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Login Don’t just get away. Get more from your cruise on the amped Navigator of the Seas®.
The amped Navigator of the Seas® delivers a maxed out adventure in just a few short days. Take on record-breaking thrills, like the longest waterslide at sea. Soak up bigger, bolder, splashier pool days. Swap going out for going all out with next-level nightlife and new dining for every craving. This is your short holiday, turned way, way up. Only on Royal Caribbean®.
I am a grandfather (widowed) traveling with my adult daughter and 13 year old granddaughter. We had adjoining cabins. The port embarkation at San Pedro (L.A.) is excellent. You park your car by the dock and the ship is right there. We had 11:30am- Noon boarding. The boarding lines were quick with no waiting except personal screening. We were on board within 10 minutes. Although the Windjammer was crowded we found a table designated for handicapped which we took. I have a handicap placard but since I walk at times with a cane no one questioned my status. Thus we used such table for our breakfasts and lunches. The Windjammer had numerous food stations with little wait time. The food, especially lunches, were varied and excellent. Many exotic dishes, especially Asian. Great variety of spices making chicken, fish etc. taste great. We ate in the Main Dining Room every dinner. The waiter was very attentive to my daughter's dietary needs ( lactose free/non dairy). However the menu is limited and lobster and other dishes add a premium price. I love the sit down more refined dinner experience. For those not needing such, especially with children, I recommend the Windjammer with its greater variety of foods. The only difficult experience was waiting for tenders to take us to Catalina. It was a very long process requiring standing for over 45 minutes. Very difficult for the elderly. However Catalina was great. We went on the glass bottom boat and saw many fish. All in all a great ship depending on your situation. It is great for multi-generational travelers. I love being with my granddaughter as well as seeing youngsters running about having fun. The noise does not bother me. However such may not be the case for other travelers. The drone, ice show was great for all ages. The main stage show was more adult oriented and not suitable at times for young children. I recommend this ship for families and family oriented folk.
Background Information This was my 3rd Royal Caribbean cruise and my husband's 4th (38th ocean cruise overall for me, 39th overall for my husband). We had previously sailed two Oasis class ships. The primary reason for choosing this sailing was Navigator having the Bamboo Room - only two ships in the fleet have this legitimate tiki bar. We'd also never been to Catalina so that was an appealing stop on the itinerary. Travel to Embarkation Port We flew into LAX four days early and took Lyft to our hotel for a 4 night stay pre-cruise in Hollywood. Day 1 - Los Angeles Embarkation We arrived about 10:15am. We had priority boarding with our Junior Suite cabin. Check-in/security complete by 10:30am. Onboard by 10:45am. So as usual per our past cruising experiences, boarding groups are not enforced (we had 11-11:30). Couldn’t go directly to cabin to drop off hand luggage. However, cabins were available at 1pm. Luggage arrived around 2:45pm. Sailaway was at 4pm. Cabin Our Junior Suite was cabin category J3 - booked as a Guarantee Suite and assigned approximately two weeks before sailing. -Cabin décor & size - 277 sq ft with a 46-69 sq ft balcony. -Cabin location & proximity to ship features - Our cabin was aft of mid-ship on the starboard side on Deck 10. We were below Jamie's Kitchen on Deck 11 but we never heard any noise in the cabin. Cabin steward was Totok. Cabin features: • Comfortable king bed with plush linens • Sitting area with sleeper sofa and plush velvet chair & ottoman • Desk and chair with a large mirror above the desk. Mirror was flanked by two glass door vertical storage cabinets. Full length storage closet with five shelves. Desk had 9 drawers of storage. Two cabinets above the wall-mounted TV (one of which contained the safe) and one cabinet below the TV which housed the mini-fridge. Desk had 2 US power outlets, and 1 European power outlets; no USB ports. • Bathroom was large with a tub/shower combo, two glass door storage cabinets flanking the mirror each with 3 shelves, decent size vanity, and a small amount of storage space under the sink. • Suitcases fit under the bed. Each side of the bed had a nightstand with one drawer and one open shelf. Wall mounted lamp with reading light. • There were two mounted hooks across from the bathroom. • Interactive small flat screen TV - didn't really explore what kind of movie selection there was - usual limited selection of live TV channels. • Balcony had two chairs and a table. Chairs are still being zip-tied (ours were both in the reclining position) so the fleet wide chair replacement hasn't yet made it to the Navigator. • Sufficient space for a lounger on the balcony and there wasn’t one which was disappointing. Ship Information Ship stats - Maximum passenger capacity is 3114 with 1181 crew. Never heard stats on how full our sailing was. Kelly was our cruise director. Navigator was "Amplified" back in 2019. Venues added/enhanced: New aqua coaster (The Blaster), new mat racer waterslide (Riptide), reimagined poolscape, New blow-dry bar (To Dry For), New dining/bar options (Hooked Seafood, Jamie's Italian, The Bamboo Room, Playmakers Sports Bar, and The Lime and Coconut), New escape room. Internet - We each had 1 day internet package as part of our Diamond level status. Since it was only a 4 night cruise with one of the stops in California, we originally opted not to buy an upgraded Internet package, but after the 1st day, we bought a remaining days upgrade for one device and shared it. Speed/reliability was very good as Navigator is on Starlink. RC app - Pretty much identical to the Celebrity app - Worked well overall with the ability to flag activities and events of interest. App was great about sending reminders for upcoming flagged events. Scott had some issues with being able to use the chat functions this cruise. Pleasantly surprised to find Freestyle machines were on this class of ship. Locations at Café Promenade and Windjammer Café. Entertainment Listened to piano entertainer Scott Whittington in Schooner Bar. Dining Lunch - Café Promenade & El Loco Fresh Snacks - Crown Lounge Dinner/Dessert - MDR (Welcome Aboard) - For starters, I had the spinach & artichoke dip and the Caesar salad; Scott had the shrimp cocktail & the escargot. For entrée, I had the spaghetti bolognese and Scott had the NY strip steak. For dessert, I had the key lime pie and Scott had the peanut caramel bar. Day 2 - Catalina Island 8am-5pm Activities This is a tender port. We got a tender around 10:15am. Used the Circuit electric shuttle ($2pp), which serves as the island’s rideshare, to visit the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and the Casino Building. Spent a couple hours at the Memorial/Garden - well worth a visit to enjoy the gardens and get a nice scenic view. Had planned to have lunch in Avalon but decided to just head back to ship after visiting a couple local artisan shops. We waited in line for a return tender about 30 min and got back on the ship shortly after 2pm. Entertainment Listened to piano entertainer Scott Whittington in Schooner Bar - with extra Irish songs for St. Patrick’s Day. Listened to guitarist William Prescott in Copper & Clover pub. Dining Breakfast - Windjammer Marketplace Lunch - Windjammer Marketplace Snacks - Crown Lounge Dinner/Dessert - Izumi Sushi specialty dinner - Because we made reservations pre-cruise, we had the prix fixe which gives you one small plate, two large plates, and dessert plus edamame and miso soup. Scott had the crispy chicken karage small plate and the seared tuna tataki and the baked snow crab & salmon dynamite rolls large plates. I had the pork gyoza dumplings small plate and the spicy crispy shrimp and champagne lobster rolls large plates. For dessert, we both had the Izumi chocolate fluffy cheesecake. I had the She’s a Geisha special cocktail. Another very good food and service meal at Izumi. Day 3 - Ensenada 8am-6pm (Changed to 4pm) Activities Did some morning reading in the Cosmopolitan Club (aka observation lounge) and afternoon reading on our balcony. Got off the ship to have lunch at Tacos El Chente - only a half-mile walk from the ship just outside of the port area. One of many local hole in the wall taco joints, El Chente was highly ranked on Yelp. We each had three tacos (I had the shrimp, chorizo, and fish; Scott had the adobada, gobernador, and shrimp), a tostada (I had the shrimp; Scott had the fish & shrimp), and a bottle of Diet Coke Light for a grand total of $33 USD. Fresh and delicious! Entertainment Saw the ice skating show iSkate: Reach for the Stars. Description: "Our talented skaters put their best blade forward in a dazzling showcase of their very best moves set to their own favorite tunes." I liked the theming of the shows on Wonder and Symphony better, but any ice skating show is still amazing to watch especially being done on a moving ship! Listened to guitarist William Prescott in Copper & Clover pub. Dining Breakfast - Crown Lounge Lunch - On shore Snacks - Crown Lounge Dinner/Dessert - Windjammer Marketplace (Theme: Savoring the Silk Road - Malaysian, Thai, and Indian) Day 4 - At Sea Activities Did morning reading time in the Cosmopolitan Club. Enjoyed pool and reading time in the Solarium in the afternoon. Entertainment Listened to guitarist William Prescott in Copper & Clover pub. Dining Breakfast - Windjammer Marketplace Lunch - Jamie's Italian specialty lunch - For starters, we got the squid fritti and the tomato bruschetta (ultimate garlic buns are better). For entrée, I had the creamy prawn linguine and Scott had the penne vodka arrabbiata. For sides, we got the charred broccoli and the skin-on fries. For dessert, I had the tiramisu and Scott had the banana split. John Paul (Philippines) was our server. Very good food (bruschetta was a miss) and service. As with Symphony, another steal of a lunch for $12.99pp (booked during Black Friday sale). Snacks - Pizza (Carnivore flavor of the day) from Café Promenade Dinner/Dessert - MDR (A Taste of the Caribbean) - For starters, I had the coconut shrimp and Scott had the coconut shrimp and the Caesar salad. For entrée, we both had the broiled tiger shrimp. For dessert, we both had the pineapple sunshine cake (Scott’s favorite dessert on Royal so he had two of them!) Day 5 - Los Angeles Disembarkation We left the cabin at 7:30am (required to leave by 8am). Had breakfast in Windjammer Marketplace. Our 8:45am disembark group (26) was called at 8:25am. We debarked and were through customs by 8:45am. We took Lyft to Disneyland for a post-cruise stay. Service As with our previous Royal Caribbean cruises, we enjoyed good to outstanding service on this cruise. We got to know all three of The Bamboo Room bartenders - John (Philippines), Samantha (Jamaica), Loreto (Philippines). We had an excellent MDR waiter Simbarashe (Zimbabwe) at table 327. Royal is still one of the mainstream cruise lines doing twice daily cabin service. Tips & Tricks - Bring your own shampoo & conditioner - all cabins except for Suites only get a combo body wash/hair product. Since we were in a Junior Suite this time, we got to enjoy the separate shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. - The Lime and Coconut bar's signature namesake drink is actually better at The Bamboo Room where they can do a hand-shaken version of higher quality. Final Thoughts - The Bamboo Room was the primary reason for picking this ship - and it did not disappoint. We thought the drinks were very good, bartenders were excellent, and décor and music were as close to purist tiki as one could reasonably expect for a mass market cruise ship tiki bar. - Very pleasantly surprised to see Coke Freestyle machines on this class of ship - thought those were only on Oasis and Icon class. - Navigator’s décor is dated but has been well maintained and has had some nice venue upgrades. What is now considered a mid-size ship, this cruise was a nice reminder that these are very enjoyable ships to sail. - We still want to try an Icon class ship.
AWARD-WINNING & AWE-INSPIRING ACCOMMODATION
Redefining the cruising experience one room at a time. Our staterooms are an alluring escape from the non-stop action that our cruise ships are known for. From our spectacular views to our deluxe amenities, a stay with us is like nothing else at sea.
YOUR COMFORT NEEDS
24-hour room service for fuelling up between thrills. A daily stateroom attendant dedicated to making sure that your stay is spectacular. Daily cleaning service so you can rest easy before the next day’s adventures. Whether you’re travelling with kids, a group of fellow explorers or require any kind of specialised service, we’ve thought of all the creature comforts you’d expect during your holiday – plus a few more.
BABY ONBOARD - Holidaying with a baby? Let us know and we’ll provide a cot and supplies to make your little one comfy.
BRINGING THE CREW - Keep the whole squad together on your next getaway. Select staterooms can connect to accommodate more guests.
COUPLES RETREAT - Our staterooms offer spa-like comfort so you can disconnect from reality and reconnect with your partner-in-adventure.
SPECIAL NEEDS - All of our cruise ships are equipped to accommodate any special needs – just let us know and we’ll make you feel at home.
EATS FOR ANY BEAT
Choose any flavour you’re craving – you’ll find endless ways to please your palate onboard the newly amped Navigator of the Seas. For a fine dining experience, snag a reel taste of New England at Hooked Seafood℠ or gather around family-style Tuscan dishes with star power at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver. And when the adventure can’t wait, reach for grab-and-go Mexican favourites that you’ll go wild over at El Loco Fresh®, or order up American diner classics like burgers, fries and even spiked milkshakes at the poolside Johnny Rockets® Express.
HOOKED SEAFOOD℠
If you want to snag a real taste of New England style-seafood, Hooked Seafood℠ is the spot. From crab cakes and chowders to just-shucked oysters, it’s the ultimate catch.
JAMIE'S ITALIAN BY JAMIE OLIVER℠
At Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver, you’ll enjoy Tuscan-inspired dishes like the crowd-pleasing Famous Plank and pastas made in-house – all crafted by one of Britain’s most famous chefs.
JOHNNY ROCKETS® EXPRESS
All your favourite American-diner classics are just a hop and a skip away from the pool deck at Johnny Rockets® Express. Burgers, fries – even spiked shakes for those who want something a bit more spirited.
Enrichment programs, or ‘Explorer Academy’ classes cover a wide range of topics, from wine tasting to casino tuition.
WEEKEND GOALS ON MAX
Forget what you thought you knew about pool days. The newly amped up Navigator of the Seas® is overflowing with new ways to spend your day in the sun. The forecast calls for maximum adventure on the most daring duo of The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides ever – The Blaster® aqua coaster and Riptide℠ head-first mat racer. We've also doubled the pool's surface area to cover the deck with tons of space to lounge, swim and keep you connected to the water. And the new Splash Pad offers a fun-soaked play area perfect for memory making with tots.
AMPLIFIED POOL DECK
Say hello to bolder pool days filled with endless thrills and ways to chill. The newly revamped Navigator of the Seas® offers double the pool’s surface area and an entire deck covered with more space to lounge, swim and make sun-drenched memories.
THE BLASTER®
Chart a thrill-filled course on the longest waterslide at sea — The Blaster® aqua coaster. Five waterjet blasters propel you and a friend through dips, drops and the longest stretch of slide ever suspended over water.
RIPTIDE℠
Watch the current – you’re about to get swept up by Riptide℠, the only head-first mat racer waterslide at sea, with an exhilarating curve right off the side of the ship.
TWO TROPICAL WAYS TO SHAKE UP YOUR DRINK ORDER
It’s an island state of mind all the time with two new tropical watering holes onboard the newly amped Navigator of the Seas. For Polynesian-inspired craft cocktails and small bites in a tiki chic setting, make your way to The Bamboo Room. Or take in three levels of turned up Caribbean flavour – day and night – at the new signature poolside spot, The Lime and Coconut℠, offering bars on the first two levels and a rooftop sun deck on the third.
THE LIME AND COCONUT®
The search for your favourite island bar is over – it’s on the revamped Navigator of the Seas®. The Lime and Coconut® delivers turned-up Caribbean cool across three levels of prime pool front views. The first two decks serve up your favourite holiday-mode libations. The third offers a rooftop sun deck – or moonlit lounge spot. Because when the sun goes down, this pool bar just might be the hottest spot onboard.
BAMBOO ROOM
Throwback vibes and kitschy cool cocktails will whisk you away at The Bamboo Room – a Polynesian watering hole that packs a punch. This tiki-chic lounge is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or a late night rendezvous. Expert bartenders keep your tastes in mind as they craft your perfect potion with exotic fruits and spices. So sit back, relax and order small plates to share.
The ship features a fantastic array of health and fitness facilities including a spa, fitness centre, rock climbing wall and much more.
Nothing strengthens bonds like adventure. And the amped up Navigator of the Seas® is overflowing with new adventures to thrill every member of the family. Fuel friendly competition with a game of glow-in-the-dark laser tag, put your teamwork to the test on a new Royal Escape Room challenge or tackle record-breaking thrills like the longest waterslide at sea. And kids of all ages and teens alike have more ways to hang and play with newly redesigned spaces perfect for each age group.
