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

[kennicott]

We were just off the Ryndam and across from the NCL Dawn in Costa Maya. Out of 21 Balconies in our vision from our Verandah we saw 11 out of the 21 balconies that had people smoking on them. Some of the Balconies had ashtrays on them where people must have grabbed one from the Casino or Lido area which clearly had one side smoking on it. In the morning there was a Room Steward out cleaning the window/door and seemed unfazed about the ashtray. Another room had the door wide open and a Room Steward in the room cleaning it and a Woman was sitting on her Balcony smoking.

 

You didn't mention what month it was you observed so many smokers on the balconies of the NCL Dawn (Taking place on over 50% of the balconies you could see). Since NCL new smoking policy did not even go into effect until late last year, would it have been possible that those smoking weren't in non-compliance with the NCL policy at that time? Maybe they were getting their last puffs in?

 

As this C.C. article regarding NCL smoking points out, NCL and Carnival were the last hold outs, except for HAL of course. We were on the Royal Princess in September and the Coral Princess in January and didn't observe a single violation of the balcony non-smoking rules or for that matter a violation of such anywhere else on the ships.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=5916

Edited March 26, 2015 by kennicott

[hunt182644]

We were on the NA for two weeks in Feb. Had a smoker next to our balcony as such there were a number of times we went inside. Being a former smoker {12 years} most smoke does not bother me though. This was an exception it smelled terrible like burning tires. My point being I would never think of smoking on my balcony out of consideration to others. Smokers if you must smoke go up to instead of your balcony.

Edited March 26, 2015 by hunt182644
misspelled word

[galensgrl]

Well, based on our very recent Westerdam experience, that sounds good. What made me turn my head a bit, was that up at the Seaview bar, the staff had the smokers tables right next to the bar. Not only could we not sit at the bar for a drink, the bar staff had to inhale for who knows how many hours. Not good planning, terrible for employees. A double shame here.

 

Those poor, unfortunate employees to be stuck breathing in second hand smoke throughout their whole shift. So bad for their health, and not their choice. I used to smoke so I understand the urge to light up, but smoking inside of the ship makes that smoke just linger in the air, and that smoky air gets stale really quickly. We cruised NCL four times and when the Breakaway came out I wanted to book a cruise on her so eagerly, until I found out the casino is in the middle of the ship and that smoke filters elsewhere throughout the ship. I'm hoping there aren't smokers on the balconies to each side of us on our next cruise.

 

Lorie

[Jo3]

Hopefully smokers will be considerate and take your advice Hunt182644. As I posted earlier, I am on the HAL only because an agent said there was No smoking on balconies. Three large travel companies had agents stating this incorrect information. No telling how many more agencies are out there. Wonder if HAL had discussed a policy of no smoking on balconies and flip flopped? Anyone have info on this?

After coming up with positive remedies for this problem of misinformation for my cruise, (example, getting a non smoker volunteer in a cabin next to me or placing me next to my non smoker sister's cabin); HAL has said they are not willing to help. And before someone posts they are not responsible, maybe they are and maybe not. I do not know what information has been given to agencies who book on HAL's behalf, nor do I believe you do unless you are with an agency or with HAL. There does seem to be some confusion for at least three agencies and no telling how many more had the wrong idea.

Placing someone next to me who volunteered would be a way of good will for any possible confusion HAL may or may not have caused. IMO, my agency and HAL should have come up with a positive solution.

I am hoping for fresh air (especially for motion sickness) on my balcony and smooth seas. If a smoker does end up next to me, hopefully they will be a considerate one.

[mountainmare]

I'm sorry to tell you but a non-smoker next to you won't solve your problem. For sailaway smokers below you standing at the rail of their balcony will have smoke drift up. Really if smoke bothers you that much as soon as you discovered that your travel agent was incorrect you should have rebooked on another cruise line or cancelled and picked a different vacation. I know that sounds harsh but that is exactly what we have done.

Smoking is permitted on balconies on HAL ships, do not expect your neighbor to not smoke on the balcony next to you. I think it is rude to ask a smoker not to smoke in a designated smoking area (like their own balcony) or to have some type of "arrangement" That person booked HAL knowing the rules, you now know the rules and have accepted them. Maybe you will not have smokers next to or below you, if it worries you too much take your travel agency to task and make another plan.

[IRL_Joanie]

I'm sorry to tell you but a non-smoker next to you won't solve your problem. For sailaway smokers below you standing at the rail of their balcony will have smoke drift up. Really if smoke bothers you that much as soon as you discovered that your travel agent was incorrect you should have rebooked on another cruise line or cancelled and picked a different vacation. I know that sounds harsh but that is exactly what we have done.

Smoking is permitted on balconies on HAL ships, do not expect your neighbor to not smoke on the balcony next to you. I think it is rude to ask a smoker not to smoke in a designated smoking area (like their own balcony) or to have some type of "arrangement" That person booked HAL knowing the rules, you now know the rules and have accepted them. Maybe you will not have smokers next to or below you, if it worries you too much take your travel agency to task and make another plan.

 

Thank You!!:)

 

Joanie

[cruz chic]

I'm sorry to tell you but a non-smoker next to you won't solve your problem. For sailaway smokers below you standing at the rail of their balcony will have smoke drift up. Really if smoke bothers you that much as soon as you discovered that your travel agent was incorrect you should have rebooked on another cruise line or cancelled and picked a different vacation. I know that sounds harsh but that is exactly what we have done.

Smoking is permitted on balconies on HAL ships, do not expect your neighbor to not smoke on the balcony next to you. I think it is rude to ask a smoker not to smoke in a designated smoking area (like their own balcony) or to have some type of "arrangement" That person booked HAL knowing the rules, you now know the rules and have accepted them. Maybe you will not have smokers next to or below you, if it worries you too much take your travel agency to task and make another plan.

 

I did a cruise on princess in February. They do not allow balcony smoking but that didn't stop my neighbour from smoking. So much for the common request to "go to another line:rolleyes:". Many of us like hal and have a lot if benefits with them. What choice do we have but to accept them until they change and they will.

Edited March 27, 2015 by cruz chic

[sammiedawg]

I did a cruise on princess in February. They do not allow balcony smoking but that didn't stop my neighbour from smoking. So much for the common request to "go to another line:rolleyes:". Many of us like hal and have a lot if benefits with them. What choice do we have but to accept them until they change and they will.

 

But on Princess and other lines you can call authorities to report the smoker.

[sail7seas]

Hopefully smokers will be considerate and take your advice Hunt182644. As I posted earlier, I am on the HAL only because an agent said there was No smoking on balconies. Three large travel companies had agents stating this incorrect information. No telling how many more agencies are out there. Wonder if HAL had discussed a policy of no smoking on balconies and flip flopped? Anyone have info on this?

After coming up with positive remedies for this problem of misinformation for my cruise, (example, getting a non smoker volunteer in a cabin next to me or placing me next to my non smoker sister's cabin); HAL has said they are not willing to help. And before someone posts they are not responsible, maybe they are and maybe not. I do not know what information has been given to agencies who book on HAL's behalf, nor do I believe you do unless you are with an agency or with HAL. There does seem to be some confusion for at least three agencies and no telling how many more had the wrong idea.

Placing someone next to me who volunteered would be a way of good will for any possible confusion HAL may or may not have caused. IMO, my agency and HAL should have come up with a positive solution.

I am hoping for fresh air (especially for motion sickness) on my balcony and smooth seas. If a smoker does end up next to me, hopefully they will be a considerate one.

 

 

 

With all respect, any 'professional TA' who does not take the simple step of verifying on the cruise line's website about smoking policy, when specifically asked by the client, is not doing their job very well, IMO

 

The information is clearly available and to fall back on claiming some rep from the cruise line gave incorrect information is rather weak. Did they name 'who' gave the wrong info?

 

Then again, all of us can go to the website for every cruise line and look for the smoking policy. We find our way to CC; we can find our way to http://www.hollandamerica.com.

 

I don't wish for this to sound mean just stating the obvious.

 

 

Edited March 27, 2015 by sail7seas

[chrispb]

Those poor, unfortunate employees to be stuck breathing in second hand smoke throughout their whole shift. So bad for their health, and not their choice. Lorie

 

Many of the crew smoke too:cool:

[sail7seas]

Many of the crew smoke too:cool:

 

Just for the sake of accuracy, far fewer are nonn-smokers than smoke. Areas where crew can smoke are very limited.

 

[chrispb]

Just for the sake of accuracy, far fewer are nonn-smokers than smoke. Areas where crew can smoke are very limited.

 

 

Really? If that's what you wish to believe then do so. But the smoking areas for crews are fairly limited.

Edited March 27, 2015 by chrispb

[kennicott]

Apparently there are smokers who break the no smoking rules of various lines, but we haven't ever encountered evidence of this. Since September we have cruised on the Royal Princess, Seven Seas Mariner and the Coral Princess, we always get a balcony. None allow balcony smoking but do allow casino smoking. No problem what so ever with violators.

 

Throughout our cruising years we have been fortunate not to have had a problem with smokers, with one exception, on the Prinsendam back in 2008, on an almost three month voyage, a group of smokers who used to congregate on the Lido moved to the only good dance floor on the ship where quite a few older single ladies loved to dance. One told me it ruined the entire voyage for her. Today it is unlikely that scenario would repeat on any line, except maybe HAL.

 

Unfortunately for us, HAL was our most traveled line, but now they are the only line allowing balcony smoking. Taking a long voyage with chain smokers on adjacent balconies, both sides of you, is not very intriguing, true. But if the fears of many materialize wherein the new smoking policies attract increasing numbers of smokers to HAL, balcony smoking may just be the beginning of this unhappy situation.

 

The trend toward a higher percentage of on board smokers might exacerbate itself, producing additional negatives. As the proportion of smokers increase the previous congeniality of the average ship board smoker may begin to diminish; an excellent case in point being that which a previous poster mentioned here where cigar smoking buddies began to link up and fraternize on the adjacent balcony. Their arrogant offensive practice had taken the annoyance factor to an entirely different level. In other words, their brazenness had began to feed on itself.

 

I recall many years ago, when smoking wasn't frowned on like today, in board room meetings, conferences etc. as the day wore on the smoke cloud layer became lower and lower, by the end of the meeting everybody's eyes hurt and watered. When someone would complain, they were told in no uncertain terms that they weren't being forced to attend said gathering. Are going to witness a resurgence of this on HAL in the future?

[albingirl]

I did a cruise on princess in February. They do not allow balcony smoking but that didn't stop my neighbour from smoking. So much for the common request to "go to another line:rolleyes:". Many of us like hal and have a lot if benefits with them. What choice do we have but to accept them until they change and they will.

 

I agree with this statement. Totally. I still feel it's wrong of HAL to put it's employees in full-out smoking areas, like the Seaview bar. I always cross my fingers and hope there will be no smoker on the balcony next to me. Yes, we all know the rules but HAL needs to accommodate the vast majority of people who do not want to be subjected to the smoke on our balconies any longer. I too hope for changes soon.

[Debz62]

No, of course nonsmokers have the right to state their opinions, too. But smokers having the run of the ship? Please, let's be real. They're lucky if they can find a place soon to smoke. There's no need to exaggerate here.

 

I'm an occasional smoker. This will be the first time I've had a balcony and the first time I've cruised with HAL. If I find that smokers have the run of the ship or the Westerdam is a floating ashtray, I will not ever book a cruise on HAL again.

 

Please tell me some of these smoking complaints are exaggerated. If a smoker really spends 24/7 out on their balcony chain smoking they have serious issues that go beyond smoking! Also, if the smell of cigarette smoke is permanent on a balcony when the ship is moving at 20 knots...something is very wrong. Perhaps I'm naive and will find out for myself in about 45 days. I am hopeful my first cruise with HAL will not be my last.

[clogaltocruise]

Last year, in Glacier Bay, we had a Neptune Suite & our neighbors constantly smoked. It was horrendous. I do wanted to tell them to stop ... But, HAL allows it. It's just wrong that we spent so much for a balcony & then had to be subjected to that.!

[kennicott]

I'm an occasional smoker. This will be the first time I've had a balcony and the first time I've cruised with HAL. If I find that smokers have the run of the ship or the Westerdam is a floating ashtray, I will not ever book a cruise on HAL again.

 

Please tell me some of these smoking complaints are exaggerated. If a smoker really spends 24/7 out on their balcony chain smoking they have serious issues that go beyond smoking! Also, if the smell of cigarette smoke is permanent on a balcony when the ship is moving at 20 knots...something is very wrong. Perhaps I'm naive and will find out for myself in about 45 days. I am hopeful my first cruise with HAL will not be my last.

 

You picked a good line for your first Alaska cruise. HAL is the oldest in Alaska and has made significant investments here. They started out by buying Chuck West's ships, hotels and land tour operations. West was an old timer and known as the father of Alaska tourism.

 

I wouldn't worry about getting a chain smoker on the balcony next to you on this cruise. Chances are that even if you get smokers they won't smoke all that much. Only one time we experienced that, it was on a three month voyage and the guy next door didn't bother me at all, he usually went up to the lido and smoked with friends.

 

It is important to realize that this particular smoking issue is a very recent development. It has originated because all other significant mass market cruise lines have now abolished balcony smoking, leaving HAL the only one standing. The big question, as one might deduce from many posts on this thread, is what happens if smokers begin to saturate most of HAL's balconies due these changes?

 

Obviously, HAL being overwhelmed by smokers isn't a given. It will take a period of time for repercussions to manifest. Smokers may not flock to HAL as feared, instead remain with their favorite cruise line even though they prohibit balcony smoking. I watch and wait, and pay attention to posts on this thread as pertinent trends germinate.

 

Using a balcony is different than instinct may suggest. We have almost 600 days at sea, most of it with balconies. Rarely have we occasioned a movement of air on the balcony in the range of over just a few knots. Up high on the open decks, sailing into a head wind, yes, but then sometimes a following wind cancels even that out. Furthermore, at least 50% of the use of a balcony comes on port days, when tied up to a pier or at anchor.

 

Have a great cruise.

[idiebabe]

I'm an occasional smoker. This will be the first time I've had a balcony and the first time I've cruised with HAL. If I find that smokers have the run of the ship or the Westerdam is a floating ashtray, I will not ever book a cruise on HAL again.

 

Please tell me some of these smoking complaints are exaggerated. If a smoker really spends 24/7 out on their balcony chain smoking they have serious issues that go beyond smoking! Also, if the smell of cigarette smoke is permanent on a balcony when the ship is moving at 20 knots...something is very wrong. Perhaps I'm naive and will find out for myself in about 45 days. I am hopeful my first cruise with HAL will not be my last.

 

Many of these posts are extremely exaggerated to the point of laughable! HAL has very limited Designated Smoking Areas and on most Ships they are limited to one area by the SeaView Bar! Inside Smoking is limited to some machines and maybe one Table in the Casino. Smoking being a problem on a moving Ship going 16 - 20 knots is exaggerated! We've never smelled smoke from a Balcony unless it was a Cigar!

 

It's so funny because my Daughter just got off the Westerdam. They were sitting at a table in the Seaview Bar Area when six (6) ppl sat down. The 6 ppl immediately started complaining to the Bar Server about smoking and was very, very Rude. He went and got an Officer to speak with them. They were rude to the Officer and demanded the area become Smoke Free because they wanted to sit there. He repeated several times to them that they are sitting in a Designated Smoking Area. He informed them AGAIN that they are more than welcome to go sit on the other side where it is Non-Smoking but that this area IS a Designated Smoking Area. He then picked up the ashtray off their table and offered it to a couple that was sitting at another table. WOW! Sad thing is they probably went to Front Desk and complained about the Bar Server and Officer and then slammed them on the Comment Survey!

 

You will love the Westerdam and you will also find it is not a floating ashtray! :D

 

Enjoy your Cruise! My Daughter and Husband just got off today and had a GREAT time!

[Mtn2Sea]

I'm an occasional smoker. This will be the first time I've had a balcony and the first time I've cruised with HAL. If I find that smokers have the run of the ship or the Westerdam is a floating ashtray, I will not ever book a cruise on HAL again.

 

Please tell me some of these smoking complaints are exaggerated. If a smoker really spends 24/7 out on their balcony chain smoking they have serious issues that go beyond smoking! Also, if the smell of cigarette smoke is permanent on a balcony when the ship is moving at 20 knots...something is very wrong. Perhaps I'm naive and will find out for myself in about 45 days. I am hopeful my first cruise with HAL will not be my last.

 

I think it's the luck of the draw whether you'll have an issue. Within the ship, we avoid the casino due to an ever present stale smoke smell. Of course, that saves us money! During the last 16 months, we've done four cruises, ranging from 10 to 36 days, in a balcony cabin. I was a little nervous each time, wondering whether we would be able to use the balcony. Luckily, I only smelled smoke one day in the 71 days we were on our cruises. I must admit, however, that we're considering an oceanview cabin next because I'm afraid our luck will run out before HAL changes its policy.

[Debz62]

Thank you for the information about some of the smoking issues being exaggerated. Even as a smoker, too many smokers or too much smoking in one place can be overwhelming. I'm looking forward to this cruise with HAL, not only for the Westerdam, but also the destination. :)

[peaches from georgia]

Last year, in Glacier Bay, we had a Neptune Suite & our neighbors constantly smoked. It was horrendous. I do wanted to tell them to stop ... But, HAL allows it. It's just wrong that we spent so much for a balcony & then had to be subjected to that.!

Then why did you book and pay for an expensive cabin in a designated smoking area? :eek:

[momatibm]

Many of these posts are extremely exaggerated to the point of laughable! HAL has very limited Designated Smoking Areas and on most Ships they are limited to one area by the SeaView Bar! Inside Smoking is limited to some machines and maybe one Table in the Casino. Smoking being a problem on a moving Ship going 16 - 20 knots is exaggerated! We've never smelled smoke from a Balcony unless it was a Cigar!

 

It's so funny because my Daughter just got off the Westerdam. They were sitting at a table in the Seaview Bar Area when six (6) ppl sat down. The 6 ppl immediately started complaining to the Bar Server about smoking and was very, very Rude. He went and got an Officer to speak with them. They were rude to the Officer and demanded the area become Smoke Free because they wanted to sit there. He repeated several times to them that they are sitting in a Designated Smoking Area. He informed them AGAIN that they are more than welcome to go sit on the other side where it is Non-Smoking but that this area IS a Designated Smoking Area. He then picked up the ashtray off their table and offered it to a couple that was sitting at another table. WOW! Sad thing is they probably went to Front Desk and complained about the Bar Server and Officer and then slammed them on the Comment Survey!

 

You will love the Westerdam and you will also find it is not a floating ashtray! :D

 

Enjoy your Cruise! My Daughter and Husband just got off today and had a GREAT time!

 

Not quite the same situation,but... We were in the smoking area on the Zaandam -- a group of people came out from the Lido, stood around for quite a few minutes. It wasn't until they turned and actually looked at the people sitting there -- it was only then they noticed a few cigars...suddenly it was a 'stinky area' and they were very vocal about it. It was fine for the 5 minutes they were there before they saw the cigars.

 

It is these folks complaining in the smoking area, that was clearly marked, that give 'non smokers' a bad name. Not that the smokers complained about them, they all snickered about how long they had been there with no problem.

[RuthC]

Last year, in Glacier Bay, we had a Neptune Suite & our neighbors constantly smoked. It was horrendous. I do wanted to tell them to stop ... But, HAL allows it. It's just wrong that we spent so much for a balcony & then had to be subjected to that.!

If the neighbors were smoking on the balcony while the ship was in Glacier Bay, they were violating the rules, and should have been reported.

 

It is announced, as well as in the daily program, that there is to be no smoking on outside decks while in the national park.

[Aquahound]

If the neighbors were smoking on the balcony while the ship was in Glacier Bay, they were violating the rules, and should have been reported.

 

It is announced, as well as in the daily program, that there is to be no smoking on outside decks while in the national park.

 

Huh? :confused: As much as I wish that were true, I've never heard of any such thing.

[sail7seas]

If the neighbors were smoking on the balcony while the ship was in Glacier Bay, they were violating the rules, and should have been reported.

 

It is announced, as well as in the daily program, that there is to be no smoking on outside decks while in the national park.

 

this is true.

We were told it is in effort to keep the area as pristine as possible. I may be mistaken but we could have been told no smoking permitted in Tracy Arm. The Park Rangers were so sincere in their comments about preserving these magnificent areas.