Navigator of the Seas Review
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Well, this was not the best of the cruises we have been on. We have cruised previously on NCL (8), Celebrity (2) and Princess (1). We flew out of Halifax on November 13th on American Airlines to Philadelphia and then on to Fort Lauderdale. I was not impressed with the plane for the second leg of the trip since the “recline” for the seats was about 2 inches!
We had booked a room at the Holiday Inn Express, 1500 West Commercial Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. We got an excellent price for this hotel for the night and I discovered why. They do not have an airport shuttle because the taxi ride from the airport cost us $40.00. Then the cab from the hotel to the cruise port was another $35.00 so we will know better next time. Except for that the hotel was fine; really comfortable bed, clean, nice breakfast and friendly staff.
We have only cruised one other time with Royal Caribbean and that was on the Allure of the Seas and we had no problems on that cruise. This time we had booked a Junior Suite so we were classed with the “suite” passengers (thank heavens). We got to the port around 9:40 AM and I expected to be allowed to enter the building around 10 AM. There were already about 30 people waiting outside the doors. At 10 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 AM and 12:30 PM the doors were still not opened for the passengers! By now there were hundreds of passengers queued up outside snaked around quickly installed barricades. We were given NO explanation, NO water and no seating for the elderly that had mobility issues.
Cabin Review
Junior Suite
Very nice cabin with lots of room. Walk-in closet of tons of storage space with plenty of drawers and cupboards. Storage in bathroom was not so good since shelves were in the corner and small. Balcony was roomy but footstools would have been nice with the chairs. We moved the large balcony table into the room to use for eating. Patio door was very heavy and hard to open and close. Lots of hot water. Bed was hard and uncomfortable and pillows were thin and/or big and lumpy. Close to elevators at aft of ship and very quiet.
Port Reviews
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
Ship is docked in the container pier area.
Labadee
Lovely area. Artisans area has too many people who are all nagging you to buy their wares. Buffet area is large and well set up. Beach and water were great. Clam shells are free but you have to tip the staff to set them up which is no problem.
San Juan
This is a big city and unlike the other Caribbean islands. No local shops but big ticket places like Coach, etc. We returned to the ship after about 20 minutes.
St. Kitts (Port Zante)
Booked a day pass at the Marriott Resort. Just perfect. Gorgeous beach and lovely resort. Stayed for four hours. Taxi was $15.00 one way and $20.00 on return.
St. Maarten
Booked a room for the day at a nearby resort. Wonderful day, beautiful beach, lots of palapas and great service. Pool was lovely.