Navigating from Los Angeles November 29, 2021 Semi-Live

[CruzDayz]

7 hours ago, CruzDayz said:

  Good morning!

This was a shock when I first saw the view from my deck 9 aft balcony. The balcony was large though.

[AJSkarbo]

On 12/1/2021 at 10:56 PM, Coralc said:

I'm not sure what that is? It kind of looks like a failed actual animal though. And I had my husband look at the photo, too. 

My guess was elephant, moms guess was dog.

 

On 12/2/2021 at 9:42 AM, comfy_critters276 said:

For those of you who have tried El Loco Fresh on board, did you like it and if so, which items were good?  Also, anyone know if the Escape Room closed? I don't see it mentioned on the cruise compasses AJ has posted.

No Escape room. The entrance was closed off every time I walked by. El Loco fresh was great! We ate there twice.

 

On 12/2/2021 at 11:26 AM, Sea_Princess said:

thanks for the cruise compasses!  We are onboard Monday so it's great to see these.

 

Does the ship seem more empty with it at half capacity?

 

Yes! I got a few photos of the pool deck looking pretty empty. I never had to wait in line for the waterslides or the rock wall. The flowrider had a bit of a wait but it wasn't bad at all. We never waited to be seated at the MDR either. The only time it felt "crowded" was the last night in the casino and the whirlpools were usually pretty full simply because it was colder weather.

 

22 hours ago, metachal said:

Was Day 2 a dressier dinner night, or have they all been Casual/Resort Casual? 

Most people were still very resort casual. We dressed up cause mom wanted nice pictures and I love dressing up for cruises. 

[AJSkarbo]

A word to the wise, if you plan to enjoy the free skate time in studio B, go on the sea day. It wasn't offered on either of the port days. I was really bummed about that. Guess I just need to book another cruise!

[AJSkarbo]

Now that we are off the ship I finally have time to finish!

Day 3:

They started the day announcing that tender tickets were available when people were ready to leave the ship. Then by the time we had finished breakfast, they were announcing that no tickets were needed and that anyone who wanted to go to Catalina could simply walk straight to the tenders. 

Mom struggled with the tender a bit due to her mobility issues. In fact, we weren't sure she was going to be able to go at all. But thankfully the crew of both the Navigator and the tender were so kind and patient. They let her take her time and assisted her with the transition. The ride to the island was quick and had a wonderful view. The day started out foggy(typical southern California from what I remember living her) but ended up burning off by the time we got to the island. 

I opted for renting a gold cart to tour the island and it was such a great choice. There are 2 golf cart rentals close to where the tender drops you. I opted for the further one. It was $55 per hour and the prorated the time if you went over the first hour but brought it back by the second hour. They included a a map of the suggested route and pointed out where some of the best photo oppertunities were. We had a blast. Got some great photos and enjoyed just driving around the island. Next time i am going zip-lining though. We saw the course and it looked incredible. 

Pet cemetery along the route:

After getting back on the ship mom needed to rest so I grabbed some El Loco Fresh and hit the water slides. I did some reading and enjoyed sail away from the jogging track trying to get some walking in. 

Mom skipping the comedian juggler, but I enjoyed his act. We had dinner and I donated some money to the casino before turning in for the night. 

I think this was an attempted elephant...

Edited December 4, 2021 by AJSkarbo
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[AJSkarbo]

Day 4:

Neither of us really had a desire to go into Ensenada so we turned it into a non-sea Sea day. I wanted to try the rock wall, the flow rider and the mini golf course. So mom was happy to accompany me around the ship so she could take photos and videos I could use on my travel agent business page. 

The instructor for the flow rider was very good! Everyone I watched was able to get onto their knees due to her instruction. It was also a ton of fun. I can't believe I skipped it on my last cruise on the Liberty! Never again!

The waterslides were great. Apparently they are better with 2 people but I stuck with going solo since there was never anyone else in line. 

The cruise compass advised you needed closed toed shoes for the rock wall. But when i got there, they provided the shoes, we just needed socks. I think that is an important distinction to make when not everyone travels with tennis shoes. 

 

 

The mini-golf course was cute. I think it is more geared towards kids but it was easy to follow and a good way to kill time. I was a little upset the wheelchair lift wasn't working. Mom was able to get herself up the stairs but it is disappointing that someone who can't do stairs wouldn't be able to get themselves up to that deck. 

After putting mom to work she relaxed in the whirlpool and I went to see the ice show again. It was an everyone showing so we were instructed to keep our masks on. I really enjoyed it both times. The music and choreography were great! I am amazed at what they can do!

After dinner I lost a little more money in the casino then went to adult karaoke and the hush silent party. Both were a blast. I think the silent party is a really cool concept and it was fun watching people dance and sing along. 

Edited December 4, 2021 by AJSkarbo
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[AJSkarbo]

Disembarkation morning was a breeze. We had signed up for a departure time between  9:15 and 9:30 but by the time I was back to my cabin after breakfast, about 845, they announced that all numbers had been called and everyone could disembark. Mom was able to secure wheelchair assistance off the ship. We went to Boleros and Cedrick from the MDR was ready and waiting to help mom off the ship. 

We breezed through the gangway and Maryanne from the port took over. I was annoyed that she pushed mom past a group of people waiting for the elevator, she seemed in a hurry. We would have been happy to wait our turn. 

The bags were nicely organized and I was able to grab ours quickly before a customs agent checked our passports and we were out to the parking lot. 

This was an amazing vacation and I wish it could have lasted longer. I didn't see my stateroom attendant much but he did his job well, including getting my virtual balcony fixed. Tom, the cruise director was great. There were not an annoying amount of announcements and he was always friendly when I saw him around the ship. 

The ship itself seemed to be in great condition. I know she just got upgraded in 2019 so it was nice to see such a beautiful updated ship. All the crew seemed to be happy to be back at work. Amar from the Solarium bar even taught me a new drink because I asked him for "something special". It was limes muddled in watermelon syrup, vodka and club soda. It wasn't overly sweet but very refreshing. 

I enjoyed the ship being less than half full. We had my time dining but were able to request the same section each night and never had a wait. Without as many passengers it was nice to take the time to talk the crew. Our server in the MDR talked about her first contract and how her son was able to come see her. The assistant waiter Adi told us he was hoping to move up soon and always had a compliment for us when we sat down. 

Amar in the solarium talked to me awhile about his home in India and what he liked about Royal compared to the other lines he has worked on. He told me he is collecting casino chips he gets from passengers from each of the Royal ships. My only complaint is that the trip had to end. But I am looking forward to booking again once I plan my next trip "home" to California. 

Edited December 4, 2021 by AJSkarbo
Adding a photo

[metachal]

Has anyone who's stopped at Catalina noticed if the ship is close enough to shore to get cell service? Since that stop is nicely mid-week, I'm hoping to skip paying for internet and just check email and things there, but I'm wondering if I can do it onboard or if I have to wait until I've tendered over.

[CruzDayz]

42 minutes ago, metachal said:

Has anyone who's stopped at Catalina noticed if the ship is close enough to shore to get cell service? Since that stop is nicely mid-week, I'm hoping to skip paying for internet and just check email and things there, but I'm wondering if I can do it onboard or if I have to wait until I've tendered over.

Yes, I have T-Mobile and I had cell service in Catalina on the ship. 

[bonsai3s]

2 hours ago, metachal said:

Has anyone who's stopped at Catalina noticed if the ship is close enough to shore to get cell service? Since that stop is nicely mid-week, I'm hoping to skip paying for internet and just check email and things there, but I'm wondering if I can do it onboard or if I have to wait until I've tendered over.

Yes, AT&T, able to use internet on and off the ship.

[metachal]

1 hour ago, CruzDayz said:

Yes, I have T-Mobile and I had cell service in Catalina on the ship. 

 

2 minutes ago, bonsai3s said:

Yes, AT&T, able to use internet on and off the ship.

 

Thanks!

[Chase101]

AJSkarbo,

Thanks for posting the Cruise Compass’s for the 4 nighter! My friend & I board the Navigator this Monday for a 4 nighter! We were on the 2 night simulation cruise, but this gives us an idea of what is happening & available! Thanks again, we are so excited!

Barbara

[Avery's mom]

Thank you so much for posting & reporting from the Navigator! We're going Christmas week, so I know we won't enjoy the quiet sailing you did:( However, I am very grateful for the Cruise Compasses you posted and all the helpful information.  It's been 3 years since we've cruised, and so much has changed since then. 

[ronrythm]

Just a note on the port worker and the wheelchair. There are a very limited number of wheelchairs, so they have to hurry to get it back for the next person. And I’ve been told, there are always more people who request help off the ship than requested it getting on the ship.

From my days pushing my mom around.

Enjoy

Ron

[AJSkarbo]

49 minutes ago, ronrythm said:

Just a note on the port worker and the wheelchair. There are a very limited number of wheelchairs, so they have to hurry to get it back for the next person. And I’ve been told, there are always more people who request help off the ship than requested it getting on the ship.

From my days pushing my mom around.

Enjoy

Ron

Thank you for the info. I can understand that being what she is used to, but on this sailing it wasn't as high of a demand. Just felt rude to cut in front of people already waiting. But I let her do her job and of course we still tipped her for doing so great.

[Californian]

AJSkarbo,

Thanks very much for taking us along on your cruise.  I will cruise next month and will have to try El Loco Fresh and see the ice skating show.  

 

I never heard of a hush silent party.  Anybody have more info on that?

 

Thanks!

[bonsai3s]

2 hours ago, Californian said:

AJSkarbo,

Thanks very much for taking us along on your cruise.  I will cruise next month and will have to try El Loco Fresh and see the ice skating show.  

 

I never heard of a hush silent party.  Anybody have more info on that?

 

Thanks!

"Hush Silent Party"...held at the Star Lounge (or Olive or Twist)...headphones are handed at the entrance...headphones can be switched between 2 channels playing different genre of music...those in the audience without the headphones, cannot hear the music playing...thus a completely silent lounge...but with passengers dancing with headpbones.

 

For us dancers, we were totally oblivious to nothing but the music blaring out of the headphones.

For those sitting down and watching, it can be downright funny watching people dancing without hearing the music, and dancing to different music.

[HBCcruiser]

8 minutes ago, bonsai3s said:

"Hush Silent Party"...held at the Star Lounge (or Olive or Twist)...headphones are handed at the entrance...headphones can be switched between 2 channels playing different genre of music...those in the audience without the headphones, cannot hear the music playing...thus a completely silent lounge...but with passengers dancing with headpbones.

 

For us dancers, we were totally oblivious to nothing but the music blaring out of the headphones.

For those sitting down and watching, it can be downright funny watching people dancing without hearing the music, and dancing to different music.

We LOVED this on the Adventure! I as called the Silent Disco on that cruise. I’m glad they are offering it even during the shorter LA cruises. Can’t wait! 

[binro01]

@AJSkarbo Thank you for taking us along on this cruise with you and your Mom. My wife and I are going on this 4 day cruise on April 4th 2022, with our twin 18 year old boys and my Brother In Law during the twins Sr Year spring break. My guess is because of that there will be more children on our cruise and more crowded.

 

By chance, did you do any specialty dining? We purchased the UDP and are excited to give Hooked, and Playmakers a try. (Never done those 2 restaurants before)

 

Again, thank you for an awesome Live thread.

[Wink87]

On 12/2/2021 at 9:42 AM, comfy_critters276 said:

For those of you who have tried El Loco Fresh on board, did you like it and if so, which items were good?  Also, anyone know if the Escape Room closed? I don't see it mentioned on the cruise compasses AJ has posted.

I was on the Nov 19 seven night Mexican Riviera cruise. I loved El Loco Fresh because I did my own thing. Spoonful of rice, chicken or beef, and beans. Then to the fresh cart for pico, cheese, salsa roja and lots of shredded lettuce. Mixed it all up and had a great "salad". Hubby had a pre made burrito and it was not good. Chips were stale.

[bonsai3s]

19 minutes ago, Wink87 said:

Chips were stale.

We were onboard that first cruise...and yes, we couldn't believe the chips were stale. We politely informed the supervisor.  We are still onboard and happy to report that the chips are now fresh and crispy. (Improvement occurred the second sailing)

[CruzDayz]

On 11/28/2021 at 11:57 AM, CruzDayz said:

Have fun, I'm going too. It's not a big deal but parking is now $20 a day. Take your parking ticket with you as you now pay at a kiosk at the end of the cruise. Saves time walking back to the car to get your ticket. You then insert the paid ticket at the unmanned gate to exit.

Update on parking, they took out the kiosk and opened four self service gates where you put your ticket in to pay. They also have someone standing there to help.

It was a great cruise.🙂

[Ashland]

37 minutes ago, CruzDayz said:

Update on parking, they took out the kiosk and opened four self service gates where you put your ticket in to pay. They also have someone standing there to help.

It was a great cruise.🙂

I assume it was $20 per day parking. Could you pay with cash or credit card?

[CruzDayz]

43 minutes ago, Ashland said:

I assume it was $20 per day parking. Could you pay with cash or credit card?

 

43 minutes ago, Ashland said:

I assume it was $20 per day parking. Could you pay with cash or credit card?

$20 a day, credit card in slot.

[AJSkarbo]

9 hours ago, CruzDayz said:

Update on parking, they took out the kiosk and opened four self service gates where you put your ticket in to pay. They also have someone standing there to help.

It was a great cruise.🙂

Ah yes Thank you, I forgot about updating that. I looked for a kiosk and couldn't find it but was directed to the booths at the exit. 

 

14 hours ago, binro01 said:

@AJSkarbo Thank you for taking us along on this cruise with you and your Mom. My wife and I are going on this 4 day cruise on April 4th 2022, with our twin 18 year old boys and my Brother In Law during the twins Sr Year spring break. My guess is because of that there will be more children on our cruise and more crowded.

 

By chance, did you do any specialty dining? We purchased the UDP and are excited to give Hooked, and Playmakers a try. (Never done those 2 restaurants before)

 

Again, thank you for an awesome Live thread.

No specialty dining. The food looked great from what I saw but we were happy with the MDR, pizza and El Loco Fresh.

[CruzDayz]

On 12/1/2021 at 5:23 PM, CruzDayz said:

Nice job, I think that I talked to you today getting off of the tender to get back on the ship I told you jokingly that I would push the walker and you said it was your Moms. Maybe it wasn’t you. 
Your review is great. 

@AJSkarbo, did you ever remember if it was you that I chatted with getting off of the tender coming back from Catalina? Everything stopped getting off for a few minutes and you asked we why they weren't moving You had a walker next to you and I said That I would push you up the ramp if you liked. You laughed and said this is my mom's and we are waiting until the end of the line. I think your mom maybe was still sitting in the seats. I moved on and got off.

Anyway, I can't get over everything that you did on the cruise. You really did a great job on your review. I almost felt like I was there haha. Since I lost my wife cruising isn't quite as much fun as it used to be for me but I had a good time. I only needed five points to finally make Diamond so the double points on this one got me there.