Navigator of the Seas Review
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This was our 5th cruise and first on Royal Caribbean (have another one planned in Oct). Have sailed Norwegian and Princess twice each before. Since we live in Texas, Galveston is great to sail from as no air travel is needed. Something broke down on embarkation and line was long and slow, but disembarkation was fast and early!
SHIP: Needs a third bank of elevators at the aft - long walk to them from our cabin. Remodeled, but the Promenade Deck 5 was way too crowded - bars, shops, kiosks in the middle - way too much. Way too many jewelry stores and not enough clothing stores. At sale times, the Promenade looks more like a Morrocan Bazaar than an elegant shopping area. RC could take some design tips from Princess. The Casino is in middle of ship on Deck 4 with both ends open so bars with entertainers like Boleros & Schooners on Deck 4 smelled the smoke. Smoke drifted up the open stairs to Deck 5 all the time. You had to pass thru Casino to get from one area to another on 4. Also, there was a staircase going from the Casino up to the Promenade on 5 and acted like a chimney and funneled all that smoke up. Worst thing - it was right next to the wine bar on 5 so did not make for good swirling, sniffing, and sipping of wine. Very poor design. Stairs need to be closed. Casino needs to be at one end, up high, vented to outside and completely closed from rest of ship - gamblers will find it! but other passengers will not have to smell it!
ENTERTAINMENT: Never went to the theater but heard comedian wasn't very good. Best entertainment was the ice skating show. It was marvelous! Very professional and did a lot in that small space. Wish they had 2 different shows each cruise. Liked the CW band at Boleros, but time interferred with dinner so not much time to dance until started again at 10:45 - too late for me. Never made it to the piano bar at Schooners as was always too crowded. Both of these entertainment bars need to be given more space and away from smoke. Watched the flow rider and rock climbing wall - wish I was young enough to do it.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
Although smaller than a mini-suite, there was plenty of closet space with hangers and shelves. I liked the drawers on either side of the vanity area - held all cosmetics, hair stuff, underwear and bathing suits for husban and me. Bath had cabinet for toothbrush, soap, etc. While the shower is small, the glass doors are great - temp and pressure was good too. Sometimes had to run shower to get sink water to warm up, but was plenty warm after that. Bed was very comfortable, and I brought my own TemperPedic pillow. The duvet was way too much for that climate, so I asked for another top sheet. The steward took the duvet away and brought a very nice (and little heavier) top sheet to put over the one already on the bed. Made it just right and not too heavy. Have never understood the switch to duvets instead of spreads. Way too hot and heavy for me. We had an aft cabin with an extended balcony on deck 6 that was wonderful. 2 loungers, 2 chairs and a table and completely covered. Even though the cabins are not at the actual end of the boat, the view is great and it is quiet. The only thing that was bothersome was that deck 5 below us was a crew only passage way and they had lights on all the time. I would have preferred to be in darkness so I could see the stars, but the glow wasn't that bad. Clinton from St. Vincent's was wonderful. 3 cute animal towels and everything was always clean.
Port Reviews
Galveston
Live in Texas so been to Galveston several times. Drove to pier, parked in guarded lot reserved beforehand, and walked a block to ship. Did eat at "The Spot" a waterfront casual restaurant before going to pier, but Galveston was fogged in so no scenery.