Baowen

Wow - flashback!  I totally forgot about the fuel surcharges !

Beth

36 minutes ago, latebuyer said:

 i'm wondering if its common to not get the OBC until you are on the ship. I only got 1/2 the obc and my travel agent is saying i won't get it until later and maybe not until on the ship.

My OBC usually isn't available until I'm on the ship unless it comes directly from Royal Caribbean ( like OBC for a reduced rate or Next Cruise OBC)

Beth

You'll get offer in your stateroom during the cruise and then after by email and mail.  You will have to call their casino line to book.  The best way to check for offer is to go the website listed above.  I have another free 3 day coming up and I was able to upgrade to a balcony for $97 (for 2 people).  Even if you get the cruise for free you'll have to pay for the taxes and port charges.

Beth

I've been on the Navigator a lot lately and I always buy the Unlimited Dining and drink package. It is usually better to buy it beforehand on the cruise planner ( as suggested above).  The dining venues are really great and you can use them multiple times during the day (appetizers at one venue and dinner at another...) Chops steakhouse is the best but Jaime's is also amazing. Jaime's is open for lunch on embarkation day . The menus for the restaurants will be in the Royal phone app.

Beth

15 hours ago, F27TW said:

 

All of the pool heaters broken ??   Pretty unacceptable considering how long that ship sat out of service.  No excuse for that.  They had plenty of time to make sure everything was in working order before going back into service.  

The captain said they got new pool heaters during the pandemic and every one of them broke!

(did you notice the other hot tub on the opposite side on the same deck was closed for maintenance the entire cruise???)

That hot tub was only open on my November & December Navigator cruise. It' s been "closed for maintenance" all of the other cruises.

Beth

11 hours ago, rockmom said:

I was on this sailing and the best line was the guy that put his toe in the water and said "I've had ice cubes that were warmer than this."  It was bitterly cold.  And yes, the ship was really full compared to what had been reported on the past couple months of sailings.  The crew seemed like they were running constantly, and it felt like they were very short staffed.  The one downside, and to me it was a BIG downside, was because the pool was so cold, the hot tub on the main pool deck was packed solid.  And I mean packed. About 3/4 of those in the hot tub were little kids, I saw some parents hand over kids in swim diapers to another adult in the hot tub.  I saw one kid 'drinking' the water and then spitting it at his siblings in the hot tub.  Some kid had a swim ring.  It was crazy.   On the deck just above the pool, only one of the hot tubs was open and it was always packed as well, although with mostly adults.  Boobs to booty--squished in together.  There was a sign that said 'only members of your own party in the hot tub'.  There were members of probably a dozen parties crammed in there.  We had a 10 year-old with us, so couldn't escape to the solarium.  But when you have a ship on the west coast and it's winter, you NEED pool heat.  Kids ran through the splash pad, but after a short while, you'd see chattering teeth and blue lips.  (one morning when I was out there it was only 45 degrees--and we didn't break 70.  So no chance of the pool water getting even remotely warmed by the sun/air temps.  

Haha.  I also saw that sign about only being in the hot tub with your own party. People definitely didn't follow those rules even on the previous sailing.  I agree, being on the west coast they need to get those pools heated.  It's not warm enough!

Beth

On the Navigator you definitely get charged the 5% (unless you are prime and above) even when you put it on at the slot machine.   I've been at the Casino multiple trips over the last 3 months and this is my experience.

Beth

All of the pool heaters are broken. Usually the slides have really nice warm water.  I heard that your sailing was crazy busy for the crew! One of them told me "these people are drinking live they've never seen alcohol before!"   Very funny!

Beth

I was also going to suggest Red bull and vodka.  I don't have any scientific proof but it does keep me awake and I feel less sleepy from the alcohol.  Could just be a placebo.

Beth

Can't wait for out TA in April!  She's a beautiful ship.

Beth

On 2/19/2022 at 10:37 AM, HBCcruiser said:

Best bar server Lamar!! 

Couldn't agree more! Lamar is the best!  

Beth

On the "NEW LOOK" cruise planner, they are showing the beverage package with a regular price of $92.00 per day.  This is a $2 increase from a month ago when I purchased it it on the ship for 30% off the normal price of $90 per day with my Diamond Plus discount.

I agree with everyone else and advise you to buy it and check the prices regularly.

Beth 

I've received the chocolate covered strawberries and the cookies on my last 4 Navigator cruises (Nov 2021 - Feb 2022) so it may depend on the ship.

14 hours ago, PaddleAddict said:

Dumb question here but it’s been so long since we last cruised. Does Royal Caribbean still provide body wash/shampoo in the cabins? Or some kind of soaps?

On the Navigator, they have a soap/shampoo dispenser in the shower.

Really enjoyed reading your review.  I have travelled solo and love it!  I agree that's is so easy to meet people on a cruise. Everyone seems to be relaxed.

Beth

I know this thread is a few months old, but I wanted to give my recent experiences on the Navigator regarding this. The crew has not been able to get off the ship since October. So, we went around and asked (13 different crew members) what they wanted.  We were stopping in Puerta Vallarta which has a Wal Mart right across from the port.  Everyone wanted an ATT phone card with data.  Chips, snacks (indian) and chocolates were the next requested items.  We also got toothpaste, long black socks, vitamin D, and hair color dye. When we went back last week we brought everyone another round of items. They were all  happy.  

A few of the crew were able to get off in Ensenada last Sunday for the first time. They all had to go together in one bus to a Wal mart  (I think) outside of town.  For the cabin stewards, one cabin steward for each floor was picked to go. They put their names in a hat and drew out the winner.  

I just got off the Navigator yesterday. It's my 4th cruise on the Navigator since November. (going back next month again).  I think you and your kids will have a great time.  The capacity has been pretty low for the 3 night (25%) and even lower for the 4 night (20% ish).  I was told that the 7-days are booking really well.  We did the 7 day in January when it was still pretty low.  I didn't really see that many kids any of the times we sailed.

Captain James  told  us that all of the pool heaters are broken.  The pool water was cold but  actually felt nice because this weather was super hot.

They have a new cruise director Bill Brunkhorst who was a delight!  Captain James is really personable and with the ships amplification you can't go wrong. 

I had my new luggage tags when I won by Royalup bid the very next day. You should check your edocs/luggage tags tomorrow.  If not, like everyone said, you can get a porter to hand write them for you.

Beth

I have found the comedians in the comedy venues really funny!. It's a smaller venue than the theatre so it's a different vibe.  One warning though, get there early!  We had to sit behind a poll and couldn't see the comedian except on the monitors set up. That kind of ruined the show.

Shows are now booked on the app once you get onboard.  Since capacity has been reduced I don't know how urgent it is to actually get reservations, but If you are like me, I would want to be assured that I have a spot. 

Beth

24 minutes ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

Anyone know when its expected to leave Pier 66?  I am hope to get a photo as she sails by.

I don't see a departure time listed on the Port of Seattle. Last time she was her for approx 10 hours and the time before, she was here for approx 12 hours.  So, I am assuming it's expensive to dock at Pier 66 and they will be leaving today but who knows?

Ovation has docked here in Seattle this morning. they are docked at Pier 66. I hope that this means the crew will be able to get off and get provisions.

We definitely had towel animals on our Navigator cruises over the last few months.