Navigator of the Seas (NOTS) was my first cruise, and it was an absolute pleasure from beginning to end. I was 17 when I went on the cruise, and I went with my mother and little brother.
Embarkation: The embarkation process went very smoothly. Lineups were small but were handled very efficiently. There were no tedious waits, and there was staff to help out during every step in the process. I arrived shortly after noon, and our stateroom was made available at around 3:00 p.m. with our luggage arriving shortly thereafter.
Public Rooms: The public rooms were all very well-designed and operated. They were all clean and well-lit at all times during the day. One of the most impressive rooms was the Windjammer Cafe, which offered buffet-style meals through the day. Featuring a panoramic view with full-sized windows, the experience of dining while overlooking 180 degrees of ocean was awe-inspiring. Another key feature was the Royal Promenade. Housing a dozen or so stores, boutiques, bars, and cafes, the Promenade was the glorious main artery of the vessel. During the evenings, it would take on themes (including a special appearance from the original Police) to host dance parties, parades, and public events attended by hundreds of vacationers.