Navigator of the Seas

Where I went & what I liked 

I took Navigator of the Seas on a western Mediterranean cruise. We loved the shore excursions as much as any of the fun activities on the ship. Highlights included a street artist performing a flamenco dance followed by an afternoon treat of oysters from a street vendor at Plaza de la Catedral and a visit to Catedral Nueva in Cadiz, Spain. A bistro lunch on a balcony patio with hours of shopping and sightseeing — with blue skies and Moorish architecture — in Malaga, Spain. Afternoons kicking around in Barcelona and Valencia, Spain. And a great gelato in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.  

Top dining options

Sharing a ship with 3,000 other people, you might think that you'll have to endure long lines at every meal. But that's not the case. With a main dining room, “My Time” dining, several restaurants to choose from, a cafeteria-style dining center and bistro café open 24 hours a day, there is always someplace and something to eat. Choices include:

• Main Dining Room: The 3-deck space features complimentary, multi-course dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• More complimentary options including Windjammer Cafe and Cafe Promenade for coffee and pastries/snacks
• Giovanni's Table: an Italian restaurant that serves up portions family-style
  
• Chops Grille: a steakhouse that requires one low cover charge
• Johnny Rockets: a ‘50s-style diner that features servers who double as entertainers, and is an additional cost
• Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream: offers a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings for an additional charge
• Sabor: a trendy Mexican restaurant that serves up guacamole, made at your table
• Izumi: Japanese cuisine, featuring a la carte sushi selections
• Room service: Late-night service charge applies to room service orders between midnight and 5 am.

Entertainment & shopping

Looking to burn off some calories at the end of the day? You can hit the disco, which spins music until the last dancer leaves the floor. If you want to be entertained, then you can take in an ice skating show, watch or take part in a nightly karaoke contest, go to the nightly headliner show or kick back in the Schooner Bar and sing along with the Piano Man.

Venues include:

• Complimentary Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
• Complimentary ice-skating shows in Studio B
• R Bar, featuring a sophisticated 1960s vibe, complete with iconic furnishing and signature cocktails created by a savvy mixologist
• 9,623-square-foot, Vegas-style Casino Royale with 292 slots and 17 tables
• 15 bars, clubs and lounges that never have a cover and include Boleros Latin-themed lounge and Two Poets Pub
• Variety of name-brand, duty-free shopping on the Royal Promenade, including jewelry, perfumes, apparel and shopping for teens and kids

Families & age ranges

While there is a Family Zone, video arcade and daycare on board, this cruise was not geared toward children. The guests ranged in age from 6 months to mid-80s, with the majority being between 55 and 65 years of age. Available family activities included: 

• Complimentary Adventure Ocean Youth Program
• Royal Babies and Royal Tots program
• Teen lounge areas and disco
• Family-friendly activities including games, contests, enrichment classes and lectures

Service

With such a diverse group on board, it’s hard to see how the crew is able to meet the needs of so many of their guests, but they do. By the end of our 14-day Mediterranean cruise, it was surprising how familiar the crew members became with our habits and preferences. They pride themselves on knowing the likes and dislikes of their “regulars.” They also won’t hesitate to help you find the perfect place to celebrate that special event. 

Rest & relaxation

• Vitality Spa with 100-plus treatments, including MediSpa treatments and acupuncture
• Four pools including the Solarium, an adults-only retreat
• Six whirlpools
• State-of-the-art fitness center, with classes like yoga and tai chi

Action & adventure

• Rock-climbing wall
• Ice-skating rink
• Mini-golf course
• Basketball court
• Jogging and in-line skating tracks

Bottom line

Were there some missteps? Absolutely. There was a distinct bathroom odor in the hallway outside of our cabin for the final three days. The headlining entertainment each night was geared more toward the British guests. I recall hearing many of the North American guests grumble about not “getting” the humor. All of that, aside, the cruise delivered as advertised, and I feel confident just about everyone left happy.

Disclosure

Monica Jackson sailed on Navigator of the Seas as a paying guest. See Cruiseable's Ethics & Disclosure policy. 

Updated from an earlier review.

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