Quick and Fun Family Cruise

Navigator of the Seas Cruise Review to Mexico

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 15

Overall rating:

4.1 out of 5
Verified Review
Navigator of the Seas

4 Night Catalina & Ensenada (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 11, 2023

Ship: Navigator of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 6131

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 8 months ago

Review summary

This was my second time onboard the Navigator of the Seas. It's a family fun ship with plenty of room and good options to keep everyone busy. Would do again.

Embarkation

4 out of 5
Check in is pretty easy with Royal, we bring our suitcases with us so we don't have to worry about them arriving. Rooms usually open fairly early and quickly. Try to request bed changes beforehand because they get slammed the first day.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
Main dining room is great! The taco place upstairs is delicious if you make your own plate; the pre-made ones have a little more rice than I'd prefer. The buffet is a normal place trying to cater to everyone so it can be very hit or miss.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
We used one of the larger whirlpools and water slides. They were lots of fun! Did not use the fitness center or rock climbing walls though. It was a little too windy for mini-golf. We did not get to book the laser tag because the app wasn't working and it seemed to be added the last day.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
I saw the ice show when I went in May and it was great. The Jason Garfield the juggler was a lot of fun and we were glad not to miss him. The showgirls show is fun.

Children's Programs

Our kid just turned 13 and we didn't use these services.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
As usual everyone aboard Royal is amazing. We truly enjoy meeting the employees each trip and they make each experience unique!

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
I know it is bigger, but overall I enjoyed Quantum of the Seas more - it just seemed easier to get around and more family planned. Wish there was more tables and places to sit and do things as a family here.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
It was small for 3 people - I wish I would have known that when booking. With 3 people especially when one of them is a teenager opt for the balcony, or at least the expanded size room. The twin beds were comfy but I wish my daughter didn't have to sleep in the top bunk most of the nights.

Ship tip

Splurge for the bigger room - especially if you plan on spending decent time in there.

Ports of call

Catalina Island, California

3 out of 5
Catalina is just not for us. Not lots of shade or things to really do besides renting expensive golf cards, walking around shops or heading out for excursions. Next time we might just stay on the ship.

Ensenada, Mexico

5 out of 5
We did ziplining and rode horses on the beach. Previously I visited La Boufa Dora with my mom and it was beautiful. Lots to do here and you don't have to book everything through the ship.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Quick and painless like usual =)
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