JCruiseGuy

I'll be on the ship with family as well. This is my third Norwegian cruise. I love this class of ship! Hope to meet you guys and others!

Quick update:  Food and service

much improved since speaking with chef and front desk. Once they realized there was an issue it was immediately fixed and then some. Of my well over 100 cruises (across many lines) I have never seen a crew as dedicated to making it right as this one. I am truly humbled and impressed by them and they really turned it around quickly. I would now definitely recommend Glory. Just don’t be afraid to speak up. They appreciate the feedback and change accordingly. I’ve never seen that before on any line. This is unique and they are a really special crew. Kids club crew is also amazing and perhaps the best I’ve seen. 

Quick hint - if you like Indian food they offer a non-vegetarian Indian meal at dinner every night that is not on the menu. It’s excellent. 

To be more specific on food: Seaday brunch is the same menu as other Carnival ships.  I always get huevos rancheros which is usually amazing on Carnival but inedible here. Service wasn’t good at Seaday brunch. However service in Buffet and dining room dinner is good. Buffet food is awful. All very greasy and overly fried. Options are limited in the sense that it’s all bottom barrel food. Kinda like what you get at Golden Corral, quality and variety. That’s fine some of the time but not all of the time. Having said that when I answered honestly when asked about the food they really do care and head chef spoke to me directly. We’ll see if that changes things. I did not go to tea so I can’t tell you about that. I did Chefs table and it was good. Believe it or not roomservice pay items are very good. BBQ is pretty good but not nearly as good as Guys bbq on dream.  As to the poster that noted about whether or not it was being compared to the big NCL ships, you are right - comparing to Breakaway and Bliss. Dream is not comparable to those ships but food ok Dream was indeed good. My comparison of food, though, is not of the NCL ships to this but rather to recent experiences on Dream, Triumph and Splendor. 

I'm on Glory now. Last 2 cruises were NCL. I'm Gold on Carnival. Honestly, while the ship is pretty, it's not well maintained. Food is the worst I've had from Carnival in years. Entertainment is so-so but the Cruise Director is good. Service is spotty - some great, some awful. My kids like the slides which are fun and the Nightowls program. Don't care much for the day program. I can only compare NCL as to the Breakaway and the Bliss, but both were far superior to Glory and I was on both within the last 9 months. Last Carnival cruise was on Dream in November, 2017. To be honest, nearly all the Carnival ships I've been on in the last 10 years were superior to Glory. Triumph was a much better product. Dream is a much better product. Conquest is much better. Splendor is much better. Spirit is much better. If you haven't been on Carnival in a long time, I'd recommend a ship other than Glory. 

This is my post and no, lcpagejr, I am NOT a Carnival Cheerleader. I’m almost Diamond Plus on Royal. I have had good and bad experiences on Carnival, Royal and just about every other cruise line. I’ve sailed Navigator 3 times, the post referenced my last cruise on her which is the only time I’ve ever not enjoyed it. And this was roughly 9 months before she was refurbed and she was being treated by Royal like a backwater ship. I’m sure that’s all changed with the refresh and I’m sure she’s a great ship again. I sail several

times a year and sometimes it has to do with the easiest options from where I live which is New Orleans. Carnival is present year round which is why I have a good bit of experience on them. Royal will not meaningfully commit to this market and pulls in and out every few years. Most recently it was Vision on a truncated season and while I have loved Enchantment and Grandeur, they don’t compare to the options by Carnival and NCL during the season she’s there. I write this as I sail on Norwegian Bliss, which is also wonderful. The three lines are very different and each ship is very different.  The Navigator of a year ago is likely very different from the revitalized Navigator of today. But I caution you against assuming anyone who isn’t a line specific cheerleader is a cheerleader of another line. That kind of thinking is not helpful and unwelcome. I’m a 100+ cruises person on many lines. Don’t assume if someone doesn’t like one cruise or points out problems so the lines will see it and make changes that it’s because they are another lines cheerleader. 

I went on Navigator's 9 night ABC at the beginning of April. The ship is beautiful and in very good shape. I don't think it's even in need of maintenance. The food was mostly not good. A few standouts, but mostly not good. Entertainment was lacking. BUT the ports are amazing, the crew aims to please, and if you have good weather like we did, you can't beat it. Just don't go expecting an action packed trip with amazing food. Most people who ate in the Windjammer for dinner liked it and if I had to do it again, I would do that most nights because the MDR was, for the most part, not good. If you go to relax, it's a great option. But this is not the action-packed ship it was before the Oasis-class debuted.

Ok. I have to get in on this thread. Just got off 9 day Navigator a few weeks ago. Food and service were awful as were a serious lack of activities. I'm Diamond, so don't think this is a "trasher" comment. Pizza is the worst at sea, that's true. We always saw hamburgers and hot dogs available in the Windjammer. Fries were good in the Windjammer and while nothing was good at breakfast or lunch there, dinner is a win. The sandwiches in Promenade Cafe are pretty good, but they never change. One day at lunch in the MDR, they had a fantastic oreo cheesecake but couldn't seem to get any other cakes right. I got Indian food special every night once we realized it's the best thing on the ship and has to be special ordered. I cruise on a lot of lines. Carnival absolutely has the "traditional cruise experience" down better than anyone else. The food and entertainment are superior. BUT Royal's ships are much prettier and their pool decks beat Carnival hands down. Both are comparable on service. Just my two cents.

Thanks for that info.

This is likely a stupid question, but if I purchase the 10 drink package, is it possible to split it with my wife?

Grab 2 drinks at a time, one each?

I’m pretty sure you can do that. I didn’t see any restriction on it.

Also a lot of people on these boards ask about the 10 drinks for $75 package. On our cruise it was offered on Friday Day 7 for the first time (I.e 2 days to use it)

Was there top tier or welcome back party (I know one was axed but forget which). Also, op, you mentioned being diamond could you use those vouchers in the dining room?

There was a top tier party but it was in the theater so I didn’t go. Just too big and impersonal for me. The vouchers can be used at the bars from 4-8:30 and it’s a very specific menu to choose from. Essentially it’s just straight alcohol products but it’s a nice perk. I don’t know about the dining room use. No one ever came around selling alcohol in the dining room and our waiter never asked.

It is unsanitary to fill your water bottle directly from a public spigot. Is it really so difficult to fill a glass then pour its contents into your water bottle, for the general welfare?

— If that’s true then why do they sell the soda package with the cup that has to be reused and why do they have the freestyle machines. Equally unsanitary based on that reasoning. That’s the same concept. On my last cruise on Carnival they had water bottle specific fountains and people have been doing this with water bottles for years across lines. This is just the first time in noticed a change in how to get water. Noro isn’t transmitted by water bottles but rather not washing hands. We saw more than once a person take food off the buffet with their hands and then put it back with their hands. Not line specific issue but still far more unsanitary than my thoughts on water. Also this ship is the first I’ve seen to restrict self serve water like this hence my comments on it.

You are right. There is self serve water at cafe promenade and in solarium. But its from essentially filled water jugs and there are notes saying water bottles cannot be filled. So it’s glass by glass just like windjammer. There is no self serve water where you can fill a water bottle on board. Unless you grab three or four individual glasses and sneak it I suppose

I did not see any free style soda machines. There is one regular fountain dispenser in the Windjammer that says for soda package guests only but the sign was always in front blocking usage and I never saw anyone use it. Windjammer only has water (and ice) with someone giving it to you individually. There are no self serve water dispensing stations.

Fruitytums - I totally agree about the weather and itinerary. Both were fantastic and made for a very pleasant cruise. But it would have been wonderful not matter what ship or line, and the cruise line has no control over weather - that's why it's not part of my review. But you could not have asked for better weather :)

Honestly, the ship itself is in phenomenal shape. Maybe that's not the case behind the scenes, but in the passenger areas, she looks great. I asked specifically about the refurb to see if they were going to add new venues, and I was only told it would be to add about 100 more cabins, on Deck 14 and I guess some other areas. Since Deck 14 is the Viking Crown on one end and an outdoor space above the last refurbs cabins, I am wondering if they are getting rid of the Viking Crown Lounge.

Is that what the security were doing at the pool that last day around 11? We couldn't figure out what they were there for.

I just got back from 9 days to the ABC Islands on Navigator. I wanted to post an honest review from someone who was last on Royal about 4 four years ago but is Diamond from many years of loyalty to RCI. I say an honest review because I want to give the good (not much) and the bad (a lot). I am hopeful Royal reads these boards and sees that their now mediocre product on their slightly smaller ships is a turn-off for long standing loyal cruisers. I heard many times on board that the changes were direct from corporate and that things were different on the "big ships" (i.e. Quantum and Oasis class), so here's hoping they actually make changes on the rest of their fleet (which is a huge number of beautiful ships).

About Me:

I'm a lifelong cruiser and have been cruising since the late 1980s. I'm a dad in my mid-30s, so that tells you something. I read these boards nearly every day, but haven't posted much, but I thought this was an important review. I'm Diamond on Royal (many many years I was completely loyal to Royal), and over the years I have sailed on Nordic Empress, Sovereign, Majesty, Grandeur, Enchantment, Legend, Voyager, Navigator, and Allure. I've also frequented Carnival the last few years (Conquest, Triumph, Splendor, Pride, Ecstasy, Dream), as well as MSC (Divina and Magnifica). I have also sailed Celebrity (Century and Millennium), Costa (Atlantica), NCL (Norway, Norwegian Sun), have done Viking River, and a few older lines when they were around (Premier, Majesty, Dolphin). I only say this to show that although you may not have seen me write a lot on these boards, this review comes from a lot of experience. I grew up in Florida but live in New Orleans now (hence the increase in Carnival).

This Cruise:

This was a 9 night on Navigator of the Seas to the ABC Islands. My last cruise on Navigator specifically was about 7 years ago. I had a Balcony cabin that I shared with my two kids, and my parents had a Junior Suite.

The Good:

Itinerary - This is an incredible itinerary. Labadee is as beautiful as ever and is a wonderful port. Curacao is always unique. We snorkeled in Bonaire and saw the most incredible sea-life right at the beach. And Aruba has silky white sand beaches that are incomparable. I will absolutely do this itinerary again, and I highly recommend it to anyone, no matter which cruise line you use.

Staff - The Staff on this ship are relatively happy, and they try hard to please within the bounds of what RCI corporate has restricted them from doing. They try hard to fix the issues (of which there are many), and they want to please. We had an incredible waiter in the dining room (Hermanashu). If you sail on Navigator and get him, you will not be disappointed. Everyone is apologetic as to the service issues on the ship and it is very clear that it is not an issue with the staff but rather the level and type of service that they are told to provide. We constantly were told, tell my manager and "these changes are direct from corporate." Several times we were told in response to issues that the staff were embarrassed by what they were asked to serve to clients (melted ice cream and stale/dry pastries), and how they were told to provide service (quick service in the dining room, only offer cracked pepper to patrons in Chops Grille if specifically requested). It is clear RCI is not using this staff to offer service the way they were trained. This is a huge change and the staff clearly feels awkward doing it this way.

Adventure Ocean: This was phenomenal. Again, the staff are responsible for the great time my kids had this week. Adventure Ocean was top notch on Navigator.

Diamond Lounge: They did a great job with the Diamond Lounge on Navigator. Keeping the Viking Crown open with drinks and food for Diamond members from 4:30 to 8:00 every day is a big plus.

Hardware: The ship itself is in great shape and is as beautiful as ever.

The Bad:

Food: In the past, the food on RCI was always consistently pretty good to excellent and specialty restaurants were great. This was not my experience this week on Navigator. Outside of the food, there is no longer any entertainment during dining.

Food in Main Dining Room: Navigator has the new menus. They are extremely limited in selection and variety. Every day only two selections from the appetizers, main course, and dessert are changed. The rest stays the same. Only one salad is offered each day, and there are no dressings offered. All courses are ordered at the beginning. Bread is put on the table up front, remains the same each day with no variety. Cold soups are no longer offered (although our waiter was nice enough to have them do it special for us each day after we asked). There are four ice cream flavors offered (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and coffee). These never change. This is a very boring menu set for 9 days. Even where the offerings sounds good, the quality is poor and the food mostly bland, so it doesn't work out. The two desserts that change each day are often some version of something already offered (i.e. a sponge cake of some kind). It makes you wonder if RCI is trying to get people to not be interested in the main dining room so they can remove it and say it wasn't popular.

Food in Windjammer: The food in the Windjammer is no better for breakfast or lunch. Selection is limited and quality poor. There are very limited non-carb options, i.e. veggies are in very limited supply. For example, the salad bar is tiny and you are not offered hardly any dressing variety. Breads are served stale. We got a bagel once and it would have substituted for a bagel chip well. Burgers and hot dogs are fine at lunch, but not at dinner. There are no themes to the food offerings during lunch and there are no theme areas (i.e. this ship used to have a whole Asian cuisine section, but that's now gone since Izumi opened). Pizza on this ship is invariably inedible. Ironically, the dinner buffets in the Windjammer are excellent (other than hot dogs and hamburgers) - being both varied in variety and theme, and upgraded in quality.

Food at Promenade Cafe: Pizza is awful as it is everywhere on this ship. The sandwiches are fine but never change. The desserts are also fine, but boring and never change. This is also the only place on the ship that you can eat outside of mealtimes other than (pay) roomservice.

Chef's Table: This was a hugely disappointing meal. At $85.00 per person, it is the same price as Chef's Table on Carnival but a major difference in quality, quantity, service and inventiveness. Here it is a 5 course meal, where you have to make a choice on the main course. The meal consisted of the same bread in the dining room, scallop carpaccio (mostly arugula salad though), a lobster salad (excellent), tomato soup, a main course (filet, barramundi, or pasta, and dessert (a peanut butter ice cream thing). A pasta was offered as a third potential entree but we were told they would throw it in this time. Those who ordered the filet were treated to the meat put on a "crown" of potato chips put on top of mashed potatoes as the flare to that dish. Three of us ordered the barramundi, and two of us had to send it back. The alcohol was top notch though. This meal was no different than Chops, to be honest. The Chef only came out twice, once in the beginning to say hello, and once at the end to say goodbye. If you have done Chef's Table on Carnival (as I have done twice), you will find this to be a huge let down. On Carnival (Triumph and Dream), Chef's Table is treated to a Galley Tour (on Dream the dinner is actually in the galley, but none here since they can sell you a tour), several Chefs preparing the food table-side and explaining each dish and how to eat it. You are given every dish on the menu and there are far more courses. And yes you still get the wine. So, this was a major let down for me and all at the table seemed to agree. To add insult to injury, when we booked Chef's Table we were offered 1/2 off at Chops if we booked them at the same time, which we did. But two days later the Cruise Compass said you could get both for $90.00. When I called up Chops they said they didn't offer that package on this ship, only the big ships, even though it was printed right there in my Cruise Compass from that day. Eventually, they relented and gave me the package as offered in writing. But it was clear that the "big ships" offer a completely different product that has nothing to do with the hardware itself.

Chops Grille: I have eaten in Chops many times over the years. It is consistently excellent. But not on Navigator. First, they put the bread on the table, which is cold sandwich bread. It was served with a mustard butter, so all it was missing was the corned beef. Not the best start. I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Lettuce Wedge Salad, 16 oz bone-in Rib Eye and Mud Pie. The Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail consisted of 2 Jumbo Shrimp and one baby shrimp hidden between the two bigger ones. The lettuce wedge salad was ok but I had to flag the waiter down to ask about cracked pepper to which I was told they were directed by corporate not to offer cracked pepper, only to be given if specifically requested. Being a key ingredient, this made no sense to me, and our waiter advised that even for their special Peppered Bacon, the directive is the same. This makes no sense in a steakhouse, at all. The steaks then arrived. My parents got a 9 oz filet and Lamb Chops, respectively. None of the steaks were seasoned - not just not enough seasoning - literally no seasoning. The waiter kindly brought me out a bowl of season salt so I could do it myself. For the sides, we got salted baked potatoes with no salt on them, and were offered drawn butter (i.e. what they put on lobster) for the butter. Again, makes no sense. For dessert we were offered the regular ice cream flavors, chocolate melting cake (pretty good), cheesecake (on the standard list from the dining room), and Mud Pie (which tasted nothing like Mud Pie). I wouldn't recommend Chops at this point.

Water: There is no way to get self-serve water on this ship. They will only give you glass by glass or sell you a package for $39 for 6 bottles.

Service:

The staff clearly tries hard and is extremely apologetic. They know they are not offering the services in the way they are supposed to be doing it. Numerous times we heard the word "embarrassed" being used to describe what they are being asked by corporate to do. They are a nice, wonderful group who are being told to give a mediocre product and are sad to be doing so.

Entertainment:

This ship used to offer in a 7 day cruise two different ice shows, at least two different parades, two different promenade parties, as well as top notch music, games and other activities. All of that is gone from Navigator. On 9 days, we had 1 ice show (done on two days). It's sad when the second show's main curtain is still up during Free Skate time. We had 1 parade (circus, on the last day of the cruise). We had one promenade party (70s, lasting about 1/2 an hour). We had 1 deck party (poorly attended, no buffet to bring people out, and only the calypso band playing). The promenade was a dead zone most of the time. The ship mostly shut down by 11:30. They had karaoke maybe 4 times in 9 days. 2 comedy shows, total. The ship is beautiful but devoid of the fun and the soul it used to have. This is a real shame considering that the "big ships" have so much to do on them, and this ship was designed specifically to be non-stop.

Hardware: As I said earlier in the review, this is a beautiful ship physically. However, we were told on-board that the December drydock may bring an additional 100 cabins to the ship. It already had about that many more installed in between my last sailing on Navigator and this one. The ship feels immensely more crowded now than it did the last sailing due to the addition of cabins in the former Nightclub space (the lower floor), and taking over outdoor deck space on Deck 13. I cannot imagine how busy this ship will feel once they add even more cabins.

Conclusion:

Overall, this is still a magnificent ship to look at. She is beautiful and has all the physical requirements to be every bit as fun and varied as the Oasis Class. These ships were the original ships where there was so much to do you couldn't do it all in a week. Sadly, RCI seems to want to push people so badly to Oasis and Quantum class that this ship has essentially been gutted. I really want to be loyal to Royal, but it's pretty impossible after this week. I don't want to be forced to go on the biggest ships in the world to get a decent experience from Royal. The offerings from lines I would have previously not considered are far superior at this point.

Just got off 9 days on Navigator of the Seas, which is larger and has more amenities than Serenade. Have cruised Carnival Conquest, which is similar to Glory. After the last 9 days, I would absolutely stay with the Glory. Even on the larger Navigator, food was awful and limited, and entertainment was limited compared to recent cruises on Dream, Triumph, and my prior cruise on Conquest. Although I am Diamond on RCI, I would not recommend a cruise on anything less than a Quantum or Oasis class, as it seems all resources are going there.