After a $115 million dollar series of enhancements to the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas, the ship now sails from the West Coast visiting Catalina Island, Ensenada in Baja California, and the Mexican Riviera.
“As a native Californian, it’s exciting to see Royal Caribbean back to sailing from Los Angeles for the first time in more than 10 years. Our guests and travel partners spoke, and we listened,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, Sales, and Trade Support and Service, Royal Caribbean International. “We’re confident that the travel advisory community will continue to easily win over their clients who are looking to get away in a new way from the West Coast market. With Navigator of the Seas just amplified in 2019 and short 3- to 5-night cruises to sun-soaked destinations, such as Catalina Island, Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, this is a winning combination and the ideal vacation for travelers of any age and for any occasion.”
Built in 2002, the ship is 1020 feet in length and travels an average speed of 22 knots. From 2002 to 2005, it was the world's largest cruise ship, with about 1,675 staterooms on board. There are 1,200+ crew members from all over the world, including the Philippines, India and South America. All the staff are required to wear masks in the public areas, while passengers have the option, unless they were leaving the ship on a tender to go into a port.
Even though the ship can accommodate up to 3,990 passengers, the cruise I sailed on had about half that amount.
The ship offers a variety of suites and cabins with balconies to allow the fresh marine air inside during the day, or to leave open at night to hear the sea below. The 50 foot balcony is an ideal place to stand and watch the ship enter and leave a port, or sit at the two chairs and table to enjoy morning coffee or sunset cocktail.
Most of the other cabins on the ship are oceanview, Promenade view and inside cabins with a virtual balcony. They vary in size from 150 to 160 feet and offer two twin beds or one king size bed, bathroom with a shower stall, closet and storage space.
There is a plethora of culinary options and some new additions that include Hook Seafood, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets Express grilling burgers, fries and making milkshakes. Nearby on the new amplified pool deck is the Mexican El Loco Fresh making burritos, tortillas, chips, beans, rice, salsa and guacamole.
Fee applied dining includes Izumi Sushi on Deck 14 offering sunset ocean views and fresh Aslan dishes. Chops Grille is a steakhouse with prime beef, seafood, salads, and shrimp cocktail. The desserts are worth every calorie.
The main dining is open for breakfast and dinner during main seating or 'My Time' dining. The Windjammer Marketplace offers breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The buffet style dining area has a full bar, and a variety of culinary stations to appeal to all diets including gluten-free.
Another new venue is The Bamboo Room, a tiki-chic bar and lounge featuring fresh fruit and spice infused handcrafted drinks and shareable bites. Select Ahi Tuna Poke, Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, Asian Noodle Salad and Tahitian Coconut Crab Bruschetta. The bar even makes On The Run cocktails to-go.
It's a great pre-dinner spot for a tropical cocktail or after dinner for a nightcap before a late night comedy show, dance party or visiting the new Royal Escape Room to solve clues and escape at the end.
The Artium Promenade cabins look out to the exciting Royal Promenade on Deck 5. This entertainment mall-like interior links the foward and aft atriums. Besides The Bamboo Room, there is Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade offering numerous televisions, arcade video games, food and drink specials.
Stroll through a collection of shops, or splurge to enjoy your favorite Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor. One level below is a Starbucks for lattes, and other hot and cold specialty drinks.
It's easy to stay in shape while invigorating the mind and body on a cruise. Up on Deck 12 is Vitality Fitness Center filled with weights, machines and trainer-led classes. Early risers can start each morning with a complimentary Vitality Stretch class, followed by an Abs class.
Other classes for a fee include a Pure Form Pilates, Boot Sculpt Camp and Tour De Cycle. Throughout the cruise there are Wellness Seminars about relieving back pain, improving posture and increasing your metabolism.
Part of the enhancements onboard include the longest aqua coaster at sea. The Blaster propels thrill-seeking guests sitting on an inflatable raft through more than 800 feet of turns, drops and dips. Next to it is the head-first Riptide, a cruise industry's first mat racer waterslide. Guests lie down on an aqua mat and hold onto two handles as they travel through a neon light tunnel into colorful and clear tubes at a fast speed.
Nearby is Flowrider, a boogie board and stand up surfing experience on a cruise ship. Other outdoor activities include a rock-climbing wall, miniature golf, ping-pong, shuffle board, and a sport courts. Throughout the day are activities at the sports court include dodge ball tournaments, pickleball single and doubles games, basketball tournaments and pick up games.
The new refreshed pool deck offers a Key West and Caribbean vibe with colorful casitas. Guests can relax in a cabana during the day to stay out of the sun or snuggle under a blanket in the evening while watching an outdoor movie or stargazing.
There are plenty of lounge chairs around the pool and a few actually in the pool, plus two spacious and heated whirlpools.
The new Lime & Coconut three-level poolside bar offers live music and Djs, plus drink of the day specials, cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine. Nearby is the soft-serve ice cream machine, and Windjammer all day dining.
Those seeking a quieter pool and two heated whirlpools will enjoy the Solarium Pool and deck area available for passengers 16+.
A stairway along the Royal Promenade leads down to the Casino and Schooner Bar. When the ship is at sea, those who visit the Casino can play at a variety of gaming tables that include Blackjack, Texas Hold'em, Craps, Caribbean Stud Poker, Let it Ride and Roulette. Lights flash and bells ring at hundreds of slot machines.
Below the Casino is an ice rink with ice skates for passengers to lace up and take for a spin at certain hours. In the evening, this area becomes a theatre with ice skating professionals performing in an entertaining show.
California welcomes the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas now on the West Coast. Cruise specials are available year round.
