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

[cruz chic]

Educated people can have an addiction, as you indicated. However, I'm sure there are many more uneducated smokers out there, who would not be interested in a port specific European cruise. You can jump on me....it is the truth, if you've ever studied the demographics of smokers. The OP was spot on, even though it could be construed as condescending.

 

The OP means original poster. I assume that you mean desertpesce.

[kennicott]

At the risk of being redundant, (You all probably have seen this but I hadn't), here is an excellent summary of cruise line smoking policy.

 

Confirms what I thought was going on, HAL is the only one of all the majors, inclusive and high end lines that allows balcony smoking. No smoking on the balconies appears to be a fairly recent prohibition for some of the majors. Thus, it might take some time to determine what the fallout will be with respect to HAL's bookings and the onboard cruise experience for the average HAL voyager.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=225

[sail7seas]

We already know some cruisers have moved over to HAL verandah cabins in order to smoke and have left their previous (favorite ?) cruise line because they cannot smoke on those ships.

 

Of course, it matters how many former HAL verandah cruisers left HAL and went to other cruise lines to avoid the noxious second hand smoke.

 

 

[arzz]

On our recent cruise on the Amsterdam I once again heard from those who might know that there will be another change in the smoking policy coming. Don't know what, or when, or if this is true but the source could be considered reliable.

 

We found the environment on board fairly smoke free - the casino was the exception - especially when we were in cool waters the smokers sat at the machines just to be able to smoke inside. The casino staff must love this!

 

We were not in a veranda cabin so we cannot speak to the conditions on the balconies.

[sail7seas]

On our recent cruise on the Amsterdam I once again heard from those who might know that there will be another change in the smoking policy coming. Don't know what, or when, or if this is true but the source could be considered reliable.

 

We found the environment on board fairly smoke free - the casino was the exception - especially when we were in cool waters the smokers sat at the machines just to be able to smoke inside. The casino staff must love this!

 

We were not in a veranda cabin so we cannot speak to the conditions on the balconies.

 

I've been hearing that for almost two years and initially believed it from those who really thought that would be the case but seems that hasn't happened, yet.

 

[cruz chic]

I'm a glass half empty person so I take a pessimistic view. That said, I have a strong feeling that smoking on balconies will be a thing of the past by this time next year.

[Lizzie68]

I'm a glass half empty person so I take a pessimistic view. That said, I have a strong feeling that smoking on balconies will be a thing of the past by this time next year.

 

I have a feeling you are right. I've also heard from various sources that change is coming - I think if HAL wants to protect their image of the Signature of Excellence they absolutely cannot continue to be known as the Ashtray of the Seas.;)

[taxmantoo]

I'm a glass half empty person so I take a pessimistic view. That said, I have a strong feeling that smoking on balconies will be a thing of the past by this time next year.

 

I certainly wish you are right ! As for the glass being half empty or half full, I really don't care ... I just drink whatever is in the glass ;)

[freestyling]

Would be nice if it was fleet wide but I "think' they may institute no smoking on the Koningsdam.

[cruz chic]

Would be nice if it was fleet wide but I "think' they may institute no smoking on the Koningsdam.

 

I don't think that it will happen. It's going to be the policy for all ships.

[Mar56]

I agree that at some point in the near future, HAL will change it's smoking policies and, as a smoker, I'm okay with that.

 

We have recently returned from a fabulous 7 day cruise on the Brilliance of the Seas (Royal Caribbean). It's our second cruise on that ship, and we love her. Lots of views of the ocean, great entertainment, good food, wonderful staff and a very similar makeup of cruisers as we have found on our HAL cruises. It was my first time cruising on a ship that had no smoking on balconies. We were in a large outside cabin, with an amazing large window on the 4th deck. There were 3 outside smoking areas plus part of the casino. One of the outside areas was on deck 5 - right up the stairs near our cabin and out the door. There were chairs there for us and several ashtrays.

 

Our muster drill was right at that smoking area, so after muster, I waited until everyone who was leaving were gone. About 20 feet away from me was a group of 4, who were chatting and not showing any indication that they were leaving so I moved as far away from them as I could, and still be in the smoking area, and lit my cigarette. One of the group turned around and literally screamed at me "Other side of the ship" and then turned back to her group. There were staff standing around close to them and they said nothing. I informed her that I was on the correct side of the ship and she grudgingly apologized. Not a comfortable encounter by any means.

 

Because the centrum rises over 8 floors, the smoke from the casino rose such that you could smell it from the 6th floor up. Hadn't noticed that the last time we sailed on her, when smoking WAS allowed on balconies.

 

Second last day of our cruise, I'm at the deck 5 smoking area and a crew member comes out and informs me that he's closing the deck area (the only smoking area on 5) because the people in the bar area beside the door were cold. There was lots of seating there. I suggested to the crew member that perhaps the people could move away from the door, as my only other option was deck 11 or 12, and the area of deck 5 that I was standing in was a designated smoking area. After some discussion he concurred and did not close the area.

 

As an aside, the Quantum of the Seas has a wonderful glassed in smoking area with chairs etc. on one of its decks. A few people on that forum are complaining/commenting on better uses for that area, than for smokers.

 

What's my point? It's that I don't mind if I have to go to another outside area if HAL changes it's policies. So long as it's somewhat protected, I'm fine with that - I didn't find it an issue at all on the Brilliance. What I do mind is any kind of confrontation or further limitation, "on the fly", when the rules are being followed, and procedures being adhered to. I don't want to have to have "conversations" with staff and/or fellow passengers when the cruise line has acknowledged that verandah smoking is being presented as a problem by fellow cruisers, and therefore has made other venues available to us.

 

I'll still get a balcony cabin when we cruise the Caribbean. My husband and I love sitting out there with our morning coffees and our final nightcaps of the day. I just don't want to be hassled about it - not now when I can smoke on my balcony, and certainly not later when I am following all of the rules and smoking in designated areas on other outside decks.

 

Just my two cents worth.

[Lizzie68]

Thanks for your report, Mar56 (quote function not working for me again:(). It sounds like that area on the Quantum is just what many of us have been advocating for, for the smokers. There will always be one or two people who would begrudge it, I'm sure, but too bad. On the deck 5 area where the crew person said he was closing it because other pax were cold - was that just an open door area? Doesn't seem very adequate. But I can understand the crew person if a lot of people were feeling the cold and only one smoker outside. It likely put him in a very difficult situation, needlessly.

[Mar56]

Thanks for your report, Mar56 (quote function not working for me again:(). It sounds like that area on the Quantum is just what many of us have been advocating for, for the smokers. There will always be one or two people who would begrudge it, I'm sure, but too bad. On the deck 5 area where the crew person said he was closing it because other pax were cold - was that just an open door area? Doesn't seem very adequate. But I can understand the crew person if a lot of people were feeling the cold and only one smoker outside. It likely put him in a very difficult situation, needlessly.

 

Lizzie, deck 5 is their version of the promenade deck and there's a double door exit - so one set of automatic doors, a small vestibule, then the second set of automatic doors to the outside. There's about a 5 foot wide wall between the inside set of doors and the bar area, with the rest being open. There were lots of empty seats in that area when he came out to tell me that he was closing/locking the doors and some of those seats were at windows (with a view), so I don't know why he thought it would be okay rather than just suggest that they moved. He seemed a little taken aback that I was out there - it was a cold day (New England/Maritime cruise late October) and that I was speaking out. Politely but... And yes, I know it put him in a difficult position, just like the crew members after muster who didn't speak up for me re being in the correct area. But still........:o

[Lizzie68]

Lizzie, deck 5 is their version of the promenade deck and there's a double door exit - so one set of automatic doors, a small vestibule, then the second set of automatic doors to the outside. There's about a 5 foot wide wall between the inside set of doors and the bar area, with the rest being open. There were lots of empty seats in that area when he came out to tell me that he was closing/locking the doors and some of those seats were at windows (with a view), so I don't know why he thought it would be okay rather than just suggest that they moved. He seemed a little taken aback that I was out there - it was a cold day (New England/Maritime cruise late October) and that I was speaking out. Politely but... And yes, I know it put him in a difficult position, just like the crew members after muster who didn't speak up for me re being in the correct area. But still........:o

 

Thanks for the explanation - it helps to have the mental picture.:D

[sail7seas]

I'm a glass half empty person so I take a pessimistic view. That said, I have a strong feeling that smoking on balconies will be a thing of the past by this time next year.

 

I hope you're right. :)

 

[RuthC]

Mar56, I totally understand the position you were put in, and why you have fears the same thing will happen on HAL.

 

I clearly remember when the Noordam had an indoor smoking room, the Oak Room. It was enclosed, with direct access to the outside. It was a lovely place for smokers to relax and indulge, without interfering with anyone else's enjoyment of the cruise.

I was flabbergasted when that room was taken over for a party. Of course, there was no smoking allowed at the party, but there was also no provision made for the smokers who were displaced. Absolutely unfair to them. HAL should have found a non-smoking venue to hold the party.

[Drico]

 

...I moved as far away from them as I could, and still be in the smoking area, and lit my cigarette. One of the group turned around and literally screamed at me "Other side of the ship" and then turned back to her group. There were staff standing around close to them and they said nothing. I informed her that I was on the correct side of the ship and she grudgingly apologized. Not a comfortable encounter by any means.

 

 

She sounds like some people on this thread if given the chance!

[kennicott]

so after muster, I waited until everyone who was leaving were gone. About 20 feet away from me was a group of 4, who were chatting and not showing any indication that they were leaving so I moved as far away from them as I could, and still be in the smoking area, and lit my cigarette. One of the group turned around and literally screamed at me "Other side of the ship" and then turned back to her group. There were staff standing around close to them and they said nothing. I informed her that I was on the correct side of the ship and she grudgingly apologized.

 

As an aside, the Quantum of the Seas has a wonderful glassed in smoking area with chairs etc. on one of its decks. A few people on that forum are complaining/commenting on better uses for that area, than for smokers.

 

I'm really not an advocate to do away with smoking "period" on ships. We only cruise on Regent, HAL and Princess. All three have areas set aside for smokers and that's fine with me, I have never been much bothered by smoking practices except for one time on HAL in the primary dance floor area which I previously mentioned. They each have specialty rooms for smokers only, that is okay with me even if they take up a quality location.

 

As for the person who lashed out at you in ignorance regarding the smoking location; terrible, but being long time voyagers, comments like that are common place and occur no matter what the issue, you just have to let such rhetoric run off your back, otherwise if you let it get to you it casts a negative cloud on your cruise experience. Sounds like you handled it wisely using a civil voice.

 

Then too, you continually hear opinion regarding a better use for a particular locale, not just to replace a smoking room but those utilized for other purposes as well. For instance, on one of our favorite ships they have an excellent fitness facility, located up high with a panoramic view of the sea. We continually hear and read comment as to how that is an underutilization of the space. It could be put to more productive use as a lounge area they contend. Now, that particular ship has plenty of booze joints, some of them with good vistas, but hey, some are closed a significant portion of the day too. On the other hand, the fitness facility is well used during all open hours. So, folks who don't exercise want all they have now plus more, regardless if they use it or not.

 

My concern with HAL right now, under the current circumstances, is, are they going to overload their ships with smokers since they have the only lenient balcony smoking policy going?

[peddieplease]

I have a feeling you are right. I've also heard from various sources that change is coming - I think if HAL wants to protect their image of the Signature of Excellence they absolutely cannot continue to be known as the Ashtray of the Seas.;)

 

Ashtray of the Seas? Seriously, you are exaggerating, to say the least. Smokers are restricted to certain areas (granted, I still think HAL should consider restricting balcony smoking to balconies at the rear of the ship so as not to bother other pax), so it's not like the ship reeks of cigarette smoke. I think they've been very fair, trying to keep both smokers and nonsmokers happy. Almost all inside areas are smoke free, so I highly doubt it smells like an ashtray. :rolleyes: How on earth do you function in society with all the smells and pollutants and bad behavior out there?? Some people . . .

[peddieplease]

Mar56, I totally understand the position you were put in, and why you have fears the same thing will happen on HAL.

 

I clearly remember when the Noordam had an indoor smoking room, the Oak Room. It was enclosed, with direct access to the outside. It was a lovely place for smokers to relax and indulge, without interfering with anyone else's enjoyment of the cruise.

I was flabbergasted when that room was taken over for a party. Of course, there was no smoking allowed at the party, but there was also no provision made for the smokers who were displaced. Absolutely unfair to them. HAL should have found a non-smoking venue to hold the party.

 

Ruth, you are the voice of reason. Although I gather you are a non-smoker, your tolerance is refreshing.

[cbr663]

<snip>

I'm on the Statendam right now for a 31 day cruise and haven't noticed ANY smokers. No smell on the balcony, no smell in the casino…nothing! I think that goes to show that the policy isn't a draw for most passengers. <snip>

 

It may be that you are experiencing what has been noted on CC many times. Smoking doesn't appear to be a huge issue whilst on the ship, and it appears to be an issue for a number of CC posters on this forum. We have never found it to be an issue for us, even when we have had neighbours smoking on their balconies below us and beside us. Then again, we have enough tact not to react in horror at the mere smell of cigarette smoke.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[RuthC]

Ruth, you are the voice of reason. Although I gather you are a non-smoker, your tolerance is refreshing.

Thank you. I have an overdeveloped sense of "fair". Each side on this issue has both rights and responsibilities, and it's important for each side to remember that.

 

I stopped smoking over 20 years ago, but still recognize that smoking is legal. Those who wish to smoke are entitled to have areas where they can, and without getting a shipload of grief about it.

[Lizzie68]

Ashtray of the Seas? Seriously, you are exaggerating, to say the least. Smokers are restricted to certain areas (granted, I still think HAL should consider restricting balcony smoking to balconies at the rear of the ship so as not to bother other pax), so it's not like the ship reeks of cigarette smoke. I think they've been very fair, trying to keep both smokers and nonsmokers happy. Almost all inside areas are smoke free, so I highly doubt it smells like an ashtray. :rolleyes: How on earth do you function in society with all the smells and pollutants and bad behavior out there?? Some people . . .

 

Yes. Ashtray of the Seas. Read back in this thread instead of just looking for mine and you will see other references to it, besides my own.

[Lizzie68]

I'm really not an advocate to do away with smoking "period" on ships. We only cruise on Regent, HAL and Princess. All three have areas set aside for smokers and that's fine with me, I have never been much bothered by smoking practices except for one time on HAL in the primary dance floor area which I previously mentioned. They each have specialty rooms for smokers only, that is okay with me even if they take up a quality location.

 

As for the person who lashed out at you in ignorance regarding the smoking location; terrible, but being long time voyagers, comments like that are common place and occur no matter what the issue, you just have to let such rhetoric run off your back, otherwise if you let it get to you it casts a negative cloud on your cruise experience. Sounds like you handled it wisely using a civil voice.

 

Then too, you continually hear opinion regarding a better use for a particular locale, not just to replace a smoking room but those utilized for other purposes as well. For instance, on one of our favorite ships they have an excellent fitness facility, located up high with a panoramic view of the sea. We continually hear and read comment as to how that is an underutilization of the space. It could be put to more productive use as a lounge area they contend. Now, that particular ship has plenty of booze joints, some of them with good vistas, but hey, some are closed a significant portion of the day too. On the other hand, the fitness facility is well used during all open hours. So, folks who don't exercise want all they have now plus more, regardless if they use it or not.

 

My concern with HAL right now, under the current circumstances, is, are they going to overload their ships with smokers since they have the only lenient balcony smoking policy going?

 

That sums it up well.:)

[cruz chic]

Yes. Ashtray of the Seas. Read back in this thread instead of just looking for mine and you will see other references to it, besides my own.

 

I sure wish some folks would get a new hobby instead of searching for posts to harass posters. To bad they didn't read the guidelines.