Seven Seas Navigator Cruise Reviews - Reviews

This was definitely the best cruise I have been on. My husband wanted to go back to Alaska and I wanted to go first class. Boy did we. From the Captain to the housekeepers everything was extraordinary! Food was incredible, entertainment was wonderful, passengers friendly. We have made new lifelong friends.

It was a great cruise. The staff were wonderful, the service polished and the food excellent.

An easy vacation since everything is included and taken care of. We enjoy the amenities even if we don't take full advantage of them.

  Sail Date: November 2012 Destination: Amazon River and Caribbean   Embarkation: Miami

We prefer relatively the smaller expedition capable type ships. Have voyaged now for over 400 nights. Used HAL and Princess until we discovered Regent. No problem with HAL and Princess but Regent is superior in the majority of categories. This trip was Miami to Miami,13 ports visited, 6 on the Amazon River. Very educational and enjoyable. This was our second cruise on the Navigator and third on Regent. Very good ship for exploration style voyages. Regent has made a few modifications to the ship since they acquired it. All for the better. Some complain of the vibration but it actually isn't bad at all, only in the stern during departures. Regent is the only line we have been on where the smell of sewage on its ships isn't detectable at times in various locations. The public space per passenger is about the highest in the industry and the ratio of crew to passengers is also on the top of the list. We particularly like the cabins. They are very spacious, at least in the deluxe suite and penthouse suite accommodations. A smaller balcony suite has 356 sq. feet of space, compared to slightly over 200 on many other ships. We have had a separate bath and walk in shower in the spacious bathrooms every time. Same goes for the walk in closets which are about as large as standard cabin bathrooms. Food was excellent and we never have been delayed for meals at any time, we usually eat dinner at table for two in the man dining room. Sure nice to not be hog tied to a traditional dining environment where one is relegated to dine with "luck of the draw" random dinner companions, night after night. The specialty restaurant, "Prime 7", is an excellent intimate quality culinary experience. Only problem is there are not enough tables for two. We recommend they restrict seating at tables for 4 & 6 to parties already formed up prior to dinner. No seating with random companions should be made. Part of the reason for this is there is no extra charge for the premium dining rooms on Regent. Therefore some show up because they believe they must take advantage of a perk, regardless whether they are in a foul mood and improperly dressed. We visited St. Barts, St Lucia, Devils Island, Trinidad, Santarem, Manaus, Parintins, Barbados and Antiqua--Shore excursions were all excellent but we did prefer some ports much more than others. Parintins was a little Amazon River village which we had to walk to from the beach, population 100, which symbolized best the theme of the voyage and gave us the a real appreciation of life on the Amazon. No nickel and dimeing with Regent. Your initial payment covers almost everything including liquor (fine selection of red wines on board) as well as the best shore excursions we have experienced.

I say this cruise was "nostalgic" because that is exactly what it was for me, a 75 year Alaskan. More enjoyable than I imagined it would be. Born and raised in Alaska, when I was young my mother would take us out to visit kinfolks in the 48 states, Alaska was a territory then. We would always travel to Seattle, from Cordova, on Alaska Steamship Company. (That is until the airlines took over and Alaska Steam quit passenger service in 1954)  When first getting on a cruise ship, the smells, odors and sounds harken me back to those early days of traveling to/from Alaska and of sailing throughout Alaska’s Panhandle.

On this cruise we began in San Francisco and ended in Vancouver B.C. got as far north as Valdez in Alaska's Prince William Sound (Note: we live in Anchorage now but I was born and raised at Cordova in Prince Willliam Sound), we visited 10 ports total, six in Alaska, two in Canada, one in Oregon, one in California. Plus, we did the Tracy Arm glacier and Hubbard Glacier on separate sea days only, where we stopped in front of the glaciers for hours. 

At the time of the cruise we were just shy of one year total on the high seas. Many of our cruises have been one month or more. We prefer smaller ships and exotic ports. Throughout this we have almost exclusively sailed on Princess and HAL. This was our first trip on one of the more high scale lines. We did really enjoy it, but doubt if we could have afforded it at regular rates. Including insurance and most everything we paid, $10,000. Normally it would have ran about $35,000-$40,000. Most shore excursions were free although there was an extra charge for a few of them.

The big pluses were: (1) The “staterooms” were super. Best by far we have experienced. (I call them “staterooms” as that is what they were called when I was a kid, Berlitz says the correct term is “cabin”, I disagree). The patio wasn't all that big though, we experienced better patios on both Princess and HAL where the cabin prices were much less.

(2) Sure nice to be not nickel and dimed like on HAL and Princess. Booze was included, most excursions were free, hardly any extra charges for anything.

(3) A week before we departed they upgraded us, for another $800. to “Butler Service” and a stateroom on the upper most highest class in their regular suite category. On the trip, the butler was great, but so was the room stewardess. For almost a grand a week, I wouldn't go the butler route or the higher category cabin again and that was at the super discounted rate. The suites on the Navigator are pretty much all the same, in my opinion. And that is, they are excellent.

The downsides were few:

This was our first cruise with Regent, and we were extremely satisfied. With Regent's all-inclusive philisophy, we were anxious to see how attentive the staff would be, but they were always present, friendly, and willing to meet all need. Food was excellent throughout. Rooms were very spacious compared to our previous cruises, with plenty of storage space, especially in our walk-in closet. Being a relatively small ship, we never got the feeling of being crowded, as common areas were large enough to accomodate the ship's size. We felt the advertisements for unlimited free shore excursions was a little deceptive, but most of the excursions are free, and we've noticed some changes in Regent's recent advertisements that does a better job of accurately explaining that some excursion include a fee.

The ship and crew we fabulous. Food was plentiful but not wastful. Passengers were friendly courteous and a pleasure to be with. If you are looking for a party all night ship, this isn't for you! It's quiet and relaxing.

This was our first cruise, and I am afraid we were too spoiled by our experience to ever be happy with another cruise line. All the crew members were friendly and helpful. Our suite was very large and comfortable. Another perk is the amount of privacy you can experience onboard. We never heard other guests being noisy in the hallways. The food was great My only complaint was that the pool deck was not large enough to accomodate everyone who wanted to be there. All other areas were spacious and quiet. The compass Rose Restaurant was beautiful and the food was great. Seven Seas Navigator would be our first choice if we ever go on another cruise.

Overall this 11 day cruise was fine, except that for us our euphemistically labeled Deck 10 Penthouse suite was too warm. Technicians tried unsuccessfully to rectify the problem. Our butler provided a pedestal fan. Having cruised several times on the gorgeous R ships of the former Renaissance line now used by Oceania and Azamara, we found the RSSCs Navigator art deco ambience to be stuffy. The ship reminded us of an older, past its prime Miami Beach hotel. But the suite was wonderful and featured a sleeping area and living room area, a veranda, a huge walk-in closet with plenty of hanging space, drawers and a safe. The large all marble bath room was excellent with a separate full size bathtub and a stall shower. The ship should provide large floor mats because the marble bath room floor can be very slippery. Our suite neighbor, a lady in her 80s, slipped and broke a rib while stepping out of the shower. We estimate the average age of the less than (estimated) 400 passengers to be 60. However, the small pool could be accessed only by typical pool ladders, effectively prohibiting many older or less able folks from using it. Every individual who served us on this cruise seemed very happy and eager to do so. The service in the main dining room was especially impressive. We saw no signs of stress among those who served us anywhere on the ship. The cruise cost included tipping and unlimited alcohol. One might guess that the servers might hold back on the alcohol, but they didnt. Our butler, Gupta, was superb in every way, trained by the British butlers guild and always dressed impeccably in tuxedo outfits. He was always immediately accessible by phone. Several days he served us breakfast and/or dinner in our suite, set a beautiful table and brought one course at a time. Butlers are assigned to suites on deck 10 and above. Before the cruise we completed an online butler information form which Gupta adhered to. He stocked our suite shelves and refrigerator with the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks we specified daily. He also kept our suites fruit bowl well stocked. When we boarded, Gupta brought a fully-loaded I-pod to insert into the suites music player. Our housekeeper, Ruby, also did an excellent job. Our Navigator cruise was marred early by some medical emergencies that were quickly resolved by an excellent doctor and nurse. The various entertainment events ranged from superb to just good, but always energetic and upbeat. But in our view the individual(s) responsible for using the showrooms technical equipment (such as theatrical lighting, etc.) did a poor job. For example, the stage was equipped with smoke or fog devices intended to create special effects at special times during a show. With negative results, the smoke machines were used all the time, every time the curtains opened, with no let up, and as a result created no special effects. For our tastes, the food was somewhat disappointing. While we were served many truly excellent dishes, several were unacceptable. One time we ordered steaks in the main dining room, the Compass Rose, and the beef was tough and full of gristle. The lobster we ordered twice in the Portofino (Italian) dining option was extraordinarily salty and inedible. We enjoyed the food on Oceanias R ships much more, and liked especially well Oceanias steakhouse and Italian restaurant alternatives to the main dining room). By day the Navigators Portofino restaurant is used for the ships buffet. We avoided the buffet, choosing the serenity and superbly attentive service of the Compass Rose main dining room.

Overall this 11 day cruise was fine, except that for us our euphemistically labeled Deck 10 Penthouse suite was too warm. Technicians tried unsuccessfully to rectify the problem. Our butler provided a pedestal fan. Having cruised several times on the gorgeous R ships of the former Renaissance line now used by Oceania and Azamara, we found the RSSCs Navigator art deco ambience to be stuffy. The ship reminded us of an older, past its prime Miami Beach hotel. But the suite was wonderful and featured a sleeping area and living room area, a veranda, a huge walk-in closet with plenty of hanging space, drawers and a safe. The large all marble bath room was excellent with a separate full size bathtub and a stall shower. The ship should provide large floor mats because the marble bath room floor can be very slippery. Our suite neighbor, a lady in her 80s, slipped and broke a rib while stepping out of the shower. We estimate the average age of the less than (estimated) 400 passengers to be 60. However, the small pool could be accessed only by typical pool ladders, effectively prohibiting many older or less able folks from using it. Every individual who served us on this cruise seemed very happy and eager to do so. The service in the main dining room was especially impressive. We saw no signs of stress among those who served us anywhere on the ship. The cruise cost included tipping and unlimited alcohol. One might guess that the servers might hold back on the alcohol, but they didnt. Our butler, Gupta, was superb in every way, trained by the British butlers guild and always dressed impeccably in tuxedo outfits. He was always immediately accessible by phone. Several days he served us breakfast and/or dinner in our suite, set a beautiful table and brought one course at a time. Butlers are assigned to suites on deck 10 and above. Before the cruise we completed an online butler information form which Gupta adhered to. He stocked our suite shelves and refrigerator with the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks we specified daily. He also kept our suites fruit bowl well stocked. When we boarded, Gupta brought a fully-loaded I-pod to insert into the suites music player. Our housekeeper, Ruby, also did an excellent job. Our Navigator cruise was marred early by some medical emergencies that were quickly resolved by an excellent doctor and nurse. The various entertainment events ranged from superb to just good, but always energetic and upbeat. But in our view the individual(s) responsible for using the showrooms technical equipment (such as theatrical lighting, etc.) did a poor job. For example, the stage was equipped with smoke or fog devices intended to create special effects at special times during a show. With negative results, the smoke machines were used all the time, every time the curtains opened, with no let up, and as a result created no special effects. For our tastes, the food was somewhat disappointing. While we were served many truly excellent dishes, several were unacceptable. One time we ordered steaks in the main dining room, the Compass Rose, and the beef was tough and full of gristle. The lobster we ordered twice in the Portofino (Italian) dining option was extraordinarily salty and inedible. We enjoyed the food on Oceanias R ships much more, and liked especially well Oceanias steakhouse and Italian restaurant alternatives to the main dining room). By day the Navigators Portofino restaurant is used for the ships buffet. We avoided the buffet, choosing the serenity and superbly attentive service of the Compass Rose main dining room.

Overall this 11 day cruise was fine, except that for us our euphemistically labeled Deck 10 Penthouse suite was too warm. Technicians tried unsuccessfully to rectify the problem. Our butler provided a pedestal fan. Having cruised several times on the gorgeous R ships of the former Renaissance line now used by Oceania and Azamara, we found the RSSCs Navigator art deco ambience to be stuffy. The ship reminded us of an older, past its prime Miami Beach hotel. But the suite was wonderful and featured a sleeping area and living room area, a veranda, a huge walk-in closet with plenty of hanging space, drawers and a safe. The large all marble bath room was excellent with a separate full size bathtub and a stall shower. The ship should provide large floor mats because the marble bath room floor can be very slippery. Our suite neighbor, a lady in her 80s, slipped and broke a rib while stepping out of the shower. We estimate the average age of the less than (estimated) 400 passengers to be 60. However, the small pool could be accessed only by typical pool ladders, effectively prohibiting many older or less able folks from using it. Every individual who served us on this cruise seemed very happy and eager to do so. The service in the main dining room was especially impressive. We saw no signs of stress among those who served us anywhere on the ship. The cruise cost included tipping and unlimited alcohol. One might guess that the servers might hold back on the alcohol, but they didnt. Our butler, Gupta, was superb in every way, trained by the British butlers guild and always dressed impeccably in tuxedo outfits. He was always immediately accessible by phone. Several days he served us breakfast and/or dinner in our suite, set a beautiful table and brought one course at a time. Butlers are assigned to suites on deck 10 and above. Before the cruise we completed an online butler information form which Gupta adhered to. He stocked our suite shelves and refrigerator with the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks we specified daily. He also kept our suites fruit bowl well stocked. When we boarded, Gupta brought a fully-loaded I-pod to insert into the suites music player. Our housekeeper, Ruby, also did an excellent job. Our Navigator cruise was marred early by some medical emergencies that were quickly resolved by an excellent doctor and nurse. The various entertainment events ranged from superb to just good, but always energetic and upbeat. But in our view the individual(s) responsible for using the showrooms technical equipment (such as theatrical lighting, etc.) did a poor job. For example, the stage was equipped with smoke or fog devices intended to create special effects at special times during a show. With negative results, the smoke machines were used all the time, every time the curtains opened, with no let up, and as a result created no special effects. For our tastes, the elegantly served food was somewhat disappointing. While we were served many truly excellent dishes, several were unacceptable. One time we ordered steaks in the main dining room, the Compass Rose, and the beef was tough and full of gristle. The lobster we ordered twice in the Portofino (Italian) dining option was extraordinarily salty and inedible. We enjoyed the food on Oceanias R ships much more, and liked especially well Oceanias steakhouse and Italian restaurant alternatives to the main dining room). By day the Navigators Portofino restaurant is used for the ships buffet. We avoided the buffet, choosing the serenity and superbly attentive service of the Compass Rose main dining room.

Excellent in all ways except, as mentioned above, the piggishness of certain passengers reserving unto themselves chaises at pool side. Pretty selfish. One couple made it clear we were not to use their chaises as they went down to Deck 10 to enjoy the BBQ lunch at a table they had somehow reserved, leaving my 91 year old mother-in-law no place to sit. Outrageous!

we have been an exclusive client of the Seabourn line and found this ship to be on the same level of service and food as the Seabourn.The staff was extremely responsive and on our level the have butlers(how cool is that)....

This cruise was near perfect and the luxury ship feel to it was spectacular

I was in awe as I embarked 6/28/00 in Vancouver, BC because it is wierd to see a stairway to a BIG ship. First timer--YES. The food presentations were excellent. I even asked for a creative meal for me and my husband and I took home the marzipan dessert made for us. Entertainment was ALIVE every night! Every room is BEAUTIFUL!One of my comments was--do you have any archival film on how a ship this size is made? A few months later a newsletter--mailed to our home--depicted the stages a ship gets before its inauguration! (The Learning Channel will air on 2/25/01 @ 8pm EST a segment on cruise ships!)

OUR CRUISE ON THE NAVIGATOR WAS WONDERFUL. EMBARKATION WAS VERY SMOOTH, FOOD VERY GOOD BUT NOT VERY SPECIAL, ENTERTAINMENT WAS GOOD AND SERVICE WAS GREAT. I WOULD AVOID THE ITALIAN RESTAURANT AS THE FOOD AND SERVICE WERE BOTH POOR. WE ESPECIALLY ENJOYED THE OPEN DINING CONCEPT. NEVER HAD TO WAIT FOR A TABLE AND THERE WERE 8 OF US TRAVELLING TOGETHER. NONE OF US WANTED TO LEAVE THE SHIP WHEN THE CRUISE WAS OVER.

If you must go with Regent avoid this ship at all costs. I have had better food on cruises that cost half as much. Going back to Viking.

Great itinerary. The service on the ship was great. The food was great. The people were great. We will probably not cruse on the Navigator again unless the itinerary overcomes the lack of a forward observation lounge and the vibration and engine noise.

This cruise, although pricey, was a wonderful way to see Africa.  It was worth every penny for the trip of a lifetime.  An all-inclusive cruise may be on the horizon again in my future.  It was so nice not having to be charged for anything outside of going to the shops or the spa.  The room was spacious with a sitting room and a balcony.  Our cabin stewardess was the best.  and the food...filet mignon and lobster tail every night of the week if you wanted it.  The only frown I would bestow would be the entertainment.  It was so-so, but they did have wonderful lecturers on board from the Smithsonian.  They also had free laundromats on board to be able to wash your clothes for such a long trip.  Would I cruise with Regent again - absolutely.