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

[SLOTheta]

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

 

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

 

 

Yes, I've read some crazy things! But, I do trust the people who have recently cruised and if they say there's no smoking in the casino, I would tend to believe them.

 

Going on the Eurodam this summer and they will certainly see more of me in the casino if it stays non-smoking. Even though most US casinos allow smoking, many offer non-smoking sections. I stay longer and gamble more in non smoking casinos.

 

 

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[swigso]

Yes, I've read some crazy things! But, I do trust the people who have recently cruised and if they say there's no smoking in the casino, I would tend to believe them.

 

Going on the Eurodam this summer and they will certainly see more of me in the casino if it stays non-smoking. Even though most US casinos allow smoking, many offer non-smoking sections. I stay longer and gamble more in non smoking casinos.

 

 

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Maybe I will go to the Eurodam forum,

If the Casino is smoke free I may well give HAL a try

[CruiserBruce]

Maybe I will go to the Eurodam forum,

If the Casino is smoke free I may well give HAL a try

 

You are on the "Eurodam forum", aka the Holland America forum.

[MadManOfBethesda]

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!

 

Then you must not be familiar with very many casinos outside of Las Vegas. For example, with the exception of a handful of Indian-run casinos, all casinos in Florida are smoke-free. That's 8 smoke-free casinos in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area alone, plus another 20 or so throughout the state.

 

Similarly, New Orleans only casino is smoke-free, as well as all casinos in Maryland and Ohio. I believe that even in Atlantic City the vast majority of casinos are smoke-free.

 

Of the 24 states that have state-run casinos, 18 ban smoking in each and every state-run casino in the state, and only 6 of them (Nevada, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Louisiana, and Mississippi) permit smoking. But as noted above, even within those 6 states that permit smoking, there are some casinos that are smoke free.

[3rdGenCunarder]

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.

 

It isn't unusual for Seattle to not know all the details. Smoking is allowed in the casino on some ships (with a few nights designated nonsmoking). I think Eurodam is the only one that has a smoke-free casino (or maybe there's one other?). So the HAL employee gave the information that applies to most ships and, as you said, didn't know that Eurodam is the exception.

 

Oosterdam's casino allowed smoking on some nights in Feb. I wonder if that will change after her drydock/refurb?

[cruz chic]

It isn't unusual for Seattle to not know all the details. Smoking is allowed in the casino on some ships (with a few nights designated nonsmoking). I think Eurodam is the only one that has a smoke-free casino (or maybe there's one other?). So the HAL employee gave the information that applies to most ships and, as you said, didn't know that Eurodam is the exception.

 

Oosterdam's casino allowed smoking on some nights in Feb. I wonder if that will change after her drydock/refurb?

 

From what has been reported the Noordam casino is smoke free as well.

[skoggs25]

Just disembarked the Eurodam today and smoking was prohibited in the casino. The casino seemed to be a little busier; the video poker seemed to be always full with patrons making their nightly deposits.:D

[ithaca gal]

Just disembarked the Eurodam today and smoking was prohibited in the casino. The casino seemed to be a little busier; the video poker seemed to be always full with patrons making their nightly deposits.:D

 

Thank you for reiterating that smoking is completely prohibited in the Eurodam casino! The OLD policy allowed for smoking while playing in the casino. Since the drydock, there is no smoking anywhere in the casino.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Thank you for reiterating that smoking is completely prohibited in the Eurodam casino! The OLD policy allowed for smoking while playing in the casino. Since the drydock, there is no smoking anywhere in the casino.

 

HAL is... afraid ... to promote this, for whatever reason.

 

Tom

[mllewis48]

This change is most likely due to the fact that that area of the Eurodam and soon to be the Oosterdam is now totally open since the dry dock changes. Previously at least in the Piano Bar you could close the doors to keep out the smoke. The Northern Lights was also isolated and the Sports Bar was somewhat isolated. Now that entire area is open thus the reason for the change. I don't think HAL is afraid I just think it is not being properly relayed to the folks in Seattle.

 

 

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[Tom-n-Cheryl]

This change is most likely due to the fact that that area of the Eurodam and soon to be the Oosterdam is now totally open since the dry dock changes. Previously at least in the Piano Bar you could close the doors to keep out the smoke. The Northern Lights was also isolated and the Sports Bar was somewhat isolated. Now that entire area is open thus the reason for the change. I don't think HAL is afraid I just think it is not being properly relayed to the folks in Seattle.

 

 

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I understand the logistical (room change) reasons. But without some desire to implement a no smoking policy, I don't think that they'd have cared about collateral damage (to other areas of the ship). NCL certainly doesn't care ! :eek:

 

I just sense that HAL is not taking the opportunity to make this part of a positive press release, over concerns of how it will be received by the vocal minority. That's my take on it anyway, right or wrong.

 

Tom

[mllewis48]

I understand the logistical (room change) reasons. But without some desire to implement a no smoking policy, I don't think that they'd have cared about collateral damage (to other areas of the ship). NCL certainly doesn't care ! :eek:

 

 

 

I just sense that HAL is not taking the opportunity to make this part of a positive press release, over concerns of how it will be received by the vocal minority. That's my take on it anyway, right or wrong.

 

 

 

Tom

 

 

 

Tom,

 

I don't see this change as "press release" material JMO

 

So far to the best of my knowledge this is the only change to HAL's smoking policy. I would guess if they make major changes it may come in an official notification to all? Again JMO

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom,

 

I don't see this change as "press release" material JMO

 

So far to the best of my knowledge this is the only change to HAL's smoking policy. I would guess if they make major changes it may come in an official notification to all? Again JMO

 

You're likely correct. Though in my mind, any move in this direction is cause to shout from the rooftops ! :o

 

Tom

[Cruise Junky]

This change is most likely due to the fact that that area of the Eurodam and soon to be the Oosterdam is now totally open since the dry dock changes. Previously at least in the Piano Bar you could close the doors to keep out the smoke. The Northern Lights was also isolated and the Sports Bar was somewhat isolated. Now that entire area is open thus the reason for the change. I don't think HAL is afraid I just think it is not being properly relayed to the folks in Seattle.

 

 

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Isn't the casino open on Koningsdam? I wonder if it will be non smoking

[kennicott]

From what has been reported the Noordam casino is smoke free as well.

 

Here is the letter from Captain Draper near the end of the year, limited casino smoking was still allowed, did this change?

 

"On embarkation day,(October 25th) a letter from Captain Draper in the stateroom stated

"Thank you for sailing with us aboard ms Noordam.

 

We'd like to make you aware of a new Lounge on the ship that is available for guests.

The Oak Room is a Smoking and Cigar Lounge on deck 10 forward. While it is open 24 hours a day, full beverage service is available from 12 noon until 10pm daily. The Oak Room also has an enhanced ventilation system, comfortable leather seating and a large screen TV with a variety of channels, as well as wide array of cigars and cigarettes available for purchase.

 

For guests with verandah staterooms who smoke cigarettes, cigars or e-cigarettes, we encourage you to utilize the Oak Room for your smoking needs rather than your verandah.

Smoking is also permitted outside on the starboard side of Deck 9, adjacent to the Sea View Bar. There will also be a designated area for smoking in the Casino on certain nights of the cruise--this will be highlighted in the Today on Location program.

 

Thank you for choosing Holland America for your cruise vacation and we look forward to welcoming guests to the Oak Room throughout the voyage."

[mllewis48]

Isn't the casino open on Koningsdam? I wonder if it will be non smoking

 

 

 

Yes I believe it is as the existing ships will over time be changed to comply with the new theme of HAL so that is a good ? I would guess yes?

Edited March 27, 2016 by mllewis48

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Isn't the casino open on Koningsdam? I wonder if it will be non smoking

 

If yes, that's good - as I can spend more time in there.

 

In retrospect, that might be BAD ! :eek:

 

 

 

 

Tom

Edited March 27, 2016 by Tom-n-Cheryl

[mllewis48]

If yes, that's good - as I can spend more time in there.

 

In retrospect, that might be BAD ! :eek:

 

 

 

 

Tom

 

 

 

Tom,

 

Was not aware of the location of the casino, with that said it may NOT be non-smoking?

 

The answer will be known soon.

[swigso]

Please anyone on the Oosterdam after refurb

PLEASE UPDATE as to whether smoking is allowed in the casino

[kennicott]

Yes I believe it is as the existing ships will over time be changed to comply with the new theme of HAL so that is a good ? I would guess yes?

 

If indeed HAL has a new smoking theme and if it is going to be of any significance, then they would be creating more "smoking lounges". It is very difficult to get enthralled with any big movement in that regard from HAL since the Koningsdam is coming out without. The only ship of the line with one is the Noordam. I realize quite a few believe the only meaningful change will involve HAL eliminating balcony smoking like the others have. However, most of the others have dedicated lounges for smokers.

 

As I've stated before, this is the way I currently size it all up. 1. It looks like HAL is in no hurry to alter smoking procedures on its ships. Any lesser moves, like no smoking casino days simply serves to drive more smokers onto their balconies. 2. Now, there is considerable evidence that a significant number of smokers have switched to HAL. Before this all began demographics suggested that approximately 8% of HAL's guests were smokers. It has got to be considerably more than that today. 3. I'm not convinced that there has been a commensurate drift away from booking HAL because of this smoking issue. I note that many book inside rooms instead of balconies because of smoke but most seem to be sticking with HAL regardless.

 

As a result, HAL will find it very difficult to turn their backs on all those new guests without significant adverse publicity, if they cut out balcony smoking. If they should have quality "Churchill's" type lounges on all their ships they might stand a chance in pulling it off with a relative minimum of negative ramifications. It is hard for me to visualize HAL installing such within the next 5 to 10 years.

[3rdGenCunarder]

If yes, that's good - as I can spend more time in there.

 

In retrospect, that might be BAD ! :eek:

 

 

 

 

Tom

 

Given that the casino spans the width of the ship, I would hope they would make it nonsmoking. Otherwise, people wishing to go from the back of the ship to that level of the theater AND avoid smoke would have to walk outside or go up or down a deck to move forward.

[SLOTheta]

Then you must not be familiar with very many casinos outside of Las Vegas. For example, with the exception of a handful of Indian-run casinos, all casinos in Florida are smoke-free. That's 8 smoke-free casinos in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area alone, plus another 20 or so throughout the state.

 

 

 

Similarly, New Orleans only casino is smoke-free, as well as all casinos in Maryland and Ohio. I believe that even in Atlantic City the vast majority of casinos are smoke-free.

 

 

 

Of the 24 states that have state-run casinos, 18 ban smoking in each and every state-run casino in the state, and only 6 of them (Nevada, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Louisiana, and Mississippi) permit smoking. But as noted above, even within those 6 states that permit smoking, there are some casinos that are smoke free.

 

 

I loved that the Harrahs in NOLA was smoke free. I was traveling with coworkers. We wouldn't have stayed nearly as long if it has been a smoking a casino. In CA, most casinos have a smoke free floor or area.

 

There are smoke free casinos and hotels in Vegas, I wish all of them would move to smoke free. Anytime someone smokes at the table, I get up and leave.

 

 

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[SLOTheta]

Just disembarked the Eurodam today and smoking was prohibited in the casino. The casino seemed to be a little busier; the video poker seemed to be always full with patrons making their nightly deposits.:D

 

 

That's awesome! Glad to hear it's smoke free! Did you have a verandah room? If so, did you have many smokers around you?

 

 

 

 

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[Freespir8]

Here is the letter from Captain Draper near the end of the year, limited casino smoking was still allowed, did this change?

 

"On embarkation day,(October 25th) a letter from Captain Draper in the stateroom stated

"Thank you for sailing with us aboard ms Noordam.

 

We'd like to make you aware of a new Lounge on the ship that is available for guests.

The Oak Room is a Smoking and Cigar Lounge on deck 10 forward. While it is open 24 hours a day, full beverage service is available from 12 noon until 10pm daily. The Oak Room also has an enhanced ventilation system, comfortable leather seating and a large screen TV with a variety of channels, as well as wide array of cigars and cigarettes available for purchase.

 

For guests with verandah staterooms who smoke cigarettes, cigars or e-cigarettes, we encourage you to utilize the Oak Room for your smoking needs rather than your verandah.

Smoking is also permitted outside on the starboard side of Deck 9, adjacent to the Sea View Bar. There will also be a designated area for smoking in the Casino on certain nights of the cruise--this will be highlighted in the Today on Location program.

 

Thank you for choosing Holland America for your cruise vacation and we look forward to welcoming guests to the Oak Room throughout the voyage."

 

This is really good to know. We just booked the Noordam for 2017 not realizing HAL's smoking policy. We have always cruised on NCL but their pricing, especially for suites has skyrocketed. We are trying to decide between HAL and Princess and would prefer to try HAL but the smoking on the balcony is a deal breaker for us. We have had the experience where smokers were on their balcony most of the day which basically left it unusable for us the majority of the time. Any thought that perhaps they will officially move to a non-smoking policy on balcony's before 2017?

[kennicott]

Any thought that perhaps they will officially move to a non-smoking policy on balcony's before 2017?

 

Read my #3595. We face the same dilemma you appear to, Princess vs HAL. We have had over 475 days sailing on the two of them. Quit HAL two years ago now when this smoking debacle began to emerge, canceled two cruises of over 80 days sailing as a partial result of the smoking issue with them as well. Over the last 17 months we have been on 6 cruises, 5 on Princess and 1 on Regent. About 110 days sailing. You would think Princess is completely smoke free but they aren't, which is no problem at all for us.

Edited March 28, 2016 by kennicott