer system put strange things in the toilet thereby blocking the system and causing others problems. Another health habit disturbs me is when diapered babies are placed in the pool, and deposits escape thereby making the pool obsolete until such time as it can be emptied, cleaned and refilled.

 

 

So let me say, I do not care if you bring six cases of wine onboard, or six cases of cigarettes, or your baby as long as you are considerate of others! Please stop and just try and be a bit more tolerant of others.

 

These posts are driving me nuts. I think I need a vacation from cruise critic. Where are all the happy posts and positive reviews?