Navigator of the Seas ~ Tell me something - Good or Bad

[OceanDreams]

We will be sailing on the Navigator of the Seas in August. I've been on 2 other RCCL ships, the Adventure and Vision. So.............

 

What's exciting about the ship that isn't to be missed / or / what should we avoid?

 

Since it's sailing from Galveston ..... any suggestions there.

 

OceanDreams

[39august]

She was recently refurbished and looks stunning. Be sure to either watch or try the flowrider on deck 13. There is no smoking anywhere inside the ship except in the casino. The new R Bar is quite a popular place. As for Galveston info, go to the home ports page for Gulf departures.

[lady_cruiser]

Good - they still have the Ice Show and the Café Promenade. And not to miss is the Zoo Parade at night.

 

Bad - :confused: Can't think of anything.

Edited June 1, 2014 by lady_cruiser

[ARCruisinNana]

I've heard that the new Sabor restaurant is outstanding. I'm looking forward to eating there in 3 weeks:D

[Cruizlovers]

Just off Navigator today. We had a junior suite and it was great. The new renovations are very nice. Flow rider is fun to watch. Have to say that we didn't enjoy the dinner in dining room so we ate at all of the specialty restaurants. Surprisingly we loved Sabor! We ate there twice. Don't miss the ice show or the comedians. Giovanni's was very good, Chops was good, dining room is good for breakfast. Don't get Noro, I did and it's not fun but the medical staff at 1 am was great. Please remember to wash hands ( I do religiously but go figure). Staff is perfect, that's what makes this ship so excellent. Enjoy!

[05mak05]

On deck 11, walk from the pool to the back of the Solarium. You'll see a door. Go through the door to the bridge overlook. Ask any attendant and they will direct you. (See deck plan for deck 11)

[OKC Cruisers]

Definitely go to the Flowrider and just watch for awhile. There is covered seating for spectators and it is fun to watch...or, if you want, give it a try yourself. If you like to walk around for exercise, skip the walking/jogging track on Deck 12...it can get crowded. Take a leisurely walk all the way around the ship on Deck 4. When you get forward, you have to climb a set of stairs but this will take you to the Helipad on the very front. And if you have a clear night when the winds are calm, go to the Helipad to gaze at the stars...it is amazing!

 

See the Ice Show. Personally, I found the food in both the MDR and Windjammer to be somewhat better than when I was on Mariner or Voyager. If you are a night life person, go to the "Silent Disco" in the Cosmopolitan Club inside the Viking Crown (Deck 14 Aft). It is modern disco/techno dance, but everyone wears headphones. The head phones have 2 channels playing different songs, so you may see people that are together, but dancing to a different drummer. It's nice because if you want to have a nice conversation with someone, you can without having to shout over the loud music.

 

Pete

[OceanDreams]

She was recently refurbished and looks stunning. Be sure to either watch or try the flowrider on deck 13. There is no smoking anywhere inside the ship except in the casino. The new R Bar is quite a popular place. As for Galveston info, go to the home ports page for Gulf departures.

 

From what I can tell from deck plans the R Bar replaced the Champagne Bar .... is there a theme that goes with the "R" Bar?

 

Good - they still have the Ice Show and the Café Promenade. And not to miss is the Zoo Parade at night.

 

Bad - :confused: Can't think of anything.

 

The "Zoo Parade" is it kid based? (We are all in our 50's....but very young at heart) Is this parade down the Promenade?

 

OceanDreams

[OceanDreams]

Just off Navigator today. We had a junior suite and it was great. The new renovations are very nice. Flow rider is fun to watch. Have to say that we didn't enjoy the dinner in dining room so we ate at all of the specialty restaurants. Surprisingly we loved Sabor! We ate there twice. Don't miss the ice show or the comedians. Giovanni's was very good, Chops was good, dining room is good for breakfast. Don't get Noro, I did and it's not fun but the medical staff at 1 am was great. Please remember to wash hands ( I do religiously but go figure). Staff is perfect, that's what makes this ship so excellent. Enjoy!

 

We have a junior Suite also Cabin #9538 and friends in #9534. Do you know if the balcony doors open up to give us one large balcony?

 

We missed the Ice show on the AOS so I'm looking forward to it this trip.

 

I love comedy shows....Do you know how many shows during the week that they have the comedians?

 

On deck 11, walk from the pool to the back of the Solarium. You'll see a door. Go through the door to the bridge overlook. Ask any attendant and they will direct you. (See deck plan for deck 11)

 

Can you see the bridge in action when you are pulling out of a port....or do they closed it off?

 

OceanDreams

[OceanDreams]

Definitely go to the Flowrider and just watch for awhile. There is covered seating for spectators and it is fun to watch...or, if you want, give it a try yourself. If you like to walk around for exercise, skip the walking/jogging track on Deck 12...it can get crowded. Take a leisurely walk all the way around the ship on Deck 4. When you get forward, you have to climb a set of stairs but this will take you to the Helipad on the very front. And if you have a clear night when the winds are calm, go to the Helipad to gaze at the stars...it is amazing!

 

See the Ice Show. Personally, I found the food in both the MDR and Windjammer to be somewhat better than when I was on Mariner or Voyager. If you are a night life person, go to the "Silent Disco" in the Cosmopolitan Club inside the Viking Crown (Deck 14 Aft). It is modern disco/techno dance, but everyone wears headphones. The head phones have 2 channels playing different songs, so you may see people that are together, but dancing to a different drummer. It's nice because if you want to have a nice conversation with someone, you can without having to shout over the loud music.

 

Pete

 

I don't think my knees would last very long on the Flow Rider....but defiantly worth watching. Glad to know there is a covered area. Deck 4 sounds like a plan for our walking time. (plus it's covered)

 

We are night life gals, I think I'll have to check out the "Silent Disco" if nothing else but to see what it's all about.

 

This is all great information.....please keep it all coming.

 

OceanDreams

[Snow cat]

Is there any outdoor movie theatre on Navigator? If so, any details you can provide?

[05mak05]

We have a junior Suite also Cabin #9538 and friends in #9534. Do you know if the balcony doors open up to give us one large balcony?

 

We missed the Ice show on the AOS so I'm looking forward to it this trip.

 

I love comedy shows....Do you know how many shows during the week that they have the comedians?

 

 

 

Can you see the bridge in action when you are pulling out of a port....or do they closed it off?

 

 

OceanDreams

 

Well, what a good question! It has never once occurred to us to go to the viewing bridge during sail away. I don't know. We were on the Navigator in May and ate most meals in the Windjammer. It was GOOD! Look for the Seafood Gumbo towards the end of the cruise. Every single staff member we crossed paths with was so friendly with big, friendly smiles. The funny part was the emphasis on the "hee-haw" aspect of Texas … food, music, etc. Really in truly, we're a diverse bunch and most of us have never owned a pair of boots or a Stetson :-)

Edited June 1, 2014 by 05mak05

[cjdixon4]

Is there any outdoor movie theatre on Navigator? If so, any details you can provide?

 

My family and I were on the 5/18 sailing and one of the things that I enjoyed most was the outdoor screen in the evening. Hubby and I are sports fans, so we watched NBA championship games on a couple of nights on the pool deck. It was relaxing and not crowded at all, just a fun group of sports fans cheering their favorite teams on. My delicious Cosmopolitan martini made it even better! There were also some movies showing much later in the evening, but I don't remember the titles.

[OceanDreams]

Well, what a good question! It has never once occurred to us to go to the viewing bridge during sail away. I don't know. We were on the Navigator in May and ate most meals in the Windjammer. It was GOOD! Look for the Seafood Gumbo towards the end of the cruise. Every single staff member we crossed paths with was so friendly with big, friendly smiles. The funny part was the emphasis on the "hee-haw" aspect of Texas … food, music, etc. Really in truly, we're a diverse bunch and most of us have never owned a pair of boots or a Stetson :-)

 

Good to know about the Windjammers. We're not much into the specialty restaurants as we can always find something good to eat in our assigned dining room.

 

How is the spa?

 

OceanDreams

[pspercy]

I've heard that the new Sabor restaurant is outstanding. I'm looking forward to eating there in 3 weeks:D

 

 

Agreed, we went twice last week :D

 

Ask for (waiter) Juan Carlos.

[Elvez]

She was recently refurbished and looks stunning. Be sure to either watch or try the flowrider on deck 13. There is no smoking anywhere inside the ship except in the casino. The new R Bar is quite a popular place. As for Galveston info, go to the home ports page for Gulf departures.

 

Please tell me where the "R" bar is on the ship. I was on May 11, and never came across that one.

[Loves_Dogs]

Just off Navigator today (5/25 sailing). BEST cruise so far. As others have said, the Ice Show is a must see. We really enjoyed the Zoo Parade too and we are adults.

 

Cruising out of Galveston was great. The fellow cruisers were a pleasure. We flew in a day early and spent it at NASA / Johnson Space Center. I did enjoy it but wished I would have been able to spend time in Galveston. Have a GREAT cruise!

 

@ 05mak05-

We also found the 'hee & haw' aspect somewhat amusing...the music, some of the attire we saw. But boy did we have a good time!

 

@ Elvez-

If my memory is correct, R Bar is on deck 5. Almost across from the pursers desk.

Edited June 2, 2014 by Loves_Dogs

[RoyalDiamond]

Just off Navigator today. The ship is gorgeous after the renovations. However, with the addition of MANY cabins (and many passengers), it seems overcrowded. The pool deck was unbearable on sea days. Galveston is not the most convenient port (unless you are a local). And as others have mentioned, we disliked the Country & Western theme (or Hee-Haw effect). It was ridiculous to pass by Bolero's (a Latin-themed bar) and have Country music playing. So, it was not our favorite cruise. For others, it might be fine. But, we do love Navigator...we just won't choose Galveston again.

 

Peter

[ARCruisinNana]

Agreed, we went twice last week :D

 

Ask for (waiter) Juan Carlos.

 

Thanks for the tip about Juan Carlos! Can't wait.

[Galveston Cruiser]

Just off Navigator today. The ship is gorgeous after the renovations. However, with the addition of MANY cabins (and many passengers), it seems overcrowded. The pool deck was unbearable on sea days. Galveston is not the most convenient port (unless you are a local). And as others have mentioned, we disliked the Country & Western theme (or Hee-Haw effect). It was ridiculous to pass by Bolero's (a Latin-themed bar) and have Country music playing. So, it was not our favorite cruise. For others, it might be fine. But, we do love Navigator...we just won't choose Galveston again.

 

Peter

 

Different people have different opinions.

We sailed the Navigator this past week also. First time for DH and I to sail so later in the spring.

Will say there were many more kids aboard, but overall didn't bother us.

Nor did we notice the increase in guests.

 

We actually made some comments on the last two sea days how "uncrowded" the pool area was compared to the transatlantics we normally take.

We never had a problem finding a chair and, though lots of kids in pool, still not a problem.

 

Never waited in line, with the exception of breakfast on deck 3 when arriving in Grand Cayman.

 

As far as music, different music played at different times. Never thought music would keep one from sailing:rolleyes:

 

A great place for sailAway is at the Helipad on deck 5. To access use deck 4 outside and walk up stairs.

[createcolorfun]

We have a junior Suite also Cabin #9538 and friends in #9534. Do you know if the balcony doors open up to give us one large balcony?

 

When you board the ship and get to your cabin, ask your cabin steward to open up the balcony doors. They will have to get a key, but they will do it.

 

I love comedy shows....Do you know how many shows during the week that they have the comedians?

 

about 3-4 weeks email rccl and they will let you know what entertainment is on the ship. What they had this week will not necessarily be on when you sail. Have fun!

(i did a review - navigator - 5/25. I getting ready to load pictures, it might take a couple days and the cruise compasses)

[Mal]

Just off Navigator. Loved the music, the happy atmosphere, and the crew. Hee-haw atmosphere? Uh - that would be fun! Everyone seemed so happy - if that's hee-haw, let's spread it to the entire fleet. We thought the food was much better than anything on the Indy cruise from March, and enjoyed the Solarium pool for a quieter, adult day. Sabor was fantastic - we ate there twice as well. I think when you try it once you have to go back. Enjoy your cruise!

[39august]

The R Bar replaced the Champagne Bar. I loved the quiet Champagne bar but the R Bar makes more sense for RCI as it generates a lot more buisness! Music was varied in most venues. For instance, there was both country and latin music played in Bolero's at different times. The country band, Bubba Feathers on our cruises, was great and played rock as well. Who is the band currently on board, please?

[Loves_Dogs]

The R Bar replaced the Champagne Bar. I loved the quiet Champagne bar but the R Bar makes more sense for RCI as it generates a lot more buisness! Music was varied in most venues. For instance, there was both country and latin music played in Bolero's at different times. The country band, Bubba Feathers on our cruises, was great and played rock as well. Who is the band currently on board, please?

 

Bubba Feathers was the band on our cruise last week (5/25).

[George C]

She was recently refurbished and looks stunning. Be sure to either watch or try the flowrider on deck 13. There is no smoking anywhere inside the ship except in the casino. The new R Bar is quite a popular place. As for Galveston info, go to the home ports page for Gulf departures.

 

there is a smoking room on deck 5 that you could smoke cigars, also thought there was a little too much country western music, Beautifull ship, fantastic ice show. Japanese and Itilian pay resturant were very good.