Seven Seas Navigator Review
Met Our Expections, with One Large Boo Boo
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our third cruise on Navigator and we knew what to expect. Enough has been written about the condition of the ship, but she is going to drydock in March for rehab. I felt the ship was in pretty good shape considering.
We booked this ship and itinerary because there really isn't much choice in the small ship market in the Caribbean. We really need the smallest ship possible for our mixed group of 5 including a 92 year old. Even after I booked the cruise I continued to worry myself by reading the mostly negative reviews, but taking them with a grain of salt! It did concern me that at one point I talked to a Regent rep about the reviews, and she stated that they never read the reviews! They stand by their product and reputation and don't care what people write.
We had a mostly positive experience and really enjoyed certain aspects of the vacation. Even though tables can't be reserved at dinner, we went at 6:30 each night to Compass Rose and were able to sit at the same quiet table in the back with our excellent waiter Artiyun. We also greatly enjoyed noontimes at the Pool Grill although beverage service was spotty. Most of the time we simply walked to the bar and got our own drinks.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Suite
Cabin was perfect with plenty of closet space and storage. Our cabin attendant Kathlyn was excellent.
Port Reviews
Grand Turk
Bumpy ride in open air safari vehicle. Loved the first stop with the little shops and the rum punch! Not much to see on Grand Turk, and this was a good way to see it.
San Juan
The Bacardi tour was new this year and the drinks were great. The fort was too difficult for most passengers in our group, with steep, dark corridors and a long walk back to the bus.
St. Maarten
On our hour "shopping break" on the French side, the Regent staff member did not know where to find restrooms. However, I did find the "coconut man" smoothie stand just where it was two years ago and he makes a mean drink.
St. Barts
Crazy cab drive on steep and narrow roads with mostly French speaking driver. Not much to see on this island and since it was Sunday, most shops were closed. Not worth the tender ride over.
Tortola
Scenery was beautiful and the first two stops were nice. However, we did not need 45 minutes at Pussers Landing. Some of the folks on our bus took a cab back to the ship.
La Romana (Casa de Campo)
Actually cancelled our plans to do the ziplining because it was clear that weather was going to be iffy. We went over to the "port" on the tender but there was nothing to see or do. Tender ride back was so rough and scary that I actually cried. Others in our group who came back later had an even rougher time and I was grateful I had not subjected my 92 year old to this ordeal.
Nassau
It was handled very poorly by tour operator and Regent staff alike. Two years ago this was a great experience; this year it was a nightmare. Way too crowded and staff at Blue Lagoon disorganized and impolite. Never again!
Miami
Embarcation was mostly perfect although we asked cruise terminal staff 3 times how to get the wheelchair assistance we had requested for boarding the ship. When the 3rd person gave me the wrong answer, it was fortunate that a Regent staff person - Eszther the assistant purser - was standing by and took care of things immediately.