Navigator of the Seas Review

4.5 / 5.0
2,293 reviews

Had a Wonderful Time

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Navigator of the Seas
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reyda17
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: May 2015
Cabin: Oceanview Stateroom

Our first experience sailing out of Galveston. Had read some of the really bad reviews about this port so let me start there. We chose RCL transfers from Hobby to get priority attention for em/disembarkation. It was convenient and comparably priced, worth it. We arrived around 12:45p. The lines were long and winded through the terminal. It was organized but you have to be patient. What was confusing was the number of people who carried on cases of water and twelve packs of soda, since RCL's site and agents told us we couldn't bring any of that onboard. It took about an hour to get on board. The disembarkation was more frustrating. We were provided information (where to be and when) the night before, so good start. The confusion began when a long line formed across the 4th floor leading to the meeting point (Metropolis Theater). After standing in the long line without moving for 15 mins, my wife went to the theater to find it 90% empty. The line was long because 1) people heading to the theater became mixed with self assisting passengers (the first off) rather than going around them to the theater. When we jumped out of the wrong line and headed to the theater many people got angry saying we were line jumping and they had been waiting a half hour. I said that the theater was empty and to follow me if they wanted. This could have been solved if there were RCL employees around to direct, reassure and answer questions. I saw one person, no exaggeration, the entire time from the point I left my room until my group was called and I began the process of leaving the ship. Overall the time to leave the ship was only about 30 mins from my original departure time, not bad at all. All the passenger angst came from the lack of communication and visibility from RCL. My suggestion...over communicate during disembarkation, it will go a long way to easing customer stress. The customs process was another long line and somewhat disorganized, no one directing traffic, but I don't blame RCL for this.

Ok, enough with that. The cruise itself met all our expectations. We had beautiful weather and calm seas, and we had fun in each of the ports of call (Cozumel, Belize, Roatan). The ship was clean and well maintained. We enjoyed the various venues, shopping and bars. The surf rider and rock walls were fun, and we were always able to find chairs in the sun, albeit on the second level above the pool. The entertainment was good, but not great. The ice show was terrific. The food was good, but not OMG good, but that's ok for us. We realize that they are preparing food for 3,200 people so we don't expect a 5-star meal. I'd rate it good, and never disappointing. The windjammer served the same food every day, so no variety but enough choices that you don't have to have the same food every day. The sushi restaurant was the only specialty restaurant we visited and it was tasty. Our room was nice (2nd floor) and the window a nice view. The bead was a bit hard, but ok. The staff was outstanding throughout the ship especially our room attendant and dinner team. Overall a very fun trip and a satisfying experience on RCL and the Navigator.

Cabin Review

Oceanview Stateroom

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