Smoking on HAL

[cruising nan]

I have just got back from a 23 night cruise from L.A to Sydney on the Oosterdam. I cant help with smoke smell on balcony rooms but the rest of the ship you really didnt notice it. the smoking areas are only on one side or small part of ship. I was worried when i read about the smoking, but its not as bad as it sounds, even when we went to the casino it wasnt bad as i thought it was going to be, maybe not many smokers on our cruise or we where just there at the right time, but it didnt stink.

[swom]

Just for the record, we are ex-smokers and you are more than welcome to smoke on any balcony cabin beside us. We do not mind it at all.

The wind blows it as fast as you can smoke it, so we welcome you in a cabin beside us.

We don't mind smokers at all. :D

[cruz chic]

Just for the record, we are ex-smokers and you are more than welcome to smoke on any balcony cabin beside us. We do not mind it at all.

The wind blows it as fast as you can smoke it, so we welcome you in a cabin beside us.

We don't mind smokers at all. :D

 

That's never been my experience. The smoke smell does linger. If you don't mind it I hope the smokers are next to you and not me.

[dadroy]

I read on these boards quite often, but only post if I think I can add something of value, other than just my flapping gums. I do not read boards such as Azamara or P & O because I do not sail them.

 

I have a question for those of you who "Will not sail HAL until the smoking policy changes". What the heck are you doing reading the HAL board? I don't read the Asia Home Port board because I have no intention of sailing from Asia anytime in the near future. It just makes sense to me.

 

I guess I could read the Thompson Board, and the other lines I will never sail, then post responses, but to what end.

 

I guess my logical mind just says this posting on a line you will not sail on is ridiculous at best. Unless you are simply trying to advance your agenda or increase your post count.

[cruz chic]

I read on these boards quite often, but only post if I think I can add something of value, other than just my flapping gums. I do not read boards such as Azamara or P & O because I do not sail them.

 

I have a question for those of you who "Will not sail HAL until the smoking policy changes". What the heck are you doing reading the HAL board? I don't read the Asia Home Port board because I have no intention of sailing from Asia anytime in the near future. It just makes sense to me.

 

I guess I could read the Thompson Board, and the other lines I will never sail, then post responses, but to what end.

 

I guess my logical mind just says this posting on a line you will not sail on is ridiculous at best. Unless you are simply trying to advance your agenda or increase your post count.

I have to agree with that to some degree. I sail on Princess from time to time but only read their board when I have something booked. That said, I work full time so my time is limited. As long as people aren't stirring the pot I don't really care where they post.

[CRUZBUDS]

We've sailed HAL before (lowly 2 Star) - and will again in the future. They are currently the only line with a much of a presence on our home port.

 

We are looking forward to the day when they update their smoking policy to what is fast becoming the industry standard. Even with HAL's higher rates (very high from San Diego) - it will appeal to us with the substantial savings of no hotel or airfare costs. The hassle factor of flying has a value as well, along with wasted vacation time. If a ship leaves on a weekday, we work in the morning to preserve precious vacation time.

 

If I don't follow the HAL board how will it now when it finally happens? ;)

[LindaM]

We are both smokers, and would not cruise if we couldn't smoke on our balcony. We all vote with our money. I don't want to hear anyone complaining about it from non-smokers, as they, too, can "vote with their money" and book a cruise on many other cruise lines with policies to their liking!!

 

BTW, smokers' lives are NOT shortened by 10%. Take any life expectancy survey, and most take off 3 years for 2 packs a day. I figure that's just 3 years in a nursing home that I can skip. (I don't know how to make a smiley face to show I'm kidding.) If those numbers were both true, average life expectancy would be 30 and for smokers, 27. HUH?? I'm the only person in my age group of friends (mid 60's) who isn't on any prescription meds. I eat healthy, work out and have cholesterol and other numbers most would kill for. (Another "joke"!)

 

If I could avoid being put in a nursing home in my mid to late 80's, I would take up smoking. I am a former smoker and I did enjoy it!! The problem is, when the statistics say it shortens your life by a certain number of years, that is an average between a smoker and a non smokers life span. It doesn't mean you are going to die in your early 80's as opposed to late. If cancer is going to get you, it will probably be from the 50's thru the early to mid 70's, from my experience with smoking friends and relatives. My FIL quit in his late 70's, but COPD was a huge issue. I think they need to put that on cigarette packs instead of scaring people with cancer. I would bet the majority get the former. COPD is a huge issue.

[IRL_Joanie]

Just for the record, we are ex-smokers and you are more than welcome to smoke on any balcony cabin beside us. We do not mind it at all.

The wind blows it as fast as you can smoke it, so we welcome you in a cabin beside us.

We don't mind smokers at all. :D

 

 

Joanie

[IRL_Joanie]

I read on these boards quite often, but only post if I think I can add something of value, other than just my flapping gums. I do not read boards such as Azamara or P & O because I do not sail them.

 

I have a question for those of you who "Will not sail HAL until the smoking policy changes". What the heck are you doing reading the HAL board? I don't read the Asia Home Port board because I have no intention of sailing from Asia anytime in the near future. It just makes sense to me.

 

I guess I could read the Thompson Board, and the other lines I will never sail, then post responses, but to what end.

 

I guess my logical mind just says this posting on a line you will not sail on is ridiculous at best. Unless you are simply trying to advance your agenda or increase your post count.

 

Joanie

[regnig]

Ditto Joannie!

[serendipity1499]

We do understand that many smokers are in denial and do have some sympathy for anyone with such a powerful addiction. But you might want to do some research (many smokers avoid facts) and here is an interesting article that can send you on your way :)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/23/smoking-cessation-life-expectancy/1858913/

 

When I said that smoking reduces one's life span by about 10% I was erring on the side of smokers :)

 

Hank

 

Everyone should read this article.. My Dear Sister-in-Law passed away of Lung Cancer in Sept.. She was once a heavy smoker, but did manage to stop about 10 years ago.. She fought hard for many years to stay alive.. She was one of the most loving & kindest people I know! Her DH, my DH's Brother, as well as their six kids & 10 Grandkids are devastated to loose her so soon..

 

Their youngest Son, our Nephew, gave one of the most beautiful Eulogies, I've ever heard about his wonderful Mother.. Many of us including her Friends were overwhelmed during the Funeral..

 

Betty

Edited November 12, 2013 by serendipity1499

[chrispb]

We are both smokers, and would not cruise if we couldn't smoke on our balcony. We all vote with our money. I don't want to hear anyone complaining about it from non-smokers, as they, too, can "vote with their money" and book a cruise on many other cruise lines with policies to their liking!!

 

BTW, smokers' lives are NOT shortened by 10%. Take any life expectancy survey, and most take off 3 years for 2 packs a day. I figure that's just 3 years in a nursing home that I can skip. (I don't know how to make a smiley face to show I'm kidding.) If those numbers were both true, average life expectancy would be 30 and for smokers, 27. HUH?? I'm the only person in my age group of friends (mid 60's) who isn't on any prescription meds. I eat healthy, work out and have cholesterol and other numbers most would kill for. (Another "joke"!)

 

Same here:D

[chrispb]

I wrote a letter to HAL's customer service re smoking on balconies, and how annoying it was on a recent cruise. I asked them to forward it to the President of HAL, which they did, and I got a reply back from his office.

If everyone who is bothered by smoking on balconies wrote, perhaps they would get the message. And, when you fill out your comments form at the end of the cruise, make sure you mention that you would like smoking banned on balconies. I guess the other option for the cruise ships would be to have a smoking side and a non smoking side on their ships.

 

We have another cruise booked with HAL and if we are bothered by smoke on this one, we will take our business to another cruise line.

 

I think he's too busy reading letters about the wine policy, non-functioning toilets, poor air-con, lack of drinks service at dinner.

 

There's a lot of people out there who complain about all these things but continue to sail HAL. I can only conclude they pay to enjoy a good moan:D

[Fouremco]

I read on these boards quite often, but only post if I think I can add something of value, other than just my flapping gums. I do not read boards such as Azamara or P & O because I do not sail them.

 

I have a question for those of you who "Will not sail HAL until the smoking policy changes". What the heck are you doing reading the HAL board? I don't read the Asia Home Port board because I have no intention of sailing from Asia anytime in the near future. It just makes sense to me.

 

I guess I could read the Thompson Board, and the other lines I will never sail, then post responses, but to what end.

 

I guess my logical mind just says this posting on a line you will not sail on is ridiculous at best. Unless you are simply trying to advance your agenda or increase your post count.

There are a number of reasons why I read the HAL board, even thought I probably won't sail with them until the balcony smoking is banned.

 

First of all, there are interesting threads that are essentially cruise line neutral, even though they appear on the HAL board. I've just spent some time reading the thread dealing with the theft of a passenger's Jawbone speaker from her cabin on the NA.

 

Secondly, there are people who post questions or start a discussion where my past experience allows me to make a comment. The current thread is an excellent case in point.

 

Third, our cruise selection process is very much itinerary driven. We are looking at a med/TA b2b or collector in 2015, and right now our top 2 preferred cruises are HAL. So keeping current on people's reviews and comments on these cruises and the ships (NA and Noordam) is important to us, as is the opportunity to ask questions.

 

Fourth, as our problem lies with balcony smoking, I keep hoping to see some indication that there is a glimmer of hope that HAL will revise its policy. I'm far more likely to get that information here first.

 

Fifth, again because of the balcony issue, I profit from asking questions and reading comments about the pros and cons and posters' experiences with inside and ocean view cabins on the HAL fleet. That opens up other possibilities for the future that we have chosen not to pursue in the past.

 

I could probably go on, but those are some of the reasons that come to mind quickly.

 

Your "logical mind" might find this post to be "ridiculous at best", as is entirely your prerogative, but I'm quite comfortable with my reasons for continuing to be engaged with the HAL board.

 

[cruz chic]

I think he's too busy reading letters about the wine policy, non-functioning toilets, poor air-con, lack of drinks service at dinner.

 

There's a lot of people out there who complain about all these things but continue to sail HAL. I can only conclude they pay to enjoy a good moan:D

Please let me know which cruise line is perfect. I'd love to try it.

[GeriatricNurse]

please let me know which cruise line is perfect. I'd love to try it.

 

 

dcl :)

[catl331]

Please let me know which cruise line is perfect. I'd love to try it.

 

dcl :)

We just did a 3-day on the Dream and MUCH prefer HAL. There were a few things we liked better on DCL, but not many.

[cruz chic]

dcl :)

Too many kids. When I was leaving Port Canaveral on my last cruise there was a Disney cruise leaving just ahead of us. The noise that was coming from there was unreal. I thought it was a Carnival ship:D. I'd almost prefer being at work:eek:.

[chrispb]

Please let me know which cruise line is perfect. I'd love to try it.

 

That's for me to know and you to find out:D Seriously, I don't think any are perfect but I do expect a working toilet and air-con. Everything else I deal with.

[jtl513]

But explain how prohibiting smoking on the balconies and casino could benefit the bottom line when most if not all ships sail at capacity now?

Banning casino smoking could increase the patronage of non-smokers ... or it could decrease the business from smokers. Since ships still have fewer non-smoking casino days than smoking ones, I conclude that the smoking days must be more profitable.

[cruz chic]

That's for me to know and you to find out:D Seriously, I don't think any are perfect but I do expect a working toilet and air-con. Everything else I deal with.

Yes, I expect that as well.

[taxmantoo]

Banning casino smoking could increase the patronage of non-smokers ... or it could decrease the business from smokers. Since ships still have fewer non-smoking casino days than smoking ones, I conclude that the smoking days must be more profitable.

 

They are both addictions ;) Casinos in Canada (Ontario and Quebec) have long ago gone smoke-free and suffered no noticeable loss of revenues.

 

As smokers can go outside these casinos to indulge one of their addictions, they could also on HAL ships take a break and head for the Seaview Bar.

[Rossey]

Last year on the Westerdam we enjoyed our balcony until we found out the man in the next cabin was a cigar smoker. It made the balcony unusable while he was puffing away. I don't know if it was the same person, but another man was smoking a cigar at the pool. Cigarette smoke is bad enough, but cigars are just too much. If it happens again on the Nieuw Amsterdam, that will be our last HAL cruise.

[Linda&Vern]

Last year on the Westerdam we enjoyed our balcony until we found out the man in the next cabin was a cigar smoker. It made the balcony unusable while he was puffing away. I don't know if it was the same person, but another man was smoking a cigar at the pool. Cigarette smoke is bad enough, but cigars are just too much. If it happens again on the Nieuw Amsterdam, that will be our last HAL cruise.

As "reformed smokers" we try to be tolerant of smokers on cruises. In March on the Westerdam though, our buttons got pushed to the limit so to speak. At the Muster Drill we were in the back row purposely so my scooter and I wouldn't get run over. :rolleyes: Sitting on a bench next to us were younger adults (quite honestly, they seemed too lazy to stand).

 

When one of the men started puffing on his cigar during the Drill, I tried to just ignore the situation. After several others around us complained loudly he did put his cigar out ... right into his Lido coffee cup. :eek: I happened to turn my head towards him just as he did it and I thought I was going to lose my lunch. I can honestly say, I will never be able to drink a coffee out of anything that resembles a Lido cup. I don't care where smoking is allowed/not allowed. I won't attend another Muster Drill without complaining to HAL staff if I encounter another cigar.

[cruz chic]

As "reformed smokers" we try to be tolerant of smokers on cruises. In March on the Westerdam though, our buttons got pushed to the limit so to speak. At the Muster Drill we were in the back row purposely so my scooter and I wouldn't get run over. :rolleyes: Sitting on a bench next to us were younger adults (quite honestly, they seemed too lazy to stand).

 

When one of the men started puffing on his cigar during the Drill, I tried to just ignore the situation. After several others around us complained loudly he did put his cigar out ... right into his Lido coffee cup. :eek: I happened to turn my head towards him just as he did it and I thought I was going to lose my lunch. I can honestly say, I will never be able to drink a coffee out of anything that resembles a Lido cup. I don't care where smoking is allowed/not allowed. I won't attend another Muster Drill without complaining to HAL staff if I encounter another cigar.

What a piece of work he is. I found your statement to be funny about ex-smokers. I'm one of them and I think I'm way more intolerant than someone who hasn't smoked.