Pre boarding and boarding: We drove to Port Everglades. The ship was docked at Pier 25. Around 11:30 AM we cleared the Port security and had secured a parking space in Parking Garage # 19 all in less than 10 minutes. We then walked approximately the distance of two city blocks where we left our luggage and entered the building to begin the registration process. We could have driven by and dropped off our luggage, but elected to park and bring it with us to baggage check-in. Once entering the building we never stopped... right up to the check-in counter, checked-in and then took the escalator upstairs where we showed our Sea-pass card and walked on the ship without stopping. You receive your SeaPass card at check in and is used for entry and exit to the ship and all purchases you make on board. You enter the ship on deck 4, right by the elevators and adjacent to the Schooner Bar.
The Ship: The Navigator began cruising the end of 2002 and was the fourth ship built in the Voyager Class of Royal Caribbean fleet. The ship will be going to Freeport for dry-dock at the end our cruise. In addition to carpeting, paint, wood repair, etc they will be replacing the two stabilizers that they have been without since last spring. We wondered if there would be any problems with us being on board just before dry-dock... there were none. There was some carpeting replaced during the night, but no noise or inconvenience to passengers of which we are aware. The ship was stately and beautiful. The Royal Promenade Has the Cafe Promenade, The Smoking Bar (Connoisseur Club), the Two Poets, a pub-type bar with inside and outside seating. Smoking is allowed inside so if that bothers you we do suggest you sit outside if you want to enjoy the late evening music, it does get "Smokey". The Champagne Bar is on this deck and is beautiful. Also the Ixtapa Lounge which is used for a variety of events, including Bingo, Dance lessons and was used as the Diamond Lounge from 5-8:30 on the two night cruise. There is also shopping. If you have been on a Freedom Class ship you will notice that the Royal Promenade does not offer as many shops, however if you have never seen a "Promenade" on a ship... you will probably be "wowed". It is very interesting to see a full size Bugatti automobile sitting in the middle of a ship. Guest Services is also located on this floor.
Stateroom: Our Junior Suite was on deck 9, mid-ship. There was very little movement while at sea. The room was very quiet, above, next door and the hall. The cabin had a couch, chair, stool and the mirror, drawers and shelving along with a refrigerator. The balcony had two chairs, a table and a chair with a stool. The closet was large enough for two people and had shelving on one side. The bathroom had a tub with the shower over the tub and a plastic shower curtain, a single sink, toilet and shelving behind the side mirrors. Adequate for two people. Overall a very comfortable room for two people. Dining Rooms: There are three, the main dining room is the Nutcracker on deck 3. The other two dining rooms have balconies that overlook the main dining room and the Captain's Table. The Coppelia Dining room is located on deck 4 and the Swan Lake is dining room is on deck 5. All are beautiful and the huge beautiful chandelier can be seen from any dining room.
Our Junior Suite was on deck 9, mid-ship. There was very little movement while at sea. The room was very quiet, above, next door and the hall. The cabin had a couch, chair, stool and the mirror, drawers and shelving along with a refrigerator. The balcony had two chairs, a table and a chair with a stool. The closet was large enough for two people and had shelving on one side. The bathroom had a tub with the shower over the tub and a plastic shower curtain, a single sink, toilet and shelving behind the side mirrors. Adequate for two people. Overall a very comfortable room for two people.