It was good to be back. We are experienced cruisers and really missed it. I have avoided Mexico for all my life and this cruise confirms my feeling for the destination. A bit of history but by in large a tourist town itinerary. My biggest surprise was the air pollution in Cabo and Mazatlán. Air was thick with smog. Cabo especially was bad, air stunk of burning coal or wood.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
RCL has embarkation nailed. Simple, fast, zero fuss.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
We are buffet diners due to dietary issues. Felt the food was not up to RCL’s usual level. Pretty low imagination and overly repetitive. Just nothing special at all.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Entertainment was spoiled for the most part by the sound guys need to destroy our ears. Way too loud. They turned it down for the last stage show and that show was better. They have gone full glitz in the Star Lounge with those annoying moving LED spots that constantly flash around the dance floor from above. Always in your eyes, just plain annoying. The best performer on the ship was the piano player, he was fabulous!
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Pierformers were enthusiastic and worked hard but the material was weak. Again not up to our expectations on RCL. The exception was the ice show which was very good.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
We don’t have kids buts the kids we saw were having a great time and were well behaved.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our cabin attendant Karene was just perfect. There when needed, invisible when not. Overall vibe on the ship seemed a bit down. I suspect they are all still trying to get their sea legs after Covid.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
She’s a bit dated but has everything you could need for a great cruise. My only complaint about the ship interior is they still allow open smoking in the Casino. The smoke from the deck 4 Casino permeates the aft of the ship from deck 3 to deck 6. Just stinks. Can not understand why in 2023 open smoking is allowed anywhere indoors on a ship. Just spoils the atmosphere for the huge majority on non smokers.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Suite was very good. Bed was super comfy and bedding perfect. Lots of room to relax and the veranda was spacious and perfect. Bathroom has a full tub. Lots of storage with a big walk-in closet. Highly recommend a Junior Suite or higher on RCL ships.
Ship tip
If you want go ice skating, try to get the first time available. I went late and the ice was so chopped up it was unusable. Also there is more legroom on the lower floors of the theatre than the upper floor for those with long legs.
Super simple, facial recognition was used by Customs, no showing of documents required. RCL arranged the transfers and this was fully coordinated and seamless.
We cruised on Navigator for Christmas 2017. I’m excited for the Christmas cruise on this ship 2023 with family & friends.watching the YouTube videos of the Navigator remodeling looks great! Surprised you reviewed it as dated.
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