overpriced, over crowded EXPENSIVE

Navigator of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 21

Overall rating:

1 out of 5
Verified Review
Navigator of the Seas

7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 31, 2015

Ship: Navigator of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 1235

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

Not what expected. The money that goes into it is definitely not worth it. Almost all activities on board have to paid for and they aren't affordable. What few shops they do have are highly overpriced and have no variety. The food is disgusting. I didn't have a single decent cup of coffee while on that boat. Also be aware that an outrageous gratuity percentage is slapped onto everything! 18% is outrageous not to mention that is in addition to the mandatory 12.50 per person per day!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5
some of the most disgusting food I have had in a long time

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5
pretty much everything cost extra money

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

Find a way to make a decent cup of coffee!

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

3 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5

George Town, Grand Cayman

1 out of 5
it stormed the whole time, didn't get to do anything buy tourist crap. the cruise should offer some reimbursement for that complete waste

Falmouth, Jamaica

5 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 21

12 Comments

brendalealong    9 years ago

If one would sat down and add up what it would cost to take a weeks vacation on land.. Hotels, food, gas...Just to mention a few; and no special entertainment, one would be amazed at just how inexpensive it is to cruise. One of the best things is once you unpack the first day, that's it until it's time to pack up to leave. I personally think cruising is the best and cheapest vacation one can take.

WorthFlorida    9 years ago

Everytime I read a comment that the cruise is over priced, not worth the money, etc.,etc., people just do not know the value. Sure it's a lot of $$$ from $300-$400 per night plus everything else but that is what cruises cost. There is plenty of competition and all are about the same. The big picture is these ships gulps a huge amount of fuel. The Navigator uses 75,000 gallons of diesel per day. When the theater changes to a new production, it cost the lines about $1 million dollars to build the set and pay actors and dancers to learn the production before it goes out to sea. But do not forget the cost of the ship itself. The RCI Quantum Class is over 1 billion dollars to build, that's a big mortgage to pay off no matter how much the cruise might profit. And lastly pay the 2000 plus crew members. If you don't think it's worth the big dollars go to Disney World in Orlando and the Disney Cruise Line is one of the highest price lines there is. Hang on to your wallet.

Of the many cruise lines they're all booked up most of the time and everyone is adding new ships, itineraries and the prices are not dropping at all because 99.99% of the travelers love to cruise. 

WorthFlorida    9 years ago

The only time you might have some bad moments during a cruise are other inconsiderate passengers. As mentioned above, formal night and there are people dress for the beach in the dining room.  My wife and I had two cruises on the Navigator and we've been on a few other ships, by far the Navigator is one of the most beautiful designed ships around. The main dining room of three floors is tastefully done and elegant. The promenade is the only one like it in the cruse industry (Voyager Class ship). The Oasis class has one but it is just not the same, not as classy.

AONEAL05    9 years ago

I understand:) I work very hard for my money and want the best bang for the buck!! You talk about all inclusive resort vacations... Ive never looked into those. Any suggestions??? Maybe I can look into that for my family for next year. Thanks :)

debbiebrunelle9    9 years ago

I encourage you to try again. I have been on Carnival several times, 2 RCL and 1 MSC. The MSC was not a good experience. I don't get why you paid 18% on coffee, it is free. Unless you were buying the frappe and speciality stuff.

hannahinglis88    9 years ago

debbiebrunelle09,yes first cruise and last cruise. I am very much aware that the gratuity charge will always happen on a cruise. I have just decided that I would prefer to take a vacation and not spend meaningless percentages of money on something that ridiculous. To pay that much gratuity and never once have a decent cup of coffee is just absurd

hannahinglis88    9 years ago

aoneal05, I just really feel that they try and get you anyway they can. I have had so much better luck with resort all inclusive vacations.

hannahinglis88    9 years ago

CruiseTim, first of all I am clearly aware of that fact. However, resorts have even reimbursed or given a voucher to make up for days ruined by weather. Carnival even provided ponchos for everybody. Royal Caribbean did nothing.

AONEAL05    9 years ago

Ihate to hear that you didnt have a good time on your cruise. I know how excited you must have been waiting for your vacation. Im by no means an expert on cruises but dont give up on it. Do your research on a cruise that might be a little more suited for you. But keep in mind you will still have that 18% gratuity · Next time you book wait for promotion that gives a high OBC. I received a $275.00 OBC which can be used for drinks, spa, speciality restaurant or excursions. That will soften the blow a bit for you. Hope you'll try again!!

debbiebrunelle9    9 years ago

That happened to us the first time we went to Grand Cayman. It was super windy so we couldn't go ashore. The second time we were able to go ashore but not on the excursion. We were on Carnival the first time and they refunded the excursion and gave us each a $50 onboard credit. Third time we finally got to do excursion.

CrusinTim    9 years ago

Why do you think that since it was stormy the whole time in Grand Cayman that the cruise line owes you anything? They aren't responsible for the weather.....you know that right????

debbiebrunelle9    9 years ago

Is this your first cruise? No matter what cruise line you go on you pay for any excursions and 18% is standard as well.

Other reviews of this sailing