Oct 11 2015 Navigator Cruise Review

Navigator of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

khill98

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 46

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 11, 2015

Ship: Navigator of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9674

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

Excellent trip, all activities on board well organized and engaging. My favorite is always the art auction, and I was happy to find there were 3 auctions on this trip. The main dining room food and service were astronomical (except the roast duck, bad choice there). The ship is immaculate and has every service you could need and a friendly face everywhere you go. Bar service could be better if drinks weren't so overpriced, but that's not unique to NCL.

My only criticism of the ship is that the smoking allowed in the casino is a huge deterrent to non-smokers. Smoke drifts into the lounges on each side and there are even times when it permeates the 5th floor Promenade around the stairwell. I understand RCL's desire to accommodate smokers, but those of us who do not smoke typically won't go where there is. RCL is missing out on revenue because of the preference to accommodate smokers. It would be so much nicer to provide them an enclosed lounge similar to the Connoisseur Club.

I am also very disappointed in the service from the photo shop. I ordered a digital copy of my pictures, which wasn't ready until 10:30 in the evening the day before departure. I picked up my USB only to find when I got home there were no pictures on the file. It has now been 7 days and I still do not have resolution. The $125 price for 8 digital images is highway robbery to start with, but now to have to deal through email with a company who does not appear to have concern is very frustrating. Anyone purchasing digital images should request preview to ensure the files are actually on the USB.

Will I cruise RCL again? Absolutely. The things that annoy me are far outweighed by those that are outstanding.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

If you purchase digital images of your photos, ask them to show you the image file before you leave the shop. Once you're off the ship, it is very difficult to get resolution.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

3 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Salsa and Salsa is an excellent choice for those not wanting to spend the day in a mall or on the beach. We had a great afternoon of good food and great laughs. Very well run and worth the day.

Thumbs Up 7

Belize City, Belize

3 out of 5

I was underwhelmed with the Crystal Cave Tubing. The escorts on the bus ride over were very informative and entertaining. Staff at the park were attentive and knowledgeable about the caves and their history. But the description of the tubing through the caverns was very misleading. Yes, you tube through the caverns, but you are pulled along by your escort, there is no current.

Thumbs Up 1

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

5 out of 5

The Maya Key Snorkeling day was by far my favorite. The island is so well kept, clean and peaceful. But the reef is spectacular. Staff of the park will swim with you or tow you to point out highlights. Although it was cloudy and windy, underwater life was not affected. I had a difficult time remembering not to turn my head to look at all the sights, the swells were pretty good and I kept flooding my snorkel. Lunch was very good, served at a beautiful open air patio, and the beer was nice and cold. All the animals were in clean and natural enclosures (except the little pig-type creature.....he evidently likes the mud). Prices in the gift shop were a little high. But the day here was by far my favorite of the entire trip.

Thumbs Up 7

4 Comments

flipflop7 9 years ago

Thank you, we've only done the Indy and the Anthem and the Indys ice shows were awesome so I'm glad you enjoyed them on the Navigator.

Thumbs Up 0

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KHill64 9 years ago

Ice show was awesome. Production shows were ok, singing and dancing good, it just seemed like it was the same as past cruises on Carnival, Celebrity and NCL. But the ice show will WOW you.

Thumbs Up 1

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glomarrone 9 years ago

I was curious to know if you actually bought any art work? Once I did and it arrived when requested and in perfect condition. Sorry to hear about your photo snafu. It must be so frustrating.

Thumbs Up 0

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flipflop7 9 years ago

What was the entertainment like? We've booked for September next year,after just coming off the Anthem.

Thumbs Up 1

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