Thanksgiving LIVE from the Navigator of the Seas

[RoLoHa]

This was our first "real" cruise as a family (my wife and I took a short two-nighter earlier this year as a test run for her motion sickness)...so I really don't have anything of this scale to compare it against.

 

Overall, we had a good time on Navigator. I would rate it as "good", not "great"...but maybe I had unreal expectations going in (based on what I had read about cruising and various message boards).

 

The ship itself is really nice. I was "wowed" at its sheer size. Everything was clean and well-maintained. There is a lot to see and do (pools, bars, restaraunts, etc.) In just four nights, we didn't have time to experience it all (not even close). The shows were enjoyable (the comedians weren't great, and if I had it to do over I probably would skip their shows). The ice show is pretty cool, especially given the small size of the rink they are on. We found the live bands/singers they had in the various bars to be pretty good too.

 

We thought the food was good, though we heard some more "experienced" cruisers complaining about its quality. The only specialty restaraunt we ate at was Sabor, and it was worth every penny. The food was outstanding (though it was a little disappointing that the "tableside" guacamole really wasn't prepared tableside as I wanted to watch them make it). We wanted to try Chops, but waited too long to make reservations and it filled up. The Windjammer (buffet) had decent food but was very crowded and hard to find seats (I think that is typical though of buffets on ships).

 

We had a balcony room and our teenage sons were in a Promenade view room right across the hall. Both were nice (the shower is VERY small...but that may be the norm). The balcony was fun, but I didn't have nearly enough time to just sit out there and enjoy it.

 

Where things went a little wrong for me was in the level of service. I really thought you would be taken care of on a cruise and that wasn't the case for the most part. Our cabin attendant was brand new (his first day was our first day on the cruise). We never saw him...in fact, I couldn't even pick him out of a lineup if asked. Compared to our little trial cruise earlier this year, where our cabin attendant was personable, knew our names and just generally made us feel welcomed and wanted on the ship...I didn't feel that on Navigator. With that said, our room was kept clean.

 

I had also made a request to have the bed separated in my son's room and that was never done (fortunately the bed is pretty big so they didn't complain). The remote in their room was also broken which I asked to be replaced. This was also never done. It isn't that we wanted to watch TV, but I did want to be able to navigate their TV system to view my account (which was very tough to do with a broken remote).

 

Our first night's experience in the main dining room was also not good. Our waitstaff was extremely slow and was really bad about making sure we had water (we weren't guzzling our water either...they just rarely came by to refill it). Fortunately, I did request another table on the second night and was put with Apurv (fifth floor Saphire dining room - My Time Dining). He and his partner, Alona, were OUTSTANDING. If you do My Time Dining, definitely request him (we were at Table 655 on the fifth floor, so that is the area he serves). His service really turned our impression of the main dining room (and the cruise for that matter) around.

 

Also, my son has some serious food allergies. I spoke with RCL before boarding and they said to talk with Guest Services and the waitstaff for our dining room. I did this the first day on the ship and it never got communicated to anybody. When we found this out, we tried again to get this noted on our account. After getting a bit of a run around (talk to this person...no, no go talk to this person...rinse/repeat) we finally found somebody who made a note of it on our account. From that point on, when we made a reservation using that room number it was noted. Once the head waiter and Apurv found out about his allergies they were very compassionate and made sure he was taken care of.

 

Also, getting drinks/sodas at the bars was a pain. Many of the bartenders were overwhelmed and the service was slow. Other times, the bartenders were not overwhelmed but just seemed apathetic to providing any level of service (especially the Pool Bar and Sky Bar). This ship doesn't have the Coke Freestyle machines, so if you want soda you have to get it from a bar or the Promenade Cafe. The best service for bars I found was in the Casino and at the Schooner Bar. There was an Asian lady at the Casino Bar (I wish I had her name) that was really good. The servers at the Promenade Cafe also worked their tails off. That place seemed to always have a line and they worked hard to serve people quickly.

 

Disembarking was painful. There were seven ships in port (including us) the morning we arrived and it was really slow. I don't know if the slow down was Royal Caribbean's fault or not (they kept saying it was the Port Authority that was slowing things up). It would have been nice for them to communicate what was going on a little better. Also, the announcements for when to line up for your specific luggage number were sporadic and not broadcast throughout the ship which contributed to some confusion for passengers.

 

There weren't any HUGE negatives, it was just a combination of several smaller negatives early on that left me with a bad impression for the first half of the cruise. I think if we would have had a few more nights, my early negative impressions of the cruise would have been overwhelmed by the positives I experienced towards the end (We were just "learning" how to "navigate" the Navigator (where to get drinks, etc.) and then our cruise was over). Also, some of our issues were specific to us (i.e. my son's allergies). Given all of that, I would kill for it to be this time last week and be back on that ship rather than sitting here at work :) .

 

Hope you guys have a great trip!

 

(Sorry this was so long, but I hope you find it helpful.)

 

 

Actually

Sounds like a pretty fair review. They made mistakes, you dealt with them with a patient attitude and didn't let it ruin your trip.

Edited December 2, 2016 by RoLoHa

[vmt514]

We were on that same cruise. Funny how one room to the next, one server to the next, one's likes and dislikes can change a review.

 

Room steward - we had the room next to my sister. Our room steward was great. My sister never saw her person. We were in a hump balcony room, I don't have a problem with the shower, and for the person who asked earlier about the bed - I was nervous, after having read some bad reviews on the bedding before our trip. Well the mattress was great. First day we asked for extra pillows, which we got, so it was fine.

 

Dining room - 8:30 seating. Our first night was awful, awful food, awful service. Both got better, although I never thought the food was above average. Trying to get a glass of wine for dinner was almost impossible the first night. We didn't do any specialty dining this cruise. It's sad that the cruise lines make the MDR so average so that you will spend extra money on specialty dining.

 

Shows - we liked the shows. Agree that the comedians were not great, but I would definitely go to the shows for the music. "These Guys" were fantastic - if you are on a ship with them as the entertainment - go see them.

 

CD and staff - Cuddy was below average for me. Our ship took off late on day one. Cruise staff did sail away for the time it was scheduled then left. We were still in port. Cuddy wasn't anywhere to be seen for sail away. Terrible first impression.

 

Bar service - if you went to the bar, you got served. But sitting by the pool, no one was walking around to serve you. As I said the first night in the MD no bar service. Schooner, R Bar, Pub in Promenade, pool bars, all were great. Casino has $1 mimosa's from noon to 1 on sea days - wait until around 12:30 for the crowds to be gone.

 

BEST - piano bar was wonderful. Don't know piano players name, but he always had a crowd.

 

Navigator in general. Ship is beautiful, clean and laid out really nice and easy to get around. I would go on her again without hesitation.

 

Well, this was OMO. No matter the few things that seemed bad at the time, we were cruising - not doing shopping, cooking, cleaning. Enjoyed the sea air and fruity cocktails. And it was a great Thanksgiving weekend!

[Kcjarvis]

Sorry guys - had to go on a business trip.

 

Dining package

 

 

TV options

 

 

 

[Kcjarvis]

Cabin – The Owner Suite was in good condition with new drapes and carpet, although the balcony door was hard to open.

 

Suite Attendant – Very Good - Samy did a very good job especially for his 1st cruise back after vacation

 

Concierge Lounge - Fantastic – Concierge Nadja is a warm, friendly and helpful person who runs a great lounge. Lee did a wonderful job refreshing our drinks. We could always find a seat and only heard 2 complaints – One about a guy named Lord Timothy and his Lordship and one about the lack of British bacon on the ship.

 

Diamond lounge – AWFUL - The Concierge was seated at his desk, when we entered the Lounge on Day 1. He looked up and asked us our cabin number, when we replied “1328” he turned away and continued working on his computer. That was the extent of the contact we had with the Diamond Concierge. He never mingled, never introduced himself and never asked if we needed anything. To this day, I don’t know his name. Additionally, there is no waiter service in the lounge. If you want a drink, you have to go to the bar in the corner for drinks. WHAT????? Even when the 2 waiters come around to the table to pick up the empty glasses they don’t offer a second round.

 

Cruise Director / Entertainment – Average – Cuddy was ok, nothing bad, nothing special. The activities manager hosted the Quest which was very tame and had poor attendance. Comedians were fair.

 

Internet Service – HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT – Another none OB3 fake Voom experience. Skype video worked sometimes, iMessage, Facetime, Good client VPN worked. Youtube Netflix, Hulu, and Slingbox had extremely poor performance. NY Dailynews app, MobileIron VPN, and Periscope did not work!!!!!!

 

Food – (Subjective) – OK – We found the food in the Windjammer to be very salty. This is also the 1st cruise where we saw a number of lunch items repeated at dinner. Breakfast was a madhouse because they have made one of the WJ islands the glutton free station, so the line at the other island had upwards of 40 people on it – poor planning. The Chops veal chop was great but the tater tots were cold. We saw a number of people complaining about cold food in Chops. Sabor was fantastic as usual. Thanksgiving dinner was exceptional. Bring back the Vidalia onion tart and the old mud pie!!!!!!

 

Room service – Very good – Ordered off the MDR menu multiple times. The food arrived quickly and was hot

 

Misc – No problem bringing a case of water in a duffle bag or an extension cord.

 

Special Shout outs – The Triplett Family

 

Conclusion:

 

We could definitely see some of the cut backs – food and entertainment options. We believe RCCL needs to work on consistency to ensure the service experience is the same whether or not you are on Harmony or Empress. In the future, we will stay away from sailings after transatlantic crossings. We find the service levels of these 1st sailings are not up to US standards. Overall Navigator is a great ship and I’m sure her crew will work out the bugs for this Caribbean season.

 

Rating: I am going to deduct 10 points for the Diamond Lounge and 10 points for the FAKE Voom

 

Total score 80%

 

Another good vacation, we remain loyal to Royal.

 

 

This is Ken Jarvis and I approve this review - Thank you for reading and watching on Periscope.

 

RKSister....BOOM!!!!!

[BigDawgRonAZ]

Excellent Review Mr. Jarvis. I learned a lot for my upcoming sailing in January. Sure wish I could have seen you on Periscope!!

 

BigDawgRonAZ out!

[Kcjarvis]

Hopefully, Ken and Paulette are just having too much fun onboard, with him not posting much. A four night cruise does go by very quickly, and their's ends tomorrow.

 

Congrats on the status change, a friend of mine CruiselifeRick is on your sailing, I told him to find you.

[Kcjarvis]

Loved reading your experience on Navigator and following you on PERISCOPE! Keep up the great work Ken and looking forward to your Freedom OTS cruise on 12/10!

 

Thanks John

[Rob-o]

Thanks Ken for the review and for being so "Fair and Balanced". ;) We "newbies" rely on you guys!

73, WA4IPE ;) RobWhatley

Edited December 3, 2016 by Rob-o

[mpoole3]

Amazing review Jarvis!!!! If you are looking for REAL VOOM, I'd recommend EMPRESS! Boom!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[CruiseLifeRick]

Congrats on the status change, a friend of mine CruiselifeRick is on your sailing, I told him to find you.

 

 

Grandma - I will most likely have one of these in tow at all times. If you see me just kindly put up the "L" on your forehead so I know it is you. You can use other universal sign language if you would like me to keep on walking when I pass you.

 

 

Ken - I may have to attempt to at least partially fill you shoes and do a live review given the lack of OB3.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Edited December 3, 2016 by CruiseLifeRick

[George C]

Cabin – The Owner Suite was in good condition with new drapes and carpet, although the balcony door was hard to open.

 

Suite Attendant – Very Good - Samy did a very good job especially for his 1st cruise back after vacation

 

Concierge Lounge - Fantastic – Concierge Nadja is a warm, friendly and helpful person who runs a great lounge. Lee did a wonderful job refreshing our drinks. We could always find a seat and only heard 2 complaints – One about a guy named Lord Timothy and his Lordship and one about the lack of British bacon on the ship.

 

Diamond lounge – AWFUL - The Concierge was seated at his desk, when we entered the Lounge on Day 1. He looked up and asked us our cabin number, when we replied “1328” he turned away and continued working on his computer. That was the extent of the contact we had with the Diamond Concierge. He never mingled, never introduced himself and never asked if we needed anything. To this day, I don’t know his name. Additionally, there is no waiter service in the lounge. If you want a drink, you have to go to the bar in the corner for drinks. WHAT????? Even when the 2 waiters come around to the table to pick up the empty glasses they don’t offer a second round.

 

Cruise Director / Entertainment – Average – Cuddy was ok, nothing bad, nothing special. The activities manager hosted the Quest which was very tame and had poor attendance. Comedians were fair.

 

Internet Service – HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT – Another none OB3 fake Voom experience. Skype video worked sometimes, iMessage, Facetime, Good client VPN worked. Youtube Netflix, Hulu, and Slingbox had extremely poor performance. NY Dailynews app, MobileIron VPN, and Periscope did not work!!!!!!

 

Food – (Subjective) – OK – We found the food in the Windjammer to be very salty. This is also the 1st cruise where we saw a number of lunch items repeated at dinner. Breakfast was a madhouse because they have made one of the WJ islands the glutton free station, so the line at the other island had upwards of 40 people on it – poor planning. The Chops veal chop was great but the tater tots were cold. We saw a number of people complaining about cold food in Chops. Sabor was fantastic as usual. Thanksgiving dinner was exceptional. Bring back the Vidalia onion tart and the old mud pie!!!!!!

 

Room service – Very good – Ordered off the MDR menu multiple times. The food arrived quickly and was hot

 

Misc – No problem bringing a case of water in a duffle bag or an extension cord.

 

Special Shout outs – The Triplett Family

 

Conclusion:

 

We could definitely see some of the cut backs – food and entertainment options. We believe RCCL needs to work on consistency to ensure the service experience is the same whether or not you are on Harmony or Empress. In the future, we will stay away from sailings after transatlantic crossings. We find the service levels of these 1st sailings are not up to US standards. Overall Navigator is a great ship and I’m sure her crew will work out the bugs for this Caribbean season.

 

Rating: I am going to deduct 10 points for the Diamond Lounge and 10 points for the FAKE Voom

 

Total score 80%

 

Another good vacation, we remain loyal to Royal.

 

 

This is Ken Jarvis and I approve this review - Thank you for reading and watching on Periscope.

 

RKSister....BOOM!!!!!

 

2 questions, were you able to find seats in concierge lounge? why did you not have breakfast in chops ?

[Kcjarvis]

were you able to find seats in concierge lounge?

 

Yes, it was not crowded at all

 

why did you not have breakfast in chops ?

 

Chop’s Restaurant gold card breakfast hours on Sea Days are from 8:00 am to 10:00 am and on port days from 7:00 am to 9:00 am. On day 3, we went up at 9:15am so we had to go to WJ.

[setsail]

Wow, I knew there had been a lot of cutbacks since I left the company, but it must be bad if you can only afford a 4 day now. :D

 

Nice review, we are short timers for harmony

[cruising grandma]

Congrats on the status change, a friend of mine CruiselifeRick is on your sailing, I told him to find you.

 

Thanks! John put me to "work" on it in July! He told me to get us there by end of year! We needed 140 points! Double points for the suite life and many solo cruises for me have done the job!

 

Another great review, Ken! Do you know who the C&A loyalty ambassador is on Navigator? Did you go to "welcome back party"? Wondering what kind of "celebration" they'll do.

 

Grandma - I will most likely have one of these in tow at all times. If you see me just kindly put up the "L" on your forehead so I know it is you. You can use other universal sign language if you would like me to keep on walking when I pass you.

 

You'll hear me laughing before you see me..... fair warning, if you want to avoid me!:D John, Laura and I will be in the CL with Nadja, most likely, but if too crowded, we may pop into the DL. Also friends of Terri and Jeff, (TerriDHair, look for THE Hair!), Jon, retired high school Spanish teacher from California, Robert and Sandy(Robert won best pressed clothes award & his tiny workaholic wife.) Another giveaway characteristic of mine this cruise will be limping around from bum knee!:( John and I are going on Enchantment Monday-Friday, and then moving to Navigator, so we'll most likely be there quite early to check in and wait. See you soon!:)

Edited December 4, 2016 by cruising grandma

[Kcjarvis]

Wow, I knew there had been a lot of cutbacks since I left the company, but it must be bad if you can only afford a 4 day now. :D

 

Nice review, we are short timers for harmony

 

HAHAHAH ever since you left the stock has been tanking. Are you on Harmony next week????

[Kcjarvis]

Do you know who the C&A loyalty ambassador is on Navigator? Did you go to "welcome back party"? Wondering what kind of "celebration" they'll do.

 

 

 

 

Loyal Ambassador is Zaffar Khan. Didn't meet him and missed the welcome back party

[cruising granddad]

Ken, I have always heard great things about Paulette and you from Kay each time she sails with you!

I hope to someday cruise with you and experience all the nice things you do!

You have been very nice to Kay when she has cruised without me and I appreciate all you have done for her!

[Kcjarvis]

Ken, I have always heard great things about Paulette and you from Kay each time she sails with you!

 

I hope to someday cruise with you and experience all the nice things you do!

 

You have been very nice to Kay when she has cruised without me and I appreciate all you have done for her!

 

 

Thanks for the kind words John. Congrats on becoming Pinnacle. Hope to sail with you as well.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums