This ship is only 2.5 years old and we noticed black blue (oil type) smoke coming from one of the smoke stacks when we were leaving the Port Everglades. We thought that maybe this was just something like a car starting in the morning and puffs of smoke emit from the exhaust, and let it go. However, this smoke continued throughout the cruise and was especially bad at night and in the early morning hours on our balcony. We paid more for a balcony because we enjoy this small sanctuary so much in the early morning hours and in the evening. We were on the 11th deck. Being asthmatic, I had to retreat to the cabin and was unable to enjoy my balcony if the wind shifted and caused the smoke to blow on our side of the ship. It seemed to be more prevalent at night (maybe when the engines were being pushed to the max). This smoke left black spotty residue on the railing and other areas of our balcony. Our steward was so kind after the first day to include the cleaning of the black residue during her daily cleaning. We told her Supervisor about her going above and beyond her regular duties to clean the mess off of the balcony, so he was informed of this as well. We attempted to tell Guest Services, but were never able to have enough time with the long lines to tell anyone there. Expressed my concerns that there were families with small children, older adults and most probably other passengers with breathing issues as myself and was concerned why a heads up from the crew was not mentioned. We were in the elevator on the first day and a young man got on board talking to the engine crew about the issue, so we knew that they were aware of it. However, Royal Caribbean is now telling us that they know of no problem on board the ship and everyone is denying, denying, denying. Even though I have video proof of the smoke billowing over our balcony on what was a nice evening.

Just sad to have a nice cruise and unable to enjoy our balcony which we paid a great deal to be able to enjoy.

Our cabin however, was spacious and well cared for with plenty of storage and many hangers. Read more