Navigator of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We done about seven cruises previously. Picked this cruise because we had not been to any of the ports of call (Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Labadee). Had some trepidation regarding this class of ship; sailed on Freedom Class (?) (one size up) last summer and they did not manage the people well - long delays for everything. Thought we might experience the same issues on Navigator and very happy to say we did not!
Stayed at The Riverside the night before sailing. Great location - on Las Olas, on the Riverwalk. Bit pricey, but in line with other hotels in the area. Our room was small and tucked in behind one of the elevators. Tons of things to do in the area - sightseeing, shopping or just sitting back at the pub and enjoying the atmosphere. Briney's Irish Pub is a favourite, so we made sure to do supper there and enjoy the sights on the Riverwalk. Took their $7 shuttle to the cruise pier.
Processing at the pier and boarding the ship was painless! Staff were gracious and friendly, well organized and efficient. Need I say more! Plenty of food and drink while we waited onboard for our cabin. Staterooms were ready right on time. Great beginning and kept it up throughout the cruise. Bar staff, Windjammer staff, Dining room staff ... everyone we encountered was efficient, attentive and professional. What a difference it makes!
Cabin Review
Superior Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
Lots of room in the cabin and good location on the ship ... up three to poolside ... down three to dining room (my time dining) / boardwalk. No table made it seem so much more spacious and more useable! Full couch; comfortable! Bed was pretty good, but pillows worn out. There was an odd smell in the stateroom ... not sewage, but noticeable.
Port Reviews
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
We've been to Fort Lauderdale numerous times. Plans for the day were fluid. Debarkation later as a result of ship getting into port later, so we were grateful our plans were fluid. Because our flight was not until 20h00, we checked our luggage ($5/bag) at The Riverside, which freed us up to enjoy the sights. Concierge at The Riverside arranged transport for us back to the airport.
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
Got back on the boat after Stingray City and travelled less than 500 yards to the reef where we snorkelled. Water was beautiful. Not much to see; area too well travelled.
Tour staff OK, but not all that enthusiastic. Water and watered down fruit punch available ... nothing else; no food; no post-snorkelling bar.
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
Visit to Stingray City was awesome! We were the first boat at the sandbar and Jim and I were the first passengers into the water. We were bombarded by the rays looking for food. What an experience! Unnerving ... exciting ... amazing!
Labadee
We were the only ship in port ... thank heavens!
Too crowded.
Service in the venues was good.
Water was great.
Wonderful location for folks who want a beach atmosphere ... with thousands of their closest friends sitting inches away!
Falmouth
Boat crew were outstanding.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages available before snorkelling; food and open bar afterwards.
Photographers on the boat and in the water!
Staff provided instruction for those new to snorkelling and permitted those of us with experience to head off on our own right away.
Boat crew really looked after us ... bringing us the food and drink ... checking on our welfare ... chatting and providing local information.
Best excursion of the trip!