Worst cruise Ever!

Navigator of the Seas Cruise Review to Europe - Northern Europe

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 46

Overall rating:

1 out of 5
Navigator of the Seas

12 Night Northern Delights (Southampton Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 14, 2017

Ship: Navigator of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 6111/6113

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

We are established cruisers but had never been with Royal Carribean before. We will certainly never travel with them again. From the outset there were so many problems which never got resolved. We spent much of the first 3 days at guest services trying to rectify things but once we realised nobody was interested in sorting out our problems we decided to try to just make the best of it. If I told you about all the issues we had then I would be here a very long time and would probably run out of space but here are just a few:

one of the pull down beds wasn't working so my 9 year old and 3 year old had to share a bed the first 2 nights despite us reporting the issue at 4pm in the day of arrival and then chasing up maintenance several more times that evening. Under 6,s are not even supposed to use those beds. One of our group was not included on the in room account details so we were unable to book an excursion. By the time they rectified this the excursion we wanted was sold out. Due to complimentary restaurants being closed at 9pm, if you want to eat after this time then you have to pay for one of the expensive cover charge restaurants. One of our suitcases didn't arrive and when we complained we were actually told to look outside other cabins on our deck to see if they had delivered it to the wrong room. We eventually found it outside another cabin at about 10pm that night! When we complained about this Ava and Luciana from guest services did not seem apologetic or interested in resolving things. We eventually requested details of how to go about getting off the boat in Copenhagen and staying there for the rest of the holiday and then suddenly they wanted to help. We were offered a free night in one of the chargeable restaurants for my nieces birthday as compensation. We reluctantly agreed to accept this and thougtht this would be an end to things. HOWEVER the next day (after we had told my niece she was having her birthday there) they called to say it was all booked up and we could no longer go there  ! No alternative was offered. The service was substandard compared to other cruise lines we've been with, food was terrible anywhere other than in the main restaurant and a lot of the staff were just plain rude. I had a terrible time and the whole holiday was ruined. £8 grand down the drain! I will be putting in a formal complaint and letting every form of social media I can to warn people not to travel with RC but first I need a few days to recover! 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5
See above!

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Good facilities is the only thing that makes this cruise worthwhile.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

1 out of 5
With the exception of Randall and Flynn in the main restaurant and our stateroom attendant Clive who were fantastic, the other staff I met were generally disinterested and at times rude.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

Don't go!

Ports of call

Southampton (London), England

3 out of 5

Oslo, Norway

1 out of 5

Copenhagen, Denmark

3 out of 5

Tallinn, Estonia

3 out of 5

St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

1 out of 5

Helsinki, Finland

3 out of 5

Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium

3 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 46

66 Comments

Gammers    7 years ago

Castiel    7 years ago

Cruise lines are supposed to accommodate you, and you only, I guess.

Detroitkerry    7 years ago

May I suggest a carnival or a Disney. Great for kids

SanJoseDan    7 years ago

Sounds like the "cruise from hell"! After over 15 cruises, 12 with RCCL, that's by far the worst I've heard about RCCL. The issue may be the cruise personnel on that ship. I would direct my comments to RCCL through their website. Our experience, and from the experiences of other passengers, is that RCCL responds quickly, and to the passengers satisfaction best, Princess, almost as well, and Carnival, not very well. Haven't been on Navigator in a few years, but in general, on RCCL ships, Caf© Promenade is open 24 / 7, Sorentos, serves until 3 AM, and the Windjammer Buffet serves until 9:30 PM (all complementary).

mijac    7 years ago

I hope so! Thanks for the support :)

sandra99    7 years ago

Thanks mijac, perhaps I'll see you on Britainnia one day, I don't like it when they gang up on people.

mijac    7 years ago

I really like you Sandra! You seem like a lovely, wise woman. You should be a diplomat :) I have to say I don't know how you do it. I've never left a review on trip advisor or anywhere before. This is my first time and I am a bit incredulous about how passionate people get! You do the brits proud by taking it all in your stride. Hope you really enjoy your cruise.

cdubs1    7 years ago

RCI are fabulous

SanJoseDan    7 years ago

Well, that certainly sounds like the "cruise from hell"!  Our experience has been that complaints sent directly to Royal Caribbean often are addressed very quickly and to the passengers' satisfaction.  Princess not as well, and Carnival even less.  Haven't been on Navigator for a few years, but most RCCL ships serve Windjammer buffet past 9:30 PM,  Caf© Promenade 24 hrs., and Sorrentos until 2 or 3 AM ( all complementary). 

 

Our last cruise was on the Freedom and the food wasn't nearly as good as on previous RCCL cruises (about the same as Princess this time, but certainly not terrible).  On over 15 cruises, I haven't spoken with anyone who felt Carnival was anywhere near RCCL quality, or  Princess quality.  There are several posted reviewers who swear by Carnival, just haven't met any in person yet.  Disney seems to get very good reviews, especially for families with children.  Disney is a little more pricey, but may be well worth it for families (haven't actually been on a Disney cruise yet).

 

We've been on RCCL cruises where there was a change in itinerary (Swine Flu banned ports in Mexico - RCCL compensated us with $100 cabin credit, four level cabin upgrade, and 50% credit for our next Mexican Cruise plus we cruised the Pacific Northwest for a week instead), hurricane force winds in Alaska, and a last minute cancelation (non-passenger family member needed surgery, but RCCL credited us 75% of our fare even though we didn't have cancelation insurance).  RCCL has been very accommodating in every instance. 

 

Your issues may be due to the cruise staff on this cruise, so I would recommend you contact RCCL directly.  RCCL boasts about their passenger satisfaction so your experience needs to be brought to the Corp. attention.

sandra99    7 years ago

Never came across any rude staff, but would say my cabin attendant was amazing helpful, friendly kept it spotless my sister and my parents who had adjoining cabins on another deck had the worst attendant ever, nothing was cleaned properly, the common areas were spotless and gleaming all the time. Food in main restaurant was excellent, Windjamner was OK for a few days but it was the same food every day. Think it was a big mistake adding more cabins in the refurbishment. It can be very hard to find a seat in bad weather or in the evening. For me it's more about waking up in a new place every day. I'm not a big sun worshipper so lying on deck every day was a bit boring, did think there would be more activities during sea days. Having said that and if course not wanting to be classed as a "brit who moans at everything" I enjoyed my cruise but wouldn't go on navigator again, trying jewel next. Different people like different things, have fun on your cruise

rnoe1    7 years ago

michael401, yay I'm so happy to hear a wonderful review on the Navigator !😁 My husband and I will be on her November 24th for 9 days going to the ABC ISLANDS! We have also been in 15 cruises with different cruise lines and have always had a great time. What cruise line is P & O? Is that Princess?

michael401    7 years ago

My wife and I have been on Navigator of the seas 3 times now and never had to complain once, in total we have cruised with Royal Caribbean 8 times and have booked up while we were away again this time back on independence of the seas, it be our 4th time on her. perhaps P&O would suit you. they cater for the British who always moans about anything. I went on P&O when it was owned by British company, would not go now. when we were on Navigator last week, everything was brilliant. Food was excellent, the staff were brilliant, if they were rude, they would be in trouble straight away, I can't see how they are rude, end of the day, there jobs are on the line. standard are very high. the ship is always clean. Can't see how you can complain try another company like Curnard

katiiee130    7 years ago

I was on the Royal Caribbean boat a few years ago that caught on fire and our cruise ended early and I have less complaints than this post lol they couldn't have had better customer service

Ted1955    7 years ago

This is not like RC, however, I have had a few major problems over the years and I would write a letter to corporate offices.  They are pretty good about offering compensation.  I have always been pleased with what was offered.

sandra99    7 years ago

Promenade cafe was good to stop off at on the way to bed but wouldn't like to end up having to eat there half the time it had only one kind of sandwich, Windjamner should be open later

Gatorbear    7 years ago

What ship were you on? Navigator of the seas doesn't have a Sorrento's!

Gatorbear    7 years ago

We've sailed on four RCCL ships and Sorrento's was always included. Has something changed? I do find fault with the 24 hour cafe. Very boring and repetitive offerings.

Rmpackers    7 years ago

I think perhaps an attitude adjustment was needed by this cruiser. None of her concerns sounded alarming. Especially since the wheelchair traveler on the same cruise just commented that her trip couldn't have been better!

capttrips    7 years ago

Rnoe1: there is a tour guide in Bonaire called Fahid, husband and wife two tour buses, great and maybe $30.00 pp. If you don't do that, you must snorkel, I regret missing out on that, beautiful waters and tropical fish. In Aruba, we took a tour, its hot and sandy, make sure the vehicle is air conditioned. In cura§ao we crossed the moving bridge, on a windy day, a real trip! Next me we will take a tour or excursion of some sort.

dawnwade    7 years ago

we have just come of the navigator ie monday 26th june and the foods was really nice in the main dinning area. and as for the buffet in windjammer was just as good. we could not fault the ship at all. the only thing we found wrong was at the tour excursion desk if u ask the about hop on hop buses even another shuttle bus they was not interested in talking. we said it's probably because we didn't want to book excursion with them.

rnoe1    7 years ago

capttrips were going on that same cruise this November on the Navigator. Any good advise would be appreciated thanks in advance 😁

capttrips    7 years ago

You had a bad experience, no doubt. Most of my cruises have been with RC for a reason. While I prefer newer ships, I must say we had a great 9 night cruise on Navigator recently to the ABC islands. Maybe give them another chance with a different ship...

nigel    7 years ago

yes, you seem to have been unlucky on your trip, give RCI another go. you will never know if it was a one off , in the same vain perhaps I should give P+O another try .

mijac    7 years ago

I think you're right Nigel. It depends what you are looking for. RC seem to be more informal and laid back. I suppose I'm just used to something different. There is also the possibility I was just unlucky. That may well be the case because so many people from this particular cruise have made complaints. Maybe it was just a bad cruise. Maybe when I recover I might try one more RC cruise just to be sure if it was a one off or a general rule. Thanks for the input. Hope you enjoy the navigator more than I did.

nigel    7 years ago

well ive read with interest this thread over past couple days . everyone has a right to opinion. I personally have only cruised with P+O and RCI and unlike you found RCI the best. There are good and bad points in every aspect of life and cruise ships .I for one will never cruise with P+O again but this is because as far as I am concerned RCI deliver more of what I want. I may try others at some point but at this point in my life I enjoy RCI. PS I'm on navigator in May 2018 for first time.

mijac    7 years ago

Agreed about the food. Much better quality.......when the complimentary restaurants are open! Maybe because this was my first bad experience it affected me worse than normal. Next time I'll be ready for it and not let it ruin things. Thank you for the post.

rnoe1    7 years ago

Thanks Mijac we always make the best of our cruises. Yes the bed situation would of definitely pissed me off for sure. We like RC food better than NCL or Carnival.

mijac    7 years ago

I think I was so surprised because I never have come across rude staff before. Too many people, Poor facilities etc yes but on the few occasions I've had to mention something not quite right before the staff have been keen to put it right as quickly as possible. I think what made me so angry was the fact that we had legitimate issues and raised these with the staff who promised a resolution but then did nothing. Having to spend 3 days chasing up simple things like a bed for our child just ruined the mood a bit and this has never happened to me before. I really hope you have a better experience and if you do have any issues that they are resolved and dealt with quickly and efficiently as one would expect. Good luck!

rnoe1    7 years ago

Were going on the Navigator in November. we have been on 15 cruises with RC, NCL & Carnival. I'm sure if I had to think of something to complain about with any of our cruises it would usually be the big ships being overcrowded and small pool areas. We went on RC Allure last may and 8,000 people was way to much for our taste. We also went on NCL GETAWAY last July another Mega ship and enjoyed it only 5000 peeps. This year we went on NCL ESCAPE and same as the Getaway. We try and make the best of our cruises even if we run into rude staff members which we have on all of are 15 cruises at some point and time. My motto is if their rude to me I kill them with kindness and say "I'm sorry your having a bad day I hope it gets better for you" and walk away. Sorry u had a bad experience on the Navigator. I'm looking forward to our 9 day cruise on her in November and loving it's a smaller ship. The mega ships (big isn't always better) are not all that. Happy sailing!😊

mijac    7 years ago

We've just booked on the Britannia so should be fine :)

sandra99    7 years ago

Thanks I'll keep you posted, good luck with your next voyage

mijac    7 years ago

Yes that's right they do. And they serve you drinks at your seat whereas we had to walk to the bar if we wanted drinks whilst on deck on the navigator. On P&O you never go longer than 10 mins without a member of staff asking if you need anything or saying hello but we found on the navigator finding a member of staff was tricky (except security, who bizarrely are everywhere) and when we did, asking for something always seemed like such an effort for them that we were reluctant to ask again next time. Also on the Britannia room service is free, complimentary dining is 24 hours, there is a much wider choice of evening entertainment and we got full days at ports rather than 4-5 hours which we got on the navigator and just wasn't enough. Having tried pretty much all the lines going from Southampton, I think the P&O experience is by far the best. I'd really be interested to hear your opinion on your return. I hope you have a lovely time.

sandra99    7 years ago

We fancy Britainnia from Southampton I like to watch the film on deck apparently P&O have blankets and popcorn, gets a bit chilly at night in September until you get out into the med, Rci on the other hand let you use a pool towel if you get too cold

mijac    7 years ago

I thought you were english. You just came across differently to the Americans. Please do try P&O and you will see the difference in quality for a comparable price. As I said, it's the little details they take care of and nothing is too much effort for the Staff. The Britannia is one of my favourite P&O ships. Hope you enjoy.

SetexSteve    7 years ago

You can run into problems on any cruise ship, on any cruise line. I've cruised Royal Caribbean over twenty times, Holland America twice, Norwegian once, and Carnival once. It's easy to get miffed when you happen to run across a "perfect storm" is unsatisfactory conditions, but you could find it on any cruise ship, once in a while.

sandra99    7 years ago

Yes I am, northern England, we are on the jewel next year but are thinking of trying P&O after that

mijac    7 years ago

Well said Sandra!! I just wanted to post my experience so people had a full view of the Navigator. I wasn't trying to insult anyone who likes them. Are you British by any chance?! Cutting corners is an excellent description. It just felt like the little details you usually expect from a cruise weren't taken care of and those little things detracted from the holiday we thought we would get. Other cruise lines pay attention to the little things and in my opinion make for a better holiday all round. The little things matter.

sandra99    7 years ago

I like Rc and am travelling with them again next year but navigator isn't one of the better ships, Rci seem to be trying to cut corners at the moment, hear now they are charging for room service. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, just because that opinion isn't the same as yours doesn't mean it's wrong. Be nice everyone.

Travelgirl27    7 years ago

FYI, don't go on old ships and Celebrity is owned by RC. You will find rude slackers anywhere and everywhere.

Travelgirl27    7 years ago

I love RC, please DO NOT rate them based on the Navigator. We went on the Nav in March of this year and after said we will NEVER go on a ship that is older than 10 years old. "Renovated" or not, no thank you. Each to their own. Give the Allure a try.

mijac    7 years ago

Never had to complain on any previous cruise and this is my only review I've ever left for anything so not sure what you are talking about Katie? I think you're right. It seems the only people defending RC are just as rude and obnoxious as the staff so now it all makes sense :)

mijac    7 years ago

All I'm saying is there are much better cruise lines. NCL, Cunard, Disney, Celebrity and P&O to name but a few. For the doubters (I still don't understand why they would think someone would bother to make stuff up) I will post the response to my formal complaint if I ever receive one.... to Those who think RC is up To par in comparison with other cruise lines I say congrats and good luck with future cruises but this is my personal experience of RC and I will never cruise with them again.

HalfHand    7 years ago

Now that, Tacoma, is unfortunately a real thing on all cruise lines. It is weirdly shocking too, as in general, people are a lot nicer on the ship. Except for elevators, and chair hogging.

mijac    7 years ago

Apart from the excursions, what should I have planned Katie? How could I plan for the bed not working, the staff failing to call back when they said, etc. Have you been with any other cruise lines?

TacomaDriver    7 years ago

Was on the same sailing and only issue was the rude people pushing past people in wheelchairs and with walker devices to get in the elevators.

katiiee130    7 years ago

Lol royal Caribbean is by far the best cruise line, sucks you had issues but sounds like some of those things should've been planned before even getting on the boat...

mijac    7 years ago

No they aren't halfhand. Buffet closes at 9pm, sorentos charges. Only cafe promenade is open past 9 so as long as you want a stale sandwich or slice of pizza you're ok! Maybe it was different when you went but not last week. FYI buffet is also closed from 3-6pm so relatively narrow window to eat...

HalfHand    7 years ago

just FYI, buffet, sorentos, and cafe promenade all open past 9pm

mijac    7 years ago

It's nice to know it's not just me! I might have taken it personally otherwise :)

kingcruiser704    7 years ago

Hey, Mijac I know your pain. I also had never cruised with RC and had the worse experience this past DEC 2016 for my birthday. There were just too many issues and the crew were very rude. Enchantment of the Sea.

mijac    7 years ago

Thanks Sandra. If I've paid £8k for a 12 day cruise I expect to be able to eat whenever I want!!

mijac    7 years ago

Canal view all I can say is the staff on RC had exactly the same attitude as you. Maybe that's why you're defending them. I don't want compensation (I doubt they would give it anyway) I just want people not to look forward to something all year and then be disappointed. The person not on the account was NOT a child and whilst he appeared on their account, not on the customer database as they had forgotten to add him. He was in fact added to a completely different room! On an excursion day when we're back at 730 it's almost impossible to eat before 9 and I'm just pointing out that it's a good ploy to force you to use the chargeable restaurants. My 3 year old was going to share the double bed with me and her dad was going to have the bunk bed but that wasn't possible. Hope that answers all your comments..... you don't happen to work for RC do you??

sandra99    7 years ago

Bit sarcastic there canal view, "he would have barely needed a bed if you wanted to eat that late" it's up to them what time they want to eat and if you're coming back from a day trip some people like to relax first before rushing down to dinner.

canalview    7 years ago

I am sorry you have problems,we never have,What was your 3 yr old supposed to sleep on,if he should not been on a pull down,he would have barely needed a bed if you wanted to eat that late.How did the person get on the ship if they they were not on the ships account,THEY MUST HAVE BEEN A CHILD.RCCL ARE normally very good.I hope you get Compensation,if that's what you want,but I hope your account is factual,other cruiser s will want any problems rectified,happy cruising xxxx

mijac    7 years ago

Carnival are a great cruise line and I think you are wise to stick with them. If you fancy a change then staff with P&O or NCL are very attentive and always go the extra mile.

mijac    7 years ago

Maggiemay I've never had issues booking on board before with other cruise lines and since it was the Baltics we thought it wise to see what the weather looked like before deciding. They had places on the first night when we tried to book but by the 3rd day when they had finally added our friend they were fully booked...

mijac    7 years ago

Hi Amy, sorry you had a similar experience. I think the people who are happy with RC generally haven't travelled with any other cruise lines so have nothing to compare with.

shopaholic6    7 years ago

I'm surprised you didn't book your excursions before you went and waited until you were on board? Chances are they would have been booked up anyway!

Amy271    7 years ago

I would agree with not going RC we have always cruised multiple time with carnival n decided to branch out just to see if we were missing on anything. Well we decided we are not. And I'm sad to say we were on the navigator as well. Not impressed with the service, food, or the over all experience. We will return to carnival on our next cruise for sure.

cocktailqueen1    7 years ago

We cruised for the 1st time last year with RC and found them to be brilliant. I complained about a very petty thing and the next day a member of the senior staff was with us apologising and we received champagne. It was really very pet

mijac    7 years ago

Have you ever been with any other cruise line rjrosman?

capttrips    7 years ago

I think if all that happened to me on my first RC cruise, I'd feel the same way.

mijac    7 years ago

Maybe it was just bad luck since this is my first cruise with RC but even if that's the case, the lack of resolution was the main issue. You expect a few issues but also expect them to be dealt with and not to have to chase up call backs etc for 3 days! The ship was fine, good facilities etc. I was just really disappointed with the attentiveness and attitude of the staff in comparison with P&O or NCL for example.

ljh180    7 years ago

Ashburn, every cruise is different and you may not have any issues.

independence71    7 years ago

I'm on 4th cruise with roc and never had a problem,perhaps it was just unlucky & a one off,we did navigator last October and iv got to say I didn't like it as much as the independence

ashburn    7 years ago

WOW! This will be my husband and I first cruise on the RC Oasis of the Seas. We usually go on the Norwegian. Hope we do not have any problems.

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