Navigator August 2014 Review with pics

[levonfan]

Tiger fans...NICE!!

[paulh84]

Thank you for the review! I'm eyeing either Navigator or Allure for our next cruise. Big difference in ships, but it's nice to hear new opinions especially from new to RC cruisers. We had the same experience you did on the food on Liberty. Some good, some not so good.

[DutchCruiseFan]

I am really enjoying your review:D

Keep it going:p

[pbair90]

Great review so far! We are looking forward to NOS next month. Thanks for sharing your experiences!!!!

[toosaxykk]

We started our morning with our usual balcony sunrise. Gorgeous as usual! We ate breakfast in the MDR as it was not great but the best option in our opinion. The daily special was particularly good and full of rich protein so it kept us full while we actively completed our day.

 

MDR Breakfast Sea Day #2 Menu... It was getting better as the days progressed!

 

We knew that the Rock Wall would get busy later in the day and we had the proof from the blisters on our hands that after the grips have had time to bake in the sun it really gets difficult to climb all the way to the top. DH was able to climb all the way to the top of the easy and medium levels before attempting the hard level. Unfortunately the heat got to his hands and he quit for the day. My advice is to hit this up EARLY in the cruise and more importantly EARLY IN THE DAY!

 

Immediately following our climbing and shopping excursions we went to shower and then meet the Director of Food and Beverage, Mr. Werner Zurcher and Executive Chef Martin Scott for our private tour of the galley. This was one of the most fascinating experiences of our cruise and so many of our questions were answered.

 

Us with the Executive Chef Martin Scott after our Galley tour!

 

Right after the galley tour we decided to give the Main Dining Room another spin for lunch and we are certainly glad we did. This was the best lunch and perhaps meal in my opinion of the entire cruise. With entrees like Barramundi fillet, tomato risotto and fish enchiladas it was a meal not to be missed, especially since we literally just saw the chefs prepare these meals.

 

Perhaps the BEST barramundi fish I have ever had! Delicious!

 

Sea Day #2 Lunch Menu- The best options the ENTIRE cruise in our opinions!

 

Afternoon

After lunch we headed to the casino for the Casino Royale Blackjack tournament. This was a tournament with just a $20 buy-in and you got $500 in chips. This sounded awesome but then we found out that you had only 7 hands to play and the 7 highest scores would advance to the finals. DH and I knew a lot about Blackjack but not a lot about this type of tournament strategy so I was out of the running with $450 in chips real quick. DH wound up in the finals but did not win or even place. It was a rush and we enjoyed this a lot! If you are a gambler... DO THIS!

 

Evening

This was the 2nd and last formal night of the cruise and was the night we chose to celebrate our anniversary (Our anniversary is really in March but since this was a celebratory cruise we told RC we were celebrating, which was true).

 

 

The last part of our "Classic Romance Package" arrived at our room around 5:00 PM which included delicate capers and delicious chocolate covered strawberries and other shortbread delicacies.

 

One of the trays from the Classic Romance Package

 

We then headed towards the Main Dining Room for the most anticipated meal of the cruise... Lobster and Prime Rib! This meal was the best of the cruise and easily the best Lobster I have had in my lifetime. The assistant waiter even came over and did "surgery" as he called it and took the lobster meat out of it's shell. It definitely had a “WOW” impression on us and we loved everything about it.

 

Later that evening we went to the much anticipated "The Quest" adult game show. While we cruised on Carnival last year this show as just down right vulgar and made us feel awkward. However, this was humorous and not at all too inappropriate so we decided to check it out. It was hilarious and while we didn't participate it was funny to see people do crazy stuff just for a Royal Caribbean key chain!

 

Next up… Our LAST day at Sea.

Edited February 18, 2015 by toosaxykk
Pictures

[toosaxykk]

Wild Creamed Mushrooms

 

Fisherman's Plate (LOBSTER)

 

The BEST dessert EVER... White Chocolate Mousse! I had 2 in the MDR and then asked the waiter if I could get 2 to go! PERFECTION!

 

I cannot seem to find the picture of the actual menu choices but I will try again! I hope y'all enjoy these! They make me hungry!:p

[LuCruise]

Looks like this was a great cruise. Thanks for sharing!

 

Question about the FlowRider (and so smart to go first thing)...you mentioned there was a session. Is this a formal lesson that costs $ or anyone could attend? I've never tried it. It looks fun but scary (I would only do boogie version anyways)

[Susie51]

I cruise on Navigator March 22 so I'm especially interested in your review.We will be doing the Roatan, Belize, Cozumel itinerary.

 

Your formal picture is lovely. Did you buy any of the photos taken by the ship's photoghers?

 

In Dec. we were on NCL Jewel. Each time they took a picture of us they asked for our cabin number. Then when we wanted to look at them we went to a computer in the photo studio and typed in our cabin number. We were able to see all of the photos that had been taken. Does Navigator use this system?

[Carguylee]

Thanks for the review, going to be on Navigator April 12th, nice to see some pics!

[toosaxykk]

Looks like this was a great cruise. Thanks for sharing!

 

Question about the FlowRider (and so smart to go first thing)...you mentioned there was a session. Is this a formal lesson that costs $ or anyone could attend? I've never tried it. It looks fun but scary (I would only do boogie version anyways)

 

Thanks for following! I hope this helps you prepare for your upcoming cruise!

 

There were a few learn to ride sessions that were free. AND it really helped us that we got there AS SOON AS it opened on embarkation day! These sessions and this time when we were some of the 1st people there were FREE and did not cost anything. The sports crew members almost did a private lesson for us until more people arrived. They did have small classes that you could purchase for 1-2 hours but if I remember right you needed at least 8-10 people.

 

I highly recommend going EARLY on embarkation day if possible and be there waiting other times.

[toosaxykk]

I cruise on Navigator March 22 so I'm especially interested in your review.We will be doing the Roatan, Belize, Cozumel itinerary.

 

Your formal picture is lovely. Did you buy any of the photos taken by the ship's photoghers?

 

In Dec. we were on NCL Jewel. Each time they took a picture of us they asked for our cabin number. Then when we wanted to look at them we went to a computer in the photo studio and typed in our cabin number. We were able to see all of the photos that had been taken. Does Navigator use this system?

 

 

Oh... March 22nd is getting CLOSE. How exciting! I hope this review helps you prepare for your upcoming ADVENTURE! Have fun!

 

Thanks... This particular formal photo was taken by another kind guest but we did in fact purchase several from the RC photographers. With Navigator in dry-dock back in 2014 they upgraded the photo studio area to include the computers where you can see your pictures. Just like you mentioned we just gave them our cabin # and then we could go on computers (They had about 10-12 so never a long line too) to see them. There were a few that were printed off like other lines but most were on the computer! I hope this helps!

[toosaxykk]

Great review so far! We are looking forward to NOS next month. Thanks for sharing your experiences!!!!

 

Thanks for following and I hope this helps you prepare for your upcoming cruise! Have fun!

[LuCruise]

Thanks for following! I hope this helps you prepare for your upcoming cruise!

 

 

 

 

 

There were a few learn to ride sessions that were free. AND it really helped us that we got there AS SOON AS it opened on embarkation day! These sessions and this time when we were some of the 1st people there were FREE and did not cost anything. The sports crew members almost did a private lesson for us until more people arrived. They did have small classes that you could purchase for 1-2 hours but if I remember right you needed at least 8-10 people.

 

 

 

 

 

I highly recommend going EARLY on embarkation day if possible and be there waiting other times.

 

 

 

Thanks so much for the advice. I'll keep an eye out for the learn to ride sessions.

 

Enjoying your review.

[toosaxykk]

Both DH and I woke up later than usual and more of a "cruising" time at 7:40 AM. I only had about 4 hours of sleep due to the room temperature and the hardness and stiffness of the bed so I was very tired and weak. We went straight to the Main Dining Room for breakfast and they really hit a home run on this day. The daily special was a Bacon Quiche and was the best breakfast dish of the cruise and the best quiche I have ever had (Although, I don't eat very many quiches). DH had given many compliments about the "make your own" cereal and granola bar so I too gave it a shot on this day and I was pleasantly surprised.

 

Final Sea Day Breakfast Menu

 

The Bacon Quiche... Yummy! Definitely try it out if you like quiches!

 

 

We left breakfast and went straight to the Rock Wall for DH and I to conquer the hard level. We were the 2nd ones there and while waiting in line we met a guy who is the greeter at local Walmart. I love stuff like this and really reminds me of living in a small town(Despite living in a suburb of Houston)! DH was able to get to the very top of the hard level within 1 try and did it like a pro! He even impressed the Sports Deck guide!

 

Getting ready for our FINAL climb!

 

 

At 10:00 AM we went to the theater for the "Captain's Corner" talk and discussion. Here the Captain, Hotel Director, Chief Engineer and the Environmental Specialist sat in for a Q&A session with guests. We learned a lot of information about each department and had some laughs with the Captain at Carnival's disposal. He really doesn't like them. We did learn that Royal Caribbean has 4 new ships in the making and is currently looking towards going in a completely different direction and having a new style of cruise that would include more additional fee restaurants an no Main Dining Room. This is depressing to us since we like the "all inclusive" style that is currently on most cruise ships. The Captain particularly said they Royal Caribbean is in it to make money so if this new style works then there is a very good chance it will go fleet wide.

 

Our captain discussing RCI during the Captain's Corner.

 

We then followed the Captain and other high officers to Deck 12 to the jogging track for "Walk for Wishes". This was a 1 mile walk along the jogging track with the Captain for the Make a Wish foundation. We were able to donate some money to help kids in need and get to walk a mile with the Captain. This really went along the lines of "New Beginnings" and the more active approach we were taking for this cruise. Chris even got to walk directly beside the Captain and his #2 guy for 10 minutes.

 

DH and I with the Captain and his #2 after the Walk for Wishes.

[toosaxykk]

We were hungry from the "Walk for Wishes" so we headed back to the Main Dining Room. We were very much looking forward to the menu since the previous day's selections were so good. Unfortunately it was a repeat menu from the first day but we were able to try new things since the menu was so vast. However, I was disappointed in my choices.

 

Sea Day #3 Lunch Menu... Same as day #1 which was a bummer to us!

 

Open Face Steak Sandwich... I was expecting something like Roast Beef but NOPE... It was LITERALLY a STEAK on bread!

 

DH then went back to the room for a quick nap while I went and selected the professional pictures we would be purchasing. At 2:00 PM we went into Studio B for our Ice Skating session. DH nor I had ever ice skated but I have been inline skating many times back in my teenage years. DH struggled and held onto the railings most of the 45 minutes while I was on center ice and doing spins and taking selfies. This was my biggest surprise of the cruise and wish we would not have waited until the last opportunity to do this.

DH trying to make it on the ice! This was SO MUCH FUN!

 

 

We built up a small appetite and substantial thirst from our skating adventure so we headed to Cafe Promenade for afternoon pizza and cookies. Several of the "suits" from the Food Department including Mr. Werner (The guy we had dinner with a few nights back) were inside Cafe Promenade serving the guests and even making the cookies and pizzas. This really said something about them as individuals and Royal Caribbean as a company. Anytime a "higher up" type of individual gets down in the trenches with their employees and they gain total respect in my book. The best companies in America are built on this foundation. It might have been a coincidence but this was the best Cafe Promenade food of the trip.

 

It would not be a DAVIS cruise without a game of Bingo. On our very first cruise back in 2006 with DH parents we played several games since it was his parents favorite activity on board and this time we went to a session of 4 games and one was a "win a cruise" game. We opted to buy the cheapest available option of 6 cards for each of the 4 games for $32 instead of the "machine" option which was 33 cards per game for $55. This seemed ridiculous to me but looking back, I would purchase the machine because all 5 winners from the games came from machine players. It was a great way to spend the afternoon and a true DAVIS tradition.

 

Next up... Our final evening aboard the Navigator of the Seas! :(

[toosaxykk]

Before we went to dinner we waited in the 10 people deep line at Guest Services to get the self-assist tickets to get off the boat on Sunday. We were in the 5th group and should depart around 8:45 AM. We then went to dinner and had a wonderful last meal aboard The Navigator of the Seas. Our two waiters, Agnelo and Sachin, we both back from brief sickness and we were able to thank them and tip them additional money for their services. It was amazing to see the smile on their faces when they saw our gratitude. They both worked SO hard all week, as did ALL of the dining room staff, to serve us and help make our cruise a memorable experience. We learned in our galley tour that these waiters work 10-12 hour days 7 days a week without a day off during a 10 month contract. This made my heart melt for these people and their families. May God bless Sachin and Agnelo and thank you both for your services! You truly made our cruise a great experience.

 

Pan Seared Scallops... AMAZING!

 

Seafood Mash... It was fried but tasty!

 

Might be a ridiculous picture but I was sad to leave the ship!

 

 

After dinner we wanted to really get the most out of our last evening on the ship so we went back to Deck 5 to the helicopter pad to watch the sunset.

 

One of our sunset pictures we captured.

 

After watching the sunset we went to the Farewell Show which included entertainment from a juggler, the Royal Caribbean singers and dancers, The Navigator orchestra and all of the entertainment staff and top level staff. While the juggler was not my thing he was entertaining and I enjoyed him very much. Chris was fascinated with him almost as much as I was with the trumpet player. This was an amazing way to end our cruise and so much better than the finale shows Carnival has produced.

 

 

We walked down the Royal Promenade one more time before retiring to our room only to find out that the AC was not working and it was nearly 80*+ in our room. I called Guest Relations and they sent a technician to check on it. They asked me over the phone if my balcony was shut and it was. We had noticed the AC not flowing freely most of the days so we kept a good eye on making sure the sliding glass doors were always shut and we also kept the curtains shut while we were not in the room to help lower the temp as well. The technician came about 1 hour later and said the balcony door was not "double locked" so after a certain amount of time the AC shuts off. This was so annoying and made it hard to go to sleep. This will be a trick I remember for Royal Caribbean in the future.

 

We finally got the room to cool down around 11:30 PM and we tried to finish our packing and go to bed. Tomorrow we had to face reality and go back to the real world... What a sad day! BUT, I was SO READY TO SEE MY KIDDOS!

[suzon]

Terrific review, Kellie! We did a B2B last May on Navigator and just loved the ship.

 

We're sailing on Serenade with you in 2 weeks :D:D and look forward to meeting you both!