Underwhelmed

Navigator of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 36

Overall rating:

2 out of 5
Verified Review
Navigator of the Seas

8 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 14, 2015

Ship: Navigator of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8222

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

My experience with was delightful!  It was Royal Caribbean that just left us wanting more. We are experienced cruisers, this was our first trip w/ Royal.  I have learned since and need to disclose that we were on the 2nd cruise after relocating the ship, the weather was challenging and the USCG boarded us for an annual inspection at one of our ports.  This crew had their hands full!  The service staff was very kind and efficient.  The officers of the ship couldn't be bothered, even after we paid $300 to participate in the all access tour, the Captain no showed.  Spa was great.  Specialty restaurants are all wonderful; the reservation process was bumpy, we received calls w/ contradicting times and confirmations again and again.  We had a balcony room but the balcony was so filthy we just wrote phrases in the grime because we couldn't see thru the glass.  Major disappointment.  The inside of the ship was immaculate, we are used to crews cleaning exterior balcony throughout the cruise, not once in 8 days. Shore excursions... I walked on to the ship w/ EVERYTHING booked; photos, spa, excursions, restaurants, etc.  I thought this would be helpful but was a waste of time, once I boarded all arrangements were rescheduled, canceled, etc.  plus better deals were available on the ship then online.  What I thought was a time saver became extra work.  Boarding was awful also, we waited hours to get on the ship, many in the pouring rain, soaked luggage arrived late the first night :(  Underwhelmed for sure.  We will cruise again but we will skip Royal.  Haven't even mentioned how first time cruisers w/ Royal are treated like subclass citizens with obnoxious pref treatment for returning members, how do they expect to retain people?  

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
Cabin and cabin steward where fantastic, the filthy balcony was a major disappointment.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

5 out of 5

Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

3 out of 5

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5

Basseterre, St. Kitts

5 out of 5

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 36

5 Comments

Cruisefamily18    8 years ago

We did our first cruise in 2013 .. On RCI ... Have another 4 booked .. One leaving Sydney this month on Radiance 😊

ang06062    8 years ago

We were on Majesty in July and booked our April trip on Navigator while still onboard! It was an amazing trip for a first time cruiser and can't wait to experience as many of RC ships as my pocket allows! ❤️

sidneelois    8 years ago

We were first time cruisers and never once felt like we were treated "subclass"!! Because of the service and superb staff we will be happy to cruise with RC again!

ryanaubin    8 years ago

Too bad you're writing off what will be the largest line in the world in a matter of months. 23, soon to be 24, vessels you're no longer willing to try. I've always had a great time on RCL, but I'm also pretty easy to please. As always; everything is subjective. Happy sailing!

ryanaubin    8 years ago

Interesting review. I suppose everything is subjective. Never had my reservations cancelled though. You do realize that first time cruisers with Royal Caribbean actually get a special onboard credit as a welcome to RCL? You just have to simply sign up for it through the crown and anchor website. I would assume you'd have seen it in all the time you spent making reservations and whatnot.

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