Navigator of The Seas Review - Oct. 12-26, 2014 - Cal couple does the Texas two step

[TonyBuzz]

My wife and I went on our first back to back cruise on Navigator of the Seas starting on Oct. 12th and ending one Oct. 26th. It was a cruise of firsts. First B2B, first Jr. Suite, first time bringing wine, first time upgrading our room, first time buying a drink package, first time sailing from Texas, first time on a newly (Jan-Feb) upgraded Voyager class ship; so, lots of firsts.

 

 

So first, how we got here. We haven't cruised much (12 times after these two) but do like the Royal product better than others we have tried. We are a couple with no kids in our early 50's. We like Royal but do feel a bit left out living in California. We do envy those that live in driving distance to a Royal port. We recently returned to Royal after a long break with a cruise last October on Allure. Knowing we had to fly and hotel the day before, we booked Allure as a once in a lifetime cruise when we found decent rates. While gearing up for Allure I became interested in Cruise Critic and read a lot and learned a lot.

 

 

Prepping for Allure I started looking for deals on cruises in October 2014. RC offered savings certificates and discounts were $150 on a balcony room (which we prefer). I looked through them all and compared pricing on E3 to D1 balcony rooms. Navigator on October 19th sailing looked to be the best price which worked fine for my Birthday on the 22nd. Booked a D1 near the forward elevators on Deck 10 to be close to my wife's favorite feature of the Voyager Class, the giant unused hot tub in the gym. We got the D1 for an E3 price with a discount from my TA. OBC from my TA, we are off to a good start. So that was week 2.

 

 

Week 1 came when I was looking at the costs of Allure for one week versus Nav for one week versus Nav for two weeks. Paying once for hotels and air was attractive while the overall cost would rise. I have a lot of vacation time on the books and DW does not work. If I planned ahead two weeks would not be a problem. So I started looking at the week before and after our booked cruise on the 19th.

 

 

The 12th was the cheaper of the two and that drove the decision. Now for a few hundred more than what we spent on Allure for one week we would have two weeks on Navigator. We were on Allure when we booked our future cruise for the 12th in a Ocean View room. The Loyalty Ambassador looked down his nose at me (only an OV) but our first B2B, who cares. I swear he is the same LA on Nav now. Soon after we got home from Allure the price dropped on an E1 and we upgraded to deck 10 near the forward elevators. The D1 we had booked on the 19th was taken and the D1 upgrade was much more so the E1 for the 1st week and the D1 two doors down for the 2nd week would have to work.

 

 

For months I watched the prices and they never dropped below what we had paid all of the way through final payment. One month before the cruise and for one weekend only the price dropped on JS rooms. I ran the numbers and if we lost all discounts it would cost $900+. TA kicked in more OBC since we were paying more and RC kept all of their discounts and added another $100 OBC. Total was now $707 to upgrade a E1/D1 to two weeks in the same JS. We jumped.

 

 

I kept it a secret but broke down and told my DW a week before sailing. Now we are looking at an extra $2000 for two weeks in a JS on Nav versus one week in a E3 on Allure. Plus double C&A points. And we are working to get to Diamond. Next October for sure.

 

 

Prepping for this cruise was something I enjoyed doing. My spreadsheet (what a geek) had costs with different per day spending profiles, comparisons of flights, drink packages, specialty restaurants, excursions and entertainment. I had a good idea of what things would cost long before sailing. You could say I do a lot of planning for a cruise. And CC has been a great resource. I have learned so much. Thank you all.

[TonyBuzz]

Flights: we booked Southwest out of San Jose to and from Hobby months in advance. Much closer than to home than San Francisco and a cheap cab ride home after.

 

 

Hotels: we booked La Quinta near Hobby. They have shuttle to and from the pier but we had them drop us back at Hobby and used the RC transfers. We did a mock Sunday arrival into Hobby as RC will not allow transfers if you arrive the day before.

 

 

Drink packages: since they dropped the requirement that all in the room must buy an alcohol package I decided on the beer package and bought the soda package for DW. We also brought on wine (four bottles for two weeks) so I bought the beer package on day four of each week. Bought the DW the soda package on day one of each cruise. She said she would be fine with iced tea but did drink a bit of Diet Coke.

 

 

Specialty Restaurants: combined all in the second week hoping for the largest discount. Thought that by booking four specialty restaurants in one week we would get 25% OBC on all specialty restaurant covers (plus Izumi a la carte menu). More on that later.

 

 

Excursions: booked three with RC as two were tender ports. Booked two private excursions and booked nothing on the second trip to Cozumel. Was looking for relaxing beach stops with easier access as my DW is in and out of a wheelchair. She can walk but stairs are a problem and a walk of more than 100 yards will wear her out pretty quickly.

[TonyBuzz]

The journey begins. So Saturday the 11th arrives. My best friend drops us at San Jose (California) airport two hours prior to departure to Hobby via LAX. Luckily no plane change (planned) so it was nice to select some nice seats for the fight from LAX to HOU after most left the plane in LAX. The flight was uneventful and we arrived in Hobby, collected our bags and called the hotel. Picked us up and found the hotel to be fine. Planned to go out, get dinner in South Houston, go to Specs to buy wine and back to the hotel for the night. It took 35 minutes for the taxi to arrive. First hiccup and fairly minor but DW was hungry and therefore a but cranky. We pass Specs on the way to a Thai restaurant that got decent reviews. I had the Pad Thai and my DW the Tom Kha. Decent food and pleasant staff. Enjoyed Thai Jasmine Restaurant and would recommend it to others. Soup was different than what DW gets here in CA but not bad at all.

 

 

Staff calls us a taxi and the same taxi picks us up and we ask to go to Specs. Its getting late so he take us to a small liquor store close by. Get some OK Merlot and Cabs (2 each because I know next to nada about wines). Small selection but we were on the clock as stores would stop selling alcohol soon. Told the cabbie we would be out in a few minutes and he said he had no where to be. Came out and he was there. Wife wanted eye drops and saw the Walmart close by. Left DW in the taxi and ran in to grab a couple items. Hopped in the cab and back to La Quinta for the night.

 

 

It's cruise day! Wake up on the 12th. Hotel breakfast was typical stuff with a make your own waffle station. Hoped to be checked out and be at the airport at 10am. Got there closer to 11. Had three bags and the DW in and out of a wheelchair. Got everything inside and met the RC transfer coordinator. Got the correct amount of people assembled quickly and they herded us (moo) to the bus. Dropped our bags and we boarded. Drive was quick and uneventful. If you sat in the front to you could hear some of the driver's banter about what we were passing along the way.

 

 

Somewhere close to noon we arrive at the port and see the two ships, Royal's Navigator and Carvival's Dream. Carnival's Dream would follow us (or us them) in every port for the whole two weeks. Who knew week one on their ship would come to be known as the Ebola cruise. Three heavy bags and a wheelchair, tip our driver and the porter for easier check in. Strap on the backpack with the wine and push DW into the terminal. Boarding Pass out, Passports in hand they usher us into the Suites, C&A lane (which moved slower than every other lane, I swear). Passed through the scanners expecting them to nab the 3rd and 4th bottles of wine. They say nothing and we press on to check in. One large group in font of us but still less that 5 minutes wait to see the next person. Sea passes in hand within 3 minutes, we are headed to the ship. Get the first photo at the bottom of the escalator/elevator and take the elevator up. Special lane for wheelchair which was a more gradual ramp. We entered Navigator. It was instantly familiar having spent three weeks on Mariner and one week on Explorer.

[TonyBuzz]

After coming off Allure, it was amazing how narrow the Promenade seemed. All in our minds but so funny that both me and the DW commented on it. I was thinking it as she said it. Checked and found the rooms would not be available until 1:30pm. Headed to the buffet where we spent a fair amount of meals. Windjammer was fine but nothing to write home about. And if you liked it, great. Because it never changed. For 14 days. I jest because I love. But anyone that has seen the Windjammer on Nav lately would know what I am saying. The special pancakes did change daily. Cafe Promenade was also a place we visited often. DW liked the shrimp roll a lot. The danish in the morning was good. Especially the apple. The cookies were hard..as a rock...always. How hard (no pun) is it to make a soft cookie? Were they afraid we would eat to much? Was even joking about it in the elevators one night. Still a decent place to stop in for coffee, hot chocolate, water, iced tea or a snack. Did not buy any coffee drinks but did have two cappuccinos from the C&A discount at Giovanni's and Sabor. Both were tasty.

 

 

It was now about 1pm so I decided to check on the room. I arrived to find them opening the door to the hallway. I knew I had booked a room close to the elevators but I didn't realize how close. As you exited the stairwell and entered the hallway if you were not careful you would bump into our door. Big help for the DW getting home from the casino by herself. We met Michael our attendant. Very nice and it was obvious why he was working primarily in the suites. He was professional and attentive. Ice bucket every night, no problem. Robes (we had to ask), no problem. Wine glasses, no problem. Micheal was great.

 

 

First JS so we were impressed with the room. Much larger than a D1, walk-in closet, real tub; we loved the room immediately and really enjoyed the extra space. Only fault is the balcony is wide but short so no room for loungers. Two regular chairs and and a small table were all that fit. But that is a nit. We were very happy with our new home for the next 14 days.

 

 

Chilled out, explored a bit and got to muster early as I hate to be late. DW walked and stood at muster and really tried to walk most of the time early on but the distance from our room in the front to the food in the aft became too much. Half a ship in one walk got to be her expected distance. Longer trips would involve the wheelchair. That's why we bought it and it was very useful. We looked at renting and for two weeks, buying was cheaper. It also helped in airports and on port visits. Worth any price.

 

 

Soon it was set sail and I grabbed a Heinekin at the Schooner Bar and headed upstairs where the bags were waiting. Unpacked and cleaned up for early dining.

 

 

It's just the DW and me so we requested a smaller table for MDR on leg one. We had no idea. Leg two was booked as my time dining, but that soon changed as well. We show the waiter our cards and he doesn't know where the table is. He consults with someone else who clumsily leads us to the rear of Deck 4 port side to a table for two, our first. That's a Wow. Annabel was our waitress and Mahendran was our assistant waiter. The table was very nice and the staff was great. Typical menus in their typical order. Smaller portions and some less tasty than I remember. Last night of the second cruise chose the seafood fry. Ate the scallop (singular) and the two shrimp. The fish was not good and I only finished a couple bites. They offered something else but more of anything after 14 days was not needed. I generally found something on the menu that I liked. Not much I really loved. Ate in the MDR 6 of 7 nights on the 1st leg. DW had less positive things to say about her selections in the MDR. She is pretty picky though. She was a fan of ordering two appetizers every night in the MDR. Shrimp cocktail varied in size but the escargot was usually tender. Our first B2B so DW got a bit bored with the menu here as well. Overall the service was very good, the food a bit less so. Generally good but not great.

 

 

Our head waiter came over on night two and asked how we liked our table (loved), the service (very good), the food (good not great but we embellished). He saw that we were here next week as well and asked if we wanted the same table next week. Yes sir and thank you. Not that we don't like meeting people on a cruise but we also like our alone time. We would have been happy with a table of two to three couples and were shocked with the table for two.

 

 

After dinner DW wanted to check out the slots. Sunday Night Football was on and I hopped up to the room and opened a bottle of wine. Micheal brought us wine glasses and I watched MNF on the big screen sipping Merlot. DW lost the small amount taken with her that night and headed to the room. Found her on one of my refill stops. Finished the wine in time for the welcome aboard show in the theater. Sat through the typical cruise director jokes and a decent short set by a comedian. CD Jeffrey Arpin was fine and grew on me over the two weeks. Did not realize he was the first CD on Voyager in 1999. There's a Wow for you.

[TonyBuzz]

Quickly found the only place to get any specialty beer (Bass, New Castle, Guinness) was in the pub and the taps were crap. Not one dark beer. I expected this from last year on Allure. Outside the pub, Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada were available in most bars. So I was in and one of the pub later in the cruise once the wine was gone. In and out because I wasn't so fond of the featured artist there. Papa T. also grew on me a bit but there were times where it was close to hostile in there. He would ask for requests and talk on a bit too long and people would say “shut up and play something”. Someone requested Tom Waits who I know but is a bit obscure. He said I never even heard of that guy and where is he from? Colorado was the answer to which he replied I don't know any songs from anyone in Colorado (a bit combative). Not the happy, fun environment I am used to at the pub. By the way, Papa T. is not a fan of CC. Wonder why?

 

 

They also had booked the Star Lounge for a private event one night each cruise forcing karaoke into the pub. Could not get near the bar on those nights so selected beer elsewhere. This seemed to be a trend as more and more public areas were closed for private functions. Cosmopolitan Club was often booked during the day and the decreased public spaces post-refurb made things even tighter. Add in another 5-6% people/rooms and the place was more crowded than I remember from Mariner.

 

 

Between World Series games, Sunday, Monday and Thursday Night Football the big screen was a nice place to watch the games. I did spend a fair amount of time watching various games. Still think a Sports Bar would be fun but where would you put it, Vintages, Two Poets, Schooner, Boleros? Hard to replace any of those as they all have their audience.

 

 

So we missed a lot of the shows. Did go to the Ice Show both weeks, sat in the back with no stairs and enjoyed the show. Two pairs and three men and three women in the cast. Normal stuff you would expect but still very entertaining. Pairs did lots of lifts and ice dancing (also the name of the show). Men did triples, I think, which is great for such small ice. Special performer (forget his name) had this giant metal ring that was quite fun. A very talented cast. Thumbs up on the Ice Dancing. Get your tickets on the Promenade on day one. Think before you get there which date and time you want.

 

 

Saw no shows on either week by the main production cast. Between the casino for DW and the sports on Deck 11 for me we always seemed to be busy. Saw a comedian on night one of cruise one and he was fun. Missed his late night adult show. Juggler on cruise two was okay but nothing great. Had a female comedian on week two and she was fine. Headliner on week one was Two Funny Guys which was the headliner on Allure last October. I swear they are following us. We skipped that one because we had seen it last year and like the food in the Windjammer it was unlikely to vary.

 

 

Other entertainments was fine. Bubba Feathers was a pretty good country band and seemed well loved. Not a huge country fan so only saw them in public venues and in C&A parties. Riddim Wave was the Reggae band and they were fun pumping out every Bob Marley tune during sail away and on the Promenade. Schooner Bar had Phil Anderson and he was talented. And I get that the gig is not easy. He sped through Piano Man the first night I sat down. I understand he has had to play that (damn song) every night he performs. But we had not heard it on our cruise yet. So there felt a bit of animosity in playing tunes that you knew people would request. You are “the piano man” in the guests minds. He was a bit obscure playing tunes like Ballroom Blitz that I bet fewer than ten people in the room even remember. He grew on me too. I guess I'm a softy for people with musical talent as I have none.

[TonyBuzz]

Ports and excursions were something else I planned for the two of us. Had to be easy access and can we bring the wheelchair were the things that I was looking for. Cozumel on Oct. 14th was our first port. Booked Nachi Cocom after research on CC. Loved it. Well worth the price. DW sat in the hot tub while I tried the beach and the pool. It was a warm day. Ate, drank, ate and drank more. Weather turned and lightning drove everyone under the palapa (nipa hut, thatched roof dining area). Felt a bit crowded then but otherwise a very enjoyable day.

 

 

Next stop Grand Cayman and because of the tender situation we booked an Island Tour and Beach Stop through RC. Arrived on the dock and lined up under tents waiting for the tour and it was obvious that when they were ready, you had better be ready too. There was shopping all around but we dared not venture out for fear of missing our tour. 45 minutes after scheduled time we departed. I overheard something about a bus breaking down. At least DW got a fresh cold coconut to drink and later eat the meat before/on our tour. Island tour was okay but a stop in a new building complex was a waste of time. “Hell” and the rum cake outlet were quick stops before Seven Mile Beach. The bar/beach were fine and DW arrived hungry. Buffet was $20 each I think. Got into the ocean together here. Stubbed/sprained a toe while towing DW around on my back. Should have brought those water shoes though they probably would not have helped on the rock I stumbled upon, literally. Got back late so we skipped dinner in the MDR for the first time and went to the Windjammer for dinner.

 

 

Next day we are in Jamaica. Did Dunns River Falls (me not DW) and Dolphin Touch (both) last time here. Looked at private tours but all seemed too strenuous for DW. We opted for a RC tour, the Bamboo Beach Club all inclusive. The drive was 45 minutes each way and we passed the Princess ship in Ocho Rios close to our destination. This AI was very different than Nachi Cocom. No menu. They bring out plates of food and trays of drinks. Grab what you want but once it's gone it is on to the next course. The food was fine and the jerk chicken was quite good. I drank a few beers (small cups) and DW tried all of the food. Fine but far from Nachi Cocom. Stopped at a T-shirt/rum place on the way back and most slept on the longer trek back to port.

 

 

Two sea days on our way back to Galveston. Got a letter inviting us to a B2B meeting to explain the procedures for Sunday. Met at the designated time and were given our second set of sea passes. Carried our old and new sea passes, passports and customs declaration. Got to Customs and were turned around in about a minute. Went back on as a group and had a private lunch in the MDR. Was told it would be Giovanni's but was not to be. Was also told we would have access to our rooms but that also did not happen.

[TonyBuzz]

Got to our room at 1pm as the door opened. That is when we discovered Michael's only error. There were tickets and invites on our bed. Unfortunately they were for a different room. Called Michael but he did not answer. Later saw our new neighbor in the hall and gave him his tickets. We saw Michael later and told him what happened and he said he would look for out tickets in the other rooms. This was problematic as we never got out M&M invites until Monday afternoon, after the event had passed. Went to the Cosmopolitan Club at 11am (scheduled time before we left) but there was a private function there. They had changed the time to 11:45 so I missed it. I was hoping to meet up with a few people there but missed it completely. So sorry Terri an TX Nomad.

 

 

Left Galveston, attended muster then two days at sea before our first port. Ate at Izumi on Sunday night. Really enjoyed it. DW had tempura vegetables, salmon sashimi and I had a a sushi sampler. Nice meal and a wonderful view from the side of Deck 14.

 

 

Went to Giovanni's on Tuesday and thought it was decent. Better than the MDR and excellent service. Was DW's least favorite private restaurant. There was noting bad and the service was great but the meal was not as great as I had hoped. Still we would recommend for the price.

 

 

Wednesday was my birthday so we booked at Sabor. Arrive hungry, leave full. Great service. Great food. Fresh guac made tableside. $12 margarita made at your table as well. Chips and pico de gallo were good, guac was even better. We were half full before the entrees. DW had three beef tacos. I ate one. Very tasty and filling. I had the carne asada burritos and they were very good. Sides of rice and beans were barely touched. Then came the dessert box. The box contained several desserts and I tried three. All were good but I was too full to try more. Wait staff brought me a separate coconut flan with a candle (real flame) and thoroughly embarrassed me by singing Happy Birthday. It was a nice way to start my 51st year on the planet. Flan in Sabor was much better that the one we later tried in Izumi. If you hadn't guessed, big thumbs up for Sabor.

 

 

Went back to Izumi on Friday skipping formal night and lobster. The place was nearly empty and we really had a good time. DW tried the seafood hot rock. Good but will probably stick with the sushi and sashimi on our next trip. Since we had booked four private dinners in the same week we asked about 25% OBC for the four nights. Neither Sabor nor Izumi seemed to know what we were talking about but Izumi manager did give us 25% off on that night only. But still, big thumbs up for Izumi.

 

 

Ate in the MDR only three times. Waiter Joven and assistant Emil were attentive. The first week the MDR was half full most nights so service was quite quick except on formal nights that were full and service slowed a bit. I complemented our servers in the admiral job they did keeping up on a full dining room on lobster night. The second week the MDR was packed every night we went. The wait staff really earned their tips that week.

 

 

Stops on the second leg were Roatan, Belize and Cozumel. Went private at Roatan going to a dive shop/hotel on the East End called Turquoise Bay suggested by someone on CC. Included transport to and from, welcome drink, pool, and beach. Anything else you paid for. But at $25 per person including the transport, it was a bargain beach day. They had a full bar and a nice swimming pool. Beach was a walk with quite a few stairs. DW didn't go down for fear of not being able to get back up. Stayed in and around the pool. Very refreshing as it was a scorching hot that day. They had a buffet and a menus of basic food where every item was $10. DW had jerk chicken and was happy. Drank a few local beers. Met a woman from Massachusetts who had just moved there. Came over for the day to hang out, talk to people, read a book. Pleasant day and they dropped us back in port in plenty of time to shop.

 

 

Belize was a tender stop so we booked an Island Getaway on Water Cay. Picked us up at the ship and took us directly to the cay. This place is newly developed. They had a pier, bar, restaurant with seating area, rest rooms, outdoor showers, wooden loungers and an okay beach. Really hot that day too and the eating area had no fans. Drank local beers. Not a bad day but a bit pricey for what you got. DW thinks that is where she got a few bug bites. Never saw the critters though. Dropped us back at the ship and we were too tired to go to shore. When I started booking this cruise 13 months ago, Belize was a major draw. And we never even went on the mainland. Funny how things work out.

 

 

Last stop was Cozumel, again. Nothing planned and a long stop to do it. It was also the busiest port as there were five ships in port including Allure next to us. DW was begging for Filipino food. None since she left California 13 days prior. Asked Michael and Joven (MDR waiter on second leg) and both suggested the Chi building a few blocks from the port. DW had a whole red snapper fried with rice. That put a big smile on her face. Shopped around the port for a while and started back on board just as rain started. I was pretty wet by the time we were back on board. The storm passed quickly and the temperature started to rise. Nice not having anything planned for one day.

[TonyBuzz]

Only Saturday left and we will be headed home. Luggage tags arrive and we are number 3 because we booked RC transfers back to Hobby. Brought an extra bag and had to ask Micheal for another tag as they only supplied two per room. Packed after dinner and and put our bags in the hall. Had requested wheelchair assist for DW. Boleros by 8:30 was full of people needing assistance. A staff member arrived and starts taking down numbers. Ours (3) was called about 8:35. Got inside the terminal and sat the DW in her spot while I grabbed a porter and found our three checked bags. Grabbed DW and were quickly through customs. Hearing the horror stories of long lines in customs later in the morning made us glad we got through so quickly. Hopped on the bus for the ride back to Hobby. Sat further back and couldn't hear a word this driver was saying.

 

 

Arrived way too early for our flight and was told we could not check in until four hours prior to departure. Sat in some seats and had a nice chat with a guy from Georgia who had just come off Nav. Had cruised Carnival before and was not as happy with Royal as we were. Sports bar, comedy club, hot made-to-order sandwiches, bigger rooms and better food were some of his reasons for enjoying Carnival more. He found the food in the MDR awful (where I did not think it was that bad). He was younger (than us) and the crowd on Nav was definitely older than him. His experience was his first on Royal and I'm not sure he will be back. I get that and respected his opinion.

 

 

After 12 we were able to check in and go through security. Ate lunch and waited several more hours for our flight. Flight to San Diego and then on to San Jose were fine. Grabbed bags and wheelchair, went outside and found the taxi stand. 15 minutes later we are home. Unpacked, started laundry, plowed through mail and e-mails. Working on Monday so need to get some sleep. Next morning at 8am it was “Z***** tech support, how may I help you?”. 49 weeks until our next cruise...but who's counting?

[TonyBuzz]

Random thoughts:

 

 

DW is a slot player. And found the cheapest machine in the casino at minimum $0.20 per spin (the money goes further that way). She wasn't the only one. That particular machine was often busy on both cruises and on the second there were people waiting at my DW's back for that machine. She got a bit hot on Friday starting with $7.00 and played it up to $50 and left with $50 after playing for a few hours. Next day it stayed hot and she was on it for 4 ½ hours (unfortunate for the two ladies waiting). I assumed the slots would be looser early on the cruise and tighten up as the days go by (to maximize profits). DW seemed to disprove that (small sample) by winning (okay losing more slowly) on the last two days of our cruise.

 

 

Went to Love & Marriage first week; fun. Went to Quest on 2nd week; crazy as ever. Saw the guacamole demo on first leg and sushi demo on first leg as well. Did not go to the belly flop, climb the rock wall, ride the Flowrider or eat at Johnny Rockets. Did play mini golf and table tennis with the DW. Did go to nearly every public space on the ship with the exception of the chapel on Deck 15. Walked for Wishes, twice. Had our picture taken with our captain wearing his cowboy hat.

 

 

This was our first cruise on a newly refurbed Voyager Class ship. I like some of the things added during the reburf. Big screen was a plus especially with sports at night. Enjoyed the two new private restaurants (Sabor and Izumi though Giovanni's replaces Portofino). Liked the flatscreen TVs in the rooms and the wayfinder/touchscreen signage throughout. In-line skating was removed, a plus. Diamond lounge added which I may use some day.

 

 

Did not enjoy losing the nightclub. Did not like the Cosmopolitan Club as the main (only) nightclub. Did not like that they really scaled back the Jade section of the buffet and have almost no Asian food unless you pay. Flowrider was an addition I will never try. Seen some bad falls and would not risk hurting myself on vacation ( 'cuz I'm old). Extra 5-6% rooms and passengers were not overwhelming but with the lost public spaces and the added private events it got a bit more crowded on specific nights and in specific venues. Did not book a virtual balcony and did not see one. Maybe someday. Missed 2nd M&M and missed the cabin crawl that I had joined.

 

 

So the upgrades during refurb were a mixed bag for us for sure.

 

 

As for the staff, most interactions were pleasant with courtesy and smiles. Didn't get as many smiles when I flashed the beer card on my sea pass. Many were seasoned veterans with many years of experience while some were brand new. There were several servers from China that were quite green. Gearing up for Quantum I suppose. Asked a bartender at the Pool Bar for a Sam Adams and he looked at me like I had two heads. Other bartender corrected him, I just smiled. There were times when the staff seamed overworked. MDR on formal night was full and weighed on the staff. Longer lines at bars in some areas at specific times. Wanted a beer at 9pm at the pool bar. One bartender and the group in front of me wants four frozen cocktails on four sea passes. Went from Deck 11 to the pub on 5 and back to 11 faster than waiting.

 

 

A bit of an odd one while I was at Guest Services. I had been to Sabor the night before. The initial bill was too high because I neglected to tell the waiter I had a beer package for the Negra Modelo and wanted to use DW's C&A for the coffee. Revised bill came and all was good. Until I check my account and find they charged me for both bills. So at Guest Services in the morning before Sabor is open. Pleasant lady is helping me. Tries calling Sabor manager and she isn't answering. Lady says she will call after the place opens and get the charge removed. Her boss comes up and rather gruffly says (to her not me) that “that” is not acceptable. Says that all Sr. Officers have phones and are on call all of the time. Demands that she call again and keep calling until she answered. The issue was resolved more quickly but there have to be better ways to council your workers especially in the service industry. It was just odd.

 

 

And saw someone about to be removed from the ship for the first time. At Guest Services in the morning redeeming a C&A internet discount when I hear this lady walk by saying, “what does it matter, you're kicking us off the ship anyway.” I turn to see a blond female and her brunette other with three Security in tow. The BF is calming her down, apologizing, so sorry, etc. They were being put off in Belize and we never heard from them again. Georgian we met at the airport said he smelled something other than tobacco on his balcony early in the cruise. That will do it.

 

 

The other cruisers were mostly Texans or from other ares in the South Eastern US. The cruise entertainment was geared toward country as one would expect. Several groups on board. On week one there was a large gospel group. A few of them performed for free on the farewell night in the main theater. Mostly very pleasant people. Always left the elevator with “have a good day/night”, “you too”.

 

 

Bottom line, what are we left with? I really, really had a good time. Could you tell? I think I went in with realistic expectations. The vacation most times met and at some times exceeded that mark. My DW is a bit hard to please these days but I really think she had a good time, too. Will I sail RC again? Already booked. Has RC cut corners in order to keep prices competitive? Yes. Is it a different product than it was a few years ago? Qualified yes. The refurbs are adding cabins and taking away public spaces in favor of pay outlets. Budget cuts in food prep are becoming noticeable in the public (free) areas. Fewer staff doing the same work for more passengers. The staff work very hard and deserve every tip they get but I'm not sure how the package tips work and whether it undermines service.

 

 

So if you take an RC cruise and remember the “good ole days”, whether that be 5, 10 or 20 years ago, understand, thing are changing. Some positive, some not so much. This is a very competitive business. Try to find the positive and if RC is not providing this, perhaps it is time to look elsewhere. I really had a good time because I knew what to expect. Most things worked well and there were a few pleasant surprises along the way. Stay positive and have a great vacation.

[lmares1968]

I'll be sailing on Navigator in 30 days. I'm looking forward to more of your review.

[Lilyrosemum]

Thank you for your extensive review of your Back to Back on the Navigator. I have sailed her since her refurb and will be sailing her again soon. One of the best things about the refurbed Nav is Sabor!!!!

[DaNana]

We are on NOS Nov 30 with imares1968 and many more! You have just made me more anxious to sail! Our group has a LOT of TX folks and many from the SW. Good Mix!

 

We get a Jr Suite and have always been happy with the product for the cost. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[ARCruisinNana]

Thanks for your review. I was on both cruises also😄

 

 

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[OKC Cruisers]

Wow. All I can say is that this was one of the most comprehensive and informational reviews I have ever read. We have sailed Navi twice this year with our third happening in just 2 weeks. Reading this has just brought my anticipation level way up! Thank you.

 

Pete

[Ladysilver]

Wow! Great review....A lot of reading but I enjoyed it. We leave in six weeks! :D

[finz2u]

Your review is great. It made me want to go on the Navigator again. Oddly, our Navigator cruise remains my least favorite and I think it was because we had an interior (promenade) room. I think I need at least a window, but have been spolied most recently by aft cabins.

 

Keep sailing.

[George C]

Thanks for the review, I also thought ship seemed crowded a bit, but not enough to stop me from booking her again in April

[lemonade-sails]

Awesome review! Thanks for all of the great details. Glad you enjoyed your trip. :)

[scooter90]

Thank you for your review and info on wheelchair options. My DH also needs a wheelchair for longer walks and its nice to know you were easily accommodated both on and off the ship.

[windham depot]

Thank you so much for such a detailed review! We will be on the Navigator on Nov 30th as well. I also use a wheelchair for distance and rent a scooter on the cruise to allow me more freedom. I especially love hearing about how accompanying everyone is while traveling with a wheelchair. We have also chosen Nachi Cocum in Cozumel. If you could could you tell me how easy/hard navigating the beach and sand was for your DW it sounds like she might have more mobility then I do but, would like to hear your opinions in that. Thabk You!

 

Rhonda

[mnh]

Great review... I was on the ship during your 2nd part of your BTB and I agree 100% with your review....I also had a great time (32nd time to cruise with Royal so I am biased!). I will be cruising on Liberty of the Seas out of Galveston on 11-13-15, I can't wait for that 9 night cruise!

[TonyBuzz]

Thank you so much for such a detailed review! We will be on the Navigator on Nov 30th as well. I also use a wheelchair for distance and rent a scooter on the cruise to allow me more freedom. I especially love hearing about how accompanying everyone is while traveling with a wheelchair. We have also chosen Nachi Cocum in Cozumel. If you could could you tell me how easy/hard navigating the beach and sand was for your DW it sounds like she might have more mobility then I do but, would like to hear your opinions in that. Thabk You!

 

Rhonda

 

Hi Rhonda,

 

We got outside at Cozumel port and found the taxi stand. Standard taxi put the folding wheelchair in the trunk after taking off the foot pads. At Nachi there is a small bridge that is not wheelchair accessible. Only a few stairs/steps to the hot tub or pool. A bit more walk but fewer steps to the beach if I remember. DW stayed in the hot tub the whole time. I'm originally from New Hampshire though I haven't lived there since I was 17.

[Susie51]

Thank you for your review. I will be on Navigator in March and it was great reading your detailed review.

[volunteer cruiser]

Thanks for the review

[PaperBoat]

Yes, thanks for the great review.

We are not doing the same ports as you, but the ship information was useful !