Good time!

Item: Navigator of the Seas
Rating: 4.2
Author: jsprouse

Navigator of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

jsprouse

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 21

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5

5 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 28, 2018

Ship: Navigator of the Seas

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 2306

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Would love to experience some other RC ships, but if someone wanted to pay for me to take this exact cruise again, I wouldn’t turn it down! ;)

Embarkation

4 out of 5

It was fine. The general population line was long so we were directed to go to the priority check in. But by the time we got there, there were new priority people in line, so we had to wait until they were checked in. Staying where we were supposed to be would have been more efficient in this instance, but it was fine. Still took probably less than 20 minutes, so it could have been much worse.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

I really enjoyed the main dining room food. The lemon meringue pie was probably my favorite. I’ve read other reviews complaining about the long wait for their food. That was not our experience at all. I think if you’re in a hurry you should probably go to the buffet. We did not do any specialty dining. My only comment about the buffet is the wimpy syrup, which is really very minor.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

We played shuffleboard, and my husband tried the rock wall. We watched others on the flowrider and enjoyed watching the dodgeball tournament. I was there to relax, but everything appeared to be clean and in good working order had we wanted to do other things.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

The first comedian was okay. The ballroom dancing and show with broadway tunes was okay. I was disappointed that there wasn’t an actual musical. (The last cruise I was on had Saturday Night Fever). The performers were talented, BUT I’ve seen middle school show choirs with cleaner choreography. Perhaps it was new. I just had higher expectations for people who get paid to perform. The comedian/magician was EXCELLENT! By far my favorite show!

Children's Programs

We didn’t have kids with us.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Our dining room servers were very attentive and accommodating. There was one gentleman at our table who was particularly demanding, and it was always handled professionally. It would have been a bonus if he had been fun in addition to being attentive. But that’s not a complaint. I’m satisfied with the service. Fun would have just been a bonus. About the bartenders... we’re not big drinkers, but we had purchased the soft drink package which ended up being wasted money for us. We had to get soft drinks from the bars. The bartenders were less than eager to serve us and often overlooked us for others who wanted alcohol even when we were “next” in line. I understand that they weren’t making money from us, but if they were going to treat us poorly, I would have been nice to have the option of just serving ourselves. I also understand that we could have tipped them which I may consider doing next time. It was just annoying.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Good overall. If they’re going to allow smoking in the casino, it would be ideal for it to be in a more secluded area. It can be avoided with a few more steps or elevator ride. Just a little inconvenient. Hopefully future layouts will address this.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Pretty much what I expected. We had plenty of closet space. I had purchased an over-the-door organizer that had been recommended by several people. I never took it out of my suitcase. There was plenty of room for all of our stuff in the shower, bathroom cabinet, and vanity cabinets. (And I use A LOT of stuff). But it was just my husband and me. Our cabin steward was good and always friendly.