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

[mllewis48]

There is no wall between the casino and piano bar on Eurodam, so if smoking was allowed it would spread to this lounge as well as the Gallery Bar which also doesn't have a separating wall.

 

 

Have not been in the E since November right b4 the dry dock and I can tell you the smoke from the Casino would drift into the Piano Bar if you did not keep the doors closed.

 

If there is no wall now I am not surprised that smoking in the Casino now would be forbidden?

 

 

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[Host Walt]

...it is the official policy that there is no refund for a shore excursion cancelled onboard after the cutoff period. I cancelled an expensive excursion to Rome on the NA with less than 24 hours notice fully expecting to lose all my money as per official policy. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a full refund...

If a vacancy caused by a cancellation can be filled by someone on a wait list, HAL will refund the cost of a shorex, even if the cancellation is closer than 24 hours. Edited March 7, 2016 by Host Walt

[pnkandpurple]

You are right, no wall it's all one large area. Casino and piano bar area. I was on the Eurodam last month embarked February 7th. There is NO smoking in the casino.

[kennicott]

If you speak to three different people at HAL you will get three different answers---on any subject and not just smoking.

 

Cruise Critic is admittedly not an official arm of HAL but I have learned over the years to listen to regular cruisers and what their experiences aboard different ships have been. Very often these experiences differ from official policy but for the most part, I believe the cruiser.

 

What I am trying to say in a rambling way is that the interpretation of rules on most things varies from ship to ship and sometimes from day to day and from person to person.

 

I agree, so often you get misinformation from a line's head office, even though the agent checks with "higher authority". Throughout our years of cruising I can relate anecdote after anecdote where this was the case. Likewise, there is a lot of misinformation espoused via posts on these threads, but there is also a lot of fact and eye opening info. What one has to do is read posts, compare posts, read but verify, resulting in guests gleaning the most accurate picture of what to expect on board.

 

This is so true when dealing with these HAL balcony and other area smoking issue(s). In my opinion HAL is being deliberately coy with pertinent information or lack thereof. They throw each side of the issue a bone now and then but really change very little.

 

I agree with Host Walt on reimbursements, lately we have been sailing more with Princess than the others but we cancel excursions fairly often, for instance at least four times in the last 15 months on the morning of the excursion wife felt poorly, so I dropped her coupon off when checking in myself, looking at the final billing they almost always gave us credit.

[sapper1]

If a vacancy caused by a cancellation can be filled by someone on a wait list, HAL will refund the cost of a shorex, even if the cancellation is closer than 24 hours.

 

Thank you for the clarification. As I am sure the Rome excursion was most likely sold out that may explain the full refund. Good to know.

[IRL_Joanie]

If a vacancy caused by a cancellation can be filled by someone on a wait list, HAL will refund the cost of a shorex, even if the cancellation is closer than 24 hours.

 

You are 100% correct Walt.

 

When we went to Costa Maya, Mexico in 2012 on Nieuw Amsterdam, I had booked pre cruise an excursion to one of the Aztec Pyramids. Once ashore and at the meeting point for the excursion, the Shore Excursion Manager, the Tour Guide and myself came to the conclusion that I should not even attempt the excursion.

 

She (Shore Ex Manager) told me to see her later that evening and she would refund 90% of my excursion.

 

She was able to resell my ticket a few minutes after I left to another pax who happened to over hear our conversation, and I was able to get back 100%.

 

Joanie

[WpgCruise]

It's simply an example of cigarettes causing potentially disasterous results again. An ass did this but when you have multitudes of smokers on balconies the chance of an accident skyrocket.

 

If we follow this logic, H.A.L. should not serve liquor as some drunk might deploy an anchor on a ship. Oh, wait that happened didn't it, but they still serve liquor.

 

I think the only way H.A.L. will eliminate balcony smoking is when a business case is made that financially it is in their best interest to do so.

 

Until then making specious arguments only serves to make it more difficult to convince H.A.L. to change their policy.

[Host Walt]

Once again this thread is limited to discussions of HAL's on board smoking policy. A number of off topic posts have been removed.

[swigso]

Hi

In this day and age when do you think HAL will ban smoking on Balconies

( a real Health and Safety issue) and also in all inside areas?

I cannot believe that I would have to put up with people smoking

in the casino and other inside venues when in almost every place I go

Smoking Is banned

I have seen a fantastic itinery but the smoking policy just makes it impossible

( for health reasons and also that the smel of tobacco smoke is so offensive)

That I just could not sail with HAL.

I Just wish Celebrity had this itinery

Edited March 21, 2016 by swigso

[CruiserBruce]

There is a huge thread on HAL smoking discussions, where ALL smoking questions and discussion is required to go. There is even a Sticky announcing this. Expect this to get moved there.

 

That being said, I think some common sense needs to be applied. My father died from lung cancer after smoking for 40 years. My mother smoked occasionally. I have Lung issues as a result. My wife is sensitive to cigarette smoke. Yet we are quite happy to sail on HAL. ..it is our favorite cruise line. We always have a suite. Smoke on the balcony has a problem maybe 5 days out of about 200 days on HAL. It really isn't a major problem.

 

I do not encourage or recommend smoking. However, worldwide smokers are more than 1/3 of the population, about 20 percent in the USA. If think HAL is going to screen out that portion of the world, I am not thinking that would be a wise business proposition. We have already seen the concept of a smoke free ship fail.

Edited March 21, 2016 by CruiserBruce

[swigso]

There is a huge thread on HAL smoking discussions, where ALL smoking questions and discussion is required to go. There is even a Sticky announcing this. Expect this to get moved there.

 

That being said, I think some common sense needs to be applied. My father died from lung cancer after smoking for 40 years. My mother smoked occasionally. I have Lung issues as a result. My wife is sensitive to cigarette smoke. Yet we are quite happy to sail on HAL. ..it is our favorite cruise line. We always have a suite. Smoke on the balcony has a problem maybe 5 days out of about 200 days on HAL. It really isn't a major problem.

 

I do not encourage or recommend smoking. However, worldwide smokers are more than 1/3 of the population, about 20 percent in the USA. If think HAL is going to screen out that portion of the world, I am not thinking that would be a wise business proposition. We have already seen the concept of a smoke free ship fail.

 

I take note of your comments, I am not asking for a Smoke Free Ship, but

If I was in an indoor restaurant or any type of indoor venue in either the UK

or the USA smoking would not be allowed.

What I cannot understand is why it is allowed on most cruise lines.

Anyway I will stick with Celebrity it was just that HAL had an itinery

that would have really suited our plans,

Hey Ho never mind

Edited March 21, 2016 by swigso

[CruiserBruce]

I take note of your comments, I am not asking for a Smoke Free Ship, but

If I was in an indoor restaurant or any type of indoor venue in either the UK

or the USA smoking would not be allowed.

What I cannot understand is why it is allowed on most cruise lines.

Anyway I will stick with Celebrity it was just that HAL had an itinery

that would have really suited our plans,

Hey Ho never mind

 

This is not true. First, smoking is legal in almost every casino I am aware of in the US. Guess where HAL (and many cruise lines) allows smoking...in the casino! Second, in the US, for the most part, smoking is a state by state issue, with different laws and regulations. While some states (and cities) ban smoking within X feet of a building, others just say outside the building. Gee, isn't a balcony outside a building? Isn't an open deck outside of a building?

 

Again, I absolutely don't support smoking. Just trying to be rational.

Edited March 21, 2016 by CruiserBruce

[wishful thinking]

A quick question. Anyone know exactly where smoking is allowed on the Rotterdam? As she doesn't have a Seaview Bar or Observation Deck, am I reading right that it's just allowed on the Sports Deck? (aside from balconies of course). Thanks in advance.

[mightycruisequeen]

A quick question. Anyone know exactly where smoking is allowed on the Rotterdam? As she doesn't have a Seaview Bar or Observation Deck, am I reading right that it's just allowed on the Sports Deck? (aside from balconies of course). Thanks in advance.

Actually, Rotterdam does have a Sea View Bar at the aft pool, and smoking is still permitted there.

[kennicott]

This is not true. First, smoking is legal in almost every casino I am aware of in the US. Guess where HAL (and many cruise lines) allows smoking...in the casino! Second, in the US, for the most part, smoking is a state by state issue, with different laws and regulations. While some states (and cities) ban smoking within X feet of a building, others just say outside the building. Gee, isn't a balcony outside a building? Isn't an open deck outside of a building?

 

Again, I absolutely don't support smoking. Just trying to be rational.

 

I believe Swigso asked valid questions here. We too have sailed on HAL over 200 days, most of it on balconies, but the fact that we have had little problem with smokers on nearby balconies, during all those years of cruising with HAL, isn't meaningful in this context. The reason being is that HAL's balcony smoking issue only became germane when all the global majors, except HAL, discontinued balcony smoking. Therefore, only very recent cruise experiences can be taken into consideration as it has taken a period of time for smokers, disenfranchised from their favorite cruise lines, to gravitate over to HAL.

 

Up until bans on balcony smoking took place demographics pretty much indicated that approximately 8% of HAL's guests were smokers, not 20% as reflected by the at large US population. Lord knows what it might be today on HAL. Here you have a situation where the cruise industry is leaning toward eliminating smoking on vessels where 8% of their guests are smokers and there is a lot of conjecture whether or not that is a good or bad business model. While, according to surveys, approximately 33% of cruise line guests favor formal attire and nights, yet the cruise industry is rapidly drifting toward eliminating that. If it be true that significant economic penalty await the cruise line that completely eliminates on board smoking, wonder what will befall them when they do away with formal dress?

 

Swigso suggests that the social trend in the western world is to ban smoking entirely. I agree, I also agree that State's rights allow for public smoking restrictions to be a state prerogative. But not always, there are huge exceptions, for instance Codified Federal Regulations prohibit smoking on all large passenger aircraft transports. Having a number of relatives who are hard core smokers and gamblers and hearing them constantly complain about no smoking in casinos, your comment that there wasn't such caught my attention. To wit: http://smokefreecasinos.org/

[swigso]

I believe Swigso asked valid questions here. We too have sailed on HAL over 200 days, most of it on balconies, but the fact that we have had little problem with smokers on nearby balconies, during all those years of cruising with HAL, isn't meaningful in this context. The reason being is that HAL's balcony smoking issue only became germane when all the global majors, except HAL, discontinued balcony smoking. Therefore, only very recent cruise experiences can be taken into consideration as it has taken a period of time for smokers, disenfranchised from their favorite cruise lines, to gravitate over to HAL.

 

Up until bans on balcony smoking took place demographics pretty much indicated that approximately 8% of HAL's guests were smokers, not 20% as reflected by the at large US population. Lord knows what it might be today on HAL. Here you have a situation where the cruise industry is leaning toward eliminating smoking on vessels where 8% of their guests are smokers and there is a lot of conjecture whether or not that is a good or bad business model. While, according to surveys, approximately 33% of cruise line guests favor formal attire and nights, yet the cruise industry is rapidly drifting toward eliminating that. If it be true that significant economic penalty await the cruise line that completely eliminates on board smoking, wonder what will befall them when they do away with formal dress?

 

Swigso suggests that the social trend in the western world is to ban smoking entirely. I agree, I also agree that State's rights allow for public smoking restrictions to be a state prerogative. But not always, there are huge exceptions, for instance Codified Federal Regulations prohibit smoking on all large passenger aircraft transports. Having a number of relatives who are hard core smokers and gamblers and hearing them constantly complain about no smoking in casinos, your comment that there wasn't such caught my attention. To wit: http://smokefreecasinos.org/

Thanks for the understanding reply, it wasn't my intention to start a

War between smokers and non smokers, I was just trying to find out

if after the refurb smoking would be allowed in the Casino.

The only time I gamble is when on a cruise and the smoke free casinos

On Celebrity is the reason we sail that line.

Have tried RCCL and NCL and could not enjoy the casinos

I understand that folks need to smoke but in this day and age

It makes sense to have outside smoking areas.

Just my Opinion

[momatibm]

I've been sailing since 1988, when there was smoking in the dining rooms between courses. I grew up with smoking parents, grandparents, etc., at this point in time, I live in an area that is trying to prevent the population from smoking, not just in public, but anyplace. As near as I can figure, it is amazing that I was ever born based on the current medical advice -- even caffeine is a cause for miscarriage , both of my parents, smoked, drank, etc --amazing I was born-- sometimes I think we all for.get that what we managed to survive.

 

I understand the feelings about the smoke on the balconies, however I don't understand the people who go into the smoking area and then complain there is smoke. That is my issue. And I don't smoke.

[wishful thinking]

Actually, Rotterdam does have a Sea View Bar at the aft pool, and smoking is still permitted there.

 

Thank you

[sail7seas]

Actually, Rotterdam does have a Sea View Bar at the aft pool, and smoking is still permitted there.

 

Rotterdam no longer has an aft pool. Doesn't she have that 'Retreat' area they moved up from Navigation Deck to Lido?

 

There probably still is Sea View Bar there but I think the pool itself no longer exists.

 

[mllewis48]

Rotterdam no longer has an aft pool. Doesn't she have that 'Retreat' area they moved up from Navigation Deck to Lido?

 

 

 

There probably still is Sea View Bar there but I think the pool itself no longer exists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Correct, no pool just the retreat. Does have the Seaview Bar and most likely, as per other Hal Ships, has the Starboard side smoking area.

[mightycruisequeen]

Rotterdam no longer has an aft pool. Doesn't she have that 'Retreat' area they moved up from Navigation Deck to Lido?

 

There probably still is Sea View Bar there but I think the pool itself no longer exists.

 

 

That's right; I forgot about the wading pool. :)

Still has the Sea View Bar (complete with smoking).

[ithaca gal]

All this is very interesting! I do smoke and do not like being lied to [ not saying who is spreading misinformation because I honestly do not know yet so please do not "jump" on me!].! Had a choice between HAL ships and called to see if the information on Cruise Critic concerning no smoking in casino on the Eurodam was correct. The person I was speaking with called ship services to be sure she was giving me correct information. I was told that Cruise Critic was not correct, was not an "official arm" of HAL and was quoted HAL's official policy concerning smoking. Was also told that you could only smoke if you were playing.

 

Just a quick clarification: I do not think you were lied to. I am one of the CC members who posted (after a February, 2016 cruise on the Eurodam) that there is no smoking allowed in the casino on the Eurodam now. When you called HAL and they, in turn, called ship services to be sure the information she was giving you was correct, it appears that they both were incorrect in saying that you could still smoke in the casino if you were playing. She did not mean to "lie" to you -- she (and ship services) gave you what they THOUGHT was correct information. I didn't lie to you either, because there is no smoking in the Eurodam casino since the drydock in December.

 

I can certainly understand your frustration when you call for the OFFICIAL answer and it conflicts with what has been posted here by CC members. In this case, CC members have it correct and the HAL employee(s) have it wrong.

[swigso]

Just a quick clarification: I do not think you were lied to. I am one of the CC members who posted (after a February, 2016 cruise on the Eurodam) that there is no smoking allowed in the casino on the Eurodam now. When you called HAL and they, in turn, called ship services to be sure the information she was giving you was correct, it appears that they both were incorrect in saying that you could still smoke in the casino if you were playing. She did not mean to "lie" to you -- she (and ship services) gave you what they THOUGHT was correct information. I didn't lie to you either, because there is no smoking in the Eurodam casino since the drydock in December.

 

I can certainly understand your frustration when you call for the OFFICIAL answer and it conflicts with what has been posted here by CC members. In this case, CC members have it correct and the HAL employee(s) have it wrong.

This is the exact reason why I asked the question, I fully understand that

People have choices. My choice is to cruise on a ship that doesn't allow smoking

Anywhere inside the ship, hence why I choose Celebrity.

However if HAL was in the process of making the Casino Smoke Free after

Refurbs, then I would be interested.

I also contacted HAL Head Office and they quoted that players can smoke in the casino.

The reason I asked the question is if HAL is anything like Celebrity then Head Office is the last to know of any changes. It would be great if Corporate came out and clarified the situation.

Having asked for similar info on the Celebrity Board it seems that lots

of loyal Celebrity Cruisers would try HAL.

THANKS

[cruz chic]

This is the exact reason why I asked the question, I fully understand that

People have choices. My choice is to cruise on a ship that doesn't allow smoking

Anywhere inside the ship, hence why I choose Celebrity.

However if HAL was in the process of making the Casino Smoke Free after

Refurbs, then I would be interested.

I also contacted HAL Head Office and they quoted that players can smoke in the casino.

The reason I asked the question is if HAL is anything like Celebrity then Head Office is the last to know of any changes. It would be great if Corporate came out and clarified the situation.

Having asked for similar info on the Celebrity Board it seems that lots

of loyal Celebrity Cruisers would try HAL.

THANKS

 

Seattle often gives incorrect information even when it makes no sense. Trust what you have read here.

[mightycruisequeen]

Seattle often gives incorrect information even when it makes no sense. Trust what you have read here.

 

I don't know that I would necessarily agree with that.

I've read some pretty wild stuff here. :D