Ovation of the Seas cabin 6682 - the worst cabin on the ship!

A review of why an upgrade is not necessarily a good thing
--Edit per recommendation
This was a forced upgrade which put me the entire ship's length away from my wife (who is disabled) and daughter. I was given no choice but to accept this cabin or get a refund for my cabin but lose the entire cost of my wife's cabin (since she cannot travel without assistance).

[@MaryMP45]

I would be miserable... thanks for the warning.

[@druegillis1744]

Simple solution to a complicated problem. Ban ALL smoking on cruise ships. There are not that many smokers, maybe 5% of passengers smoke. Most of the smokers on board play the slots in the casino, making it a running gauntlet to get to the blackjack tables. They also sit at the bars, monopolizing the stools so they can have their smokes. Hey, if you want to ruin your health and get COPD later in life, that’s your decision. But do in on your own time. Not during my vacation time.

[@mrnew2008]

having developed an issue from 2nd hand smoke, I totally get it. I personally think they shouldn't allow smoking with cabins in or around a smoking area.

[@GWhizard]

As an ex-smoker, I can tell you, about smoking, there's nobody worse than an ex-smoker.

[@Bonstergirl1]

.Im an ex smoker we're not all bad..I dont hate smokers.. after all, I was one and anyone that does is just plain odd.

[@jojandy1963]

I’m an ex smoker 7 years now and love hanging out with smokers when they’re having a fresh smoke. I can’t stand the stale smell of it on peoples clothes though

[@drizzy2real]

i’m an ex smoker started smoking when i was 2 now i am 12 stopped smoking like 2 years tommororw

[@LifeInPink999]

So many mean comments from jealous people. This man just made us a favor sharing this information as most of the ships from the same company have pretty much the same architecture. It's good to know that this can happen at the moment of selecting a cabin.

[@Bonstergirl1]

WTF..Jealous..what do ppl have to be jealous about.. You cant get jealous over a comment like his.

[@grantbarclay3671]

We were upgraded to this cabin and managed to change to another higher up when we explained how the smoke would effect my wife's asthma.

[@locdemperor4378]

I'm a smoker but I don't think people who don't smoke 💨 should have to suffer for my habit

[@georgeleong1572]

That's a very kind thing for you to say. It's very rare comment. Hats off to you.

[@AltoAtik]

Holy shit a decent human being

[@druegillis1744]

Loc'd Emperor Kudos to you. As an ex-smoker, I see both sides of the issue. You understand both sides.

[@bluedevil29601]

I agree. I'm a smoker and I dont let my smoke get on people who also smoke, let alone non smokers

[@mrnew2008]

smokers sometimes don't understand the stinch that smoking leaves. So far, I have blessed enough to have been able to enjoy my balcony without impediments from 2nd hand smoke.

[@newbro]

You people don't get the point: He's not complaining being offered the upgrade, he's just stating the fact that there exists a room with balcony directed on top of the the smoking area.

[@thatguy834]

I’m booked on this ship next year just one floor up from this. I’m changing it now.

[@zacharylazard2507]

Thanks for the heads up. I am booked in 6678...2 doors fwd. I am a non smoker. I booked a GTY room they stuck me in a room right above the smoking area...oh hell no.

[@HollyFromFlorida]

great video! i had never thought to check where smoking areas are before but I will now! with my asthma this would have ruined my cruise .

[@felicitymacpherson8605]

4 years ago we were in 8670 and it felt like we were on top of this smoking area and that was even higher up! It wasn't just the smoke, it was also noisy and I wouldn't book any balcony on that side of the ship behind the back elevators again.

[@capeman10]

Good job on the report, No one should have to deal with second have smoke.

[@antbear13]

Thanks for the tip. I could see how that could ruin a trip.

[@stinger15au]

Not sure why everyone is upset about this. I completely agree. Upgrades are always a gamble and the higher up categories are not always better.I hate smoke and would hate this cabin, I typically try to book a exact cabin number I want and am really careful about accepting upgrades but on the other hand you don't really want to opt out because sometimes you genuinely get upgraded to even suites for free/virtually nothing.Thankyou for the info and when I do go on the ovation ill be sure to give this area of the ship a miss.

[@georgeleong1572]

That wasn't his point. Read his typed comment under his video.

[@djfly.guy.]

Thank you for the warning!!

[@suave-rider]

I'm a little late to the party but I have the same issue with my Apartment being above a cafe that has outdoor seating where smokers create fumes from 6am to 10pm 7 days a week. I never use my balcony.

[@HarrLable]

I was initially gonna say you're just being too picky but after seeing your video; I have to agree with you 100%!!!!

[@Schwabian]

Thanks for uploading, much appreciated

[@MrKarmapolice97]

Yeah I’m not a smoker either that would piss me off! Plus I like to go out on my balcony in just my underwear sometimes and I couldn’t do that either for everyone would be staring at me.🧐

[@CC-TimesTwo]

Thank you for sharing this important piece of information. My cruise on this ship is going to be a once-in-a- lifetime trip, so I'm going to make sure this will not be my room.

[@juliegilbert5581]

Hi, yes SMOKING SHOULD BE ONLY IN A DARK CUPBOARD UNDER THE ENGINE ROOM if you ask me, We once had smoke somehow wafting into our room we think?? from the air cond, as smoking area was nearby. But yes at least the cabin good size, so if you didnt pay for a balcony room, yes you havent missed out really.

[@Cherishripe]

Thanks for info! I have a baby & will be avoiding this room !

[@Badcat1959]

Thx for putting this video up. I am planing to cruise on this ship. Your video would help me avoid choosing cabin from this area.

[@adrissalih3559]

we had that cabin in November 2019 going to New Zealand and I agree all you smell is people smoking its disgusting

[@mindyschocolate]

I can’t believe they put the smoking section on the lower decks. On the Disney Dream the only smoking section was the very top most deck. Nothing above it.

[@bcs3948]

That’s awful! Thanks for sharing!

[@blarkin524]

I agree! Thanks for sharing!

[@DougEStile-gj7wy]

Thumbs down for shooting vertically.

[@Mister6]

/blush. I realised that after posting. Sorry :(

[@csuao]

I love how people are saying that you shouldn't be bother by smoke. Second-hand smoke is toxic. Fun fact: my grandfather died as his lungs collapsed due to smoking all his life. Fun fact: my friend's grandmother died from second-hand smoke by lung cancer as her family smoked around her indoors. I'm not going to let something so toxic not bother me. It would definitely ruin the point of upgrading to a balcony.

[@staffoffice]

Fun fact: You're fun facts aren't fun facts.

[@mindyschocolate]

Doctor Ya Ya Creator of Ecstasy neither is dying from some addict’s fix.

[@ginaparsons3426]

I'd be so ticked off too, not to mention disappointed. The smell of smoke (and sound of people talking late) is the worst.

[@grommlins]

We took that into consideration when booking our room. We made sure we were away from the smokers area. I'm not hating just a good idea.

[@laurelfree18]

Wow. I would be insanely pissed. Not only pissed, my asthma would be horrible. I'm sorry this happened to you.

[@kiarranicole1964]

Most valid cruise ship review video ever, nice room lay out tho

[@TULIPTULIP0707]

I have just booked on this ship with a balcony, but not room allocate until shortly prior to sailing. My fear is just this.... and since I have paid for a balcony, I would be most upset if I was over smoking section, especially as we have a 3 year old and we want the doors open. Thanks for head up, I think I will request to be far far away from that section

[@TheEv1968]

That is really helpful feedback 😊

[@bottomknockinbaja6092]

Thanks for the info.! I wouldn't want to be upgraded to a stateroom above the smoking area either.

[@ScottDLR]

Your're right, that's the abolute worst.

[@dylanberry8679]

Wouldn’t all the smoke just blow backwards by the force of the ship moving forward?

[@suave-rider]

the ship movement has nothing to do with sea winds

[@Clearbrite]

Totally agree ! I’d hate that too! Nice enough room..can’t use the balcony..not really an upgrade!

[@NYCgirl927]

I had the same problem. Always look at the cabin you're being upgraded to before accepting. Even if the person next door is smoking its the same problem.

[@jemdude22]

i have done my homework by reading Cruise Critic before booking my room through my travel agency. i got an excellent one on deck 8134 located at the forward portion of the ship. Cruise Critic would tell you the best and worst cabins to avoid. For example, cabins near the lift lobby or stairwells or cabins with obstructed views.

[@ayuxoxo]

Jere Cullen There's a reason why RC sells a seperate category of balcony staterooms with a cheaper price labeled 'Balcony Stateroom with Obstructed View'

[@thomasflanagan4563]

Yea that would bother me a bit too to be completely honest. I used to be a smoker but even when i was i still hated 2nd hand smoke

[@lifeiscruisey1912]

In all honestly this is the saddest part of the design on quantum class ships - even if there wasn’t a smoking zone there - almost all the balconies - including the most expensive royal loft suite are pushed inside so there’s always something obstructing your view - it’s either a smoking zone or life boats or an extended roof/floor - prefer ships where you step out into your balcony and look down directly at the water

[@blewyd]

I agree. Their older ships like Freedom Class have the balconies hanging over the sea which makes it have 0 obstruction. It's really really to look down at the ship hitting the waves with these cabins.

[@lemarkipusylvers4840]

Thanks brother your video was very helpful

[@Chris-fx3se]

You're right--The only thing worse would be if they plumbed a pipe from the smoking lounge directly into your cabin!! Thanks for the tip. I'll never cruise Royal Caribbean.

[@blewyd]

I don't think this one cabin should be a deal breaker. I hate cigarette smoke top, but when getting a cabin like this, you pay a smaller cruise fair because it is above the smoking lounge. When you are upgraded to a balcony cabin, you don't have to take it. I cruise with Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, etc I don't think this is a reason not to cruise with them

[@Wister88]

oh I feel you man, that's terrible, I have allergies especially to cigarettes smoke. I will make sure to avoid that cabin and all cabins on lower decks! Thank you for the video!

[@Audrey08861]

Ohhh that would annoy the crap out of me. What were they thinking.

[@javajules]

Thanks for the heads up. Dang man, you're catching a lot of crap but I have to say I get where you're coming from. You work all year or longer, saving for something like this, only to get sent a ship-length away from your fam without a CHOICE. And to top it off, a bunch of crap smoke and noise! I quit smoking 3 years ago, but I'm one of those people who just ignores when someone is smoking around me. It doesn't really bother me. This, though, would really piss me off bc it's constant and you get no break to enjoy the sunny day in the FRESH AIR on your own balcony which YOU are paying for! Why shouldn't you and your fam be able to enjoy it? I don't know why peeps here don't seem to get why you're posting this fyi, or why the aggravation, but I hear ya! Hope you guys get another chance with a more agreeable outcome.

[@georgeleong1572]

That's the problem with all these nasty comments. They all missed his typed comments under his video saying that they forced him away from his disabled wife.

[@yukiefromoz2573]

Yeah, not all upgrades are great. Learnt that from Tips For Travelers

[@oliopu1495]

I wish I could have a ride with any room..

[@gentlegirl88]

WOW!! You are right, what is the use of a balcony room if you can't use the balcony. Instead of enjoy the beautiful sea air , you get noise and lungs filled with smoke.

[@lazoputz3514]

don't talk ridiculous. This is a moving ship and the smoking area significantly below that balcony. You fricking non-smokers are SO fricking full of yourselves, it makes me far more sick than any amount of second hand smoke will affect the dweeb who was crying about being subjected to all that vile smoke. Sheesh, an active volcano wouldn't permeate to his balcony. Stop your fricking complaining ffs.

[@patriciamamani4139]

gentlegirl88 totally agree with you

[@gentlegirl88]

dennis coles - 😳 Wow ... someone is sensitive... 😂 LOL... Lighten up it's just a comment... 🤣🤣🤣

[@clax5612]

dennis coles You're so fucking sensitive. NO ONE likes the smell of smoke and cigs over the smell of the ocean.

[@dmaextraordinaire8205]

I agree, being above the smoking area must be repugnant. Currently, we are below the solarium, near the smoking area. The noise has been an issue. We weren’t charged for all of the noise, so I guess we won’t complain. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I do have one thing to say about Royal Caribbean, they *do have the hardest beds it sea…. which I hope is rectified…

[@eadecamp]

I'll take this over that cramped ocean view cabin we were in recently on the Norwegian Dawn. We were hoping the upsell fairy would visit us, but that didn't happen. Never again an ocean view. We had 20' swells on the first day and from Deck 5 sometimes it looked more like we were scuba diving than cruising.

[@mindyschocolate]

Aimee Ward that sounds kind of cool actually.

[@larssandvik1347]

yes, I’m also currently on the ship and a disabled cabin. Nowhere else to move to because people that are not disabled are in disabled cabins and there is smoke coming from crew areas. I don’t understand this is very simple, put all the smokers on the back of the ship in the open air. It is not appropriate for 5 to 10% of the cruise to bother the other 90% of the people.

[@gltravels5523]

Thanks for the video! Subscribed!

[@seanarmstrong6586]

Hey, sucks when this sort of thing happens. Question for you, as a fellow CPAP user, were you able to use the power points without an adaptor? if not what adaptor should I get. From NZ so ours are pretty similar if not the same to Australian ones. Thanks in advance.

[@Mister6]

Hi Sean, yes I had no problem plugging in my CPAP machine. That being said, as a frequent traveller and knowing that cabins always have limited power points, (and not always convenient to the bed) I invested in a travel CPAP with a battery a few years back. That let's me charge my other things while I sleep and the CPAP battery during the day.

[@tangshuoau]

I wish I could afford this room someday.

[@pattiday4532]

They definitely need to move the smoking area, to another part of the ship!!!!

[@douga3212]

They should have asked if you were a smoker, if not this cabin should be instantly taken off your upgrade list

[@lawrencehamm1478]

I can't stand to be around smoking, so THAT WOULD SUCK!!! I think I'd put the smoking room adjacent to the diesel engine exhaust.

[@williamboyle8918]

I want to be directly above the pot smoking lounge tho.>>>>That would be an upgrade,

[@nguyen11367]

omgg ur room is soo much better then mine!! i was on the same cruisee

[@The1andOnlyShrek...]

You can just leave it closed and it will be a kick-ass ocean view .... Don't even open the door . You didn't pay anymore so....

[@mindyschocolate]

Matthew Barajas and the people who get this room on the next cruise who DID pay??????????????? As a non smoker, I’d like to know which rooms smell like ashtrays.

[@LaLa-dp8vy]

Agreed.. I would be pissed. I love the balcony and we like to keep the door open at night to listen to the water. I would hate to smell like a smoker, my clothes and room to now reek of it. Even if noone is there, cigarette smoke lingers. I'd be damn to spend that kind of money to smell like the Marlboro man 😤

[@incomingshell3268]

The smoking promenade is the worst area on the ship.... Absolutely stinks.....

[@aristotlen21]

Sucks that you had that room during ur trip

[@lord_granola3409]

this cabin is huge compared to mine on a carnival ship (also was a balcony)

[@Meela234]

Actually, this is good information. I would definitely avoid this one.

[@bighangers]

wait so you were upgraded from a "seaview?" non balcony room into this D8 balcony state room.. first of all nice score but if the smoking bothers you why not just keep the door closed? the room you had originally booked and paid for wouldn't have had an openable door anyway?

[@davemartin9954]

He is just a typical entitled blatass.

[@bighangers]

Im well aware that people pay a lot of hard earned money to take cruise's Im one of them i only got back from a cruise 2 weeks ago where my partner and I saved up and booked a vista suite. tricking people into a cabin? really? he was offered this room as A FREE UPGRADE. if it was such a sleazy tactic then why did he ACCEPT the upgrade?

[@bighangers]

If you feel that i was trying to brag that's your prerogative - in regards to your comment... if your response was to "Dave Martin " then why pray tell did you reply to my comment? you clearly know how to use a keyboard as your most recent comment is adressed to me.. why didnt you do that to your original comment if it was so poignant that you were replying to "Dave Martin's" comment?

[@Mister6]

I was not OFFERED this upgrade, it was forced on me and it meant that I was 3 levels and the whole ship away from my wife and daughter. (She was right at the bow on level 9 and I was about 30m from the stern on L6) which was very inconvenient since she is disabled. I have said this previously but you must not have read all the commentary. I DID NOT WANT this cabin, I wanted to be next to (or at least near) my wife as originally booked. I fought hard to not get this cabin without knowing about the smoking section but it was either take the cabin or not take the cruise and lose the deposit on my wife's cabin.

[@Mister6]

No, I asked for that. The choice I was given was get a refund for my cabin only (and hence love our 50% deposit on my wife's cabin) and not go on the cruise to take what they gave me. They were very draconian. I had a lot of other challenges on that cruise but this video was not meant to be a gripe about RC in general, it was meant to inform people about certain cabins that were less than optimal.

[@mwarren42]

I AGREE!

[@1ceYourPimpHand]

You got shit for this video but it's a completely fair complaint, especially considering the context.

[@yourmum632]

And that’s the top of the line P&O room😂

[@byghostlight0]

wow I was thinking "what on earth is this guy going to whine about on youtube" expecting something rather trivial but yep, I totally see where you are coming from, seriously, what a ridiculous piece of planning.

[@TopTravelOfficial]

Nope, that's depends on which stateroom you had selected before. And i suggest you better take a look of the cruise body design before bookmark the cruise to anywhere. Deck 9 - deck 11 are the best location here. but don't select your stateroom at middle. select it at front and ark. Then it will not have any obstable blocking your ocean view and any worthless smoking air blowing up on your balcony.

[@Mister6]

I selected staterooms at the bow, I was "upgraded" to this cabin; I declined since I wanted to keep my family together (rather than 3 decks and almost the whole ship length apart) but was told I had no choice

[@Bonstergirl1]

really! as a non smoker now (9yrs of non smoking) Ive seen smokers and the smoke blows away as quickly as its there.. Also, you're not supposed to have your balcony door open as there is an air conditioning going and it creates a vortex.. Lesson learned..check it out b4 you board

[@dlgregory35]

when you open cabin door to the balcony it turns air conditioning off.

[@issyr5253]

I went on this ship the cruise before this one you are on I was in 9510 it is twice the size of a normal cabin but it was right at the front not good during rough seas

[@Mister6]

My wife was in one of those cabins (which was pretty much the whole ship away from me) with my daughter. They were very big and quite rocky but she loves rough seas so that worked out well.

[@issyr5253]

Michael Wolff the ship is quite big to big but good how it has all these diffrent inclusive activities like roler skating bumber cars and so on

[@redcowcat8705]

You should ask to change rooms

[@allyfagan7692]

Man that sucks! I'm seeing all these comments about being petty and first world problems but i get terrible headaches when I smell cigarette smoke

[@Mister6]

Yes! You get it! It wasn't about being a bad cruise. My video is a PSA for others who might want to take this cruise so if they don't like smoking and constant noise then they should avoid this area of the ship.

[@allyfagan7692]

Michael Wolff I was completely shocked at the illogical designs

[@fgfg633]

Ally Fagan I get a headache and stuffy nose, and the added benefit of smelling like an ashtray. I can't stand being near people that smoke--its such a nasty and disgusting habit! I smoked a pack a day (Kools) and when I turned 23 I quit cold-turkey, never picked up another cigarette the rest of my life, I'm 48. I have no sympathy for people that say they can't quit. My father, step-mother, and sister all quit cold-turkey years and years ago, and I know many, many people that have quit.

[@mindyschocolate]

Agreed. Smoking is gross and should be banned 100%. It’s a HUGE fire hazard to boot. Plenty of fires started on balconies from addicts who had to get that next fix.

[@barbryll8596]

I’ve been warned about taking an upgrade for this reason. Being a non smoker I can see why your not happy with your cabin.

[@JAMESFERNANDEZ]

I understand your position perfectly!! of course there might be always someone who has to get these cabins but when it comes to us, its a different story! i would be a upset too if i really wanted to enjoy the balcony as it should be! anyway, hope u liked the ship and enjoyed your vacations! I've been on board Ovation of the Seas last May, when she left the shipyard and started her global odyssey from London to China! ;)

[@lazoputz3514]

This dweeb didn't purchase a balcony suite. As far as I'm concerned, the door should have been locked out by the staff. He then would have had accommodation similar to his purchase, although, probably bigger. Then he wouldn't have been subjected to those huge clouds of smoke billowing upward from below.

[@eugeniupetrescu6651]

They are several cabins on board with special price for different reasons , engine noise, obstructed view, close to smoking areas., pool deck above etc. The TA are misleading in purpose many passangers and wrongly advise them to ask for upgrades on board. Very wrong and the reason is that most of the premium ships are sailing to full capacity with little cabins available for emergency purposes only. However many guests are aware about all of these and still demand in a rude way shamless sometime a suite. The Accessable rooms are limited on board same as the wheelchairs so book early. Mr Wolff is probably not at his fist cruise, I"m absolutely sure that after he complain to GRD got a lot of compensations . Your review is accutally positive and alot of people will book the room after this video.

[@shantigs]

that is a pretty stupid place to put a smoking area, im a smoker but I never smoke indoors, the smell is horrid, and I would be pretty pissed off if I were given this room, so I can imagine how annoyed a non smoker would be, even if it were a free upgrade, they should change where this area is, for all passengers sakes.

[@janjanbeckham8]

Nobody will book this room, and I guess this room is for free upgrade. So obviously, those thought they were actually given free upgrade to a balcony. What is there to be pissed, go back to your booked pothole

[@shantigs]

@@janjanbeckham8 when you chose a room you see a basic ship plan, you pick where on the ship, a room number, to don't get to see the reality of whats around it, so it is a problem, and I would like to know what lines offer these free upgrades, ive been on several, and you get what you pay for.

[@calebbrookes1568]

They got rid of that I think

[@Mister6]

I sooooo hope you are right for the sake of everyone that gets stuck in one of those cabins

[@JH-sj3og]

I agree

[@danielsander9997]

Nice

[@everythingplane4191]

if you were going on a ship that probably costs 1000$ and have a great time when you get in to that room your extremely mad for the smokers being jerks and now your trip is basically mess you can't. even go to bed because all you smell is dam smoke your going to want to upgrade again but its the ships fault for even making a room like that they no people are going to be mad right! and people are going to rate the ship bad

[@Sam-M7]

Why was it a forced upgrade?

[@Mister6]

It was either upgrade or get a refund and leave my disabled wife and 8 year old daughter to go on the cruise by themselves. I call that "forced"

[@Sam-M7]

Michael Wolff . I understand that. I’m on your side here. I just don’t understand why Royal would up and decide to move your cabin.I’d be pissed off to be honest.

[@alanbanh]

So? You got upgraded from an ocean view room where you couldn't even go outside at all. Think of this as the same room except with a bigger view.

[@johnettastevens4906]

Lol, put a smoker in that room and they wouldn't be braking the rules smoking on the balcony. 🤣🤣🤣

[@jennybentancort1683]

You know what you are our answer from Heaven! as it happen to be we were tented to upgrade today... but because apparently the offer is till tomorrow... the end of the month... the lady said have a think about it... you still go time... to pay more money... and i could not deside there and then because she said I have to worn you that you may have the nice yellow boats right there in front of your balcony... so we thought would it be worth it to pay more money to see the yellow boats in front of our balcony????? so we are thinking .... but now they you show us this,,, well we are not upgrading.... thank you very much... I will use my money in better things... So yes thank you .

[@jahmarko]

well this is the worst cabin cuz the ocean view is far and obstructed, and it was a bad decision from the beginning and a plus is the smokers!

[@stevemason7845]

Been on this ship and the smokers where a pain in the arse, but cant please everyone,

[@southo69]

This would really piss me off... So much so that i would get out of my room and go and enjoy the ship.. :P Yeah, I get that it is annoying if you are a non smoker - but you can leave the balcony door closed and still enjoy the awesome view. If you want fresh air - then there are hundreds of square metres of great deck space that you can go and check out and have great waiters bring you drinks :P

[@georgeleong1572]

That wasn't his point. Read his typed comment under his video.

[@JimT1975]

Not to mention zero privacy

[@chriscross8366]

People are allowed to smoke on a cruise ship? Are there any that are smoke free.

[@mindyschocolate]

Chris Cross Disney

[@kerrymuller7389]

Actually I would be more concered about the talking than the smoking. They would be out there talking all hours of the day.

[@douglas4373]

If u say this is the worst cabin, why u don't upgrade to royal suite.

[@georgeleong1572]

That wasn't his point. Read his typed comment under his video.

[@Stitchielala]

so wouldn't you just go back and say you don't want that cabin because you weren't told it would have the smoking area near it? Easy solution.